INTRODUCTION As we approach the tenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, it is surprising and somewhat disconcerting that the United States is still struggling with how to employ strategic communication (SC). Many believe that the main reason the United States is losing the global war of ideas and the war on terrorism itself is directly related to its inability to communicate effectively and XX. Gains in the war on terrorism will not come from kinetic actions alone. “To be successful it is important that our messages are coordinated, rapid and credible. They must speak to the consciences of people around the world." Unfortunately, the US military has not had much success in this field. There is much work to be done to improve SC efforts within the Department of Defense (DoD). Operational leaders appreciate that the SC is a critical element in achieving victory in current and future conflicts, but continue to struggle with how to employ the SC given the lack of doctrine. A look at combatant commands shows that “many different approaches to SC are used, with mixed results. The processes are often very different and the integration into the planning process is not consistent.” Operational planners recognize that SC is a necessary element of planning, but are unsure how to plan for it. Senior Department of Defense officials have determined that the use of strategic communications is a means to achieve strategic ends. The most effective way to achieve known strategic objectives is through the use of Public Affairs (PA) as a strategic communications force multiplier. This document examines the evolving nature of the SC, examines current joint doctrine to identify gaps in guidance, analyzes enforcement efforts...... middle of document ......t Force Quarterly 43, (4th Quarter 2006): 44,46.William M. Darley, “The Missing Component of US Strategic Communications,” Joint Force Quarterly 47, 4th Quarter 2007): 109.Michael G. Mullen, “Strategic Communication: Getting Back to origins,” Joint Force Quarterly 55, (fourth quarter 2009): 2.Mr. Jeffrey Gradeck, phone call with author, April 13, 2011. U.S. Department of Defense, 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) Strategic Communication (SC) Execution Roadmap, (Washington, DC: September 2006), 3. http://www.defense.gov/qdr/report/report20060203.pdf (accessed March 25, 2011).President, United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, public affairs, Joint Publication 3-61 (Washington, DC: August 25, 2010), 43.President, United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, Information Operations, Joint Publication 3-13 (Washington, DC: February 13, 2006), GL-11.Mullen, 4.