Instructions Flashcards
SECNAVINST 5720.44C – Department of the Navy Public Affairs Policy and Regulations
The intent of Department of the Navy (DON) public affairs (PA) is to provide strategic counsel, contribute to operational planning, and execute communication activities in support of national objectives, joint combat operations, and the naval mission.
PA principles include accountability to the public, full disclosure, expeditious release of information, alignment, and professional ethics.
DoD Instruction 5400.13 of 15 October 2008 and Joint Publication (JP) 3-61
dictate that PA policy applies to all levels of command and to all DoD employees, and that the authority for PA activities comes directly from the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF).
Full Disclosure. (SECNAVINST 5720.44)
For a government founded on the principle of an empowered public, the default position on decisions about releasing information is full and prompt disclosure. Withholding information must be the exception and justified for specific and legally defensible reasons. Potential embarrassment is not a justification to withhold information.
Expeditious Release. (SECNAVINST 5720.44)
Information will be released as expeditiously as practical and from the lowest possible level, consistent with release policies and required reviews (See chapter 2). All DON members are communicators and must commit to full and expeditious release of information appropriate to their level. Delay in the release of information can damage the DON’s reputation and cast public doubt on its capabilities or motives.
Breaches of Confidence.
An activity will quickly lose public confidence if it: (1) Lies. (2) Misinforms or disinforms by putting accurate information in a misleading context. (3) Unnecessarily delays responses to queries from the public and the news media. (4) Gives preferential treatment to specific media, community groups, or individuals, except as provided by higher guidance. (5) Creates public expectations far beyond its capacity to accomplish. (6) Purposely fails to communicate with the public.
What is the policy of the Department of Defense regarding information availability?
To make available timely and accurate information for public, Congress, and media assessment of national security and defense strategy.
How should requests for information from organizations and private citizens be handled?
They shall be answered in a timely manner.
What principles of information will apply according to the Department of Defense’s policy?
Information will be made fully and readily available unless precluded by security classification.
What act supports the Department of Defense’s information policy?
The Freedom of Information Act.
True or False: The Department of Defense can withhold information to protect the Government from criticism or embarrassment.
False.
When can information be withheld according to the Department of Defense?
When disclosure would adversely affect national security, threaten safety or privacy of Armed Forces members, or if authorized by statute or regulation.
What may the Department of Defense’s obligation to provide public information require?
Detailed public affairs planning and coordination within the Department and with other Government agencies.
What is the sole purpose of public affairs activities in the Department of Defense?
To expedite the flow of information to the public.
Fill in the blank: The Department of Defense’s public affairs programs should not include _______.
[propaganda]
What type of information will be made available to the Armed Forces and their dependents?
A free flow of general and military information without censorship or propaganda.
Ethics are the rules or standards governing the conduct of a person, organization, or the members of a profession. The DON holds itself to a high ethical standard with the DON Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. To earn and maintain the trust and credibility essential to properly represent the DON, all military and civilian personnel in the PA and visual information (VI) fields shall be:
Loyal. Honest. Trustworthy. Honorable. Courageous. Fair.
What are members of the Armed Forces permitted to express regarding political candidates?
Personal opinions on political candidates
This is permitted under DoD Directive 1344.10.
Can active-duty members sign petitions for candidates?
Yes, they can sign petitions to place a candidate’s name on the ballot
This is outlined in DoD Directive 1344.10.
What conditions must be met for active-duty members to attend political events?
Not in uniform and no inference or appearance of official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement can be drawn
This applies to attendance as spectators.
What activities are active-duty members prohibited from participating in?
Partisan political activities such as:
* Soliciting or engaging in partisan fundraising activities
* Serving as the sponsor of a partisan club
* Speaking before a partisan gathering when in uniform
This is specified in DoD Directive 1344.10.
Can active-duty members attend political conventions?
Yes, as spectators when not in uniform and no inference or appearance of official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement can be drawn
This is stated in DoDI 1344.10.
Are active-duty members allowed to participate in partisan political conventions?
No, they may not participate, including making speeches
This applies regardless of uniform status or inference of official sponsorship.
What role do DON PA professionals serve?
They are all official spokespersons
This applies regardless of current media relations assignment.
