The Media Relations section of the Public Affairs Office assists members of the news media in reporting on JBLM, ensuring the American public has access to the information they need to understand the military's role in the community, in support of the nation and in the world.
The Media Relations section is responsible for:
- Releasing information, arranging interviews, responding to media inquiries and coordinating access to the installation for news media representatives,
- Inviting reporters to significant events that highlight missions, programs or issues of interest to the public,
- Providing media awareness and media engagement training to members of the JBLM community.
Reporting on JBLM
High-profile military missions, high-tech military equipment, high-intensity training opportunities, innovative installation and family support programs and easy access from Portland and Seattle are among the many reasons local, national and international news organizations regularly cover activities at JBLM.
Media office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, Pacific time. Call 253-967-0158.
For urgent issues after duty hours, call the JBLM Watch Office at 253-967-0015, and ask for the Public Affairs Officer on call.
Media Escort Requirements
JBLM is a closed military installation. For security reasons and per installation access rules, members of the media conducting news-gathering activites on base must be escorted by Public Affairs. For invited events, media should RSVP in accordance with the instructions provided in the news release to coordinate a Public Affairs escort onto the installation.
For other stories, news media representatives may request assistance from the Media Relations section. Requests are granted when service and DOD regulations allow and resources are available.
Service members and military family members who are interested in engaging the media are encouraged to contact Public Affairs for assistance. If the story is of limited official interest, we may suggest meeting with the reporter off base where a Public Affairs escort is not required.
For stories not related to the subject's military affiliation, Public Affairs can generally provide an escort onto the installation only if the story cannot be adequately reported without such access.
*Please note:
Public Affairs does not facilitate "reaction" stories (stories seeking service member or military family member reactions to issues of current interest or events) and "person-on-the-street" interviews. Reporters may solicit military personnel and their families for their reactions to current events via other means, but we will not use military resources to provide an escort onto the installation for these types of stories.
Possession of a military-issued ID card or visitor pass does not constitute permission to conduct newsgathering activities on any part of the installation – including family housing – without a Public Affairs escort. Pass-holders and/or the visitor's military sponsor may be held responsible if a pass or military ID is misused.
News releases and stories on JBLM News
JBLM News is a communications tool that helps the garrison commander provide the JBLM community with news and information about the Joint Base. JBLM News strikes a strong balance between all military forces located on the installation. News releases, stories and imagery from various military and DOD civilian contributors are routinely published to JBLM News.