1.4: Past and Present

Provide substantial opportunities for the public to learn about, and interact with, Departmental operations, leadership and personnel.

Other Information:

PARTICIPATION - PAST AND PRESENT Largely under the auspices of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) and public affairs organizations of the Military Services, the Department provides substantial opportunities for the public to learn about, and interact with, Departmental operations, leadership and personnel. Daily Online News Updates. Press advisories, releases, transcripts, announcements of upcoming key events and daily overviews are regularly updated at http://www.defense.gov/news/news.aspx. Online Video. Video of briefings, speeches, interviews and presentations by the Department’s senior leadership are routinely made available and archived on the Pentagon Channel’s Web site at http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/. Senior Leadership Travel. Travel by Secretary Gates and other senior leaders is regularly highlighted at http://www.defense.gov/home/features/travels/. Community Relations Programs. The Community Relations Web site at http://www.ourmilitary.mil/ provides resources for connecting with troops. Capitol Hill Hearings. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Legislative Affairs) maintains a public calendar of Department officials testifying on Capitol Hill at http://la.defense.gov/. Joint Civilian Orientation Conference. The Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC) (http://jcoc.dod.mil/) is a program sponsored by the Secretary of Defense for civilian public opinion leaders interested in expanding their knowledge of military and national defense issues. JCOC is the oldest existing Pentagon outreach program, having been held more than 76 times since 1948. Department Publications and Policies. At http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/whats_new.html, the public can track new Department issuances (directives, instructions and similar materials) explaining internal policies and mechanisms of the Department. Ceremonial and Patriotic Events. At well over 10,000 events a year, military color guards, musical units, aviation units and other organizations provide public performances across the nation, including patriotic openers to public events, flyovers, concerts and static displays of military hardware. Tours of the Pentagon and Beyond. The Pentagon Tours program annually brings over 100,000 visitors to the Department’s headquarters. Various commands, installations and ships also hold programs allowing the public to more closely connect with the Department and its personnel. Public Queries. The Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Public Communications office annually responds to over 30,000 comments and requests for information from the general public.

Stakeholder(s):

• Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

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