Quite often in the Public Relations world staff is directed to turn product around immediately, the thought being that timing is everything and the faster audiences are engaged the better.

Folks, I'm going to fill you in on a little secret -- STRATCOMM (strategic communications) is and has always been a product of your Public Relations/Public Affairs efforts ... or should be.

It's the principle reason your organization has an internal PR/PA division, to ensure communications objectives are met. Generally speaking they exist to educate and influence target audience opinion so as to garner positive support for products, policies, "name brand" recognition, and credibility.

There are several media-related tools businesses and organizations use to help enhance “name brand” recognition or publicize key messages related to products, programs or services.

Afghanistan in transition

By G. A. Volb

Back in 2008 when I touched down for the first time in Afghanistan I began spending quite a lot of time covering the coalition effort on the ground training the Afghan National Security Force -- the national army and police. The vast majority of that training was being conducted by members of the 3o-plus nations who provided trainers.

Afghans risk lives for education

By G. A. Volb

KABUL, Afghanistan – The dingy-yellow structure sat 50-feet off the main highway with two stories of classrooms darkened due to a lack of light fixtures – heavily-armed guards patrolled the grounds protecting grade schoolers attending the school.

From the windows peered the faces of children, preteen and older, girls and boys, all willing to risk their lives for a better future through education. The local Afghan National Civil Order Police contingent, willing to do its part to ensure the school’s success, arrived with thousands of dollars worth of school supplies.