The US Army is to tap into the social media phenomenon with the launch of a free app designed to provide users access to the blog content of more than 600 soldiers.

Designed by the US Army Accessions Command the app links up with a mobile website “to engage potential recruits via social media channels” and encourages the sharing of stories, blogs and pictures.

Both the website and app pull content from Army Strong Stories, a blog platform for soldiers and anyone with a story to tell about the profession.

Generals are backing the concept in the belief that by giving soldiers a platform from which to relate their experiences, in their own words, they will act as recruiting sergeants for civilian waverers.