FM 46-1 Public Affairs Operations (May 1997)

 

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FM 46-1 Public Affairs Operations (May 1997)

 

 

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* FM 46-1
Field Manual
Headquarters
FM 46-1
Department of the Army
Washington, DC, 30 May 1997
Public Affairs Operations
Contents
PREFACE
5
INTRODUCTION
6
Chapter 1
PUBLIC AFFAIRS ENVIRONMENT
9
Information Environment
10
Information Operations
10
Commanders and Public Affairs
13
Chapter 2
PUBLIC AFFAIRS PRINCIPLES
15
Principles of War
15
Public Affairs Principles
17
Chapter 3
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CORE PROCESSES
20
Public Affairs Planning
20
Information Strategies
22
Media Facilitation
24
Public Affairs Training
25
Community Relations
26
Chapter 4
PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND ARMY OPERATIONS
29
Levels of War
29
Tenets of Army Operations
30
Elements of Combat Power
31
Force Projection Cycle
33
Multinational Operations
35
Joint Operations
36
Sustaining Base Operations
37
* This publication supersedes FM 46-1, 23 July 1992.
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
Chapter 5
STABILITY AND SUPPORT OPERATIONS
40
Support to Diplomacy
41
Noncombatant Evacuations
42
Domestic Support
42
Chapter 6
PERSONNEL AND ORGANIZATIONS
45
Personnel
45
Organizations
46
Chapter 7
EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT OF PA FORCES
56
Employment of PA units
56
Required Support
58
REFERENCES
61
APPENDIX A DoD PRINCIPLES OF INFORMATION
62
APPENDIX B COVERAGE OF DoD OPERATIONS
63
APPENDIX C PUBLIC AFFAIRS ANNEX
64
APPENDIX D PUBLIC AFFAIRS ESTIMATE
66
APPENDIX E MEDIA GROUND RULES
69
GLOSSARY
70
INDEX
74
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FM 46-1
The PA Mission
Public Affairs fulfills the Army’s obligation to keep the American people and the
Army informed, and helps to establish the conditions that lead to confidence in
America’s Army and its readiness to conduct operations in peacetime, conflict and
war.
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
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FM 46-1
Preface
ield Manual 46-1 is the keystone doctrinal manual
knowledge, skills and judgment in adapting the prin-
F
for U.S. Army Public Affairs operations. It focuses
ciples in this manual to their specific situations. Public
on how the Army thinks about public affairs and de-
Affairs commanders and trainers should use this manual
scribes public affairs roles, missions, capabilities and
and Army Training and Evaluation Programs (ARTEP)
organizations for the active Army, U.S. Army Reserve
to plan and conduct their training.
and Army National Guard. It also describes public af-
Numerous terms, acronyms, and abbreviations are
fairs employment, command and control, and support
found in the manual. Users should refer to the glossary
across the operational continuum.
for their meanings or definitions.
This manual is the basis for Public Affairs force
This manual aligns public affairs operations with
design and materiel acquisition. It supports the doctri-
the command and control Battlefield Operating Sys-
nal requirements of the Concept Based Requirements
tem (BOS) and is intended for Army-wide dissemina-
System and is the authoritative foundation for the in-
tion. This edition of FM 46-1 supersedes the 1992 ver-
tegration of
Public Affairs
Our vision is to build a trained, readily
into Army doc-
deployable force of Public Affairs professionals,
trine, individual
and unit train-
resourced, capable and organized to conduct
ing, leader de-
operations in peace, conflict and war, and to
velopment,
force design
maintain a timely flow of accurate, balanced
and materiel ac-
quisition initia-
information to the American people.
tives. FM 46-1
is
directly
linked to, and must be used in conjunction with FM
sion of the manual.
100-5, FM 100-6, TRADOC PAM 525-5 and Joint
The proponent for this manual is the Office of the
Publication 1-07.
Chief of Public Affairs. Send comments and recom-
FM 46-1 is the doctrinal guide for commanders,
mendations on DA Form 2028 to Director, Public Af-
planners, and users of Army Public Affairs. It is also a
fairs Proponent Activity, ATTN.: SAPA-PA-CFST,
guide for those who must consider the effects public
Fort Meade, MD 20755-5650.
affairs has on military operations. It describes the fun-
Use of specific gender in this publication is for
damental principles and concepts for providing infor-
ease of reading. Whenever the masculine or feminine
mation to a wide range of internal and external audi-
gender is used, either gender is intended. The term
ences- soldiers, family members, retirees, political
“PAO” refers to public affairs officers, NCOs and ci-
leaders, the general public, allies and adversaries.
vilian and military specialists.!
Public affairs personnel must use their professional
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
Introduction
he mission of the United States Army is to protect
The end of the Cold War, changing international
T
and defend the Constitution of the United States
alliances and dynamics, and ambiguous regional threats
of America by deterring war, and when deterrence fails,
have led America’s Army to expand its war fighting
by achieving quick, decisive victory - on and off the
doctrine. FM 100-5, Operations, describes a strategic
battlefield - anywhere in the world and under virtu-
force-projection Army prepared to fulfill its obliga-
ally any conditions. Army Public Affairs is an inte-
tions across a continuum of military operations. It pre-
gral part of all military missions across the operational
scribes an Army able to alert, mobilize and deploy rap-
continuum. Everything that the Army does to accom-
idly from CONUS and overseas theaters to conduct
plish its mission - both good and bad - occurs within
joint, multinational or interagency operations anywhere
today’s Global Information Environment. Army Pub-
in the world. It presents concepts for warfighting and
lic Affairs assists the commander in understanding and
conducting stability and support operations, such as
operating in this new environment. Whether in peace,
humanitarian, domestic and peace operations.
conflict, or war, military operations are more effec-
FM 100-5 also addresses the impact that emerg-
ing technologies
and the evolving
"Every senior leader must personally
media environ-
ment are having
set the example by taking a proactive
on operations. It
acknowledges the
rather than reactive approach to
importance of
communicating
dealing with the media."
information to in-
ternal and external
General Dennis J. Reimer
audiences and also
recognizes that fu-
U.S. Army Chief of Staff
ture operations
will attract wide
media attention. It
reflects an understanding that coverage will influence
tive when they include public affairs support from the
the public and political leaders, and can affect the stra-
very beginning. They support the commander’s effort
tegic direction, range and duration of operations. It
to meet the information needs and expectations of in-
implies that information communication technologies
ternal and external audiences without detriment to suc-
have an impact on the conduct of operations equal to
cessful mission accomplishment.
that of emerging weapons technologies.
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FM 46-1
The requirement for the Army to conduct Public
Affairs derives from Title 10, U.S. Code which states
that the Secretary of the Army is responsible for pub-
lic affairs and will establish the Office of Public Af-
fairs. Implicit in a government of the people, by the
people and for the people are the concepts that the
people have a right to know about the activities of
the government, and the government has an obliga-
tion to inform the people about its activities. These
principles also apply to information about the activi-
ties of the military, which is established in the Con-
stitution of the United States to “provide for the com-
mon defense and general welfare of the United
States.” One of the most significant conduits through
which information is passed to the people is the free
press guaranteed by the Constitution. Since the
nation’s founding, the Army has communicated in-
formation to the American people through the me-
dia.
Army Public Affairs is a fundamental tool of com-
petent leadership, a critical element of effective battle
command, and an essential part of successful mis-
sion accomplishment. When employed to maximum
effect, Army Public Affairs helps the commander
achieve information dominance and conduct coordi-
nated information operations, and also contributes to
the preservation of public support. Active and reserve
component soldiers, whether deployed or not, their
family members and other internal audiences are af-
fected by the information, or lack of information,
available to them. Effective leaders employ a coordi-
nated public affairs strategy to help reduce distrac-
tions and to win the information war. Army Public
Affairs contributes to ethical behavior, respect for the
law of war and the rights of noncombatants. Army
Public Affairs fights rumors, misinformation, bore-
dom, enemy disinformation efforts, uncertainty, fear,
loneliness, confusion and other factors that cause
stress and undermine efficient operations. Army
PAOs develop a synchronized public affairs program
as a part of their commanders’ effort to build unit
cohesion and enhance soldier confidence. Army Pub-
lic Affairs helps increase understanding, dedication,
!
discipline and the will to win.
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
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FM 46-1
Chapter 1
Public Affairs
Environment
e live in a turbulent world of broad social and
America’s Army will conduct joint, multinational
W
political changes. The end of the Cold War,
or interagency operations, and does not operate alone.
changing international alliances and dynamics, and am-
Units work in coordination with elements from the
biguous regional threats have resulted in new chal-
other services, as well as military forces from other
lenges and altered priorities for the nation and the mili-
nations, representatives from governmental organiza-
tary. Army Public Affairs must be prepared to operate
tions other than DoD, and representatives from pri-
in a dramatically restructured military and in a rapidly
vate, non-governmental organizations. They contrib-
changing media environment.
ute a full range of unique combat, combat support and
combat service support functions.
America’s Army
To give soldiers an edge, America’s Army exploits
America’s Army has undergone a significant trans-
major technological opportunities. It pursues advance-
formation in recent years. It has become a strategic
ments which afford a significant increase in lethality,
force-projection Army prepared to fulfill its obliga-
offers major improvements for force protection, ex-
tions across a continuum of military operations. It is
ploits key vulnerabilities of potential adversaries and
continuously evolving to maintain its capability in a
offers a capability that presents an adversary with mul-
changing environment.
tiple threats simultaneously. Microprocessing, minia-
turization, automation, electronics, communications
America’s Army is a smaller, more efficient force,
and space technologies are continually changing the
and places a heavy reliance on the U.S. Army Reserve
way and pace at which operations are conducted.
and Army National Guard. The Army has reduced its
force structure and realigned programs and responsi-
America’s Army, in addition to being prepared for
bilities to achieve operating efficiencies. It has devel-
war, will increasingly be called upon to conduct sta-
oped new force design concepts such as modularity
bility and support operations. Although the Army’s
and split-based operations.
prime focus is war fighting, it is often involved in a
wide range of noncombat operations. The use of deci-
As a force-projection organization, it is able to alert,
sive force to win against an armed enemy and the ex-
mobilize, and deploy rapidly anywhere in the world from
ecution of combat operations in the environment of
CONUS and forward presence theaters. Force projec-
war is the principal role for which the Army prepares.
tion is a key element of power projection. It is a central
During peacetime, however, the Army helps keep the
element of our national security and military strategy
day-to-day tensions between nations below the thresh-
and presupposes the ability to apply all or some of the
old of conflict. When peacetime efforts are thwarted
elements of national power to act in a crisis, contribute
and adversaries seek to provoke a crisis or initiate hos-
to deterrence, and enhance regional stability.
tilities, conflict occurs. In such an environment, the
9

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
Army may be required to conduct operations to deter
The emerging electronic information communica-
enemy actions or compel compliance and resolve con-
tion technologies, the proliferation of commercial sat-
flict.
ellite technology and the expansion of international
satellite alliances have resulted in the spread of world-
wide communications. Coverage can be instantaneous
The Information
with audiences throughout the world — the American
Environment
public, allies and adversaries — receiving and react-
ing to the coverage even as the National Command
Public affairs operations are conducted in infor-
Authority is deciding on appropriate responses, or as
mation domains termed the Global Information Envi-
deployments are taking place.
ronment and the Military Information Environment.
The GIE is defined in FM 100-6, Information Opera-
Because the public is able to receive greater quan-
tions, as including “all individuals, organizations or
tities of information through proliferating outlets, the
systems, most of which are outside the control of the
demand for information has increased dramatically.
military or National Command Authorities, that col-
The need to fill more channels of communication leads
lect, process and disseminate information to national
to wider, more frequent coverage and media competi-
and international audiences.” The MIE is the “envi-
tion to find and tell unique stories. It results in more
ronment contained within the GIE, consisting of in-
analysis, critique and editorial commentary about
formation systems and organizations, friendly and ad-
events occurring in an area of operations, the impact
versary, military and non-military, that support, en-
of those events, and people’s reactions to those events.
able or significantly influence a specific military op-
Military operations have become spectator events
eration.”
watched in real time by the American public, allies
and adversaries — indeed by the whole world.
The impact of new communications technologies
on the conduct of operations is equal to that of emerg-
ing weapons technologies. Continuously evolving col-
Information Operations
lection and dissemination capabilities have radically
Effective operations in both the GIE and MIE re-
altered the dynamics of the news and information con-
quire coordinated information operations. Addressed
sumer market.
Telecommunications
“In an age of instant communications, ca-
equipment has rapidly be-
come more sophisticated
pabilities available to the media have had
and more widely avail-
increasingly important impacts on military
able. Continuously ex-
panding capabilities in in-
operations.”
creasingly smaller, more
mobile packages enables
-- FM 100-5 Operations
ever greater numbers of
at length in FM 100-6, they are in their simplest form
independent media representatives to be present
“the activities that gain information and knowledge
throughout an area of operations from the start of, if
and improve friendly execution of operations while de-
not before an operation.
nying an adversary similar capabilities by whatever
possible means. Effects of information operations pro-
Ever smaller, more portable, more affordable and
duce significant military advantage for forces conduct-
powerful radios, televisions, telephones, computers, fax
ing such operations.”
machines and other communication devices also fa-
cilitate the consumer’s access to information. Audi-
ences throughout the world — including our deployed
Synchronized information operations are con-
ducted with an aim of achieving information domi-
forces and actual or potential adversaries — are able
nance, described as “the degree of information superi-
to receive a wider range of information from a vastly
ority that allows the possessor to use information sys-
expanded spectrum of sources.
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FM 46-1
Information Operations Unity of Effort
C2W
CIVIL AFFAIRS
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMAND
•Influencing/informing
•Conducting counter-
populace of CA activities
propaganda and protect-
AND
and support
ing from misinformation
and rumor
CONTROL
•Neutralizing
WARFARE
disinformation and hostile
•Developing EEFI to
propaganda directed
preclude inadvertent
(C2W)
against civil authorities
public disclosure
supports by:
•Controlling EMS for
•Sychnronizing PSYOP
legitimate communica-
and OPSEC with PA
tions purposes.
strategy
•Providing information to
•Providing information
support information
on CMOC activities to
CIVIL
infrastructure picture
support PA strategy
AFFAIRS
•Synchronizing
•Synchronizing
supports by:
communications media
information, communi-
and messages with
cations media and
PSYOP
messages.
•Coordinating C2 target
•Identifying and
sets with target cell
integrating media and
public information
•Establishing and main-
from host nation
taining liaison and
sources
dialogue with local
civilians, NGOs and
PVOs
•Developing information
•Providing accurate,
products to protect
timely and balanced
PUBLIC
soldiers against the
information to the
AFFAIRS
effects of disinformation
public.
or misinformation.
supports by:
•Coordinating with CA
•Coordinating with
to verify facts and
PSYOP planners to
validity of information
ensure consistent mes-
sages and maintenance
of OPSEC
11

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
tems and capabilities to achieve an operational advan-
mission, Civil Affairs, PSYOP, the task force PAO,
tage in a conflict, or to control the situation in opera-
and the Joint Information Bureau. The council met
tions short of war, while denying those capabilities to
regularly to identify issues that could have either posi-
the adversary.”
tive or negative impacts on operations and then devel-
oped appropriate information strategies.
Public affairs operations are one element of a larger
information strategy encompassing command and con-
The Task Force Eagle information operations pro-
trol warfare (C2W), Civil Affairs and Public Affairs.
cess consisted of eight steps —
Command and control warfare is both offensive and
•identifying the issue,
defensive. The goal of “C2-attack” is to control or de-
•determining if the issue was a problem or an
stroy the adversary C2 capability. The goal of “C2-
opportunity,
protect” is to maintain friendly C2 capability by coun-
•defining audiences,
tering adversary efforts to influence, degrade or de-
•defining target result
stroy it. C2-protect includes measures to counter ad-
•evaluating resources and choosing methods and
versary propaganda and its effects on operations, op-
actions,
tions, public opinion, and the morale of friendly sol-
•coordinating actions and synchronizing messages,
diers. Public affairs operations support C2-protect by
•implementing actions, and
•evaluating the success
“Commanders need to understand
An illustration of the process
that the perception of America’s Army
is the IOC response to a specific
event it identified as potentially
and how it conducts its
having a negative impact on the
operations can be as important to the
IFOR mission:
Army’s success as actual combat.”
“A Bosnian radio station re-
ported that Russian soldiers
facilitating open reporting and access to units and by
were going into villages in areas of transfer and telling
maintaining robust internal information programs.
Moslems that they must leave before the Serbs moved
in. The council met and developed a course of action
Effective information operations require careful
that included media opportunities in the Russian Bri-
synchronization of many staff elements. FM 100-6
gade showing the solidarity of IFOR, Civil Affairs per-
Information Operations describes the formation of IO
sonnel talking to locals about the fact that the Rus-
battle staffs and addresses IO in depth.
sians did not want them to leave, and providing a tape
to local radio stations telling people that the Russians
Formal, dedicated information operations councils
wanted them to stay in their homes.” (TF Eagle Les-
have proven very effective in recent stability and sup-
sons Learned)
port operations. An information operations coordina-
tion committee met weekly during Operation Uphold
The IOC also produced “Weekly Messages for
Democracy in Haiti to share information and coordi-
Commanders” that included public affairs guidance and
nate the activities of the committee members. The
talking points for commanders and other members of
IOCC was comprised of representatives from J-3, J-5,
the task force who interacted with the media. The mes-
Psychological Operations, Joint Information Bureau,
sages were e-mailed to the G-5 in each brigade head-
Civil Affairs and the U.S. Information Agency.
quarters and further disseminated as desired by the
brigade commander. One brigade commander directed
In Bosnia, Task Force Eagle formed an informa-
that the messages be issued as fragmentary orders down
tion operations council which developed a formal pro-
to companies.
cedure for conducting information operations. The
council was chaired by the operation PAO and staffed
Participation in information operations integrates
by representatives of G-2, G-3, Joint Military Com-
public affairs into operations planning at all levels and
12

