Operation Noble Eagle
Family and Soldier Readiness
Command Information Program
20 Sep 2001
Agenda
• Framework for Command Information
and the Family
• Soldier and Family Readiness Support
System
TRADOC Family Readiness
Command Information
Objective
Develop a sustainable Command-wide Information
campaign to support Families
– Empower Family Readiness Programs throughout
TRADOC by providing the necessary support for
success
– Provide timely and accurate information to families
from reliable sources
– Provide FRG Leaders and Commander’s with a
guide to assist in the development and execution of
an effective command information program.
Family Readiness
Guide for an Effective
Command Information
Program
Contents
I. Family Readiness Command Information
Mission
II. Elements of an Effective Communications
Program
III. Audiences
IV. Themes
V. Messages
VI. Current Communication Points
VII. Communication Venues
VIII. Feedback
Family Readiness
Command Information Mission
Conduct an aggressive campaign to inform and educate the Army
family about the 11 Sep national tragedy by providing accurate
and timely information.
 Keep spouses, children and parents of soldiers and DA
civilians informed on key developments as they affect the
Army, the Armed Forces, our installations and our
communities
 Provide clear, accurate, and current information in a
timely manner
 Establish Family Readiness Group Leaders, Commanders
and DA civilians as reliable, trusted, and credible sources
of timely and relevant information
 Maintain credibility and confidence in the Army
Elements of an Effective
Command Information
Program
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Target audiences
Themes
Messages
Communication Points
Communication Venues
Feedback
Family Readiness Audiences
 Spouses
 Children
 Parents of Soldiers and spouses
 Teachers
 Youth Directors
 Child Development Personnel
 Army Community Service Personnel
 Unit leaders
 Soldiers
 Local retirees
 Civilian workforce
 Members of nearby civilian communities
Major Themes
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Army Families are important!
Soldiers need the support of their families
The Army is committed to taking care of families
There will no quick resolution. The way ahead is a complex, longterm national campaign
The safety of the Army Family is important
Operational Security is paramount
Remember the special needs of children during times of tragedy
Communication within the family becomes extremely important
in challenging times as those we are in now
Force protection is a major consideration in the planning of
military operations
Families will be kept informed
Leaders care about the families of soldiers and DA civilians
Children want to understand what’s happening and how it affects
their family
Major Themes
 Teachers, youth directors and care providers play an important
role in our children’s lives
 Be confident that the outstanding training that your spouse
receives prepares them for their mission.
 The Army is fully capable now of executing its mission
 Current military operations are NOT business as usual
 Resolute, visible leadership is required and you are a part of it!
 Balance compassion and mission
 TRADOC continues to train soldiers and develop leaders
 Increased situational awareness, vigilance is the watchword.
Report anything unusual.
 This is an international effort
 U.S. Forces to become the World’s dominant antiterrorism and
counterterrorism force
 The nation’s citizens are firmly behind their military forces
Family Readiness
Command Messages
For the ENTIRE ARMY FAMILY:
 The Army is well prepared to deal with the challenges that
confront our nation; your installation leadership has a
professional plan to best protect you and your family members.
 The nation can confidently depend on its Army for national
security.
 We care about about Army families! And we care about their
safety!
 The U.S. Military response will be a long-term campaign that will
require a focused international effort. There is no quick fix to this
complex world situation
 Due to required operational security in military missions
combating terrorism there will be much information that cannot
be discussed. OPSEC is paramount.
 Army families must stay steady, be prepared to hang in there for
the long haul.
Family Readiness
Command Messages
For THE ENTIRE ARMY FAMILY (continued):
 Maintain continuous, open communications up and down the
chain of command with all the members of the extended Army
family
 This tragedy is a very personal loss for us all and there are
resources available to assist you in dealing with your losses and
your grief.
 This is a new type of war that poses a new set of challenges which
demand that we bring to bear all elements of our national might.
We have taken tragic losses, but we are fully prepared to
accomplish our missions.
