Posted on 03/31/2003 11:48:53 PM PST by HAL9000
101900Z FEB 03
FM SECDEF WASHINGTON DC//OASD-PA//
TO SECDEF WASHINGTON DC//CHAIRS//
AIG 8777
HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//PA//
USCINCEUR VAIHINGEN GE//ECPA//
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//PA//
SECSTATE WASHINGTON DC//PA//
CJCS WASHINGTON DC//PA//
NSC WASHINGTON DC
WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM
INFO SECDEF WASHINGTON DC//OASD-PA/DPO//
UNCLAS
SUBJECT: PUBLIC AFFAIRS GUIDANCE (PAG) ON EMBEDDING MEDIA
DURING POSSIBLE FUTURE OPERATIONS/DEPLOYMENTS IN THE U.S.
CENTRAL COMMANDS (CENTCOM) AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (AOR).
REFERENCES: REF. A. SECDEF MSG, DTG 172200Z JAN 03, SUBJ:
PUBLIC AFFAIRS GUIDANCE (PAG) FOR MOVEMENT OF FORCES INTO THE
CENTCOM AOR FOR POSSIBLE FUTURE OPERATIONS.
1. PURPOSE. THIS MESSAGE PROVIDES GUIDANCE, POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES ON EMBEDDING NEWS MEDIA DURING POSSIBLE FUTURE
OPERATIONS/DEPLOYMENTS IN THE CENTCOM AOR. IT CAN BE ADAPTED
FOR USE IN OTHER UNIFIED COMMAND AORS AS NECESSARY.
2. POLICY.
2.A. THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) POLICY ON MEDIA COVERAGE
OF FUTURE MILITARY OPERATIONS IS THAT MEDIA WILL HAVE LONG-TERM,
MINIMALLY RESTRICTIVE ACCESS TO U.S. AIR, GROUND AND NAVAL
FORCES THROUGH EMBEDDING. MEDIA COVERAGE OF ANY FUTURE
OPERATION WILL, TO A LARGE EXTENT, SHAPE PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF
THE NATIONAL SECURITY ENVIRONMENT NOW AND IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
THIS HOLDS TRUE FOR THE U.S. PUBLIC; THE PUBLIC IN ALLIED
COUNTRIES WHOSE OPINION CAN AFFECT THE DURABILITY OF OUR
COALITION; AND PUBLICS IN COUNTRIES WHERE WE CONDUCT OPERATIONS,
WHOSE PERCEPTIONS OF US CAN AFFECT THE COST AND DURATION OF OUR
INVOLVEMENT. OUR ULTIMATE STRATEGIC SUCCESS IN BRINGING PEACE
AND SECURITY TO THIS REGION WILL COME IN OUR LONG-TERM
COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING OUR DEMOCRATIC IDEALS. WE NEED TO TELL
THE FACTUAL STORY - GOOD OR BAD - BEFORE OTHERS SEED THE MEDIA
WITH DISINFORMATION AND DISTORTIONS, AS THEY MOST CERTAINLY WILL
CONTINUE TO DO. OUR PEOPLE IN THE FIELD NEED TO TELL OUR STORY
? ONLY COMMANDERS CAN ENSURE THE MEDIA GET TO THE STORY
ALONGSIDE THE TROOPS. WE MUST ORGANIZE FOR AND FACILITATE
ACCESS OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA TO OUR FORCES,
INCLUDING THOSE FORCES ENGAGED IN GROUND OPERATIONS, WITH THE
GOAL OF DOING SO RIGHT FROM THE START. TO ACCOMPLISH THIS, WE
WILL EMBED MEDIA WITH OUR UNITS. THESE EMBEDDED MEDIA WILL
LIVE, WORK AND TRAVEL AS PART OF THE UNITS WITH WHICH THEY ARE
EMBEDDED TO FACILITATE MAXIMUM, IN-DEPTH COVERAGE OF U.S. FORCES
IN COMBAT AND RELATED OPERATIONS. COMMANDERS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICERS MUST WORK TOGETHER TO BALANCE THE NEED FOR MEDIA ACCESS
WITH THE NEED FOR OPERATIONAL SECURITY.
2.B. MEDIA WILL BE EMBEDDED WITH UNIT PERSONNEL AT AIR AND
GROUND FORCES BASES AND AFLOAT TO ENSURE A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF
ALL OPERATIONS. MEDIA WILL BE GIVEN ACCESS TO OPERATIONAL
COMBAT MISSIONS, INCLUDING MISSION PREPARATION AND DEBRIEFING,
WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
2.C. A MEDIA EMBED IS DEFINED AS A MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE
REMAINING WITH A UNIT ON AN EXTENDED BASIS - PERHAPS A PERIOD OF
WEEKS OR EVEN MONTHS. COMMANDERS WILL PROVIDE BILLETING,
RATIONS AND MEDICAL ATTENTION, IF NEEDED, TO THE EMBEDDED MEDIA
COMMENSURATE WITH THAT PROVIDED TO MEMBERS OF THE UNIT, AS WELL
AS ACCESS TO MILITARY TRANSPORTATION AND ASSISTANCE WITH
COMMUNICATIONS FILING/TRANSMITTING MEDIA PRODUCTS, IF REQUIRED.
