Starting a public relations career in the military

Public relations seems like a fascinating field, and I'm wondering how I could pursue such a career within the military. What are the typical job expectations and paths to get there?

A career in public relations is indeed diverse and exciting, and when pursued within the military, it brings unique opportunities and challenges. To fulfill such a career, you could consider joining any branch of the U.S. military as a Public Affairs Officer (PAO). PAOs serve as the principal spokespersons and communication advisors, playing a critical role in fostering public trust and support for the military's missions.

Typically PAOs are responsible for managing and directing the public affairs programs. This includes being in charge of unit communication strategy, media relations, community outreach, social media, and other high-profile public events. A big part of their job is to ensure that public messaging aligns with the organization's strategy, goals, and mission.

To become a PAO in the military, you often need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field like journalism, public relations, communications, or marketing. Given the nature of military communications, a background/coursework in political science or international relations could also be beneficial.

Next, you'd need to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS), depending on the branch of the military you're joining. This is where you'd receive leadership training and learn about military customs and courtesies.

After your commission and basic leadership training, you would likely attend a further specialized training course specifically for Public Affairs. For example, the U.S. Army offers the Public Affairs Qualification Course at the Defense Information School in Maryland.

Once you've completed these steps, you would be assigned as a PAO on a military base, at a command headquarters, at a deployed location, or potentially even in a country's embassy. From there, you can develop your career by gaining experience, taking on more complex assignments, and pursuing ongoing education—ranging from communication strategy to crisis management.

Remember, while it may sound exciting, the job requires a high level of adaptability, resilience, and dedication, as you might find yourself dealing with crises, hostile environments, or challenging public queries. But on the bright side, it brings unparalleled opportunities to travel, gain new perspectives, and make a meaningful impact through communication. Good luck!