Public Affairs people need not shy away from influence operations when engaging foreign audiences. You may be the best person for the job.
Why? PAOs have reps. We’re banged up and shined up. We’ve earned our stripes. We’ve made products that don’t work, we’ve gone viral. We talk to the public and receive their good reactions … and bad. We manage social media accounts. We hang in media circles and talk with media people. We hold public gatherings, we speak publicly.
So when your organization needs to influence a foreign population to help protect America, why not use the person who is trained and practiced?
Too many people run away from this notion, crying foul … something about church and state.
I’m a smart person. So are you. I can separate influencing a foreign population and informing the American tax payer.
Worried about the truth? So am I. The best way to influence is through truth. In fact, the best way to communicate at all is through truth. We’re America … the good guys.
One more thing. PSYOP is hampered by authorities and permissions. Meanwhile, PAOs are always authorized to tell the truth. When a command needs to communicate, even to influence, the PAO can be the quickest way to yes.
We’re good at engaging publics, telling stories, communicating for purpose. We’ve practiced in real life. If our country needs someone to communicate and influence a foreign audience, I want the best person for the job.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Timothy Koster
