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Public Affairs

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Understand the Why: Aligning the Message to Your...

Case Study
2 min
Learn from the Army the value of applying a communication strategy to your visual product.

What's New

Cropped photo of two laptops and a person typing on one of them. (Photo by Unsplash.com)

Communication Planning 101

Collection
9 items
Illustration of vehicles waiting in line to enter through a gate or booth.

Building a Communication Plan: Every Piece Matters

Article
7 min
U.S. Air Force Maj. David Mackintosh, 86th Operations Support Squadron, studies information during an Operational Planning Team meeting March 24, 2020.

General Tactic Planning Worksheet Template

Template
1 min
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Explore by Subject

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Learn From These Lessons

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New Fort Bliss CG hosts COVID-19 town hall

Wield a Comment Strategy to Combat Trolls

Case Study
3 min
Compare Facebook posts about Pride from different accounts with different outcomes due to a comment strategy.
Master Sgt. Jacob Miller, 661st Aeronautical Engineering Support Squadron superintendent of special projects, shares his testimony during Buckley Connects Day at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., Sept. 25, 2020.

Don't Fire & Forget: Issue Management at Its Best

Case Study
5 min
See how CMSAF Bass used thoughtful planning and a comment strategy to get in front of a charged topic.
A drill instructor with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, introduces himself to new recruits on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., June 5, 2020.

Repurposing Gems From the Archives

Case Study
2 min
Watch a positive example of how some creative thinking and musical overlay helped this USMC tweet go viral.
Understanding the why hero

Understand the Why: Aligning the Message to Your...

Case Study
2 min
Learn from the Army the value of applying a communication strategy to your visual product.
A U.S. Marine puts on ear protection before shooting on the Weapon Training Simulation System at Robertson Barracks in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, April 29.

Promote With Meaning

Case Study
2 min
A positive example of a Marine Corps video that compels the target audience to participate in the campaign in...
Force on Force at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex

Solving the Commander's Intent On the Spot

Case Study
5 min
Review the creative and effective solution to a commander's intent challenge at F. E. Warren Air Force Base.
USS George HW Bush conducts training operations in the Atlantic Ocean

Finish What You Start: Stay Engaged With Public ...

Case Study
4 min
A U.S. Navy tragedy provides insight and valuable lessons on engagement when dealing with a sensitive subject.
West Point Facebook Insights for May 25th

Posting More Isn't Always Better

Case Study
4 min
Learn from West Point the value of understanding the algorithm and your audience to drive a Facebook strategy.
Soldiers supporting Maryland’s response to COVID-19

Being Prepared for All Responses

Case Study
6 min
Examine lessons learned from an Army tweet how losing control of the narrative can lead to negative responses.

Check It Off

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Lieutenant Commander Jamie Rivas studies one of the many "turnover" binders to get up to speed in her new role as Public Works Officer, aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., July 2. The native of Bryan, Ohio, is taking over for outgoing LCDR Jeffrey Patton.

What to Leave When You Leave

Checklist
2 min
Ensure continuity of effort between outgoing and incoming personnel by using this checklist.
Marines with Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command pose for photos in cyber operations room at Lasswell Hall aboard Fort Meade, Maryland, Feb. 5, 2020. MARFORCYBER Marines conduct offensive and defensive cyber operations in support of United States Cyber Command and operate, secure and defend the Marine Corps Enterprise Network.

Spotting Disinformation Actors

Checklist
2 min
Use this checklist to assess social media accounts for bots, sock puppets and trolls.
a U.S. Marine takes notes during a psychological operations (PSYOP) screening interview

Prepare for Conducting an Interview Checklist

Checklist
2 min
Use this pre-interview checklist to set yourself up for success.
An Army Reserve, conducts an environmental survey in Jordan.

Site Survey Checklist

Checklist
3 min
Before production begins, check the location for any security, safety or hazard concerns using this list.
Three defense leaders sit behind a long table at a briefing.

Media Kit Quality Assurance Checklist

Checklist
2 min
Ensure the media have the information needed to provide quality coverage of your event using this checklist.
U.S. Army Lieutenant Alix Idrache is interviewed by French media during a tour of the U.S. Army Europe logistics support area at Hippodrome Maurice de Folleville in Carentan, France, June 1, 2019.

Escorting and Facilitating Media Interview Check...

Checklist
2 min
Follow this checklist when escorting and facilitating media personnel for interviews.
Virtual NCOA

Headline Writing Guidelines

Checklist
1 min
Use this checklist to ensure the headline of any story has all of the necessary components to meet AP Style...
U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, deploy from Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, Jan. 1, 2020. Elements of the Immediate Response Force mobilized for deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of operations in response to increased threat levels against U.S. personnel and facilities. The IRF and the All American Division remain postured and ready to deploy in support of the National Command Authority. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Robyn J. Haake)

Before a Crisis: Preparing Your Social Media Str...

Checklist
3 min
Follow this checklist to ensure your social media strategy is prepped, effective and ready for any crisis.
Lt. Gen. Eric Smith, III Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general, speaks with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit Marines and Sailors, during a visit to the 31st MEU at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 8, 2018.

