APPENDIX
H
CHIEF
OF STAFF OF THE ARMY GUIDANCE
Message,
SAPA-ZA, 271300Z May 92, SUBJECT: Principles Governing Future Arrangements
For News Coverage of the U.S. Military in Combat.
1.
The DOD combat coverage principles delineated below have my unqualified endorsement.
They are a product of our experience with the media during and after Operations
DESERT SHIELD/STORM. They emanate from the constitutional imperatives about
the free press in an open society and the realities of the electronic age.
We in our Total Army are sworn to defend the former and can stand up exceedingly
well under the scrutiny that comes with the latter.
2.
Army Public Affairs is working hard on doctrinal, structural, training, and
equipment modernization initiatives that will fundamentally improve our Army's
collective ability to support these principles. Each of these efforts has my
unequivocal support. Meanwhile, I expect all to do the best we possibly can
do with the people and equipment on hand.
3.
The DOD combat coverage principles are:
A.
Open and independent reporting will be the principal means of coverage of U.S.
Military operations. B.
Pools are not to serve as the standard means of covering U.S. Military operations.
Pools may sometimes provide the only feasible means of early access to a military
operation. Pools should be as large as possible and disbanded at the earliest
opportunity -- within 24 to 36 hours when possible. The arrival of early access
pools will not cancel the principle of independent coverage for journalists
already in the area. C.
Even under conditions of open coverage, pools may be appropriate for specific
events, such as those at extremely remote locations or where space is limited.
D.
Journalists in a combat zone will be credentialed by the U.S. Military and
will be required to abide by a clear set of military security ground rules
that protect U.S. Forces and their operations. Violation of the ground rules
can result in suspension of credentials and expulsion from the combat zone
of the journalist involved. News organizations will make their best efforts
to assign experienced journalists to combat operations and to make them familiar
with U.S. Military operations. E.
Journalists will be provided access to all major military units. Special Operations
restrictions may limit access in some cases. F.
Military public affairs officers should act as liaisons but should not interfere
with the reporting process. G.
Under conditions of open coverage, field commanders should be instructed to
permit journalists to ride on military vehicles and aircraft whenever feasible.
The military will be responsible for the transportation of pools. H.
Consistent with its capabilities, the military will supply PAOs with facilities
to enable timely, secure, compatible transmission of pool material and will
make these facilities available whenever possible for filing independent coverage.
In cases when government facilities are unavailable, journalists will, as always,
file by any other means available. The military will not ban communications
systems operated by news organizations, but electromagnetic operational security
in battlefield situations may require limited restrictions on the use of such
systems. I.
These principles will apply as well to the operations of the standing DOD National
Media Pool System. 4.
Our challenge, then, is to support these principles and, concurrently, to ensure
soldier safety and mission on the battlefield. I know we can do this well and
do it right.
5.
Expiration date cannot be predetermined.
General
Gordon R. Sullivan
27
May 1992
Table
of Contents
Appendix
G - Glossary
Acknowledgements
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
