Public Affairs: A Facet of Operational Art?
Abstract
Undeniably, the relationship between the United States military and the news media is of vital interest to the operational commander. If the news media is not satisfied with the commander's effort to provide access to military operations, unnecessary difficulties for the commander and adverse press for the military are inevitable. Military media experiences during Operations Urgent Fury in Grenada and Just Cause in Panama suffered from poor public affairs (PA) planning. Commanders of Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti learned from the mistakes of Grenada and Panama, and implemented a successful PA plan. Lessons from these three operations significantly influenced the formulation of current Department of Defense instructions and Joint Chiefs of Staff publications that detail PA, including media relations guidance. Operational commanders must embrace this guidance and integrate PA planning with operational planning processes throughout the range of military operations. Furthermore, the education and training of all operational staff members about PA enhances the likelihood of beneficial military media relations. Clearly, with the proven significance the media plays in planning and executing military operations, and with the influence the media has on U.S. public opinion, commanders should consider public affairs a facet of operational art.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 07, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA325041
Entities
People
- Bradley D. Skinner
Organizations
- Naval War College