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Here ya go, my thoughts on any public affairs officer in, or considering being in, a Special Forces Group:
1. YOU’RE NOT SF. Be humble. Remember, we all had the same officer roots, but they chose an exceptional route. You support THEM. You amplify THEM. 1/14
1. YOU’RE NOT SF. Be humble. Remember, we all had the same officer roots, but they chose an exceptional route. You support THEM. You amplify THEM. 1/14
And it’s OK to not have a tab. WHY?...because...
2. The SF Regiment is a family. The priority preached to me is people, people, people. The first two points here are intertwined. It’s a mutual respect. You respect their line of work, their risk, and trust me, 2/14
2. The SF Regiment is a family. The priority preached to me is people, people, people. The first two points here are intertwined. It’s a mutual respect. You respect their line of work, their risk, and trust me, 2/14
They will respect yours. But you must be...
3. PROFICIENT! Implement systems and training into your section. We are a unique force in the @USArmy . We have more people in a PAO shop than @82ndABNDiv and @18airbornecorps !! Utilize it, and don’t waste it, because sadly 3/14
3. PROFICIENT! Implement systems and training into your section. We are a unique force in the @USArmy . We have more people in a PAO shop than @82ndABNDiv and @18airbornecorps !! Utilize it, and don’t waste it, because sadly 3/14
4. You will need to maximize your risk and crisis communications. SF has taken the brunt of casualties in the past few years, and a heavy lift in combat operations. It’s imperative your team is trained and ready when the time comes. Quick reflection 4/14
I got to Group late October 2018. The only person I knew was CPT Drew Ross, ODA 3126. We were in Basic Officer Course together at Fort Benning in 2011. I was so excited to be there, and loved his texts from Afghanistan. Devastatingly, he died the following month. BUT... 5/14
I got the call. Went into work. And unbeknownst to me the casualties, found out from the S1 Drew and Eric had died. I took 15 minutes minutes in my office to call my then-wife and accept it. THEN...I wrote the bio, developed the press release, and monitored social media. 6/14
5. Because we are PROFESSIONALS. Those ODA members do not stop fighting when their leaders and teammates die, and neither do we. PAOs have a job to do, and must do it. The American people deserve the information and we have a duty to uphold that obligation.
6. Understand 7/14
6. Understand 7/14
The uniqueness that is SOF. Go to JSOPAC. Flatten communications with @1st_SF_Command and @USASOCNews . There are different rules that apply to release authorities and such. Accept them, and understand them. The more communication internally the better. But always remember.. 8/14
7. Who you work for. I’ll never forget CSM Rod Scalise telling me this in the command area. “I know who I work for, do you?” I had not spoken to my Group commander at that point. In 2 months. And I was shut out of a closed door meeting with my DCO. But I recovered, why?... 9/14
8. Demand a seat at the table.
When my GRP CDR asked me the first question, I gave it. When we were in Africa and had the first legitimate interactions together, I gave him my best advice after doing my best research and analyzing the situation... 10/14
When my GRP CDR asked me the first question, I gave it. When we were in Africa and had the first legitimate interactions together, I gave him my best advice after doing my best research and analyzing the situation... 10/14
Did he want interview prep? No. But did I have it? YES. Lay your ground rules, meet your media, develop report. @EricSchmittNYT @rabrowne75 @CarlaBabbVOA @_Will_Brown @MPhillipsWSJ I’m sure can all day that I did that to the best of my ability. And give your CDR feedback 11/14
My commander was happy, because I put the GROUP before myself. He could see I cared more about the unit than anything else. That’s what matters. THE COMMANDER ASSUMES THE RISK. PAOs are advisors. But as SF GRP advisors you better be the best. 12/14
9. If you’re worried about OERs, forget about coming to a Group. THAT is the stigma I’m talking about. I received 1 MQ and 1 HQ while here, and I could not care less. I love this unit, and everything about it. And I would do anything for @3rdSFGroup . If you don’t think 13/14
You can feel the same way based on your own performance, don’t even bother. It’s not about you, it’s about the Group. Is it tough? Fuck yes it is. But relationships are key. And is it worth it? I wouldn’t trade this time for anything.
-De Oppresso Liber 14/14
-De Oppresso Liber 14/14
