916th ARW first to get media training

  • Published
  • By Capt. Shannon Mann
  • 916th ARW
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. --  While most people spend their military careers trying to avoid the media, members of the 916th ARW recently embraced the opportunity to learn about media through the first of its kind ‘roadshow’ training session. 

In the past, Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs requested that wing and operations group commanders spend a full day at Warner Robins Air Force Base, Ga. going through rigorous media training that includes briefings and exercises. Most commanders do not enjoy the anticipation leading up to the training, but walk away from the experience better equipped to deliver command messages and more eager to work with the media in telling the Air Force Reserve story. 

In July, Col. Mark Kolleda, 916th Operations Group commander, attended the training at Warner Robins Air Force Base. With a public affairs officer in tote, Col. Kolleda excelled at the training and conversation between the 916th public affairs officer and the AFRC public affairs staff began about bringing the training to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. 

With only a few months to plan the event, Staff Sgt. Jennifer Gregoire, NCOIC of AFRC’s News Division, was assigned the task of coordinating the training. 

Sergeant Gregoire said her initial reaction at being asked to coordinate the event was one of pleasant surprise. “It had never been done before,” she said. “We were excited to meet this challenge because the payoff in telling the AFRC story is priceless.” 

Sergeant Gregoire noted that the training had always been dependent upon the on-base media studio. Moving this state-of-the art facility to the field would be a challenge, but one the production team was ready to undertake as well. 

With six public affairs staffers and two videographers in tote the AFRC team arrived at Seymour Johnson on Jan. 4, 2006 to begin setting up and conducting the unprecedented training. 

Members of the 315th Airlift Wing at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. heard about the training and asked to join in the fun with their fellow reservists. Two commanders from the 315th AW, along with their public affairs officer, drove up for the training. 

On Friday, Jan. 6, nearly 30 reservists from various career fields and ranks sat through a series of media briefings; learning about the media and crafting messages that could quickly and accurately tell the Reserve story. 

Col. Thomas Deall, AFRC PA director, told the audience that the mindset of public affairs in the Air Force was changing and that ‘every Airman is a spokesperson.” Col. Paul Sykes, 916th ARW commander, reiterated how important the training was by sharing a personal story about his own media experiences. 

Reservists handled themselves in on-camera stand-up interviews, civic leader speeches and press conferences. Each scenario a little harder than the next, but each a valuable learning tool for those participating. After conducting their exercises, reservists would then receive feedback on how they handled themselves under the stressful situation. 

“I was particularly impressed with the 916th’s enthusiasm and willingness to engage in the scenarios and be open to feedback,” said Sergeant Gregoire. “The preparation between our staff and the 916th’s PA staff definitely paid off. The mission was accomplished thanks to the men and women of the 916th.” 

At the end of a very long day, a lot of 916th ARW and 315th AW members believed they had received important and valuable training; and the AFRC PA team saw an amazing opportunity to train many reservists from a unit versus only being able to focus on two commanders from that unit. 

The training went so well that the 315th AW asked the team to repeat their efforts in early March and bring the training to Charleston Air Force Base. 

“Wing commanders across the Air Force Reserve realize that public affairs is critical to communicating the units’ messages to the public and to their own people,” said Sergeant Gregoire. “For Col Sykes to value his people and mission enough to want his units’ story told by his own people makes it an exciting time for AFRC public affairs.”