Public Affairs Specialist

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.

THIS JOB REQUIRES ENLISTMENT INTO THE UNITED STATES ARMY

Job Duties

Research, prepare and disseminate news releases, articles, web-based 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 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. Youll also put together a real newspaper contributing stories and photographs.

Some of the skills youll learn are :

News, feature and sports writing and research

Newspaper design and production

Interviewing techniques

Photojournalism (photography journalism)

Public speaking

Media Relations

Education Benefits

In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses.

Future Civilian Careers

The skills you learn will help prepare you for a future with newspaper, magazines, wire services, public relations firms and radio and television stations. Youll be qualified to pursue a career as a staff writer, editor or correspondent.

Some of our benefits include :

• College tuition paid 100 percent the entire time you are employed with us
• Up to $40,000 dollar sign on bonus and / or $65,000 Student Loan Repayment.
• Up to $86,536 to go to college AFTER your service which can be used by you or split among your immediate family members (If you choose to transfer this benefit to them)
• Free housing (or your rent paid directly) and utilities 100 percent covered for you and your family
• Free Medical and Dental for you and your family
• 30 days paid vacation each year
• Free Travel.

In order to meet the minimum qualifications, you must :

Be under 35 years old

Be a US Citizen or Hold at least a green card (I-551)

Have a High School Diploma / GED

Have no major medical issues (missing limbs, mental health issues..)

Have no major law violations (sexual misconducts, domestics..)

Required qualifications :

• 17 years or older
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Background check