~ What is Public Affairs? ~ How to get Support ~ Q & A

A little off the beaten PAO path -- how to promote your business in Federal agencies - My appearance on FED NEWS RADIO

2009-05-07T10:19:00.002-04:00

How businesses can better market themselves to federal buyers and trade associations, publications

04/27/09
April 28th, 2009 at 11:30 AM

Special guest Abbe Buck, principal of Abbe Buck Public Affairs, visits host Scott Orbach in studio to discuss how businesses can better market themselves to federal buyers and trade association publications. For more information on the show or to e-mail your latest government contracting and sales questions to Scott, visit www.ezgsa.com.

Download mp3

"....and now for something completely different." --MPython

From Business Week:

Securing Government Contracts

Posted by: on May 01

One of the biggest challenges for small businesses interested in working with the government is a lack of information on how to get started! Prior to jumping into the government contracting arena, the first thing your small business needs to do is register with the Small Business Administration office serving your local customer base:

• It is critical to register using the right North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes based on the products and/or services that you have to offer to the government.

• You should also apply to become a GSA (General Services Administration) Schedule contractor via the GSA Web site.

Once these primary steps have been completed, your small business should then register with the following premier federal contracting research organizations:

• INPUT is an authority on government business and "provides market intelligence, analysis, consulting, events, and training to help companies develop government business." The ability to use INPUT effectively can be a critical success factor for a small business.

• FedBizOpps.gov can be used to search, monitor, and retrieve "opportunities solicited by the entire federal contracting community." Again, the success of a small business is directly related to using the right keywords while looking for opportunities.

Success for your small business within the government cannot be achieved without strategic teaming partners:

• A key strategy in winning contracts is to register as a small business with larger government contractors.

• Another approach is partnering with other government contractors in areas where your small business lacks expertise but can offer complementary products and/or services.

Finally, physical presence is very important in this business, and a successful small business must set up shop in the backyard of the federal government. An "in your face" strategy will help in the federal contracting race.

Jack Nargundkar, Director of Marketing
Government Solutions Group, Annapolis, Md.

You can also find this information on the Abbe Buck Public Affairs blog

Special Thanks to Scott Orbach for having me on his program -- ab

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DoD Blog Roll - DoD Live Blog and American Forces Press Service

2009-04-30T17:46:00.005-04:00

DoD Live Blog and American Forces Press Service
FEATURED BLOGS
DoDLive Blog
USNS Mercy Blog
Continuing Promise '08
Pacific Fleet Commander
Dot Mil Docs Radio Webcast
DoD's Top Doc Blog
SOUTHCOM Commander's Blog
PACOM Website
PACOM on Facebook
PACOM on YouTube
PACOM on Flickr
PACOM Blog
PACOM on MySpace

NEWS

MORE NEWS?
WWW.TWITTER.COM/ABBEBUCK

USACAC: Center for US Army Lessons Learned (KATRINA) - a Primer to keep on file

2009-04-22T11:25:00.001-04:00

USACAC: Center for US Army Lessons Learned (KATRINA) - a Primer to keep on file

USACAC. United States Army Combined Arms Center reports:

...

Support Operations, Public Affairs Office

Chapter 8

Extract from Center for Army Lessons Learned Initial Impressions Report 06-11,
Disaster Response Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Figure 8-1: Public affairs interview in Mississippi

This article addresses the need for public affairs (PA) support during disaster relief operations. Public interest in how the U.S. government and the Army supports relief operations was significantly increased after Hurricane Katrina because this domestic disaster hit home in a monumental way. PA officers (PAOs) on the Gulf coast had to work closely with civilian media to ensure command messages and military information was disseminated in an accurate and timely manner. PAOs leveraged the power of U.S. media organizations to assist in information gathering and dissemination.

One National Guard (NG) division PAO in Louisiana conducted a vigorous media information program to get the command message out, despite staff shortages. The NG division, operating under the modular force structure, deployed with no organic staff. The modular force structure authorizes three officers and seven enlisted personnel in the PA section. The NG division possessed only one qualified PAO, who acted as the single point of contact for media operations within the division.

Through rigorous networking with military and civilian media agencies, the PAO was able to coordinate media coverage when opportunities surfaced. Most of this coordination was conducted while attending civilian news media meetings at the state emergency operations center. Command messages were disseminated via these meetings and with the military PA detachment (MPAD) located at Belle Chase, Louisiana, south of New Orleans. However, the MPAD was not part of the division. The division PA office had no tasking authority over the MPAD. Priority of media coverage was determined by the Louisiana NG chain of command, instead of the division-assigned command and control authority. If the MPAD was not available, the division PAO would cover stories on his own. These stories would be included in a newsletter that was distributed by the MPAD. The PAO also would arrange press meetings for the division commander. The PAO possessed 15 years of prior enlisted PA experience. This experience was critical in filling the void in staff structure.

In Mississippi, all intelligence/information was channeled through the joint task force (JTF) G2, who was also acting as the G5 and G7. As tactical-level units reported information about civil infrastructure and the status of services to the G2, this information was also passed to civilian media outlets by the JTF PAO. Initial military response priorities were communicated via press conferences and field media contacts at the local and higher headquarters levels. These priorities became part of the overall information operations (IO) plan and the media support plan. Sample talking points in the initial phase of the relief operation are listed below.

