What is an "Army Public Affairs Estimate"?

2014-09-14T20:07:38-04:00

I'm in ALC and I have to write an Army Public Affairs "estimate". Oh my gosh, I don't even understand what it means. Senior leaders, PLEASE help! If you have any templates, examples and/or a simple definition of what exactly an "estimate" is suppose to do, I would really appreciate it.

I apologize for the incessant tagging but I really need help :)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 8:21 PM

2014-09-14T20:21:11-04:00

Take a look in FM 46-1-1 specifically chapter 3. I know I'm not one of the ones you tagged, just thought it might help you out!

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 14 at 2014 8:27 PM

2014-09-14T20:27:46-04:00

Your unit should have an OPLAN published at the Bn level at least with a defined PAO annex. Forgive me if I'm going into the weeds too far. This annex should give you the 10000ft view of what the PAO is supposed to do "in general" for any particular operation. From here and armed with specific details of the operation, restraints & constraints and commander's guidance, you develop estimates for courses of action as to how PAO operations will run under the defined courses of action (CAO) - what can and can't you support, what additional resources you will need, etc. based on what the details of each course of action are. Once the COA is decided you use your estimate to complete your PAO annex to the OPORD - the on the ground view of the specifics of the operation.

http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/doctrine/genesis_and_evolution/source_materials/FM-101-5_staff_organization_and_operations.pdf

Please let me know if you need anything else explained. Good Luck!!

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Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Sep 14 at 2014 8:28 PM

2014-09-14T20:28:38-04:00

FM 3-61.1 Chptr 3 Public Affairs Planning

http://www.globalsecurity.org › … › Army › Field Manuals › 3-61-1

A Public Affairs Estimate is an assessment of a specific mission from ... and identifies how the Army public affairs involvement in this operation ... Public Opinion -

Yahoo!

Please check the URL for proper spelling and capitalization. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Yahoo!, try visiting the Yahoo! home page or look through a list of Yahoo!'s online services. Also, you may find what you're looking for if you try searching below.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Sep 14 at 2014 8:53 PM

2014-09-14T20:53:35-04:00

SSG V. Michelle Woods, Have you received the information you were looking for on this subject? If not, contact me and I can help you through this. I am a Public Affairs Officer and would be more than happy to help you out.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 9:15 PM

2014-09-14T21:15:34-04:00

SSG V. Michelle Woods, you are getting all good sources

FM 3-61.1 PA Operations Apr 2014 *(see paragraph 2-30 for the public affairs running estimate ; Chp 2, 2-21; Appendix A

http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/DR_pubs/dr_a/pdf/fm3_61.pdf

Also see FM 6.0 Annex J specifically as another reference:

http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/DR_pubs/dr_a/pdf/fm6_0.pdf

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Sep 14 at 2014 9:20 PM

2014-09-14T21:20:27-04:00

So, several others have given links to the doctrinal sources & possible templates.
Not to cover that ground again, but to look at the big picture:

An [staff section] estimate is that section's overall assessment of everything that might be relevant to their area and those things from their area that might be relevant to the overall mission.

A "running" estimate is the same thing, but continuously updated.

In theory, if I grab your estimate and read it, I have a good idea of everything that is important from the PA point of view.

It used to be a really big thing, then it went away during the wars. I can only assume it's starting to make a comeback. Which is a good thing.

Response by MSG(P) Michael Warrick made Sep 14 at 2014 9:39 PM

2014-09-14T21:39:07-04:00

Get with LTC Hillary Luton who is willing to help you and she is a Army POA Officer !!

Response by MSG(P) Michael Warrick made Sep 14 at 2014 9:42 PM

2014-09-14T21:42:33-04:00

Try this link;
https://rdl.train.army.mil/catalog-ws/view/100.ATSC/96B766CF-8115-44D2-958F-62AB12B4CF87 [login to see] 031/report.pdf

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Sep 14 at 2014 10:08 PM

2014-09-14T22:08:02-04:00

Leaders

I wish y'all could have seen the fire you set underneath a dozen SSGs lol. As soon as the responses started coming through we started digging into the regs listed in this discussion. The explanations REALLY helped because none of us were entirely sure what an estimate or annex are and we definitely have never seen one. Thank you so very much! We have until Friday to write an estimate for "a unit deploying to Iran."

