Should there be more OPSEC/Censorship for our media?

SPC Lukas Jones — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 10:51:25 -0500

Is the Media hindering our military operations?

It seems like every time I read an article on Army Times or CNN that there is some report on the next step the Army is going to take against ISIS. Back in WWII this would not happen! Loose lips sink ships and all that.

Should we be pressuring our government to stop publicly disclosing our military strategies?

As soldiers, we are told to maintain OPSEC/INFOSEC with our social media and public presence, but is all this effort for naught when the media is doing such a great job at announcing our next moves?

Vote and comment below

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 8:57 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 20:57:36 -0500

I think the media often goes way too far, SPC Lukas Jones. I voted for a blackout/embargo/gag order, but I would limit that to ongoing operations and anything that could aid the enemy. I swear I've seen anchors on CNN (and other channels) ask questions like this: "Well, General Expert ... That attempt by the enemy or the terrorists was foiled by U.S. forces, but what could the enemy have done to succeed? What would it take?" And then the expert and the journalist will talk about weaknesses in the U.S. "armor." I find that just plain wrong. Regardless of freedom of speech.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 20 at 2015 9:09 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 21:09:01 -0500

I agree that media tends to go too far in reporting the news. I believe we need to practice better OPSEC in what we release to the news media and when they scream freedom of the press the reply is for national security reasons we cannot answer or something along those lines but do not say no comment. I take offense with the second option it is America not 'Murcia.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Feb 20 at 2015 10:46 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 22:46:06 -0500

The media normally doesn't have access to classified information. Unless it's a case of leaked information (which it rarely is), the media is just reporting something because the government wants them to. Putting censorship on the media is therefore rather pointless.

For example, the news story about the potential Mosul attack is actually coming from CENTCOM. No use in blaming the media for reporting what CENTCOM is putting out to the public:

http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/20/middleeast/iraq-isis/

I'm guessing the military in this case would prefer ISIS to know there will be an attack, and they hope that they will leave the city prior to the attack. Whether that's wise or not is up to debate, but either way, there's no point in blaming the media for reporting what the military is putting out for the public already.

Official: Iraqi troops plan Mosul offensive in spring - CNN.com

Up to 25,000 Iraqi troops are expected to try retaking Mosul from ISIS in April or May, a U.S. official said.

Response by LCpl Mark Sims made Feb 20 at 2015 10:50 PM

LCpl Mark Sims — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 22:50:52 -0500

Yes I think the media has over stepped there bonds. They have cable as well. Stop showing everything.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2015 4:29 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 04:29:29 -0500

The media should not be on a blackout unless they participate in seditious activities. I don't know what specifics you are listing in particular but from what I see, the media does a good job of not dropping the ball so to speak. And, if they do, it would be because one of us have them information. It's human. If the military doesn't talk to the media, they are going to find someone to talk to, with our without you, and when that happens, the story could turn into who knows what. media - double edged sword. Does that help?

As far as social media, Joe is the worst when it comes to blaming an OPSEC violation. Not the media.