Documents Reveal Rapid Reaction Media Team before Iraq War

In January 2003 Defense Department officials recommended creation of a "Rapid Reaction Media Team" that were obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. This is slight coverage of Govt. plans to use MSM in a war as propaganda. It's no question now the MSM is independent from Govt. influence. The use of "controlled information" and "handpicked reporters" is a clear attempt to dis-inform the public on the ground realities.

The Pentagon team would portray a "new Iraq" offering hope of a prosperous and democratic future, which would serve as a model for the Middle East. American, British, and Iraqi media experts would be hand-picked to provide "approved USG information" for the Iraqi public, while an ensuing "strategic information campaign" would be part of a "likely 1-2 years . . . transition" to a representative government. A new weekly Iraqi newspaper would feature "Hollywood" along with the news.

Defense Department planners envisioned a post-invasion Iraq where the U.S., in cooperation with a friendly Baghdad government, could monopolize information dissemination. They did not account for independent media outlets, the Internet, and all the other alternative sources of information that are available in the modern world. The U.S. media campaign has not been able to control the message - but its execution was privatized, and contracting has made it a profitable enterprise for those able to capitalize on the Pentagon's largesse.

Document 1:

U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict; and Office of the Assistant Secretary, Near East and South Asian Affairs (Special Plans) White Paper Entitled, "'Rapid Reaction Media Team' Concept;" January 16, 2003; Includes Briefing Slides.

Document 2:

U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General Audit Entitled, "Acquisition: Contracts Awarded for the Coalition Provisional Authority by the Defense Contracting Command-Washington," March 18, 2004.

Document 3:

U.S. Department of Defense, Inspector General Report Entitled, "Review of the Pre-Iraqi War Activities of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy," February 9, 2007.

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