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

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

 

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Table of Contents | Foreword | Introduction | Chap 1 | Chap 2 | Chap 3 | Chap 4 | Chap 5 | Chap 6
Chap 7 | Chap 8 | Appendix A | Appendix B | Appendix C | Appendix D | Appendix E

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

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

or 

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

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

# # # 

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

 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.

# # #

 

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.