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Public Affairs

Use your expertise to inform internal and external audiences while safeguarding mission details from our enemies. Brush up on what it takes to tell our story without jeopardizing national security.
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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
1 min
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Explore by Subject

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Learn From These Lessons

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World Suicide Prevention Week is a call to service members across the globe to become familiar with the signs of suicide so they can take action in preventing tragic losses of life.

Authenticity Matters When the Stakes Are High

Case Study
4 min
Watch how leaving the camera rolling led to raw and human moments during a video on suicide awareness.
MWCS-28 adopts Havelock Elementary school

Be Present and Engaged in the Community

Case Study
4 min
Learn how community building through partnership, such as the Adopt-a-School program, gets meaningful results.
An Explore the Eifel exhibitor, left, showcases a horn to U.S. Air Force Col. Joe McFall, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, right, during the 11th annual Explore the Eifel information and adventure fair at Club Eifel on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 29, 2015. Booth representatives displayed various aspects of the European culture, ranging from medieval artifact replicas and history, as well as tours, wine-tasting and sky-diving venue. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Timothy Kim/Released)

Building Community with Neighbors Outside the Gate

Case Study
7 min
Learn how "Explore the Eifel" has strengthened bonds between Airmen and their host nation for over a decade.
Close Up Lens Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

Leave Them Laughing! Humor Makes the Spot Memorable

Case Study
8 min
Learn how MCC Mike DiMestico used comedic techniques to create a memorable spot on Operational Security.
Rear Adm. Edward Cashman Conducts a Radio Interview

Let Your Subjects Do the Talking

Case Study
10 min
Study this technique of letting your subjects get the message out in an informal yet informative tone.
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.
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 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.
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...

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Check It Off

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Close up of two hands typing on a laptop keyboard.

508 Compliance Audit: PDF Document

Checklist
3 min
Ensure your PDF is 508 compliant.
TAG Speaks to Media

Build Media Relations From the Ground Up

Checklist
2 min
Follow this checklist when establishing or improving media relations.
NSA Naples Holds Town Hall Event

Conducting An Efficient Community Meeting

Checklist
2 min
Use this checklist to prepare, execute and assess a community meeting.
Soldiers board a commercial aircraft.

During a Crisis: Establish and Transition Guide

Checklist
3 min
Use this checklist to hit the ground running upon short-notice deployment to a crisis or emergency.
Turnover

During a Crisis: Daily Shift Change Actions

Checklist
2 min
Follow this checklist to ensure a seamless transition between shifts.
MRF-D meets with distinguished visitors

Before, During and After a VIP/DV Visit

Checklist
2 min
Adequately and appropriately prepare for a very important person (VIP) or distinguished visitor (DV) visit.
Installation staff, CAT work 24/7 during Hurricane Laura

During a Crisis: Crisis Action Team

Checklist
2 min
Use this checklist to carry out the responsibilities of the Crisis Action Team (CAT).
Military firefighters extinguish an aircraft fire during a training exercise.

During a Crisis: Media Operations Center

Checklist
2 min
Use this checklist to carry out the responsibilities of the Media Operations Center (MOC).
A U.S. Air Force Reserve KC-135 Stratotanker from Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., performs an aerial demonstration over Bowman Field in Louisville, Ky., April 17, 2021, as part of the Thunder Over Louisville air show. The annual event featured more than 20 military and civilian air craft this year. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Dale Greer)

Aircraft Incident Response

Checklist
2 min
Be prepared to respond quickly and efficiently to an aircraft accident or incident that occurs on or off base.

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Download Templates

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Illustration of a social media post and charts.

Social Media Post Assessment Tracker

Template
2 min
Use this template to capture quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate social media posts.
A Coast Guardsman raises his arm towards a hovering helicopter.

SWOT Research Analysis Framework

Template
2 min
Use this template to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for a project or initiative.
Distinguished visitor and media day held in Alexandroupoli, Greece

Media Advisory

Template
2 min
Write and distribute a media advisory for an upcoming event.
200214-N-RX807-0005.jpg

Build an Interview Mission Plan

Template
2 min
Scope out and organize all the information for an outside media source interview using this template.
Robins "State of the Base" 2021

A Pocket Guide for Briefing the Commander

Template
2 min
Keep this template handy to quickly and effectively brief superiors on messaging and event details.
U.S. Army Japan addresses housing issues, answers questions at latest town hall

Write a Community Relations Project Proposal

Template
2 min
Use this template to craft a proposal that includes the details to get approved for funding or resources.
A C-17 sits on the flight line waiting for repairs from members of the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Jan. 7, 2020, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C.

Noise Complaint Log

Template
2 min
Log information about noise complaints and track trends in volume and frequency using this template.
Opened monthly planner

Community Relations (COMREL) Planning Worksheet

Template
3 min
Use this worksheet to outline the purpose, logistics and special arrangements for a COMREL activity or event.
41st Soldiers Fire Rockets in Norway

Community Noise Notifications: Loud Exercise PSA

Template
3 min
Use this template to alert and educate the local community regarding potentially noisy exercises.