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FM 46-1
across the full spectrum of operations. The PA repre-
but may contribute to public understanding of U.S. in-
sentative to the IO battle staff
tentions and activities by providing timely informa-
•represents PA concerns in IO
tion about the operations.
•identifies, assesses, and advises the commander
on information and issues with PA implications
Public affairs may also contribute to information
•reviews strategic and operational information
strategies developed to counter misinformation and
with PA implications such as events, missions and pro-
propaganda communicated in the GIE.
paganda
•coordinates with CA and PSYOP representatives
In stability and support operations, the IO plan-
to ensure consistency of messages and OPSEC with-
ners may work with and receive information from a
out compromising PA credibility
variety of foreign and domestic government agencies,
•facilitates the availability of battlefield informa-
non-governmental organizations, state and local agen-
tion for PA purposes (such as releasable visual imag-
cies and private volunteer organizations. The U.S. may
ery) used to inform the public of Army capabilities and
not have the lead in these operations and therefore must
accomplishments
work closely with the lead agency to ensure U.S. in-
formation operations are consistent with the
Effective information operations require the early
overarching operational theme and objectives.
coordination and synchronization of PA, CA and
PSYOP. Each may use the same communications me-
Commanders and
dia to communicate essentially the same messages to
different audiences. While CA and PSYOP address
Public Affairs
local populations and adversary forces, PA operations
The changes occurring in America’s Army, the
are directed toward U.S. forces and U.S. and interna-
evolving information environment and the emerging
tional media. The target audiences may differ, but the
information communications technologies have made
consistency of messages is important to credibility.
it much more difficult to control, limit or restrict in-
formation. The greater availability of detailed, graphic,
With the expanding role of public affairs and in-
real-time information from anywhere in the world
formation operations, it remains important to preserve
impacts the linkage between national strategic goals,
the separation of PA and PSYOP in order to maintain
theater strategic and operational objectives, and op-
the credibility of public affairs spokespersons and prod-
erational and tactical execution.
ucts. Although coordination of PA and PSYOP occurs
in the IO cell, the public affairs representative to the
The fact that information is more available has
cell should not be the primary command or operation
bridged the gap between what occurs on the ground
spokesperson.
and the goals and objectives of the national military
strategy. Real-time or near real-time reports of the ac-
Information Operations planning and operations
tions of a soldier manning a roadblock, the results of a
are beneficial in peacetime, conflict and war. The com-
minor skirmish, or the effects of a major combat ac-
position of the IO cell will depend upon the circum-
tion become the subject of public discussion and de-
stances. In peacetime, the cell may include the G-5,
bate.
PAO, Staff Judge Advocate, and chaplain. During sta-
bility and support operations or war, the IO cell may
At all levels, Army leaders must be public affairs
include intelligence, signal, fire support, PA, CA, EW,
aware. As the Army and the information environment
OPSEC, PSYOP and logistics.
evolve, public affairs operations become an increas-
ingly critical element in the determination and achieve-
Postconflict operations also benefit from coordi-
ment of the strategic end state. The perception of
nated IO. PSYOP and CA may be needed to enhance
America’s Army and how it conducts its operations
support of local populations. Information about the
can be as important to the Army’s success as actual
Army and civil-military operations may be dissemi-
combat. Leaders must recognize the potency of public
nated through the media. Public affairs operations can-
opinion and its potential impact on the morale, confi-
not focus on directing or manipulating public opinion,
dence and effectiveness of soldiers.
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
Commanders must focus on providing complete,
accurate, timely information, rather than on guarding
information. It is critically important to achieve a bal-
anced, fair and credible presentation of information to
the American public. Commanders must know the in-
formation needs and expectations of their soldiers and
their family members, the home station community
and other internal audiences.
Commanders who understand the media are not
intimidated by the media, its role and its potential im-
pact. Commanders must plan for media. They must
confidently facilitate the media effort to provide cov-
erage, and they must support open and independent
reporting and access to units as early and as far for-
ward as is feasible. They must integrate public affairs
into their decision-making process, and consider pub-
lic affairs in their assessment of the situation and their
development of courses of actions, plans and orders.
They must ensure that public affairs operations are syn-
chronized with other combat functions. !
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FM 46-1
Chapter 2
Public Affairs
Principles
he Public Affairs mission fulfills the Army’s obli-
Information Environment. Commanders require their
T
gation to keep the American people and the Army
PAOs to include public affairs operations in their plan-
informed, and helps to establish the conditions that
ning guidance. The results are specific tasks that as-
lead to confidence in America’s Army and its readi-
sist the commander in —
ness to conduct operations in peacetime, conflict and
•exercising command and control over public
war.
affairs assets in the theater of operations
•assessing the public affairs situation
The active Army, U.S. Army Reserve and Army
•preparing public affairs plans and orders
National Guard have an obligation to keep the Ameri-
•establishing media operation centers
can people, its internal audiences and other key pub-
•supporting command and control warfare
lics informed about its achievements and successes,
•coordinating and integrating combined, joint,
as well as its problems and failures. Providing infor-
and/or interagency public affairs support
mation openly and honestly—with minimum delay—
•facilitating media involvement in collecting and
shows courage, candor, competence and commitment,
distributing information
and contributes to confidence, trust, respect and es-
•producing and distributing command and public
teem in the force. The PAO communicates the Army’s
information products to the internal and external
professional character, beliefs, values and ethics. Army
audiences
Public Affairs promotes a greater understanding of the
•participating in Information Operations
Army and its contribution to the nation.
Public Affairs and the
When America’s Army is understood, America’s
Army is strengthened. Army morale and esprit are en-
Principles of War
hanced, which further enhances understanding, confi-
The principles of war — objective, offensive, mass,
dence, trust, respect and esteem.
economy of force, maneuver, unity of command, se-
curity, surprise, and simplicity are the basis for the
Public Affairs support
Army’s warfighting doctrine. The Public Affairs Of-
ficer provides input to the warfighting planning pro-
to military operations
cess, and supports political, economic, and informa-
Public Affairs supports military and U.S. policy
tional goals, as well as military objectives. The PAO
objectives throughout the operational continuum.
assesses the impact of military operations in both the
PAOs provide combat commanders with a battlefield
global (GIE) and military (MIE) information environ-
edge in winning the war conducted in today’s Global
ments. PA operations will have the same impact on
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
these basic military principles as any other element in
Economy of force
the operational force.
The judicious employment and distribution of
forces requires that no part of the force should be left
Objective
without public affairs training and support. The PAO
Once the strategic, operational, and tactical mili-
must ensure that young leaders and soldiers in forward-
tary objectives are specified, the PAO supports the
deployed units are trained and capable of successfully
commander through the analytical framework of mis-
telling the Army’s story when speaking to reporters.
sion, enemy, troops, terrain, and time available
Public affairs detachments must be positioned far for-
(METT-T) to designate operational objectives. Objec-
ward to support PA operations at the lowest level pos-
tives include conducting public affairs training, plan-
sible. Their modular design affords commanders the
ning, developing information strategies, conducting
flexibility of maneuvering PA personnel with the main
media center operations, facilitating media access to
body while continuing to conduct public affairs op-
the force, acquiring and analyzing information, and
erations.
targeting products to specific audi-
ences.
The Principles of War - FM 100-5
Offensive
To be an asset to the field com-
mander, the PAO must seize the ini-
Objective: Direct every military operation toward a
tiative and actively assess and re-
clearly defined, decisive and attainable objective.
spond to potential public affairs situ-
ations, incidents, and force move-
Offensive: Seize, retain and exploit the initiative.
ments in support of the commander’s
objective.
Mass: Mass the effects of overwhelming combat
power at the decisive place and time.
Public Affairs operations are
combat multipliers by:
Economy of Force: Employ all combat power
• keeping soldiers informed
available in the most effective way possible; allo-
• maintaining public support for
cate minimum essential combat power to second-
the soldier in the field
ary efforts.
• mitigating the impact of mis-
information and propaganda
Maneuver: Place the enemy in a position of disad-
vantage through the flexible application of combat
Mass
power.
The principle of mass requires
the quick assembly of public affairs
Unity of Command: For every objective, seek unity
forces and resources at a particular
of command and unity of effort.
place and time. PA forces must be
deployed early, in sufficient num-
Security: Never permit the enemy to acquire
bers, and utilized in accordance with
unexpected advantage.
the established battlefield laydown
if they are to conduct professional
Surprise: Strike the enemy at a time or place or in
PA operations appropriately tailored
to their assigned missions. The com-
a manner for which he is unprepared.
manders most likely to succeed will
have accurately assessed the level of
Simplicity: Prepare clear, uncomplicated plans and
news media interest in their opera-
concise orders to ensure thorough understanding.
tion, and will have provided the as-
sets necessary to accomplish the
public affairs mission.
16

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FM 46-1
Unity of command
he Global Information Environment (GIE) has
Unity of command requires that all public affairs
T
bridged the gap between the strategic and tacti-
forces are under a single commander with the requi-
cal levels of operations. Information and images from
site authority to direct all PA forces in pursuit of a
a theater of operations are available to audiences in
unified purpose. Whether that commander is a divi-
the United States and throughout the world in near
sion, corps, theater, joint, or unified public affairs com-
real time. They can dramatically influence public opin-
mander, PA units must have a clear chain of command
ion and may force the National Command Authority
that minimizes the number of higher headquarters in
to react more rapidly than it would prefer. They may
that chain. The chain must be flexible enough to syn-
lead to changes in strategic level goals and guidance,
chronize PA functional activities throughout the the-
result in significant modifications to operational mis-
ater of operations.
sions, policies and procedures, and cause unexpected
tactical restraints and constraints. They have a direct
Unity of effort
impact on soldier morale, discipline and performance.
Unity of effort, essential to unity of command, re-
quires the coordination and cooperation among all
Public Affairs Principles
forces, especially those public affairs operations at the
Conducting operations in the GIE requires an un-
joint or unified level where more than one service is
derstanding of basic public affairs principles. Army
involved in the public affairs operation. It is essential
leaders at all levels need to understand the fundamen-
if we are to effectively tell the Army’s story.
tal concepts which underlie the development of pub-
lic affairs strategies and guide the planning and ex-
Security
ecution of public affairs operations. They should also
Public affairs operations support security by de-
be familiar with the DoD Principles of Information
veloping a plan for the inclusion of news media, es-
(Appendix A) and the Guidelines for Coverage of DoD
tablishing and enforcing media ground rules and de-
Combat Operations (Appendix B) which provide
veloping procedures for explaining the sensitivity and
overarching guidelines for public affairs operations.
complexity of military operations to the media. To pre-
vent the release of classified or protected information
Soldiers and families come first
into the public domain, individuals must practice se-
Internal audiences include soldiers, civilian em-
curity at the source and adhere to OPSEC requirements.
ployees, retirees and all affiliated family members
throughout the Army’s active and reserve components.
Surprise
These audiences must be thoroughly and appropriately
Speed, effective intelligence, deception, applica-
informed to ensure maximum effectiveness and the
tion of unexpected combat power, OPSEC and varia-
highest sustainable morale. These audiences often be-
tions in tactics and methods of operations are elements
come public spokespersons and effectively managed
of surprise. The elements of the principle of security
internal information programs contribute to their abil-
carry over to the principle of surprise. Public affairs
ity to do that well. Although operational needs may at
forces must ensure that the element of surprise is not
times divert immediate attention to external audiences,
compromised by the inadvertent release of critical op-
the information needs of soldiers, families, civilian
erational information.
employees, retirees and employers of reservists must
be considered first.
Simplicity
Public affairs relationships are simplified by us-
Truth is paramount
ing a single-staff focal point. The PAO, working with
Trust and confidence in America’s Army and its
the G3/S3, can relieve the unit’s staff and command
conduct of operations result when external and inter-
of many related functions. PA plans and annexes must
nal audiences understand the Army and the reasons
be simple and direct, and must be supportable by the
for its actions, decisions and policies. It involves teach-
available resources. Early coordination and comple-
ing them about the Army’s culture. It depends on edu-
tion of operational annexes will ensure effective and
cating them about our units and soldiers, ethics, val-
successful operations.
17

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
ues, policies and procedures. Because every active and
dence in the Army is to be maintained. Issues must be
reserve component soldier, civilian and family mem-
addressed quickly, honestly and accurately. Explana-
ber is perceived as a credible spokesperson, telling the
tions may be given in terms of corrective actions and
Army story is a total Army responsibility. Once lost,
preventive measures. Withholding or appearing to
credibility cannot be easily regained. The quickest way
withhold negative information creates the perception
to destroy credibility is to misrepresent the truth. Com-
of cover-ups, leads to speculation, and destroys the
municating different messages to different audiences
credibility of the Army and the operation. Denying
is also a sure way to destroy credibility of the source.
information about, or refusing to comment on, poli-
When credibility is undermined, communication be-
cies, operations, activities, positions or procedures
comes ineffective and it is impossible to achieve in-
which are clearly in the public domain undermines
formation objectives.
confidence in the Army.
If news is out it’s out
Telling our story is good for the Army
The GIE makes more information easier to dis-
In stability and support operations in particular,
seminate and more accessible to wide audiences. As
but also in war, providing accurate and timely infor-
the value of information continues to increase, the abil-
mation about the force and its operation will contrib-
ity to limit or restrict its flow continues to decrease.
ute to mission accomplishment. Providing informa-
Leaders must recognize this, consider the impact that
tion about the force, intent and actions communicates
information availability will have on mission, and pre-
restraint, indicates perseverance, and can serve as a
pare to address issues openly, honestly and in a timely
deterrent. It can clarify the nature of the mandate and
manner. Once information is available, attempting to
the Army’s efforts to operate within that mandate.
deny it or failing to acknowledge it will destroy the
Army’s credibility.
The active release of complete and accurate in-
formation influences the perception of events, clari-
Not all news is good news
fies public understanding and frames the public de-
In the GIE, the presentation of information about
bate. It preempts attempts to misrepresent situations.
the Army and its operations will be both positive and
When intentional misinformation or disinformation
negative. Information about failures will be just as
efforts are being made by adversaries, providing open
available as information about successes. Army poli-
access and independent media coverage is the most
cies, decision and actions will be criticized and praised.
effective defense. It is a key tool for countering the
PAOs cannot control media coverage or guarantee posi-
impact of enemy information operations.
tive media products. DoD policy is that information
will not be classified or otherwise withheld to protect
Public affairs must be deployed early
the government from criticism or embarrassment. In-
During deployments an Army commander’s first
formation can only be withheld when its disclosure
contact will often be with a news reporter. Reporters
would adversely affect national and operations secu-
and journalists will be present in the area of opera-
rity or threaten the safety or privacy of members of
tions before Army forces arrive, and will often be well
the military community.
established, with a fully functional logistical frame-
work and long-standing coordination and liaison ar-
It is DoD and Army policy to take an active ap-
rangements. Having covered the buildup of the situa-
proach to providing information. The Army will prac-
tion that lead to the military deployment, the media
tice the principle of “maximum disclosure with mini-
will know and understand the area of operations. For
mum delay,” even though this will sometimes result
them, the injection of Army forces will be their major
in the publication of stories which are not favorable to
story. Since national and international media will be
the command.
watching from the moment the forces arrive, public
affairs personnel need to be deployed in the first hours
Army spokespersons must avoid speculation and
of an operation to support the commander and the force
confirm the accuracy of their information. Successes
in their interactions with media. The PAO can signifi-
and strengths as well as failures and weaknesses must
cantly reduce the distractions to the mission created
be addressed if internal and external audience confi-
by the media, allowing the commander to focus on his
18

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FM 46-1
mission and his soldiers’ welfare.
safety and proprietary issues. Anytime they provide
information, that information may be made public. The
Media interest will be intense at the outset of op-
standard must be to practice security at the source by
erations. Public interest and media attention will be
not sharing information which policy has determined
high during the initial deployment of forces. The me-
to be inappropriate for release. !
dia will closely cover the deployment of American
forces, their arrival in the theater and their initial op-
erations. Once operations have been initiated and sta-
bility has been achieved, media attention will dimin-
ish until a significant event occurs or there is a no-
table change in the situation. Media interest will re-
surface as the force completes its mission and begins
to redeploy.
Media are not the enemy
While military professionals and journalists both
serve the American people, their philosophies, values
and basic outlook don’t always correspond. These dif-
ferences can easily lead to misunderstandings. Yet the
vast majority of journalists and the organizations they
represent are committed to the ideals of providing re-
sponsible, accurate, balanced coverage. Good report-
ers will thoroughly investigate issues, and ask tough
challenging questions. They seek information, inter-
pretation and perspective. Yet many reporters today
have not served in the military and their inexperience
and uncertainty may create obstacles in communica-
tion between themselves and soldiers. They may fail
to properly prepare for their assignments. Soldiers may
need to educate them on military operations and help
them understand the significance of the events on
which they report.
Reporters covering operations should not only be
provided access to units and soldiers, but whenever
feasible, should be included in the operation as a part
of a unit. Incorporating journalists into units provides
them with a unique perspective. It gives them the
chance to know soldiers, understand the operation and
experience America’s Army. It results in the best cov-
erage.
Practice security at the source
The characteristics of the military and global in-
formation environments essentially render field cen-
sorship impractical in its traditional sense, as well as
impossible. All individuals must be responsible for
sensitive information. Whether being interviewed by
a reporter, or sharing news with a spouse or a friend,
communicators must be aware of operational security,
19

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
Chapter 3
Public Affairs
Core Processes
he public affairs functional areas have historically
Public Affairs planning
Tbeen public information, command information
From receipt of a mission through mission analy-
and community relations. As broad references, the
sis, course of action development, analysis, recommen-
terms are still useful. To adequately describe the
dation, decision and implementation, public affairs
“value-added” provided by public affairs to the com-
planners continuously assess the situation, develop
mander, a more precise method is required. Addition-
solutions and monitor effects of public affairs opera-
ally, the traditional terms do not adequately address
tions. Public affairs planning is an integral element of
the challenge of providing public affairs support in the
the decision-making process at every level and across
global information environment. The realities of rap-
the continuum of operations. Done in concert with op-
idly evolving technology, radical changes in the busi-
erational planning, it enhances the commander’s range
ness structure affecting the commercial media and tele-
of options.
communications companies, and the pervasive net-
working of a global community demand a new approach
Public affairs planning reduces the constraints
to articulating what public affairs professionals do.
which inhibit a commander’s range of possibilities and
increases his freedom to decide and act without dis-
This chapter focuses on core processes, within the
traction. This planning is conducted in concert with
framework of the three broad public affairs functional
all information operations planners, and when appro-
areas, allowing Army Public Affairs to meet the chal-
priate, with the Information Operations Battle Staff.
lenges of supporting Army XXI in the Information Age.
Public affairs planning begins with the receipt of
The public affairs core processes are —
a mission. PAOs prepare the Public Affairs Estimate,
conduct public affairs planning
and advise the commander and other staff personnel
execute information strategies
on global information environment issues (such as ex-
facilitate media operations
pected media interest) which might impact on the mis-
conduct public affairs training, and
sion. They provide input during the development of
maintain community relations
possible courses of action and the war gaming of those
potential courses of action. They identify critical pub-
While the traditional functional area designations
lic affairs risk factors, consider branches and sequels,
such as Command Information and Public Informa-
judge the impact on internal audiences and external
tion may be used to describe public affairs product cat-
community relations, develop a public affairs strategy,
egories or organizational focus, the public affairs core
prepare the Public Affairs Annex to the Operation Plan/
process definitions describe the esssential components
Operation Order and publish Public Affairs Guidance.
of Army public affairs operations.
20

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FM 46-1
Once operations have been initiated, public affairs
The Public Affairs Assessment serves as the foun-
planners continuously monitor operations and the GIE.
dation from which the Public Affairs Estimate is writ-
They evaluate the situation, measure the effectiveness
ten and focuses on:
of the effort and make adjustments to the PA opera-
tion as necessary. They react to operational events with
•Media presence. A commander needs to know
a public affairs impact, and public affairs events with
the number of media representatives in the theater be-
an operational impact. They participate in future op-
fore the deployment of his force, and what level of
erations planning.
media presence he should anticipate once deployment
begins. The commander must also have an analysis of
Public Affairs Assessment
the type of media (print or broadcast), the visibility of
The Public Affairs Assessment addresses all as-
the media (local, national, international, American or
pects of the information environment, whether or not
foreign) and the style of the media (news, information
they are under the control of the commander. Primary
or entertainment) covering the operation. The assess-
emphasis is placed on identifying, measuring and
ment of the media presence should address the author-
evaluating the implications of the external informa-
ity under which media representatives are operating in
tion environment that the Army does not control, but
the theater and their degree of access to the theater of
can influence through a coherent, comprehensive strat-
operations.
egy and early integration in the planning and decision-
making process. The blurring of the line between ex-
•Media capabilities. A commander needs an
ternal and internal information adds to the value of
analysis of the technological capabilities of media rep-
assessing the internal environment as well.
resentatives present in the theater. He needs to know,
The assessment identifies
Dramatic visual presentations can
and evaluates the public affairs
environment, the global infor-
rapidly influence public and political
mation environment and the
military information environ-
opinion, so that the political
ment of a country, geographic
underpinnings of war and operations
area or the area of operation.
It includes an examination of
other than war suddenly change with no
the physical and social infra-
structure from a public affairs
prior indication to the commander in the
viewpoint. The assessment is
field.
-FM 100-5 Operations
continually updated and is
used as a reference document
which briefly describes characteristics of the region
for example, if they have live video transmission ca-
which are pertinent to public affairs operations. Much
pability or interactive satellite telecommunications
of the information used to develop this assessment is
access. An analysis of the sophistication of the media’s
obtained from other contributors to Information Op-
logistics support provides information about the trans-
erations. For example, the Civil Affairs representative
portation assets or resupply channels available to me-
to the Information Operations Battle Staff may have
dia representatives, and can be an important planning
information about commercial media and communi-
consideration.
cations capabilities and availability in the area of op-
erations. The assessment is a compilation of informa-
•Information needs. A commander needs to
tion on the GIE and MIE, and requires the PA special-
know who he must provide information to and what
ist to review and coordinate the development of the
information he will need to provide. Public affairs plan-
assessment with information being collected by the
ners will conduct an audience analysis to determine
Civil Affairs, Psychological Operations, and Military
the information needs of soldiers, family members,
Intelligence sections. This ensures coordination in the
hometown audiences, and the American public. A thor-
development of campaigns, themes and messages dur-
ough audience analysis will evaluate how information
ing the operation.
made available to the media will be perceived by non-
21

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
U.S. publics, including allied as well as adversary pub-
public support. The Public Affairs Estimate evaluates
lics, what they will be interested in, and what they
the existing global information environment, emerg-
might do with that information.
ing trends, current events, and internal and external
information communication issues. It contains an
•Media content analysis. A commander
analysis and comparison of alternative courses of ac-
needs to know what is being said and by whom. A
tion, recommendations about public affairs force struc-
media content analysis will provide an evaluation of
ture and how to employ available PA assets.
the quantity and the nature of that coverage, and re-
veal intended as well as unintended messages. This is
Public Affairs Plans
essential to understanding how stated intentions and
Based on the information developed in the Public
conditions contrast with real intentions and conditions,
Affairs Estimate, planners develop a strategy to sup-
and helps identify media trends or agendas. This will
port the operation. The public affairs strategy links
help the commander understand how the situation is
the national strategic goals and operational objectives.
being framed and what messages are being communi-
It defines the Army perspective of an operation, and
cated to the public. How the situation is framed — the
describes how an operation supports strategic goals. It
context in which it is being presented — will influ-
provides the intent for public affairs operations and
ence how the American public defines success and the
the Army’s approach to meeting the information needs
desired end-state of an operation. Understanding how
of critical internal and external audiences. In final form
the situation is framed is essential to designing effec-
it becomes the Public Affairs Annex to the operations
tive strategies for communicating the Army perspec-
plan and serves as the framework for developing Pub-
tive within the public discourse, and for achieving a
lic Affairs Guidance for the operation.
balanced, fair and credible flow of information.
Public affairs plans are integrated into the opera-
•Public opinion. A commander needs to know
tion plan/operation order through the PA Annex. The
how the American people and their civilian leaders per-
annex provides the details for media facilitation, news
ceive the situation and the use of military power. He
and information, and force training operations. It is
needs to understand the perceptions held by interna-
coordinated with all staff agencies, especially those
tional audiences, both those traditionally allied with
that significantly impact the information environment
the U.S. and those traditionally considered to be ad-
— i.e., Psychological Operations, Civil Affairs, Sig-
versaries. Assessment of public opinion must not only
nal, Military Intelligence — to ensure that public af-
evaluate the perceptions held, but also the relative so-
fairs activities are synchronized with other activities.
lidity or strength of those attitudes.
Public Affairs Guidance
•Information infrastructure. A commander
Public Affairs Guidance (PAG) provides mission-
needs to know what sources are accessible for trans-
specific guidance to support public discussion of the
mitting and receiving information. Among other things,
operation. Public Affairs Guidance establishes the
an analysis must be conducted of the availability of
command’s public affairs policies, identifies issues
telephone lines for voice and data transmission, the
likely to be of interest, delineates the Army perspec-
accessibility of audio and video channels, the preva-
tive, recommends appropriate themes, and addresses
lence of private communications devices such as tele-
the methods, timing and authority for releasing infor-
phones, facsimiles, computers with modems, radios
mation to news media representatives.
and televisions, and the nature of the information avail-
able through these information channels.
Information Strategies
The public affairs community and the Army stand
Public Affairs Estimate
at the threshold of the Information Age. The prolif-
The Public Affairs Estimate (see Appendix D) is
eration of personal computers, the World Wide Web,
an assessment of a specific mission from a public af-
fairs perspective. It includes analysis of the news me-
the Internet, on-line services, fax machines, e-mail,
dia and public environments to evaluate the degree of
cable television, direct broadcast satellites, copying
understanding about strategic and operational objec-
machines, cellular communication, wireless commu-
tives and military activities and to identify levels of
nication and many other information technologies have
22