NG Support to Hurricane Katrina
As of 2 September 2005

Key Messages

This is what we do. We are trained and ready to help others, whether they’re overseas or in the United States. These are our neighbors we’re helping now. We’re looking forward to getting there and doing our part to help.
We’ve been deployed before, so we’re used to being away from home for months at a time. No one likes to be away from his or her loved ones for too long, but we feel fortunate that it is for a good cause. The sooner we can get there the better for everyone. I’m ready.
These National Guardsmen are trained professionals who bring great expertise and sensitivity to their mission in support of local law enforcement.
NG helicopters have evacuated hundreds of sick and injured persons out of the devastated greater New Orleans area.
Over the next few days, that number will rise to nearly 30,000 as we continue to deploy personnel and critical equipment to the hardest hit areas.
These are National Guardsmen saving, protecting, and serving the American people. They are committed citizen-Soldiers and Airmen, gathered from communities across this country.
The NG has a tradition of responding during natural disasters.
More than 320,000 NG Soldiers and Airmen and their equipment from all states are ready to mobilize into the disaster-struck area.
We understand the mission that lies ahead of us. This is why we serve – to help the nation in times of national crisis.

Insights/Lessons learned

PA coverage while supporting domestic disaster assistance is vital in disseminating the command message and telling the Army story.
The division PAO must be resourced with the authorized level of section personnel to properly conduct media support operations. Working one-deep has the potential to cause gaps in media coverage and may cause media opportunities to be lost.
It is important for the PAO to be present in any disaster relief to act as a conduit for military and civil leadership.

Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, and Facilities (DOTMLPF) Implications

Training: PA cells need to know and understand IO tactics, techniques, and procedures in order to take the lead when no IO personnel are present.
Personnel. Commanders should place more emphasis on resourcing the PA office with the staff needed to conduct media operations during domestic disaster support operations. Deploying staffs should plan for the appropriate level of media support during domestic disaster support operations or identify civilian-acquired skills sets that will support the PA section.

Table of Supporting Observations
Observation Title		CALLCOMS File Number
Public Affairs Operations During a Natural Disaster		44841-43727
Intelligence Support to Effects		77501-71346

CALL Homepage >> CALL Products

USA VET BIZ: Michael Hershman, President of The Fairfax Group & Chairman of USAVETBIZ Recognized

2009-04-21T05:53:00.003-04:00

April 16, 2009 05:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Michael Hershman, President of The Fairfax Group & Chairman of USAVETBIZ Recognized by World Body and Commended by the Commonwealth of Virginia

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Board of Directors of the United States Association of Veterans in Business (USAVETBIZ) is pleased to announce that Chairman, Michael J. Hershman has been selected as one of the 100 most influential people in business ethics in the world for 2008 by Ethisphere Institute and has been commended by a unanimous Joint Resolution of the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for his work.

"Michael Hershman's recognition by the Ethisphere Institute is so richly deserved not just because he did the right thing when no one was watching, but more importantly, because he was willing to let the truth, however difficult, direct his course of action rather than the reverse," noted Margi Vanderhye, Virginia House of Delegates, 34th District.

“As one of the elite people from around the world who have boldly stepped forward to battle against unethical business practices, it is an honor and privilege for our Board and national membership to add our proud salute to Mr. Hershman,” said USAVETBIZ President, Richard Ramirez. “The stature of Michael’s professional life is unique as a business man and person. His work has spanned the globe for many years. He is an extraordinary example of a military veteran who turned early credentials first gained in service to country to the global stage.”

“Michael’s background, experience and dedication are exceptional. These modern tributes have been well earned. As an organization, USAVETBIZ is deeply honored that Mr. Hershman has lent his name and leadership to the cause of our Commerce for the Defenders programs for advancing the interest of veterans in business across the nation. He is a true defender of commerce,” Rameriz said.

To learn more about Commerce for the Defender, please visit www.USAVETBIZ.org.

USAVETBIZ is a non-profit membership trade Association dedicated to enhancing awareness of and opportunity for veterans in business in all channels of commerce, public and private. More information about USAVETBIZ is available at www.USAVETBIZ.org.

Ethisphere Institute (#33): http://ethisphere.com/100-most-influential-people-in-business-ethics-2008/

VA Commonwealth: http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?091+ful+HJ1002

The Fairfax Group: http://www.fairfaxco.us/

Contacts:

U.S. Association of Veterans in Business
Megan Pollard, 800-505-1083
CommerceForTheDefenders@USAVETBIZ.org

HighViz/ABPA
Abbe Buck, 703-753-4100
abbe@highvizconsulting.com

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090416006318/en

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Turning Five: The ASBC (American Small Business Coalition) has an excellent lineup of Government Leaders next April 23rd

2009-04-13T05:42:00.020-04:00

An Excellent Lineup of Government Leaders for April 23rd at The ASBC's Fifth Anniversary Conference

Guy Timberlake, The American Small Business Coalition, LLC

web: www.turningfive.com

WHEN: Thursday, April 23, 2009
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Sheraton Premiere Tysons Corner
8661 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, VA 22182

WHO: Government Leaders to include: (additional info here)

