1. Purpose. To provide supplemental Public Affairs guidance to all elements within U.S. Army Cadet Command.

2. Background. Army ROTC operations remain the source of media interest at the local, regional and national level. In recent days, major topics of interest have included:

•  Interest in the possible discontinuation of Junior ROTC programs in the San Francisco area.

•  Increased popularity of Junior ROTC Military Academies

•  Media interest in the opinions of cadets on the “Don't Ask – Don't Tell” Policy.

•  Army ROTC enrollment trends and difficulties being experienced in meeting the Army's enlisted recruiting mission

•  Requests for comment on ongoing military operations overseas – and the fact that U.S. fatalities in Iraq now have exceeded 3,800.

•  Requests for comment on the propensity of young people to serve in the military in light of continuing combat operations overseas

•  The possibility of the return of compulsory military service in the United States

•  Requests for media interviews with cadets and cadre regarding their personal thoughts on current operations overseas

•  Possible return of the Army ROTC program to Ivy League campuses that ended their affiliation with the program during the Vietnam War.

•  Requests for comment about former cadets or cadre wounded or killed during overseas operations

•  Requests from academic officials for cadets and cadre to participate in public forums relating to the current state of world affairs

Recommended responses to questions that units may receive on such topics may be found at TAB A of this document.

3. In responding to queries, it is imperative that the principles governing Public Affairs operations be strictly followed. These principles are summarized by the three key words -- S ecurity, A ccuracy and P ropriety. At all times appropriate measures are to be taken to ensure that operational security is maintained. Additionally, members of the command may not divulge information that could compromise security measures designed to protect our facilities and personnel. It is imperative that any information that we share with members of the press or the general public be accurate. Without question, we must be sensitive to the issue of propriety. Towards that end, it is important that elements of the command not enter into discussions that are outside their purview.

4. Under all circumstances, prior approval must be obtained from this headquarters before members of this command agree to participate in interviews, panel discussions, talk shows or similar encounters involving Regional or National-level media. To the maximum extent possible , such requests should be conveyed through the normal chain of command. It is recognized that time-constraints may sometimes necessitate direct coordination with this headquarters. In those instances, units will ensure that their chain of command is notified of all pertinent elements of the proposed media encounter as quickly as possible.

5. Given the heightened concerns of the public to the threat of terrorist acts within our borders, the possibility that even routine ROTC field training and campus training activities could be mistaken for something else exists. Coordination with the appropriate campus public relations staff will minimize the potential for such misunderstandings to occur.

6. Questions regarding specific elements of this guidance should be referred directly to this headquarters. Point of contact for Headquarters, Cadet Command is Mr. Paul Kotakis , (757)788-4610, DSN 680-4610 or Cell (866) 382-6587. Email address is PAUL.KOTAKIS@USACC.ARMY.MIL

7. To facilitate the use of this document, its major components have been divided into tabs. A list of tabs appears below:

TAB A: Likely Interview Topics and Suggested Message Points

TAB B : Primary Army ROTC Messages/ Army ROTC Facts at a Glance

TAB C: Requests for Participation in Media Interviews

TAB D: Requests to Participate in Panel Discussions

TAB E: Force Protection Issues

TAB F: Mobilization of Cadets

TAB G: Scholar-Athlete-Leader Traits

TAB H: General Rules for Media Interviews

TAB I: Casualty Operations/Requests for interviews on topics relating to former cadets or cadre serving overseas

TAB A

Issue # 1 Army ROTC Enrollment Trends

Typical Question :

It appears that the Army is having substantial problems in recruiting enough enlisted soldiers. And I recently read that Army ROTC enrollment has fluctuated significantly since 9/11. What are your thoughts on that topic? How is Army ROTC doing?

Suggested Message Points for a Reply

• The factors which have historically made Army ROTC the broadest path by which a young man or young woman can earn a commission, and serve our nation as an Army officer, are as strong as ever.

