CHAPTER III PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN JOINT OPERATIONS
p. 40
III-1 CHAPTER III PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN JOINT OPERATIONS 1. Public Affairs Overview a. Public Affairs Functions. PA activities are divide d into public information, command information, and community engagement supported by planning and analysis and assessment throughout the course of operations. (1) Public information is information of a military nature, the dissemination of which is consistent with security and th e DOD principles of information. While telecommunications technology continues to provide new public information opportunities, military public information is still largely a matter of ensuring media have access to information they need to report on military operations. Media relations activities are designed to provide information to the domestic and international publics. Commanders and their PA staffs should conduct briefings, issue statements, conduct interviews, respond to queries, arrange for access to operational un its, and provide appropriate equipment, transportation and communications support to the media. Plans should include specific provisions for each phase of the operation and, as appropriate, the inclusion of media on deploying aircraft, ships, and with deploying units. (2) Command information is communication by a military organization directed to the internal audience to help them understand the goals of the organization, its role in joint operations, as well as significant developments affecting them. Base and organizational publications are traditional ways of reaching these groups . During a joint operation, commanders should consider all dissemination capabilities available, particularly the Internet, to communicate details about the operation and the role of the joint force. When military families are kept informed, affected Service members may be more focused on the mission, particularly when forward deployed. (3) Community engagement is the process of working collaboratively with, and through, groups of people affiliated by geographi c proximity or special interest to enhance the understanding and support for military operations. During joint operations, any number of personnel may be involved in activities that engage the community, including but not limited to, PA, civil affairs (CA), MI SO, military health specialists, lawyers, and engineers. All community engagement activities should support the overall civil-military operations (CMO) plan. Senior military leaders have responsibilities to engage key leaders in their operational areas, including those from OGAs and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). PA assists in identifying key leaders and recommending opportunities for military engagement. “The press is not the enemy and to treat it as such is self-defeating.”
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates May 2007
p. 41
Chapter III III-2 JP 3-61 b. Considerations. The JFC should consider the following in anticipation of conducting joint operations. (1) Military operations will draw attention. Commanders and staffs at all levels must anticipate interest in operations as part of the normal planning process. Unit alerts, increased aircraft activity, and rail or ship loading are high ly visible and will almost inevitably lead to media inquiries. Such activities may also cause concern among unit personnel and family members. (2) PA should be incorporated in every phase of operations. Consistent with current DOD PA guidance, and within the cons traints of OPSEC, information security (INFOSEC), safety, and privacy of US military personnel, their families, and DOD civilians, PA shall: (a) Provide accurate and timely info rmation about US military operations and objectives to external (domestic and international) and DOD internal audiences. (b) Support US and international media coverage of US military operations. (c) Contribute to global understa nding and deterrence by making audiences aware of US resolve, capabilities, and intent. (d) Mitigate and counter adve rsary disinformation (propaganda) and misinformation by actively using accurate and timely public information and imagery to preempt and respond to inaccurate information and deception. (3) Commanders must evaluate communica tion activities and associated results. PAOs should look to all feedback sources to assist in determining the effectiveness of their activities. Results should also be used to inform future plan and strategy development. 2. Requirements a. General Overview (1) PA activities require facilities, personnel, equipment, transportation assets, and communication capabilities. Anticipated PA resource requirements should be identified and addressed as early in the planning process as possible, since PA requirements often exceed available resources. Planning considers spec ific measures to au gment PA personnel and procure, lease, or assign other necessary resources. This generally requires assistance from the supporting combatant commands, Services, and the military departments. (2) All personnel and equipment should be deployable and provided on a dedicated basis so that the responsible commander can sustain PA operations. Initial PA personnel and equipment should be capable of being carried on both military and commercial aircraft for quick deployment. Follow-on items are given appropriate priority for deployment through logistics channels. The organization and staffing of PA staffs are influenced by the volume and diversity of media assets and the differing nature of their reporting interest. Manning
p. 42
Public Affairs in Joint Operations III-3 and operational procedures should also consider the ability of the media to surge for different events at separate locations. b. Facilities. When feasible, facilities with appropriate infrastructure are designated for PA and may include the requirement for es tablishing and operating a MOC. Specific requirements might include staff and media work areas, equipment storage, imaging facilities, access to helicopter landing zones, and vehicle parking areas. Additionally, work areas are necessary for those personnel c onducting the community engagement and command information missions. This includes AFRTS broadcast and transmission facilities. Billeting and messing requirements should also be considered. c. Personnel. The peacetime staffing of most PA offices is likely to be inadequate to respond to the inevitab le increase in media and public interest surrounding a crisis. Contingency and crisis action planning (CAP) must address the need for rapid expansion of PA personnel to meet this challenge, especia lly in the earliest stages of the operation. Augmentation requirements are prioritized and can be filled in the following ways: (1) Active Component and Reserve Component PA Units. Commanders identify the specific skills and capabilities needed to accomplish the PA mission. OPLANs or OPORDs requests for forces (RFFs) should reflect the specific skill sets required. Members of these organizations should train regularly to support these plans and should be provided with sufficient equipment, tran sportation, and communications support to accomplish the PA functions. (2) Individuals. Service component commanders and supporting CCDRs may also be tasked to support the JFC through the deploy ment of individual PA personnel. Billets should be identified in advance and individuals matched to specific requirements in support of each operation. d. Equipment. Based on mission requirements, the PAO should identify the equipment necessary to support PA. The planning pr ocess should precisely identify the PA infrastructure requirements for each contingency and then identify who will provide them. Maintenance and services essential to sustain the resource packages are also considered. (1) Every effort should be made to standardize equipment to facilitate interoperability and to minimize additional training requirements, especially in a contingency environment. Specific hardware, software, and digital imaging requirements should be identified to support all PA ac tivities. Considerations incl ude logistic and administrative needs, media and event coordination and scheduling, briefing preparations, and operation of contingency unclassified and classified Internet sites. PA staff, translators, and analysts will generally require TV monitors, video/digital recorders, and reception capability to review newscasts in support of media analysis and assessment. (2) Deployable AFRTS distribution packag es (over air radio/TV broadcast, cable, L-Band downlink), if available, should be considered in the overall requirements. Most of these items must be requested by the CCDR, especially those which support the DOD Media Pool, the command’s primary MOC, and other PA offices supporting the operation in its
p. 43
