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

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 .

# # #

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

---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.

(Copyright © 2009 Metro Networks Communications Inc., A Westwood One Company) 3/24/2009 2:44PM

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

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

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

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.

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)

• 
  

 Community Q&A  Reference topics

Copyrights:

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

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

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

The Pentagon Channel - Oprah visits Walter Reed Medical Center

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.

# # #

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

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)

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

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