Let those who wish to be heard be heard. This is the democratic approach to expressing opinions. However, the validity of a direct statement does not necessarily imply the validity of the opposite principle. Moreover, by the same democratic standards, what is permissible for an ordinary citizen (in our case, omitting information at the desired moment) may be considered inappropriate for an official. In other words, whether or not a manager wants to make public the principles of his or her management style, whether or not he or she wants to communicate with the press, or whether or not he or she dislikes the press, these are no longer the manager's exclusive prerogatives. The public, despite the fact that this may still seem controversial to some, has the right to receive information. Naturally, this information should not be classified. It is clear that the state and its agencies can and should have their own secrets and professional secrets. However, this is not the focus of this discussion.

Recently, for some inexplicable reason, some military leaders have begun to view the press's requests for information as a manifestation of mere curiosity, almost on a personal level. This perception is accompanied by a corresponding reaction on their part. In private conversations with their superiors, one may encounter a simple and blunt "Get lost!" However, when dealing with official requests, the forms of refusal have become standardized. The goal is to ensure that the refusal is presented in a polite and well-structured manner within a reasonable timeframe. If the request is simply ignored, it is considered a failure. This is the highest level of bureaucratic skill, when you are not denied, but you are not allowed to "access the body." They will discuss and negotiate with you for an indefinite amount of time, but the outcome will be the same as in the previous two cases, and there will be no result. The reader, radio listener, or television viewer will not receive the information they need. However, it is well known that providing information about the reform of the Armed Forces is an integral part of the transformation process. The leadership of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation constantly draws attention to the importance of comprehensive and timely coverage of reforms carried out in the army and navy. At the same time, the top officials themselves appear in the media, including in our magazine "Orientir".

By the way, our magazine, being the basic publication of the Ministry of Defense, strives to provide comprehensive coverage of the Armed Forces' activities and address all issues related to the military. Naturally, we do not ignore the shortcomings and provide unedited materials. Recently, the editorial board has prepared three special issues of "Orientir" dedicated to military reform and the counter-terrorism operation in Chechnya. The special issues of the magazine were authored by the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation and his deputies, the commanders-in-chief of the branches and types of troops, districts, and fleets, prominent state and public figures, military scientists, and specialists. In this context, the position of those leaders who avoid communicating with the press is not entirely clear.

Let's add to this a very serious circumstance. If information is not released "to the public" from competent sources, in a civilized, so to speak, legitimate form, this does not mean that a vacuum is formed in the information field. By definition, there can be no such situation. In fact, no matter how much you close your eyes and ears to your child, it still learns that it does not owe its birth to cabbage. I don't think it needs to be explained who would be better at providing the necessary education to your child - you or his/her "street buddies." It's important to understand that information is like water, which is difficult to hold back. In fact, it's unnecessary. It's much easier and more effective to shape the flow into the desired form.

We will not appeal to the regulations governing freedom of speech in our now democratic society. For the military audience, it is appropriate to once again remind them of the Ministry of Defense's respect for the media and its requirement for broad and comprehensive coverage of the reform process and all aspects related to the Russian Armed Forces. It is unfortunate when such basic principles are not fully understood by certain officials. As a result, the public receives inaccurate information, which leads to a distorted public opinion, and the unfortunate "genie in the bottle" may become a hostage or potential victim. Therefore, those who want to hear should listen. However, those who have something to say should speak up.

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