Chapter III III-4 JP 3-61 earliest stages. Broadcast frequencies required should be provided by the communications system directorate of a joint staff. Subse quent resource needs should be met by balanced support provided by the responsible CCDR, the supporting CCDRs, and the Military Departments. e. Transportation (1) When required, the mobility of the PA effort should match that of other operational forces. (2) A package of transportation assets, in a combination appropriate to the assigned operation, may include: (a) Vehicles (with drivers and co mmunications) to support PA administrative and logistics activities. (b) Vehicles (with drivers and co mmunications) to support the movement of media and PA personnel covering operations. (c) Force protection assets to travel with PA staffs and media in hostile or unsecured areas. (d) Aircraft, both fixed- and rotary-wing, to support the movement of media and military journalists. (e) Surface and air transportation to assist in moving information and imagery products. f. Communications. Specific communications concerns include: (1) Bandwidth priority to ensure timely (to include near real time or live) transmission of PA and VI products both inte rtheater and intratheater, to multiple users simultaneously. (2) Bandwidth allocation for PA products , both classified and unclassified, as files can routinely be more than 250 megabytes in size and during surge events, streaming live at 5 megabytes per second. (3) Internet access to include unfilte red external access for information and imagery release, local area network access, and establishment and operation of unit and/or contingency unclassified and classified web-based sites. (4) While communications requirements vary in each situation, an appropriate mix of the capabilities shown in Figure III-1 is needed to support PA. g. Other Support. The PA staff may require certain specialized support based on the type of operation. They should have acce ss to contracting support and a government purchase card in order to obtain goods and services not available within the joint force to
p. 44
Public Affairs in Joint Operations III-5 establish and execute PA activities throughout the joint operations area (JOA). This may include: (1) Contracts for publication of command information products (e.g., newsletters, newspapers, photographs). (2) Contracts for products, services, a nd equipment to support media analysis and assessment. (3) Maintenance and service contracts to ensure sustainability of equipment. (4) Contracted translation services. h. Training and Exercises (1) PA personnel and appropriate sta ff members should be trained in the joint operation planning process (JOPP) and in the ta sks involved with joint PA activities. PA training objectives should be included in the command exercise objectives and involve the entire command staff. Prior identification and training of personnel in exercises is essential to their future success in contingency operations. (2) All aspects of the PA process should be exercised with particular attention paid to coordination with the operational staff, the resourcing of all PA functions, and identifying PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMUNICATIONS REQUIREMENTS Telephone lines with international access Secure communications Mobile radios Portable phones Answering machines Facsimile machines Tactical communications devices (secure and nonsecure) Live video Electronic still photo and video Internet access Classified and unclassified e-mail accounts Dubbing equipment Access to satellite uplink equipment Figure III-1. Public Affairs Communications Requirements
p. 45
Chapter III III-6 JP 3-61 and addressing OPSEC concerns. PA universal joint tasks should be used to drive training. Operational scenarios should include events specifically designed to assess the readiness of PA personnel. 3. Planning a. Overview. Planning translates strategic gui dance and direction into executable OPLANs or OPORDs for contingencies and crisis action responses. Joint operation planning includes all activities that must be accomplished to plan for an anticipated operation—the mobilization, deployment, employment, sustainment, and redeployment of forces. Effective PA planners participate throughout the entire planning process. b. Public Affairs and the Planning Process (1) The first consideration in PA pl anning is the commander’s intent and desired end state. PA planners consider how desired and undesired effects of PA activities influence the information environment and the accomplishment of the JFC’s mission. (2) PA planners establish and mainta in a routine, ongoing relationship with other planners within the combatant command and JTF. Synchronization across the staff facilitates the availability of services and s upport required to execute PA activities. PA planning should include coordination w ith the HN, the country team, OGAs, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), and NGOs, as appropriate. (3) Joint Operation Planning Process. JOPP is a proven analytical process, which provides a methodical approach to pla nning at any organizational level and at any point before and during joint operations. Exam ples of specific PA activities taken during JOPP are depicted in Figure III-2. (a) Mission Analysis. PA planners focus on developing situational understanding of the operational environment to include media infrastructure, capability and bias, as well as the social and cultural characteristics of key areas. PA planners analyze the mission, the end state, and objectives, and review applicable strategic guidance to identify the PA tasks (specified, implied, and essential) and develop initial PA staff estimates. PUBLIC AFFAIRS GUIDANCE
Public affairs guidance (PAG) supports the public discussion of defense issues and operations and serves as a source document when responding to media representatives and the public. PAG also outlines planning guidance for related public affairs responsibilities, functions, activities, and resources. The development and timely dissemination of PAG ensures that all information is in consonance with policy when responding to the information demands of joint operations. PAG also conforms to operations security and the privacy requirements of the members of the joint forces.
Various Sources
p. 46
Public Affairs in Joint Operations III-7
JOINT OPERATION PLANNING PROCESS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS ACTIONS AFRTS American Forces Radio and Television Service DOD Department of Defense JFC joint force commander JIPOE joint intelligence preparation of the operational environment LEGEND JOA joint operations area JOPP joint operation planning process PA public affairs PAG public affairs guidance SC strategic communication JOPP Step Public Affairs Actions 7. Plan or Order Development 1. Initiation 2. Mission Analysis 3. Course of Action (COA) Development 4. COA Analysis and Wargaming 5. COA Comparison 6. COA Approval Provide PA perspective during mission analysis Identify intelligence requirements for PA support to planning Identify specified, implied, and essential PA tasks Develop PA input to the mission statement Conduct initial PA force structure analysis including the need for imagery support, AFRTS, and the DOD Media Pool Develop PA facts and assumptions Develop PA estimates Participate in all cross functional staff organizations related to planning Begin analysis of the operational environment Participate in JIPOE Review the following for PA implications: Participate in COA development; identify needed PA capabilities and forces required as well as shortfalls Participate in COA analysis and wargaming; identify advantages and disadvantages of each COA from a PA perspective Revise the PA staff estimate as needed based on wargaming Provide PA input on COA recommendation Continued participation in all cross functional staff organizations Refine PA requirements (capabilities, force structure, equipment/logistics, and other resources) to support the COA Provide PA personnel requirements of the request for forces Participate in the time-phased force and deployment data build/validation as applicable Continued participation in all related to planning Provide input to the operational planning process for all applicable annexes including B, C, D, G, O, V, and draft annex F Coordinate any administrative or contracting requirements Develop and submit proposed PAG to higher headquarters for review/approval Coordinate with subordinate PA staffs to ensure plan synchronization and a smooth transition to deployed operations cross functional staff organizations National strategic guidance SC guidance Higher headquarters planning directive Initial JFC intent Figure III-2. Joint Operation Planning Process and Public Affairs Actions
p. 47
Chapter III III-8 JP 3-61 (b) Course of Action (COA) Development. PA participates in the development, analysis and wargaming, comparison, and approval of COAs. (c) Plan or Order Development. PA planners apply the PA planning considerations in subparagraph 3c, “Public Affairs Planning Considerations,” to refine requirements and develop annex F (Public A ffairs) of the OPLAN and the PPAG, and support the development of other annexes as appropriate. 1 . Annex F (Public Affairs). Annex F of an OPORD should address all PA-related transportation, communications, billeting, equipment, and personnel resources required to support the plan. Additional planning considerations that should be captured in the annex are included in Figure III-3. The PA annex to the plan or order complements and supports, but does not replace, the PPAG forwarded to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) (OASD[PA]). A sample annex F (Public Affairs) is at Appendix B, “Annex Development.” 2 . Annex Y (Strategic Communication). This SC annex content is spelled out in Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Manual (CJCSM) 3122.03C, Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) Volume II, Planning Formats. Content includes the situation and CONOPS focusing on important SC-related elements, such as the overview of the information environment, opposition, lines of operation, measures of effectiveness, tasks, and coordination instru ctions. PA planners will contribute to the development of annex Y and use the informati on included to inform the development of annex F. PUBLIC AFFAIRS PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS Security Host nation Multinational partners Country team Government agencies and nongovernmental organizations Interagency coordination Dissemination of interagency guidance Analysis and feedback Counter adversary propaganda Public affairs guidance Exercises Media access Visual information Media operations centers Embedding/media pools Intelligence support Technology support to public affairs Command information American Forces Radio and Television Service Communications guidance Internet based products/releases Figure III-3. Public Affairs Planning Considerations
