The Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) is a state-of-the-art, 24/7 operation owned by Defense Media Activity (DMA) that provides a timely, accurate, and reliable connection between the media around the world and the United States military serving at home and abroad. DVIDS supports the DMA’s role of keeping Department of Defense (DoD) audiences around the world informed, collecting/preserving DoD visual information records, and training the DoD’s Public Affairs and Visual Information professionals. DVIDS supports all branches of the United States military and its coalition partners serving with U.S. Forces in the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility and throughout the world.[1]
Operations
DVIDS receives public affairs and combat-camera content, including live video feeds, from a global network of portable Ku-band satellite transmitters in a hub in Atlanta, Georgia, and other geographically separated locations.[2] DVIDS provides to the media and the public videos, photographs, podcasts, audio, webcasts, interviews, and print products (e.g., publications).[3][4][5]
DVIDS currently uses Aspera software for its data and imagery transmission and storage needs.[6] The DVIDS operates DefenseTV, a military television-channel accessed through FireTV, Chromecast or Roku.[7][8] DVIDS also offers the Military 24/7 mobile app, which delivers the latest news, video, and photos from all branches of the military reported directly by deployed service members.[9] DVIDS also maintains an archive for ongoing operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.[10]
The Director of Defense Enterprise Media Systems (DEMS) is Leslie Benito. The DOD DVIDS Director is Scott Betts.[11] He reports to the Defense Media Activity, Defense Enterprise Media Systems (DEMS), at Fort Meade, MD.[11]
