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Eglin Air Force Base, FL – Operational Detachment Alpha teams and Psychological Operations teams from 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) executed media engagement training, at Camp “Bull” Simons,
Fla, Jan 25, 2023.
The training was part of a larger effort by the unit to better equip its personnel with the skills needed to effectively communicate with the media and the public, while also providing familiarization to veteran team members.
The 7th Special Forces Group is one of the most elite units in
the US military, and its Soldiers renowned for their ability to operate in complex, high-stress environments. There’s no better way to assess operational readiness than training for every contingency, even if that includes remaining quiet, yet effective communicators.
“This training prepares them for everything they will see during rotations,” said the 2nd Battalion
assistant operations officer. “We train to interact with the media here, so the first time they meet media is not during a live situation.”
The engagements are just one phase of a validation exercise to prepare the teams to execute their duties abroad. One of the most vital duties is establishing trusted and reliable local contacts to obtain
information.
The scenario began after each team received intel from a source who requested a meeting. Upon arrival to the meeting location, the source announced the meeting was cancelled, then ran away and left the
team at the mercy of the reporters.
Approximately 20 members of the mock press converged around the teams and attempted to isolate nervous and unprepared individuals.
Sgt. David Neiser, a junior PSYOP leader, 7th SFG (A) had his first experience ever with the media during the exercise.
“I was shocked,” Neiser said. "Even knowing this is training, I wasn’t ready.”
The situation stunned Neiser, but the training prepared him to maintain his composure, effectively engage the media and communicate his message.
“Having our talking points and mission statement helps us to not say something to damage relations and that’s the most important thing,” said Neiser. “We’re trained to be approachable and honest. You must help them understand we are here to assist their country.”
One of the more interesting aspects of the media engagement training was that it was executed predominantly in Spanish.
“Every member of my team can communicate in Spanish at a grade school level at least,” said Cpt. Aubrey Cole, civil affairs team leader. “Everyone can get our thoughts across if the person is willing to
slow down.”
During this engagement, the teams weren’t always afforded time to form their responses because the reporters shouted different questions and comments simultaneously in Spanish, making it difficult for
the less experienced team members to keep up.
“It’s very important to identify our strong speakers,” said Cpt. Aubrey Cole, civil affairs team leader. “Thankfully, every team has a few adept Spanish speakers.”
The teams won’t be calling press conferences anytime soon, but the training has prepared the teams to confidently engage the media at a moment’s notice.
“We don’t seek out the media,” Cole said. “If an opportunity arises, this training shows it’s an excellent chance to highlight the good things we do.”
| Date Taken: | 02.15.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 03.22.2023 08:51 |
| Story ID: | 438536 |
| Location: | EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 668 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, “Mock” Media Training for 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), by SSG Broderick Hennington, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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