This regulation establishes policies and procedures for conducting Army public affairs programs. Public affairs is a command responsibility. Due to the sensitivity and time criticality of incidents and issues with PA implications, public affairs officers require direct access to the commander. To ensure this, PAOs serve on the commander’s personal staff. Commanders and agency heads may assign PAOs coordinating staff authority for certain actions or missions, as deemed appropriate. Public affairs is an inherently governmental function. Formulation and promulgation of Army PA policy is an official responsibility and may be performed only by military or civilian officials of the Army and commanders or their designated official spokespersons. Every member of the Army contributes to effective PA. Soldiers are the most credible and influential spokespersons that the Army has. As such, they should be encouraged to communicate with the public by using all communication mediums and using and adhering to the guidance in this regulation.
