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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>

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