1. Unit Public Affairs Representative Training Course
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4/24/2017
Unit Public Affairs Representative Training Course
Presented by GSDF Headquarters Public Affairs Office
CPT J. Craig

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4/24/2017
Objective
Sir, the purpose of my brief this morning.
To train and prepare individuals in each GSDF unit in the areas of release of public information, community relations, to improve communications between GSDF brigade commanders and the communities in which they exist, and to improve internal communications between brigades and units within the GSDF itself.
CPT J. Craig

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4/24/2017
Sir, the purpose of my brief this morning.
“You must remember that whether you wear one stripe or six, one bar or silver eagles you automatically become an ‘Army spokesman’ when you are approached by the press.”
- U.S. Continental Army Command memo to advisers in Vietnam.
The Military and the Media, William M. Hammond, 1988
CPT J. Craig

4. Course Outline UPAR Duties Media Relations Unit Publicity Photography
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4/24/2017
Course Outline
UPAR Duties
Media Relations
Unit Publicity
Photography
Reporting & Writing
Internal Communications
Community Relations
Q & A
CPT J. Craig

5. UPAR Duties Event Coverage
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4/24/2017
UPAR Duties
Event Coverage
Field Exercises
Change of Command
Community Missions
Notify HDQ PAO of upcoming exercises & missions
Collaborate with PA entities at Guard & other organizations
Establish ROE with the OIC when covering events
CPT J. Craig

6. Media Relations Try to coordinate event coverage with local media
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4/24/2017
Media Relations
Try to coordinate event coverage with local media
Be direct, polite, & accurate
Maintain situational & informational security
“No comment”
Avoid political statements
CPT J. Craig

7. Unit Publicity Compile list of local media contacts
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4/24/2017
Unit Publicity
Compile list of local media contacts
Create & send news releases in advance of an event or exercise
Coordinate news releases with your commander & mission OIC
Copy HDQ PAO on local news coverage
Share write-ups & photos with HDQ PAO
CPT J. Craig

8. Photography Take MANY Photos Hold Camera Still
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4/24/2017
Photography
Take MANY Photos
Hold Camera Still
Don't Stand Too Far Away
Avoid Shooting into the Sun
Watch Your Foreground and Background
“Safety check” subjects
Fill the Frame
Illustrate the story you are telling
CPT J. Craig

9. Reporting & Writing Article Basics
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4/24/2017
Reporting & Writing
Article Basics
Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Quotes from non-GSDF mission participants (Guard, police, GEMA)
K.I.S.S.
CPT J. Craig

10. Internal Communications
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4/24/2017
Internal Communications
UPARs should be copied on:
Warning Orders
AARs
Other unit activities
UPARs to copy HDQ PAO on all of the above
Keep an up-to-date contact list of brigade & unit leaders and HDQ PAO staff
Create a simple newsletter for your own brigade/unit, share with family & friends
CPT J. Craig

11. Community Relations Organize a Speaker’s Bureau Open House events
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4/24/2017
Community Relations
Organize a Speaker’s Bureau
Open House events
Compile contact lists for local school, church, government, and charitable organizations
Coordinate activities with these civic organizations whenever feasible
Coordinate with GSDF Recruiting
CPT J. Craig

12. Questions and (possibly) Answers
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4/24/2017
Questions and (possibly) Answers
CPT J. Craig

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4/24/2017
“Public relations specialists make flower arrangements of the facts, placing them so that the wilted and less attractive petals are hidden by sturdy blooms.”
- Alan Harrington, advertising executive
Life in the Crystal Palace, 1959
CPT J. Craig