American Forces Network

The American Forces Network is the broadcast service operated by the United States Armed Forces' American Forces Radio and Television Service for its entertainment and command internal information networks worldwide. The AFN worldwide radio and television broadcast network serves American servicemen and women, Department of Defense and other U.S. government civilians and their families stationed at bases overseas, as well as U.S. Navy ships at sea. AFN broadcasts popular American radio and television programs from the major U.S. networks. It is sometimes referred to as the Armed Forces Network. AFRTS, American Forces Network and AFN are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Defense. It is based at Fort George G. Meade in Maryland.OrganizationThe American Forces Network is the operational arm of the American Forces Radio and Television Service, an office of the Defense Media Activity . AFN falls under the operational control of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs . Editorial control is by the Department of Defense, whereas the British Forces Broadcasting Service , for example, is independent of the Ministry of Defence and the British armed forces.AFN employs military broadcasters as well as Department of Defense civilians and contractors. Service personnel hold broadcasting occupational specialties for their military branch.