Communicating Airpower: Strategic Communication and the United States Air Force Since 9/11
Abstract
During the Cold War, the Air Force had a fairly easy time explaining its mission to the American public. It also had a coherent public affairs structure to help execute that mission. The new threat environment in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, combined with steep personnel cuts to its public affairs community, have dramatically altered the communication challenge for the Air Force. To effectively operate in this new climate with an emphasis on strategic communication, the Air Force has tinkered with a few organizational models to strengthen the communication function. The Air Force Research Institute (AFRI) asked the author to analyze Air Force communications and provide some lessons that might help the Air Force communicate with the nation. As the ground campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan drag on, perceptions of the Air Force contribution to those efforts and the larger global war on terrorism will play an increasing role in how it is understood by the American public as well as leaders in the Pentagon and Congress. Robinson concludes that the Air Force needs to redouble its communication efforts, abandon the vague theoretical construct of strategic communication, rebuild the public affairs community, and focus on better explaining the relevance of air power in current and future wars. This study examines the renewed interest in strategic communication on the part of the U.S. Government following 9/11, its implementation in the Air Force, an alternative model for armed service communication that has been implemented by U.S. Navy public affairs personnel, and recommendations to help the Air Force better tell its story. The monograph concludes that Air Force leaders should begin rebuilding the public affairs community, end the focus on strategic communication, understand that no amount of spin or messaging can fix real problems, and assume a more proactive posture in communicating with the American people.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA494748
Entities
People
- John A. Robinson
Organizations
- Air University