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FM 46-1
created an endless stream of data and information that
oped into a story, release, or product. Producing a pub-
flows into a world filled with images, symbols, words,
lic affairs product requires state-of-the-art digital in-
and sounds. Much of this information is a strategic
formation technology. The nature, distribution, capac-
asset, capable of altering high-level decisions by the
ity, usability and flexibility of public affairs systems,
National Command Authority, and senior military lead-
including their links with satellite and communications
ers.
networks are crucial in the rapid processing and distri-
bution of information. While most production is tech-
To effectively deal with this barrage of informa-
nical in nature-writing a release, shooting a picture,
tion, public affairs professionals must be skilled at in-
developing a story, editing a story, conducting an
forming their publics, both internal (Command Infor-
interview-the PAO must also review the context of
mation) and external (Public Information). Informa-
the information for its impact on internal and external
tion strategies are synchronized plans for using all
community relations.
available and appropriate methods of communication
to achieve specific goals of informing target audiences.
Distribution
The process includes: acquisition, production, distri-
Information must reach an audience. Distribution
bution and protection.
systems or platforms must keep up with changes in
the technology used to deliver information. The pub-
Acquisition
lic affairs community should be able to deliver infor-
Information acquisition is initiated by PAOs de-
mation to all audiences via all mediums. Connectivity
veloping story ideas that support the PA guidance and
within the public affairs networks and the external me-
themes for the operation. They monitor events in the
diums used in the dissemination of information is cru-
GIE/MIE, and seek out creditable sources for infor-
cial. Wars can be won or lost on the world’s television
mation.
screens as well as on the battlefield.
•Information Sources. Public affairs special-
PAOs employ many information strategies to pro-
ists acquire information using a variety of sources. Be-
vide news and information to internal and external
cause of the volume of information and the vast num-
audiences. Using organic military assets and contracted
ber of potential distribution mediums, the public af-
services, PAOs provide print, video, audio and elec-
fairs team, detachment or office develops and uses a
tronic information products to deployed soldiers, news
systematic acquisition strategy. They acquire informa-
media representatives, family members, and other
tion from—
home station audiences such as members of the local
•participants
community. They fill news and information needs and
•leaders
expectations by maintaining an expedited flow of com-
•developed sources
plete, accurate and timely information.
•the media
•research and development
This information helps them understand and in-
•intelligence
terpret the activities and events they are covering. It is
•culture at large
a critical element in communicating the Army perspec-
•subject matter experts
tive and contributes to achieving a timely, accurate,
balanced presentation of information about America’s
•Acquisition equipment. Public affairs spe-
Army, the force and the mission. It builds confidence
cialists must be equipped with the latest “off-the-shelf”
in the force and the operation, maintains morale, re-
digital technology, capable of collecting images to be
duces distractions, and minimizes factors which de-
processed and distributed internally or marketed over
tract from effective, efficient operations.
commercial radio and television broadcast mediums,
Providing news and information to internal and
across the Internet and the World Wide Web, and to
external audiences is synergistic. “Public information”
newspapers and magazines.
provided to the commercial news media is available
to soldiers, families, and Army civilians. “Command
Production
information” provided to soldiers, families and Army
For information to be of value it must be devel-
civilians quickly becomes available to reporters and
23

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
can appear in public media. To maintain credibility,
of the military’s effectiveness.
news and information provided to internal and exter-
nal audiences must be timely, accurate and consistent.
Media facilitiation includes—
•assisting media entry into the area
If the information provided to internal audiences dif-
•registering media representatives
fers from that provided to other audiences, the discrep-
ancy will affect the perception of, and confidence in
•orienting them on ground rules for coverage
America’s Army.
•ensuring they understand security policies
•arranging interviews and briefings
•coordinating unit visits and escorts
The information products provided to internal and
•providing thorough and timely responses to
external audiences are varied. They provide news and
information about America’s Army, the force, unit
media queries
activities, the operation, exercise, and Annual Train-
•embedding media in operational units
ing for reservists. For deployed soldiers, they also in-
clude products which provide news and information
Establish a media center early
about home station, the local community, and national
Setting up a media center early establishes a focal
and international events. Public media products—print,
point for media representatives seeking to cover an
broadcast and electronic—must also be made avail-
operation and also provides a central location for Army
able to soldiers.
personnel seeking assistance with reporters in their
area. It is a place for resolving problems or incidents
Protect
resulting from media/military interaction.
The process of informing requires a clear-cut un-
derstanding of how information must be protected. In-
Understand and prepare for the media
formation as a resource is inexhaustible. Both sides
To prepare for encounters with the media, com-
can benefit from information and use information si-
manders must accept and understand the role of the
multaneously against each other. Pieces of the right
news organizations and the journalists in the theater,
information can have a dramatic impact on the out-
and their capabilities in getting information from the
come of an operation. PAOs will continue to protect
battlefield or area of operations. Commanders must
vital information by practicing “security at the source”
provide media access to the force, keeping in mind the
and following established operational security mea-
impact their technology will have on operational se-
sures. In addition to protecting “raw” and completed
curity. They must identify and provide support and re-
information products, PAOs must also take the neces-
sources to assist the media in their mission. Command-
sary steps to protect information networks.
ers have a responsibility to ensure that their public af-
fairs operations are positioned and resourced to ad-
equately facilitate the media’s needs. Successful com-
Media Facilitation
manders will have accurately assessed the level of news
The commercial news media are major players in
media interest in their operation and anticipated and
the global information environment. Fewer than 150
provided the assets necessary to accomplish the media
reporters covered the 1944 D-Day invasion of Europe.
facilitation mission. Commanders and staff must assess
More than 800 covered Operation Just Cause in 1990,
the intensity of news media interest and anticipate the
and more than 1500 journalists from around the world
personnel, communications, transportation, and deploy-
covered the Persian Gulf War in 1991. There is no ques-
ment requirements necessary to communicate through
tion that the news media will cover future military
the news media during all stages of the operation. The
operations, and in most cases will be on the ground
objective of media facilitation is to support reporters
before American forces arrive. Images of events as they
in their efforts to cover the force and the operation,
happen, in real-time, from both sides of the conflict
while minimizing the possibility that media activities will
will be transmitted to the world. It is the commander’s
disrupt the operation, endanger mission accomplishment
task, through the public affairs officer and staff, to
or compromise soldier safety or privacy.
develop a well resourced and responsive infrastruc-
ture to facilitate media operations. Failure to do so will
Embedding the media
not affect the scale of news media coverage; it will,
PAOs should seek out those members of the me-
however, limit the command’s ability to communicate
dia who are willing to spend extended periods of time
effectively and risk distorting the public’s perception
24

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FM 46-1
with soldiers during an operation, embedding them into
The expectation that all journalists will be accom-
the unit they cover. Embedding is the act of assigning
panied by trained public affairs professionals is unre-
a reporter to a unit as a member of the unit. The re-
alistic. There will always be more media than PA per-
porter eats, sleeps, and moves with the unit. The re-
sonnel. Often PAOs are not the most qualified person-
porter is authorized open access to all sections of the
nel to act as escorts because they lack the specialized
unit and is not escorted by public affairs personnel.
expertise to explain detailed activities of different units
Rather, the unit is the reporter’s escort. Reporters file
involved in an operation. The PAO’s duties will be to
their stories from unit lo-
cations and security is ac-
complished at the source,
Reporters will be on the ground
by establishing with the
before soldiers arrive.
reporter what can be cov-
ered and reported on and
Commanders must develop
what cannot be reported
on, or when material can
well-resourced and responsive
be reported.
means to help them in their mission.
Ground rules
and security
Commanders must understand that sustained con-
make arrangements for the press to visit a unit, to as-
tacts between military forces and the news media re-
sist in transporting them to the unit and then to rely on
sult in the most complete and accurate stories about
a designated subject matter expert (such as an execu-
their units. They should seek to convince reporters that
tive officer, first sergeant, platoon leader) to assist the
the acceptance of reasonable military ground rules (see
media while they are in the unit.
Appendix E, Media Ground Rules Example) and the
integration of journalists into operational units are in
Transportation arrangements need not place spe-
the best interest of both institutions. However, some
cial requirements on the commander. Reporters can
reporters will choose not to cooperate and in those
move forward with supply columns or with any trans-
cases, commanders have no responsibilities for such
port which inevitably shuttles within the organization.
individuals and should focus their attention on the re-
porters who desire to abide by the procedures outlined
Commanders at every level should be interested
for the operation.
in what is being said about their efforts. Those at the
tactical level will often learn from the reporters inte-
While members of the media may say that their
grated with their units or from news summaries sev-
security is of no concern to the military and DoD policy
eral days old. They don’t have to like or agree with
calls for working with journalists without regard for
what is being reported, but they do have to understand
their safety, the capture of journalists by U.S. adver-
what is being reported. The public obtains its informa-
saries in Panama during Operation Just Cause and in
tion about the operation from the news media, and those
Iraq during Desert Storm have proven that while no
reports help to shape public perceptions and opinion
one can guarantee the security of all reporters, those
about the command’s effectiveness. With an effective
who accept the protection afforded them by military
media facilitation program, the command is aware of
units are in the best position to cover the story and
differences between what it knows to be true and what
survive.
the news media are reporting. Relying on technology,
their assessments, and their media facilitation plans,
Interviews, escorts and briefings
commanders and their PA staffs have to continuously work
Public affairs and operational personnel should be
to ensure that the inevitable gap is as narrow as possible.
available to furnish explanations to provide context to
the transmitted images and reports. Without command
Public Affairs Training
assistance, there is a chance that misperceptions and
The underlying principle of Army training is to
misunderstandings will result.
train in peacetime in a way that replicates expected
25

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
wartime conditions. Public affairs training includes—
ment, planning and execution. It trains PA planners to
•training for public affairs soldiers
assess the operations environment from a public af-
•media interaction training for non-public affairs
fairs perspective, produce a Public Affairs Estimate,
soldiers, civilian employees and family members
develop the Public Affairs Annex and Public Affairs
Guidance.
The goal of public affairs training is to prepare
soldiers to interact with and operate under the scrutiny
Training for public affairs units and personnel en-
of the press. It teaches soldiers that journalists are not
ables them to validate standard operating procedures
adversaries, and focus on providing accurate, balanced
for media operations centers and media facilitation,
coverage. It helps soldiers understand that the media
develop and execute information strategies, create and
is a communication channel to the American public as
distribute information products, and fully participate
well as to audiences worldwide.
in information operations. Public affairs sections and
units should be routinely incorporated into the entire
Although public affairs training familiarizes soldiers
spectrum of training events.
with their rights regarding interaction with the press, it
also prepares them to facilitate journalists efforts to
Public affairs training can also be conducted for
gather and report information. It trains them on how to
journalists. They should be educated on the rights and
react when they encounter
responsibilities of
media in their area of op-
“Every commander, every
military community
erations. It prepares them to
members, as well as
soldier, every unit in a Force
give interviews, provide
the roles and mis-
briefings and escort jour-
sions of particular
Projection Army must be
nalists. It ensures they are
units and the Army.
ready to perform their du-
fully trained and ready to
ties while accompanied by
deploy.”
T h e
reporters without allowing
overarching goal of
the media presence to influ-
-FM100-5, Operations
this public affairs
ence or interfere with the
training is to help the military and media interact with
execution of their duties.
mutual respect and understanding.
For commanders, staffs and other Army leaders,
public affairs training builds on individual training. It
Community Relations
focuses on integrating public affairs considerations into
The active Army relies on communities and re-
the planning and decision-making process. It prepares
gions surrounding its installations for direct and indi-
them to recognize that soldier morale, combat effec-
rect support of both the Army and its people. The U.S.
tiveness, tactical execution and mission accomplish-
Army Reserve and Army National Guard are equally
ment can be affected by media coverage of the opera-
integral parts of their hometown communities. Reserve
tion. It enables them to recognize, understand and plan
centers and armories are major civic structures, and
for the strategic, operational and tactical impact of a
the reserve component soldiers live and work in the
media-intensive, global information environment. It
community. Maintaining effective community rela-
trains them to identify and develop public affairs plans
tions not only contributes to the morale of soldiers and
which are fully synchronized with and mutually sup-
their families, but also enhances the projection and sus-
portive of all other aspects of the operation.
tainment capabilities of Army posts and hometown
support, directly affecting the combat power potential
Training for public affairs personnel expands on
of mobilized or deployed Army forces. Communities
soldier and leader training. It stresses individual as well
can provide the Army access to resources needed to
as collective tasks with an aim of developing units fully
train and maintain readiness and also can extend sup-
prepared to accomplish the range of public affairs mis-
port to the families of deployed soldiers. Public Af-
sions. It integrates public affairs into the battle staff.
fairs helps commanders build and sustain the commu-
It ensures public affairs is involved in mission assess-
nity relationships that in turn generate support for
26

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FM 46-1
America’s Army. The Army’s ability to meet its man-
is in turn related to the public affairs process of train-
power needs is heavily dependent upon the acceptance
ing by which the military community is trained in ef-
and support of the American public. Effective com-
fective media relations practices. Community relations
munity relations programs help project an image of
are also affected by a variety of command and com-
the Army as a good place for America’s youth, thus
munity initiated events and activities.
enhancing the Army’s ability to attract and retain the
quality soldiers needed to remain an effective and vi-
The importance of community relations cannot be
tal force. Army community relations policy is pre-
underestimated. The relationship between the Army
scribed in AR 360-61, Community Relations.
and the public is a fundamental objective of the public
affairs mission of contributing to “the conditions that
In the sustaining base, management of commu-
lead to confidence in America’s Army and its readi-
nity relations programs is primarily a function of pub-
ness to conduct operations in peacetime and war.” This
lic affairs. In overseas operational areas, community
relationship is not created and maintained only during
relations is a shared task with the G5. At both CONUS
operations, but is an ongoing one requiring regular at-
and overseas locations, public affairs personnel help
tention. While it can be affected by specific events,
civic leaders and local populations understand the ac-
both planned and not, it is also shaped by perceptions
tivities of nearby installations and units. Community
of what one community thinks of the other. Thus, an
relations audiences include the public, government of-
Army organization that is thought to be uncaring about
ficials at all levels, business leaders, and church, ser-
its surrounding community, will naturally be unlikely to
vice, civic and school organizations.
experience a positive relationship with that community.
Overseas, host nation
Effective community relations
The public’s relation-
civilians are often em-
ship with a local re-
programs enhance the
ployed as media and
serve unit or an active
community relations spe-
duty installation neces-
projection and sustainment
cialists. They advise
sitates that the potential
PAOs and commanders
capabilities of the Army and
implications of every
of host nation sensitivi-
installation activity, op-
supports soldiers’ families.
ties, local political issues
eration or major train-
and press reaction to
ing activity be consid-
American activities.
ered at all times. This is especially important during
crisis management and mobilization, deployment and
The objectives of Army community relations pro-
redeployment operations, even when the installation
grams, as outlined in AR 360-61, are to—
or reserve unit is not directly involved. It is also im-
•increase public awareness of the Army’s mission,
portant when national debate is occurring about a po-
policies and programs
litically sensitive or controversial issue related to the
inspire patriotism
Department of the Army or Department of Defense.
foster good relations with the various publics with
During such times, the information requirements of
which the Army comes into contact at home and abroad
both internal and external audiences increase dramati-
maintain the Army’s reputation as a respected
cally. Installation and reserve unit commanders and
professional organization responsible for national se-
their staffs, advised and supported by their public af-
curity
fairs elements, need to develop effective public affairs
•support the Army’s recruiting and personnel pro-
programs which stress the open, honest, accurate, com-
curement mission
plete and timely release of information and is based
on:
An active approach to CR requires thorough plan-
ning to develop specific objectives and courses of ac-
Identifying, understanding and fulfilling
tion and to identify potential obstacles. Community
information needs
relations are also impacted by what is reported in the
Meeting the information needs of external audi-
media, and thus are affected by the media facilitation
ences through information strategies and products con-
and information strategy processes. Media facilitation
tributes to a sense of community identity, culture, co-
27

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
operation and mutual interdependence. It eases con-
cerns and distractions so that the installation, armory
or reserve center can concentrate on performing its mis-
sion of improving readiness and providing community
support. It reduces uncertainty, rumor and misinfor-
mation which can cause stress and conflict. It results
in interaction and cooperative problem identification,
definition and resolution. An active, coordinated pub-
lic affairs program contributes to local community
members understanding and supporting the installa-
tion goals and objectives.
Practicing maximum disclosure
with minimum delay
Because the Army is an agency of the U.S. gov-
ernment, its internal audiences, local community mem-
bers, and members of the American public as a whole,
have a right to know about its operations. More im-
portantly, the Army has an obligation to keep these
audiences informed. Installation, armory and reserve
center commanders should make information readily
available. Open and independent reporting will be the
norm and journalists should be granted access to all
units, activities and operations, within the bounds of
operational security. Information must not be withheld
solely to protect the installation or the Army from criti-
cism or embarrassment. Being open and forthcoming
about negative events as well as the positive greatly
enhances the credibility of the installation or center.
Command initiated actions that can contribute to
positive community relations include a range of ac-
tivities such as participating in or providing open
houses, exhibits, static displays, bands, color guards
and speakers. Additional activities include participa-
tion and membership in civic, business and professional
organizations. Restrictions on military participation
and support of specific activities are addressed in de-
tail in AR 360-61. !
28

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FM 46-1
Chapter 4
Public Affairs and
Army Operations
ilitary force is used in combination with other
tives. Strategic public affairs operations inform inter-
M
elements of national power to preserve, protect,
nal and external audiences about Army organization,
and advance the vital interests of the nation. Gaining
training, and capability. They help demonstrate the
public support for national policy and the appropriate-
Army’s readiness to react promptly, decisively and
ness of the decision to use America’s Army to accom-
appropriately, and are planned to clarify the linkage
plish a national goal is the responsibility of the nation’s
between national strategic goals and the Army mis-
political leaders. This chapter focuses on the synergy
sion. They are conducted to communicate Army goals
between Public Affairs and the fundamentals of Army
in support of the mission, identify the desired end state
operations. It examines the role of Public Affairs at
and describe the conditions that constitute success. Ef-
different levels of operations and discusses how the
fective strategic public affairs operations engender con-
Tenets of Army Operations apply to Public Affairs.
fidence in the force, establish credibility for the op-
eration, and enhance the Army’s ability to achieve
decisive victory (Figure 3-1).
Public Affairs
and the levels of war
Public Affairs at the operational level
At the operational level, public affairs operations
At all levels of war, public affairs operations are
explain the Army’s concept for employing forces and
critical to the ability of the Army to accomplish the
applying resources to accomplish the mission. They
mission. This is especially true because the global in-
clarify the link between strategic goals and operational
formation environment has compressed the strategic,
objectives. Operational public affairs supports the com-
operational and tactical levels. By bridging the gap
mander by providing an assessment of the informa-
between the soldier on the ground and the American
tion environment in which his force will conduct op-
public, elements of the global information environment
erations. It identifies public affairs issues for his con-
may influence the direction, range, duration and con-
sideration, assists him in evaluating the implications
duct of operations. Live coverage of tactical events
of current and future campaigns, operations and plans,
influence soldier morale, unit cohesion, public opin-
and ensures that Public Affairs Guidance is integrated
ion, affect strategic goals, impact operational objec-
into the planning process. At the operational level,
tives and have a bearing on tactical execution.
public affairs supports the commander’s requirement
to meet the internal information needs and expecta-
Public Affairs at the strategic level
tions of the force and also plays a critical role in facili-
At the strategic level, Public Affairs helps to es-
tating media efforts to cover the operation (Figure 3-
tablish the foundation and framework for conducting
1).
Army operations in support of national security objec-
29

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
Public Affairs at the Tactical Level
effectively used in a split-based operation between for-
Public affairs at the tactical level is executed to
ward command post and rear command post (Figure
achieve a balanced flow of accurate and timely infor-
3-1).
mation which communicates the Army perspective but
does not violate operational security. Tactical public
Public Affairs and the
affairs supports the battlefield mission. It assists com-
manders in establishing a program which fulfills the
Tenets of Army Operations
internal information needs and expectations of the
The Tenets of Army Operations are fundamental
force. The interface between soldiers on the ground
doctrinal guides for planning and executing Army op-
and media in the area of operations is also vitally im-
erations. They describe characteristics essential to suc-
portant. While the commander will position his public
cessful operations and victory. Understanding how
affairs assets where he needs them in accordance with
they apply to public affairs operations is critical to
the situation and based on his METT-T analysis, to
successful strategic development and planning.
ensure success in the military information environment,
public affairs personnel should be positioned as close
Initiative
to the battlefield as logistically and logically possible.
Public affairs operations should employ an active
Ideally, organic corps and division public affairs staffs
approach. PAOs must take the lead in contributing to
can best serve the commander and the soldiers when
accurate, credible, and balanced coverage by practic-
collocated with the commander. When augmented by
ing maximum disclosure with minimum delay. Public
the public affairs detachment, PA personnel can be
affairs operations should be planned and executed to
PA Support to Levels of War
Levels of
Echelon of
PA Section
PA Units
War
Command
PAOC
NCA
OASD (PA)
Public Affairs
JCS
Operations
Strategic
Unified/Specified
Center
Commands
CinC's PAO
BOD
Broadcast
Operational
Operations
Theater
TA PAO
Detachment
Army
MPAD
Corps
Corps/JTF
Mobile Public
Joint Task Force
Tactical
PAO
Affairs
COSCOM
Detachment
Division
Embedded
PAD
Brigade
PAO
Public Affairs
Detachment
Figure 3-1 PA Support Relationships
30

