U.S. Army Community Relations - Outreach

The Army Story

Your understanding of the Army and our missions is an integral part of our nation's security. We want to ensure we provide you with the information and assistance you need to become educated about your Army. Because the Army is an extension of the American public, we encourage you to become active advocates for the Army and our Soldiers by telling the Army story.

Download the Telling the Army Story toolkit:

There are countless individuals and organizations who have stepped forward to support our Soldiers, Veterans and their Families over the last decade. They are part of the Army Story, too. We now have a "Friends of The Army" blog about issues affecting our Soldiers, Veterans and their Families where we highlight those individuals, organizations and communities who are assisting and providing support to our Army Family. You may read more at our blog.

Community organizations help tell our story as well. Veterans' service organizations (VSOs) and military service organizations (MSOs) have taken on the integral mission of caring for our Soldiers and their Families. Our VSOs and MSOs provide tremendous support and are our advocates before Congress, third-party spokespeople, grassroots influencers to communities, and the nurturing hand standing behind those in uniform every day.

Our Community Relations team works closely with VSOs and MSOs to provide regularly scheduled briefs to their national organizational representatives to learn more about current Army programs and initiatives from Army Senior Leaders.

To find out more about a VSO or MSO providing support in your local community near check out www.ourmilitary.mil or the National Resource Directory www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov.

For more information you may visit the following links:

U.S. Army Field Band

Since its formation in March 1946, the Field Band has appeared in all fifty states and in more than thirty countries on four continents. The organization's four performing components, the Concert Band, the Soldiers' Chorus, the Jazz Ambassadors, and the Volunteers, each travel over 100 days annually. Tours include formal public concerts, school assemblies, educational outreach programs, festivals, and radio and television appearances. Each concert by the Musical Ambassadors is sponsored by local media, or service organizations and businesses with media support. The sponsor provides a suitable concert site and conducts a publicity campaign designed to fill the venue. Transportation, meals, and lodging are paid by the Department of the Army. To learn more about The United States Army Field Band or request a performing component visit the U.S. Army Field Band website, contact 301-677-6586 or E-mail: field.band@us.army.mil.

Joint Civilian Orientation Conference

To further facilitate an understanding of the Army, we support the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC). The JCOC is a week-long multi-service orientation program for civilian public opinion leaders who have limited knowledge of national defense issues. Participants attend briefings in the Pentagon given by some of the most senior military and civilian leaders of the Department of Defense. Participants then travel to the field to experience what it's like to be in the military " observing exercises, firing weapons, and participating in training. To learn more about JCOC, click here.

JCOC Testimonials

"It was an honor and privilege to be a part of this group and get the opportunity to see our men and women in the military up close. They are truly amazing young men and women and reinforcing our country is in great hands."
Kent Fortune, JCOC 84

"The week was just plain life changing."
Mike Yonker, JCOC 84

Army Community Events

Date

Event

April 2, 2013

Month of the Military Child Kickoff Event

Ft. Buchanan, PR

April 5, 2013

Art Exhibit

Ft. Belvoir, VA - Youth Center

April 12, 2013

All Day

Purple Up for Military Kids

Alexandria, Va

COMREL Calendar of Events »

Mission Statement

Connecting you with your Army

The Community Relations Division, headquartered at the Pentagon, communicates Soldiers' stories by directly engaging a wide spectrum of businesses, organizations, and local community and education leaders to bring the American people closer to the Soldiers who serve them.