Media-ting 435th CRS on media training

Photo By Senior Airman Lane Plummer | Airmen from the 435th Contingency Response Squadron watch their videotaped interviews during a media training event Aug. 4, 2016, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The media training prepared Airmen for interviews with the press by making them aware of common nuances in areas such as body posture, speech volume and delivering the message of the U.S. Air Force mission. (U.S. Air force photo/Airman 1st Class Lane T. Plummer)  

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, RP, GERMANY

08.10.2016

Story by Airman 1st Class Lane Plummer  

86th Airlift Wing

Personnel from the 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs office hosted a media training event for 435th Contingency Response Squadron during a Missions Planners Course Aug. 4, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

The training prepared Airmen from the 435th CRS for interviews with the press by having them participate in mock interviews and watching the taped answers afterward.

“In public affairs, we often meet with different organizations to teach them what we do and how they should engage with the media,” said Kelly Sanders, 86th AW Public Affairs chief of media operations.

According to Sanders, the 435th CRS’ robust mission draws external media attention, thus creating the idea for them to train on talking with the press.

“We want to ensure they feel confident and have the tools to be credible spokespeople if a media opportunity arises wherever their missions take them,” Sanders said.

The media training prepared Airmen for interviews with the press by making them aware of common nuances in areas such as body posture, speech volume and delivering the message of the U.S. Air Force mission.
“Media is our biggest conduit to external audiences, and we owe it to the American taxpayers to engage with the media and provide information about what the Air Force is doing,” Sanders said. “It isn't always comfortable to be on camera, so we like to give Airmen a taste of what that feels like so it isn't as intimidating when it happens in the real world.”

According to Tech. Sgt. Joshua Bell, 421st Combat Training Squadron course director of the Missions Planners Course, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, the training was well-received by Airmen participating in the media course.

“We certainly got to laugh at ourselves trying to give interviews,” Bell said. “But we seriously learned a lot about the nuances of answering to the media. It’s vital to the 435th CRS for Airmen to not shy away from media, but rather confidently engage it.”

Telling the Air Force story to media is an important aspect not only with the 86th AW/PA or 435th CRS, but all of Team Ramstein. If you have any questions in regards to this, contact the 86th Airlift Wing media office at DSN: 480-2458 or Cell: 06371-47-2458.

• Date Taken: 08.10.2016
• Date Posted: 08.16.2016 05:03
• Story ID: 206660
• Location: RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, RP, DE