"A huge part of our social media community hasn't had the Marine Corps experience. They don't know our history as well," says Greg Reeder, director of Marine Corps production. "With milestones [on Facebook Timeline], we can now share our rich history, share our respect for it, and contribute to our future legacy."
The military's embrace of social media has connected service members and their families to the past and present. Photos of soldiers returning home after a yearlong deployment, or updates on current projects or missions keep thousands in touch with loved ones.
Social media also appeals to the younger generation, which might lead to increased interest in the armed forces. Tanya Schusler, chief of social media for the U.S. Airforce, says that "social media enhances recruitment efforts." However, none of the branches claim that is their goal with Timeline.
"The overall intent of Air Force social media is to share the extraordinary stories of Airmen and
connect with members of the public of all ages," says Schusler.
One social hurdle the Army and Navy face with Timeline is that it only dates back to 1800. But both branches are optimistic about the platform.
"We are hopeful that we will eventually be able to go back to 1775, however, we are grateful for being able to use the platform as it is to show as much as we can for now," says Maj. Juanita Chang, director of the U.S. Army’s online and social media division. "There weren't any photographs taken prior to 1800, so the material that is available is less visual and we can do a good job of telling it in other forms."
According to LCDR Chris Servello, the Navy's director of emerging media, the branch "will adapt and overcome" the Timeline date limitation.
"This year we are beginning the bicentennial commemoration of the War of 1812. The new timeline function offers us an opportunity to better connect Navy history and heritage with the current operations of today," says LCDR Servello. Not only does Timeline allow each branch to archive images from the early 1800s, it also offers an opportunity to be creative with each milestone, war and historical event.
"This feature allows more people to be able to explore our rich history, and to be able to visualize it in a way that they are more accustomed to seeing things, and then they are able to share that content, hopefully sharing the information and enthusiasm amongst their friends," says Maj. Chang.
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