Are Army Public Affairs Officers Trained and Educated to Meet the Challenges of the Contemporary Information Environment?

Abstract

From the Crimean War through the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, the military and the media have had a dynamic relationship that has changed throughout history. Many of the changes in this relationship have been based on technology, while other parts of the relationship have changed based on cultures within the military, the public, and the media establishment. In order to answer the primary research question, this thesis begins with a brief historical review of military and media relationships from 1854 (Crimean War) to present day operations (Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom) in order to capture lessons learned from history. Contemporary concerns, such as strategic communications, proposed doctrinal relationships between Information Operations and Public Affairs, and Army officer 'Pentathlete' development challenges, are also addressed, as Army Public Affairs Officers have requirements to support each of these areas. Research will show whether or not the current Army Public Affairs Officer training and development model listed in DA Pam 600-3 (December 1995) prepares FA 46 officers for the ongoing challenges in the contemporary information environment (CIE).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 15, 2007
Accession Number
ADA471440

Entities

People

  • Patrick R. Seiber

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Cyber
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Civil War
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Information Operations
  • International Relations
  • Iraqi-War
  • Lessons Learned
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Psychological Operations
  • Students
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Defense Financial Management and Audit.
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies