Abstract

This paper will examine how interservice policy, doctrine and culture impact Joint Information Bureau operations in a combat environment. This study applies Organizational Systems Theory, Network Theory, and Interorganizational Theory to examine existing tenants of JIB operation and the methods under which they operate. Content analysis of published Department of Defense, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard materials regarding public affairs and JIB operations, will identify specific differences in how individual services view their values, mission, focus and networks. Also, this paper examines the differences in service policy regarding release of information and access provided to the mass media in a joint operating environment. In addition, case studies of previous JIBs in Grenada, Panama and Somalia will examine the effect of improper use of JIBs and their impact on media pools. Analysis of this data shows different service interpretations of Joint Publication 3-61, conflicting service policies, regulations and cultural differences negatively affect how JIBs operate in a combat environment.

 

 


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