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Public Affairs Specialist

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Public Affairs Specialist - 46Q


  • Active/Reserve:Both
  • Officer/Enlisted:Enlisted
  • Restrictions:None

Overview

The Army public affairs specialist participates in and assists with the supervision and administration of Army public affairs programs primarily through news releases, newspaper articles, Web-based material and photographs for use in military and civilian news media.

Job Duties

  • Research, prepare and disseminate news releases, articles, webbased material and photographs on Army personnel and activities
  • Gather information for military news programs and publications within your unit and around the Army
  • Develop ideas for news articles
  • Arrange and conduct interviews
  • Write news releases, feature articles and editorials
  • Conduct media training

    • Requirements

  • Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

    • Training

    Job training for a public affairs specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 12 weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instructions.Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field, including learning hands-on how to write news stories, operate a camera, and edit newspapers and photographs. You'll also put together a real newspaper contributing stories and photographs. Some of the skills you'll learn are:

  • News, feature and sports writing and research
  • Newspaper design and production
  • Interviewing techniques
  • Photojournalism (photography journalism)
  • Public speaking
  • Media Relations

    • Helpful Skills

  • Interest in English, journalism, communications, computers and photography
  • Ability to speak clearly in front of an audience
  • Detail oriented 
  • Enjoy researching facts and issues for news stories
  • Can write clearly and concisely

    • ASVAB

    The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is an examination that is administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. It is used to determine qualification and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

  • General Technical (GT): 107

    • Compensation

  • Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time.

    • See the whole list of Army Occupational Specialties here

    To learn more about the Army's rank structure, see our complete list of Army ranks.
    To see a list of military medals and decorations that can be earned by servicemembers in the Army and other branches of the military, see our list of military decorations and medals.