Wartime Press Censorship by the U.S. Armed Forces

This study is an analysis of historical factors which form the basis for past U. S. wartime press censorship by the U. S. armed forces and the significance these factors have on future U. S. military operations. These factors are: the relative success of past voluntary and involuntary censorship and press restrictions, the effects of evolving technology on censorship, and the recurring debate over censorship which preceded each of our conflicts. The analysis shows an evolution of wartime press censorship from the colonial era to the Panama intervention, Operation Just Cause, and traces in depth the following conclusions: improvement in news gathering technology initially resulted in the perception that reporting from theaters of war must be formally restricted to protect operational security and America's tradition of press freedom and the "people's right to know" have now outweighed the need for formal protection of operational security. The study concludes that technology, Congressional reluctance to curb the news media, and the desire of the armed forces to inspire confidence and trust have combined to eliminate censorship organization and procedures from U. S. military planning, force structure, and capabilities.