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

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.

Job training for a Army Public Affairs Mass Communication Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 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. 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