• Army ROTC remains the largest single source of commissioned officers for America 's Army. It is the college elective that teaches the decision-making, management skills, leadership and discipline that will enhance the student's future success in either a military or a civilian career

• For several years, Army ROTC was asked to produce a total of 3,900 lieutenants annually. In FY 03 the program commissioned a total of 3,950 officers. In FY 04 Army ROTC produced a total of 4,408 officers. For FY 05 the program substantially exceeded the established goal by commissioning a total of 4,178 lieutenants. In FY 06 we produced a total of 4,050 officers for America 's Army. Our program commissioned a total of 4088 lieutenants in FY 07.

• Commencing in FY 06 the annual commissioning mission for the Army ROTC program was increased to 4,500. Cadet Command, the parent organization of the Army ROTC program, is working hard to ensure that increased commissioning mission.

• Our total enrollment has increased significantly this School Year. In School Year 2006-2007 our college-level enrollment stood at 26,179. This year (School Year 2007-2008) our enrollment climbed to 28,489.

• Questions related to recruiting enlisted personnel should be directed to the United States Army Recruiting Command. You may want to contact their Public Affairs Office for further information on that aspect of your question. They can be reached at (502) 626-0164.

Issue # 2 ROTC units in large metropolitan areas

Typical Question

I've read that there may be too few Army ROTC units in large metropolitan areas like New York City – and too many units in the southern states. If that is the case, what is the Army going to do to correct the situation?

Suggested Message Points for a Reply

• Even if an Army ROTC unit does not exist on a particular campus, its students often still may become lieutenants through the Army ROTC program. In addition to the 273 campuses where we have units, students from nearly 1,200 other campuses participate in our program through what we term partnership agreements. Under these agreements students travel from their home campus – which does not have a resident Army ROTC program – to a nearby campus which does host an Army ROTC unit. Such arrangements are quite common in large metropolitan areas and represent a cost-effective means of maximizing the availability of the world-class leadership training we offer to qualified students from hundreds of additional campuses

• There is a degree of complexity associated with how we decide if an Army ROTC unit should exist on a particular campus. First and foremost, any decision to establish an Army ROTC unit on a particular campus must be made in concert with university officials. There is an economic cost associated with establishing a new unit – to be borne both by the Army and the university in question. In an era of constrained resources – both for the Army and the academic community – this is an important consideration.

• Determining the optimal location for our units is a topic that we continually explore in our command .

Issue # 3 U.S. Military Action Overseas

Typical Question:

Some groups continue to voice opposition to U.S. military action to strike back at the terrorists. How would you answer the criticism being leveled by such groups? Was it right for the U.S. to invade Afghanistan and Iraq ?

 Suggested Message Points for a Reply

• While we understand that some individuals may have issues with U.S. policy, it is important that as they make their objections known that they not preclude others from exercising their freedom of choice through participation in the Army ROTC program.

• That freedom of choice is central to the academic freedom that is the hallmark of the American academic community. It would clearly be inappropriate for me to offer my personal views on topics such as this in a public forum. Suffice it to say that i n the American system of government, our national leaders decide matters associated with our relations with other countries. It would clearly be inappropriate for me to try and second-guess our leaders.
  

Issue # 4 ROTC at Ivy League Schools

Typical Question:

There has been a great deal of press coverage regarding the fact that Harvard University and some other Ivy League schools do not permit Army ROTC to operate on its campus. What are your thoughts on this subject? What are the specifics of the military's plan to return to Harvard and other Ivy League campuses?

Suggested Message Points for a Reply

• We are proud of the fact that Army ROTC offers the broadest path for a young person in America to become a commissioned officer. Army ROTC offers the best leadership training in the world.

• We feel that it important that the greatest possible number of young people have the opportunity to participate in that training. For that reason, we encourage all academic institutions to remove barriers that make it difficult for young people to participate in our program.

• This topic involves all the military services and has potential implications beyond the scope of just Army ROTC operations. For that reason, you may want to explore this question with officials at the Department of Defense level.

Issue # 5 Possible Return of the Draft

Typical Question:

Will the draft be reinstated? What impact would the reinstatement of the draft have on ROTC?

Suggested Message Points for a Reply

• Any decision to reinstate compulsory military service would have to come from our elected officials, not from the Army.

