At any given command, who typically serves as the command spokesman and media liaison?

The role of a Public Affairs Officer is central to a command's communication strategy. As the command spokesman and media liaison, the Public Affairs Officer is responsible for managing the flow of information between the command and the public, including the media. This entails preparing statements, responding to media inquiries, and ensuring that the command’s messages are conveyed effectively and accurately. Their training equips them to handle situations that require swift and clear communication, making them the point of contact for external communications.

The Chief of Information and related entities may provide overarching guidance and policy, but it is the Public Affairs Officer who typically engages directly with the media and serves as the face of the command in communication matters. This distinction highlights the practical, hands-on approach that Public Affairs Officers take in day-to-day operations.