About this Unit
The Defense Media Activity (DMA) was established on October 1, 2008, consolidating several military media organizations into a single Department of Defense field activity. Its roots trace back to World War II-era military broadcasting and print services, evolving through organizations such as the American Forces Information Service, Armed Forces Radio and Television Service, and various branch-specific media outlets. DMA’s mission is to provide news, information, and entertainment to U.S. military personnel and their families worldwide, operating platforms like the American Forces Network (AFN) and Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS). Headquartered at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, DMA continues to support military readiness and morale through multimedia communication and public affairs initiatives.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The roots of the Defense Media Activity (DMA) trace back to World War II with the creation of the Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) in 1942, which provided news and entertainment to deployed troops.
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Formation of DMA: The DMA was officially activated on October 1, 2008, consolidating several military media organizations into one unit to improve efficiency and effectiveness in military communication.
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Home of American Forces Network (AFN): DMA operates the AFN, which broadcasts radio and television programming to U.S. military personnel and their families in over 170 countries and on ships at sea.
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Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS): DMA manages DVIDS, a service that distributes photos, videos, and news stories from across the Department of Defense to the public and media outlets.
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Training the Storytellers: DMA runs the Defense Information School (DINFOS) at Fort Meade, Maryland, the premier training institution for military public affairs specialists, journalists, and broadcasters.
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Preserving History: DMA maintains extensive military media archives, including historic radio broadcasts, newsreels, and photographs dating back to World War II.
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Supporting Pentagon Communications: DMA provides direct media support to the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, operating the Pentagon Channel and managing official press conferences.
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Global Reach: With headquarters at Fort Meade, Maryland, DMA’s influence and services extend worldwide, supporting every U.S. military branch and numerous deployed units.
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Innovative Technologies: DMA has pioneered the use of emerging media platforms, including web, social media, and streaming services, to engage both military and civilian audiences.
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Unique Mission Patch: The DMA's official emblem features a globe, satellite, and broadcast tower, symbolizing its global mission to inform, educate, and entertain the military community.