2.C.1. EMBEDDED MEDIA ARE NOT AUTHORIZED USE OF THEIR OWN
VEHICLES WHILE TRAVELING IN AN EMBEDDED STATUS.
2.C.2. TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, SPACE ON MILITARY TRANSPORTATION
WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR MEDIA EQUIPMENT NECESSARY TO COVER A
PARTICULAR OPERATION. THE MEDIA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR LOADING AND
CARRYING THEIR OWN EQUIPMENT AT ALL TIMES. USE OF PRIORITY
INTER-THEATER AIRLIFT FOR EMBEDDED MEDIA TO COVER STORIES, AS
WELL AS TO FILE STORIES, IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED. SEATS ABOARD
VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT AND NAVAL SHIPS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO
ALLOW MAXIMUM COVERAGE OF U.S. TROOPS IN THE FIELD.
2.C.3. UNITS SHOULD PLAN LIFT AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT TO ASSIST
IN MOVING MEDIA PRODUCTS TO AND FROM THE BATTLEFIELD SO AS TO
TELL OUR STORY IN A TIMELY MANNER. IN THE EVENT OF COMMERCIAL
COMMUNICATIONS DIFFICULTIES, MEDIA ARE AUTHORIZED TO FILE
STORIES VIA EXPEDITIOUS MILITARY SIGNAL/COMMUNICATIONS
CAPABILITIES.
2.C.4. NO COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT FOR USE BY MEDIA IN THE
CONDUCT OF THEIR DUTIES WILL BE SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED.
HOWEVER, UNIT COMMANDERS MAY IMPOSE TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS ON
ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSIONS FOR OPERATIONAL SECURITY REASONS.
MEDIA WILL SEEK APPROVAL TO USE ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN A
COMBAT/HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT, UNLESS OTHERWISE DIRECTED BY THE
UNIT COMMANDER OR HIS/HER DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE. THE USE OF
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT WILL BE DISCUSSED IN FULL WHEN THE
MEDIA ARRIVE AT THEIR ASSIGNED UNIT.
3. PROCEDURES.
3.A. THE OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR
PUBLIC AFFAIRS (OASD(PA) IS THE CENTRAL AGENCY FOR MANAGING AND
VETTING MEDIA EMBEDS TO INCLUDE ALLOCATING EMBED SLOTS TO MEDIA
ORGANIZATIONS. EMBED AUTHORITY MAY BE DELEGATED TO SUBORDINATE
ELEMENTS AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES AND AT THE
DISCRETION OF OASD(PA). EMBED OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE ASSIGNED TO
MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS, NOT TO INDIVIDUAL REPORTERS. THE DECISION
AS TO WHICH MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE WILL FILL ASSIGNED EMBED SLOTS
WILL BE MADE BY THE DESIGNATED POC FOR EACH NEWS ORGANIZATION.
3.A.1. IAW REF. A, COMMANDERS OF UNITS IN RECEIPT OF A
DEPLOYMENT ORDER MAY EMBED REGIONAL/LOCAL MEDIA DURING
PREPARATIONS FOR DEPLOYMENT, DEPLOYMENT AND ARRIVAL IN THEATER
UPON RECEIPT OF THEATER CLEARANCE FROM CENTCOM AND APPROVAL OF
THE COMPONENT COMMAND. COMMANDERS WILL INFORM THESE MEDIA,
PRIOR TO THE DEPLOYING EMBED, THAT OASD(PA) IS THE APPROVAL
AUTHORITY FOR ALL COMBAT EMBEDS AND THAT THEIR PARTICULAR EMBED
MAY END AFTER THE UNIT'S ARRIVAL IN THEATER. THE MEDIA
ORGANIZATION MAY APPLY TO OASD(PA) FOR CONTINUED EMBEDDING, BUT
THERE IS NO GUARANTEE AND THE MEDIA ORGANIZATION WILL HAVE TO
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR AND PAY FOR THE JOURNALISTS' RETURN TRIP.
3.B. WITHOUT MAKING COMMITMENTS TO MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS,
DEPLOYING UNITS WILL IDENTIFY LOCAL MEDIA FOR POTENTIAL EMBEDS
AND NOMINATE THEM THROUGH PA CHANNELS TO OASD(PA) (POC: MAJ TIM
BLAIR, DSN 227-1253; COMM. 703-697-1253; EMAIL
TIMOTHY.BLAIR@OSD.MIL). INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE FORWARDED
INCLUDES MEDIA ORGANIZATION, TYPE OF MEDIA AND CONTACT
INFORMATION INCLUDING BUREAU CHIEF/MANAGING EDITOR/NEWS
DIRECTOR'S NAME; OFFICE, HOME AND CELL PHONE NUMBERS; PAGER
NUMBERS AND EMAIL ADDRESSES. SUBMISSIONS FOR EMBEDS WITH
SPECIFIC UNITS SHOULD INCLUDE AN UNIT'S RECOMMENDATION AS TO
WHETHER THE REQUEST SHOULD BE HONORED.
