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Air Force: 'Media embeds, media base visits, and interviews are suspended until further notice'

'There are no changes at Fort Hood in our operations at this moment. Media outlets will continue to enjoy the access we provide until or unless we are told differently," according to Fort Hood officials.

The U.S. Air Force is suspending media interviews, media base visits and embeds until further notice, this according to a March 1 memo listing Public Affairs Guidance.

The memo, listed as For Official Use Only, said it aims to align with the new National Defense Strategy. The National Defense Strategy was issued by the Department of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and the document aims to increase operational security.

The memo states "Media embeds, media base visits, and interviews are suspended until further notice. Limited exceptions may be approved by SAF/PA."

There are exceptions to the restrictions, but stories like human interest pieces and features need to be approved by higher headquarters.

Central Texas Congressman John Carter said it is about striking a balance. In a statement to Channel 6, he said "Striking a balance between national security and transparency with the public is a difficult task for those whose sole duty is to keep the American people safe. Adequate training for public information and media relations personnel is critical to keep the lines of communication open while protecting sensitive information.”

The Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Representative Mac Thornberry said the following:

" Any Public Affairs Officer must strike a careful balance between protecting sensitive information and the transparency and accountability that makes our system and our society so special. Additional training and education of PAOs may be useful, but the answer is not to shut off the public’s access to information while that is underway. Public support for our defense efforts depends on a public that understands the threats and what our military personnel are working to accomplish. They gain that understanding largely through the media.”

Channel 6 issued a request to Fort Hood as well. Officials responded:

"There are no changes at Fort Hood in our operations at this moment. Media outlets will continue to enjoy the access we provide until or unless we are told differently."

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