The Pentagon has announced a 10-day pause on nearly all official social media activity that does not pertain to the border. This decision is part of an effort to refocus communications for the Department of Defense (DoD) around core missions such as Keeping America Safe, fielding a lethal force, and winning wars.
The memo signed by the chief of staff to the secretary of defense states that the suspension does not apply to social media communication related to DoD's current operations defending the southern border, which is considered a top priority for the Department.
The pause, effective from Saturday, applies to official accounts at all levels of the Department, with exceptions for normal installation base operations, DOD school activities, base conditions and services, and recruiting-related activities. Further guidance is expected to be released early next month.
This new policy follows initial confusion earlier in the week and a series of internal emails regarding social media guidelines. An internal email on Wednesday initially directed military units to pause all social media posts except those related to the border. However, this directive was later clarified by the Pentagon's public affairs office, instructing teams to continue posting as usual until official guidance was provided.
US military units worldwide use social media to share operational updates and highlight personnel. For instance, US Central Command regularly utilizes social media for press releases on missions against ISIS, updates on the Iran-backed Houthis, and meetings between senior US military leaders and regional partners.