3.C. UNIT COMMANDERS SHOULD ALSO EXPRESS, THROUGH THEIR CHAIN
OF COMMAND AND PA CHANNELS TO OASD(PA), THEIR DESIRE AND
CAPABILITY TO SUPPORT ADDITIONAL MEDIA EMBEDS BEYOND THOSE
ASSIGNED.
3.D. FREELANCE MEDIA WILL BE AUTHORIZED TO EMBED IF THEY ARE
SELECTED BY A NEWS ORGANIZATION AS THEIR EMBED REPRESENTATIVE.
3.E. UNITS WILL BE AUTHORIZED DIRECT COORDINATION WITH MEDIA
AFTER ASSIGNMENT AND APPROVAL BY OASD(PA).
3.E.1.UNITS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT ALL EMBEDDED MEDIA
AND THEIR NEWS ORGANIZATIONS HAVE SIGNED THE "RELEASE,
INDEMNIFICATION, AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT AND AGREEMENT NOT
TO SUE", FOUND AT
HTTP://WWW.DEFENSELINK.MIL/NEWS/FEB2003/D20030210EMBED.PDF.
UNITS MUST MAINTAIN A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT FOR ALL MEDIA
EMBEDDED WITH THEIR UNIT.
3.F. EMBEDDED MEDIA OPERATE AS PART OF THEIR ASSIGNED UNIT. AN
ESCORT MAY BE ASSIGNED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE UNIT COMMANDER.
THE ABSENCE OF A PA ESCORT IS NOT A REASON TO PRECLUDE MEDIA
ACCESS TO OPERATIONS.
3.G. COMMANDERS WILL ENSURE THE MEDIA ARE PROVIDED WITH EVERY
OPPORTUNITY TO OBSERVE ACTUAL COMBAT OPERATIONS. THE PERSONAL
SAFETY OF CORRESPONDENTS IS NOT A REASON TO EXCLUDE THEM FROM
COMBAT AREAS.
3.H. IF, IN THE OPINION OF THE UNIT COMMANDER, A MEDIA
REPRESENTATIVE IS UNABLE TO WITHSTAND THE RIGOROUS CONDITIONS
REQUIRED TO OPERATE WITH THE FORWARD DEPLOYED FORCES, THE
COMMANDER OR HIS/HER REPRESENTATIVE MAY LIMIT THE
REPRESENTATIVES PARTICIPATION WITH OPERATIONAL FORCES TO ENSURE
UNIT SAFETY AND INFORM OASD(PA) THROUGH PA CHANNELS AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE. GENDER WILL NOT BE AN EXCLUDING FACTOR UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCE.
3.I. IF FOR ANY REASON A MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE CANNOT
PARTICIPATE IN AN OPERATION, THEY WILL BE TRANSPORTED TO THE
NEXT HIGHER HEADQUARTERS FOR THE DURATION OF THE OPERATION.
3.J. COMMANDERS WILL OBTAIN THEATER CLEARANCE FROM CENTCOM/PA
FOR MEDIA EMBARKING ON MILITARY CONVEYANCE FOR PURPOSES OF
EMBEDDING.
3.K. UNITS HOSTING EMBEDDED MEDIA WILL ISSUE INVITATIONAL
TRAVEL ORDERS, AND NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL (NBC) GEAR.
SEE PARA. 5. FOR DETAILS ON WHICH ITEMS ARE ISSUED AND WHICH
ITEMS THE MEDIA ARE RESPONSIBLE TO PROVIDE FOR THEMSELVES.
3.L. MEDIA ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING THEIR OWN PASSPORTS
AND VISAS.
3.M. MEDIA WILL AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE CENTCOM/OASD(PA) GROUND
RULES STATED IN PARA. 4 OF THIS MESSAGE IN EXCHANGE FOR
COMMAND/UNIT-PROVIDED SUPPORT AND ACCESS TO SERVICE MEMBERS,
INFORMATION AND OTHER PREVIOUSLY-STATED PRIVILEGES. ANY
VIOLATION OF THE GROUND RULES COULD RESULT IN TERMINATION OF
THAT MEDIA'S EMBED OPPORTUNITY.
3.N. DISPUTES/DIFFICULTIES. ISSUES, QUESTIONS, DIFFICULTIES OR
DISPUTES ASSOCIATED WITH GROUND RULES OR OTHER ASPECTS OF
EMBEDDING MEDIA THAT CANNOT BE RESOLVED AT THE UNIT LEVEL, OR
THROUGH THE CHAIN OF COMMAND, WILL BE FORWARDED THROUGH PA
CHANNELS FOR RESOLUTION. COMMANDERS WHO WISH TO TERMINATE AN
EMBED FOR CAUSE MUST NOTIFY CENTCOM/PA PRIOR TO TERMINATION. IF
A DISPUTE CANNOT BE RESOLVED AT A LOWER LEVEL, OASD(PA) WILL BE
THE FINAL RESOLUTION AUTHORITY. IN ALL CASES, THIS SHOULD BE
DONE AS EXPEDITIOUSLY AS POSSIBLE TO PRESERVE THE NEWS VALUE OF
THE SITUATION.