• It would clearly be inappropriate for me to speculate on any element of that decision.

• Our Army has successfully operated without compulsory military service for more than three decades. Since its establishment in 1986, Cadet Command has also provided America 's Army with more than 100,000 highly trained lieutenants.

Issue # 6 Military Service by Homosexuals

Typical Question:

Many schools and individuals have taken exception to the military's policies with respect to service by gays and lesbians. Why won't Army ROTC allow gays and lesbians to serve?

Suggested Message Points for a Reply

• The procedures that Army ROTC follows in this area are rooted in U.S. law. After an exhaustive review of the matter several years ago, the U.S. Congress enacted legislation that governs this issue. That legislation is contained in Section 654, Title 10 of the U.S. Code.

• Clearly, it serves little purpose to criticize the Army ROTC program for following federal law. Only our elected officials are in a position to change this policy.

Issue # 7 Mobilization of Cadets

Typical Question:

Are Army ROTC cadets subject to mobilization during times of national emergency?

Suggested Message Points for a Reply

• Our cadets are participating in the best leadership training in the world. That training is designed to prepare them for the important positions of leadership they will shoulder as officers in America 's Army. It is important that their training not be unnecessarily interrupted.

• Those contracted cadets who are members of an Army Reserve or National Guard unit will remain on campus even if their unit is mobilized. Non-contracted cadets who are members of an Army Reserve or National Guard unit that is mobilized will go with their unit.

• Contracting is the formal process in which an individual signs a legally binding agreement outlining his or her desire to participate in Army ROTC for purposes of becoming an Army officer.

• Contracting must occur by the point at which the individual enters the final two years of our program – the Advanced Course. Contracting can take place earlier in a cadet's college career if they are selected to receive one of our scholarships.

Issue # 8 Anti-War Rallies and Cadets

Typical Question:

Why are there restrictions placed on cadets regarding the wearing of uniforms at rallies and other events? Why can't they wear their uniform?

Suggested Message Points for a Reply

•  The uniform of the United States Army is recognized around the globe.  It symbolizes our nation and the valor and sacrifice of those who have defended our freedom for over two centuries.  Those of us who are privileged to wear the uniform today have a responsibility to wear the uniform appropriately -- with pride and under the proper circumstances. 

•  Army Regulations prohibit the wear of the uniform at political rallies, protest events or similar partisan activities.  Wearing of the uniform at such events is never appropriate because doing so may create the perception of U.S. Army endorsement.

Issue # 9 What Type of Person Joins ROTC?

Typical Question:

What type of student are you seeking in the Army ROTC program?

Suggested Message Points for a Reply

• Army ROTC seeks those students with a demonstrated ability to process information. We seek those with good grades and with a strong academic background.

• Successful participants in Army ROTC possess a good active mindset and exhibit mental and physical toughness.

• The Army ROTC program seeks those with a demonstrated willingness to lead others. This is evidenced by leadership in student or community organizations.

• The qualities of selfless motivation in both work and in leisure activities are a desirable trait among our future leaders.

• In the final analysis, Army ROTC seeks those with a strong desire to take on challenges and rise to the occasions.

• ROTC gives the student the edge for success. Army ROTC courses teach you how to succeed in a competitive world both in college and beyond.

• Army ROTC provides generous merit-based tuition scholarships. Additionally, cadets in the program are eligible to receive a tax-free stipend of up to $500 per month.

Issue # 10 Junior ROTC

Typical Question:

Some oppose the establishment of Junior ROTC units in their community. They state that the Junior ROTC program is a thinly veiled attempt to brainwash impressionable young people and get them to enlist in the military. Aren't the growing number of mandatory Junior ROTC programs a clear example of the Army trying to attract young people to its ranks? And hasn't there been a decision to terminate Junior ROTC units in the City of San Francisco ?

Suggested Message Points for a Reply

• Junior ROTC is designed to teach high school students the value of citizenship, leadership, service to the community, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment, while instilling in them self-esteem, teamwork, and self-discipline.