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FM 46-1
influence the presentation of information about the
fully coordinated, comprehensive information cam-
force by providing truthful, complete, and timely in-
paign is necessary to ensure that the activities of these
formation that communicates the Army perspective.
functions are mutually supporting and contribute to
Although there will be occasions when public affairs
the accomplishment of the operational objectives and
will be forced to react, planners must avoid a passive
the strategic goals of the operation.
approach. Doing so cedes the initiative, results in a
framework that is shaped without consideration of the
Versatility
Army perspective, and is counterproductive to Army
Public affairs must be capable of shifting its fo-
efforts to maintain credibility and enhance confidence
cus, tailoring assets and moving from one mission to
in the force and the operation. Public affairs officers
another to meet diverse requirements and provide qual-
must seize and maintain the initiative.
ity support to the commander. Versatility requires that
PAOs be prepared to provide information to a wide
Agility
variety of audiences and meet different information
Public affairs must react rapidly to the global in-
expectations, desires and styles. Public affairs person-
formation environment, and planners must be ready to
nel must be capable of operating across the entire spec-
respond without hesitation. They must be able to
trum of communication mediums, supporting the full
quickly provide truthful, complete and timely infor-
range of different media environments and reacting to
mation. To achieve accuracy, credibility and balance,
the changing levels of media interest and attention.
they must anticipate the implications of events and act
to communicate the Army perspective, contributing to
Public Affairs and the
accurate and balanced coverage of the force and op-
eration.
Elements of Combat Power
Combat power is created by combining the ele-
Depth
ments of maneuver, firepower, protection, and leader-
Public affairs must be able to extend operations in
ship. Overwhelming combat power is the ability to
time and space, with limited resources and a purpose.
focus sufficient force to ensure success and deny the
Depth requires planners to understand the capabilities
enemy any chance of escape or effective retaliation.
and dynamics of the military information environment
Public affairs has always provided potential, if unreal-
(MIE) and to continuously monitor and evaluate the
ized, combat power. An Army compelled to fight and
presentation of information. They must assess the way
win in the Information Age must leverage public af-
information is perceived and anticipate the reaction of
fairs and derive its maximum contribution to combat
critical internal and external audiences to that infor-
power.
mation. They must use available resources to present
information throughout the global information envi-
As an element of combat power, public affairs
ronment.
spans the continuum from national strategy to tactical
operations. The Army cannot set out to perform its
Synchronization
mission, let alone succeed, without public support.
Public affairs must be integrated with other battle-
Public Affairs is the functional area charged and best
field functions to achieve the desired effect of an ac-
able to assist the Army in gaining and sustaining that
curate, balanced, credible presentation of information
support. Citizens must understand why the nation re-
that leads to confidence in the force and the operation.
quires an Army. As a people-intensive enterprise en-
Synchronization requires that public affairs be con-
tering the Information Age, the Army faces unique
sidered throughout the decision-making process since
challenges in defining its role and essential contribu-
everything that occurs in an operation has public af-
tions, especially in relation to interests and factors
fairs implications. The synchronization of Public Af-
viewed as “vital” by the American public. Without this
fairs and other information functions, such as Civil
understanding, Americans are less likely to understand
Affairs, Psychological Operations and Combat Cam-
why the nation must spend their tax dollars to fund a
era, is critical and is addressed in detail in FM 100-6,
sophisticated, strategic landpower force. Additionally,
Information Operations. The development of a care-
strong public support is needed if the Army expects to
31

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
receive the nation’s most precious resource, its sons
well beyond the commercial media to the rapidly evolv-
and daughters serving as soldiers. Public support for
ing and expanding Internet community. Failure to ac-
the Army must be nurtured at all times, during all types
commodate the dynamics of media coverage and the
of operations, in peace and war. The responsibility for
global information environment can permit adversar-
gaining public support for a particular campaign or
ies to defeat us in the arena of public opinion without
operation may rest with our elected civilian leader-
engaging us in direct combat. The impact of the GIE
ship, but the Army must never lose sight of its respon-
makes it a critical element of METT-T and must be
sibility to maintain public support for its role as an
considered and dealt with through all phases of an op-
institution of the people, sworn to support and defend
eration. Commanders should expect their PAOs to be
the constitution.
fully engaged in this area and provide “value-added”
impact to the decision-making process. Public affairs
At operational and tactical levels, public affairs
is a responsibility of command, and is an element of
contributes to overall combat power in a variety of
the command and control battlefield operating system.
ways. It ensures the media has access to the informa-
Commanders should demand that the Public Affairs
tion it needs to fulfill its historical role and inform the
Annexes of OPLANS be as substantive and useful as
American and world publics. This support, in an open,
any other.
responsible manner, nurtures and sustains public con-
fidence in the Army’s ability to get the job done and
The active assessment of issues arising from poten-
take care of its people, regardless of what the public
tial media coverage, enemy disinformation, rumors and
may feel about the nature or value of the mission. Con-
other factors, and the development of proposed com-
fidence in the Army, based on accurate information,
munications strategies to resolve those issues can pre-
good and bad, contributes to the achievement of na-
serve a commander’s freedom of action, enhance or pro-
tional goals worldwide. Public affairs ensures that in-
tect morale, sustain public support, or convince audi-
ternal audiences, on the battlefield and at home, sol-
ences, adversarial or otherwise, that the cost of engag-
diers, family members, civilian employees, in both the
ing our forces is not acceptable. Information dominance
active and reserve components are fully informed and
cannot be achieved without effective public affairs sup-
have access to the same information while deployed
port and planning.
as they would at home. Access to information enhances
morale and confidence, counters rumors and
Army doctrine for information operations recog-
disinformation and ensures soldiers understand their
nizes that public affairs must be fully integrated into
mission and its importance. This knowledge-based as-
IO planning, coordination and execution. Civil-mili-
pect of performance is critical to unit success and di-
tary and psychological operations must be thoroughly
coordinated with PA
An Army compelled to fight and win operations to ensure
coherency and credibil-
ity. Failure to do so can
in the Information Age
subvert a commander’s
ability to control the in-
has no option but to leverage
formation battlespace.
Public Affairs and derive its maximum
PAOs must ensure that
PA or information op-
contribution to combat power.
erations never deceive
the media or American
rectly contributes to a deployed force’s combat power.
public. The mere perception of deception targeted
Seemingly simple incidents, often involving very
against them can destroy the credibility of the Army
junior personnel, can impact national, strategic, or even
and shatter public support. Indeed, it is arguable that
tactical decision processes if covered by the media.
the most powerful information weapon in the Army
Army Public Affairs helps commanders understand and
of a democratic state is ultimately the truth, reported
deal with the impact and dynamics of media coverage,
by a free press.
and the global information environment, which extends
32

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FM 46-1
preparing for deployment in support of a force pro-
Public Affairs and the
jection operation cannot be kept secret for long. In the
Force Projection Cycle
GIE the public and media are aware of international
events and impending situations. Considerable public
discussion about the possible use of American mili-
FM 100-5, Operations, describes force projection
tary forces in response to a threat or emergency situa-
as the demonstrated ability to rapidly alert, mobilize,
tion will likely precede any operation.
deploy, and operate anywhere in the world. It is a key
element of power projection — the ability of the na-
This awareness will cause the public and the me-
tion to apply all or some of the elements of national
dia to be attuned to clues of possible military action.
power to act in crises, to contribute to deterrence, and
Installation and operational public affairs forces, usu-
to enhance regional stability. Power projection is a
ally collocated during peacetime, must plan for inde-
central element of U.S. national security and national
pendent operations during the force projection phase
military strategy. The Army contributes to this strat-
of any operation. Deploying forces must devote their
egy as part of a joint team through force projection.
complete attention to preparation for deployment. Con-
Force projection applies to the entire Army, active and
versely, those PA assets must have a plan to cope with
reserve components, based in or outside the continen-
a significantly increased media presence and a simul-
tal United States and supported by civilian employ-
taneous reduction in the available PA strength to cope
ees.
with that presence. Telltale signals, such as increased
telephone usage and traffic at installations, armories
Force projection usually begins as a contingency
or reserve centers, will serve as evidence of alert noti-
operation—a rapid response to a crisis. No notice alerts
fication and energize the media. As local media out-
bring tremendous stress on soldiers and systems, ac-
lets investigate and report, national media agencies will
companied by pressure from the media for informa-
react to the story. This will cause the major media or-
tion.
ganizations to query senior defense officials and po-
litical leaders for more information.
The force projection cycle consists of mobiliza-
tion, predeployment activity, deployment, entry opera-
Commanders must be prepared for media repre-
tions, operations, war termination and post conflict
sentatives to appear at installations, armories and re-
operations, redeployment and reconstitution and de-
serve centers. Leaders must be prepared for reporters
mobilization. Public affairs offices at all levels play
who will seek interviews and comments from soldiers,
an active role throughout the Force Projection Cycle.
family members, Army civilians, employers of reserv-
ists and community representatives. They must be pre-
pared to answer media inquiries concerning a host of
Alert and Predeployment Activities
complex issues, such as readiness, support mechanisms
From the outset of a force projection operation,
for families and the impact of deployment on local
internal and external audiences will have significant
communities — including the absence of reserve com-
information needs and expectations. Media represen-
ponent personnel from critical civilian occupations.
tatives will provide broad coverage, especially as the
force projection operation increases in size and scope,
Maintaining a veil of classified cover over infor-
or when it is in response to a politically sensitive, highly
mation, such as lists of units on alert, troop movements,
visible situation. The GIE will allow audiences
mobilization sites and deployment dates, that is of in-
throughout the world to have access to real-time me-
terest to internal and external audiences is extremely
dia coverage, while the military will be concerned with
difficult in the global information environment. When
operational security issues. A variety of Public Affairs
the assembly and movement of troops and equipment
challenges are obviously inherent in force projection.
is impossible to conceal, the attempt can also be coun-
terproductive because the denial of information about
Although the specific details of an alert notifi-
events that are clearly evident can result in specula-
cation and predeployment activities may be kept
tion, inaccuracies and lead to a loss of confidence in
secret, the fact that units have been notified and are
the military and subsequent deterioration of morale.
33

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
Commanders and their public affairs sections will
of the reserve component forces. They will cover is-
have to react rapidly. They will need to provide as much
sues related to how the mobilization is impacting those
accurate, timely information as they can without vio-
soldiers, their families, local communities and civil-
lating guidance from higher headquarters or the con-
ian employers. They will report from the home sta-
straints of operations security. They will have to de-
tions of the reserve forces and mobilization stations.
velop and disseminate PA Guidance, establish a me-
Commanders and their public affairs personnel must
dia operations center, respond to media queries, sup-
be aware of the complex statutory and regulatory re-
port the commander and assist the Army community
quirements for activating reserve component units and
with media interaction.
individuals.
Even installations or reserve component com-
Deployment
mands which do not have units alerted to participate
Commanders should anticipate that the media will
in the force projection operation can expect a signifi-
cover the movement of troops and equipment from
cant increase in public affairs demands. Local media
home station to the area of operations. Local coverage
outlets will seek information that allows them to
of deployment operations should always be expected.
supplement national reports with localized coverage.
National media coverage should be anticipated if the
scope of the deployment is wide, public interest in the
Commanders must also be prepared to fulfill the
operation is high or events occur which draw attention
increased information expectations of soldiers and the
to the deployment.
Army community. Force projection operations are in-
herently challenging, characterized by stress, anxiety,
Media representatives will cover rail and road con-
uncertainty, complexity, and a myriad of distractions
voys to ports of embarkation, and activities at sea and
which can interfere with efficient activity. Effectively
air ports. They will seek to report on the units, types of
communicating critical information to internal audi-
forces and numbers deploying. They will conduct in-
ences can significantly reduce these problems. Com-
terviews with the family members of soldiers who are
manders must seek the advice and assistance of their
deploying. They will cover the impact of deployment
public affairs personnel to identify requirements and
on the local community, region and state. The fact that
devise strategies to accomplish this critical require-
deployment activities are very visible creates complex
ment.
public affairs challenges. Army leaders must carefully
weigh operations security concerns against the reality
PAOs must therefore be an integral element of the
of operating in the public domain when developing
installation contingency planning team. Austerely
and disseminating Public Affairs Guidance.
resourced, their sections will be quickly overwhelmed.
This is especially true for active Army public affairs
Entry Operations
sections which depend on the public affairs element
In today’s global information environment, na-
of a deploying unit. To offset this problem, public af-
tional and international media organizations will prob-
fairs sections must plan for augmentation and be pre-
ably be reporting from inside an area of operations
pared to obtain support from the reserve component
before the projection of U.S. forces. Those media rep-
public affairs assets in their War Trace.
resentatives will be alerted to the imminent arrival of
U.S. forces. Commanders must be prepared to meet
Mobilization
media representatives when their force enters the area
When reserve component forces are activated, as-
of operations.
sembled and undergo proficiency certification in prepa-
ration to augment active component capabilities, com-
When the entry is unopposed, deploying units can
manders should anticipate significant public affairs
anticipate arriving at air or sea ports of debarkation
challenges. Because reserve component forces are in-
under the watchful eyes of the media, and therefore an
tegrated into communities throughout the nation, mo-
international audience. The force will be subjected to
bilization will attract intense local, regional and na-
immediate scrutiny, analysis and evaluation as it dis-
tional media attention.
embarks and moves to a cantonment or lodgment area.
The images presented during this period can signifi-
The media will seek information on the readiness
cantly influence public perception of force prepared-
34

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FM 46-1
ness and competence, and can impact mission effec-
demonstrated by multiple nations conducting combined
tiveness. Integrating PA personnel into the entry op-
operations.
erations planning, and including them in the first ele-
ment of deploying forces, will ensure that the com-
FM 100-8, Multinational Operations, cites politi-
mander has sufficient, appropriate assets available to
cal considerations as the single most important factor
conduct media facilitation, and provide news and in-
in multinational operations. Whether peace operations
formation operations. It can contribute to a more me-
or humanitarian assistance missions, the advantages
thodical, well ordered entry operation and enhance
of combined operations are accompanied by unique
confidence in the force.
challenges. Commanders may have to make accept-
able, rather than optimum, decisions on use of coali-
When commanders anticipate having to conduct
tion forces to maintain the political cohesion of the
an opposed entry operation, they should still antici-
partnership. Mission goals must be clearly defined and
pate that journalists will be present in the area of op-
mutually understood. Spokespersons from all nations
erations and reporting on the entry operation. As in an
must “speak with one voice” to reinforce this unity of
unopposed entry, coverage of an opposed entry can
purpose.
significantly impact public perception of the opera-
tion and the successful accomplishment of the mis-
Multinational partnerships consist of alliances and
sion. When an opposed entry is anticipated, PA per-
coalitions. All are influenced by psychological, eco-
sonnel must be integrated into the planning and should
nomic, technological and political factors. Alliances
be deployed as early in the operation as possible.
are long-standing relationships of nations with formal,
standardized agreements and operating procedures ori-
Redeployment, reconstitution
ented on long-term objectives. Coalitions, however,
are created for a single purpose and a finite length of
and demobilization
time. Coalition members may be widely diverse in
The final phases of force projection operations will
culture, politics and philosophy and therefore their re-
also attract significant media attention. The return of
lationships may be somewhat tenuous and fragile. Each
deployed forces after the completion of an operation
nation enters into an alliance or coalition for its own
will be subjected to coverage which is tinted by the
public perception of the success of the operation. Com-
reasons, therefore, a mutually agreed upon end state
must be clearly defined.
manders must be prepared to answer a myriad of que-
ries about what occurred and why. Media representa-
The U.S. participates in alliances and coalitions
tives will be extremely interested in a wide range of
due to the strategic principle of collective security. The
issues related to the physical and psychological health
and welfare of returning forces and their families.
Army conducts multinational operations with a vari-
ety of foreign and domestic military forces, govern-
When mobilization has occurred, they will also focus
ments, non-governmental organizations and interna-
on issues revolving around the reintegration of return-
tional agencies. National contingents, NGOs and pri-
ing reserve component forces into their civilian lives.
vate organizations all have unique capabilities which
The sustaining base or installation public affairs
collectively make possible operations the U.S. cannot
or will not conduct alone.
office supports commanders’ goals by implementing
a program of effective two-way communication which
Peace operations are nearly always multinational
is critical to building teams, bridging boundaries and
and are designed to allow the political process to re-
creating a community atmosphere characterized by
inclusion, concern, support and consensus.
solve conflicts. The political and cultural complexi-
ties of past and present alliances and coalitions can
make it particularly difficult, yet vitally important for
Multinational Operations
peace keepers to be seen as impartial to belligerents
In peace, conflict and war, multinational opera-
while firmly united within their coalitions.
tions serve two purposes. First, a more powerful force
is created by combining the capabilities and strengths
Public Affairs Guidance and talking points must
of several national participants. Of even greater sig-
reinforce the fact that the operation is a team effort.
nificance, however, is the political unity of purpose
This enhances the mutual confidence and respect which
35

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
solidify the partnership. Lack of confidence in and re-
tasked to provide the base force of a Joint Information
spect for coalition partners can doom an operation to
Bureau (JIB), preferably using a Public Affairs Op-
failure.
erations Center with Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
augmentation.
Spokespersons must be sensitive to cultural dif-
ferences and sensitivities when addressing issues that
The principles of public affairs are no different in
involve other coalition members. Even an appearance
a joint environment than for single-service operations.
of cultural insensitivity can undermine popular and
The primary aim is still to expedite the flow of com-
political support for a member nation’s participation,
plete, accurate and timely information about the ac-
thus threatening coalition unity.
tivities of U.S. joint forces.
U.S. doctrine for information and public affairs
Joint PA includes planning, media facilitation,
operations prescribes close coordination between Pub-
execution of internal and external information strate-
lic Affairs, Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations
gies and when appropriate, training and community
to ensure consistent messages. This is equally if not
relations. Individual service and DoD responsibilities,
more important in a multinational environment to en-
as well as JIB operating procedures, are addressed in
sure consistent presentation of clearly defined com-
Joint Pub 1-07, Doctrine for Public Affairs in Joint
mon objectives.
Operations.
Information release authority and procedures must
The JIB is the focal point for interface between
be agreed to by coalition members to avoid conflicts
the media and joint forces. At a minimum, the Army
and delays. Not all nations have a standard policy of
element will staff an Army cell within the JIB. More
“maximum disclosure with minimum delay.” Standard
likely, however, will be PA soldiers serving in all sec-
procedures can eliminate the conflicts and confusion
tions of the JIB, including planning cells, media fa-
created when one nation addresses an incident that
cilitation section and information product generation.
another will not acknowledge.
Information bureaus may be single nation JIBs or
Operation and public affairs planners must—
may well be Combined Information Bureaus or Allied
•designate a primary spokesperson for the MNF
Press Information Centers. These multinational infor-
and operation,
mation bureaus allow various allies or coalitions to
•ensure that coalition members “speak with one
collectively “speak with one voice” as well as explain
voice,”
the roles of the individual nations.
•develop a clear definition of operation objectives
and measures of success,
PA planning is a command responsibility. It must
•understand that not all nations are equally can-
be coordinated, at a minimum, with other staff plan-
did about success and failures,
ners. Vital to the conduct of the operation is the coor-
•be aware of cultural differences and sensitivities
dination and cooperation of PA operations with—
of coalition partners, and
•other U.S. staffs and units
•establish a combined/allied media operations
•host-nation military public affairs personnel
center
•coalition military public affairs personnel
•U.S. country team
•international agencies when applicable
Public Affairs support to
•private-volunteer organizations when applicable
Joint Operations
•other non-governmental organizations
Although there are occasions when the Army will
The theater, joint-task force PAO or media opera-
operate as an independent element, it normally con-
ducts operations as part of a joint, multinational or in-
tions center director, will usually coordinate in-coun-
teragency team. The Army regularly works in concert
try PA activities through the country team. The coun-
with other military forces (both sister services and al-
try team concept represents the process of interdepart-
lied forces), non-DoD governmental agencies, and pri-
mental coordination among key members of the U.S.
vate (non-governmental) agencies. The Army may be
diplomatic mission. In practice, the makeup of the
36

