Unit Public Affairs Representative (UPAR) Appointment Memorandum (UPAR)
The Unit Public Affairs Representative (UPAR) appointment memorandum is an AR 25-50 compliant memorandum used to formally designate a Soldier or DA Civilian to serve as the unit's Unit Public Affairs Representative (UPAR). It documents the appointee, references AR 360-1 (The Army Public Affairs Program), and is signed by the commander.
Generate UPAR Appointment Memo Free →Regulation reference
When is the UPAR memo needed?
Most Army units appoint a Unit Public Affairs Representative (UPAR) (UPAR) when a new commander takes charge, when the previous appointee PCSes, ETSes, or is reassigned, or when the unit's mission set changes in a way that requires renewed appointment. The memo is also required for unit inspections — including CIP, CCIR, and command climate reviews — where the AR 360-1 program is evaluated.
The appointment memorandum is the foundational document that establishes the appointee's authority under AR 360-1. Without a current, signed appointment memo on file, the unit's Unit Public Affairs Representative (UPAR) program is non-compliant — even if the appointee has all required training certificates. Inspectors will look for: a signed memo with current date, a grade that meets E-5 or O-1 minimum, and training/certification documents matching the appointee on the memo.
On EvalMe, the UPAR memo is one of 39 AR 25-50 templates that auto-cites the correct regulation, uses the proper format, and integrates with your unit's address book and signature blocks.
Required training for UPAR
Documentation required on file
- Appointment memo signed by commander
- ATIS Learning UPAR Course completion certificate
- OPSEC training certificate
- Unit social media plan (if applicable)
- Coordination records with installation PAO
What inspectors look for
Verify UPAR Course completion within 60 days of appointment. Verify OPSEC training current. Review unit social media activity for compliance with AR 360-1 and AR 530-1. Verify coordination with installation PAO on news releases. Check that releasable information has been cleared.
Additional notes
Guard UPARs coordinate with state J-9 and state PAO. State active duty missions may have different PA coordination requirements.
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EvalMe drafts AR 25-50 compliant appointment memorandums with the correct regulation citation, address block, and signature line — free, no credit card.
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