Army Public Affairs Officer?

T

tigers06

5-Year Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2013
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My apologies if this is in the wrong section.

But is there anyone out there who either has experience or could tell me more about the Public Affairs Officer job? I'm a freshman in AROTC and majoring in Journalism. I'm also a good speaker and a peoples person, so I figured Public Affairs would be the perfect branch for me. I really don't know much about it though, so I was hoping to get some insight from you guys.

Thank you!
 
It's a Functional Area, not really a branch. Functional Areas become available as a CPT.
 
That is correct, and it doesn't matter which branch you initially go into. Here is a link to some good information
http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/aroffjobs/blpa.htm
You have a long way to go before you need to worry about this job though. And as a broadcast journalism major who served as an infantry and signal officer the skills you learn as a journalism major will help you be an effective communicator no matter what branch you serve in.
 
Thanks for the replies. Clarkson, true I do have awhile to go before I really need to start worrying about it, but never too early to start exploring my potential options.

I really have a huge interest in journalism, so I am hoping to put my journalism "skills" to use in the Army (I'm only looking to serve 4-8 years, then get out and pursue journalism in the civilian world). Are there any branches that would be a bit more specifically geared towards Journalism?
 
clarksonarmy said:
That is correct, and it doesn't matter which branch you initially go into. Here is a link to some good information
http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/aroffjobs/blpa.htm
You have a long way to go before you need to worry about this job though. And as a broadcast journalism major who served as an infantry and signal officer the skills you learn as a journalism major will help you be an effective communicator no matter what branch you serve in.
Click to expand...

Well, that explains your excellent blog: http://goldenknightbattalion.wordpress.com/
 
Most people in AROTC will never use their degree, you will have to come to terms with that. After a quick google search, around 50% (not 100% sure on the source though) of PAO is in the reserves so that makes AD public affairs even harder to get and as everyone else said it doesn't open up till later in your career.

Come to grips with serving in a different branch or you will be disappointed.
 
Aw shucks...

Tigers...AG branch is the human resources branch of the Army. In that branch you will do a lot of writing (awards, evaluations). In the signal corps there is a remote possibility of working in a journalism environment. I would also encourage you to be open minded. Serving in the infantry or the military intelligence branch will give you plenty of subject matter when you get ready to write your first novel.

Talk to your cadre, prior service cadets, and do research online to learn more about the opportunities available.
 
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