Shay Assad, Director, Defense Procurement, Acquisition Policy and Strategic
Sourcing, Department of Defense

Soraya Correa, Director, Office of Procurement Operations, Department of
Homeland Security

Casey Coleman, Chief Information Officer, General Services Administration

Delores Thompson-Gad, Assistant Director, Office of Small Business Programs,
Mission and Installtion Contracting Command, Directorate of Contracting, Fort Belvoir

Mary Davie, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Assisted Acquisition Services
Federal Acquisition Service, General Services Administration

Amanda Fredriksen, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, General Supplies and
Services, Federal Acquisition Service

Mike Sade, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Integrated Technology Services,
Federal Acquisition Service

Houston Taylor, Director, Program Analysis Division, Office of Acquisition
Management, Federal Acquisition Service

Kendra Turner, Director, Industry Relations Division, Office of Acquisition
Management, Public Buildings Service

WHAT: The American Small Business Coalition Fifth Anniversary Conference
and Awards Dinner: "Celebrating a Culture of Collaboration and Success" (http://www.turningfive.com/)

WHY: In addition to new initiatives like the Economic Stimulus, the change in
our Nation's leadership is affecting the dynamics of how Government and Industry partnerships will occur, now and in the future. This event is a full day of high-
touch, high-value information exchange for companies doing business in the
government sector as well as those seeking to do business there. This event includes keynotes, breakouts and discussion panels led by leaders from Government and
Industry with unparalleled networking opportunities throughout the day. This
information-rich event concludes with a festive cocktail networking reception and
awards dinner in the Sheraton Premiere's Capital Club.

The American Small Business Coalition (The ASBC) is a membership organization exclusively focused on supporting the development of relationships, best practices and
market intelligence for companies doing business in the government sector.

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Nat'l Org US Assoc. of Veterans in Business (USAVETBIZ) teams with NC Vet Bus. Assn (NC VetBiz) ---open to other state level Vet orgs

2009-04-08T18:07:00.008-04:00

North Carolina Veterans Business Association (NC VetBiz) Teams with The United States Association of Veterans in Business (USAVETBIZ) For Opening other State Level Organizations

“Serving Those Who Served” – NC VetBiz pledges to promote, empower and educate North Carolina’s veteran business owners and professionals

April 8, 2009 CHARLOTTE, NC –NC VetBiz has accepted an invitation to become the first state veterans’ business association to become affiliated with USAVETBIZ, a national organization that represents and promotes all veterans in business under the national banner of Commerce for the Defenders.

The alliance is designed to help veterans in business in other states to follow in the footsteps of NC VetBiz. The two organizations will remain independent of each other, but will promote the free flow of information, ideas and considerable energy.

“NC VetBiz has built an outstanding platform to launch their organization and we want to assist veterans in business in other states in duplicating the NC VetBiz foundation", said Richard Ramirez, President of USAVETBIZ. "Our two organizations will work together in developing a template for success. There is a high level of confidence that this will accelerate the Veterans Enterprise Movement by consolidating the forces of advocacy and recognition at the local level."

Other state organizations in the works include Virginia, California, Texas, Florida, Arizona and Illinois.”

“We are very pleased to be affiliated with USAVETBIZ, says NC VetBiz, President James Darnell. They were a great help to us as we undertook to create the first veterans business organization in North Carolina and we are honored that our work is seen as a model to help others. We’re excited about the interest that’s being generated around our great state from

veterans in business, the general public and many supporters who see the importance of stimulating business and assistance for military veteran entrepreneurs. We’re off to a great start and appreciate the support of many.”

On the web:

www.NCVetBiz.org

www.USAVETBIZ.org

###

Actor Kal Penn joins White House team - Associate Director, OPL

2009-04-07T14:41:00.004-04:00

Actor Kal Penn joins White House team


	By Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

Actor Kal Penn of the television show 'House' and the 'Harold and Kumar' movie series is joining the staff of the White House. Here, Penn is seen with President Obama - then President-elect Obama - on the National Mall in Washington on Jan. 18 during inauguration festivities.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House has hired actorKal Penn as a liaison between President Obama's administration and Hollywood.

White House spokesman Shin Inouye said Tuesday that the actor who had a recurring role on the Fox TV show House and has starred in several movies would join the staff as an associate director in the Office of Public Liaison. His role will be to connect Obama with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities, as well as arts and entertainment groups.

Penn starred as Kumar in the movie, Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay.

Penn was an Obama supporter during the campaign. The White House says a start date for Penn has not been set.

The hire was first reported by Entertainment Weekly.