3.O. MEDIA WILL PAY THEIR OWN BILLETING EXPENSES IF BILLETED IN
A COMMERCIAL FACILITY.
3.P. MEDIA WILL DEPLOY WITH THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT TO COLLECT
AND TRANSMIT THEIR STORIES.
3.Q. THE STANDARD FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION SHOULD BE TO ASK
"WHY NOT RELEASE" VICE "WHY RELEASE." DECISIONS SHOULD BE MADE
ASAP, PREFERABLY IN MINUTES, NOT HOURS.
3.R. THERE IS NO GENERAL REVIEW PROCESS FOR MEDIA PRODUCTS.
SEE PARA 6.A. FOR FURTHER DETAIL CONCERNING SECURITY AT THE
SOURCE.
3.S. MEDIA WILL ONLY BE GRANTED ACCESS TO DETAINEES OR EPWS
WITHIN THE PROVISIONS OF THE GENEVA CONVENTIONS OF 1949. SEE
PARA. 4.G.17. FOR THE GROUND RULE.
3.T. HAVING EMBEDDED MEDIA DOES NOT PRECLUDE CONTACT WITH OTHER
MEDIA. EMBEDDED MEDIA, AS A RESULT OF TIME INVESTED WITH THE
UNIT AND GROUND RULES AGREEMENT, MAY HAVE A DIFFERENT LEVEL OF
ACCESS.
3.U. CENTCOM/PA WILL ACCOUNT FOR EMBEDDED MEDIA DURING THE TIME
THE MEDIA IS EMBEDDED IN THEATER. CENTCOM/PA WILL REPORT
CHANGES IN EMBED STATUS TO OASD(PA) AS THEY OCCUR.
3.V. IF A MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE IS KILLED OR INJURED IN THE
COURSE OF MILITARY OPERATIONS, THE UNIT WILL IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY
OASD(PA), THROUGH PA CHANNELS. OASD(PA) WILL CONTACT THE
RESPECTIVE MEDIA ORGANIZATION(S), WHICH WILL MAKE NEXT OF KIN
NOTIFICATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INDIVIDUAL'S WISHES.
3.W. MEDIA MAY TERMINATE THEIR EMBED OPPORTUNITY AT ANY TIME.
UNIT COMMANDERS WILL PROVIDE, AS THE TACTICAL SITUATION PERMITS
AND BASED ON THE AVAILABILITY OF TRANSPORTATION, MOVEMENT BACK
TO THE NEAREST LOCATION WITH COMMERCIAL TRANSPORTATION.
3.W.1. DEPARTING MEDIA WILL BE DEBRIEFED ON OPERATIONAL
SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS AS APPLICABLE TO ONGOING AND FUTURE
OPERATIONS WHICH THEY MAY NOW HAVE INFORMATION CONCERNING.
4. GROUND RULES. FOR THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF U.S. FORCES
AND EMBEDDED MEDIA, MEDIA WILL ADHERE TO ESTABLISHED GROUND
RULES. GROUND RULES WILL BE AGREED TO IN ADVANCE AND SIGNED BY
MEDIA PRIOR TO EMBEDDING. VIOLATION OF THE GROUND RULES MAY
RESULT IN THE IMMEDIATE TERMINATION OF THE EMBED AND REMOVAL
FROM THE AOR. THESE GROUND RULES RECOGNIZE THE RIGHT OF THE
MEDIA TO COVER MILITARY OPERATIONS AND ARE IN NO WAY INTENDED TO
PREVENT RELEASE OF DEROGATORY, EMBARRASSING, NEGATIVE OR
UNCOMPLIMENTARY INFORMATION. ANY MODIFICATION TO THE STANDARD
GROUND RULES WILL BE FORWARDED THROUGH THE PA CHANNELS TO
CENTCOM/PA FOR APPROVAL. STANDARD GROUND RULES ARE:
4.A. ALL INTERVIEWS WITH SERVICE MEMBERS WILL BE ON THE RECORD.
SECURITY AT THE SOURCE IS THE POLICY. INTERVIEWS WITH PILOTS
AND AIRCREW MEMBERS ARE AUTHORIZED UPON COMPLETION OF MISSIONS;
HOWEVER, RELEASE OF INFORMATION MUST CONFORM TO THESE MEDIA
GROUND RULES.
4.B. PRINT OR BROADCAST STORIES WILL BE DATELINED ACCORDING TO
LOCAL GROUND RULES. LOCAL GROUND RULES WILL BE COORDINATED
THROUGH COMMAND CHANNELS WITH CENTCOM.
4.C. MEDIA EMBEDDED WITH U.S. FORCES ARE NOT PERMITTED TO CARRY
PERSONAL FIREARMS.
4.D. LIGHT DISCIPLINE RESTRICTIONS WILL BE FOLLOWED. VISIBLE
LIGHT SOURCES, INCLUDING FLASH OR TELEVISION LIGHTS, FLASH
CAMERAS WILL NOT BE USED WHEN OPERATING WITH FORCES AT NIGHT
UNLESS SPECIFICALLY APPROVED IN ADVANCE BY THE ON-SCENE
COMMANDER.
