CJTF-82 launches Facebook page to keep public informed

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – In an effort to keep the public informed about operations in eastern Afghanistan, Combined Joint Task Force-82 has established an online presence among popular social networking sites.

With little fanfare, U.S. service members here quietly established a profile page for the task force on Facebook. Word quickly spread among friends, family and co-workers online and the page’s fan base grew to more than 100 people overnight.

“We recognize there are a lot of people on social networking sites throughout the globe,” said Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, commanding general of CJTF-82. “This is a great way for us to get the word out, directly to the public, about the great things the men and women are doing here for the people of Afghanistan. We also anticipate a lot of interaction from our families back home who can view these sites.”

The Public Affairs staff for CJTF-82, ultimately responsible for releasing information to the public, views social networking channels as another avenue to reach the American people.

“We’re going to use this site to post photos, articles and videos we already produce and send out to military publications,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Daniel W. Bailey, the Public Affairs operator responsible for creating and maintaining CJTF-82’s social networking presence.  “A lot of our civilian family and friends don’t frequent military-hosted web sites, but those people do have personal social networking accounts online. This is a great way for them to keep up with what we’re doing over here, and it’s always nice to have two-way communication with the public.”

Unlike traditional web sites, social networking portals offer subscribers the opportunity to offer feedback, post comments, or simply give a virtual “thumbs up” when they see something they like.

To view the CJTF-82’s Facebook page, or become a fan, visit: http://tinyurl.com/nngchf