Newspapers, web sites, broadcast television and radio programs are an important source of general information about people and events in the Army. They also help tell the Army story by assisting with media relations and helping to prepare other Soldiers to be interviewed.

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. Some of your duties as a Public Affairs Specialist may include:

• 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
• Collect information for commercial media use
• Write news releases, feature articles and editorials
• Conduct media training
• Work as an escort or liaison to civilian media

Job training for a Public Affairs Specialist requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 12 weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part learning hands-on how to write news stores, 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
• Media escort and interactions

Helpful skills include:

• An interest in English, journalism, communications, computers and photography
• An ability to speak clearly in front of an audience
• An ability to keep detailed and accurate records
• An ability to meet deadlines
• An interest in researching facts and issues for news stories
• An ability to write clearly and concisely
• An interest in written media and public relations

Advanced level Public Affairs Specialist provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Public Affairs Specialist, you may also be involved in:

• Provide technical guidance to subordinates
• Serve as first-line supervisor

Advanced level Public Affairs Specialist provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Public Affairs Specialist, you may be involved in:

• Combat Documentation/Production Specialist (25V)
• Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist (46R)
• Civil Affairs Specialist (38B)

Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.