Using American Forces Network (AFN) for Explosives Safety
Abstract
U.S. Army Forces Command and Defense Ammunition Center receives continuous safety issues pertaining to the use of ammunition or ammo related weapons. These safety issues often involve serious injuries to service members. FORSCOM, DAC, and U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command agreed to formulate a television safety campaign in order to expedite safety messages to deployed service members and those awaiting deployment. Safety issues addressed since 2008 include: Taping grenades, UXO souvenirs, M2 headspace and timing, FOG v. Smoke grenades, storing ammo, removing ammo from battle damaged vehicles, loading ammo at ASPs, receiving ammo from ASPs and safeguarding original packaging. To date, JMC Public Affairs has created 10-30 second TV spots--or PSAs, Public Service Announcements-using 20 animation which air on the American Forces Network on the Freedom Channel in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Iraq. This channel is also broadcast in dining facilities at major training areas in Germany and on closed circuit television at Ft. Lewis and Camp Zama, Japan. The 20 animated characters were developed based on the PS magazine concept of using cartoon characters to portray problems and solutions to ammo issues. The two main characters are always corrected by a senior NCO and the main message/corrective measure emphasized in the tag line Informal feedback from LARS and QASAs, company commanders, Reserve Soldiers and others indicates the PSAs are effective in getting the message out and the 20 characters are attracting the attention of the target audience. JMC Public Affairs will continue to produce PSAs as needed and will continue to develop new broadcast strategies always working in conjunction with and as directed by DAC and FORSCOM Safety.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 02, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA531864
Entities
People
- Larry Baker
- Pamela Proper