Of course we're all left with the same question...WHYYYY do we have to do this? Shouldn't this be saved for SLC?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 11:14 PM

2014-09-14T23:14:49-04:00

What everyone else said.... :-)

Whatever your regulations and doctrine say. The estimates are to help the commander that you are falling under to know what he/she can expect. Why ALC and not SLC? Well first off you never know when you will go and that E7 or higher will be on leave and you have to cover down, you may be the highest ranking in a detachment and have to brief and prepare. I saw a MPAD have only a 1LT and a SGT show up to an exercise. The 1LT briefed, but if it was up to the E5 to brief....well that is why you learn it at lower levels and build on it with your additional schooling in the future.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2014 12:02 AM

2014-09-15T00:02:39-04:00

This is why I am in the infantry. The only thing I have to estimate is the range to a target and I have a laser range finder for that.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2014 8:19 AM

2014-09-15T08:19:35-04:00

SSG V. Michelle Woods It really is great to see you getting legitimate help to your question. I think that is one of the great things about this site. I know I am a "squid", but please let us know how you made out with your project.

Like LTC Private RallyPoint Member stated, I am sure that some of the items they are giving to you seem like they are over your head. The day will come when you are in the middle of something and are the "go to person" and all of a sudden it will be like, "oh that's why they taught us that."

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 15 at 2014 2:32 PM

2014-09-15T14:32:00-04:00

Try and search it, I hope this helps out.
https://login.milsuite.mil/?goto=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milsuite.mil%3A443%2F

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2014 6:30 PM

2014-09-17T18:30:59-04:00

SSG Woods..missed this one...not certain what the requirement is these days; we used to conduct a Public Impact Assessment, which is nothing more than keen situational awareness. What is it? Why is it important? Who is affected? Who needs to know, when and where and how? What is the potential impact on the public if we do X or don't do X? What is the benefit to the Army/community, etc?

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Sep 18 at 2014 7:53 AM

2014-09-18T07:53:18-04:00

SSG Woods,

I am glad to see that you are getting the help and assistance that you need. How times have changed, yet remain the same. Unhelpful comments from Infantry/Combat Arms, like me. Leaders at all levels failing to perform their jobs in teaching, coaching and mentoring.

Young lady, I may not always remember the correct terminology or at times it has changed since my retirement, but I am willing to help you and anyone else that I can assist. So tag me any time you need this type of assistance.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Sep 19 at 2014 7:58 AM

2014-09-19T07:58:50-04:00

There is definitely one thing I am being reminded of from this discussion - The stubby pencil and paper approach, is not properly being taught to our soldiers. Even though I love using and working with computers, there is a lot to be said about using paper, graphite and ink products in the pursuit of our professional education.

SSG Woods, sorry to get off track here, but it does go with my earlier statement.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2014 6:42 PM

2014-09-23T18:42:38-04:00

SSG V. Michelle Woods So how did you make out with your "estimate" project and how was the rest of your ALC?

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Sep 24 at 2014 1:34 PM

2014-09-24T13:34:55-04:00

Maybe this will assist you...

Appendix C

PUBLIC AFFAIRS ESTIMATE

SAMPLE PA ESTIMATE

FM 6-99 (101-5)

______________
Classification

Headquarters
Place of issue
Date, time, and time zone
Message Ref. no.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS ESTIMATE NO. ____________

References: Maps, charts, or other documents.

Time zone used throughout the estimate:

1. MISSION

This paragraph lists the command's restated mission from a public affairs perspective.

2. THE SITUATION AND CONSIDERATIONS

The paragraph describes the strategic and operational media environment in which the operation is being conducted and identifies the critical factors that might impact on the command's mission -- the "action and reaction" within global media channels. It identifies the media environment across the operational continuum, describing it from "austere" for low media interest and capability in a limited AOR communication infrastructure to "dynamic" for high media interest and capability in a high-tech AOR infrastructure. At a minimum, this paragraph must include:

1.Information environment. This paragraph describes the characteristics of the operation and the information environment in the area of operations. It identifies any activities or issues affecting the over-all mission and the command's public affairs objectives.