p. 48
Public Affairs in Joint Operations III-9 3 . Proposed Public Affairs Guidance. The JFC submits PPAG through CCDRs to OASD(PA) for approval and publi cation as PAG. PPAG should include recommended PA policy, background, contingency statements, message points, answers to anticipated media questions, community enga gement guidance, and details governing the release of information to the public. It should be developed in sufficient time for all required coordination to be complete and initial PAG to be published in conjunction with the receipt of an EXORD. OASD(PA) will staff th e PPAG and issue a PAG message approving, approving with modifications, or disapprovin g the PPAG. PPAG is not used without approval of OASD(PA) or the JFC. At the very latest, approved PAG should be published prior to the start of any deployment activities. Development of additional or supplemental PPAG continues as needed throughout the operation or campaign. The JFC’s PA staff recommends additional PA policy, drafts appropriate statements, and identifies any issues and the responses most likely to address the questions, concerns, and interests of external and internal audiences. 4 . Crisis Action Planning. In CAP, the JOPP steps are time sensitive and often require accelerated decisionmaking to respond to an actual or imminent crisis. In as little as a few days, commanders and staffs must develop and appr ove a feasible COA, publish the plan or order, prepare forces, ensure sufficient communications systems support, and arrange sustainment for the employment of US military forces. Public and media inquiries may quickly overwhelm organic PA assets and impact PA planning capability. Immediate augmentation of the PA staff may be necessary in order to have the requisite personnel available for planning while simulta neously dealing with increased operational tempo associated with intense public and media interest in the DOD response. For additional information on joint operation planning, refer to JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning, and CJCSM 3122 Series, The Joint Operation Planning and Execution System. c. Public Affairs Planning Considerations (1) Overview. During initial planning it is critical to synchronize PA planning and activities across the joint force and with other agencies as necessary. Authorities to plan, integrate, approve, and disseminate appropriate information and imagery should be clearly established. Legal considerations regarding release of information on investigations in the JOA, including those regarding alleged law of war violations, should be addressed as early as possible in the PAG. Coordination of overall themes, as well as a plan to support media coverage and all applicable PAG, should be approved prior to hostilities in order to effectively shape the information environment. (a) As planning continues and preparations for operations begin, the requirement for public information activities increases, as people realize that forces are preparing for a deployment. (b) With increased public and medi a interest, the need for PA programs, activities and personnel will continue to expand. PA demands are highest at the outset of operations or outbreak of hostilities. OASD(PA) may embed media and require a MOC and/or subordinate MOCs in geographic areas where operations attract a high concentration
p. 49
Chapter III III-10 JP 3-61 of media. Where direct access to operations is not possible, OASD(PA) may require media pools to be established and supported. It is important to continue the synchronization and integration of PA across the staff and w ith DOD and USG activities (e.g., daily press briefings, response to query, and COMCAM documentation) to counter propaganda. (c) Many of the same PA activities continue throughout an operation. PA activities should support the return of control to a competent, credible civilian authority, repair of essential information infrastructure, selected augmentation of HN radio/TV/print infrastructure when required to meet the conditions for a transition to civil control or meet end state conditions, and support redeployment activities/coverage. (2) Higher Headquarters and Organizational Strategic Communication Goals (a) CCDRs develop goals, objectives, strategic estimates, strategies, and plans to accomplish their assigned missions based on strategic guidance and direction, including SC guidance. Similarly, PA planners conduct analysis of strategic direction, SC guidance, and goals to develop their communications strategy and supporting PA plans. SC guidance should be understood by planners from the initial stage of planning and incorporated throughout the process. PA planners should ensure that execution of PA activities not only supports the commanders’ operational objectives, but also is aligned with SC guidance. During the planning process, specific intended audiences, themes, messages, actions, desired effects, and objectives should be identified. (b) Synchronized planning for inco rporation of PA, DSPD, IO, and other SC- related capabilities is essential for effective SC. Interagency efforts promote international support from nations in the region and provide an opportunity to advance regional and global partnerships. Therefore, CCDRs should ensure that planning for SC supporting capabilities is consistent with overall USG SC objectives. There also is a mutually supporting relationship between the military’s PA and DSPD efforts and similar PA and public diplomacy (PD) activities conducted by US embassies and OGAs. (3) Intelligence. Understanding the operational environment is fundamental to joint operation planning. Intelligence analysts use the joint intelligence preparation of the operational environment (JIPOE) process to analyze, correlate, and fuse information pertaining to all relevant aspects of the operational environment. Developing a systems perspective is one methodology used by intelligence analysts during JIPOE to identify links, nodes, and relationships within a nd across networks. This could include identification of critical community organizati ons and individuals that influence the population, media, etc. In order to satisfy information requirements, PA may request that certain platforms conducting surveillance and reconnaissance missions for intelligence purposes also gather imagery to support the PA mission. Accordingly, PA may require access to relevant intelligence products to assist in the development of PA news releases. See JP 2-0, Joint Intelligence, JP 2-01, Joint and National Intelligence Support to Military Operations, and JP 2-01.3, Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment, for additional guidance.
p. 50
Public Affairs in Joint Operations III-11 (4) Media Operations. Media want to be at the action. It is essential that commanders understand that members of the press desire to move as close as possible to the action in order to gain a complete understanding of the operation. (a) PA plans should include detail ed processes, procedures, and supporting requirements to give media the opportunity to meet the personnel actively conducting operations. Commanders may embed media with selected units for certain operations or periods of time whenever feasible. This practice enables media to provide much more in- depth reporting by staying with a particular unit or following an operation to its termination. When embedding media, it is essential that specific ground rules be established and that they are thoroughly understood by both the media and the embedded unit. Planning should include detailed provisions for accommodating and supporting the media when deployed with the joint force and escorted by those not formally trained in PA. The commander’s security concerns are also addressed when determining what areas the media are allowed to visit. (b) Commanders also have the option to have media accompany them when they conduct visits to their operating unit in the field. This concept is desirable to media who cannot embed for long periods of time. Media have the opportunity to meet the personnel conducting the operations and have the perspective from senior leaders. (c) PA should have the capabil ity to support local and regional media consistent with the JFC’s instructions and other guidance. Effective public communications requires both cultural and language capabilities. Media faci litation, media response, and media escort operations should be able to accommodate non-Englis h-speaking reporters, especially those of the HN or regional media outlets. News releases and public information Internet sites should have a local/regional language capability. Media analysis must take into account cultural context to provide nuanced evaluation of PA efforts. (5) Timely Coverage. It is critical that plans are developed to assist the media in getting the information out in an accurate a nd timely manner in order to compete in the information environment. PA plans facilita te the media getting a first-hand look at joint operations. To this end, operational planning should: (a) Commit equipped and trained joint PA teams. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REQUESTING INTELLIGENCE IMAGERY SUPPORT
During Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, public affairs personnel in the Joint Air Operations Center monitored current operations for the prosecution of sensitive targets. Public affairs planners in the operations center recommended intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms gather imagery on sensitive targets to prove coalition aircraft struck the intended military target rather than surrounding civilian buildings and infrastructure. The imagery was declassified for public release.