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Harris Contributes $10,000 to Wounded Warrior Project

2009-04-06T10:23:00.009-04:00

Harris Corporation Donates $10,000 to Wounded Warrior Project During HIMSS'09 Healthcare IT Conference and Exposition

CHICAGO, April 6, 2009 (HIMSS'09, Harris Booth #3974) — Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has donated $10,000 to Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. The donation is being presented today during a reception hosted by the company at the HIMSS'09 Healthcare IT Conference and Exposition being held April 4-8 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
"Harris is committed to delivering technology that will help enhance healthcare and accelerate benefits for our nation's soldiers, veterans and their families," said Dan Pearson, group president of Harris Government Communications Systems. "We are proud to support Wounded Warrior Project, which is raising awareness and helping to meet the needs of severely injured service men and women." Pearson presented a check for $10,000 to WWP representative Chad Watson.
WWP CEO Steve Nardizzi commented, "On behalf of the more than 33,000 severely injured service members, we want to thank Harris for its dedication to our nation's heroes. Your company's commitment is helping ensure the tremendous personal sacrifices made by our service men and women are not forgotten."
Harris is delivering enterprise intelligence technology for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN) CONNECT solution, which supports secure information sharing between federal agencies and health information exchange organizations — several of which serve wounded warriors.
In February, the Social Security Administration was the first agency to go live with the system, which has already significantly reduced the time required to process disability claims for wounded warriors and other individuals.
Wounded Warrior Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP serves to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. For more information, call 877 TEAM WWP (832-6997) or visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Harris Healthcare Solutions provides enterprise intelligence solutions and services for commercial and government customers, including systems integration, intelligent infrastructure, advanced visualization and display, enterprise digital content management, and IT services solutions. Harris products, systems, and services improve health outcomes by assuring that critical medical information is delivered with security and privacy to the right person, on the right device, at the point of care.
About Harris Corporation
Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has annual revenue of $5.4 billion and 16,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications^® products, systems, and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.
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Contact Information:
Sleighton Meyer
Harris Government Communications Systems
sleighton.meyer@harris.com
321-727-6514

NextGov: The Army Got it Right (Bataan Memorial Death March Run at White Sands)

2009-03-31T10:15:00.002-04:00

What's Brewin': Bob Brewin’s Take on Defense Information Technology

The Army Got It Right

By Bob Brewin 03/30/09 03:57 pm ET

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. - Reporters are known as cynics and cranks (that's what my friends in the public affairs shops in the Pentagon tell me) so I'm going to run against the trend. The folks from the White Sands Missile Range, the New Mexico National Guard and the Reserve Officer Training Corps who ran the Bataan Memorial Death March at the Missile Range did the Army proud.

These military sponsors of the event deserve kudos for superb organization, but the Army is supposed to be organized, right?

What made it a special and moving experience for me were the small touches: a bugler sounding reveille followed by a heart rending "Taps" as the sun crested the desert mountains; the kids from on-base families handing out flags to the marchers and then saluting them a mile from the finish line; and the hundreds of volunteers who gave out cups of water or energy drinks, cookies and -- best of all -- cheers and encouragement.

The Memorial March this year attracted a record crowd of some 5,300 civilian and military participants, up from 800 participants in last year's event. That old fashioned word "camaraderie" best summed up the event. For one day, on the grueling desert course here, Americans (as well as teams from eight other countries) from all walks of life, of all ages, came together for a common mission, and did so with courtesy and respect.

Putting one foot after the other on a 15.2 mile course, or one that was 26.2 miles long, is a great equalizer - and that applies to generals as well this aging Marine corporal. Army staff director Lt. Gen. David Huntoon flew in for the event and completed the 26.2 mile course in just more than six hours. Not bad for a 57-year-old guy whose day is filled with more briefings than grunting.

I completed the 15.2 mile course in five hours and 17 minutes. Not bad for a 65-year-old guy who spends his life in front of a computer. I plan to do the 26.2 mile course next year, and Huntoon said if I do, he'd do the 26.2 mile course next year with a 35-pound pack

See you then, sir .

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Maryland Senator Ben Cardin has introduced legislation that would allow struggling newspapers to become non-profits - THIS IS A GOOD IDEA!

2009-03-25T10:47:00.002-04:00

---Heard on the Chris Plante Show 630 AM, WMAL on Weds., March 25th.

(Washington, DC) -- Maryland Senator Ben Cardin has introduced legislation that would allow struggling newspapers to become non-profits. Cardin's office says the "Newspaper Revitalization Act" would allow newspapers to operate as non-profit businesses under 501(c)(3) status for educational purposes, similar to public broadcasting. Under the proposal, newspapers would not be allowed to make political endorsements, but would be allowed to freely report on all issues, including political campaigns. Advertising and subscription revenue would be tax exempt and contributions to support coverage or operations could be tax-deductible. Cardin's office says the measure is targeted to preserve local newspapers serving communities and not large newspaper conglomerates.

DoD Live Blog and American Forces Press Service

2009-03-01T15:38:00.002-05:00

FEATURED BLOGS

DoDLive Blog

USNS Mercy Blog

Continuing Promise '08

Pacific Fleet Commander

Dot Mil Docs Radio Webcast

DoD's Top Doc Blog

SOUTHCOM Commander's Blog

NEWS

Defenselink: Admiral Timothy J. Keating embraces Social Media / quited in DOD Blogger's Roundtable

2009-03-01T15:24:00.002-05:00

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=53074

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

U.S. Pacific Command Embraces Social Media

Adm. Timothy J. Keating, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command

“Every day throughout our area of responsibility, members of our command are taking part in bilateral and multilateral activities that support Pacific Command’s commitment to an engagement strategy based on partnership, readiness and presence,” Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, told online journalists and bloggers during a Bloggers Roundtable, Feb. 11. "We're committed to security, stability, and prosperity. The word we hear from other countries in our AOR is they want to be part of the coalition of the committed." Keating also explained how U.S. Pacific Command is embracing new media tools and has established a presence on a number of social media sites as a means of communicating with the public and niche audiences. He also added that while U.S. Pacific Command is engaging in social media tools to encourage dialogue and two-way communication; they are also committed to maintaining the free and ready access all throughout the Asia Pacific region. Story | Audio(Mp3)

Public Affairs, according to The Department of Defense

2009-03-01T15:21:00.000-05:00

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.

