Implementing a Communication Plan

Communications plans are internal documents used to effectively plan how to disseminate information on a given issue or topic, unify messaging for unit commanders and representatives, and provide material to speak with one voice. These plans usually align with a military operations plan and outline key themes and messages designed to manage and control the flow of information between an organization and the public along with strategies for releasing timely and accurate information, managing media relations and shaping public perception.

Implementation is a fundamental piece of the research, planning, implementation and evaluation process, which make up the communication planning process. Once you have completed all the research and planning and drafted your communication plan, then it is time to implement your plan. Implementation describes the five W's of a tactic (who, what, where, when and why), and explains the details of the communications plan.

The goal with implementing a communication plan is to maintain transparency, build positive relationships with the public and effectively communicate the organization’s goal and initiatives.

Use this template to document the phased approach to implementation and all planned communication tasks and/or events. For each task/event, you will identify:

• Start and end dates.
• A description of the task/event.
• Stakeholders/audience (consider members of the military/unit, contractors, retirees, civilians, community leaders, local/state/government officials and the general public).
• The objective or purpose of the task/event.
• The chosen medium for how the task/event will be carried out and the location, if applicable.
• Who is responsible for executing the task/event (office of primary responsibility).