Crisis Management Team Roles & Tasks

Checklist
2 min
Before a crisis occurs, use this checklist to assign crisis management team roles and ensure all team members...

Download Templates

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Army Spc. Joseph Sakyi, a medical maintainer and native of Bronx, New York, assigned to Company A, 47th Combat Support Hospital, checks medical equipment for functionality at the CenturyLink Field Event Center in downtown Seattle, Wa., March 30.

Equipment Lifecycle Tracker

Template
1 min
Use this spreadsheet to help track when pieces of equipment are expected to be updated or replaced.
A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 8th Medical Operations Squadron writes on a screening checklist in a COVID-19 screening room at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 19, 2020. The screening checklist consisted of questions pertaining to the service member’s recent travel history and any symptoms they may be experiencing prior to being seen by a provider. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Blair)

Visual Information Quick Reference Card

Template
1 min
Use this template to plan, brief and disseminate guidance for creating and managing mission-related VI...
Joint Service members and civilians perform deployed disbursing operations during Exercise Diamond Saber 2019 at Fort McCoy, Wis., June 26, 2019.

PA/VI Spend Plan

Template
1 min
Use this spreadsheet to help map and track your shop's quarterly and monthly spending plans.
210th RSG Soldiers provide support for civilians of MaD Brigade S1/Transition

After Action Report

Template
1 min
Use this memorandum of record format to write action-oriented reports to help improve future missions.
Senior Leaders Of The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Make Contributions To the Navy And Marine Corps Relief Society

Write an Unfunded Requirement that Gets Results

Template
1 min
Identify funding resource shortfalls that impact unit mission or readiness using this template.
Utilitiesman 1st Class Michael D. Boyle, a Sailor assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion Two (ACB 2), provides an interview during the media day of Maritime Prepositioning Force Exercise 20 (MPFEX 20) at Mayport, Fla. on Feb. 14, 2020. MPFEX 20 trains critical expeditionary capabilities, and facilitates bridging the seam between operations on land and sea. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryin J. Venegas/Released) Original photo was modified for learning purposes.

Interview Planning Worksheet

Template
1 min
Use this worksheet to prepare and plan all aspects of an interview, from research to camera shots.
U.S. Air Force Staff. Sgt. Kirsten Brandes, 86th Airlift Wing noncommissioned officer in charge of media, looks over the base’s Facebook page at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 28, 2020.

Public Affairs Media Analysis Template

Template
1 min
Use this template as a guide to conduct a Public Affairs Media Analysis.
U.S. Air Force Maj. David Mackintosh, 86th Operations Support Squadron, studies information during an Operational Planning Team meeting March 24, 2020.

General Tactic Planning Worksheet Template

Template
1 min
Use this worksheet to assist you in creating and implementing tactics that support your strategy.
Communication Plan Gantt Chart Template Hero

Communication Plan Gantt Chart Template

Template
1 min
Use this Gantt chart template to track the ongoing strategies and tactics in your communication plan.

Learn How

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Heading from sample AAR memo. Date: 13 March 2020. Memorandum for. To: Director, Communication Strategy and Operations. From: Chief Warrant Officer John Smith, Visual Information Officer, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA, USA. Subject: After Action Report for MEFEX 18.

How to Create an After Action Report

How To
5 min
Use this guide to write a report that gives insight into improving processes and tactics for future...
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Wesley Carrow, 52nd Communications Squadron client systems technician, works on a computer in a back shop at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 6, 2020. Due to the spread of COVID-19, the 52nd CS received many computers that needed VPN capabilities added to support the amount of Airmen teleworking. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alison Stewart)

How to Submit Imagery to DMA via DVIDS

How To
2 min
Use this guide to submit imagery to Defense Media Activity (DMA) via DVIDS for the DoD VI Archives (DVIA) and...
How To Plan A Campaign-Step 1

How to Plan a Campaign

How To
3 min
Follow these steps to plan a compelling and engaging campaign.
Staff Sgt. Matthew Shannon, of the individual personnel readiness office with the 911th Force Support Squadron, takes notes during an enlisted performance report bullet writing seminar at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, April 8, 2018. The EPR bullet writing seminar was conducted by Chief Master Sgt. Chin M. Cox, the Office of the Joint Staff Surgeon Senior Enlisted Leader at the Pentagon, with the focus on improving Airmen's writing skills and the impact to their career. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Grace Thomson)

How to Compose an Initial Release

How To
3 min
Use this step-by-step guide to complete an initial release using the Initial Release Template.
Press Conference and Demonstration

How to Prepare a Briefing Card

How To
4 min
Prepare a public statement for a subject matter expert (SME), review the facts, establish an end state, theme,...
JBLE prepares for Hurricane Dorian

How to be Effective with Social Media During a C...

How To
5 min
Watch this video to remind yourself of what steps to take on social media during a crisis.
A videographer puts a microphone on Army Chief Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley.