--------------------------------------------------

**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.

[hide]

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.

REFERENCES

^ The United States Army | Army Public Affairs

EXTERNAL LINKS

United States Navy Public Affairs Alumni Association (USNPAAA)

Defenselink: Col. Laurie G. Moe Buckhout, Chief Electronic Warfare Division, discusses 29-series career field for US Army E W F - Under G-3 Policy

2009-03-01T15:12:00.003-05:00

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Army Announces New Career Field

Colonel Laurie G. Moe Buckhout, Chief, Electronic Warfare Division

Colonel Laurie G. Moe Buckhout, Chief, Electronic Warfare Division, Army Operations, Readiness and Mobilization (HQDA G3/5/7) joined bloggers and online journalists to discuss the Army’s new Electronic Warfare (EW) 29-series career field for officers, warrant officers and enlisted personnel. “The war in Iraq began to make us understand better that there are a lot of targets that we need to go after…IEDs were just the tip of the iceberg,” explained Buckhout. “The new career field gives the army one of the largest professional electronic warfare cadre of all the services.” Story | Audio(Mp3)

NOTES: This will be under G-3 and the Warfighter, she said. The office was stood up in May, 2006

Full time cadre electronic warfare here 1,619 professionals will be included in largest professional cadre.

Pentagon Web Radio

2009-03-01T15:08:00.000-05:00

The Pentagon Channel - Oprah visits Walter Reed Medical Center

2009-03-01T14:50:00.004-05:00

http://dodvclips.mil/index.jsp?fr_story=FRdamp342699&rf=rss

http://www.oprah.com/dated/oprahshow/oprahshow_20090128_walter_reed

http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/20090128_tows_walterreed

On June 25, 2008, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Justin "Nate" Knowles was on patrol in Afghanistan when he stepped on a pressured plate IED explosive. "I saw my leg when I got blown up," he says. "Then I got back to the States a couple days later, and they told me they had to take my leg."

Nate says he's adjusting the best he can. "It's not too bad. Once you get over the fact that you already lost your leg, it's not too bad," he says.

When the recovery process becomes difficult, Nate's got some cute and cuddly motivation—his 3-month-old daughter, Jada.

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How to get PA Support: A Memorandum from The California Air National Guard

2009-01-19T07:36:00.003-05:00

To Whom It May Concern:

As a community-based organization, the California National Guard strives to support and participate in events throughout the state that benefit Californians and give them insight into their National Guard. These events, such as parades, ceremonies and air shows are important to us, as they are to the groups and communities that sponsor them.

The California National Guard receives a large number of requests throughout the year supporting all areas of the state, and while every attempt is made to provide accommodation, it is not always possible to support each and every event. Support is based on availability of assets and mission requirements. All requests will be reviewed to ensure events are in accordance with National Guard Bureau Public Affairs Manual 360-5 (NGB PAM 360-5), Army Regulation 360-1 (AR 360-1) and Air Force Instruction 35-101 (AFI 35-101). These regulations exist to ensure that conflicts with civilian enterprise are avoided and National Guard personnel are not placed in inappropriate situations.

Thank for your interest of the California National Guard. In order to accommodate your request for support we ask for the following items at least 90 days in advance:

1. The Army and Air Force have automated request systems. The links are on our Cal Guard website and in section 3 of this form. Event requestors must go to the respective websites that they wish to request from to begin the process for military support. After the approval letter is sent to you, send it to the California National Guard Public Affairs Office along with the DD Form 2535.

2. The form must be filled out in its entirety, to include the FAA waiver section. To help you out, you can use this website to find your local FAA office:

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/

3. The sites below provide complete request procedures for military and non-military requestors, and are the sole locations to determine if a public event has been deemed eligible for aerial support. An event eligible for support may not necessarily be supported, as flying units must carefully balance their real-world operations and training requirements with public affairs aviation event requests. It is the responsibility of the requester to coordinate with an aviation unit. You do not need approval to begin your coordination but you will need it before the unit can attend the event.

Events approved eligible for aerial support will appear on the following websites that you begin the approval process:

Army- http://www4.army.mil/aerial/

Air Force- http://www.airshows.pa.hq.af.mil/PublicSite/Index.cfm?fwa=home

Army Requests

Office of the Chief of Public Affairs

1500 Army Pentagon

Washington, DC 20310-1500

Fax

Air Force Requests

1690 AF Pentagon

Washington, DC 20330-1690

Fax(703)693-9601

Requests for Armed Forces Participation in Public Events (Non-Aviation) shall be submitted by DD Form 2536 at least 60-45 days in advance for Color/Honor Guards, Bands and Personnel or Military Equipment Static Display etc. to be turned into California National Guard Public Affairs Office.

