Media Considerations for the Operational Commander
Abstract
This paper examines the necessity for media coverage of U.S. military operations, the ground rules for media coverage, and the goals a military commander can achieve with good military-media relations. In two conflicts during this decade, Grenada and Panama, the press gave more coverage to ineffectual military-media plans than to successful military operations. The media plays an integral part in holding together Clausewitz's trinity of people-army-government. Media support is therefore a necessity for democratic societies that conduct war. The evolution of ground rules from Vietnam and Grenada to Panama has led to the formation of the Department of Defense (DoD) National Media Pool and an enhanced understanding of media pooling in general. The pooling system has proven to be the most effective method of dealing with the media. Pooling was effectively used by the military in Operation Desert Storm to achieve strategic and operational goals and it will be the basis for future media deployment. But even with the success of operation Desert Storm, media complaints exist and rules must be shaped to deal with them. In closing, a warfighting commander can significantly enhance his aims by developing a thorough plan to deal with the media.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 23, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA250265
Entities
People
- Gary R. Leaman
Organizations
- Naval War College