The five Public Affairs core competencies are directly linked to the Air Force Core Competencies. The core competencies provide the Public Affairs triad with the vision to integrate information into operations at home and in an expeditionary role. The core competencies are supported by five key processes and process improvements constituting the way the Air Force conducts Public Affairs.

These five competencies are:
· Trusted Counsel to Leaders
· Airman Morale and Readiness
· Public Trust and Support
· Global Influence and Deterrence
· Public Affairs Readiness

Visual Information is information in the form of visual representations of persons, places, and/or things. VI professionals create, develop record, assemble, and enhance visual and audio data into meaningful information. VI includes still photography, motion photography, audio, video, computer-based products, and graphics. VI excludes alphabetic, symbolic, or coded data. VI production is the process of structuring data from two or more media into a cohesive linear or non-linear format or product according to a plan or a script.

VI materials generated or acquired by Air Force members, employees, or contractors in conducting official duties are the property of the United States Air Force. Personal use of VI materials for sale or any other reason not directly related to an official Air Force activity is prohibited. Use of personally-owned or self-help equipment requires users to adhere to operational security, PA, historical archiving, and information security guidelines. All military-related VI must be reviewed and approved by PA prior to public release.