 The Army remains a steadying influence – the people of our
nation draw confidence from the Army. The terrorist acts
committed against our country were focused on the will of our
people: But the will and the spirit of our people are strong, and
their faith in our military is unwavering.
Family Readiness
Command Messages
For THE INDIVIDUAL MILITARY FAMILY REF YOUR CHILDREN:
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Communicate with your family: It is healthy to have family “talks” about
what has happened in our nation and how it affects your family.
Reassure your children: Tell them that they are safe and in no danger.
Listen to your children. Encourage them to tell you what they are
experiencing and feeling.
Explain to your children that only a few people, relatively speaking, were
hurt. It is easy for children to conclude the problem is much bigger than it
is and everybody is dying.
Demonstrate concern and love for your family
Family Readiness
Command Messages
For THE SPOUSE:
Search out resources on your installation that provide assistance.
Support your soldier – it enables them to do their job. Help your Army
spouse stay focused on the mission and be resolute in your support
Communication within the family becomes extremely important in
challenging times as those we are in now
Support your fellow military families
Stay in touch with your spouse, call write or email them when they are
away. Your words and thoughts mean a lot to them.
For THE COMMANDER:
Make opportunities to talk with family members
 Explain the mission of the spouse’s unit and how the unit fits into the
structure of the command, the Army and the Department of Defense
Inform families why you and their spouse cannot discuss sensitive or
classified information.
Family Readiness
Command Messages
 Remember that you are the strength for your children
 Make sure that the rear detachment has accurate contact information
so they can keep you informed
For THECHILDREN:
 Your mother / father soldier loves you and you are very important to
them
 Try not to worry about your Mother /Father because the army has
trained them well and will take care of them for you
 What your Mother /Father are doing for our country is very
important to all people of our nation
 Thank you for sharing your Mother/Father with the army
Family Readiness
Command Messages
For THECHILDREN (CONTINUED):
 Sometimes, when your mother/father are away on a mission you get
lonely and miss them. This is normal and ok. It will make you feel
better if you talk to those in your family
 Your mother/father miss you when they’re away and they love to get
messages or mail
For THE TEACHERS, YOUTH DIRECTOR AND CHILD CARE
PROVIDERS:
 You are extremely important in the lives of our children. They look to
your for strength, guidance, compassion and understanding
 Communicate with parents if you notice the child experiencing
difficulties or displaying behavior that is unusual for them
Family Readiness
Communication Points
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COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR FAMILY: It is healthy to have family
“talks” about what has happened in our nation and how it affects your
family.
– Tell your children you love them
– Reduce your child's exposure to the trauma by turning off news
coverage.
– If your children have become more concerned about death, discuss
with them your personal beliefs concerning what happens after people
die.
– If your children have become more aggressive, talk to them about
anger and more appropriate ways for anger expression.
– If your children are making jokes about what happened or laughing,
don't get angry with them. This is their way of trying to cope.
– Reassure your children that the injured people are in the hospital and being
cared for by doctors.
Family Readiness
Communication Points
• DEMONSTRATE YOUR CONCERN AND LOVE FOR YOU FAMILY: Try
to normalize family life and structures as soon as you can. Cuddle with
your children to increase their sense of security. Reassure your children
that the injured people are in the hospital and being cared for by doctors.
– Change the focus by going to a movie or doing some other enjoyable
activity.
– If your young children are having nightmares, let them temporarily,
for a few days, sleep in your room, sleep with a sibling, or sleep with
the light on.
– -As a family, take some positive action such as giving blood, donating
money, or writing letters to the families of the victims.
– -If you are religious, take your children to church to share in the
comfort this can give.
Family Readiness
Communication Points
• MILITARY MIGHT AND MISSION CAPABILITY: Our military is
powerful, and it’s prepared. We are fully prepared to
meet all of our operational missions. We are committed
to protect the American people, and our men and women
in uniform around the world.
• A COMPLEX, LONG TERM MILITARY CAMPAIGN: The military
challenge we face will be an extremely complex, longterm campaign. We must realize there is no quick
resolution and we must be prepared for the “long
haul.” As time passes we must not become complacent
but remain vigilant and ready!