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FM 46-1
country team varies, depending on the—
•the level at which the economy of a country will
•desires of the chief of mission,
be maintained by U.S. operations,
•country situation,
•matters involving PSYOP, PA, CA, or other mea-
•departments and agencies represented in coun-
sures to influence the attitude of the populace.
try, and
•issues of concern.
U.S. Information Agency
The USIA is an independent agency of the U.S.
The country team coordinates activities to achieve
government that helps achieve U.S. foreign policy
a unified program for the Host Nation and U.S. na-
objectives by influencing public attitudes in foreign
tional interests. Working under the ambassador’s di-
areas. It advises the President and the various U.S. de-
rection, the country team pools the skills and resources
partments and agencies of the possible impact of policy,
of the participating agencies. This combined effort
programs, and official statements on foreign opinion.
helps eliminate problems and realize U.S. national ob-
The USIA will be interested in the conduct of public
jectives and goals.
affairs operations in the host country or theater of op-
erations.
U. S. Ambassador
The ambassador presides over the country team.
Nongovernment Organizations
Team composition is determined by the ambassador
Nongovernment Organizations (NGOs) and hu-
and normally includes but is not limited to the—
manitarian groups are often located in the AO before,
•Deputy Chief of Mission
during and after any military operation. They are
•Director, USAID
present before the media arrive and are often initial
•Director, USIS
sources of information for journalists, and may serve
•FBI liaison
as major sources of information during an operation.
•CIA station chief
•press secretary
Prior to deployment, PA personnel must know
•department attaches
what agencies and organizations are in their assigned
•economic officer
area. These organizations may conduct operations that
•political officer
are humanitarian (short-term) or developmental (long-
•chief of the SAO
term) in scope. The sponsoring groups or agencies may
•embassy staff personnel, as appropriate.
be private corporations, foundations, professional as-
•Defense Attaché.
sociations, or religious groups. Public affairs forces
on the ground should make contact with these organi-
U.S. Government Agencies
zations to develop an understanding of their goals and
Effective Public Affairs operations at the Army,
to establish an understanding of their potential needs
JTF level may at some time require close contact be-
from the PA community. Representatives of these or-
tween the U.S. military, the Department of State (DoS),
ganizations are credible spokespersons on the local
and other U.S. Government agencies. Normally an ex-
situation and could prove invaluable in local public
ecutive order defines agency responsibilities, functions,
affairs personnel gaining background on the opera-
and interagency relationships. Either the senior DoS
tional situation from the perspective of the NGO.
representative or the U.S. commander will be assigned
overall responsibility for U.S. activities in the area.
Sustaining Base Operations
Sustaining base PA operations focus efforts on:
Department of State
•Identifying the perceptions, attitudes and infor-
Because the DoS formulates and implements for-
mation expectations and requirements of internal and
eign policy, it has a vested interest in PA activities. In
the area of public affairs, the DoS has primary or joint
external audiences—what soldiers, family members,
responsibility with DoD for policy concerning—
civilian employees, retirees, local civilian leaders, com-
•the extent to which U.S. forces will aid a host
munity members and others think about and want or
government,
need to know about the Army, the installation, its op-
•any matters that may impact on U.S. relations with
erations and activities.
other nations, particularly allies or neutrals,
•Evaluating the potential impact of information in
37

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
internal and external audiences—how soldiers, family
whole, and rarely on individual units. With the vast
members, civilian employees, employers of reservists,
number of active and reserve military units that par-
retirees, local civilian leaders and community mem-
ticipate in operations, many are never mentioned by
bers and others will probably react to information about
the commercial press. This can heighten the anxiety
the installation, its operations and activities.
of families and be detrimental to the morale of both
•Developing information communication strate-
families and soldiers. Often the only information fami-
gies—how to most efficiently and effectively provide
lies get about “their” soldiers is what is provided in
information about an installation, reserve center or ar-
family support briefings and in information products
mory, and its operations and activities.
created by public affairs units. Keeping these key au-
•Assessing the effectiveness of the information
diences informed is a primary goal of public affairs
communication strategy—how successful is the effort
information strategies.
to provide information about an installation, reserve
center or armory, and its operations and activities.
Meeting the information needs of internal and ex-
•Serving as the interface between the media and
ternal audiences enhances organizational, installation
the military — how to best provide information and
and community morale, confidence, cohesion, esprit,
access.
discipline and effectiveness. It establishes a sense of
•Educating, training and counseling soldiers, fam-
community identity, culture, cooperation and mutual
ily members, and civilian employees to understand the
interdependence. It eases concerns and distractions so
local media environment, establish and maintain ef-
that the installation or reserve center/armory can con-
fective media relations and handle media encounters.
centrate on performing its mission of improving readi-
ness and community support. It reduces the uncertainty,
The relationship between the installation, reserve
rumor, and misinformation, which causes stress con-
center or armory, and its internal and external audi-
flict and misconduct. It results in interaction and co-
ences necessitates that the potential public affairs im-
operative problem identification, definition and reso-
plications and requirements of every installation ac-
lution. An active, coordinated, total public affairs pro-
tivity and operation be considered at all times. This is
gram ensures that soldiers and their families, civilian
especially critical during crisis management and mo-
employees, employers of reservists, retirees, local com-
bilization, deployment, and redeployment operations,
munity leaders and members of the local community,
even when the installation is not directly involved. It
along with other audiences, understand and support
is also important when national debate is occurring
the installation’s goals and objectives, and contribute
about a politically sensitive or controversial issue re-
to setting and accomplishing the installations’ mission.
lated to Department of the Army or Department of
Defense. During such times, the information require-
The public’s right to know
ments of both internal and external audiences increase
Because the Army is an agency of the U.S. gov-
dramatically. Installation and reserve center/armory
ernment, its internal audiences, local civilian leaders
commanders and their staffs, advised and supported
and community members and the American public
by their public affairs elements, need to develop an
have a right to know about its operations, but more
effective, active public affairs program which stresses
importantly, the Army has an obligation to keep these
the open, honest, accurate, complete, and timely re-
audiences informed. Therefore, the installation com-
lease of information to internal and external audiences
mander should make information readily available.
and is based on:
Open and independent reporting will be the norm, jour-
nalists should be granted access to all units, activities
Identifying, understanding and fulfilling
and operations, within the bounds of operational secu-
information needs
rity. Information should not be withheld solely to pro-
When soldiers are deployed, and particularly when
tect the installation or the Army from criticism or em-
conducting operations that are actually or perceived to
barrassment.
be dangerous, family and community desires for in-
formation are greatly increased. These information
Every soldier, family member and civilian
needs are not always met by commercial media orga-
employee is a spokesperson
nizations. National and international news organiza-
The installation, reserve center or armory com-
tions concentrate their efforts on the operation as a
mander is the community’s official spokesperson. Jun-
38

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FM 46-1
ior soldiers, family members and civilian employees,
Army strengths, weaknesses and plans. A cost-effec-
however, are often perceived as more honest, accu-
tive, resource-efficient installation, reserve center/ar-
rate, forthright, insightful and believable. Peers, com-
mory public affairs operation enhances mission effec-
munity groups and media representatives, therefore,
tiveness, leads to a healthy positive community cli-
will want to talk with, interview or hear from them
mate, and results in increased support for the installa-
and get their thoughts about issues, events or situa-
tion, the community, and the Army.
!
tion. Good commanders recognize this and find op-
portunities to “make it happen.”
Proactive media facilitation
The civilian news media is an important informa-
tion channel to the local community and American
public, and most media representatives strive to pub-
lish accurate, truthful, balanced stories. The media’s
goal is not to undermine, interfere or misrepresent the
installation, its operations and activities or the Army
and DoD, although some stories are negative and mis-
understanding, errors and criticism do occur.
By proactively assisting news media representa-
tives in obtaining information and access, command-
ers can help them to understand the installation, com-
munity and Army goals. This results in stories which
educate and which lead to understanding and support
for the installation and the Army and the contributions
they make to the community and the nation. It leads
to recognition that the installation, reserve center or
armory are “good neighbors” whose presence is a ben-
efit to the community. It presents the installation, re-
serve center/armory, and the Army as organizations
made up of respected professionals who are concerned,
involved citizens operating efficiently, effectively and
in the best interests of the community and the nation.
Effective installation Public Affairs
The proactive, comprehensive, organized, effort
to openly, honestly, accurately and completely provide
maximum information with minimum delay within the
bounds of OPSEC, support open and independent re-
porting, and promotes the free flow of general and
military information without censorship or propa-
ganda—is an essential element of success during peace,
conflict, and war. Effective public affairs—the man-
agement of the critical flow of information to key in-
ternal and external audience — increases awareness
and understanding of installation and Army culture,
issues, situations, policy positions and procedures. It
furthers installation and Army goals by monitoring the
support and attitude of key audiences, by assessing the
accuracy and perspective of reported information, and
by educating key audiences about installation and
39

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
Chapter 5
Stability and
Support Operations
he Army supports domestic civil authorities, pro-
Success in these operations, whether in peace or
T
vides humanitarian and disaster relief, contributes
conflict, is measured by principles derived from the
to nation building, joins multinational peacekeeping
nature of the operation, the most important being the
and peace enforcement efforts, assists in counter-drug
primacy of the political instrument of national power.
efforts and executes a wide range of missions collec-
This is the desire to solve problems through political
tively termed stability and support operations (formerly
processes and without resorting to war.
called operations other than war, (OOTW)). These mis-
sions are intended to preserve and promote regional
Information is a major element in these operations.
stability, maintain democratic values, provide humani-
Support for the mission and perceptions of its legiti-
tarian assistance, defuse crisis, reduce tensions and
macy are greatly affected by making information avail-
deter war. They are executed in an environment of glo-
able to participants, observers, supporting nations and
bal visibility. Media coverage can be pivotal to the
the international community.
success of the operation and in achieving national stra-
tegic goals.
This is best achieved through coordinated infor-
mation operations. Public affairs, civil affairs and psy-
The practice of public affairs in stability and sup-
chological operations use distinct methods and address
port operations is fundamentally the same as it is in
distinct audiences, but must all be coordinated to en-
war. An effective PA strategy helps internal and ex-
sure common credibility. Information operations are
ternal audiences understand the operation and it en-
addressed extensively in FM 100-6, Information Op-
genders confidence in the force. It can also reduce the
erations.
fear, suspicion, apprehension and misunderstanding
which degrade operational effectiveness.
Missions of both categories, assistance and peace
operations, are media intensive. This media attention,
Stability and support operations can be viewed in
rather than being viewed as a hindrance, is in fact an
asset. Media reports are often considered more cred-
two broad categories: assistance missions and peace
ible than official pronouncements. They are a primary
operations. Assistance missions, both foreign and do-
conduit for communicating Army goals, capabilities
mestic, include the full range of humanitarian aid and
and accomplishments. Media reports contribute to per-
disaster relief operations. Peace operations include sup-
ceptions of legitimacy, requiring the presentation of
port to diplomacy, peacekeeping and peace enforce-
consistent, clear messages about the operation.
ment. This range of missions is addressed in depth in
FM 100-19, Domestic Support Operations, FM 100-
Public Affairs Guidance and policy may be deter-
20, Stability and Support Operations and in FM 100-
mined by the national command authorities. Public
23, Peace Operations.
affairs procedures are often specified in the Terms of
40

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FM 46-1
Reference (TOR) for an operation and are derived from
Consent: In peacekeeping, belligerent parties con-
the operation mandate. TOR describe the mission, com-
sent to the presence and operation of peacekeeping
mand relationships, organizations and other operation
forces, while in peace enforcement, consent is not ab-
details.
solute and force may be used to compel or coerce. In
peacekeeping, consent is clear.
For example, the TOR for UNOSOM II in Soma-
lia included the instruction that “The U.S. Department
Force: In peacekeeping, force may be used only
of State will remain the lead agency for public affairs
in self-defense or defense with a mandate. In peace
activities regarding all aspects of U.S. participation in
enforcement, force is used to compel or coerce.
UNOSOM.”
Impartiality: In peacekeeping impartiality is more
easily maintained, while the nature of peace enforce-
Support to diplomacy
ment strains the perception of impartiality on the part
Military support to diplomacy includes actions that
of the peace enforcement force.
contribute and are subordinate to the diplomatic peace-
making process. Support to diplomacy includes activi-
The level of consent, level of force and degree of
ties categorized as peacemaking, peace building and
impartiality are all variables that may collectively or
preventive diplomacy.
individually shift during an operation.
The PA planning, information strategies and me-
Loss of impartiality can cause loss of consent by
dia facilitation operations contribute to the peacemak-
belligerent parties which in turn can trigger violent
ing process by enhancing key audiences’ knowledge
actions leading to increased levels of force and a seri-
of U.S. intentions, capabilities and alliances. This in-
ous shift from PK to PE. FM 100-23 describes this
cludes the internal audience of operation participants,
change in the nature of the operation as “crossing the
the American public, the citizens of the area of opera-
consent divide.”
tions, and global, international audiences.
Peacekeeping
Peacemaking includes the stationing of forces
Peacekeeping operations are characterized by all
abroad as part of a forward presence, military-to-mili-
parties consenting to the presence of the peacekeep-
tary exchanges, routine exercises, and peacetime de-
ing force. The mission of the peacekeeping force is to
ployments.
monitor and maintain a negotiated truce and allow the
facilitation of a diplomatic solution to the political
Peace building consists primarily of post-conflict
conflict. Mission success is dependent upon the peace-
actions that rebuild civil infrastructures and institutions.
keeping force being viewed as impartial by the
It usually includes military as well as civilian efforts
belligerents. The safety and security of the peacekeep-
such as rebuilding physical infrastructures, schools and
ing force is often contingent upon maintenance of this
medical facilities as well as the restoration of civil
impartiality.
authority.
It is therefore imperative that Public Affairs Guid-
Preventive diplomacy often involves preventive
ance and talking points reinforce this position of neu-
deployments, other shows of force, or higher levels of
trality and impartiality. Even a hint of partiality can
readiness. Since the intent is to demonstrate U.S. mili-
destroy trust of the force and jeopardize not only the
tary power coupled with resolve and commitment,
mission but the lives of soldiers.
extensive, active public affairs activities contribute to
operational effectiveness.
Peace enforcement
In peace enforcement operations, not all
As described in FM 100-23, Peace Operations, the
belligerents may consent to the presence of outside
primary differences between peacekeeping (PK) and
forces. The intervening force may have to resort to
peace enforcement (PE) are the operational variables
coersive violence to achieve the mission objectives,
of consent, force and impartiality.
yet must still maintain its impartiality toward all par-
41

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
ties if at all possible. Peace enforcement is likely to be
goals in NEO operations are to—
a United Nations mission integrating military and dip-
•keep U.S. and international publics informed of
lomatic elements.
the operation while ensuring OPSEC and personnel
security
Success in peace operations requires a political
•contribute to public confidence in U.S. procedures
solution, one that cannot be achieved without the sup-
•facilitate open media access to the operation while
port of the local populations and faction leaders. This
exercising sensitivity to the anxiety and despair felt by
neccessitates information operations planning ensur-
the evacuees
ing coordination of public affairs, civil affairs and
illustrate U.S. forces’ capabilities, readiness and
PSYOP to ensure consistency of command messages
professionalism
and reinforcement of the impartiality, restraint and
resolve of the force. Public affairs helps ensure that
Well publicized American intentions can help pre-
what is reported in the international media is consis-
vent interference with the operation, therefore, an in-
tent with what is communicated via PSYOP products
formation strategy coordinated by PA, CA and PSYOP
and civil affairs programs.
must be developed during initial operational planning.
PA operations can also help reduce rumor and anxiety
Since peace operations usually receive intense,
within the task force, evacuees and the public.
international media attention, participating soldiers
must fully understand that the decisions they make,
PAOs of units in the host nation must obtain pub-
and their actions, can have immediate strategic and
lic affairs guidance from the chief of mission who is
political implications. They must understand the na-
responsible for NEO media activities.
ture of the operation and know its goals.
A JIB may be established at the NEO operations
Public affairs internal information programs con-
center, in which case the JTF PAO coordinates with
tribute to their knowledge of the history and cultural
the COM for public affairs guidance.
factors that shape the operation and its context. They
enhance soldiers’ knowledge of their coalition part-
Initial media coverage can be expected to concen-
ners, contributing to mutual trust and respect. A ro-
trate on the people being evacuated and their reactions
bust internal information program reinforces and ex-
to departing the host nation. Coverage can be expected
pands on pre-deployment classes.
to then shift to the effectiveness of the military NEO
and the treatment of the evacuees during transport to
FM 100-20, Stability and Support Operations, and
their final destination.
FM 100-23, Peace Operations, address the range of
noncombat operations in depth.
Access to and interviews with evacuees will be as
authorized by the senior on-scene State Department
public affairs representative. The JTF PAO and com-
Noncombatant Evacuations
manders concerned will authorize interviews with US
By Executive Order, the Department of State is
military personnel.
responsible for protection and evacuation of Ameri-
can citizens abroad. The Department of Defense is di-
NEO operations are addressed in detail in FM 90-
rected to advise and assist the DoS in planning and
29, Noncombatant Evacuation Operations, which also
executing noncombatant evacuation operations.
contains a detailed public affairs plan for a unified com-
mand NEO.
The Chief of Mission (COM) has authority over
media coverage. The USIS public affairs representa-
tive is responsible for media relations and is the point
Domestic Support
of contact for the JTF PAO.
The Army has long provided a range of services
to the nation through a variety of domestic support
NEO operations often result from dramatic, if not
operations. These missions fall into four general cat-
tragic, circumstances and therefore are of considerable
egories: disaster assistance, environmental assistance,
interest to the media and the public. The public affairs
law enforcement and community assistance.
42

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FM 46-1
The Army provides domestic support from posts,
drawdown and the transition of military to civilian
camps, installations, reserve centers, armories and sta-
support.
tions as members of the community in which they are
located. Domestic support operations use Army hu-
PA domestic support operations serve to inform
man and material resources to enhance national secu-
the public of army involvement, goals and capabilities
rity and the nation’s overall well-being. They usually
as well as communicating to internal audiences. Inter-
attract considerable media attention and therefore all
nal information programs and products enhance the
have public affairs implications.
participating soldiers’ morale as well as their under-
standing of the operation. These products, when given
These operations, and the restrictions on Army
Army-wide dissemination, also serve to inform other
involvement, are addressed at length in FM 100-19,
soldiers who may potentially perform similar missions.
Domestic Support Operations.
Army public affairs strategies, while executed in
The media will generally have unrestricted access
the interest of demonstrating Army responsiveness,
to domestic support operations. The Army will usu-
concern and assistance, must not pre-empt the author-
ally conduct these operations in conjunction with other
ity of the local government or appear to be taking credit
agencies and will not normally have the lead. Public
for success at the expense of other contributing par-
affairs operations will be conducted within the re-
ties.
straints and guidance developed by the lead agency.
Since civilian agencies usually have the lead in
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is
domestic support operations, PA plans must be care-
usually the lead agency for domestic disaster relief
fully coordinated with that agency. These operations
operations. Following Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the
plans must contain clearly defined information release
Department of Transportation was the lead agency of
authority as well as coordination procedures to ensure
a presidential task force that included extensive mili-
consistent messages protect the credibility of the op-
tary support. The Joint Information Center (JIC) in
eration.
Florida was led by DoT, and staffed by PAOs from 13
federal and state agencies and by military public af-
This coordination and delineation of release pro-
fairs units from the JTF. This included volunteers from
cedures is of particular importance in sensitive opera-
a reserve component Public Affairs Operations Cen-
tions such as anti-terrorism and counter-drug missions
ter and an active component Mobile Public Affairs De-
to ensure operational security as well as consistent
tachment.
command messages.
The JIC staff produced press conference fact
Public affairs officers must understand the le-
sheets, conducted media escorts and interviews, re-
gal restrictions on military support to and involve-
sponded to media queries, operated a media clipping
ment in domestic operations, particularly in light of
section, prepared news briefing summaries for the Sec-
the varied legal status of National Guard units. For
retary of Transportation and logistically supported the
example, when under state rather than federal con-
secretary’s briefing room and media workroom.
trol, Army National Guard units may provide a va-
riety of assistance to civilian law enforcement agen-
For three weeks, active duty and reserve compo-
cies. When in federal status, however, the law en-
nent Army broadcasters operated “Radio Recovery,”
forcement missions that may be given to the same
an AM radio station transmitting disaster relief infor-
units are greatly restricted.
mation in several languages. The JTF and ARFOR
public affairs elements also produced four editions of
Restrictions on the assistance the military can pro-
an eight-page command information newspaper for the
vide to civilian law enforcement authorities is con-
JTF, and an additional newsletter for the ARFOR.
tained in Chapter 18, Title 10, U.S. Code. The popular
name for these restrictions is the “Posse Comitatus
The JTF PAO, JIC director and the presidential
Act.” Additional federal laws address military support
task force press secretary coordinated strategy for press
to counterdrug operations, disaster assistance, and aid
conferences as well as the announcements of troop
to foreign governments.
43

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
Environmental public affairs programs are in-
Counterdrug Operations
tended to present complete, accurate and timely in-
The supported law enforcement agency retains the
formation to the public, to dispel rumors and to so-
lead for public affairs. Release of information by Army
licit community feedback. They are designed to ful-
public affairs must be coordinated with that law enforce-
fill the intent of the law for community involvement,
ment agency. This helps protect operational and per-
not merely to provide information. The PA program
sonnel security.
is not designed to sell a particular action or program
nor to obscure or cover up situations with potentially
Good public affairs plans include essential elements
negative implications.
of friendly information to identify information that
should not be disclosed for operational security reasons.
Careful planning ensures that methods and capabilities
Community Assistance
are not compromised. The identities of soldiers provid-
Community assistance projects and operations
ing counterdrug support should not be released.
encompass a broad range of social and civic events.
They can be national programs focused on develop-
ing public support for the Army and its contributions
Environmental Support
to the nation and they can be local efforts focused on
Army involvement in environmental stewardship
improving the local community. A PAO’s close rela-
includes maintaining a dialogue with area citizens in
tionship with civic leaders and organizations is a valu-
open public forums concerning installation issues and
able asset to the commander in planning community
projects with potential environmental impact. It also
assistance projects.
includes providing support to public restoration, con-
servation and protection projects both on installations
The public’s impressions of Army support to the
and in surrounding communities.
community is largely shaped by what is reported in
the media. Media facilitation and coordination of in-
Public involvement is solicited in the spirit of com-
formation programs ensure the Army story is told,
munity, but is also required by federal environmental
contributing to public confidence in the military. Pub-
law and Army regulations such as AR 200-1, Environ-
lic affairs must be fully integrated into all domestic
mental Protection and Enhancement and AR 200-2,
support planning and operations.
Evironmental Effects of Army Actions.
FM 100-19, Chapter 8, provides an extensive
Public involvement is a vital part of an installation
overview of these programs. They are all guided by
environmental program. Public support or opposition
the core public affairs process “maintain community
to projects can significantly affect their outcome. The
relations.” !
best public affairs strategy for environmental issues is
one that is active and adheres to the principle of “maxi-
mum disclosure with minimum delay.” Early public
involvement via open discussion of issues fosters posi-
tive relations with the community and can prevent or
help to resolve citizen conflict.
PAOs provide guidance to commanders and instal-
lation officials on facilitating dialogue with the com-
munity. They are also responsible for identifying and
preparing plans for meeting the public involvement re-
quirements associated with environmental programs. PA
responsibilities include issuing releases and public an-
nouncements on issues such as environmental assess-
ments and impact statements, decision documents and
notices of public meetings. They extend to conducting
public forums and managing issues.
44