Various Sources
p. 51
Chapter III III-12 JP 3-61 (b) Determine lift and logistic s upport to move PA and media personnel and media products to and from forward locations as appropriate. (c) Hold frequent briefings in th eater with international and US media— several per day if needed to keep them apprised of operations as appropriate. (d) Institute processes for the ra pid dissemination of weapons systems video, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data, and COMCAM products as appropriate. (e) Delegate the authority for the re lease of information and imagery to include COMCAM and other related products to the lowest possible level. (6) Visual Information and Combat Camera. When developing and coordinating plans, PA planners work closely with the staff element that has supervisory responsibility for VI and COMCAM operations to ensure PA requirements are identified and taken into consideration. Commercial multimedia products are copyrighted and cannot be used without consent from the copyright holder. (7) Command Information. Commanders should plan for the inclusion of command information personnel in operations. The DOD command information program assists commanders in their leadership communications functions. (8) American Forces Radio and Television Service. The deployment of AFRTS offers the JFC and PAO an important means to communicate directly to DOD personnel in the operational area, as well as DOD personnel and family members in other locations. (a) AFRTS has a wide range of depl oyable equipment systems, from small unmanned satellite radio and TV decoders used to provide service at small base camps or messing areas to large scale network radio and TV systems. Additionally, AFRTS can provide a MOC with video newsgathering capability for joint command messages. 1 . During the initial stages of an operation, AFRTS is one of the timeliest channels to get the CCDR’s message to the deployed force. 2 . Initial consideration for staffed AFRTS facilities should center on radio service to bare-base and forward areas, with TV considered for rear areas and further “During World War II the US Army undertook an aggressive hometown news approach when US troops on the stalemated front in Italy came to believe that they had been forgotten by the folks back home. An aggressive Public Affairs program aimed at telling individual soldiers’ stories to their hometown news resulted in a flow of personal mail back to the front, which let the troops know that they were not forgotten.”
Charles Moskos Reporting War When There Is No War
p. 52
Public Affairs in Joint Operations III-13 expansion as an operational area matures. PA should anticipate the desire of the DOD leadership to communicate directly to deployed forces. 3 . Additionally, AFRTS can be used to transmit immediate announcements to DOD personnel when approved by the CCDR. AFRTS TV capabilities should be considered for installation at me ssing and recreational facilities and further expanded as the operation develops. A wide range of AFRTS options are available to meet operational requirements. 4 . In austere environments, AFRTS is capable of providing a small satellite system to receive radio and TV news coverage, obtain electronic copies of DOD products such as the “Early Bird” and “Sta rs and Stripes Lite,” and other command information releases. (b) Deployment of AFRTS assets in to an operational area usually requires special approvals for frequencies, real es tate, and facilities which must normally be coordinated by the MOC. The senior AFRT S officer commands the AFRTS station and serves as a member of the MOC. (c) AFRTS outlets may not be used for any type of political purpose or MISO and may not produce or broadcast programming to serve interests other than the DOD internal audience. Refer to Appendix D, “Sources for Defense Media Activity,” or contact the DMA (www.dma.mil) for assistance with AFRTS planning. (9) Community Engagement. PA provides specialized skills in planning and developing relationships for commanders seeking to successfully interact within local communities while conducting operations. PA should be involved in the planning, preparation, and execution of engagements within the local/HN communities to support the CMO plan. PA planners should look for creative ways to employ community engagement capabilities. (10) Defense Support to Public Diplomacy. DSPD consists of activities and measures taken by DOD components to support and facilitate USG PD efforts. DSPD ensures that DOD sends a coherent and compelling message in concert with other USG agencies. It is critical that all DOD information activities be conducted in concert with the broader USG communications strategy and support the National Security Strategy. As such DSPD requires coordination across the interagency and among DOD components. (11) Country Team. The country team consists of key members of the US diplomatic mission or embassy and work directly with the HN government. Its purpose is to unify the coordination and implementation of US national policy within each foreign country under direction of the chief of mission (COM). Country teams meet regularly to advise the COM on matters of interest to the United Stat es and review current developments in the country. The COM, as the senior US representative in each HN, controls information release in country. The PA staff should coordinate all themes, messages, and press releases impacting a HN through the respective US embassy channels.
p. 53
Chapter III III-14 JP 3-61 (12) Interagency Coordination. CCDRs operate in a public information arena with interagency partners who may not be part of the country team, but whose actions and information can affect public understanding of the facts. Communicating a consistent message that supports approved themes is esse ntial during operations. All participating agencies and organizations need to establis h and agree early in th e planning process on procedures for media access, issuing and verifying credentials, and briefing, escorting, and transporting media members and their equipment. The Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs plays a key coordinating role in this process. OASD(PA) interfaces with the combatant commands, normally through their joint interagency coordination group, and passes the information down through PAG. (a) The Executive Office of the President is the lead for SC. The DOS’s Bureau of International Information Programs engages international audiences on issues of US policy, society, and values to help create an environment that can be receptive to America’s national interests. Commanders and their staffs should plan for PA activities to function in coordination with these and other national-level communication initiatives. (b) Public Diplomacy. PD consists of overt international public information activities of the USG designed to promote US foreign policy object ives by seeking to understand, inform, and influence foreign audien ces and opinion makers. It is critically important that PA and PD are coordinated in order to ensure consistency of their respective messages and to maintain credibility with their respective audiences. (c) Interagency Guidance. Information from the interagency process, DOD, and various levels of command is disseminated through PAG. This guidance is essential to ensure a consistent message is projected. The guidance can change weekly, daily, or hourly as the political and military situation changes. (13) Intergovernmental Organizations and Nongovernmental Organizations. Close coordination with IGOs and NGOs also can be an important PA responsibility. For example, if DOD is providing foreign humanitarian assistance (FHA), there may be many non-DOD or non-US agencies (e.g., United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Committee of the Red Cross) involved. There will be public and media interest in their activities as well as those of DOD. Close coordination by the joint forces with other involved agen cies will help ensure consistent information is presented about the total US response effort. (14) Host Nation. PA planners should consult with HN governments as appropriate to identify local issues and concerns that should be reflected in the PAG. This coordination normally is established through the PAO at the respective embassy and in close coordination with IO planners. (15) Multinational Partners. US military forces will rarely work alone to solve an international crisis, thus PA planning s hould reflect the possibility of multinational partners joining in the effort. In addition to HN sensitivities, the MOC staff should also be cognizant of multinational partners’ concerns when communicating with the media and the public.
