Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2004. From the Media Reference Guide, a laminated card listing approved responses to journalists' questions, issued by the Pentagon to American soldiers in Afghanistan:

Command Messages

United by the memory of Sept. 11's heroes and victims, we are a nation determined to win the war against terrorism.

To defend against future attacks, the best defense against the nexus of anti-American regimes, weapons of mass destruction, and terrorist organizations is a strong offense.

The best way to honor the memory of those who died on Sept. 11 is to be doing what we were sent here to do . . . take the fight to the enemy in the field and hunt down the terrorists.

We will be here until the job is done.

Our coalition partners are doing an outstanding job and are an integral part of CJTF180 operations.

The Afghan people have suffered for decades under several regimes and near constant warfare. We are helping the Afghan people help themselves to develop a safe and stable environment so that they can rebuild their country.

Points to Remember When Being Interviewed

Be confident, relaxed, and professional.

Be concise; formulate your answer BEFORE you speak.

Protect the record. Correct "facts" if you know them to be incorrect.

Above all, PORTRAY A POSITIVE IMAGE.