• The decision whether or not to have Junior ROTC in a particular school rests with the officials who operate the school -- not the Army. Cadets in Junior ROTC do not handle military-type weapons and are not taught military tactics. The instructors are military retirees who are employees of the school -- not the Army.

• Participation in Junior ROTC does not obligate the student to enlist in the military.

• The Junior ROTC program is a stimulus for promoting graduation from high school and it provides instruction and rewarding opportunities that will benefit the student, community and nation.

• School officials, not the Army, decide if Junior ROTC is to be made mandatory on a particular campus.

• Junior ROTC units are established in a particular community at the request of school officials. Recently in the City of San Francisco school officials have been considering the termination of the Junior ROTC programs in their school district. I would refer any questions that you may have on that topic to school officials there.

Issue # 11 Casualty Figures

Typical Question :

The total number of U.S. casualties in Iraq continues to grow. Untold thousands of Iraqi civilians have also perished. Isn't it time to put an end to this? What would you say to the families and other loved ones of those Americans who have given their lives in this conflict?

Suggested Message Points for a Reply

•  In the American system of government, our national leaders ultimately decide matters associated with our relations with other countries. It would clearly be inappropriate for me to try and second-guess our national leaders.

•  My thoughts, prayers and support go out to the families, friends and the comrades-in-arms of those who have made the final sacrifice while serving in the Global War on Terrorism. Their gallantry and patriotism is an inspiration to all of us who wear the uniform of our nation's armed forces.

•  I would ask that all Americans remember those in the military and their loved ones during these stressful times. It is important that we all remain mindful of the sacrifices they and their families make to preserve our freedom.

Issue # 12 Conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and treatment of Wounded Warriors

Typical Question:

There was been a tremendous amount of media coverage devoted to substandard living conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center . And I recently read that soldiers at Fort Drum were prevented from receiving advice from Veterans Administration employees regarding their injuries.  What is the real story? How could the Army allow those who have been severely wounded in combat to live in such horrible conditions? Why would the Army try and prevent soldiers from getting advice on how to seek compensation for injuries they received while serving in uniform?

Suggested Message Points for a Reply

• The Army has made a firm commitment to correct the problems related to living conditions for those housed outside the main hospital area of Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

• The President's personal visit to Walter Reed underscores the fact that correcting these problems is a top priority.

• Members of the media seeking additional information on the efforts to correct problems at Walter Reed Army Medical Center may wish to contact the Public Affairs Staff at the Department of the Army. The telephone number of the media relations staff there is (703)692-2000.

• Journalists seeking additional information regarding allegations that soldiers at Fort Drum were prevented from receiving advice from Veterans Administration personnel should contact the Public Affairs staff at the Department of the Army. The telephone number of the media relations staff there is (703)692-2000.

Issue # 13 Death of Corporal Tillman

Typical Question:

The actual circumstances surrounding the death of Corporal Pat Tillman have proven to be very different from what the Army originally told the American people and his family. What is the real story? And how will those who appear to have purposely mislead the Tillman family and the American people be punished?

Suggested Message Points for a Reply 

•  The death of any Soldier is a tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to Corporal Tillman's family.

•  A thorough review of the chain of events that lead to Corporal Tillman's death has been conducted by the Department of Defense Inspector General's office.

•  General William S. Wallace, the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, was appointed to further review this matter. This clearly demonstrates that the Army is committed to bring all pertinent aspects of the matter to light.

•  It would clearly be inappropriate for me to speculate on the ultimate outcome of that review.

•  Members of the media seeking additional information on this topic may wish to contact the Public Affairs Staff at the Department of the Army. The telephone number of the media relations staff there is (703)692-2000

TAB B :

Primary Army ROTC Messages/ Army ROTC Facts at a Glance

Primary Army ROTC Messages:

•  Army ROTC is the Best Leadership Course in America . The program is looking for the Scholar-Athlete-Leader.

•  ROTC=Long Term Success. ROTC is the college elective that teaches the decision-making, management skills, leadership, and discipline that will enhance the student's future success in either a military or a civilian career.

•  The Edge. ROTC gives the student the edge for success. Army ROTC courses teach you how to succeed in a competitive world both in college and beyond.

