The most significant and recent changes to the U.S. Army's social media policy center on combating extremism and aligning with broader Department of Defense (DoD) content directives.

Here are the primary areas of change and emphasis:

1. Defining and Punishing Extremist Activity (2024 Update)
A major policy revision focuses on combating extremist activity within the ranks, providing clearer guidance for commanders:

Sharing and Liking Content: Soldiers can now face punishment (including separation from the service) for sharing, liking, or otherwise engaging with what is considered extremist content on personal social media accounts. This explicitly defines passive forms of online engagement as potentially punishable activity.

Off-Duty Conduct: The policy allows for disciplinary action for knowingly displaying flags, symbols, or wearing clothing associated with extremist, radical, or anti-government causes, even when off duty.

Clearer Definition of Extremism: The new rules broaden the definition of extremism to include advocating for widespread unlawful discrimination based on characteristics like race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation, or supporting the overthrow of the U.S. government.

2. Mandatory Content Purge (DoD Directive)
In early 2025, a DoD-wide directive mandated a significant "digital content refresh" across all military component public platforms, including the Army's official social media:

Removal of DEI Content: The directive specifically ordered the removal and archiving of official DoD news articles, photos, and videos that "promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)," including content related to critical race theory, gender ideology, and identity-based programs.

Scope: This led to a large-scale review and removal or modification of official posts to ensure compliance with the new federal guidance and priorities.

3. General Enduring Guidelines
While the above points are the most notable changes, the fundamental rules for all Army personnel on social media remain strictly enforced:

UCMJ Applies: The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) applies at all times, even when a Soldier is off duty and using a personal account.

No Release of Sensitive Information: Soldiers are prohibited from posting or discussing classified, For Official Use Only (FOUO), or pre-decisional information, including details about troop movements, specific operations, or casualties.

Personal vs. Official Accounts: Personal accounts must be clearly identifiable as personal and should avoid using DoD titles or insignia in a way that implies official endorsement. Soldiers must use a disclaimer (e.g., "The views expressed are my own and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Army...") when expressing personal opinions.

Political Activity: Soldiers are generally free to express their personal opinions on political issues, but cannot engage in partisan political activity while in uniform or on duty. They are also prohibited from using official accounts to endorse a political party or candidate.