Army Public Affairs Objective Force
Abstract
The greatest inhibitor of successfully conducting Army Public Affairs is not expertise, for Public Affairs has the best assemblage of experts ever. Nor is it equipment, for even the most starkly equipped office bristles with computers, phones and faxes. No, to paraphrase Pogo, "We have met the enemy and he is Force Structure." Even though OPMS XXI allows for a competitive career path for PA professionals, Information Operations is a proven combat multiplier and more PA units will be added to the Total Army force structure over the coming years, PA remains ineffective. Non-existent central command and control, diffuse staffing and non-standard/linked equipment are but some of the reasons Army Public Affairs is unable to perform to maximum potential. Army Public Affairs must transform along with the rest of the Army into the Objective Force envisioned by the Army Chief of Staff, General Eric Shinseki, or become irrelevant. This paper looks at transforming Army Public Affairs along three congruent axes. First, transition Army Public Affairs into a capabilities-based force by moving Army PA from a service function to a command and control function. Second, designate the Chief Public Affairs as an operational commander. Third, transform Army PA into a MACOM by re-aligning services along a regional concept with surge capability to the Combatant Commanders using Criminal Investigation Command and Transformation of Installation Management concepts as models.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 04, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA413659
Entities
People
- Nelson Mccouch Iii
Organizations
- United States Army War College