Public Affairs Officers

Overview

Public Affairs Officers research, plan, budget, execute, and evaluate operations involving the public. They liaise with the news media and provide guidance to senior leaders on decisions that impact mission success.

Military Training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for public affairs officers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include :

• Department of Defense policies
• Principles of public information and community relations
• Developing communication strategies
• Media relations and community relations programs
• Speech writing and public speaking
• Military-media relations

Helpful Attributes

Related Civilian Careers