Headline: “Drug dependent, heavily armed, highly trained combat veteran…” what are readers to think? Why these phrases when covering crimes committed by veterans? Yet, veterans are often portrayed as victims or sympathetic characters, deserving of special treatment. Moreover, some stories portray veterans as national heroes for bravery in combat. Are these three simplified caricatures accurate within the context of military culture? How truthfully can a reporter cover veterans’ issues without understanding the culture and experiences veterans share?
Military cultural competence includes understanding both tangible and intangible facets of military culture, including learned patterns of human behavior. It exists in the mind, in language, social structures, and in the valued material objects. Prior research suggests that to comprehend the behaviors of individuals within an organization which extends to the organization itself, an understanding of the deep underlying assumptions that encompass the abstract concept of organizational culture is required. Those who serve in the military develop a culture based on shared, often traumatic experiences, rooted in the work of serving and defending their country.
Both the public and policymakers develop opinions and make decisions about veterans and their issues based on media coverage. Accurate information regarding veterans and the issues they face while making the transition to civilian status has become increasingly important following the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite the drawdown of troops in these areas, the issues will not become less prevalent. Our research contributes to the body of knowledge of how media stories are developed and reported about veterans and veterans’ issues.
Via in-depth interviews and surveys, we will learn how journalists view, research, obtain information, gain understanding and report about veterans. What are journalists doing to ensure they have the knowledge and insight to create informed and accurate reports regarding veterans and veterans’ issues?
About the presentersCynthia Louise Hogle
Ms. Hogle deployed as a civilian to Iraq and Afghanistan where she worked on civil-military teams with the Department of State and Department of Army.
Currently a Ph.D. student at The University of Kansas, she has a BA from California State University, Northridge and an MPA from Harvard University. She trained at the U.S. Army and Training and Doctrine Command and at the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Institute.
SEE cynthialhogle.com
Steven A. Boylan
Multiple overseas assignments as a Public Affairs Officer in the U. S. Army including Iraq, Japan, and Korea. Senior advisor and spokesperson for multiple senior military leaders. Extensive work with the media and strategic communications. Retired Colonel.
Associate Professor of Leadership, Public Affairs professional, Public Relations, Strategic Communications, Spokesperson for senior military leaders, Inter and Intra-Agency coordination, national and international governmental communications. Conducts qualitative and quantitative research. Published in peer reviewed journals. Doctoral student (ABD).