policy - The Black Vault

THE BDM CORPORATION"
LESSONS
Each major policy alternative must have respectable
spokesmen in Washington for it to be reflectsd in the
media, and these spokesmen must have an articulate,
well-informea group in C-ongress, particularly if the
issue is an alternative to administration policy.
News censorship is unlikely to be exercized in any
future military situation in which the US is directly
involved, short of a major war. Hence, it is important
that military officials understand that it is the
legitimate role of the media to investigate the news,
including that which might embar;'ass a given commander.
To prevent acrimonious press-military relations during
crisis situations, the military must emphasize media
and public affairs education at all levels of military
education.
To enable a public affairs system to function properly
in the military services, every significant operation
plan must include public affairs guidance, and this
guidance must be transmitted swiftly to the appropriate
commanders, staffs, and public affairs personnel. The
latter must be carefully selected and educated and have
the full support of the comnaider and staff. Not to
provide clear public affairs guidance may lead a public
affairs officer to dissemble d public impression of
uncertainty concerning US foreign policy.
EX-6