Continuous Learning Hours
If you desire to use this learning guide for continuous learning hours (CLH), please select "Start Training (CLH)" above (requires an account). This learning guide, if completed via "Start Training", does not provide documentation of training, therefore it should not be used for CLHs (does not require an account).
Target Audience
This learning guide is for SCO personnel who may interact with U.S. or host nation media in the course of their official duties overseas.
Description
This learning guide was developed by DSCU as a ready reference for SCOs and related DoD personnel to provide guidance for media questions or interviews.
- Lesson 1 – Course Introduction. Includes an “ambush interview” with an unprepared SCO.
- Lesson 2 – Key Policies and Key Players. Discusses freedom of the press, the essentials of DoD public affairs policy, relationship between the U.S. media and the public, the types of media formats, interacting with the media, and the role of Public Affairs.
- Lesson 3 – Interacting with the Media and Getting the Message Out. Describes and illustrates options and techniques for delivering the message, key aspects of response to a media query, working in concert with the host country, block and bridge technique, and preparation for an interview.
- Lesson 4 – Media Encounter Scenarios. Presents a series of fictional media questions and answers by a SCO, in which the student must choose the best responses. These are presented as knowledge checks.
- Lesson 5 – Interview Redemption. Repeats the “ambush interview” from Lesson 1 but with a SCO who is prepared and ready for the questions.
This learning guide is for reference or professional development only. No certificate is awarded for completion.
Duration
This learning guide consists of 30 pages, some of which contain video-based scenarios. It should take no more than 60 minutes to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I obtain more information on this topic?
See DoDD 5122.05,Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs (ASD(PA)), Enclosure 2, Principles of Information. This document is available under the Resources tab in the course. Additionally, SCOs are encouraged to consult as necessary with the Public Affairs Officers in their embassies and at their combatant command headquarters.
Who do I contact if I have any technical issues with this learning guide?
Go to the Online Learning Help Desk for technical assistance.