“Loose lips sink ships.” 

The phrase spearheaded a campaign to keep military members from revealing sensitive information during World War II. In fact, it was so effective the phrase still means something to many Americans 65 years later.

Keeping operational secrets from the enemy is still vital today, but Air Force public affairs professionals find themselves fighting on a new battlefield. The enemy on this frontline is misinformation.

As part of an exercise, American Forces Network Misawa reporters posing as members of the local Japanese media "ambushed" 35th Fighter Wing public affairs officer Capt. John Redfield on May 18.

“As part of your training, do you learn to kill innocent civilians?” a mock reporter asked.
 
In the same way the enemy uses roadside improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers, they have learned to use the media as a weapon. They send out propaganda in an effort to sway public opinion.

“Absolutely not,” Captain Redfield said, dispelling the idea the Air Force intentionally targets non-combatants.

Just as effective as misinformation, terrorists use American media sources to gather information for combat operations. In the days following 9/11, a police raid in London uncovered an unexpected prize: a copy of “the Al-Qaeda manual” was found among seized items. Translated and released by the Department of Justice in December 2001, the manual outlines terrorist tactics.

A particularly revealing excerpt from the manual states, “Using this public source openly and without resorting to illegal means, it is possible to gather at least 80 percent of information about the enemy. It is possible to gather information through newspapers, magazines, books, periodicals, official publications and enemy broadcasts.”

“Terrorists use the media as a tool,” said Master Sgt. Brad Sprague of the public affairs staff. "It’s our goal to release very accurate information in a timely manner.”

Effectively providing that information just took a step up in priority. On May 1, 2006,  the American Forces Information Service released a story announcing the creation of the joint public affairs support element. The goal is “operationalizing public affairs as a combat capability," against propaganda.

The plan is to fight the enemy by providing truthful information.

“And if these reports are coming out, why do you deny them?” the mock reporter asked the captain. 

“Because they are not true,” he said.

The war on terror rages on the battlefield of information now more than ever.

“If you have specific instances, specific reports of what you’re talking about -- I’m glad to give you a better answer,” the captain told the press.

The media training  may have as much value as a precise weapons strike in the long run. Meanwhile, Al-Qaeda continues to watch and listen.

Terrorists wait for the next opportunity to send false information or gain intelligence on American troops. They do this by using public sources like radio, television and newspapers.

Likewise, public affairs officers wait for their next chance to deter enemy propaganda efforts and hand them their next defeat.