124th MPAD DSCA SOP

Standard Operating Procedures for Defense Support to Civil Authorities

DSCA Mission and Intent Mission: On order, 124 th MPAD provides public affairs support to the Georgia Guard to tell the Guardsman's story IOT positively shape the operating environment for the Ga. Department of Defense. Key Tasks: Rapid RSOI and deployment of forces to the Area of Operations. Employment of systems, equipment, and leadership to enable decentralized operations. Synchronization with local Commanders and with the State PAO . Endstate: Commanders are advised on PA aspects of operations; media engagements are relevant, timely, and positive; negative media coverage is corrected or mitigated; 124 th MPAD returned to HOST with all equipment reset and ready for subsequent missions.

DSCA Public Affairs Operations The State PAO is responsible for scalable, synchronized, sustainable Public Affairs operations within the Joint Area of Operations. Generally, maximum collection assets will be sent forward, with the MOC synched with the State PAO and providing C2 of all forward PA assets. Additional assets may be provided from adjacent units or states. Teams may be controlled through the MOC or individually; or, may conduct independent operations in support of local commanders. TIER I: One team mobilized One team mobilizes ISO units providing DSCA C2 provided by State PAO with oversight by MPAD Commander TIER II: Entire MPAD mobilized One team moves with early entry teams, then co-locates with MACOM1 MPAD (-) mobilizes and deploys together to Release Point Second team joins MACOM 2 to provide PA support Headquarters establishes MOC; third team supplements MOC Teams rotate through MOC to prepare products, and refit for future operations TIER III: Catastrophic event, emergency supplemental forces added Same as TIER II but third team joins MACOM 3 EMAC forces used to supplement MOC or State PAO Adjacent units’ PAOs used to supplement State PAO All DSCA Public Affairs Operations will require decentralized operations, often with units out of contact for extended periods. This means leaders must thoroughly understand the mission and Commander’s intent, all Public Affairs Guidance, and the higher unit’s mission and aggressively, proactively act to meet them.

Mission Focus Mobile Public Affairs Detachments have the duty not just to tell the Soldier’s story, but to move to the point of contact and tell the story there, as well. That is, to move with friendly forces, or independently and adjacent to them, into danger if necessary, to tell their story. Whether in combat or in DSCA operations, MPAD Soldiers must be flexible, aggressive, technically proficient, and thoughtful. Further, they should be comfortable operating in the field alongside combat forces, with few amenities, and with little guidance. We use the Principles of Reconnaissance as a guide: 1. Maximum reconnaissance forward. 2. Orient on the reconnaissance objective. 3. Report all information rapidly and accurately. 4. Retain freedom to maneuver. 5. Gain and maintain enemy contact. 6. Develop the situation rapidly. We move forward with operating units. We identify the mission requirements for a particular story, and focus our effort and resources there. We make certain that names &c. are correct; and we tell the truth; and we do it in a timely manner. While on missions, we do not become so decisively engaged that we cannot flex onto secondary objectives or opportunity targets as the situation changes. We gain and maintain contact with the elements we support, with the story we are telling, and with other friendly forces. These principles, plus the Commander’s intent for the mission, as well as the Commander’s Philosophy Letter and the Army Values, serve as a guide for MPAD Soldiers in decentralized operations when guidance is minimal.

Current Task Organization Standard Task Organization is three combined arms collection teams plus a headquarters team. Teams are self-contained and self-sustaining. Combat multipliers (e.g., press conference tent and editing suite) move initially with HQ. HQ supports the teams and forms the initial Media Operations Center. We will keep maximum collection assets forward, although one team may be committed to supplement the MOC for long-term operations. Commander moves to the decisive point; XO mans the MOC; 1SG manages logistics and supplements MOC. All operations and task organizations will be as modular as possible. When teams are combined, the senior team leader will take charge and organize locally according to METT-T.