• A DELIBERATE AND FOCUSED INTERNATIONAL EFFORT: There
is not a rapid, single or “one strike” response that
will resolve this multi dimensional threat. It will
take a deliberate and focused, long-term international
effort to guarantee victory over terrorism.
Family Readiness
Communication Points
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SUPPORT OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE: The American people stand
staunchly behind our Armed Forces. Our nation has been steadfast in its
commitment to the security of our society and the preservation of our
freedoms. At every turn in the course of our nation’s history, leadership
has emerged as the necessary stabilizer to ensure our national security.
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STALWART LEADERSHIP: Army leaders are rock steady, and by
tradition are at their best when our nation is in need. We must visibly
demonstrate that we are in charge of our destiny. We, in concert with our
President and our nation’s leadership team, are dedicated to the safety
and well-being of the men and women in uniform while maintaining
readiness to meet our country’s needs at home and abroad.
Family Readiness
Communication Points
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TRADOC’S ROLE: Our role to the Army and the nation remains to train
soldiers and grow leaders. The tragedy suffered by our nation will require
increased security of our forces, installations, and people. Although we
may provide support to civil authorities, we must continue the mission of
our core tasks.
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FORCE PROTECTION: Our long-term force protection posture and
requirements are unknown at this time, but we should anticipate
continued Force Protection Measures. Follow-on force protection
requirements will be tailored to threat assessments. Simply stated, force
protection will become a dimension of our mission environment that will
demand our continued vigilance. Force protection measures that are
readily visible to the general public may be acknowledged by local
commanders but only in response to specific query. Do not discuss
missions or operational details.
Family Readiness
Communication Points
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COMPASSION AND MISSION READINESS: Our thoughts and prayers
are with the victims and their families. This tragedy will remind us all of
the challenges our nation faces as a peaceful and prosperous democracy.
Our country can remain confident in its army’s ability to ensure national
security so that the liberties and rights envisioned by our founding fathers
endure.
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THE THREAT: Terrorists attack targets that are vulnerable, have a high
psychological impact on a society, produce significant publicity, and
demonstrate a government’s inability to provide security. Both critical
facilities and prominent individuals are potential terrorist targets.
Military facilities are a symbol of national power; a source of arms,
ammunition and explosives; and a prestigious target that adds to the
terrorists reputation.
Major Communication Points
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PRIMARY MILITARY ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBLE FOR
COORDINATING MILITARY DISASTER RELIEF SUPPORT: The
Secretary of Defense has designated US Joint Forces Command as the
supported CINC responsible for conducting consequence management
support operations within disaster areas covered by the Presidential
Disaster Declaration. As such, US Joint Forces Command becomes the
primary military organization responsible for coordinating the
Department of Defense effort in providing support to the Lead Federal
Agency during disaster assistance. U.S. military units selected for
response will work closely with local, state and other federal agencies in a
supporting role. The U.S. military is one of several federal agencies
involved in such events. DoD components train to provide such support to
civil authorities, in addition to their primary military responsibilities.
Major Communication Points
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KEY PERSONNEL RECALL STATUS: Commanders and key personnel
will be in recall status and readily available within one hour after
notification. Operations centers will be fully manned and capable of
directing crisis action for security of our forces and personnel. Crisis
response teams and quick reaction security forces will maintain a
heightened readiness posture and take additional steps to train and certify
additional forces to maintain this capability for the foreseeable future.
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POSSE COMITATUS: Military support to civil authorities in the U.S. is
governed by several laws and policies. For example, the posse comitatus
act prohibits use of Army and Air Force personnel to execute the civil laws
of the U.S., except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized
by the constitution or act of congress. The proscription has been extended
by regulation to the Navy and Marine Corps. Normally, military forces
will act in a supporting role to a lead federal civil authority.
