public affairs office utah national guard meeting the media

Public Affairs OfficeUtah National Guard

Meeting the Media

Agenda

• Media Myths• Iraq Realities• Command Messages• Media Interview Tips• Hometown Media• UPAR Program

AgendaAgenda

Current Media Myths

- Perception that insurgent activity is going on throughout Iraq.

- Perception that the military does not have the equipment necessary to keep troops safe.

- Perception that democracy in Iraq will not work.

Iraq Realities- Insurgent activity is

going on in about 10 percent of Iraq.

- The military has the most modern safety equipment for troops to include up-armored vehicles and body armor.

- 8 million out of 12 million eligible Iraqis voted in free elections in January.

Command Messages- The National Guard is strong, our personnel

ready, and our missions crucial for the security of America.

- The National Guard is present for duty, bringing great skills, talent, and capabilities to bear in an increasingly dangerous world.

- Whether at home or abroad, keeping Americans safe is a prime responsibility of the National Guard.

Who you are and where you’re from

What you’re doing and why you’re here

How you feel about being here

Your working conditionsTraining you receiveHow deployment has

affected you

Be prepared to talk about:

Media Interview Tips

- Media looking for first-hand information on your experiences

- We are the good guys--we need to remind the media of that

- We’re doing the right thing

- Tell our side of the story or no one else will

Media Interview Tips

1. Stay in your lane. Defer questions outside your area of responsibility to the PAO.

2. You are in control of the interview. Think before answering the question and take as much time as you need.

3. Speak in plain English. Avoid the use of acronyms. Use language a child would be able to understand.

Media Interview Tips

4. Don’t speculate. It’s okay to say that you don’t know the answer.

5. Always treat the media professionally, even if they become aggressive.

6. Talk to the media with a PAO representative present.

Media Interview Tips

7. Use “Bridging” to transition from what you cannot talk about into what you know you can talk about.

Example: “I can’t talk about that because (state reason), however, what I can tell you is (command message)”

NEVER DISCUSS:

• Rules of engagement• Security measures• Future operations• Items that would

violate OPSEC

Media Interview Tips

Hometown Media

• If a reporter from your local area contacts you directly, refer them to your local PAO or to the Utah State PAO

• While on leave or TDY, do not feel pressured to give interviews

• Rules on prior slides still apply; don’t discuss OPSEC-sensitive items

Unit Public Affairs Representative (UPAR)

• UPAR is your unit’s point of contact with PAO

• Local/Utah PAOs assist UPAR in telling your unit’s story

MAJ Hank McIntire, PAO, (801) 523-4407DSN 766-4407

hank.mcintire@us.army.mil

UTNG Public Affairs Office

UTNG Public Web Site

www.ut.ngb.army.mil

Summary

• Media interviews are your opportunity to help tell your unit’s story

• Key Command words and messages– We help keep America safe at home and

abroad.– We are properly prepared, trained, and

equipped to perform our mission.

QUESTIONS ?