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Telling the Shogun story

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher A. Marasky
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
When people think about contingency operations, a press conference might not be the first thought that jumps to mind. But the ability to communicate effectively to the news media during a crisis can make a huge difference in how a military operation is perceived worldwide.

Brig. Gen. Brett Williams, 18th Wing commander met with members of the "press" during a mock news conference Tuesday as part of this week's Operational Readiness Inspection. The general took questions from "reporters" about the wing's preparations for contingency operations and took the opportunity to discuss both the capabilities of the wing and the professionalism of its Airmen.

"It's important for commanders in general to be prepared for any type of media encounter," said Maj. John Hutcheson, 18th Wing chief of Public Affairs. "We need to news media to help tell our story, and this becomes even more critical during a crisis."

The inspection allows the PA office to practice their wartime role, which is to provide credible, timely information to a variety of audiences about what the wing is doing in response to the crisis.

"We're focused on informing our Airmen, their families, and the American Public as well as communicating our capabilities and resolve to potential adversaries," said Maj. Hutcheson.

"In any conflict, adversaries are likely to employ propaganda and disinformation campaigns against us. Effective communication programs are necessary to counter these efforts and maintain public support for the operation at home and abroad," he added.

In addition to helping to prepare wing leaders to deal with the news media, PA also briefs Airmen as they go through the deployment line to ensure they are prepared for media encounters in the deployed environment.

"At any given time, military members can be approached by media and asked questions pertaining to their part in the 'fight,'" said Staff Sgt. Kenya Shiloh, 18th Wing PA media relations specialist. "We need to teach our Airmen how to handle an interview in front of the camera or in print."

Public Affairs also uses tools such as the Kadena public website, www.kadena.af.mil, the Commander's Access Channel, and video messages to provide timely updates to Airmen and their families about ongoing operations.

Ultimately, the inspection allows PA to showcase their skills in ways that wouldn't be possible in a peace-time situation, said Major Hutcheson.

"These exercises allow us to practice our wartime mission in ways that just aren't possible in day-to-day operations," he said. "They also demonstrate to commanders what
a critical role PA will have to play in the event of a real crisis."