•  Financial Assistance. Army ROTC provides

generous merit-based tuition scholarships. Additionally, those in the program are eligible to receive a tax-free stipend of up to $500.00 per month.

Army ROTC Facts at a Glance

• Army ROTC remains the broadest path for young men and women seeking to serve the nation as officers in the Army to achieve their goal. Presently there are more than 28,000 students enrolled in the college-level Army ROTC program.

• Army ROTC is the college elective that teaches decision making, management skills, leadership and discipline that will enhance the cadet's future success in either a military or a civilian career.

• The majority of officers serving in today's Army got their start through the Army ROTC program.

• Since it was formally organized in 1916, more than a half million men and women have become Army officers through the Army ROTC program.

• More than half of the General Officers in the Active Component of the Army got their start through the ROTC program.

• Prominent graduates of our program include:

  Colin Powell – Former U.S. Secretary of State and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

  Samuel Alito – Supreme Court Justice

  Sam Walton – Founder of Wal-Mart

  Lenny Wilkens – Basketball great and coach

  Earl Graves – Chairman and Publisher of Black Enterprise Magazine

  Nancy Sherlock Currie – Space Shuttle astronaut

  Lou Holtz – Legendary football coach

  Peter Schoomaker – Recently retired Chief of Staff of the Army

  Robert Novak – Syndicated newspaper columnist and CNN panelist

  George W. Casey, Jr. – Chief of Staff of the Army

TAB C:

Requests for Participation in Media Interviews

Requests for participation by cadets and cadre in media interviews, town hall meetings, live talk shows, “man on the street” interviews and similar activities will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Professors of Military Science and Senior Army Instructors may grant appropriate access to campus media and local journalists without seeking the prior approval of this headquarters.

Requests for approval for interviews involving regional and national-level media are to be coordinated with this headquarters prior to making a commitment to do the interview. To the maximum extent possible , such requests should be conveyed through the normal chain of command. It is recognized that time-constraints may sometimes necessitate direct coordination with this headquarters. In those instances, units will ensure that their chain of command is notified of all pertinent elements of the proposed media encounter as quickly as possible. E xamples of regional or national-level media include publications such as The New York Times, CNN, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Immediately prior to actual participation in any planned encounter with the media, cadets should be briefed regarding the current situation by the Professor of Military Science, Senior Army Instructor or his/her designated representative. Cadets will be reminded that speculation about future military operations, potential reinstitution of compulsory military service or other subjects outside the scope of their personal experiences is clearly inappropriate.

In those instances where it is determined that it is in our best interest to facilitate interviews involving cadets, the following rules will apply:

•  Cadets selected to participate in interviews should have sufficient experience with our program to allow them to offer meaningful observations about its merits.

•  Cadets will be briefed by cadre members regarding the appropriate topics for discussion during the interview.

•  A reference guide to be used in preparing for and conducting media interviews is provided at TAB H of this document.

TAB D:

Requests to Participate in Panel Discussions

Cadre asked to participate in panel discussions should carefully evaluate the terms of the request to ensure that the potential risks and benefits of participation are clearly understood. It is important that cadre and cadets not place themselves into situations where they are expected to comment on areas outside the scope of ROTC operations . As a general rule, cadre should decline those invitations in which there is an expectation that they will serve as “experts” on matters outside the scope of their current responsibilities.

TAB E:

Force Protection Issues

As a force protection measure, cadets will refrain from disclosing personal details of their family history, place of residence, or other matters that could compromise their personal safety. Cadets and cadre with family members involved in military operations/overseas deployments should be particularly vigilant regarding this matter.

TAB F:

Mobilization of Cadets

Questions relating to mobilization of Army Reserve or Army National Guard units will be referred to the appropriate representatives of those organizations.

In our response to queries it is imperative that we ensure that the principles of security and accuracy are fully maintained. It is also important that all elements of the command not enter into discussions that are outside their purview.

TAB G:

Scholar-Athlete-Leader Traits

• Army ROTC seeks those students with a demonstrated ability to process information. We seek those with good grades and with a strong academic background.

