Technology has made the media an active and influential participant in armed conflict informing and influencing American public opinion.
Public support is crucial to military operations.
The military must address the military-media relationship since US adversaries increasingly target the US media to erode crucial public support. This research examines potential military use of the media weapon. Drawing on journal articles, technical reports, and various texts, this research examines some historical trends, addresses current and future issues, compiles some guidelines for use in modern military-media relations, and examines media considerations in current doctrine. Published doctrine is somewhat vague regarding media considerations during war execution, but fairly comprehensive considerations are found in doctrine for military operations other than war. Both general and specific doctrinal aspects are discussed.