4.E. EMBARGOES MAY BE IMPOSED TO PROTECT OPERATIONAL SECURITY.
EMBARGOES WILL ONLY BE USED FOR OPERATIONAL SECURITY AND WILL BE
LIFTED AS SOON AS THE OPERATIONAL SECURITY ISSUE HAS PASSED.
4.F. THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES OF INFORMATION ARE RELEASABLE.
4.F.1. APPROXIMATE FRIENDLY FORCE STRENGTH FIGURES.
4.F.2. APPROXIMATE FRIENDLY CASUALTY FIGURES BY SERVICE.
EMBEDDED MEDIA MAY, WITHIN OPSEC LIMITS, CONFIRM UNIT CASUALTIES
THEY HAVE WITNESSED.
4.F.3. CONFIRMED FIGURES OF ENEMY PERSONNEL DETAINED OR
CAPTURED.
4.F.4. SIZE OF FRIENDLY FORCE PARTICIPATING IN AN ACTION OR
OPERATION CAN BE DISCLOSED USING APPROXIMATE TERMS. SPECIFIC
FORCE OR UNIT IDENTIFICATION MAY BE RELEASED WHEN IT NO LONGER
WARRANTS SECURITY PROTECTION.
4.F.5. INFORMATION AND LOCATION OF MILITARY TARGETS AND
OBJECTIVES PREVIOUSLY UNDER ATTACK.
4.F.6. GENERIC DESCRIPTION OF ORIGIN OF AIR OPERATIONS, SUCH AS
"LAND-BASED."
4.F.7. DATE, TIME OR LOCATION OF PREVIOUS CONVENTIONAL MILITARY
MISSIONS AND ACTIONS, AS WELL AS MISSION RESULTS ARE RELEASABLE
ONLY IF DESCRIBED IN GENERAL TERMS.
4.F.8. TYPES OF ORDNANCE EXPENDED IN GENERAL TERMS.
4.F.9. NUMBER OF AERIAL COMBAT OR RECONNAISSANCE MISSIONS OR
SORTIES FLOWN IN CENTCOM'S AREA OF OPERATION.
4.F.10. TYPE OF FORCES INVOLVED (E.G., AIR DEFENSE, INFANTRY,
ARMOR, MARINES).
4.F.11. ALLIED PARTICIPATION BY TYPE OF OPERATION (SHIPS,
AIRCRAFT, GROUND UNITS, ETC.) AFTER APPROVAL OF THE ALLIED UNIT
COMMANDER.
4.F.12. OPERATION CODE NAMES.
4.F.13. NAMES AND HOMETOWNS OF U.S. MILITARY UNITS.
4.F.14. SERVICE MEMBERS' NAMES AND HOME TOWNS WITH THE
INDIVIDUALS' CONSENT.
4.G. THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES OF INFORMATION ARE NOT RELEASABLE
SINCE THEIR PUBLICATION OR BROADCAST COULD JEOPARDIZE OPERATIONS
AND ENDANGER LIVES.
4.G.1. SPECIFIC NUMBER OF TROOPS IN UNITS BELOW CORPS/MEF
LEVEL.
4.G.2. SPECIFIC NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT IN UNITS AT OR BELOW THE AIR
EXPEDITIONARY WING LEVEL.
4.G.3. SPECIFIC NUMBERS REGARDING OTHER EQUIPMENT OR CRITICAL
SUPPLIES (E.G. ARTILLERY, TANKS, LANDING CRAFT, RADARS, TRUCKS,
WATER, ETC.).
4.G.4. SPECIFIC NUMBERS OF SHIPS IN UNITS BELOW THE CARRIER
BATTLE GROUP LEVEL.
4.G.5. NAMES OF MILITARY INSTALLATIONS OR SPECIFIC GEOGRAPHIC
LOCATIONS OF MILITARY UNITS IN THE CENTCOM AREA OF
RESPONSIBILITY, UNLESS SPECIFICALLY RELEASED BY THE DEPARTMENT
OF DEFENSE OR AUTHORIZED BY THE CENTCOM COMMANDER. NEWS AND
IMAGERY PRODUCTS THAT IDENTIFY OR INCLUDE IDENTIFIABLE FEATURES
OF THESE LOCATIONS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED FOR RELEASE.
4.G.6. INFORMATION REGARDING FUTURE OPERATIONS.
4.G.7. INFORMATION REGARDING FORCE PROTECTION MEASURES AT
MILITARY INSTALLATIONS OR ENCAMPMENTS (EXCEPT THOSE WHICH ARE
VISIBLE OR READILY APPARENT).
4.G.8. PHOTOGRAPHY SHOWING LEVEL OF SECURITY AT MILITARY
INSTALLATIONS OR ENCAMPMENTS.
4.G.9. RULES OF ENGAGEMENT.
4.G.10. INFORMATION ON INTELLIGENCE COLLECTION ACTIVITIES
COMPROMISING TACTICS, TECHNIQUES OR PROCEDURES.
4.G.11. EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IN REPORTING WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE
COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES TO MAXIMIZE OPERATIONAL SURPRISE.