p. 54
Public Affairs in Joint Operations III-15 d. Public Affairs Planning for Specific Operations (1) Overview. Commanders should ensure PA activities are tailored to support the joint forces across the range of military operations. While the public and the media are interested in the essential facts of any situati on, that information is incomplete without an understanding of the background, underlying ra tionale, and other fundamental elements particular to a certain type of operation. E xperience shows that media interest in civil support, FHA, managing the consequences of incidents, peace operations (PO), and similar operations often peaks early, then diminishes gradually. PA planning should take this into account. Commanders and their PA personnel should be prepared to discuss, among other topics, organizational structure, strategy, objectives, tactics, training, logistics, intelligence, and troop support issues. Explaining the detail s of such areas reinforces the media and public awareness of how the military functions within the context of the stated political goals. (2) Foreign Humanitarian Assistance. FHA operations are conducted to relieve or reduce the results of natural or man-made disaster s. FHA provided by US forces is generally limited in scope and duration. The assistance provided is designed to supplement or complement the efforts of the HN civil authorities or agencies that may have the primary responsibility for providing humanitarian assistance. (a) These missions involve a delicate balance of political and military objectives. FHA missions include operationa l and informational coordination with NGO relief organizations. Intense media and public interest in FHA operations may require more than usual PA capabilities. The potential for involvement of multiple USG agencies and IGOs and often the representatives of other involved nations can complicate the coordination required to get approval for the release of information and imagery. JFCs and their PA staffs must exercise care so that, in their attempts to demonstrate DOD responsiveness, concern and assistance do not preempt the authority of the political leadership or HN or appear to be taking credit for successes at the expense of other contributing parties. (b) If a civil-military operations center (CMOC) is established to coordinate relief efforts, PA will work through the CMOC to coordinate activities. In the absence of a CMOC, PA activities will be coordinated through the JTF staff and with other USG agencies involved via the country team. See JP 3-29, Foreign Humanitarian Assistance, for additional guidance. (3) Counterdrug (CD) Operations. There are a number of specific actions taken to reduce or eliminate illicit drug trafficking that require special attention during planning. Most significantly, there are legal and law enfo rcement aspects of CD that are extremely sensitive and generate additiona l concerns in the release of information to the public. Commanders and PA planners must consid er the intended and unintended effects of communication when deciding how and when to release information regarding CD operations. The release of information could impact the safety of military personnel, civilian law enforcement officials, and other participants pending judicial cases and the security of intelligence systems and s ources. Additionally, DOD most commonly operates in a
p. 55
Chapter III III-16 JP 3-61 supporting role as part of an interagency effort; close coordination with agency PA counterparts is critical to ensure a consistent whole of government PA message. PA plans should account for the appropriate release of information to the public as well as OPSEC measures. See JP 3-07.4, Joint Counterdrug Operations, for additional guidance. (4) Combating Terrorism. Terrorist threats and acts occur in media-intense environments. That, in turn, may make it impossible to prevent coverage that could reveal tactics, techniques, and procedures used in combating terrorism. That means PA planners have to anticipate and make accommodations for the probability of live and near live direct media coverage and strive to provide as much information to the public about DOD activities as possible, consistent with OPSEC, tec hnology security, and INFOSEC. In making information available to the media, PA personnel must balance the legitimate information needs of the public against its value to terrorists. Principal PA objectives of an antiterrorism plan should be to ensure accurate information is provided to the public (including media) and to communicate a calm, measured, and reasoned reaction to the ongoing event. OASD(PA) is the single point of contact for all PA aspects of US military antiterrorism and counterterrorism operations. For additional guidance on combating terrorism, see JP 3-07.2, Antiterrorism, and JP 3-26, Counterterrorism. (5) Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEOs) (a) NEOs are conducted to assist the DOS in evacuating noncombatants, nonessential military personnel, selected HN ci tizens, and third country nationals whose lives are in danger from locations in a foreign HN to an appropriate safe haven. (b) The JTF PAO, working with embassy personnel, should plan and coordinate releases concerni ng the NEO and ensure that the COM or the designated representative has approved all PA announcements. Based on the rapid development of this type of operation, PAOs need to be prepared to conduct media operations in any kind of environment, including afloat (e.g., Lebanon NEO in July 2006). See JP 3-68, Noncombatant Evacuation Operations, for additional guidance. (6) Peace Operations. PO include peacekeeping, peace enforcement, peacemaking, peace building, and conflict prevention efforts. Peacekeeping operations are designed to monitor and facilitate implementation of an agreement and support diplomatic efforts to reach a long-term political settlement. A primary PA concern during PO is that the parties to a dispute may release information that is slanted to support their position. These activities may grow into an orchestrated media operation making it difficult for PA personnel to set the record straight. PA can reduce the level of speculation in the news by providing the media with releasable information on a timely basis. See JP 3-07.3, Peace Operations, for additional guidance.
p. 56
Public Affairs in Joint Operations III-17 (7) Civil-Military Operations and Civil Affairs (a) CMO encompass the activities of a commander that establish, maintain, influence, or exploit relations between military forces, governmental and nongovernmental civilian organizations and authorities, and the civilian populace in a friendly, neutral, or hostile operational area. The JF C is responsible for CMO in a joint operation. All CA activities support CMO. By their nature, their missions are normally positive and the results are of interest to the local populace and their media representatives. PA personnel and CA assist in the dissemination of information to local populations. PA personnel have the responsibility to engage the local media and can assist CA with passing information to the appropriate audiences through those media outlets. (b) PA elements also have the responsibility, through command information outlets, to keep military elements informed of the displaced civilian situation, methods and procedures for their orderly withdrawal from the operational area, and any other information on this issue deemed appropriate by the JFC. (c) Coordination is required to ensure information released about CMO or CA by PA does not conflict with or complicate the work of the other. Coordination is primarily established through the CMOC, although normal staff coordination takes place through other agencies, such as the IO cell, on a regular basis. See JP 3-57, Civil-Military Operations, for additional guidance. (8) Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction (a) Combating weapons of ma ss destruction (CWMD) and chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear consequence manage ment (CBRN CM) are global missions crossing area of responsibility boundaries, requiring an integrated and synchronized effort, and requiring numerous interagency and multinational partners for effective mission accomplishment. DOD will often be acting in support of another lead agency, or even supporting a multinational effort. (b) PA should work with USG agencies and NGOs to quickly and effectively communicate risk and response information to the public in order to avoid confusion and hysteria. (c) The release of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) information may require non-DOD lines of communications and authority such as DOS and other diplomatic points of contact. (d) Because of their multimedia capab ilities, PA assets can often be utilized to support CWMD and CBRN CM missions. If appropriately tasked, units such as COMCAM can provide valuable support for the documentation of WMD sites and CWMD activities. For additional information, see JP 3-40, Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction; JP 3-41, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Consequence Management; JP 3-11,
p. 57