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Learn How

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Cannon hosts AC-130J Ghostrider media flight for KAMR Local 4 News over Amarillo, Texas

How To Create a Bulletproof Response

How To
3 min
Learn how to join command message with critical information in a format that reduces out-of-context quotes.
Hawaii National Guard Specialist gathers COVID-19 mapping information after being trained by the Department of Health (DOH) at the Hawaii Convention Center, August 12, 2020, Honolulu, HI.

How to Release Visual Information Properly

How To
4 min
Follow this workflow to quickly release VI with the proper approval authority and classification.
Future operations officer participates in a COVID-19 virtual subject matter expert exchange

How to Read an OPORD

How To
5 min
Walkthrough a sample Operations Order (OPORD) and understand the key takeaways of the situation or mission.
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...
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.
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.
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,...
210124-N-PC620-0072 WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (Jan. 24, 2021) Army Lt. Col. Patrick Bradley, a Joint Task Force Civil Support Forward Command Element team member, discusses flying helicopters around a simulated hot zone with Task Force (TF) Aviation personnel during Exercise Sudden Response 21.

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.

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Sharpen Your Skills

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Media Day During Operation Allies Welcome at Fort McCoy

Test Your Media Operations Knowledge

Knowledge Check
10 min
Prove you're a media operations master by scoring high on this 10 question test.
Coastguardsmen assigned to Patrol Forces Southwest Asia participate in a community relations (COMREL) event at Bahrain Mobility International (BMI) in Isa Town, Oct 16. During the COMREL, more than 80 participants from multiple commands volunteered to assist with cleanup efforts, beautification projects and interactive programs with children.

How Should You React In This Scenario?

Knowledge Check
5 min
Test your knowledge of community relations and engagement by answering questions based on tricky scenarios.
MQ-9 Reaper at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

Keep Your Cool When Things Heat Up

Simulation
10 min
Test your crisis communication skills in this simulation of an aircraft crash at an air show.
JNYMS Senior Leaders Meeting

9 Chances to Get It Write

Knowledge Check
9 min
Test your knowledge of grammar, punctuation and sentence structure. Watch out for "gotchas!"
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.

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Review Policy & Doctrine

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Dr. William Burnett, Technical Director of Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC), and Mr. James Griffith, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Director, Source Operations and Management Directorate—along with other NGA personnel—received a detailed overview of CNMOC with a full brief and engagements with subject matter experts. CNMOC directs and oversees more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions faster than the adversary.

DoD Directive 5105.60

Policy & Doctrine
25 min
Reference the DoD Directive 5105.60 National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) (July 29, 2009).
14&15 July l MC Symposium

DoD Directive 5160.48

Policy & Doctrine
8 min
Reference DoDD 5160.48 Public Affairs & Visual Information (PA & VI) Education & Training (Nov. 20, 2017).
La. National Guard monitors Medical Supply Data [Image 11 of 13]

DoD Data Strategy

Policy & Doctrine
21 min
Reference Executive Summary: DoD Data Strategy (30 September 2020).
Sailors assigned to Defense Media Activity operate cameras during Vice Adm. John Nowell, Chief of Naval Personnel, and Fleet Master Chief Wes Koshoffer's town hall event

DoD Directive 5105.74

Policy & Doctrine
14 min
Reference the DoD Directive 5105.74 Defense Media Activity (DMA) (Change 1) (August 29, 2017).
Fire Controlman 2nd Class Anthony Borbonga, from German Town, Md., stands watch as the optical sight system supervisor in the combat information center aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) during routine underway operations.

DoD Directive 8000.01

Policy & Doctrine
16 min
Reference the DoD Directive 8000.01 Defense Information Management (IM) Program (Change 1) (July 27, 2017).
Photo of knowledge management center Airman

DoD Directive 5400.07

Policy & Doctrine
6 min
Reference the DoD Directive 5400.07 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program (April 5, 2019).
Senior Airman Oriana Beard, American Forces Network Kunsan broadcast journalist, prepares to go live on the radio at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 6, 2020. AFN broadcast journalists are expected to host four hours of live radio and produce content for social media and television daily.

DoDI 5120.20

Policy & Doctrine
15 min
Reference DoD Instruction 5120.20 Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) (Change 1) (Nov. 20,...
U.S. Navy Band Cruisers Bring Live Music Back

DD Form 2536

Policy & Doctrine
1 min
Reference the form for Request for Armed Forces Participation in Public Events (Non-Aviation) (December 2016).
U.S. Navy Band Cruisers Bring Live Music Back

DD Form 2535

Policy & Doctrine
1 min
Reference the form for Request for Military Aerial Support (December 2016).

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