This publication, Army Regulation AR 360-1 The Army Public Affairs Program 8 December 2017, is a major revision that provides guidelines for command and public information, including information released to the media, and community relations programs intended for internal and external audiences with interest in the U.S. Army. This revision also defines the staff relationship of the public affairs officer; identifies public affairs as an inherently governmental function; requires commanders to appoint a unit public affairs representative to any unit that is not supported by a designated public affairs officer; updates policies for Army musical support; and adds official and unofficial Web site publishing guidance. Applicability. This regulation applies to the active Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve, unless otherwise stated. It also applies to civilian employees of the Department of the Army. Overseas commanders are responsible for the conduct of public affairs activities within their commands and will be guided by the policies of the Department of the Army and of the commanders of unified commands. In the event of conflict, the policies of the unified command will govern. During mobilization, chapters and policies in this regulation may be modified by the proponent. Proponent and exception authority. The proponent of this regulation is the Chief, Public Affairs. The proponent has the authority to approve exceptions or waivers to this regulation that are consistent with controlling law and regulations. The proponent may delegate this approval authority, in writing, to a division chief within the proponent agency or its direct reporting unit or field operating agency, in the grade of colonel or the civilian equivalent. Activities may request a waiver to this regulation by providing justification that includes a full analysis of the expected benefits and must include formal review by the activity's senior legal officer. All waiver requests will be endorsed by the commander or senior leader of the requesting activity and forwarded through their higher headquarters to the policy proponent. Refer to AR 25-30 for specific guidance. Army internal control process. This regulation contains management control provisions and identifies key management controls that must be evaluated (see appendix L). Supplementation. Supplementation of this regulation and establishment of command and local forms are prohibited without prior approval from the Chief, Public Affairs (SAPA-ZA), 1500 Army Pentagon, Washington, DC 20310-1500.