Tactical Duties and Responsibilities Primary Tactical Duties and Responsibilities Detachment Commander Responsible for everything the Detachment does or fails to do. Responsible for execution of Detachment missions as assigned by JTF-GA. Coordinate with adjacent units. Keeps the JTF-GA and/or State PAO informed. Understands the JTF-GA and National mission and Commander’s intent. Moves to the decisive point to lead and fight the close battle. Executive Officer Assume control of the Detachment in the Commander’s absence. Submit all Detachment admin/log reports. Responsible for Detachment sustainment operations; supervises CASEVAC. Supervise the Detachment’s consolidation and reorganization. Runs the Media Operations Center and helps coordinate Team actions. On order, serve as LNO, MACOM PAO, or leads a press conference. First Sergeant Advises the Commander on Public Affairs Operations. Responsible for the training and discipline of the Detachment. Ensures technical competence and professional development of enlisted Soldiers. Responsible for the maintenance of assigned equipment. Manages sustainment operations; conducts CASEVAC. As necessary, serves as Operations NCO to support the XO. Team Leader Takes charge of the Team and aggressively accomplishes assigned missions. Is a subject matter expert on the employment of PA collection systems. Manages risk, maintenance, sustainment, and collection operations. Understands the mission and Commander’s intent and accomplishes them. Advises local commanders on Public Affairs effects on operations. Coordinates media relations and command information in their AO. Video Is a subject matter expert on the employment of video acquisition systems. Collects, edits, and produces video stories or b-roll; maintains video equipment. Cross-trains on print systems and assists other Detachment members as needed. Provides media escort, staffs the MOC, and conducts other PA tasks as required. Still Photography Is a subject matter expert on the employment of still photo acquisition systems. Collects, edits, and produces print stories and still photos; maintains equipment. Cross-trains on video systems and assists other Detachment members as needed. Provides media escort, staffs the MOC, and conducts other PA tasks as required.

Troop Leading Procedures TROOP LEADING PROCEDURES RECEIVE & ANALYZE THE MISSION Mission Analysis Create a Task List Identify specified and implied tasks, and tasks critical to mission success Define Elements of the Mission Restate the Mission Conduct Map Reconnaissance Coordinate with adjacent units ISSUE A WARNING ORDER Warning Order Format Situation Probable Mission Changes to Task Organization Preliminary Timeline Time of earliest movement Mission-oriented PCC’s Time & Place of the OPORD Order for Preliminary Reconnaissance Preparation for Action (PCI’s) Coordination Required Administrative and Logistical Preparation Special Equipment Required Resupply and Services Movement Instructions Acknowledgment and Questions MAKE A TENTATIVE PLAN Elements of the Mission from Mission Analysis Estimate of the Situation and Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield INITIATE NECESSARY MOVEMENT CONDUCT A RECONNAISSANCE COMPLETE THE PLAN ISSUE OPERATIONS ORDER SUPERVISE AND REFINE

DSCA Operations Order OPORDperations Order TASK ORGANIZATION SITUATION Enemy Forces (Note: Typically omitted in DSCA, included for reference) Overview and Recent Activities; Composition and Disposition Most Likely Course of Action; Most Dangerous Course of Action Weather General Forecast: Temperature, Winds, Precipitation Sunrise, Sunset; BMNT, EENT; Moonrise, Moonset Terrain Obstacles, Avenues of Approach, Cover and Concealment, Observation and Fields of Fire, Key Terrain (e.g., Refugee Centers, Logistics Nodes) Friendly Forces Mission of Next Higher Unit; Adjacent Units Identification and Mission Media Presence, Activity, Likely Interests, and Stance MISSION EXECUTION Intent: Purpose, Key Tasks, Endstate Concept of the Operation Scheme of Maneuver Collection Plan (NAIs, PIR, Battle Rhythm) Tasks to Subordinates Movement Order: Convoy Organization; Interval, Speed, Catch-up Speed; Routes; SP Time and Location; Check Point, Release Point; Actions at Halts Coordinating Instructions: REDCON-1 Time, MOPP Level, Weapons Status, PCI Time and Items of Focus, Rehearsals, MSR and ASR SERVICE AND SUPPORT General Guidance: Ration Cycle, Maintenance Priority, Aid Station / CASEVAC CL I, III, and V locations and times; LOGPAC time and place COMMAND AND SIGNAL Locations of the Commander, XO, and 1SG; Succession of Command Frequencies and Call Signs; Phone Numbers; Data Uplink Nodes

