Africom - Mist...

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Military Information Support Team

Overview

Military Information Support Teams (MISTs) are funded by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCCOM) and support Department of State and U.S. Embassies by augmenting or broadening existing public diplomacy efforts.

The MIST’s partnerships with their respective U.S. Embassy Country Teams have demonstrated their ability to successfully provide advice and assistance to partner nations in the development of information activities. Synchronized with embassy goals and objectives and with Country Team oversight, the teams articulate USG messages by informing, clarifying and persuading foreign audiences. MISTs primarily work in coordination with partner nation agencies in support of U.S. and partner nation’s objectives, policies, interests and U.S. Africa Command Theater Security Cooperation objectives.

Deployment of a MIST to support a U.S. Embassy is initiated by a request from the U.S. Ambassador. Upon arrival of the team, the Ambassador serves as the approval authority for all disseminated products within the partner nation. Likewise, the MIST relies on the country team’s network to interface with the partner nation and receive administrative, logistic and
contracting support.

MIST activities

MISTs are trained to use a variety of diverse media platforms including local radio stations, newspapers, and various printed materials to focus attention on particular events or issues. Their overall programs are synchronized with embassy goals. These include:

-Countering violent extremist organizations’
ideology along with their recruitment and financing
efforts

-Supporting good governance and the building and
reinforcement of strong, accountable institutions

-Discouraging support for local and trans-national

-Supporting anti-smuggling/trafficking and counternarcotics media campaigns

MIST Personnel Teams typically consist of 3-8 personnel from the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Team size is scalable to the needs and requirements of the mission. Prior to their assignments, personnel receive specialized training which includes:

-Media industry training
-Advanced marketing
-Advanced graphic illustration
-Language training
-Anti-terrorism and personal protection training

Countries

MISTs have provided past support to U.S. Embassies in countries such as Ethiopia, Chad and Kenya and other nations throughout the continent. MIST Guidelines Under current funding authorities, MISTs can execute their budget to support the development of products or services in support of information
activities using various media platforms. However, below are some examples of prohibitive items that MIST budgets cannot be used for:

-Build infrastructure or purchase materials
-Scholarships or grants
-Animals or agriculture
-Furniture or electronics