Point of Contact for California National Guard Community Relations is COL Terry Knight, or Ms. Jessica Cooper. Both can be reached at telephone number 916-854-3304. Please send completed forms to the Public Affairs Office, Joint Forces Headquarters by fax to 916-854-3630.

If the California National Guard is unable to support your event, you will be notified as soon as possible. Again, thank you for your interest in the California Army National Guard and we look forward to hearing from you.

Signed,

TERRY KNIGHT

COL, CSMR

Chief, Community Relation

(703) 695-6253

# # #

The Army gets it -- Social Media (Tom Humbarger)

2009-01-19T06:47:00.007-05:00

http://tomhumbarger.wordpress.com/2008/10/28/social-media-and-the-military/

Social Media and the Military

Posted on October 28, 2008 by Tom Humbarger

I am working on a project for a digital media company and part of the project is to research the latest trends on social media in the military. I ran across some interesting information and links, and would like to share them so others can see the progress being made by our military institutions.

All of this begs the question - if large traditional and conservative organizations like the US Army are experimenting with social media, why aren’t you?

US Army - Leading the charge for the Army’s social media initiatives is LTG William Caldwell of the Central Army Command at Fort Leavenworth. He published a memorandum in April directed to all personnel under his command at the CAC including CAC subordinate organizations.

Interactive internet activities are an essential part of our responsibilities to provide information to the public, usher in a culture of chage within our Army’s officer Leadership, Development and Education and support military operations. Leaders within the Army need to understand the power of the internet and leverage as many communications as a means as possible to community what the CAC is doing, and more importantly to “Share the Story” of those serving in uniform and highlight the incredible sacrifices they and their families are making.

In addition, the Secretary of the Army, Pete Geren, spoke at the 3rd annual MilBloggers conference last month. I have copied the quote below which sums up his thoughts on social media:

We’ve got to embrace every form of media, and this new medium - and particularly blogging, for many people - has replaced traditional media as a way to get news. And not only to get news, but to educate themselves, the back and forth that blogs offer. So I see it as an addition of what we’re doing, and a mechanism to reach some people who you don’t reach at all through so-called traditional media.

________________________________________________________________________

US Coast Guard - My nephew Zeke is in the Coast Guard and he sent me a link to the new Facebook page set up by the Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen last month. In his opening comments on September 28th, Thad mentions:

Today we activated several new social utilities to help the Coast Guard as an organization, and myself as the Service Chief, to better communicate and collaborate, both amongst ourselves and with the many publics we proudly serve.

Included in the Coast Guard social media initiative are the following sites.

Commandant’s Corner 2.0 (CC 2.0) — www.uscg.mil/comdt
iCommandant — a blog/journal like feature on the new CC 2.0
A Coast Guard Facebook page
US Coast Guard Press Flickr page
Another Coast Guard Flickr page

________________________________________________________________________

US Navy Website for Heroes - Taking a different angle, the US Navy has created a website called Websites for Heros that allows for deployed Navy and Marine personnel to maintain close family ties with their loved ones beyond the occasional phone call or e-mail. The Department of Defense blocked many popular social networking sites last year to protect internet bandwidth for mission-critical functions, so this site fills the void to keep families connected.

More on the program is available from this press release.

________________________________________________________________________

US Military Academy at West Point and CCL - While following links, I ran across an article that discussed the efforts of Lt. Col. Tony Burgess and Lt. Col. Pete Kilner who oversee a family of password-protected, Army-sanctioned, Web-based forums that connect officers all over the world. Their “Center for Company-level Leaders” or CCL is based at West Point. From the FAQs on the public part of their website, the CCL is described as follows:

One way that leaders are connecting in conversation is through online professional forums (aka online communities) like the Company Command (CC) and Platoon Leader (PL) forums. These forums bring together leaders from across the Army to share ideas and experiences and to improve our collective effectiveness. The PL forum specifically also gives cadets at West Point and in ROTC unprecedented access to the ongoing conversation of the profession they are preparing to join.

The program sounds like a great way to share important information with up-and-coming military leaders.

________________________________________________________________________

Milblogging - Finally, there is a website called Milblogging that serves as an index of more than 2000 blogs written by military personnel from around the world. If you are looking to read personal accounts of what is happening in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, this is a great place to start.

________________________________________________________________________

I am sure there are other initiatives in the military, but these are the ones that crossed my path in the last week. If you know of others, please add them in the comment section.

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: blogging, CCL, center for command-level leadership, coast guard, commandant thad allen, facebook, flickr, icommandant, milblogger, military, social media, us army, west point, william caldwell

« Ideas That Spread Win Minuteman Parking Website Launches »

# # #

Introduction: Abbe Buck Public Affairs

2009-01-18T23:29:00.007-05:00

http://publicaffairsofficer.blogspot.com/2009/01/highviz-consulting-group-introduces_18.html

(ABBE BUCK PUBLIC AFFAIRS)

[MORE]

# # #

USACAC: Center for US Army Lessons Learned (KATRINA) - a Primer to keep on file

2009-01-18T23:21:00.002-05:00

USACAC. United States Army Combined Arms Center reports:

Support Operations, Public Affairs Office

Chapter 8

Extract from Center for Army Lessons Learned Initial Impressions Report 06-11,
Disaster Response Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Figure 8-1: Public affairs interview in Mississippi

# # #

Public Affairs, according to The Department of Defense

2009-01-18T22:02:00.000-05:00

--Abbe Buck Public Affairs,

former COO, HighViz Consulting Group, (2009)

About HighViz:

On the web: http://highvizconsulting.com

--------------------------------------------------

**Wikipedia/Answers.com:

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

[hide]

Duties and Responsibilities

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

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.