Confirmation Brief/Back Brief Format Confirmation Briefs will be given by team leaders to the Commander immediately following the OPORD. Include at a minimum: Commander’s Intent: Purpose, key tasks, and endstate Tasks/Purpose: Specified tasks, implied tasks, and re-stated purpose Relationship to other units. What the team is doing to support the Detachment, higher Public Affairs units, and the supported unit? Initial team concept of the operation Back Briefs will be given by team leaders to the Commander after initial planning is complete and (if time allows) before the team OPORD is issued. Back briefs explain how the subordinate leader intends to accomplish the mission and include at a minimum: Threats and risks in the team AO Risk mitigation Effects on operations Team mission. Team concept of the operation Key tasks Decisive point Scheme of maneuver Endstate Timeline. Issues/concerns

Attachment Procedures Check attachments for mission readiness (CL I, III, V, VIII) Conduct link-up with the POC for the attached unit Brief the unit POC on the following: Task organization Threats and enemy forces in the AO Mission, Commander’s intent, and specified tasks Relevant Public Affairs Guidance and command messages Current operations, planned operations, and battle rhythm Position in the order of movement Pertinent SOPs and signals Provide them a map and operational graphics Determine what the attachments need from you Determine attachments’ capabilities, limitations, and strengths Request the following information from the attached unit: Name of attached unit and personnel SSN and blood type of each soldier A sensitive items report of all items to include serial numbers Current maintenance status Brief the attached unit on how long it will be attached and when, to whom, and where they will report after being released Provide media contact lists and other pertinent information Special Note: If your team is attached to another unit, this is the information you will need from them. Be prepared to provide the gaining unit the names and SSNs of your element. Brief key leaders (including Operations Officers and Commanders) on your capabilities, equipment, and planned missions.

Pre-Combat Inspections Vehicle Checklist Load plan posted and in effect Fuel cans topped off Water cans filled MREs stowed All equipment tied down Windows, headlights, taillights, and BO markers cleaned BII clean and serviceable First aid /CLS bags inspected and filled Fire extinguishers sealed, tagged, and updated NVDs serviceable with accessories and spare batteries Basic load of maps and TMs present VS 17 panels present Nine line MEDEVAC procedures posted IAW vehicle load plan Dispatch/current 5988E Communications Radios operational, connections clean, antenna attached, excess wiring secured Proper frequencies filled and time synchronized with higher ANCDs present and updated (if necessary) Spare hub and ANCD batteries present and stored in a dry secure place Applicable TMs present and waterproofed DA 2404 or ULLS 5988E present for each radio system Secure equipment properly filled

Recovery Schedule R+ 1: Download and team equipment turn in Vehicles downloaded Team equipment consolidated and accounted for Drivers conduct after- action PMCS R+2 Continued download of vehicles Spot check and turn in of team equipment Maintenance and cleaning of all equipment Vehicles are washed down, fueled and returned to motor pool R+3 Focus on team equipment maintenance Clean and begin drying tents (if necessary) Initiate counseling or awards associated with exercise R+4 Complete data backup of mission products All equipment wiped down and accounted for All vehicles in motor pool, topped off Team is ready immediately to conduct subsequent missions

Naming Conventions and Readiness Conditions READINESS CONDITIONS (REDCON) REDCON 1: Full Alert Vehicles loaded IAW detachment load plan. Communication checks have been preformed. ENGINES ARE ON AND VEHICLE IS READY TO MOVE. REDCON 1.5: Full Alert But Engines Off REDCON 2: Prepared to Move Within 15 Minutes Vehicles are loaded with all equipment. Roll over drills completed Convoy brief completed Leader inspections completed REDCON 3: Prepared to Move Within 30 Minutes All vehicles monitoring the radio PMCS may be performed but no disassembling of equipment Minimum of 50% on duty REDCON 4: Move Within 60 Minutes Control Measure Designation Example Assembly Area Deities Athena, Thor Axis of Attack Singers Zappa, Holiday Objectives Bands Hendrix, Zeppelin Named Area of Interest NAI 0-99 NAI 20, NAI 21 Check Points Numbers 0-100 01, 09, 23, 43 Contact Points Letters X, Y, Z Direction of Attack Songs Red House, Crossroads Phase Line Characters Hannibal, Greedo Route Battles Tsushima, Culloden Area of Operations Cities Griffin, Brunswick

