Military Review English Edition January-February 2014 | Page 13

LEVERAGING SOCIAL MEDIA

Oftentimes, peer-to-peer, grass roots knowledge
sharing is extremely influential. Forums such as
Company Command Net, S3-XO Net, Platoon
Leader Net, FRG Leader, and NCO Corps allow
members to pose questions and share insights,
videos, and other resources. Topics range from
taking command to managing funds in family readiness groups and myriad other topics. These forums
allow members to contribute to the group, connect
with others with similar experiences or interests,
and develop personally through these interactions.50
A lack of close interpersonal relationships
through virtual space has shown not to be an issue
when the community that its online members
belong to has a strong identity, such as Company
Command Net.51 Consider viewing customer ratings online for a product one plans to purchase.
One may not know any of the product reviewers,
but the shared interest in the same product helps
personnel overcome trust issues arising from the
lack of strength in participant ties.52 In fact, virtual
relationships have sometimes proven more useful,
pre