• Successful participants in Army ROTC possess a good active mindset and exhibit mental and physical toughness.

• The Army ROTC program seeks those with a demonstrated willingness to lead others. This is evidenced by leadership in student or community organizations.

• The qualities of selfless motivation in both work and in leisure activities are a desirable trait among our future leaders.

• In the final analysis, Army ROTC seeks those with a strong desire to take on challenges and rise to the occasions.

TAB H:

Before the Interview:

DO:

Establish ground rules Determine the audience

Practice questions

Consult with your PAO

Arrive early and prepared for the interview

DO:

Inform Cadet Command PAO, or ask your Region PAO to inform Cadet Command PAO if the interview request comes from regional or national level media.

Expect that the reporter to give you the questions in advance.

During the Interview:

Do:

• Take every opportunity to tell your story
• Find out a that you can about the interview
• Establish ground rules
• Determine your audience
• Anticipate the questions
• Convey your messages
• Practice answering questions
• Check your appearance
• Arrive early
• Use makeup if offered
• Bridge to your message
• Relax and stay calm
• Smile when appropriate
• Convey enthusiasm
• Talk about persona experiences
• Speak in easily understandable terms
• Set the record straight
• Be honest
• Concentrate on the reporter – listen
• Maintain eye contact

• Use acronyms or jargon
• Argue
• Express anger or sarcasm
• Speculate. You know the past and the present – not the future
• Attempt to joke or use humor
• Assume the journalist understands the details of your duties
• Let the reporter put words into your mouth
• Comment on statements made by another official unless you have seen the information yourself

After the Interview:

DO:

Request a copy of the story

Brief the PAO on the outcome of the interview

Assume that the interview is over just because the reporter has turned off the tape recorder or shut down the camera. You are never off the record.

TAB I:

Casualty Operations

1. Purpose: To provide guidance on procedures to be followed in the event that former cadets or cadre become casualties or otherwise come to the attention of media while serving overseas.

2. Background:

a . Media contact may be anticipated when former cadets or cadre become casualties during overseas operations.

b . In what is clearly a time of sorrow for family members and friends, it is important that Cadet Command personnel remain supportive. Our support should complement the efforts of the formal Casualty Support System – not attempt to supplant it.

3. Media Activities:

a . Requests for cadets or cadre to participate in media interviews on topics related to casualties should be immediately reported through command channels to Headquarters, Cadet Command Public Affairs. Approval for participation in such interviews will be dependent on the specific circumstance of the request. Specific guidance on appropriate responses to anticipated media questions will be provided at that time.

b . Questions relating to topics other than the individual's service in Army ROTC will be referred to their unit of current assignment. If it is determined that it is appropriate for cadre or cadets to participate in such interviews, they should limit comment to their personal knowledge of the individual while he or she was in the Army ROTC program. Comments critical of the individual or observations about overseas operations are clearly inappropriate .

c. Media questions on the circumstances that resulted in the individual becoming a casualty should be referred to the unit of their current assignment. Coordination with the school's media relations staff should also be accomplished.

4. Cadre and Cadet Participation in Memorial Ceremonies and other Activities:

a . If the site of the funeral or memorial service is in the vicinity of the Cadet Command unit to which the casualty had an affiliation, it is clearly appropriate for the Professor of Military Science and other cadre and cadet representatives to attend. Similarly, if the memorial service or interment occurs near the location of another Cadet Command unit, it is appropriate for a representative of that unit to attend.

b. Cadet Command units may be approached by family members to provide funeral details. Such requests should be forwarded to the Casualty Support System, which is better equipped to support such requests.

c. A note of condolence to the next of kin is particularly appropriate if the casualty was assigned to the Cadet Command unit in the recent past. A floral tribute sent to the site of the funeral or memorial service is another appropriate method of expressing our sadness at the loss of a comrade in arms.

d. Memorial services on campus are another appropriate method to show support to the family of a fallen comrade. Professors of Military Science should coordinate such activities with the appropriate officials from the academic institution and consider including Army ROTC alumni in planning of the event.

e. University Counseling Centers may be of assistance in helping cadets and cadre deal with the loss of former unit members.