SME Interview Preparation Checklist

Basic Story Formats These guides serve as a base line for basic print and video products. From this framework, more experienced journalists can flex to create longer or more complex stories. The basic print story is 400-500 words; the basic video story is 60 seconds. Noted times, above, are approximate. FIVE PARAGRAPH NEWS STORY 1 The lede. Tells who, what, where, and when. Note that the where and when may be in the dateline, but are still referenced in the lead. Goal is 35 words or less, with names of people (e.g., Brig. Gen. Larry Dudney) or institutions (e.g., National Guard) counting as one "word." 2 A relevant, illustrative quotation from someone about the event. This would be a good place for a leader's quotation. 3 Describe the purpose or importance of the event. Essentially, the "why" to the 4 Ws above. 4 Additional, relevant details about the event. Describe additional details about the training or people involved or unit history, to add some depth. 5 A relevant, illustrative quotation to serve as a closer or clincher. Good place to reinforce a command message or illustrate how the "why" in paragraph 3 was accomplished. Generally, quotations that are evaluative or judgmental work well here. FIVE “PARAGRAPH” VIDEO NEWS STORY 1 Establishing shot(s) with voiceover that essentially gives the lede. Tells who, what, where, and when. (10 seconds) 2 A relevant, illustrative quotation from someone about the event. This would be a good place for a leader's quotation. Can be a stand-up interview or played over b-roll. (15 seconds) 3 (Optional) Add narration, further voiceover, or on-camera interview to describe the purpose or importance of the event. Essentially, the "why" to the 4 Ws above. (10 seconds) 4 (Optional) Add additional, relevant details about the event. Describe or show more details about the training or people involved or unit history, to add some depth. (15 seconds) 5 A relevant, illustrative quotation to serve as a closer or clincher. Good place to reinforce a command message or illustrate how the "why" in paragraph 3 was accomplished. Generally, quotations that are evaluative or judgmental work well here. (10 seconds)

Media Inquiry Format 303 Control Number: Deadline: Taken by: DTG: Caller's Name: Organization: Phone: email: Fax: Address: Question: Response: Source: Prepared by: Notes: DTG released: Released to: Approval:

Guide for Media Interviews cont.

Situation: Units will get inquiries from the media if they are identified as responding to an emergency such as a hurricane. Ideally, the State PAO will respond to these inquiries. Realistically, many inquiries will go directly to Commanders and staff. As leaders, we should be aware of the risks of a bad media engagement, but consider media engagements an opportunity to tell the story of the great work the Guard does. Guidelines: The overall media relations stance for Commanders in an emergency should be passive. The main (and proactive) effort will be coordinated by the State Office of Public Affairs. If interviewed, however, Commanders should maintain a positive, Can-Do demeanor and keep these guidelines in mind: 1. Acknowledge in general terms your unit’s mission and focus but do not compromise security. 2. Stay in your lane and do not speculate or repeat rumors. 3. Do not make “off the record” comments. They aren’t. 4. Be honest in your responses, but consider their impact on the public. 5. Never answer “no comment”; always be polite and positive; avoid jargon and acronyms. 6. If you don’t know an answer, it’s OK to say so. 7. Be prepared with a 20-second summary statement when they ask if you have anything to add. Key messages: When answering questions, it’s always good to keep in mind some general statements about the Guard and weave them in when you can. These key messages tell the larger story of the things our Guardsmen do: 1. The National Guard is trained and ready to provide support to civil authorities on short notice. 2. We are as proud of the role we play serving our state as we are of our role protecting the nation. 3. We work closely with civil authorities to provide the best support we can to the communities. Commanders’ Guidelines for interacting with media during an emergency

Detachment TAA Legend: HMMWV utility truck generator tent 12 3 9 HQ CROW 1 CROW 2 CROW 3 water buffalo press tent

Order of Movement Legend: HMMWV utility truck generator/trailer HQ CROW 1 CROW 2 CROW 3 Direction of Travel water buffalo

9 Line MEDEVAC Request Location of pickup site (grid coordinates) Radio Frequency (your call sign and suffix) Number of patients by precedence: A - Urgent (save life, limb, eyesight within 2 hours) B - Urgent -Surgical (surgery required to save life and stabilize) C - Priority (required medical care is not avail, will deteriorate to Urgent if not evacuated within 4 hours) D - Routine (sick and wounded who require evacuation within 24 hours) E - Convenience Special equipment required A – none B – hoist C – extraction D - ventilator Number of patients by type L + # patients – Litter A + # patients - Ambulatory Security of pick up site N - no enemy troops in area P - possible enemy troops E - enemy troops in area, approach with caution X - enemy troops in area, armed escort required Method of marking pickup site (LZ) A - panels B - pyrotechnic signal C - smoke signal D - none E - other Patients nationality and status (military/civilian) A - US military B - US civilian C - Non-US military D - Non-US civilian E – EPW NBC contamination N – Nuclear B – Biological C – Chemical U – Unknown A - All Clear