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FM 46-1
Chapter 6
Personnel and
Organizations
ublic Affairs organizations are built around a force
Reserve component officers assigned to Troop Pro-
P
of soldiers and Army civilians who are selected
gram Units (TPU) also move through basic branch and
and trained to articulate the goals and missions of the
public affairs assignments, based on the command’s
Army. This requires more than just a special under-
needs and geographical availability. Active Guard/
standing of the career field, it requires a broad under-
Reserve (AGR) officers are encouraged to single track
standing of the complex organizations, issues and mis-
after reaching the rank of major.
sions of the U.S. Army. More than 65 percent of the
total public affairs force and 85 percent of the
Career Management Field 46
deployable TOE unit structure is positioned in the U.S.
Soldiers enlisting in CMF 46 receive their ad-
Army Reserve and Army National Guard. These re-
vanced individual training at the Defense Information
serve units and personnel must be seamlessly integrated
School. Reserve component soldiers meet the same ba-
with the active component and focused on supporting
sic and advanced educational requirements through the
the overall Army goals and objectives.
Defense Information School, the Army Correspon-
dence Course Program and additional resident courses.
Personnel
Career series GS-1035, 1082
Officers serve in Functional Area (FA) 46; enlisted
Department of the Army Civilians are key mem-
soldiers and noncommissioned officers in Career Man-
bers of the active and reserve component public af-
agement Field (CMF) 46; and Department of the Army
fairs force. Concentrated in the TDA force, they serve
Civilians serve in career series GS-1035 and GS-1082.
in both leadership and specialty skill assignments such
These public affairs personnel are assigned to TOE
as installation, garrison, state and Regional Support
and TDA positions throughout the active and reserve
Command public affairs officers and specialists.
components.
Foreign National Employees
Functional Area 46
Overseas, local nationals are employed in a vari-
Public affairs officers receive extensive training
ety of public affairs positions to provide continuity,
in public affairs principles, tactics, techniques and pro-
linguistic experience and community relations skills
cedures at the Defense Information School and through
to all levels of public affairs operations.
the Army Correspondence Course Program. This com-
bination of military and public affairs expertise en-
ables PAOs to support the Army, their commander and
The Office of the Chief of
the command. Once accessed into Public Affairs, ac-
Public Affairs
tive component officers alternate between basic branch
and public affairs assignments, although there are lim-
The Office of the Chief of Public Affairs (OCPA)
ited opportunities for officers to single track in FA 46.
is established by Title 10, United States Code para-
45

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
graph 3014, and is designated by the Secretary of the
• Public Affairs Operations
Army with the responsibility for the conduct of pub-
lic affairs operations across the United States Army.
Center (PAOC)
Mission
The Chief of Public Affairs (CPA) formulates,
The mission of the Public Affairs Operations Cen-
manages, and evaluates public affairs policies, plans
ter (SRC 45423x000) is to on order, conduct a strate-
and programs for the active and reserve components
gic deployment to an area of operations to establish
of the U.S. Army. He or she is responsible to the Sec-
and sustain field operations in support of joint, uni-
retary of the Army (SA) and responsive to the Chief of
fied, special or Army force command requirements.
Staff, Army.
Once under the command and control of a corps or
army PAO, Joint Information Bureau (JIB) or Allied
The CPA has Department of the Army (DA) re-
Press Information Center (APIC) director, the PAOC
sponsibility for preparing, coordinating and monitor-
will command and control all attached MPADs, BODs
ing the worldwide implementation of Army Public
and PADs to perform public affairs operations.
Affairs strategies, plans, policies and programs for in-
ternal and external information. He or she also has DA
Assignment
responsibility for:
One per unified, specified command, joint task
•developing public affairs plans and programs to
force, corps, and TAACOM.
support other Army plans and programs,
•managing the Army’s Public Information Secu-
Capabilities
rity Review Program,
The PAOC is commanded by a lieutenant colonel
•managing the review and clearance of informa-
and is modularly organized, staffed, trained and
tion for release outside Department of Defense by the
equipped to rapidly deploy in support of military op-
Army Secretariat
(OSA) and the Army Staff
erations. The PAOC has personnel and equipment to:
(ARSTAFF),
•conduct PA planning and analysis for the ARFOR
•managing the OSA and ARSTAFF public affairs
or JTF commander.
program,
•develop information strategies and campaigns in
•operational control of the U.S. Army Field Band,
support of operations.
•operational control of the Army Broadcasting
•support the Hometown News Release program.
Service, and
•support higher echelon public affairs require-
•serving as the proponent for all public affairs is-
ments for information, media facilitation, planning and
sues across doctrine, training, leader development,
training.
organization, materiel, soldier support (DTLOMS).
•be technologically capable to serve as the base
force to support ARFOR or Joint PA media center op-
Public Affairs TOE
erations.
•tactically communicate to public affairs units at
Organizations
echelons above brigade and all supported combat units
Separate public affairs TOE units augment organic
in the operational area.
PA sections at Army, corps and division. They also
•provide services and facilities for media repre-
operate autonomously when the situation dictates. The
sentatives in support of national, multinational, uni-
separate public affairs TOE units establish media cen-
fied or joint operations.
ters to facilitate media operations, conduct public af-
•monitor international and national television news
fairs planning and training, and produce information
for analysis and review of external media messages.
products for internal and external audiences. Public
•process and transmit digital still and video im-
affairs TOE units are predominantly positioned in the
ages from fast-moving operational environments.
U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard but are
•provide the ARFOR or joint commander with
seamlessly integrated with warfighting commanders
“over the air” radio broadcast capability to dissemi-
through the War Trace. Units are available as support
nate internal information when augmented by a BOD.
packages to armies, corps, and divisions, as well as to
•evaluate and conduct public affairs training pro-
joint task forces and commanders supporting U.S. mul-
grams for the JTF.
tinational operations.
•ground transport personnel, equipment, media to
46

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FM 46-1
•provide services and facilities for media repre-
separate locations in and around the area of opera-
sentatives in support of national, multinational, uni-
tions with organic vehicles.
fied or joint operations.
•coordinate the assignment of news media repre-
Basis of Allocation
sentatives to a unit.
The PAOC is available to unified and specified
•monitor the global and military information en-
CinCs and combined commanders to form JIBs or
vironments; provide analysis and review of external
APICs in unified/combined operations. The PAOC
media messages.
provides the unified, joint or ARFOR commander,
•evaluate and conduct public affairs training pro-
through the PAO, an organic, substantial, flexible pub-
grams for the JTF.
lic affairs force, capable of performing all core public
•tactically communicate to public affairs units at
affairs processes. When deployed in support of Army
echelons above brigade and all supported combat units
operations the PAOC will be augmented by a BOD
in the operational area.
and one MPAD. The PAOC is further augmented by
•establish a branch PA section at a subordinate
one MPAD per three brigade-size units in the opera-
unit.
tion when those units do not have separate PA sup-
•support the Hometown News Release program.
port.
•acquire digital photographs, video images, and
audio recordings.
•Mobile Public Affairs
•process digital photographs, video images, and
audio recordings into information products.
Detachment (MPAD)
•distribute digital photographs, video images, and
Mission
audio recordings to a variety of mediums.
The mission of the Mobile Public Affairs Detach-
•protect digital images, information products and
ment (SRC 45413x000) is to provide direct public af-
information systems from compromise and intrusion.
fairs support to Army and JTF units deployed in sup-
•provide public affairs support to the G5 / S5 for
port of combined or joint operations and provide aug-
the development and implementation of civil affairs
mentation to a PAOC.
programs.
•produce and distribute text, photo, video and au-
Assignment
dio information products to internal and external au-
The Mobile Public Affairs Detachment is com-
diences.
manded by a major, can be task organized into two or
•manage a news and information product distri-
three teams, and is assigned to the theater, corps or
bution system.
JTF headquarters under the operational and tactical
•provide higher echelon public affairs elements
control of the senior public affairs officer or PAOC
with information products produced by the detachment.
commander.
•ground transport personnel, equipment, media to
separate locations in and around the area of opera-
Capabilities
tions with organic vehicles.
The MPAD is staffed, trained and equipped to rap-
idly deploy in support of brigade, division or corps
Basis of Allocation
size task force operations, with personnel and equip-
MPADs are assigned at a ratio of one per three
ment to:
brigade size elements assigned to the division, corps
or joint task force they support. Theater Army head-
•conduct PA planning and analysis for the ARFOR
quarters elements are assigned one MPAD in support
or JTF commander.
of their mission. TAACOMs when augmented by a
•develop information strategies and campaigns in
PAOC are assigned one MPAD per three brigades in
support of operations.
the TAACOM. MPADs are allocated to corps or divi-
•support higher echelon Public Affairs require-
ments for information, media facilitation, planning and
sion level operations on a one MPAD per three com-
training.
bat brigade allocation rule. A minimum of two MPADs
•be technologically capable to serve as the base
are assigned to the PAOC at unified, specified or JTF
force to support ARFOR media operations.
headquarters.
47

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
•Broadcast Operations
•Public Affairs
Detachment (BOD)
Detachment (PAD)
Mission
Mission
The Broadcast Operations Detachment
(SRC
The Public Affairs Detachment (SRC 45500x000)
45607x000) provides direct radio broadcast support to
provides direct public affairs support to units deployed
theater and joint task force units deployed in support
in support of combined or joint operations.
of combined or joint operations. When operating with
and augmented by the Army Broadcast Service it can
Assignment
extend AFRTS television service.
Public Affairs Detachments are assets of the corps
or JTF headquarters allocated in sufficient quantities
Assignment
to cover the elements of the task force or corps level
The BOD is assigned to and augments the PAOC
operation. PADs are under the operational and tactical
at the unified or specified command or joint task force
control of the corps PAO or Public Affairs Operations
headquarters, or alternatively operates under the con-
Center.
trol of the supporting ABS network commander.
Capabilities
Capabilities
The PAD is commanded by a captain and is modu-
The BOD is commanded by a major and consists
larly organized, staffed, trained and equipped to rap-
of a command element, two broadcast teams and a
idly deploy in support of brigade size task force op-
maintenance team. The BOD is modularly organized,
erations. The PA section has personnel and equipment
staffed, trained and equipped to rapidly deploy. The
to:
unit operates a separate radio broadcast operation to
•conduct PA planning for the task force/brigade
support theater level operations. The BOD has person-
commander.
nel and equipment to:
•develop information strategies and campaigns in
•support higher echelon public affairs planning
support of operations.
and information strategy requirements.
•support higher echelon public affairs require-
•operate a 24-hour-a-day internal information
ments for information, media facilitation, planning and
over-the-air radio broadcast service.
training.
•perform limited digital video and audio electronic
•be technologically capable to serve as a stand-
news gathering in the theater of operations.
alone, forward deployed subordinate PA media opera-
•provide limited post production services for au-
tions center.
dio and video news feature material supplied in
•provide services and facilities for media repre-
unedited format by other units.
sentatives in support of national, multinational, uni-
•perform field maintenance and repair above op-
fied or joint operations.
erator level to broadcast and electronic news gather-
•acquire digital video, digital photographic im-
ing equipment organic to the unit.
ages, and audio voice recordings; process and protect
•provide the commander with an alternate means
public affairs information in support of the operation.
of communications when tactical communications are
•evaluate and conduct public affairs training pro-
not adequate or not available.
grams for the JTF.
•tactically communicate to public affairs units at
Basis of Allocation
echelons above brigade and all supported combat units
The BOD is available to theater or joint task force
in the operational area.
commanders to provide theater internal information
•ground transport personnel, equipment, media to
broadcast services. One BOD is assigned to the PAOC
separate locations in and around the area of opera-
at the unified or specified or joint task force headquar-
tions with organic vehicles.
ters.
•support the Hometown News Service program.
48

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FM 46-1
Basis of Allocation
•provide services and facilities, when augmented
The corps PAO or PAOC commander assigns
by a Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, for media rep-
PADs to support division, separate brigade, combat
resentatives in support of national, multinational, uni-
brigade / brigade task forces, armored cavalry regi-
fied or joint operations.
ments, medical brigades in the theater of operation.
•support higher echelon public affairs require-
When requested, PADs augment Special Operation
ments for information, media facilitation, planning and
Forces.
training.
•tactically communicate to public affairs units at
echelons above and below corps and all supported
Organic
combat units in the operational area.
Public Affairs Sections
•provide limited ground transportation for person-
nel, equipment, media in and around the area of op-
Public affairs sections are embedded in the head-
eration.
quarters of separate brigades, divisions and echelons
above division. These sections provide public affairs
Required Augmentation
support to the command and serve as the commander’s
principal advisor on public affairs issues. Ranging
When deployed, the Army Headquarters public
from a single senior noncommissioned officer to a
affairs staff will be augmented by an MPAD and will
colonel with a small staff these sections, conduct pub-
assume all the missions and capabilities of that orga-
lic affairs planning and limited operations. Personnel
nization.
and materiel constraints require that these organic PA
sections be augmented by separate public affairs TOE
•Theater Army Area
units for most operations.
Command PA Section
Mission
•Theater Army
TAACOM public affairs sections (SRC 63612L00)
Public Affairs Section
provide public affairs support to the TAACOM com-
mander and to units assigned or aligned to the
Mission
Theater Army public affairs sections
(SRC
TAACOM, training for, mobilized or deployed in sup-
5100x000) provide public affairs support to the The-
port of national, multinational, combined, unified or
ater Army commander and to units assigned or aligned
joint operations.
to the Army, training for, mobilized or deployed in
support of combined or joint operations. The Army
Capabilities
PAO has operational and tactical control over all pub-
The TAACOM PAO is a lieutenant colonel and
lic affairs TOE organizations aligned or attached di-
serves on the personal/special staff of the TAACOM
rectly to the Army headquarters and coordinates closely
commander. The section is organized, staffed, trained
with organic PA sections within corps, divisions, and
and equipped to rapidly deploy in support of opera-
other forces to carry out public affairs operations.
tions. The section has personnel and equipment to:
•conduct public affairs planning and analysis for
Capabilities
the TAACOM Commander.
•develop information strategies and campaigns in
The Theater Army PAO is a colonel and serves on
the commanding general’s personal/special staff. The
support of operations.
PA section is organized, staffed, trained and equipped
•acquire, process, distribute, and protect informa-
tion for the internal and external audience when aug-
to rapidly deploy in support of Theater Army level op-
mented by a PAOC and MPADs.
erations. The Army PA section has personnel and
equipment to:
•provide services and facilities, when augmented
•conduct public affairs planning and analysis for
by a PAOC and three MPADs, for media representa-
the commander.
tives in support of national, multinational, unified or
•develop information strategies and campaigns in
joint operations.
support of operations.
•support higher echelon public affairs require-
49

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
ments for information, media facilitation, planning and
pable to serve as a PA media operations center.
training.
•when augmented by a PAOC or an MPAD, ca-
•tactically communicate to public affairs units at
pable of providing services and facilities for media rep-
echelons above and below corps and all supported
resentatives in support of national, multinational, uni-
combat units in the operational area.
fied or joint operations.
•ground transport personnel, equipment, media in
•conduct and evaluate public affairs training pro-
and around the area of operation.
grams for the corps, JTF, or ARFOR.
•support the Hometown News Release program.
•when augmented by a PAOC, the corps PA sec-
tion has the capability of processing and timely trans-
mission of digital still and video images from fast-mov-
Required Augmentation
ing operational environments.
When deployed the TAACOM is augmented by a
•tactically communicate to public affairs units at
PAOC and up to three MPADs.
echelons above and below corps and all supported
combat units in the operational area.
•Corps
•ground transport a limited number of personnel,
equipment, and media in and around the area of op-
Public Affairs Section
eration.
Mission
•when augmented by a light truck platoon capable
The corps public affairs section (SRC 52401x000)
of the coordination and transport of up to 240 media
provides public affairs support to the corps commander
representatives.
and to corps units to the corps, training for, mobilized
•when augmented by a Public Affairs Operations
or deployed in support of combined or joint operations.
Center with a Broadcast Operations Detachment, the
The corps PAO exercises operational control of or-
corps PAO can establish and maintain a 24-hour a
ganic PA units as authorized by the corps commander
day over-the-air radio broadcast facility to provide
and coordinates closely with the PA sections of sub-
information to the internal audience.
ordinate units to carry out public affairs operations.
•when augmented by an MPAD and PADs, capable
of providing public affairs support to medical brigade-
Capabilities
size organizations within the corps.
The corps PAO is a lieutenant colonel or a colonel
•support the Hometown News Release program.
and serves as a staff officer on the personal/special
staff of the corps commander, and leads a small public
Basis of Allocation
affairs section within the corps headquarters. The sec-
Corps public affairs sections are organic to each
tion is organized, staffed, trained and equipped to rap-
Army corps.
idly deploy in support of operations. The section has
personnel and equipment to:
Required Augmentation
•conduct public affairs planning and analysis for
When deployed, the corps public affairs sections
the ARFOR, Corps or JTF Commander.
will be augmented by a PAOC. It is also augmented
•develop information strategies and campaigns in
by one MPAD for every three combat brigades (infan-
support of operations.
try armor, aviation, artillery, etc.) in the task force, as
•acquire, process, distribute, and protect informa-
well as one MPAD for COSCOM augmentation. These
tion for the internal and external audience when aug-
units count as the PAOC and division’s allocation for
mented by a PAOC and MPADs.
PA augmentation for combat brigades. Additionally,
•support higher echelon Public Affairs require-
the corps medical brigade, when deployed, will receive
ments for information, media facilitation, planning and
PA support from one MPAD and two PADs.
training.
•provide 24-hour support to the Information Op-
erations Battle Staff.
•Corps Support Command
•identify and assess relevant battlefield informa-
Public Affairs Section
tion with PA implications to include strategic and tac-
tical information.
Mission
•when augmented by a PAOC, technologically ca-
COSCOM public affairs sections (SRC 63431x000,
50

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FM 46-1
63412x000) provide public affairs support to the
Required Augmentation
COSCOM commander and to units assigned or aligned
When deployed, the COSCOM PA staff will be
to the COSCOM, training for mobilized or deployed
augmented by an MPAD.
in support of combined or joint operations. The
COSCOM PAO has operational and tactical control
•Division
over all public affairs TOE organizations aligned or
attached directly to the COSCOM and coordinates
Public Affairs Section
closely with embedded PA sections within corps, di-
Mission
visions, and other forces to carry out PA operations.
The division public affairs section
(SRC
57004x000, 67004x000, 77004x000, 8700x000) pro-
Capabilities
vides public affairs support to the division commander
The COSCOM PAO is a major and serves on the
and to divisional units deployed in support of com-
personal/special staff of the COSCOM commander.
bined or joint operations. The division PAO has op-
The PA staff section is organized, staffed, trained and
erational and tactical control over all PA TOE organi-
equipped to rapidly deploy in support of COSCOM
zations assigned or attached to the division and coor-
and task force operations. The COSCOM PAO has
dinates closely with embedded PA sections within bri-
personnel and equipment to:
gades or divisions to carry out PA operations. The di-
•conduct PA planning for the COSCOM or JTF
vision PA staff when deployed is augmented by one
commander.
MPAD per three combat brigades. The division public
•develop information strategies and campaigns in
affairs section, when augmented by a Public Affairs
support of operations.
Detachment, operates the division media operations
•support higher echelon Public Affairs require-
center.
ments for information, media facilitation, planning and
training.
Assignment
•be technologically capable to serve as a stand-
One public affairs staff section per division.
alone, forward deployed PA media operations center.
•provide services and facilities for media repre-
Capabilities
sentatives in support of national, multinational, uni-
The division public affairs officer is a major or a
fied or joint operations.
lieutenant colonel and serves on the personal/special
•acquire and process digital images in support of
staff of the division commander. The staff section is
operations.
organized, staffed, trained and equipped to rapidly
•process digital images and information into prod-
deploy in support of brigade and division size task force
ucts.
operations. The division public affairs section has the
•distribute digital images and products to the
personnel and equipment to:
PAOC or JIB for distribution to a variety of mediums.
•conduct PA planning and analysis for the com-
•protect digital images, information products and
mander.
information systems from compromise and intrusion.
•develop information strategies and campaigns in
•provide public affairs support to the G5 / S5 for
support of operations.
the development and implementation of civil affairs
•support higher echelon public affairs require-
programs.
ments for information, media facilitation, planning and
•evaluate and conduct public affairs training pro-
training.
grams for the COSCOM or JTF.
•be technologically capable to serve as a stand-
•tactically communicate to public affairs units at
alone, forward deployed, hasty PA media operations
echelons above division, augmenting the division and
center.
all supported combat units in the operational area.
•when augmented by a PAD, provide services and
•transport personnel, equipment, media in and
facilities for media representatives in support of na-
around the area of operation.
tional, multinational, unified or joint operations.
•support the Hometown News Release program.
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
•acquire digital photographs and audio record-
Capabilities
ings.
The brigade task force or separate brigade public
•process digital photographs and audio record-
affairs officer is a captain and serves on the special
ings into information products.
staff of the brigade commander. The staff section is
•distribute digital photographs and audio record-
organized, staffed, trained and equipped to rapidly de-
ings to a variety of mediums.
ploy in support of brigade-size task force operations.
•protect digital images, information products and
information systems from compromise and intrusion.
The section has the personnel and equipment nec-
•provide public affairs support to the G5 / S5 for
essary to:
the development and implementation of civil affairs
•conduct limited PA planning and analysis for the
programs.
commander.
•conduct and evaluate public affairs training pro-
•develop limited information strategies and cam-
grams for the division or JTF.
paigns in support of operations.
•provide 24-hour support to the Information Op-
•support higher echelon public affairs require-
erations Battle Staff.
ments for information, media facilitation, planning and
•identify and assess relevant battlefield informa-
training.
tion with PA implications to include strategic and tac-
•acquire, process, distribute, and protect informa-
tical information.
tion for the internal and external audience when aug-
•tactically communicate to public affairs units at
mented by a PAD.
echelons above division, augmenting the division and
•provide 24-hour support to the Information Op-
all supported combat units in the operational area.
erations Battle Staff.
•ground transport personnel, equipment, and me-
•identify and assess relevant battlefield informa-
dia in and around the area of operation.
tion with public affairs implications to include strate-
•support the Hometown News Release program.
gic and tactical information.
•when augmented by a PAD, technologically ca-
Basis of Allocation
pable to serve as a hasty PA media operations center.
Public affairs sections are organic to each divi-
•conduct and evaluate public affairs training pro-
sion headquarters.
grams for the JTF or brigade when augmented by a
PAD.
Required Augmentation
•tactically communicate to public affairs units at
When deployed, the division public affairs staff
echelons above and below JTF or brigade level and
section is augmented by one MPAD per three combat
all supported combat units in the operational area.
brigades, and one PAD.
•ground transport a limited number of personnel,
equipment, and media in and around the area of op-
eration when augmented by a PAD.
•Brigade
•support the Hometown News Release program.
Public Affairs Section
Mission
Required Augmentation
The brigade or separate brigade public affairs
When deployed as a brigade size task force or joint
section
(SRC07402x000, 11402x000, 11612x00,
task force, the brigade PA section will be augmented
19672x000, 34602x000, 44412x000, 87102x000) pro-
by one PAD.
vides public affairs support to combat or separate bri-
gades, or brigade level task forces deployed in support
DA Public Affairs Internal
of combined or joint operations.
Information Agencies
Assignment
Army News Service
One public affairs staff section per brigade task
ARNEWs is the Army’s wire service for internal
force or separate brigade.
information products serving more than 250 military
52