2.Media presence. An assessment of the news media presence in the theater of operations prior to deployment and the likely presence of additional news media during the conduct of operations. This assessment should address the authority under which media representatives are operating and the degree of control that can be imposed on their efforts.

3.Media capabilities. An assessment of the media's information collection and communication technology, specifically identifying their level of visual information acquisition and satellite communication capabilities. It includes an analysis of the logistics support, transportation assets, and host-nation communications infrastructure available to them.

4.Media content. An assessment of the global media's presentation of information and their agendas, and an analysis and prioritization of the potential strategic and operational issues confronting the command in the news media. This media content analysis will provide an evaluation of the quantity of coverage and the nature of that coverage.

5.Public opinion. Assessment of national and international attitude about the operation and command, leaders, and soldiers conducting it. This paragraph should include both the perceptions held by major audience groups and the relative solidity or strength of those attitudes. A public opinion analysis should include as a minimum an analysis of the following groups:

◾American public
◾Civilian political leaders
◾Coalition and allied forces and their publics
◾International audience
◾Internal command audience
◾Home station public

6.Information channel availability. An assessment of the information channels available for the communication of information in and out of the AOR. It identifies the means available to the commander for receipt, transmission, and dissemination of voice, data, text, graphics, and digital visual imaging. It describes command, coalition, and local national facilities and equipment available, to include an analysis of available telephone lines for voice and data transmission, the accessibility of audio and video channels, the prevalence of private communications devices such as soldier-owned cellular telephones, facsimile machines, computers, portable radios and televisions, still and video cameras, and the nature and flow of the information possible through these channels.

7.Information needs. This is an assessment of the information needs of the previously identified key publics. It analyzes key internal and external audiences and assesses theirs news and information expectations. It identifies the types of information made available to these key audiences.

8.Personnel situation. Describes the present dispositions of public affairs personnel and units that affect the PA mission, and the assets needed and available. State known personnel problems, if any, that may affect the PA situation. Consult the personnel estimate for details. (Examples of personnel include shortages of PA NCOs and skilled operators for equipment.)

9.Public Affairs situation. This summarizes current PA objectives and identifies specific courses of action for each objective. At high levels of command, detail information in a summary with a reference to an annex to the estimate. Subparagraphs will include all current (PAG) from OSD (PA).

10.Logistical situation. State known logistic problems, if any that may affect the PA situation. See logistic estimate for details. (Examples of logistic problems include the lack of transportation and adequate facilities.)

11.Assumptions. Until specific planning guidance from the commander becomes available, you may need assumptions for initiating planning or preparing the estimate. Modify these assumptions as factual data or planning guidance becomes available.

3. ANALYSIS OF COURSES OF ACTION

Analyze each course of action based on the public affairs objectives in paragraph 2i. Indicate problems and deficiencies. At a minimum, subparagraphs should include media facilitation and support, news and information provision, and force training and support.

Analyze each COA from a PA point of view to determine its advantages and disadvantages for conducting PA. The detail in which the analysis is made is determined by the level of command, scope of operations, and of urgency of need.

4. COMPARISON OF COURSES OF ACTION

Compare each course of action. List advantages and disadvantages of each course of action under consideration. Include methods of overcoming deficiencies or modification required for each course of action.

5. CONCLUSIONS

1.Indicate whether you can support the command mission (restated in paragraph from the public affairs viewpoint.

2.Indicate which COAs you can best support.

3.List major public affairs deficiencies, which commander must consider. Include specific recommendations about methods of eliminating or reducing their effects.

______________________________________
(Public Affairs Officer)
ANNEXES: (As required)

DISTRIBUTION:

(NOTE: The headings listed in this assessment are for example only. Use headings appropriate to your command's operations.)

_______________
Classification

PA Operations Estimate

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Sep 24 at 2014 1:36 PM

2014-09-24T13:36:42-04:00

The RP Rangers to the rescue! where is TONTO? Wait, that was the LONE Ranger wasn't it?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2014 8:55 AM

2014-09-27T08:55:38-04:00

Please tell me that the 25Z SLC course doesn't write these estimates? I'll be in SLC in October.