In fact, this is the toughest part of my job as a Public Affairs Officer managing communication for the Marine Corps.

As a PAO, I don’t “spin” the facts and I don’t “doctor” the news.  I tell the truth.  I have nothing to sell you; only to communicate facts and bad news doesn’t grow in a vineyard, nor does it get better with age.

My job as a PAO is to communicate factual information about the Marine Corps, good or bad to our constituents in a timely manner, while balancing your right to know with my need to survive.

As a Public Affairs Officer for the Marines, Danny is an innovative and forward-thinking executive, with a passion for leveraging effective communications to fuel employee-engagement, build community goodwill, and drive profits.

Flacco did not communicate a plan clearly to his team, thus resulting in a nearly missed hand-off leading to a 2-yard loss vice a 1-yard gain giving them a touchdown, not to mention a win over the Colts.

Lack of communication leads to loss of profits, employee disengagement, and eventually the demise of a business or organization.  But why do major corporations continue to drive their businesses into the ground?  Did you think Enron faced ruin because of finances?  I submit it was due to a lack of clear and coherent communication.

Watching CNN makes someone a professional communicator as much as watching ER makes me a medical doctor. 

The truth is, watching the news does not make you a qualified corporate communication professional. 

Strategic communication planning, preparation for crises, and continuous fostering of media and community relations are all key components of communication.  Yet, most seem to think communication is a verb that takes place only when the issue arises.  A true communication professional is one who already knows what to say, when and where to say it, and who to say it to.

Communication is a process, which if used properly will keep your employees engaged, foster valuable relationships with community leaders and members of the media, and continue to drive your profits through the roof.

As a Public Affairs Officer for the Marines, Danny is an innovative and forward-thinking executive, with a passion for leveraging effective communications to fuel employee-engagement, build community goodwill, and drive profits.

As a transitioning Marine Public Affairs Officer, I’ve found little in terms of resources geared for officers.  As such, unless you’re looking for a position as a defense contractor or to continue to serve as a civil servant, there isn’t much out there to help you make that professional transition.

While maneuvering my way through this jungle, I hope to document lessons learned and add some personal insights to help following Marines, officer or enlisted, make the right transition as efficiently as possible.

I truly believe our military retirees have strong potential in the civilian sectors of our society, yet few are willing to take that small leap of faith to hire on a military executive.  I hope to change that.

Semper fidelis and I look forward to your candid feedback.

-Danny