DoD Launches Expanded Communications for Servicemembers
April 27, 2004

The Department of Defense announced today that it is expanding its internal communications efforts with two initiatives during National Military Appreciation Month in May 2004. An electronic version of the Stars and Stripes newspaper will be available for downloading at no cost beginning on May 1, while the Pentagon Channel, the departments news and information television service, will become available to all U.S. military installations on May 14.

Making the electronic Stars and Stripes available world-wide allows servicemembers to view exact replica copies of the newspapers European, Pacific and Mideast editions, providing timely theater news and information for and about deployed forces. For the first time, servicemembers in the United States have access to this online newspaper, where the hardcopy newspaper is not printed.

The electronic version of the newspaper is available online at http://estripes.osd.mil .

The Pentagon Channel will begin its expanded service with a live broadcast from the May 14 Armed Forces Day opening ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. A portion of the live coverage will include remarks by senior military and civilian leadership.

The Pentagon Channels daily programming will strengthen DoDs commitment to keeping Americas 2.6 million active duty, National Guard and Reserve servicemembers the best informed military in the world. Previously available only in the Pentagon and through the American Forces Radio and Television Service for servicemembers assigned overseas, the Pentagon Channel now will also be distributed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to military installations in all 50 states via a domestic satellite. DoD is also offering the Pentagon Channel to all cable and satellite providers.

Information on how to receive the Pentagon Channel via satellite, cable or the worldwide web is at http://pentagonchannel.mil .