BEIRUT, Lebanon – Third Army and the Lebanese armed forces Orientation Directorate conducted a five day seminar on public affairs and military information support operations here Oct. 24–28.
The seminar focused on public affairs and strategic communications techniques, psychological operations organization and doctrine, and media production. Through a combination of presentations, open discussions, and practical exercises, the U.S. Army Central team of subject matter experts ensured that all participants would be able to develop their own organizational models to be more effective with these principles in their military operations.
Many attendees were concerned about sending the right message and what happens if the intended end state was not accomplished. Lt. Col. Marcel Schneider, Third Army/ U.S. Army Central, military information support operations officer, recommended if that should happen they should look at adjusting their objectives. “The information environment changes more frequently than the enemy,” Schneider added.
Schneider also stated the tactic used should be one that can be easily reinforced through products, actions and messages.
Attendee Col. Imad Al-Hajj Chehade, a wing commander in the Lebanese air force, relished the opportunity to learn psychological operations techniques. “I didn’t know it was like this and now I want to know more,” Al-Hajj Chehade added. He also stated that the classes were eye opening.
Through seminars like this one the Third Army/U.S. Army Central and the LAF continues to build relationships while exchanging ideas in the different areas of public affairs, psychological operations, and media production.
With the high acceptance of the Lebanese military throughout the country, Maj. Rami El Ayoubi, Lebanese army officer, reiterated that the military has special considerations here and the people have freedom of speech. “All of the Lebanese media supports us and we know the people support us. We are the backbone of our country and no one comes near the army.”