My experience with the Advanced Media training course provided by the Command and General Staff College was exceptional. In the past, I have had some anxiety, wondering what would happen if I was ever asked to interact with the media or give an interview. This training taught me HOW to present a message to the media in a beneficial way that would make my point.
The training was short and concise. It kept the students engaged, and brought real world events, combined with our own experiences into the lessons. We were taught the differences in radio, television, and written media engagements, and how to present a message in all of those forums.
The Practical Exercise consisted of three stations that simulated a remote interview, press conference, and a morning show. We were given a scenario that we had to brief on; mine was a 12 year old boy who was shot by a sniper while on patrol. We were put in the situation of being the Commander of that unit, and had to brief the media in three different ways; the first was a remote camera, the second was a press interview, and the third was a morning show. After each station, we reviewed our interview, and could see our strong and weak points.
During the after action review, I felt like the criticism was a bit much as this is not my primary job, but another tool in my kit bag. But the criticism came from experiences and lessons learned from people who have been doing media engagements for a long time. Overall, I am grateful for the opportunity to complete this training, and I now have in my “Kit Bag” the rudimentary skills to successfully complete a media interview.
Major James S Clark, SG 23 B
4 Comments on "Experience with Advanced Media Training"
The media training that I received during my CGSC experience changed my prospective on media relations and provided insight on how to make the experience positive for everyone involved. Communicating through the media is an essential skill for leaders. Soldiers are doing incredible things that support our national interests and improve the quality of life for people all over the world. Even more important is getting the command message out that supports our mission and recognized those that are making it happen.
The instructors at the Fort Gordon CGSC satellite training site used the media training to emphasis the importance preparation, message management, and utilizing the media as a positive force. Instructors identified current issues for students to research and then conduct an interview. Prior to the interview student were required to develop a command message, a list of expected questions and responses, as well as RFIs. The development of a media plan assisted students understand the importance of preparation for media encounters Instructors emphasized the importance of gathering background information on the interviewer to gain insight on their disposition. This allows students to identify the direction the interview and assists in assembling information to thoroughly answers questions. Instructors explained that complete unambiguous answers develop confidence that the interviewee is being transparent and ultimately truthful. The use of command messages assists in directing the conversation as well as creating synergy when using multiple media sources.
Society as a whole is unaware of what the military is doing. The media offers the opportunity to get the message out. Media coverage is often the only interaction that many in our society have with military personal. This is why it is so important to make sure that we as Soldier make the most of the opportunity. The training conducted at the Fort Gordon CSGC is beneficial and showed be expended to all levels of the officer and NCO education systems.
Major Thomas D Jagielski
“The views expressed in this statement are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government”
The advance media training was an interesting and valuable training. In preparation for the advance media training, the instructor provided the students with a scenario to be familiar with prior to the day of the training. The purpose of the scenario was for the students to develop a media plan interview. During the training the students were introduced to new ideas and the necessary methods and techniques to prepare students to be part of an interview. The staff was very professional and the facilities were like being in a television studio. At the beginning of the training, we learned how to be confident, improve communication skills, and learn to prepare ourselves for a media interview. In addition, the instructor emphasized to the students the importance of keeping the interview simple, be positive, and avoid acronyms to ensure everyone understood your command messages and to avoid confusion within the audience. Also, during the training we were given the opportunity to participate in three different types of interviews. First, I learned about the remote interview. During this part of the training, I was interviewed by a journalist using a camera in a different room. The second interview was a news conference scenario. During this interview, I was able to speak and answer questions to journalists from a podium. The third interview was the sit-down interview. This interview was based on a one on one question and answer session with a journalist. All interviews were conducted at the advance media training classroom and a camera crew recorded all interviews. At the end of the training, the staff and the students conducted a final after action review. In my opinion the advance media training should be mandatory to all CGSC students. The advance media training should also be introduced to all officers, non-commissioned officers and junior enlisted soldiers schools at all levels.
MAJ Rivera Geovanni S. Student, Command and General Staff College, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
“The views expressed in this statement are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government”
The ILE Introduction to Media “Principles of Strategic Communication” block of instruction may seem to some a waste of time, but I come to find out way too fast just how important and effective it can be. I am the Executive Officer for 1-230th ACS TNARNG, currently TDY attending ILE class 11-02 at Redstone’s Satellite Campus. I was at home on 9 July in Knoxville, TN for the weekend; at approximately 1740 I received a phone call as part of the emergency notification plan that we had an aircraft down. Very little information was available, just that the high bird (aircraft) thought the lead aircraft had hit some power lines. As you can imagine things got very busy very fast, I put on a uniform and headed to my office. While I was in route I received a phone call from the State Adjutant General, who also was in town, inquiring of my location and if I would be available. He reached my office just ahead of me and by the time we arrived it was confirmed that the pilots were deceased. Information in this situation is sensitive as well as breaking news. First priority was of course proper notification of the families as well as their privacy. The Military PAO was in Nashville some 250 miles away and the media wanted the information. The Adjutant General decided that we needed to hold a press conference to give as much information as possible without hindering the investigation and invading the privacy of the families. The PAO was in route via UH-60 Blackhawk, but we were unsure he was going to make it for the scheduled time. Having had the Introduction to the Media class, as well as the practical exercise I felt more comfortable in handling the situation if the PAO did not arrive. We prepared the briefing area and reviewed the General’s opening remarks. We were ready, the PAO’s aircraft landed five (5) minutes prior to the start, with nothing for him to do but introduce the General. You never know the time or place when you will be called on for media interaction, so continued review of lessons learned are critical. On a personal note I would like to thank the facility and staff of CGSS Redstone for their support and allowing me to attend the memorial services of my fallen comrades.
MAJ Mel Clawson SG 33C
As an Army PAO, I was personally pleased to see the block on media training in the CGSC curriculum. I think it is important to understand that you are not expected to be perfect in the classroom environment. It is a great opportunity to make mistakes and gain an appreciation for the role of spokesperson. I know there is some ambivalence about speaking to the media. Some going as far as avoiding the media at all cost. With the right message and a little, practice most Soldiers make great spokespersons for the Army. I encourage all leaders to frequently engage the unit public affairs officer and make a deliberate effort to incorporate public affairs in your staff sections and units activities.
Visit the army Public Affairs website for PA guidance on all themes/topics currently significant to the Army.
Regularly engage your units PAO who will tailor the army messages and talking points for your unit level and incorporate your commander’s guidance.
Regularly incorporate media training in your training schedule.
Media Interview Tips:
Stay in your lane; speak on what you know and do.
Do not speak for the Army.
Come prepared to provide some value added info (messages) not just to answer questions.
Approach speaking to the media as an opportunity
We train as we fight, so practice, practice, practice!
MAJ Tia Winston, SG B