How to Facilitate a Successful Media Interview

How To
4 min
Review the necessary steps to ensure your subject matter expert (SME) will have a successful interaction with...
media query form with coordination efforts

How to Respond to a Media Query

How To
3 min
Use this step-by-step guide to help you field responses to questions from the media.
Staff Sgt. Andres Orozco, 31st Force Support Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of the Passport Office, enters data while processing a passport request on Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 27, 2020. Orozco is part of a two-person team responsible for processing passports for the 31st Fighter Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tory Cusimano)

How to Perform a Social Media Audit

How To
7 min
Follow these steps to improve your effectiveness on social media by performing an audit.

Sharpen Your Skills

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NAS Pensacola Emergency Manager During Hurricane Preparedness WeekB

Whatever You Do, Don't Panic

Simulation
12 min
Do you know what to do when a crisis hits? Test your skills when a hurricane is heading straight for your...
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Johnson, 435th Air Expeditionary Wing chaplain assistant, takes a selfie with Nigerien children at a village in Agadez, Niger, June 27, 2019. Johnson assisted the 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron civil engineer flight with constructing a classroom for the village. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)

Choose the Right Social Media Platform

Exercise
10 min
Practice your knowledge of social media and identify type, purpose and platform for three scenarios.
Makin Island Underway

What Does the Commander Actually Want

Exercise
5 min
Practice how well you can deduce commander's intent by reviewing a memo sent to your office.
Navy Recruiter Saves Lives through Social Media

What's Wrong With This Post?

Knowledge Check
5 min
Analyze social media posts and see if you can detect what's wrong.
Combined Unit Exercise 19.1 (CUX)

Do You Know the UVP?

Knowledge Check
2 min
Test how well you understand using Unique Value Proposition (UVP) when creating a social media identity.
Members of the Joint Task Force Civil Support (JTF-CS) Crisis Action Team (CAT) brief U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William "Bill" Hall on the sequence of events in preparation for Exercise Sudden Response (SR) 20.

How Well Do You Know the Communication Planning ...

Knowledge Check
10 min
Test your knowledge on the communication planning processes and Barcelona Principles.

Review Policy & Doctrine

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Personnel Specialist Third Class Domineeka Luis, from Hudson, Fla., edits a correspondence letter aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz

DoD Visual Information Schedule

Policy & Doctrine
27 min
Reference the DoD Visual Information Schedule (21 January 2015) from National Archive and Record...
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Mahsa Owji, right, an administrative specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, shows Cpl. Clark Batungbakal different administrative manuals at the air station, Feb. 19, 2019.

44 U.S. Code, Chapter 31

Policy & Doctrine
12 min
Understand federal documentation and records management policy as required by 44 U.S.C. chapter 31 (2018).
Members of the West Virginia National Guard’s 1st Squadron, 150th Cavalry Regiment and 1st Battalion, 201st Field Artillery Regiment return to Charleston, West Virginia, on Aug. 25, 2020, after serving an extended deployment to the Central Command (CENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR). More than 130 members of the unit were greeted by their families, Gov. Jim Justice and WVNG leadership after a successful deployment in the Middle East with the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT). (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Edwin L. Wriston) Original photo was modified for learning purposes.

DD Form 2831

Policy & Doctrine
1 min
Reference the form for General Release Where Talent Fee or Other Remuneration or Recompense Accrues to the...
Thomas Chiu, left, a FOX Nation news camera operator, films Capt. Lanny Littlejohn, a force surgeon assigned to Naval Special Warfare Command, during an interview at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD).

DD Form 2832

Policy & Doctrine
1 min
Reference the form for Release Granting the U.S. Government Permission to Photograph or Otherwise Record the...
Screenshot of Adobe Lightroom with burn a disc dialog box open and like a USB flash drive highlighted.

DD Form 2833

Policy & Doctrine
1 min
Reference the form for Release Granting the U.S. Government Permission to Record and Reproduce Program...
U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David J. Furness, commanding general of 2nd Marine Division (2d MARDIV) and French Brig. Gen. Jean-Christophe Benchon, commander of the 6th Light Armored Brigade sign the Memorandum of Cooperation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 5, 2019. The signing of the memorandum acknowledges the arrangement between NATO partners in a non-binding twinning relationship to conduct exercises and ceremonies together. The communication between 2d MARDIV and NATO units is important in working towards common goals by synchronizing efforts towards better interoperability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler M. Solak)

DD Form 2830

Policy & Doctrine
1 min
Reference the form for General Talent Release Form (October 2000).
U.S. Army Spc. Keith Thornburgh, 982nd Signal Company (Combat Camera) (Airborne), edits a video product while supporting CSTX 78-19-02 at Fort Dix, NJ, June 14, 2019.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) F...

Policy & Doctrine
245 min
Reference Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelines (February 2015).
U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) conduct digital interoperability training at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.,

DoD Social Media Hub

Policy & Doctrine
1 min
Reference this site for all official DoD guidance on social media use.
MUB 2

JP 3-13

Policy & Doctrine
103 min
Reference Joint Publication (JP) 3-13 Information Operations (20 November 2014).