Chapter III III-18 JP 3-61 Operations in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Environments; and classified CJCSM 5225.01B, Classification Guide for Counter Proliferation Information. e. Media Access (1) There is a need for continuous di alogue between the joint force and the media who are covering its activities. Open and independent reporting are the principal means of coverage of military operations. Commanders should seek regular opportunities to work with the media. Media coverage of potential future military operations can, to a large extent, shape public perception of the joint force and national security environment. Thus, JFCs and their PAOs continually assess their understanding of the dir ect and indirect effects of potential actions and signals on perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs, and should formulate and deliver timely and culturally attuned messages. This is true for the US public; the public in allied or partner nations, whose opinion have an indirect effect on unity of effort; and publics in countries where the US conducts operations, as well as in adjoining and other regional countries, whose perceptions of the US can affect the cost and duration of our involvement. (2) PA personnel should act as liaisons but should not interfere with the reporting process. The PA mission includes helping media representatives understand joint force events and occurrences so that media covera ge is accurate. The JFC, or a designated representative, should conduct frequent operational briefings to inform internal and external audiences of current military operations and respond to media questions. f. Media Credentials and Ground Rules (1) The criteria for credentialing journalists are established by the joint force PAO or the MOC director. Credentialing is not in tended to be a control measure or means to restrict certain media outlets from access. It is primarily a method of validating individuals as journalists and providing them with information that enhances their ability to report on activities within the operational area. Credentialing media representatives also ensures that, if captured, they are recognized as journalists and treated accordingly under the law of war. Some media will embed with the units for an extended period of time. Embedded reporters will be registered by the joint force and will carry identifying credentials or, as appropriate, Geneva Convention cards. (2) The MOC serves as a logistic and information base for media relations operations. Journalists seeking credentials from the MOC are asked to agree to ground rules tailored to the specific, ongoing joint ope ration. Commanders should not provide information to non-credentialed, unregistered j ournalists without guidance from the joint force PAO or the MOC director. (3) The CCDR should take reasonable st eps to ensure all media representatives have proper credentials in a combat zone, although the increasingly open information environment and the large number of journalists who just “show up” in an operational area make it very unlikely that all journalists will have the proper cred entials. Even though journalists not credentialed by DOD may not necessarily be given the same access as those who have credentials, all journalists should still be considered for media pools and should be
p. 58
Public Affairs in Joint Operations III-19 strongly encouraged to register with the MOC. During registration, the MOC director should request that non-credentialed journalists abide by the same established media ground rules. Absent unusual circumstances, participating in DOD-hosted training for the media will not be used as a prerequisite for accompanying US forces. The decision to suspend credentials or expel a reporter should only be made with the concurrence of the JFC and the CCDR. (4) Ground rules are developed to protect members of DOD from the release of information that could threaten their secu rity or safety during ongoing operations yet facilitates the media’s access to timely, relevant informati on. Ground rules reconcile the desire of the media to cover military operations with DOD security and safety concerns and are in no way intended to prevent release of derogatory, embarrassing, negative, or non- complimentary information. Media ground rules include requirements designed to protect the security, health, and welfare of the me dia. For example, media ground rules should include the process for release of information, media access to the commander, and access to the Internet if not commercia lly available, and the process for unintentional exposure to classified information. (5) In multinational operations, responsibilities for establishing media ground rules, credentialing media, and, if necessary, expulsion of media, are developed and implemented through appropriate multinational command and st aff channels. Media outlets, owned in whole or in part by governments or citizens of rival states, might not receive the same considerations as those working for outlets owned by governme nts or citizens of friendly nations. However, as in joint operations, non-credentialed journalists may not be given the same access to a combat zone as those who have credentials. They should be encouraged to register at the appropriate information center. (6) Often the media will not be accompanied by PA personnel. US commanders, with the assistance of PA personnel, should identify shortages of escorts and provide training for non-PA personnel who will serve as escorts. Commanders must develop unit plans tailored to local conditions to accommodate reporters opera ting under this provision and issue guidance about what information and support they will receive. Appendix C, “Guidelines for Release of Information,” contains general guidance on support and information to be provided to media representatives. g. Media Pools (1) Pools are not to serve as the standard means of covering US military operations. In fact, current communications technology and open media access to most segments of any operational area make media pools more unlikely than in past operations. However, pools may sometimes provide the only feasible mean s of early access to a military operation. Pools should be as large as possible and be disbanded at the earliest opportunity—within 24 to 36 hours when possible. The arrival of early-access pools does not cancel the principle of independent coverage for journalists already in the area. (2) Even under conditions of open coverage, pools may be appropriate for specific events, such as those at extremely remote locations, on ships, or where space is limited. In such circumstances, PA plans should specify the number and types of media (including
p. 59
Chapter III III-20 JP 3-61 internal media) who will form the pool. The military determines the size and composition of the pool, usually establishing categories such as , but not limited to, print, broadcast, and trade media to ensure adequate scope an d distribution of c overage. The media representatives should determine who fills the spaces in the pool. (3) The military is responsible for the transportation of pools. To ensure the most complete coverage, commanders should provid e dedicated transporta tion if able. Under conditions of open coverage, JFCs should authorize field commanders to permit journalists to ride on military vehicles and aircraft whenever feasible. Commanders should also follow the guidelines in The Joint Travel Regulations, Volume 2, Department of Defense Civilian Personnel, to ensure standardization of policy and procedures. (4) Consistent with capab ilities and the operational conditions, the commander supplies PA personnel with facilities to ensure timely, secure, compatible transmission of pool and independent material. In cases when government facilities are unavailable, media, as always, file by any other means available. As with transportation support, commanders employing media pools are responsible for providing access to communications facilities for news products prepared by the pool. Simila r assistance should be provided on a space- available basis for those reporters involved in independent coverage. Commanders should understand the sophisticated communications ca pabilities available to the media and recognize that early and regular discussions with the media help ensure deconfliction of the electromagnetic spectrum. (5) Figure III-4 outlines some specific considerations for supporting the DOD Media Pool. (6) Commanders should realize that the formation of a pool places additional media support requirements on the organization. In those cases in which commanders decide that media pools are necessary, PA planning should include reimbursement from the media depending on location and availability of commercial transportation. h. Security Review. As noted earlier, PA officers should work closely with OPSEC planners to develop guidelines to prevent the inadvertent disclosure of critical information. PA supports OPSEC through strict adherence to established security review programs and other measures to ensure critical information is protected. 4. Execution a. Overview (1) Organization. The size and organization of a joint force PA staff varies to accommodate mission requirements. PA organizations have evolved to improve PA support to the JFC in the information environment. The PA staff should be organized and have staff members dedicated to management, plans (f uture operations and future plans), media operations/MOC, analysis and assessment, command information community engagement, Internet, and administration. Figure III-5 depicts the potential structure of a joint force PA organization.