GREEN 4: MISSION REPORT Purpose: To provide a guide for debriefing teams and reporting team results to the Commander. Communication Instructions: Verbal or written, to the MOC and CO. Format: Line 1: Assignment description. Line 2: Size and composition of team. Line 3: Specified tasks or products. Line 4: Time of departure. Line 5: Time of return. Line 6: Routes utilized. Line 7: Images, video, or written materials obtained. Line 8: Media present at the event: Actions, interests, queries, planned coverage, contact information. Line 9: Planned products and timeline for completion. Line 11: Issues; equipment performance; comments or queries. Line 14: Additional remarks.

Common Operational Graphics Coordinate Fire Line Line of Departure Limit of Advance Phase Line Forward Edge of the Battle Area Boundary Named Area of Interest Direction of Main Attack Axis of Main Attack Axis of Supporting Attack Direction of Supporting Attack Objective Assembly Area Battle Position Strong Point

Common Operational Graphics Continued Link Up Point Passage Point Rally Point Release Point Start Point Coordination Point Decision Point Logistics Release Point Maintenance Collection Point Ambulance Exchange Point Unit Maintenance Collection Point EPW Collection Point Traffic Control Point Ammunition Supply Point Main Supply Route Alternate Supply Route Triple Strand Concertina Abatis

DSCA TEAM OPERATIONS In DSCA Operations, the basic maneuver unit for the MPAD is the “combined arms” Public Affairs team of four PA Soldiers. Typically, this is two each 46Q and 46R, led by an E-6 or E-7. Four Soldiers and their equipment are deployable in a single humvee; capable of long-term continuous operations; and allow the team leader flexibility to operate in split, two-person buddy teams as necessary. The team leader may conduct missions and generate products, but their priority is to leading the team, managing its output, quality, and synchronization with adjacent and higher units. All team members must remain flexible, as requirements and priorities change rapidly in Public Affairs. The following “Quad Charts” break out individual duties for team members during team collective tasks. Generally, the team leader duties are in the upper-right quadrant; generally, the assistant team leader duties are the upper-left quadrant. However, the idea is to keep everything modular: If only two team members are available, those two can split up the duties and drive on. Listed duties are guidelines, not exhaustive.

Loadmaster TC Dismount Driver Designate area for personal equipment Lay out team equipment for inspection Confirm times for PCCs and PCI Assist PCCs and PCI Load equipment onto vehicle Receive and analyze the mission Back brief route and plan to higher Brief team on mission and intent Conduct PCCs Assist PCI and confirm corrections Confirm route planning with driver Conduct risk assessment and safety brief Assist loadmaster with layout Assist driver with graphics Assist PCCs and make corrections Load equipment onto vehicle PMCS vehicle PMCS generator Assist with vehicle/generator PCCs Conduct route planning Attend convoy brief As necessary, brief convoy order Deploy

Tent Master Team Leader Dismount Driver Refine MOC location (tent, gen., parking) Set up tent and working space Establish communications and power Confirm equipment stowage Establish security plan Set up personal workspace Designate MOC location Coordinate with local HQ Confirm logistics for local AO Synchronize with local battle rhythm Confirm communications to MPAD Report ESTABLISHED to MPAD Assist with setup of MOC Procure additional supplies or equipment Set up personal workspace . Position and set up generator PMCS generator and vehicle Refuel vehicle Identify local logistics locations Assist with setup Set up personal workspace Establish MOC

Facilitator SME Prep Setup Media Relations Designate location Coordinate facilities Prepare ground rules Manage operations Conduct murder board for SME Facilitate conference Coordinate for SME and/or other speaker Prepare opening statement Prepare themes and sample Q&A Conduct SME Prep Record questions and feedback When available, assist media relations Podium and backdrop Lighting and sound Seating Environmentals (noise, temp., traffic) Refreshments Shift to media relations when MC. Prepare and issue media advisory Manage/issue responses to media queries Prepare press kits Conduct RSOI for media Log and credential media Arrange media escort Press Conference

124th MPAD DSCA SOP

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124th MPAD DSCA SOP