FM 3-61 — Communication Strategy And Public Affairs Operations (this Item Is Published W/ Basic Incl C1)
FM 3-61 governs Army communication strategy and public affairs operations for internal and external publics interested in the Department of Defense.
- Publication number: FM 3-61
- Title: COMMUNICATION STRATEGY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS (THIS ITEM IS PUBLISHED W/ BASIC INCL C1)
- Date: 02/25/2022
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View FM 3-61 on armypubs.army.mil
It covers communication synchronization, public affairs organizations, training, planning, media facilitation, public communication, and countering misinformation and disinformation. It assigns the public affairs officer responsibility for producing the public affairs estimate, proposed public affairs guidance, and Annex J (Public Affairs).
Applies to: FM 3-61 applies to the Active Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States and United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
Topics covered
- Communication synchronization
- Public affairs organizations
- Public affairs training
- Public affairs planning
- Media facilitation
- Public communication
- Misinformation and disinformation
Questions and answers
Who is responsible for public affairs at all levels of command?
The commander is responsible for PA at all levels of command. (paragraph 3-16)
What must Army public affairs personnel do during defense support of civil authorities?
Army agencies may assist the appropriate authorities with disseminating information as long as the instructions properly attribute the source. (paragraph 1-76)
Can the Army take the initiative to provide directions to the public during defense support of civil authorities?
In no case does the Army take the initiative to provide directions to the public. (paragraph 1-76)
What must Annex J capture for media facilitation?
PA planners ensure Annex J (Public Affairs) captures detailed processes, procedures, and support requirements for traditional, nontraditional, and digital news media methods. (paragraph 6-3)
How is misinformation defined in FM 3-61?
Misinformation is a subset of information defined simply as incorrect information. (paragraph 8-2)