scope:

Purpose.

This instruction conveys guidance regarding Public Affairs (PA) capabilities used to accomplish diverse communication objectives in garrison and expeditionary settings. It requires commanders and PA professionals to deliver truthful, credible, accurate, and timely information to various audiences to enhance awareness and understanding of the Air Force mission and contributions to national security, while maintaining due regard for privacy and operations security. Supporting Department of Defense (DOD) and joint publications, this document describes Air Force PA, its functional organization, and its capabilities at all levels. It provides PA guidelines for all Air Force military and civilian personnel, including the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. This publication may be supplemented at any level, but all organizations must route their supplements to SAF/PAR for coordination prior to certification and approval. (T-1)

In joint and combined operations, guidance from the combatant command takes precedence over this instruction. If conflicts arise between the content of this publication and those of DOD PA directives, the DOD directives take precedence for the activities of joint forces unless the Secretary of Defense has provided more current and specific guidance.

Communication is a leadership and command responsibility at all levels. All Airmen, regardless of specialty, should understand and be able to explain how they contribute to accomplishing the Air Force mission. Whether representing their installation at a community function or representing the U.S. in a crisis or contingency operation, all Airmen are frontline ambassadors for the Air Force and DOD. Telling the Air Force story contributes to mission accomplishment, aids in public understanding, and contributes to American national security through demonstrations of restraint, resolve, and capability.