p. 60
Public Affairs in Joint Operations III-21 (2) Location. The command’s PA staff is located with the headquarters element. If an independent MOC is established, it shoul d be at a secure locat ion convenient to the media. Regardless of location, coordination between the joint force PAO and MOC staff is essential. b. Public Affairs Management (1) The joint force PAO is responsible to the JFC for directing PA activities. (a) The joint force PAO, with appropr iate staff support, is on the commander’s personal staff and is directly responsible for all the JFC’s PA requirements. The joint force PAO provides PA counsel and support to the commander and provides oversight of all the PA functions and subordinate MOC(s). DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MEDIA POOL SUPPORT Frequent, comprehensive, unclassified operational briefings for pool personnel. Access to areas of ongoing combat or exercise operations. The personal safety of the news media is not a reason for excluding them. The goal is to treat the news media as noncombatants accompanying forces, allowing them to accompany the organizations in the conduct of their missions. Reasonable access to key command and staff personnel. An officer from the supported command in the grade of 0-5 or 0-6 to coordinate news media pool requirements. Itinerary planning that will enable news media pool members to disperse throughout the operational area. Cooperation from all forces participating in the operation or exercise on a not-to-interfere basis. Supported command planning for logistic support for pool and escort personnel out of existing contingency or exercise funds. Required support may include, but may not be limited to: Airlift from the continental United States to the operational area or exercise. Theater ground, sea, and air transportation to allow pool coverage of operations. Messing and billeting on a reimbursable basis. Issuance of equipment considered appropriate to the situation (helmets, canteens, flak vests, and cold weather clothing). Access to communications facilities to file stories on a priority basis. Figure III-4. Department of Defense Media Pool Support
p. 61
Chapter III III-22 JP 3-61 (b) The MOC director, with supp orting MOC staff, is responsible for coordinating all media operations within the operational area, and provides and coordinates support to the JFC through the joint force PAO. (2) JFCs may opt to have traditional f unctions of the MOC subsumed under a more robust media operations secti on, and the joint force PAO ma y be the sole individual responsible to the JFC for the PA program. Regardless of how the PA staff is organized, typical PA actions or tasks conducted during joint operations are as follows: (a) Participate in operational an alysis, planning, execution, and assessment. SAMPLE JOINT FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS ORGANIZATION LEGEND AFRTS American Forces Radio and Television Service MOC media operations center Internet access conduct analysis and assessments Joint Force Commander Joint Force Public Affairs Officer Public Affairs Deputy Director Plans Internet Analysis and Assessment Future Operations Media Operations/MOC Community Engagement AdministrationCommand Information AFRTS Future Plans Potential Public Affairs Organization
Figure III-5. Sample Joint Force Public Affairs Organization
p. 62
Public Affairs in Joint Operations III-23 (b) Participate in a ll applicable cross-functiona l staff organizations (e.g., boards, centers, cells). (c) Develop and coordinate communication strategies and guidance. (d) Prepare PA annexes and support other annex development, as required. (e) Execute and assess comm unication strategies and plans. (f) Evaluate PA resources and provide assessments. (g) Make recommendations on future PA priorities, n ear and long term. (h) Coordinate PA activities with other US agencies, HN, and NGOs as appropriate. (i) Identify intelligence requirements to support PA pla nning and assessment. (j) Identify VI and imagery re quirements to the J-3 or designated representative. (k) Establish and manage a MOC as appropriate. (l) Monitor/assess public opinion, media coverage, and sentiment analysis. (m) Modify communication strategies and plans based on assessments. (n) Plan, coordinate, and asse ss community engagement activities. (o) Develop, execute, and assess command information programs. (p) Provide content for publicly accessible websites. (q) In accordance with (IAW) with DOD policy, integrate social media into all PA activities. (r) Provide media training to potential spokespersons. (s) Disseminate timely, accurate information about military activities. (t) Respond to media and public inquiries. (u) Educate JFCs and staffs on the role of information and PA in operations. c. The administrative section provides broad administrative support for the entire PA staff. This section is also responsible for resource support for the PA staff and monitors the status of manning levels and readiness. Additionally, this section may contract for cultural or linguistic assistance as required.
p. 63
Chapter III III-24 JP 3-61 d. Plans. PA planners support future operations and future planning, and they coordinate PA planning throughou t the JOA. They participat e in all applicable boards, bureaus, centers, cells, and working groups, and convert strategic guidance into PA plans for future OPORDs, fragmentary orders, and future plans. e. Community Engagement. This section is responsible for providing PA planning and execution support for activities that promote the interaction of US forces, multinational partners, and HN populations throughout the JOA. It requires close coordination with the country team and HN as well as the CMOC and IO cell/planners to identify community engagement opportunities for the JFC and key staff. f. Analysis and Assessment. This section supports both plans and media operations/MOC. They represent PA in all assessment-related cross-functional organizations and work with the J-2 staff to identify PA assessment requirements and support PA current operations and plans sections with assessment products. For additional information on assessment, see paragraph 5, “Assessment.” g. Media Operations Center. Media operations may be the sole purview of a MOC or conducted by a media operations section; the requirements remain basically the same. (1) A MOC is the central point of contact between the military and media representatives covering operations. It offers a venue for commanders and PA staffs to discuss their units and their roles in the joint operation and help s journalists obtain information quickly and efficiently on a wide va riety of complex activities. It should be staffed to support local and regional non-Eng lish speaking media. It may also support command information activities. The early establishment of MOCs is an important step in the responsive and efficient facilitation of media operations. (2) The size and specific structure of a MOC may vary depending on the mission. A sample organizational structure of a MOC is shown in Figure III-6. The functions listed below are common to all MOCs and require appropriate planning and resourcing to effectively support the media relations mission. In small MOCs, each assigned staff member may be responsible for more than one function. (3) The MOC director is responsible for all ac tivities conducted by the MOC staff. This includes close coordination with the J-2, J-3, and foreign disclosure officer to ensure that releasable information is accura te, timely, and issued within current OPSEC guidelines. The MOC director also considers HN sensitivities and media guidelines. The MOC director should develop an appropriate mix of activities to provide maximum opportunity for the media to cover operations directly when possible and practicable as well as acquire and disseminate releasable in formation and imagery about the conduct of operations and the forces executing the mission. The MOC should also provide materials to the Services’ hometown news centers and Services’ PA offices. Potential MOC tasks include: (a) Credential media. (b) Maintain a media database.