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FM 46-1
newspapers around the world. Available through
a nationwide pool of over 13,000 external news out-
OCPA’s electronic bulletin board PA Link and other
lets. It provides a positive media link to the United
electronic sources, ARNEWS supports the internal in-
States and its territories for the Chief of Public Affairs
formation requirements of commanders through elec-
to showcase the quality of today’s soldiers, their train-
tronic distribution of “wide-interest” news.
ing and worldwide missions. Through this vehicle the
American public is informed of the positive aspects of
Soldiers Radio and Television
the soldier, the unit, and the Army while enhancing
recruiting and retention through reinforcement of unit
SRTV provides time sensitive news and internal
pride and morale.
information to all Army personnel — military, Army
civilians, their families — at CONUSand overseas
Army installations by the most efficient and effective
Army National Guard
use of electronic media.
TDA Public Affairs
Soldiers Magazine
The National Guard in each state, territory and the
The Army’s official magazine is published and
District of Columbia has the authority to hire one mili-
distributed monthly to an audience of 1.5 million read-
tary technician who serves as the full-time public af-
ers. The magazine’s mission is to tell the Army about
fairs officer for the Army and Air National Guard of
the Army-to inform active and reserve component
that state, typically as a member of the Adjutant
soldiers, civilian employees and family members about
General’s personal staff. These individuals work in a
their Army in an informative and entertaining way,
joint environment on Army and Air National Guard
focusing on Army people, what the Army is doing
matters for their state. They have responsibility for all
around the world, new equipment, new policies, trends
functions of public affairs in their state as it applies to
and ideas.
the National Guard federal mission (weekend train-
ing, annual training, overseas deployments, activations
Soldiers Online
for federal service, etc.) and state mission (responding
This electronic ‘companion service’ to Soldiers
to a Governor’s call to duty during fires, floods, bliz-
magazine provides additional news and feature mate-
zards, civil unrest, etc.). In addition to the military tech-
rial as well as most of the magazine’s content on a
nician, states are free to use state resources to hire ad-
World Wide Web homepage.
ditional staff members (deputies, photographers, writ-
ers, secretaries) to supplement the public affairs needs
of their National Guard.
Army Reserve Magazine
The official magazine for the U.S. Army Reserve
is published and distributed quarterly to the homes of
Numbered TOE public affairs units include Pub-
600,000 members of Army Reserve troop program
lic Affairs Operations Centers, Mobile Public Affairs
Detachments and Public Affairs Detachments. In ad-
units, Individual Ready Reservists and Individual Mo-
dition to conducting routine training for their federal
bilization Augmentees. Also available electronically,
the magazine provides members of the Army Reserve
wartime missions, these units perform critical public
and their families with information about Army policy,
affairs functions when the National Guard is called to
news and feature stories relating to to the U.S. Army
state active duty. These units operate joint informa-
tion bureaus and provide media operations capability
Reserve and America’s Army.
to governors and other key state officials.
Hometown News Service
States also may have public affairs elements as
The Army and Air Force Hometown News Ser-
part of the TDA of their State Headquarters. While
vice is a field operating activity of the Chief of Public
there are some restrictions on overall number and
Affairs. Its mission is to build and implement plans
grades, states are free to set the size and rank structure
and programs worldwide to increase and strengthen
of their State Headquarters public affairs element to
the ties between citizens and service members. This
meet the geographic and troop strength needs of that
involves the annual production and generation of print
state. As with a TOE public affairs unit, TDA public
and electronic news products and feature materials for
affairs members have a federal and state mission.
53

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
that public affairs imagery requirements be identified
U.S. Army Reserve
and prioritized throughout the planning cycle.
TDA Public Affairs
The American Forces Information Service
Major TDA organizations include the U.S. Army
AFIS is responsible to the Assistant Secretary of
Reserve Command, a major subordinate headquarters
of Forces Command, ten Regional Support Commands
Defense for Public Affairs for the management, op-
(RSC) and three OCONUS Army Reserve Commands
eration, evaluation and control of internal information
(ARCOM).
at the Office of the Secretary of Defense level and
serves the needs of the military departments unified
The headquarters of most RSC and ARCOM or-
commands and other components. This includes man-
ganizations includes a public affairs section. These sec-
agement and/or oversight of a range of activities and
tions vary in size and organization, but in general in-
organizations including the Armed Forces Radio and
clude a drilling reserve lieutenant colonel, master ser-
Television Service, American Forces Press Service,
geant and staff sergeant, a full time Army civilian pub-
Current News and Analysis Branch, the Defense In-
lic affairs specialist GS-11/12 and a full time AGR
formation School and the Visual Information Direc-
major. The PA element advises the commander and
torate.
staff on public affairs issues and provides organiza-
tional and garrison public affairs support, including
Armed Forces
media operations, internal information and commu-
Radio and Television Service
nity relations operations, and the production of infor-
AFRTS is the principal operational element of the
mation products such as newspapers. The RSCs and
American Forces Information Service. The AFRTS
ARCOMs provide command and control responsibili-
mission is to provide radio and television news, sports,
ties to TOE public affairs units during inactive duty
information and entertainment programming to DoD
for training.
personnel and their family members stationed over-
seas or at sea where English language broadcast ser-
Numbered TOE public affairs units include Pub-
vice is unavailable or inadequate.
lic Affairs Operations Centers, Broadcast Operations
Detachments, Mobile Public Affairs Detachments and
The programs are representative of those seen and
Public Affairs Detachments.
heard in the United States, and are provided without
censorship, propagandizing, or manipulation. AFRTS
exercises no control over the content of program ma-
DoD PA Internal
terial, but deletes commercials and replaces them with
Information Agencies
DoD internal information and other public service spot
announcements of interest to DoD personnel and their
Joint Combat Camera
family members. All programs are acquired and dis-
The deployment of joint combat camera teams
tributed by the AFRTS Broadcast Center at March
offers the joint force commander a sophisticated ca-
AFB, CA.
pability to enhance both operational and public affairs
missions. The still and video images obtained provide
Army Broadcasting Service
a balance of useful operational information and once
The Chief of Public Affairs, through the Army
cleared for OPSEC, products for distribution to news
Broadcasting Service (ABS) acts for the SA in execut-
media representatives and military public affairs or-
ing the Secretary’s responsibility as DoD Executive
ganizations. Combat camera teams often have access
to events and areas unavailable to news media repre-
Agent for AFRTS operations in geographic areas des-
sentatives and military journalists. They bring with
ignated as the responsibility of the Army.
them a technological capability allowing for the timely
transmission of images from the military information
The Army Broadcasting Service is responsible for
environment. Since deployed COMCAM teams sup-
managing and controlling all resources necessary to
port the entire spectrum of an operation, it is essential
operate and maintain U. S. Army Armed Forces Radio
and Television Service (AFRTS) outlets. Army Broad-
54

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FM 46-1
casting Service insures that U. S. Army OCONUS ra-
dio and television outlets are responsive to the needs
of major commanders, providing internal information,
news and entertainment to military and DoD civilian
personnel and their families overseas.
Army Broadcasting Service supports the war fight-
ing commander’s internal information objectives dur-
ing normal and high intensity operations, plans annual
and overseas training and support for reserve compo-
nent Broadcast Operation Detachments, and plans and
designs information strategies and public affairs cam-
paigns supporting theater PAO and CINC command
information directives. !
55

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
Chapter 7
Employment and
Support of PA Forces
rganic public affairs assets are inadequate to
If the mission is in support of a recurring exercise
O
support a high level of media interest or a large
or other requirement, planning for reserve component
media presence in the area of operations and will re-
support should be accomplished 18 to 24 months in
quire augmentation by public affairs TOE units and
advance. PA planners must ensure they provide their
individual soldiers positioned in the U.S. Army Re-
commander with a thorough, complete, and realistic
serve and Army National Guard. These augmenting
appraisal of their requirements and options.
assets are available to commanders at all levels as part
of force packages, as separate units for selected mis-
Employment of PA units
sions and as individual public affairs soldiers.
Public affairs units are organized as Public Affairs
Operations Centers (PAOC), Mobile Public Affairs
The types of units and individuals provided will
Detachments (MPAD), Broadcast Operation Detach-
vary depending on the mission, the force mix required,
ments (BOD) and Public Affairs Detachments (PAD).
the forces available, and whether the support is for a
These units are highly mobile, modularly organized,
training event, exercise or operational contingency. In
and capable of rapid deployment to support the widest
most cases, active and reserve component public af-
variety of contingency operations. MPADs are de-
fairs assets are available year-around for both short
ployed either in direct support to a PAO or as augmen-
notice deployments and for scheduled training events.
tation to a PAOC.
Commanders must realize that augmentation and sup-
port is available in the type, quantity and timeliness
required, but must plan and request accordingly.
Public Affairs
Operations Center
In all cases, requests are forwarded through CINC
channels to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or through
The PAOC is a gaining command, augmented with
MACOM chains of command to HQDA. Headquar-
two or more MPADs for duty within media centers,
ters, DA DCSOPS receives requests from JCS or a
Joint Information Bureaus or Allied Press Information
MACOM, evaluates mission requirements, determines
Centers. The PAOC commander works for the gain-
the most appropriate component, then tasks the proper
ing command PAO.
agency or MACOM for forces.
As with an infantry battalion headquarters with-
Public affairs issues and requirements should be
out its line companies, the PAOC is not fully mission
addressed in the initial planning guidance and through-
capable without MPADand BOD augmentation. The
out the planning and decision-making process. Plan-
PAOC sections - administration and support, registra-
ners must conduct a careful estimate of the public af-
tion, briefing, escort and production/marketing - are
fairs implications of the mission and provide an accu-
staffed at the cadre level, and require augmentation of
rate analysis of the nature and scope of support required.
46As, 46Qs, 46Rs and 46Zs from the MPADs. The
56

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FM 46-1
BOD provides 24-hour-over-the-air radio broadcast
Mobile Public Affairs
capability.
Detachments
The PAOC forms the nucleus of a media support
Although the personnel, structure and equipment
center, and is responsible to the gaining command PAO
of MPADs are constant, their employment requires
and his commander for facilitating media coverage of
each to train to a Mission Essential Task List (METL)
operations. Facilitating media coverage includes guard-
for distinct yet related and interchangeable missions.
ing OPSEC, providing briefings and escorts, register-
ing media, coordinating media visits to units, assist-
MPADs in Direct Support
ing in deploying media pools when required, and co-
An MPAD in direct support of a gaining command
ordinating logistical support for the media center such
PAO provides primary acquisition capability for print,
as communications, billeting, messing and transporta-
audio and video.
tion.
Unlike augmenting MPADs which report to the
PAOC, the MPADs in direct support are not oriented
The production/marketing section of the PAOC
solely on media facilitation. Their mission is to sup-
acts as a clearing house for electronic, print, still pho-
port the PAO with the following capabilities—
tographic and audio-visual products from all sources
•write, edit, design and produce the supported
assigned or attached to the gaining command PAO.
unit’s internal information products
The PAOC post production staff, depending on the
•acquire, edit and produce print information fact
level of operations, provides professional support (ed-
sheets, news, sports, feature and photo news releases
iting, scripting, etc.) for all acquisition efforts; pro-
•acquire, edit and produce audio and video news,
vides quality control checks of products; coordinates
sports and feature electronic news releases
all command requirements for products (to include pro-
•provide as many as three mixed print/AV teams
viding photo, audio and video products to the media)
equipped for product acquisition
and markets and moves products to the rear (CONUS
Additionally, MPADs in direct support can expand
or higher level JIB/media center) in support of rear
the media escort capability of the supported PAO, aug-
area commanders with public information, command
ment divisions and other elements in theater and pro-
information and community relations requirements.
vide the PAO with staff augmentation.
In addition to the acquisition mission, direct sup-
Public Affairs Operations Center augmentation is
port MPADs may be deployed forward to establish
determined by the mission, however a minimum of
media centers.
two MPADs should augment the PAOC, with addi-
tional MPADs, and a BOD assigned as the operational
MPADs Augmenting a PAOC
situation expands.
The MPAD in support of a Public Affairs Opera-
tions Center provides manpower and equipment to es-
The PAOC provides support to joint elements as-
tablish and operate a media center at Theater Army,
signed to Joint/Combined Information Centers. Simi-
TAACOM and Corps. They are media facilitation ori-
lar support and coordination occurs with Combat Cam-
ented, and when joining the PAOC, MPAD personnel
era, Hometown News Center and other military media
can expect to be assigned to a variety of positions within
elements. Augmenting MPADs may provide teams for
the media center structure.
full unit replacements to the PAO when direct support
MPADs require personnel replacement or refit. PAOC
Administration: Unit clerks may be assigned to a
and augmenting MPADs may provide a maintenance
consolidated administrative section.
“float” for forward deployed direct support MPADs.
Escort Section: Officers and senior NCOs should
expect escort duty even though assigned to other PAOC
The PAOC commander may establish additional
sections. Unit vehicles will augment PAOC organic
sections and elements to meet special requirements
capability for escort purposed.
such as operations, transportation, maintenance, ser-
vice support and marketing.
Briefing Section: Officers, NCOs and soldiers
Public Affairs Operations Centers are positioned
may augment the briefing section. Audio/visual equip-
in the U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard.
ment and other briefing support equipment may be
57

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
assigned to the briefing section.
BODs are assigned to the PAOC supporting the
Production/Marketing Section: All personnel
Theater Army, but operate with the senior theater PAO
may be assigned to the production/marketing section
in one or more mission configurations.
to produce and market a variety of products in support
of the media, and in support of the PAO’s internal and
BODs may obtain electronic products from PAOCs
external information efforts.
and MPADs, and provide produced electronic prod-
ucts through the PAOC. BODs have no organic broad-
MPAD operational considerations
cast capability, and must rely on in-theater, or Army
The gaining PAO must clearly outline the missions
Broadcast Service equipment.
and responsibilities of MPADs in direct support as well
as those augmenting the Public Affairs Operations
Broadcast Operation Detachments are positioned
Center. MPADs must be prepared to deploy and es-
in the U.S. Army Reserve.
tablish initial media operations centers . Public affairs
teams from direct support MPADs must be carefully
Public Affairs Detachment
controlled to ensure maximum acquisition and produc-
Public Affairs Detachments are assigned to divi-
tion capability. They may be rotated on a regular basis
sions, separate brigades and armored cavalry regiments
to facilitate acquisition, production and refitting for
to provide expanded public affairs capability to their
future operations.
limited organic PA staff. They provide direct public
affairs support to units deployed in support of com-
Final production of external information products
bined, unified or joint operations.
may be accomplished by the PAOC production/mar-
keting section. MPAD personnel must work closely
The focus of the PAD is primarily on print inter-
with the production/marketing section to ensure timely,
nal information products. They have a limited exter-
quality products, appropriately cleared to OPSEC stan-
nal information, ENG acquisition and media escort
dards.
capability.
When MPADs are organized and deployed as bri-
Public Affairs Detachments are positioned in the
gade-level teams, the MPAD commander operates
active Army and U.S. Army Reserve.
within the division operations cell as the division PAOs
representative. MPAD commanders retain command
of their teams while they are under the operational
Required Combat Support/
control of the brigade.
Combat Service Support
Public affairs teams deployed forward to lower unit
Public affairs operations require significant com-
level should be mixed print (46Q) and electronic (46R)
bat support and service support from the supporting
capable.
commander.
MPADs are positioned in the U.S. Army Reserve,
Personnel
Army National Guard, and active Army.
Non-public affairs soldiers may be trained to serve
as media escorts, conduct briefings, provide interviews,
execute administrative and supply functions and as-
Broadcast
sist with such additional tasks as driving and security.
Operations Detachment
Broadcast Operations Detachments provide per-
Transportation
sonnel and equipment to conduct 24-hour internal in-
Public affairs elements have limited organic trans-
formation broadcast operations; limited Electronic
portation assets, intended to enable public affairs per-
News Gathering (ENG) capability in support of
sonnel to move themselves and their equipment about
AFRTS; and augment AFRTS or merge with other in-
the area of operations. In many situations, these or-
dependent facilities to form a theater of operations
ganic assets will not be sufficient to support even this
network.
basic requirement. When media activity and public
58

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FM 46-1
interest in an operation is high, this limited capability
Information architecture/
will be quickly overwhelmed.
communications support
PA operations require additional dedicated trans-
Successful public affairs operations for an Army
portation assets and will rely on transportation pro-
committed to information dominance mandates a
vided by supported units. Additional ground transpor-
change in how PAOs at all levels assess and satisfy
tation requirements may be met by using leased com-
their information architecture requirements. PAOs
mercial equipment, however, public affairs elements
must understand the dynamics of information opera-
will commonly require access to additional tactical
tions, what information-related technical capabilities
vehicles. Additionally, critical time-sensitive events
are required to accomplish public affairs missions at
requiring a rapid PA response, especially when they
home and while deployed, and how to obtain the re-
occur in remote locations, will require air transporta-
quired support .
tion assets.
Information processing and communications sup-
PA operations will frequently involve transport-
port is obtained under the umbrella of command, con-
ing journalists and their equipment. Although media
trol, communications and computer (C4) systems sup-
representatives may have their own transportation as-
port. C4 systems support doctrine and operational man-
sets, unit commanders may authorize travel in Army
agement is heavily influenced by joint commanders.
vehicles. The Army goal of providing access to op-
Joint Pub 6-0 , Doctrine for Command, Control, Com-
erations, units and personnel is best accomplished by
munications and Computer (C4) Systems Support to
providing representatives with transportation or travel
Joint Operations, specifies the joint doctrine for C4
support. Providing transportation to media represen-
systems support for joint operations. Joint Pub 6-0
tatives will usually be accomplished by the supported
states “the fundamental objective of C4 systems is to
unit. In other situations, PA operations will receive
get the critical and relevant information to the right
support from command transportation units.
place in time to allow forces to seize on opportunity
and meet the objectives across the range of military
Sustainment and other logistics support
operations.” PAOs must work closely with C4 systems
Public Affairs elements depend on the command
support providers and have the technical proficiency
or unit they are supporting for logistics sustainment.
to adequately manage the support provided them. Fail-
Repairs beyond the operator level, fuel, finance, per-
ure to do this will cause failure in the commander’s
sonnel, chaplain, legal services, medical support, food
public affairs program. Commanders must ensure that
service support, laundry, shower and other field ser-
communications providers and planners include pub-
vice support, mail service, and general supply sup-
lic affairs requirements in the development of com-
port must be provided to Public Affairs elements.
munications support packages.
Media representatives should make their own ar-
Information types and processing
rangements for sustainment and other logistical sup-
“Raw” PA information must be processed. This
port. In situations where media representatives are
includes simple text files, graphic images and presen-
unable to make arrangements for such support, the
tation briefings, still and motion video, digital and ana-
Army provides services on a space-available basis.
log sound files. C4 planners and providers must pro-
Media can be expected to reimburse the government
vide PAOs and public affairs units with sufficient in-
for such services provided on an extended basis. The
formation processing capabilities to meet the unique
provision of services to media representatives, how-
requirements of operational public affairs.
ever, will not be at the expense of soldiers or create
conditions which are detrimental to mission accom-
Information transmission
plishment.
PAOs must move their information and that of the
media, especially if the commander has been tasked to
provide communications support to accompanying
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
media. This requires the PAO to develop requirements
for the supporting communications staff and units in
specific terms, to include the bandwidth needed to sup-
port the various forms of PA information. The require-
ment to transmit video, sound and graphic information
often exceeds the capabilities of available systems.
Commercial means may be required to supplement
military systems, to include leasing satellite commu-
nications support in an area of operations. This type of
support requires close coordination in the earliest plan-
ning stages. Providing access to and time on military
transmission systems to civilian journalist’s, while per-
mitted by policy, requires careful planning and devel-
opment of protocols. Limiting a journalists access to
previously agreed communications support must never
be used to delay or prevent the transmission of embar-
rassing or unflattering information.
Basic communications support
PAOs must have tactical and strategic communi-
cations support sufficient to exercise command and
control of their PA assets and coordinate with all sup-
ported units. Tactical vehicles must be equipped with
tactical radios, and the mobile communications assets
required to access Army MSE networks. GPS support
is required for those elements moving about the battle-
field. PAOs must have access to tactical internet sys-
tems and at the appropriate levels, the tri-service the-
ater-level network. In the early stages of deployment,
or in areas with limited available communications sup-
port, PAOs require INMARSAT or equivalent portable
satellite communications terminals. Communications
systems to support coordination with joint and allied
public affairs operations must be available.
Special types of support
To function in the global information environment,
PAOs need to access key portions of that environment.
Technical means to receive commercial television cov-
erage directly from broadcast satellites, access to the
Internet and World Wide Web and similar capabili-
ties, tailored to mission requirements, are required.!
60