Major Communication Points
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PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY OF DEFENSE POSITIONS: President
Bush and Secretary Rumsfeld have made clear that as a country we are
entering into a campaign against terrorism that has to be sustained, broad
and effective. The enemy that has struck has attacked not just our people
but all freedom-loving people everywhere in the world. The United States
of America will use all of its resources to conquer this enemy. We will
rally the world. The President has directed that the military forces be
ready!
Major Communication Points
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Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, September 13, 2001, from
the Pentagon: “You don’t do it with just a single military strike, no matter
how dramatic. You don’t do it with just military forces alone, you do it
with the full resources of the U.S. government. These [terrorists] try to
hide, but they won’t be able to hide forever. They think their harbors are
safe, but they won’t be safe forever. I think one has to say it’s not just
simply a matter of capturing people and holding them accountable, but
removing the sanctuaries [and] removing the support systems. And that’s
why it has to be a broad and sustained campaign. It’s not going to stop if
a few criminals are taken care of.”
Mobilization for Homeland Defense: The Secretary of Defense has
requested and the President has granted the authority to order to active
duty up to 50,000 reserve personnel including reservists from the
following services: Army, 10,000; Air Force, 13,000; Navy, 3,000; Marines,
7,500; Coast Guard, 2,000. These reservists will augment active duty
forces to meet the need for logistical support, engineering,
communications, air and ground security, port security and civil affairs.
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Family Readiness
Communication
Points
EMERGENCY FUNDING: The United States will use all of its resources
to bring those responsible for these attacks to justice – and it is not
restricted to a single entity, state or non-state entity. It will require a
sustained and broadly based effort. As a down payment, Congress is
working to immediately pass an emergency appropriation for FY 2001 for
$40 billion to provide for recovery, investigation and national security
enhancement.
– This bill sends a strong signal to the perpetrators of these terrorist
attacks that the United States is serious about tracking them down
and bringing them to justice.
– The funding provides significant resources to assist rescue efforts,
repairs damaged facilities and provides the necessary resources to
maintain national security.
– The passage of this bill allows the federal government to use every
tool in its arsenal to help America recover from this tragedy and to
locate and punish the cowards whom committed this crime.
Family Readiness
Communication Venues
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FRG Leader’s Face-to-Face Discussions
Commander’s face-to-face discussions
FRG Newsletter
Command newspapers
Commander’s letters and/or videos
Web pages
Town Hall meetings
Family Readiness Meetings
School Classrooms
Parent-Teacher Organizations
Clergy
Local Leaders and Civic Organizations
Civilian news media
Command television channels
Family Readiness
Feedback
To measure the effectiveness of your Command Information Program you
must evaluate how well you:
• Keep Audiences accurately informed
• Provide clear guidance and intent
• Answer questions and solve problems
• Maintain credibility and confidence in The Army
• Maximize our communications resources
Family Readiness
Feedback
The measures of effectiveness provide you the feedback you need to evaluate
your program success. These measures of effectiveness include:
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Compliance with the guidance and instruction you communicated. If, by their
actions, your audience has complied with or acted upon the information you
told them, you know that you communicated successfully.
The content of the questions asked. If you continue to receive questions
concerning information you thought was disseminated and understood, you
were not successful.
Surveys and Questionnaires. These are excellent tools for feedback. They
provide those completing them the opportunity to tell you what else you need
to communicate or what you missed.
Family Readiness
Feedback
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Talk with your intended audiences. Make the opportunity to talk to those you
want informed – ask them questions that will give you an indication of what
they know.
Website Visits. Track how many “visits” you have to your organization
websites. If the site provides quality, credible information, users will continue
to refer to it for information.
Senior NCOs. Senior NCOs are key in communication. Use the NCO support
chain to gauge soldiers understanding of your messages. Remember, effective
listening is critical in evaluating communication and understanding.
Listening. As leaders, we must listen not only to what our soldiers are
communicating directly to us, but also to the overall “climate” of our squads,
sections, platoons etc.
External Media. Have your PAO complete a content analysis of local
newspaper articles, TV and radio news stories to see how many messages
were conveyed to the public.