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

U.S. Marine Corps

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.

References

^ The United States Army | Army Public Affairs

External links

United States Navy Public Affairs Alumni Association (USNPAAA)

What is a Lobbyist? What does a Lobbyist do?

2009-01-18T21:14:00.000-05:00

Lobbyist: The act of influencing, by argumentation, the course of action of a legislator.

EXAMPLE: Lobbyist information from the great State of Florida. They call it "Online Sunshine"

	Access Lobbyists
	View Registered Legislative Lobbyist Directory
	View Registered Executive Lobbyist Directory
	Legislative Branch Lobbying Firm Directory
	Executive Branch Lobbying Firm Directory

	# # #

Some of the Q & A (we) are working on with Wikipedia/Wiki Answers

2009-01-18T21:03:00.000-05:00

Web Results

public relations: Definition from Answers.com
An example of this is the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, AIPAC, ...
and also played a controversial role as press relations officer
www.answers.com/topic/public-relations

WikiAnswers - Name of Public Affairs or Public Service Director
Uncategorized question: Name of Public Affairs or Public Service Director?
Please help us answer this question. ((( it is the PSD - PAO)))
wiki.answers.com/Q/ Name_of_Public_Affairs_or_Public_Service_Director

WikiAnswers - Largest television audience for a public affairs ...
Politics and Policy question: Largest television audience for a public affairs
interview? Please help us answer this question.
wiki.answers.com/Q/ Largest_television_audience_for_a_public_affairs_interview

WikiAnswers - What is the difference between a masters in public ...
School Subjects question: What is the difference between a masters in public
affairs and public policy? Please help us answer this question.
wiki.answers.com/Q/ What_is_the_difference_between_a_masters_in_public_affairs_and_public_policy

# # #

Military Analysis

2009-01-18T20:46:00.000-05:00

(((DOD)))) An analysis of the news media and public environments to evaluate the degree of understanding about strategic and operational objectives and military activities and to identify levels of public support. Includes judgments about the public affairs impact of pending decisions and recommendations about the structure of public affairs support for the assigned mission. See also assessment; public affairs.

# # #

Public Affairs: Broadcast Media Terminology

2009-01-18T20:42:00.000-05:00

Wikipedia: Public affairs, a broadcasting industry term, refers to programming which focuses on matters of politics and public policy. Among commercial broadcasters, such programs are often only to satisfy regulatory expectations, and hence are scheduled at times when few listeners or viewers are tuned in (or even awake); in U.S. broadcasting, this is known as the "Sunday-morning public affairs ghetto". At some (particularly national) broadcasters, "Public Affairs" may be a special unit, separate from the news department, dedicated to producing long-form public-affairs programming. (((AB PA note: At Present: Think C-Span, Congress and House on You-Tube, POTUS on XM/Sirius Radio)))*

--------------------------------------------------------------

Join the WikiAnswers Q&A community. Post a question or answer questions about "Public affairs" at WikiAnswers.

*(We contribute to Wiki Answers. click here)

# # #

GO NAVY! US Naval Academy Recruiting website PA Office

2009-01-18T20:14:00.001-05:00

Click on photo for more official US Navy photos

Public Affairs Officers Blog

2009-01-18T20:04:00.000-05:00

www.publicaffairsofficer.blogspot.com

--from The US Department of Transportation - a good information model

2009-01-18T19:54:00.000-05:00

Key Officials Bios | Testimony | Public Affairs Contacts | News by E-mail | Search

Home > Briefing Room
DOT Briefing Room	Subscribe: (What is RSS?)

(More speeches)

U.S. Secretary of Transportation
Mary E. Peters

Please note: The Research and Special Programs Administration ceased operating on Feb. 19, 2005. Older press releases may be found by searching the archives.

Coast Guard and Transportation Security Agency have transferred to the Department of Homeland Security. Older press releases may be found by searching the archives

U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC 20590
Phone: 202-366-4000 | TTY Contact Info

University of Pittsburg: PAIS - Public Affairs Information Service

2009-01-18T19:34:00.000-05:00

PAIS (Public Affairs Information Service) International
Database Description

Note: Use of this resource is restricted to current University of Pittsburgh faculty, students, and staff, and may be used for individual research purposes only. Any other use is prohibited.

Access:

CONNECT to the database (CURRENT, 1972-present)

CONNECT to the database (ARCHIVE, 1915-1976)

Description:

The PAIS International database from CSA contains references to more than 553,300 journal articles, books, government documents, statistical directories, grey literature, research reports, conference reports, publications of international agencies, microfiche, Internet material, and more. Newspapers and newsletters are not indexed.

PAIS International includes publications from over 120 countries throughout the world. In addition to English, some of the indexed materials are published in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.

The PAIS Archive database comprises a retrospective conversion of the PAIS Annual Cumulated Bulletin, Volumes 1-62, published 1915-1976. At completion of this conversion, the PAIS Archive contains over 1.23 million records.

