communications media, such as twisted-pair wire,
coaxial cable or fiberoptic cable that connects the nodes.
A LAN gives you the capability of transferring data,
files, programs, and so on, from one PC to another or
even from one LAN to another. You can transfer a report
or listing to any printer you desire on the network. By
connecting your PC into a LAN system, you can execute
application programs stored on the server’s hard disk
without having to worry about disk space or keeping
track of diskettes. You can exchange files and programs
with other users directly without copying them onto a
diskette.
Further information regarding LANs can be found
in the Data Processing Technician Second Class manual.
CONCLUSION
Managing a public affairs office is an undertaking
that requires thorough planning, personnel training and
an in-depth knowledge of the public affairs field.
Although there are many qualities a senior JO must
have, self-reliance certainly ranks as one of the most
important if he is to be the office manager and trusted
assistant to the PAO. Why place so much emphasis on
self-reliance? There are numerous situations in which
you will find yourself on your own. When a problem
arises, you have to solve it by yourself. You will not have
the time to seek the advise or approval of the PAO or
some other officer. You will have to make your own
decisions, relying entirely on your own judgment. A
self-reliant JO is one who can adapt himself to any
situation. If unforeseen circumstances develop, you
must use your own initiative and imagination to get the
job done.
Armed with a knowledge of the tools of com-
munication and of the public affairs problems of the
command, and using a large measure of common sense
in concert with the management techniques discussed in
this chapter, you should be able to administer a public
affairs office in a professional manner. Insist that every
project and piece of correspondence that leaves the
office be professional in content and appearance. That
means letter-perfect copy, professionally assembled
project folders, news clips that are professionally
mounted and identified and, of course, high-quality
news releases and photographs. Output is judged by the
media, by the officer in command and his staff and by
other professionals on the quality of what public affairs
personnel produce and not on what they say they can
produce. Professional standards are hard to maintain,
but they are essential in maintaining the professional
integrity of an office.
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