ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
(PUBLIC AFFAIRS) (ASD(PA))
Under the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense, the ASD(PA) is the principal staff advisor and assistant to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense for DoD public information, internal information, community relations, information training, and audiovisual matters. In the exercise of this responsibility, the ASD(PA) shall:
l Develop policies, plans, and programs in support of DoD objectives and operations.
l Ensure a free flow of news and information to the news media, the general public, the internal audiences of the DoD Components, and other appropriate forums, limited only by national security constraints as authorized by E. O. 12958 and valid statutory mandates or exemptions.
l Act as the spokesperson and release authority for DoD information and audiovisual materials to news media representatives; evaluate news media requests for DoD support and cooperation; and determine appropriate level of DoD participation.
l Establish and exercise procedures for the administrative management, activation, and direction of the DoD National Media Pool. Oversee and coordinate, as necessary, the activities of a DoD-level, National Media Pool for potential use in military contingency operations and other activities.
l Monitor, evaluate, and develop systems, standards, and procedures for the administration and management of approved policies, plans, and programs.
l Issue policy guidance and public affairs guidance to the DoD Components.
l Participate with the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) in planning, programming, and budgeting activities, as required.
l Promote coordination, cooperation, and mutual understanding among DoD Components and with other Federal, State, and local agencies and the civilian community.
l Serve on boards, committees, and other groups, and represent the Secretary of Defense outside of the DoD.
l Oversee the provision of news clipping services for the OSD, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Military Departments' headquarters.
l Prepare speeches, public statements, Congressional testimony, articles for publication, and other materials for public release by selected DoD and White House officials, as required.
l Serve as official point of contact for public and media appearances by DoD officials, and conduct advanced planning and coordination, as required, with private, public, and media organizations for such events.
l Receive, analyze, and reply to inquiries regarding DoD policies, programs, or activities that are received from the general public either directly or from other Government Agencies. Prepare and provide to the referring office replies to inquiries from the general public that are forwarded from the Congress and the White House.
l Evaluate, coordinate, and approve:
-- Requests for DoD cooperation in programs involving relations with the public.
-- Requests by news media representatives or other non-DoD personnel for travel in military carriers for public affairs purposes.
-- Propose public affairs guidance, public affairs plans, and public affairs annexes to operations plans.
l Provide DoD assistance to non-Government, entertainment-oriented motion picture, television, and video productions.
l Evaluate and coordinate the DoD responses to requests for speakers received by DoD and, as required, assist in scheduling, programming, and drafting speeches for the participation of qualified personnel.
In addition, the ASD(PA) exercises authority, direction, and control over the American Forces Information Service (AFIS) (DoDD 5122.10).