I’m going to tell you a little secret about the Department of Defense.
Sometimes, we actually go on offense.
It might seem crazy, but our nation has something of a track record for taking the fight to our enemies abroad, to protect our citizens at home. And it works.
Since this is how our military conducts its business, let’s make it the way we PAOs conduct ours.
- We don’t need to wait for misinformation or enemy propaganda before we start declassifying useful information and explaining our efforts.
- We don’t need to wait until our reputations are in the crapper before we start making our positive effects public.
- We don’t need to wait until our resources, authorities and support are taken away before we start sharing how we need them to protect our nation.
The thing about going on offense: it can sometimes be offensive. Even, aggressive. Some audiences could be upset, even angry, that a military organization might staunchly broadcast its belief in, and focus on, mission. These audiences might prefer human interest puff pieces about dogs and salsa night.
These audiences can make it hard for PAOs to take an early, public position on controversial subjects; but no less the right thing to do.
I think it’s usually said the other way around; but sometimes, the best defense is a great offense.
(Photo by Steve McLeod, DVIDS)