p. 64
Public Affairs in Joint Operations III-25 (c) Coordinate media embeds. (d) Identify logistic requirements. (e) Obtain/provide vehicles (armor ed as required) and escorts (armed as required) in order to move media to cover events. (f) Provide necessary force prot ection gear to media representatives. (g) Coordinate subordinate uni t PA coverage of critical events. (h) Coordinate the acquisition and transmission of imagery, information, and interviews to support the PA strategy. (i) Coordinate requirements fo r VI support (incl uding COMCAM) with appropriate staff. SAMPLE MEDIA OPERATIONS CENTER LEGEND AFRTS American Forces Radio and Television Service COMCAM combat camera may be separate or part of the media operations center coordination Media Operations Center Deputy Director Media Support Marketing/ Outreach Monitoring WebPress Desk Regional Media Engagement Media Operations Center Director Visual Information/ COMCAM Command Information/ AFRTS Figure III-6. Sample Media Operations Center
p. 65
Chapter III III-26 JP 3-61 (j) Facilitate the review of all imagery and information OPSEC and INFOSEC issues. (k) Edit as necessary and post c ontent to the publicly accessible website(s). (l) Cover military operations and pr oduce information packets, news releases, and stories for distribution to external and internal audiences. (m) Translate all releases and disseminate in the major languages indigenous to the people in the operational area and other intended audiences. (n) Coordinate interview requests. (o) Coordinate briefings for local and regional media. (p) Coordinate briefings from the operational area with US media. (q) Receive, respond, and track media queries. (r) Support command in formation activities. (4) The deputy MOC director assists in the management of the MOC and performs the functions of the director when necessary. Responsibilities include oversight of military-media communications, assessment of available published media products, and liaison with the joint force operations staff and subordina te commands to ensure a continuous flow of timely information. (5) Personnel working the press desk interact directly with the media and serve as the primary point of information exchange. Responsibilities include responding to media inquiries, preparing and issuing news releas es, arranging for interviews, and conducting briefings. Additional tasks involve preparing joint force operational briefers, assisting senior commanders in their encounters with the media, supervising/integrating activities of the media support and HN engagement team s ections. This section may include representatives from non-DOD agencies, NGOs, and the HN directly involved with the operation to facilitate coordination of pub licly released information among all key players. Additionally, there may be a requirement to send press desk personnel as liaisons to these organizations to ensure a timely, efficient, and accurate exchange of information. In multinational operations PA personnel from other countries may work in the press desk section to represent their nation’s interests with the media. (6) The media support section is responsible for helping the media cover joint force activities. Specific tasks include coordinati ng/managing transportation, communications, and logistic support; credentialing media; and supporting media pools. In cases where escorts are required, this section matches the media with knowledgeable persons to facilitate their movement around the operational area. If a security review is required, the media support section ensures that it is done efficiently.
p. 66
Public Affairs in Joint Operations III-27 (7) The marketing/outreach section is responsible for conducting liaison with media outside the JOA to determine inte rest in ongoing operations and repurpose existing PA products (video, audio, still imagery, print, and web) or arrange for new PA products to support their needs as well as coordinating remote interviews with commanders and subject matter experts. This section also coordinates holiday greetings and special events programming. Additionally, they produce opinion pieces, speeches, and presentations to support outreach efforts and coordinate speakers for organizations in the United States.
(8) New Media (a) Public Website. Using the Internet provides the JFC with a powerful tool to convey information quickly and efficiently on the nature and scope of the JFC’s mission, put operational actions into context, and counter advers ary propaganda supporting both public and command information activities. This section is responsible for the management and content maintenance of the site. (b) Interactive Internet Activities. JFCs may allow the use of interactive Internet activities (email, blogs, chat rooms, and social media) to support operations. Such use will be IAW current DOD guidance. Under the scope of such an effort, unless otherwise approved, only PA personnel engage in intera ctive Internet activiti es with journalists employed by media organizations or with individuals and websites that may be considered equivalent to an established news organiza tion. Additionally such activities should be conducted in the language and idiom of the intended audience, and special attention should be given to use only culturally appropriate messages and materials. (9) Monitoring Section. This section is responsible for monitoring electronic and print media. They develop and dist ribute summaries and transcripts of media coverage, press conferences, and other significant events. (10) Regional Media Engagement. The section is responsible for establishing and maintaining relations between the joint force and the local and regional non-English media. They facilitate media events with and distribute press releases to local and ESCORTS
It is mutually beneficial to both the joint force commander and the media to have escorts available to assist the reporters as they move about the operational area. These escorts need not be trained public affairs personnel, but should be knowledgeable members of the visited organizations who have received training in media relations. These individuals support the joint force by serving as facilitators to assist the media. They should neither interfere with the process of reporting nor attempt to inhibit military personnel from talking about their jobs or missions consistent with security and operational restrictions.
Various Sources
p. 67
Chapter III III-28 JP 3-61 regional media as well as monitor and translate their coverage. This section is staffed with linguists as required to conduct translations. (11) Command Information. While command information is primarily a Service responsibility, a properly manned MOC should include staffing to support this vital mission. (a) At a minimum, the MOC director should ensure intern al media are treated fairly and equally with external media and allotted an appropriate share of limited resources such as PA seats on military transportation. Further, commanders should provide all external news releases, along with any responses to query, to command information channels. (b) AFRTS is resourced to supplem ent the PA’s command information mission and will generally be a division within the MOC working for the MOC director. MOCs employ AFRTS capabilities, including use of the Internet and use of print products to convey joint command messages not only to the deployed force, but also to the home station and to family members. The MOC director ensures the information provided through external and internal channels is coordinated and consistent. (12) COMCAM. While PA usually has organic imagery acquisition capability, it may require imagery from other VI capabilities. COMCAM is a principle provider of VI and generally receives oper ational tasking from the J-3. PA should identify and coordinate imagery requirements that exceed organic capabilities with the J-3 staff member in charge of tasking COMCAM. Additionally, all COMCAM imagery should be available to PA for review and possible use consistent with OPSEC and INFOSEC. (13) Sub-MOCs. The PAO may recommend the establishment of sub-MOCs based on the size of the operational area, the dispersion of the joint forces, the diversity of Service components, and the variety of concurrent missions. Normally smaller than the main MOC, a sub-MOC should perform the same functions assigned to any information bureau. A sub-MOC may be set up temporarily to suppo rt a specific mission or at an established location to assist covering a particular sector of the operational area. Sub-MOCs could also be established afloat to support maritime aspects of a joint operation. 5. Assessment a. Assessment is a process that measures progress of the joint force toward mission accomplishment. It occurs at all levels and across the range of military operations. Continuous assessment helps the JFC and joint force component adjust operations to ensure objectives are met and the military end state is achieved. The primary emphasis of the PA assessment is identifying, measuring, and eval uating implications within the operational environment that the commander does not cont rol, but can influence through a coherent, comprehensive communications strategy establ ished by early integration in the planning process.
p. 68
Public Affairs in Joint Operations III-29 b. The assessment process begins during mission analysis when the commander and staff consider what to measure and how to measure it to determine progress toward accomplishing a task, creating an effect, or ach ieving objectives. To enable assessment during execution, baselines for what is going to be measured should be established at this point. (1) PA planners should determine objectives for PA activities that support achievement of the JFC’s strategy as well as relevant assessment measures and criteria to determine success. The PA staff collaborates with members of the joint force staff on assessment development. (2) This initial set of criteria becomes the basis for future assessment. c. PA assessments require monitoring, m easuring, and analyzing relevant information (media coverage, Internet content, polls, intelligence products, etc.) to evaluate the success of PA activities. During execution, assessments drive adjustments to both current operations and future planning to improve effectivene ss. In addition to modifying activities, assessments may identify a requirement to revalidate PA resources and modify them accordingly. CRITERIA USED IN IRAQ
Criteria that formed the basis for assessment used by Multi-National Force- Iraq for strategic communication activities to determine alignment among facts on the ground, media framing of events, and Iraqi perceptions are provided as follows:
Understanding of the Iraqi and Pan-Arab media. Media penetration of key themes. Alignment of key messages. Understanding Iraqi perceptions. Prevalence of misinformation and disinformation in media stories. Resonance of press conferences and key themes and messages.
Operation Iraqi Freedom Strategic Communication Analysis and Assessment Thomas M. Cioppa Media, War, and Conflict, April 2009, Vol. 2, pp. 25-45
p. 69
Chapter III III-30 JP 3-61
Intentionally Blank