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Emergency risk communication is a crucial part responding to crises. Right now, vulnerable groups are experiencing disproportionately negative outcomes from communication missteps surrounding COVID‐19. In this commentary, we describe the missteps and outline strategies that response organizations can take to improve communication for vulnerable groups.

Countries across the globe have mobilized their armed forces in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Current contributions of armed forces have resulted from an urgent need for additional personnel and resources, and were facilitated by a framing of the crisis in terms of war. These deployments were in the interest of armed forces and enabled them to improve their operational readiness, boost their societal standing and support societies with their expertise. Even though armed forces may provide crucial aid in times of need, it is important that civilian crisis organizations are not undermined, civilian control and civil rights are guaranteed, and the effects on other military operations are considered and discussed. This Forum contribution offers some reflections and recommendations.