Tweets are more than training aircraft Published Dec. 8, 2009 By 2nd Lt. Tony Richardson 20th Fighter Wing Pblic Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Visit www.twitter.com/TeamShawSC to get the latest updates from the Team Shaw community. If you're at your government computer and can't access the Twitter Web site, simply text "FOLLOW TeamShawSC" to 404-04 from your mobile phone to begin receiving updates! A growing number of senior military and defense leaders are turning to social networking venues to share information and seek feedback. In an effort to remain on the cutting edge of communication technology, the 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office recently opened a Twitter account, to provide Team Shaw's news to the public. Twitter is a free micro blogging site where users post messages, called "tweets," in 140 characters or less, from a computer or mobile device. People have two primary avenues for viewing these Twitter feeds. They can visit each page randomly; or they can "follow" the accounts and have the most recent tweets flow directly to them when they log into their accounts. Twitterers can tweet back with their thoughts and opinions. As such, one of the greatest strengths of social networking sites such as Twitter is that the sites introduce a dynamic that leaders simply cannot get through traditional communication methods: unfettered two-way engagement. As of Oct. 31, there were nearly 25 million Twitter accounts registered in the United States, according to a report from Quantcast Corp. Approximately 44 percent of the users self-identified themselves as being 18 to 34 years old. Those 35 to 49 years old made up the second largest percentage of users at 28 percent. Within the Air Force, a significant number of people are within Twitter's primary users' age: almost 40 percent of the force is below the age of 26. A few officials and organizations have already begun utilizing social networking sites to reach audiences. For example, at www.twitter.com/AFCareers, people can track the latest program implemented, look for links to civilian job announcements, keep up-to-date with Wounded Warrior Care and find out what's new for retirees. Meanwhile, the commander of U.S. Central Command, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, has been a long-time Facebook member. More than 6,250 fans have signed up for his page, and their comments are posted unfiltered, alongside many photos.