ARMY DIR 2026-17 — Optimizing Digital Media
ARMY DIR 2026-17 governs Army official social media accounts, authorization, branding, exceptions, alternative communication methods, and compliance.
- Publication number: ARMY DIR 2026-17
- Title: OPTIMIZING DIGITAL MEDIA
- Date: 06/30/2026
- Proponent: DUSA
- Status: ACTIVE
View ARMY DIR 2026-17 on armypubs.army.mil
The directive supersedes Army Directive 2025-25 and focuses Army communications on reducing risk while providing clear, unified information. It identifies authorized organizations, sets installation account limits, establishes exception procedures, and requires compliance reporting and account registration.
Applies to: The provisions of this directive apply to the Regular Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and U.S. Army Reserve.
Topics covered
- Official social media accounts
- Installation social media accounts
- Army branding guidance
- Exception requests
- Alternative communication methods
- Compliance reporting
- HQDA social media directory
Questions and answers
Which Army organizations may operate official social media accounts?
Effective immediately, only the Army organizations listed in enclosure 2 are authorized to operate official social media accounts. (paragraph 4)
What must organizations do if they are not authorized to operate official social media accounts?
All other organizations must close and archive their accounts pursuant to Army records management policy. (paragraph 4)
Can Army National Guard installations use National Guard Bureau branding?
Army National Guard installations may use National Guard Bureau branding. (paragraph 4)
What must an exception request for Army social media policy demonstrate?
Requests for exception to this policy must demonstrate a missioncritical imperative unmet by existing accounts or other means of communication (such as website post, email, or direct engagement). (paragraph 4)
Who approves exceptions to the Army social media policy?
The Deputy Under Secretary of the Army (DUSA) is the approval authority for all exception requests. This authority may not be delegated. (paragraph 4)