LIVE BROADCASTS FROM AIRFIELDS, ON THE GROUND OR AFLOAT, BY
EMBEDDED MEDIA ARE PROHIBITED UNTIL THE SAFE RETURN OF THE
INITIAL STRIKE PACKAGE OR UNTIL AUTHORIZED BY THE UNIT
COMMANDER.
4.G.12. DURING AN OPERATION, SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON FRIENDLY
FORCE TROOP MOVEMENTS, TACTICAL DEPLOYMENTS, AND DISPOSITIONS
THAT WOULD JEOPARDIZE OPERATIONAL SECURITY OR LIVES.
INFORMATION ON ON-GOING ENGAGEMENTS WILL NOT BE RELEASED UNLESS
AUTHORIZED FOR RELEASE BY ON-SCENE COMMANDER.
4.G.13. INFORMATION ON SPECIAL OPERATIONS UNITS, UNIQUE
OPERATIONS METHODOLOGY OR TACTICS, FOR EXAMPLE, AIR OPERATIONS,
ANGLES OF ATTACK, AND SPEEDS; NAVAL TACTICAL OR EVASIVE
MANEUVERS, ETC. GENERAL TERMS SUCH AS "LOW" OR "FAST" MAY BE
USED.
4.G.14. INFORMATION ON EFFECTIVENESS OF ENEMY ELECTRONIC
WARFARE.
4.G.15. INFORMATION IDENTIFYING POSTPONED OR CANCELED
OPERATIONS.
4.G.16. INFORMATION ON MISSING OR DOWNED AIRCRAFT OR MISSING
VESSELS WHILE SEARCH AND RESCUE AND RECOVERY OPERATIONS ARE
BEING PLANNED OR UNDERWAY.
4.G.17. INFORMATION ON EFFECTIVENESS OF ENEMY CAMOUFLAGE,
COVER, DECEPTION, TARGETING, DIRECT AND INDIRECT FIRE,
INTELLIGENCE COLLECTION, OR SECURITY MEASURES.
4.G.18. NO PHOTOGRAPHS OR OTHER VISUAL MEDIA SHOWING AN ENEMY
PRISONER OF WAR OR DETAINEE'S RECOGNIZABLE FACE, NAMETAG OR
OTHER IDENTIFYING FEATURE OR ITEM MAY BE TAKEN.
4.G.19. STILL OR VIDEO IMAGERY OF CUSTODY OPERATIONS OR
INTERVIEWS WITH PERSONS UNDER CUSTODY.
4.H. THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES AND POLICIES APPLY TO COVERAGE OF
WOUNDED, INJURED, AND ILL PERSONNEL:
4.H.1. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE REMINDED OF THE
SENSITIVITY OF USING NAMES OF INDIVIDUAL CASUALTIES OR
PHOTOGRAPHS THEY MAY HAVE TAKEN WHICH CLEARLY IDENTIFY
CASUALTIES UNTIL AFTER NOTIFICATION OF THE NOK AND RELEASE BY
OASD(PA).
4.H.2. BATTLEFIELD CASUALTIES MAY BE COVERED BY EMBEDDED MEDIA
AS LONG AS THE SERVICE MEMBER'S IDENTITY IS PROTECTED FROM
DISCLOSURE FOR 72 HOURS OR UPON VERIFICATION OF NOK
NOTIFICATION, WHICHEVER IS FIRST.
4.H.3. MEDIA VISITS TO MEDICAL FACILITIES WILL BE IN ACCORDANCE
WITH APPLICABLE REGULATIONS, STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES,
OPERATIONS ORDERS AND INSTRUCTIONS BY ATTENDING PHYSICIANS. IF
APPROVED, SERVICE OR MEDICAL FACILITY PERSONNEL MUST ESCORT
MEDIA AT ALL TIMES.
4.H.4. PATIENT WELFARE, PATIENT PRIVACY, AND NEXT OF KIN/FAMILY
CONSIDERATIONS ARE THE GOVERNING CONCERNS ABOUT NEWS MEDIA
COVERAGE OF WOUNDED, INJURED, AND ILL PERSONNEL IN MEDICAL
TREATMENT FACILITIES OR OTHER CASUALTY COLLECTION AND TREATMENT
LOCATIONS.
4.H.5. MEDIA VISITS ARE AUTHORIZED TO MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES,
BUT MUST BE APPROVED BY THE MEDICAL FACILITY COMMANDER AND
ATTENDING PHYSICIAN AND MUST NOT INTERFERE WITH MEDICAL
TREATMENT. REQUESTS TO VISIT MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES OUTSIDE
THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES WILL BE COORDINATED BY THE UNIFIED
COMMAND PA.
4.H.6. REPORTERS MAY VISIT THOSE AREAS DESIGNATED BY THE
FACILITY COMMANDER, BUT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN OPERATING ROOMS
DURING OPERATING PROCEDURES.
4.H.7. PERMISSION TO INTERVIEW OR PHOTOGRAPH A PATIENT WILL BE
GRANTED ONLY WITH THE CONSENT OF THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN OR
FACILITY COMMANDER AND WITH THE PATIENT'S INFORMED CONSENT,
WITNESSED BY THE ESCORT.