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FM 46-1
REFERENCES
Joint Publication (JP) 1-02, Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and
Associated Terms, 23 March 1994
FM 46-1, Public Affairs Operations, 23 July 1992
FM 71-100, Division Operations, August 1996
FM 90-29, Noncombatant Evacuation Operations, 17 October 1994
FM 100-5, Operations, 14 June 1993
FM 100-6, Information Operations, August 1996
FM 100-8, Multinational Operations, (Draft) 1996
FM 100-15 Corps Operations, October 1995
FM 100-19, Domestic Support Operations, 1 July 1993
FM 100-20, Stability and Support Operations (Final Draft) 1996
FM 100-23, Peace Operations, 30 December 1994
TRADOC PAM 525-5, Force XXI Operations, 1 August 1994
Army Regulation (AR) 200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement, 23 April 1990
AR 200-2, Environmental Effects of Army Actions, 23 December 1988
AR 360-5, Public Information, 31 May 1989
AR 360-7, Army Broadcasting Service
AR 360-61, Community Relations, 15 Jan 1987
AR 360-81, Command Information Program, 20 October 1989
Public Affairs Guidance on National Guard Bureau Environmental Programs,
National Guard Bureau Office of Public Affairs, 1994
Commander’s Guide to Environmental Management,
U.S. Army Environmental Center, 1995
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
APPENDIX A
DOD Principles of Information
It is the policy of the Department of Defense to make available timely and accurate
information so that the public, Congress, and the news media may assess and understand
the facts about national security and defense strategy.
Request for information from organizations and private citizens will be answered in
a timely manner: In carrying out this policy, the following principles of information will
apply:
•Information will be made fully and readily available, consistent
with statutory requirements, unless its release is precluded by current and
valid security classification. The provisions of the Freedom of Information
Act will be supported in both letter and spirit.
•A free flow of general and military information will be made
available, without censorship or propaganda, to the men and women of the
Armed Forces and their family members.
•Information will not be classified or otherwise withheld to protect
the government from criticism or embarrassment.
•Information will be withheld only when disclosure would
adversely affect national security or threaten the safety or privacy of the
men and women of the Armed Forces.
•The Department’s obligation to provide the public with
information on its major programs may require detailed public affairs
planning and coordination within the Department and with other
government agencies. The sole purpose of such activity is to expedite the
flow of information to the public: propaganda has no place in the
Department of Defense public affairs programs
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APPENDIX B
Guidelines for Coverage of DoD Combat Operations
The DoD Media Guidelines, issued as change 3 to DoD Directive 5122.5, provide the
following guidelines for coverage of DoD combat operations:
A. Open and independent reporting will be the principal means of coverage of U.S.
military operations.
B. Pools are not to serve as the standard means of covering U.S. military operations.
But pools may sometimes provide the only feasible means of early access to a military
operation. Pools should be as large as possible and disbanded at the earliest opportunity—
within 24 to 36 hours when possible. The arrival of early access pools will not cancel the
principle of independent coverage for journalists already in the area.
C. Even under conditions of open coverage, pools may be appropriate for specific
events, such as those at extremely remote locations or where space is limited.
D. Journalists in a combat zone receive credentials from the U.S. military and will be
required to abide by a clear set of military security ground rules that protect U.S. forces and
their operations. Violation of the ground rules can result in suspension of credentials and
expulsion from the combat zone of the journalists involved. News organizations will make
their best efforts to assign experienced journalists to combat operations and then make
them familiar with U.S. military operations.
E. Journalists will be provided access to all major military units. Special operations
restriction may limit access in some cases.
F. Military public affairs officers should act as liaisons but should not interfere with
the reporting process.
G. Under conditions of open coverage, field commanders will permit journalists to
ride on military vehicles and aircraft whenever feasible. The military will be responsible
for the transportation of pools.
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APPENDIX C
SAMPLE PUBLIC AFFAIRS ANNEX ____
Classification
Copy ___ of___ copies
Issuing headquarters
Place of issue
Date-time group of signature
Message reference No._____
ANNEX ____ PUBLIC AFFAIRS ANNEX TO OPLAN _____
References: Maps, charts, regulations and other relevant documents.
Time zone used throughout order.
1. SITUATION
A brief general description of the situation, information affecting public affairs support
which paragraph 1 of the OPLAN does not cover and intended purpose of this annex.
a. Friendly forces Outline the higher headquarters’ plan (and PA annex) and adjacent
unit PA plans. Provide information on friendly coalition forces which may impact the PA
mission. Note PA resources supporting the unit.
b. Attachments and detachments. Identify all augmenting PA units supporting this
command and all attached/assigned subordinate units. Include effective dates, if applicable.
c. Enemy forces. List information on the threat force, its relationship to the PA mis-
sion and any information not included in the OPLAN/OPORD which may impact the PA
mission.
d. Assumptions. List any additional assumptions or information not included in the
general situation which will impact the PA mission.
2. MISSION
A clear and concise statement of the public affairs mission.
3. EXECUTION
Give a summary of the overall course of action intended.
a. Concept of the operation. Briefly summarize the public affairs operation plan.
Include PA priorities.
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b. Public Affairs tasks. Identify and assign supporting PA tasks to each element of
subordinate and supporting units. Assign specific tasks to elements of the command charged
with public affairs tasks, such as requirements for PA augmentation.
c. Coordinating instructions. Give details on coordination, task organization and group-
ings. List instructions which apply to two or more subordinate elements or units.
4. SERVICE SUPPORT
a. Administration. A statement of the administrative arrangements applicable to this
operation. If they are lengthy or are not ready for inclusion in the OPLAN, theses arrange-
ments may be issued separately and referenced here.
b. Logistics. A statement of the logistical arrangements applicable to this operation.
Specific coordination should be included if possible, but arrangements may be issued sepa-
rately and referenced there, if they are too lengthy.
5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL
List signal, visual imaging and satellite communications policies, headquarters and media
center locations or movements, code words, code names and liaison elements.
ACKNOWLEDGE.
NAME (Commander’s last name)
RANK (Commander’s rank)
OFFICIAL:
APPENDIXES:
DISTRIBUTION
Classification
NOTE: For Public Affairs Annex development, see Joint
Pub 5-03.2, Joint Operations Planning and Execution
System, Vol. II, Supplemental Planning Guidance and
Formats
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APPENDIX D
EXAMPLE - PUBLIC AFFAIRS ESTIMATE
Classification
Headquarters
Place of Issue
Date, Time and Time Zone
Message Ref. No.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS ESTIMATE NO. ______
REFERENCES: Maps, charts or other documents, including all current public affairs guidance
(PAG) from OATSD (PA).
Time zone used throughout the estimate:
1. MISSION
The command’s restated mission from a public affairs perspective.
2. SITUATION AND CONSIDERATIONS
This paragraph describes the strategic and operational media environment in which the operation
is being conducted and identifies the critical factors that might impact on the command’s mission—
the “action and reaction” within global media channels. It identifies the media environment across
the operational continuum, describing it from “austere” for low media interest and capability in a
limited AOR communications infrastructure to “dynamic” for high media interest and capability in a
high-tech AOR infrastructure. At minimum, this paragraph must include:
a. Information environment. An assessment of the characteristics of the operation and infor-
mation environment in the area of operations. It identifies any activities or issues affecting the over-
all mission and the command’s public affairs objectives.
b. Media presence. An assessment of the news media presence in the theater of operations prior
to deployment and the likely presence of additional news media during the conduct of operations.
This also includes an assessment of the authority under which the media are operating and their
degree of access to the area of operations.
c. Media capabilities. An assessment of the media’s information collection and communica-
tions technology, specifically identifying the extent of visual information acquisition and satellite
communications capabilities. It includes an analysis of the logistics support, transportation assets,
and host nation communications infrastructure available to them.
d. Media content. An assessment of the global media organizations’ presentation of informa-
tion and their agendas, and an analysis and prioritization of the potential strategic and operational
issues confronting the command in the news media. This media content analysis evaluates the quan-
tity of coverage and the nature of that coverage.
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e. Public opinion. Assessment of the national and international attitudes about the operation and the
command, the leaders and the soldiers conducting it. This paragraph should include both the perceptions
held by major audience groups and the relative solidity or strength of those attitudes. A public opinion
analysis should include as a minimum an analysis of the following groups:
—American public
—Civilian political leaders
—Coalition and allied forces
—Coalition and allied publics
—International audience
—Internal command audience
—Home station public
f. Information channel availability. An assessment of the information channels available for the
communication of information in and out of the AOR. It identifies the means available to the commander
for receipt, transmission, and dissemination of digital and analog voice, data, text, graphics and visual
images. It describes command, coalition and local national facilities and equipment available, including
an analysis of available telephone lines for voice and data transmission, the accessibility of audio and
video channels, the prevalence of private communications devices, such as soldier and civilian owned
cellular telephones, fax machines, computers, portable radios and television, still and video cameras, and
the nature and flow of the information possible through these channels.
g. Information needs. This is an assessment of the information needs of the previously identified key
publics. It analyzes key internal and external audiences and assesses their news and information expecta-
tions. It identifies the types of information that will be made available to these key audiences.
h. Personnel situation. Describes the present dispositions of public affairs personnel and units that
affect the PA mission as well as the assets needed and available.
i. Public affairs situation. A summary of current public affairs objectives and identification of
specific courses of action for each objective. At high levels of command, the paragraph provides a detailed
summary of information with a reference to an annex in the estimate. Subparagraphs will include all
current public affairs guidance (PAG) from OSD(PA).
j. Assumptions. Until specific planning guidance from the commander becomes available, assump-
tions may be needed for initiating planning or preparing the estimate. These assumptions will be modified
as factual data or planning guidance becomes available.
3. ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON OF COURSES OF ACTION
Analysis of each course of action based on the public affairs objectives in paragraph 2i. Includes
problems and deficiencies, advantages and disadvantages of each course or action and methods of over-
coming them. At a minimum, subparagraphs should include media facilitation and support, information
strategies, and force training and support.
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4. CONCLUSIONS
a. Indication of ability to support the command mission (restated in paragraph 1) from the public affairs
viewpoint.
b. Indication of which COA can be best supported
c. Lists major public affairs deficiencies which the commander must consider. Includes specific recom-
mendations concerning the methods of eliminating or reducing the effects of these deficiencies.
_____________________________
(Public Affairs Officer)
ANNEXES:
A - Copy Points
B - Questions and Answers
Copy points are short statements that serve to explain the operation and that support core messages and
would be used as often as possible during the course of interviews with core media. Questions and answers
likewise prepare potential interviewees to respond positively and quickly to questions, both easy and hard,
that core media are likely to ask. Both copy points and questions and answers should be developed concur-
rently with the PA estimate and updated and expanded continually throughout the planning process.
Classification
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APPENDIX E
Media Ground Rules Example
Operation Desert Storm Ground Rules
The following information should not be reported because its publication or broadcast could jeopardize op-
erations and endanger lives:
(1) For U.S. or coalition units, specific numerical information on troop strength, aircraft, weapons systems,
on-hand equipment or supplies (e.g. artillery, tanks, radars, missiles, trucks, water), including amounts of ammu-
nition or fuel moved by support units or on hand in combat units. Unit size may be described in general terms such
as "company-size, multi-battalion, multi-division, naval task force and carrier battle group." Number and amount
of equipment and supplies may be described in general terms such as "large, small, or many."
(2) Any information that reveals details of future plans, operations or strikes, including postponed or can-
celled operations.
(3) Information, photography and imagery that would reveal the specific location of military forces or show
the level of security at military installations or encampments. Locations may be described as follows: all Navy
embark stories can identify the ship upon which embarked as a dateline and will state that this report is coming
"from the Persian Gulf, Red Sea or North Arabian Sea." Stories written in Saudi Arabia may be datelined "Eastern
Saudi Arabia, near the Kuwaiti border, " etc. For specific countries outside Saudi Arabia, stories will state that the
report is coming from the Persian Gulf region unless that country has acknowledged its participation.
(4) Rules of engagement details.
(5) Information on intelligence collection activities, including targets, methods and results.
(6) During an operation, specific information on friendly force troop movements, tactical deployments and
dispositions that would jeopardize operational security and lives. This would include unit designations, names or
operations and size of friendly forces involved until released by CENTCOM.
(7) Identification of mission aircraft points of origin, other than as land or carrier based.
(8) Information on the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of enemy camouflage, cover, deception, targeting,
direct and indirect fire, intelligence collection or security measures.
(9) Specific identifying information on missing or downed aircraft or ships while search and rescue opera-
tions are planned or underway.
(10) Special operations forces methods, unique equipment or tactics.
(11) Specific operating methods and tactics, (e.g. air ops angles of attack or speeds, naval tactics and evasive
maneuvers). General terms such as "low" or "fast" may be used.
(12) Information on operational or support vulnerabilities that could be used against U.S. forces, such as
details of major battle damage or major personnel losses of specific U.S. or coalition units, until that informa-
tion no longer provides tactical advantage to the enemy and is, therefore, released by CENTCOM. Damage and
casualties may be described as "light", "moderate", or "heavy."
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
C2protect—command and control-protect—see command and control warfare
C2Wcommand and control warfare
command and control warfare—The integrated use of operations security (OPSEC), military deception,
psychological operations (PSYOP), electronic warfare (EW), and physical destruction, mutually supported
by intelligence, to deny information to, influence, degrade, or destroy adversary command and control capa-
bilities, while protecting friendly command and control capabilities against such actions. Command and
control warfare applies across the operational continuum and all levels of conflict. Also called C2W. C2W is
both offensive and defensive: a. counter-C2—To prevent effective C2 of adversary forces by denying infor-
mation to, influencing, degrading, or destroying the adversary C2 system. b. C2-protection—To maintain
effective command and control of own forces by turning to friendly advantage or negating adversary efforts
to deny information to, influence, degrade, or destroy the friendly C2 system.
civil affairs—the activities of a commander that establish, maintain, influence, or exploit relations between
military forces and civil authorities, both governmental and nongovernmental, and the civilian populace in a
friendly, neutral, or hostile area of operations in order to facilitate military operations and consolidate opera-
tional objectives. Civil affairs activities (1) embrace the relationship between military forces and civil au-
thorities and population in areas where military forces are present; and (2) involve application of civil affairs
functional specialty skills, in areas normally the responsibility of civilian government, which enhance con-
duct of civil-military operations. These activities may occur prior to, during, or subsequent to other military
actions. They may also occur, if directed, in the absence of other military operations.
combined operation— an operation conducted by forces of two or more allied nations acting together for the
accomplishment of a single mission.
command information—see internal information
community relations establishing and maintaining effective relationships between military and civilian
communities through planning and active participation in events and processes which provide benefits to
both communities.
community relations program—that command function which evaluates public attitudes, identifies the
mission of a military organization with the public interest, and executes a program of action to earn public
understanding and acceptance. Community relations programs are conducted at all levels of command, both
in the United States and overseas, by military organizations having a community relations area of responsi-
bility. Community relations programs include, but are not limited to, such activities as liaison and coopera-
tion with associations and organizations and their local affiliates at all levels; armed forces participation in
international, national, regional, state, and local public events; installation open houses and tours; embarka-
tions in naval ships; orientation tours for distinguished civilians; people-to-people and humanitarian acts;
cooperation with government officials and community leaders; and encouragement of armed forces person-
nel and their dependents to participate in activities of local schools, churches, fraternal, social, and civic
organizations, sports, and recreation programs, and other aspects of community life to the extent feasible and
appropriate, regardless of where they are located.
GIEglobal information environment
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global information environment—all individuals, organizations, or systems, most of which are outside the
control of the military or National Command Authorities, that collect, process, and disseminate information to
national and international audiences.
ground rules—conditions established by a military command to govern the conduct of news gathering and the
release and/or use of specified information during an operation or during a specific period of time.
information architecture—Description and specifications of information systems to include identification of
communicators, information transmitted, equipment specifications and network designs. Includes operational,
system and technical architectures.
information operations—continuous military operations within the military information environment that
enable, enhance, and protect the friendly force’s ability to collect, process, and act on information to achieve
an advantage across the full range of military operations; information operations include interacting with the
global information environment and exploiting or denying an adversary’s information and decision capabili-
ties.
information strategy—a synchronized plan for using all available and appropriate methods of communica-
tion to achieve specific goals of informing target audiences.
internal information—communication by a military organization with service members, civilian employees
and family members of the organization that creates an awareness of the organization’s goals, informs them of
significant developments affecting them and the organization, increases their effectiveness as ambassadors of
the organization, and satisfies their desire to be kept informed about what is going on in the organization and
operation
(also known as command information).
JIB—joint information bureau
joint information bureau—facilities established by the joint force commander to serve as the focal point for
the interface between the military and the media during the conduct of joint operations. When operated in
support of multinational operations, a joint information bureau is called a Combined Information Bureau or an
Allied Press Information Center.
joint force—a general term applied to a force composed of significant elements, assigned or attached, of two
or more Military Departments, operating under a single joint force commander.
joint operations—a general term to describe military actions conducted by joint forces, or by Service forces
in relationships (e.g., support, coordinating authority), which, of themselves, do not create joint forces.
joint task force—a joint force that is constituted and so designated by the Secretary of Defense, a combatant
commander, a subunified commander, or an existing joint task force commander. Also called JTF.
media facilitation—the range of activities such as providing access and interviews that assist news media
representatives covering military operations.
media operations center—facility that serves as the focal point for the interface between the military and the
media covering an event or operation.
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media pool—a limited number of news media who represent a larger number of news media organizations for
news gathering and sharing of material during a specified activity. Pooling is typically used when news media
support resources cannot accommodate a large number of journalists. The DoD National Media Pool is avail-
able for coverage of the earliest stages of a contingency. Additionally, the combatant commanders may also
find it necessary to form limited local pools to report on specific missions.
MIE—military information environment
military information environment—the environment contained within the global information environment,
consisting of the information systems and organizations—friendly and adversary, military and nonmilitary—
that support, enable, or significantly influence a specific military operation
multinational operations—a collective term to describe military actions conducted by forces of two or more
nations, typically organized within the structure of a coalition or alliance.
news media representative—an individual employed by a civilian radio or television station, newspaper,
newsmagazine, periodical, or news agency to gather information and report on a newsworthy event.
NGO—nongovernmental organization
nongovernmental organizations—transnational organizations of private citizens that maintain a consultative
status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Nongovernmental organizations may be
professional associations, foundations, multinational businesses, or simply groups with a common interest in
humanitarian assistance activities (development and relief). “Nongovernmental organizations” is a term nor-
mally used by non-United States organizations. Also called NGO. See also private voluntary organizations.
private voluntary organizations—private, nonprofit humanitarian assistance organizations involved in devel-
opment and relief activities. Private voluntary organizations are normally United States-based. “Private volun-
tary organization” is often used synonymously with the term “nongovernmental organization.” Also called
PVO. See also nongovernmental organizations.
PAG—public affairs guidance
public affairs guidance—normally, a package of information to support the public discussion of defense is-
sues and operations. Such guidance can range from a telephonic response to a specific question to a more
comprehensive package. Included could be an approved public affairs policy, news statements, answers to
anticipated media questions, and community relations guidance. Public affairs guidance also addresses the
method(s), timing, location and other details governing the release of information to the public.
public affairs assessment—an analysis of the news media and public environments to evaluate the degree of
understanding about strategic and operations objectives and military activities and to identify levels of public
support. Includes judgments about the public affairs impact of pending decisions and recommendations about
the structure of public affairs support for the assigned mission.
public affairs estimate—as assessment of a specific mission from a public affairs perspective.
public information--A general term describing processes used to provide information to external audiences
through public media.
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psychological operations— operations to convey selected information and indicators to foreign audiences to
influence their emotions, motives, objective reasoning, and ultimately the behavior of foreign governments,
organizations, groups, and individuals. The purpose of psychological operations is to induce or reinforce
foreign attitudes and behavior favorable to the originator’s objectives. Also called PSYOP.
PSYOP—psychological operations
sustaining base—the home station or permanent location of active duty units and Reserve Component units
(e.g., location of armory or reserve center) that provides personnel, logistic and other support required to
maintain and prolong operations or combat.
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