The PAIS Archive database contains references to monographs, periodical articles, notes and announcements, and analytics. The original historical subject headings have been retained in the file.

Since its establishment in 1914, PAIS (Public Affairs Information Service) has chronicled issues in the public debate through highly selective coverage of a wide variety of sources. The PAIS Archive provides historical perspective on many of the 20th century's public and social policies.

Major areas of coverage include:

Affirmative action
AIDS
Asbestos removal and health related issues
Assisted Suicide
Campaign Funding
Child Labor
Child Sexual Exploitation
Citizen Militia
Climate Change
Cybercops
Disaster Relief
Ethnic Cleansing
Female Circumcision
Free Speech
Generation-X
Genetic Engineering
Globalization
Growth Hormones
Gun Control
Home Drug Testing
Intellectual Property Rights
Internet
Neo-Nazis
Ozone Depletion
Patenting Human Genes
Political Correctness
Political Persecution
Privatized Space Exploration
Recycling
Spousal Abuse
Street Children
Teen Pregnancy
Violence on TV
Virtual Reality
Waste Minimization
Weapon Stockpiles
Workplace Violence

Archive topics include:

Atomic Age
China's cultural revolution
Civil rights movement
Cold War
Communism, Socialism, Nationalism
Great Depression
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Korean War
McCarthyism
Prohibition
Religion and public schools
Space exploration
United Nations and League of Nations
Vietnam conflict
Watergate
Women's movement
World Wars I and II

Coverage

Indexing: 1915-

Information Type:

Citations? Yes
Abstracts? Yes
Full Text? Via links

Frequency of Updates:

Monthly

Help & More Information:

Quick Reference Card (PDF)

Related Databases:

Note: For assistance in locating related print resources, please ask for assistance at any library reference desk or submit a question via our Ask-A-Librarian service.

What is Public Affairs? - ABPA

2009-01-17T18:31:00.000-05:00

Good Company example: www.publicaffairsofficer.blogspot.com

# # #

~ What is Public Affairs? ~ How to get Support ~ Q & A

A little off the beaten PAO path -- how to promote your business in Federal agencies - My appearance on FED NEWS RADIO

DoD Blog Roll - DoD Live Blog and American Forces Press Service

USACAC: Center for US Army Lessons Learned (KATRINA) - a Primer to keep on file

Support Operations, Public Affairs Office

Chapter 8

USA VET BIZ: Michael Hershman, President of The Fairfax Group & Chairman of USAVETBIZ Recognized

Michael Hershman, President of The Fairfax Group & Chairman of USAVETBIZ Recognized by World Body and Commended by the Commonwealth of Virginia

Contacts:

Turning Five: The ASBC (American Small Business Coalition) has an excellent lineup of Government Leaders next April 23rd

An Excellent Lineup of Government Leaders for April 23rd at The ASBC's Fifth Anniversary Conference

Nat'l Org US Assoc. of Veterans in Business (USAVETBIZ) teams with NC Vet Bus. Assn (NC VetBiz) ---open to other state level Vet orgs

Actor Kal Penn joins White House team - Associate Director, OPL

Harris Contributes $10,000 to Wounded Warrior Project

NextGov: The Army Got it Right (Bataan Memorial Death March Run at White Sands)

What's Brewin': Bob Brewin’s Take on Defense Information Technology

The Army Got It Right

Maryland Senator Ben Cardin has introduced legislation that would allow struggling newspapers to become non-profits - THIS IS A GOOD IDEA!

DoD Live Blog and American Forces Press Service

Defenselink: Admiral Timothy J. Keating embraces Social Media / quited in DOD Blogger's Roundtable

Public Affairs, according to The Department of Defense

CONTENTS

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

TRAINING

SEE ALSO

REFERENCES

EXTERNAL LINKS

Defenselink: Col. Laurie G. Moe Buckhout, Chief Electronic Warfare Division, discusses 29-series career field for US Army E W F - Under G-3 Policy

Pentagon Web Radio

The Pentagon Channel - Oprah visits Walter Reed Medical Center

How to get PA Support: A Memorandum from The California Air National Guard

The Army gets it -- Social Media (Tom Humbarger)

http://tomhumbarger.wordpress.com/2008/10/28/social-media-and-the-military/

# # #

Introduction: Abbe Buck Public Affairs

USACAC: Center for US Army Lessons Learned (KATRINA) - a Primer to keep on file

Support Operations, Public Affairs Office

Chapter 8

Public Affairs, according to The Department of Defense

Contents

Duties and Responsibilities

Training

See also

References

External links

What is a Lobbyist? What does a Lobbyist do?

Some of the Q & A (we) are working on with Wikipedia/Wiki Answers

Military Analysis

Public Affairs: Broadcast Media Terminology

GO NAVY! US Naval Academy Recruiting website PA Office

Public Affairs Officers Blog

--from The US Department of Transportation - a good information model

DOT Briefing Room

University of Pittsburg: PAIS - Public Affairs Information Service

PAIS (Public Affairs Information Service) InternationalDatabase Description

What is Public Affairs? - ABPA

PAIS (Public Affairs Information Service) International
Database Description