4.H.8. "INFORMED CONSENT" MEANS THE PATIENT UNDERSTANDS HIS OR
HER PICTURE AND COMMENTS ARE BEING COLLECTED FOR NEWS MEDIA
PURPOSES AND THEY MAY APPEAR NATIONWIDE IN NEWS MEDIA REPORTS.
4.H.9. THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN OR ESCORT SHOULD ADVISE THE
SERVICE MEMBER IF NOK HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.
5. IMMUNIZATIONS AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR.
5.A. MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD ENSURE THAT MEDIA ARE PROPERLY
IMMUNIZED BEFORE EMBEDDING WITH UNITS. THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE
CONTROL (CDC)-RECOMMENDED IMMUNIZATIONS FOR DEPLOYMENT TO THE
MIDDLE EAST INCLUDE HEPATITIS A; HEPATITIS B; RABIES; TETANUSDIPHTHERIA;
AND TYPHOID. THE CDC RECOMMENDS MENINGOCOCCAL
IMMUNIZATIONS FOR VISITORS TO MECCA. IF TRAVELING TO CERTAIN
AREAS IN THE CENTCOM AOR, THE CDC RECOMMENDS TAKING PRESCRIPTION
ANTIMALARIAL DRUGS. ANTHRAX AND SMALLPOX VACCINES WILL BE
PROVIDED TO THE MEDIA AT NO EXPENSE TO THE GOVERNMENT (THE MEDIA
OUTLET WILL BEAR THE EXPENSE). FOR MORE HEALTH INFORMATION FOR
TRAVELERS TO THE MIDDLE EAST, GO TO THE CDC WEB SITE AT
HTTP://WWW.CDC.GOV/TRAVEL/MIDEAST.HTM.
5.B. BECAUSE THE USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR, SUCH AS
HELMETS OR FLAK VESTS, IS BOTH A PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
CHOICE, MEDIA WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROCURING/USING SUCH
EQUIPMENT. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR, AS WELL AS CLOTHING, WILL
BE SUBDUED IN COLOR AND APPEARANCE.
5.C. EMBEDDED MEDIA ARE AUTHORIZED AND REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED
WITH, ON A TEMPORARY LOAN BASIS, NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, CHEMICAL
(NBC) PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT BY THE UNIT WITH WHICH THEY ARE
EMBEDDED. UNIT PERSONNEL WILL PROVIDE BASIC INSTRUCTION IN THE
PROPER WEAR, USE, AND MAINTENANCE OF THE EQUIPMENT. UPON
TERMINATION OF THE EMBED, INITIATED BY EITHER PARTY, THE NBC
EQUIPMENT SHALL BE RETURNED TO THE EMBEDDING UNIT. IF
SUFFICIENT NBC PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR
EMBEDDED MEDIA, COMMANDERS MAY PURCHASE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT,
WITH FUNDS NORMALLY AVAILABLE FOR THAT PURPOSE, AND LOAN IT TO
EMBEDDED MEDIA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS PARAGRAPH.
6. SECURITY
6.A. MEDIA PRODUCTS WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO SECURITY REVIEW OR
CENSORSHIP EXCEPT AS INDICATED IN PARA. 6.A.1. SECURITY AT THE
SOURCE WILL BE THE RULE. U.S. MILITARY PERSONNEL SHALL PROTECT
CLASSIFIED INFORMATION FROM UNAUTHORIZED OR INADVERTENT
DISCLOSURE. MEDIA PROVIDED ACCESS TO SENSITIVE INFORMATION,
INFORMATION WHICH IS NOT CLASSIFIED BUT WHICH MAY BE OF
OPERATIONAL VALUE TO AN ADVERSARY OR WHEN COMBINED WITH OTHER
UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION MAY REVEAL CLASSIFIED INFORMATION, WILL
BE INFORMED IN ADVANCE BY THE UNIT COMMANDER OR HIS/HER
DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OR
DISCLOSURE OF SUCH INFORMATION. WHEN IN DOUBT, MEDIA WILL
CONSULT WITH THE UNIT COMMANDER OR HIS/HER DESIGNATED
REPRESENTATIVE.
6.A.1. THE NATURE OF THE EMBEDDING PROCESS MAY INVOLVE
OBSERVATION OF SENSITIVE INFORMATION, INCLUDING TROOP MOVEMENTS,
BATTLE PREPARATIONS, MATERIEL CAPABILITIES AND VULNERABILITIES
AND OTHER INFORMATION AS LISTED IN PARA. 4.G. WHEN A COMMANDER
OR HIS/HER DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE HAS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT
A MEDIA MEMBER WILL HAVE ACCESS TO THIS TYPE OF SENSITIVE
INFORMATION, PRIOR TO ALLOWING SUCH ACCESS, HE/SHE WILL TAKE
PRUDENT PRECAUTIONS TO ENSURE THE SECURITY OF THAT INFORMATION.
