Legal Definitions - AFIS

AFIS stands for the American Forces Information Service.

The American Forces Information Service (AFIS) was a U.S. Department of Defense organization responsible for providing information to military personnel, their families, and the general public. Its primary role was to ensure that service members and their communities were well-informed about military policies, news, and events, while also managing the public's understanding of military operations and initiatives. AFIS achieved this through various media, including print, broadcast, and digital platforms, often focusing on morale, welfare, and recreation.

Here are some examples of how AFIS operated:

• Example 1: Disseminating Policy Updates to Service Members

  Imagine the Department of Defense implemented a new policy regarding educational benefits for veterans. AFIS would have been responsible for creating clear, concise informational materials—such as brochures, website articles, or internal broadcast segments—to ensure that all active-duty personnel and their families understood the changes and how to access these new benefits. This illustrates AFIS's role in internal communication and keeping service members informed about critical policies affecting their lives.

• Example 2: Providing News and Entertainment to Overseas Troops

  During the Cold War, U.S. military personnel stationed in remote outposts across Europe or Asia often felt disconnected from home. AFIS would have managed the broadcasting of American news, sports, and entertainment programs through the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) to these locations. This helped maintain morale by providing a sense of connection to American culture and current events, demonstrating AFIS's function in supporting the welfare and morale of troops through information and entertainment.

• Example 3: Managing Public Information During a Major Military Exercise

  If the U.S. military conducted a large-scale international training exercise, AFIS would have played a key role in managing public information. This could involve preparing press releases, coordinating media briefings, and developing fact sheets for journalists and the public to explain the exercise's purpose, scope, and impact. This shows AFIS's responsibility for public affairs and ensuring accurate and consistent information about military activities was communicated to a broader audience.