Public Affairs, according to The Department of Defense

NOTE: "The opinion below on Public Affairs is accurate.** The practice is now being shared inter-agency, and within Civilian, Intelligence and quasi-agency. It is also being modelled in associations and organziations in some areas.  I envision the practice become standard as proposal writing templates are followed within government agencies. The Military / DoD PA model would work very well within most trade associations, foundations, non-profits and organziations. The key communication strategies that are stood up have been well-planned, well-manned (sic) and executed in a deliberate and effective manner."

                                                        --Abbe Buck Public Affairs,  

                                                            former COO, HighViz Consulting Group, (2009)

About HighViz:

On the web: http://highvizconsulting.com

Short for "High Visibility", boutique PR and marketing firm HighViz Consulting Group, specializes in raising awareness for companies and organizations. HighViz Consulting offers public relations, public affairs and marketing communications expertise to clients seeking goverment clients or to companies launching new products. The firm's services include media relations, communications, crisis management, business development, and related marketing services. Founded in 1999, the company specializes in serving information technology companies and government agencies. 

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**Wikipedia/Answers.com:

Public Affairs offices plays a key role in contingency and deployed operations.

The typical Public Affairs office is led by an officer who is in charge of planning, budgeting for, executing and evaluating the effectiveness of public affairs programs, and provides public affairs advice, counsel and support for commanders and senior staff members.

Contents [hide] 1 Duties and Responsibilities 2 Training 3 U.S. Army 4 U.S. Navy 5 U.S. Marine Corps 6 U.S. Air Force 7 See also 8 References 9 External links

Duties and Responsibilities

The Public Affairs Officer (PAO) is responsible for developing a working relationship withreporters and other media representatives, maintaining a robust community relations program, keeping contact with other government agencies, and keeping internal and external publics informed on issues that may affect them. Known as "PA's" for short, they are expected to coordinate with the appropriate agencies prior to contacting and releasing information to the media on conditions that might result in favorable or unfavorable public reaction, including releases and public statements involving local, regional and national news.

Public Affairs Officers are responsible for preparing information relative to unit participation in military operations, world events, and environmental matters through news releases, special activities, photographs, radio and television, and other informational material. They also review materials such as speeches, news articles, and radio and television shows for security policy review and integration with the objectives of the military, and determine appropriate topics.

They produce speeches and act as ghost writers for commanders, often completely developing a commander's public persona.

Additionally, they produce base newspapers, magazines, and internal information television stations. Bandsmen, broadcasters, and visual information specialists are also part of Public Affairs.

Training

The Public Affairs community of the United States Armed Forces consists of active duty and reserve officers, enlisted personnel, civilians and consultants to provide support for managing the flow of news and information for the military. Public Affairs Officers (PAO) and enlisted members often attend the Defense Information School (DINFOS) at Ft. Meade, Maryland prior to their first duty station and for online and instructor-led professional development coursework and advanced training throughout their careers.

U.S. Army

The United States Army's public affairs community is led by the Chief of Public Affairs currently held by Major General Kevin Bergner.^[1]

U.S. Navy

The United States Navy public affairs community is led by the Chief of Naval Information(CHINFO) within the U.S. Navy Office of Information. Currently, the CHINFO is Rear Admiral Frank Thorp IV.

Enlisted members of the Navy public affairs community are rated as Mass Communications Specialist (MC). Officers in Navy public affairs are Restricted Line Officers and hold the Special Duty Officer (Public Affairs) designator 165X.

The annual CHINFO Merit Awards (CMA) Program recognizes outstanding achievements in internal media products produced by Navy commands and individuals.

U.S. Marine Corps

The United States Marine Corps public affairs community is led by the Director of Public Affairswithin the Division of Public Affairs, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps. Brigadier General Robert E. Milstead, Jr., is the current Director, Public Affairs.

Marines within the Public Affairs community are identified by Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).

Enlisted

• 4300 Basic Combat Correspondent - GYSGT-PVT
• 4313 Broadcast Journalist - MGYSGT-PVT
• 4341 Combat Correspondent - MGYSGT-PVT

Officer

• 4302 Public Affairs Officer (I/III)
• 4330 Historical Officer

U.S. Air Force

The Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs (SAF/PA) serves in the leadership role for the United States Air Force's public affairs community.

See also

• Pentagon rapid response operation
• Public relations
• Information warfare

References

1. ^ The United States Army | Army Public Affairs

External links

• United States Navy Public Affairs Alumni Association (USNPAAA)

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 Community Q&A  Reference topics

Copyrights:

Military Dictionary. US Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Words, 2003.