THE PRIMARY SAFEGUARD WILL BE TO BRIEF MEDIA IN ADVANCE ABOUT
WHAT INFORMATION IS SENSITIVE AND WHAT THE PARAMETERS ARE FOR
COVERING THIS TYPE OF INFORMATION. IF MEDIA ARE INADVERTENTLY
EXPOSED TO SENSITIVE INFORMATION THEY SHOULD BE BRIEFED AFTER
EXPOSURE ON WHAT INFORMATION THEY SHOULD AVOID COVERING. IN
INSTANCES WHERE A UNIT COMMANDER OR THE DESIGNATED
REPRESENTATIVE DETERMINES THAT COVERAGE OF A STORY WILL INVOLVE
EXPOSURE TO SENSITIVE INFORMATION BEYOND THE SCOPE OF WHAT MAY
BE PROTECTED BY PREBRIEFING OR DEBRIEFING, BUT COVERAGE OF WHICH
IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE DOD, THE COMMANDER MAY OFFER
ACCESS IF THE REPORTER AGREES TO A SECURITY REVIEW OF THEIR
COVERAGE. AGREEMENT TO SECURITY REVIEW IN EXCHANGE FOR THIS
TYPE OF ACCESS MUST BE STRICTLY VOLUNTARY AND IF THE REPORTER
DOES NOT AGREE, THEN ACCESS MAY NOT BE GRANTED. IF A SECURITY
REVIEW IS AGREED TO, IT WILL NOT INVOLVE ANY EDITORIAL CHANGES;
IT WILL BE CONDUCTED SOLELY TO ENSURE THAT NO SENSITIVE OR
CLASSIFIED INFORMATION IS INCLUDED IN THE PRODUCT. IF SUCH
INFORMATION IS FOUND, THE MEDIA WILL BE ASKED TO REMOVE THAT
INFORMATION FROM THE PRODUCT AND/OR EMBARGO THE PRODUCT UNTIL
SUCH INFORMATION IS NO LONGER CLASSIFIED OR SENSITIVE. REVIEWS
ARE TO BE DONE AS SOON AS PRACTICAL SO AS NOT TO INTERRUPT
COMBAT OPERATIONS NOR DELAY REPORTING. IF THERE ARE DISPUTES
RESULTING FROM THE SECURITY REVIEW PROCESS THEY MAY BE APPEALED
THROUGH THE CHAIN OF COMMAND, OR THROUGH PA CHANNELS TO OASD/PA.
THIS PARAGRAPH DOES NOT AUTHORIZE COMMANDERS TO ALLOW MEDIA
ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED INFORMATION.
6.A.2. MEDIA PRODUCTS WILL NOT BE CONFISCATED OR OTHERWISE
IMPOUNDED. IF IT IS BELIEVED THAT CLASSIFIED INFORMATION HAS
BEEN COMPROMISED AND THE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE REFUSES TO REMOVE
THAT INFORMATION NOTIFY THE CPIC AND/OR OASD/PA AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE SO THE ISSUE MAY BE ADDRESSED WITH THE MEDIA
ORGANIZATION'S MANAGEMENT.
7. MISCELLANEOUS/COORDINATING INSTRUCTIONS:
7.A. OASD(PA) IS THE INITIAL EMBED AUTHORITY. EMBEDDING
PROCEDURES AND ASSIGNMENT AUTHORITY MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO
CENTCOM PA AT A LATER DATE. THIS AUTHORITY MAY BE FURTHER
DELEGATED AT CENTCOM'S DISCRETION.
7.B. THIS GUIDANCE AUTHORIZES BLANKET APPROVAL FOR NON-LOCAL
AND LOCAL MEDIA TRAVEL ABOARD DOD AIRLIFT FOR ALL EMBEDDED MEDIA
ON A NO-COST, SPACE AVAILABLE BASIS. NO ADDITIONAL COSTS SHALL
BE INCURRED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IAW DODI
5410.15, PARA 3.4.
7.C. USE OF LIPSTICK AND HELMET-MOUNTED CAMERAS ON COMBAT
SORTIES IS APPROVED AND ENCOURAGED TO THE GREATEST EXTENT
POSSIBLE.
8. OASD(PA) POC FOR EMBEDDING MEDIA IS MAJ TIM BLAIR, DSN 227-
1253, CMCL 703-697-1253, EMAIL TIMOTHY.BLAIR@OSD.MIL.
4.G. THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES OF INFORMATION ARE NOT RELEASABLE. . .
SINCE THEIR PUBLICATION OR BROADCAST COULD JEOPARDIZE OPERATIONS
AND ENDANGER LIVES.
4.G.12. DURING AN OPERATION, SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON FRIENDLY
FORCE TROOP MOVEMENTS, TACTICAL DEPLOYMENTS, AND DISPOSITIONS
THAT WOULD JEOPARDIZE OPERATIONAL SECURITY OR LIVES.
INFORMATION ON ON-GOING ENGAGEMENTS WILL NOT BE RELEASED UNLESS
AUTHORIZED FOR RELEASE BY ON-SCENE COMMANDER.
Geraldo forgot to read this.
4.G.3. SPECIFIC NUMBERS REGARDING OTHER EQUIPMENT OR CRITICAL SUPPLIES (E.G. ARTILLERY, TANKS, LANDING CRAFT, RADARS, TRUCKS, WATER, ETC.).
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