Joint Pub 5-00.2 Joint Task Force Planning Guidance and ... - BITS
Joint Pub 5-00.2 Joint Task Force Planning Guidance and ... - BITS
Joint Pub 5-00.2 Joint Task Force Planning Guidance and ... - BITS
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Chapter II<br />
II-14<br />
MEDIA GUIDANCE FOR COMMANDERS, JOINT<br />
TASK FORCES<br />
Underst<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Appreciate the Role of the Media in Military Operations.<br />
The CJTF must have an objective view of the media.<br />
Patience will be required.<br />
Some time must be spent [with media representatives] on fundamental<br />
education in military terms <strong>and</strong> doctrine.<br />
Most important, realize that media representatives are generally<br />
responsible people who will comply with reasonable limitations set by the<br />
comm<strong>and</strong>er — they can be trusted.<br />
They represent the people of the world who have a right to know what is<br />
going on, subject to valid security concerns.<br />
Never Attempt to Manipulate the Media.<br />
The CJTF must be forthright <strong>and</strong> open in dealings with media<br />
representatives; anything less is sure to backfire.<br />
If there is bad news, it is best to deliver it immediately rather than to be<br />
accused later of a cover up.<br />
Careful preparation for media interviews is essential.<br />
Use members of your staff to assemble pertinent facts <strong>and</strong> be aware in<br />
advance of what you cannot reveal due to security reasons.<br />
Always consult with the operations officer, the public affairs officer (PAO),<br />
<strong>and</strong> the staff judge advocate in advance of important interviews.<br />
Honesty is the best policy.<br />
Encourage Confidence in Your Subordinates in Their Dealings with the<br />
Media.<br />
There is no substitute for preparation when it becomes clear that there will<br />
be media interest in your operation.<br />
Training is indispensable.<br />
The best advice to subordinates is to look your best, remember you are<br />
representing your Service, <strong>and</strong> to be honest with media representatives.<br />
It may be helpful to remind the troops to 'stay in their lane' <strong>and</strong> not to<br />
speculate about policies that are beyond their pay grade, or to make<br />
predictions of upcoming events.<br />
Use Your PAO Effectively.<br />
The PAO is the subject matter expert.<br />
The PAO needs to be part of the crisis action team <strong>and</strong> remain a key part<br />
of the planning for the operation.<br />
The Media Should Have Access, Subject to Mission Limitations.<br />
Media representatives need access to the right people <strong>and</strong> places to be<br />
effective.<br />
Don't Neglect Media Logistics.<br />
Support to the media cannot impede the mission or compromise<br />
operational security.<br />
Figure II-4. Media <strong>Guidance</strong> for Comm<strong>and</strong>ers, <strong>Joint</strong> <strong>Task</strong> <strong>Force</strong>s<br />
<strong>Joint</strong> <strong>Pub</strong> 5-<strong>00.2</strong>