Public Affairs Officer Reserve

About Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) are masters of communication, defending our fleet from misinformation and negative publicity. Working with Mass Communication Specialists, it is the job of PAOs to help America’s Navy shine in our nation’s spotlight, ensuring we always put our best selves forward. In an organization as large and complex as America’s Navy, it’s critically important to manage the flow of news and information for the Navy, the media and the public. Public Affairs Officers choose the best media to deliver information, respond to reporters and provide vital insight to top-level Navy decision-makers. With a growing world of digital media and lightning-fast news cycles, it’s up to you to make the right message always gets across.

Responsibilities

Supervise the writing and delivery of press releases and reports and provide information to news media and civic organizations

Brief military personnel before they meet with the public and news media and schedule and conduct news conferences

Oversee the content and production of radio and television programs, newspapers, magazines and websites

Advise the operational Commander to shape vital decisions and communications with three main audiences: media, internal Navy and the public

Manage the work of enlisted personnel, including writers, photographers, videographers and graphic designers

Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) work with Enlisted personnel in the Mass Communication Specialist (MC) rating to accomplish their missions.

Pay and Benefits From the day you start, you’ll receive:

Competitive salary

Free health insurance

Free housing

A retirement plan

30 days paid vacation per year

Education Opportunities Beyond professional credentials and certifications, Public Affairs Officers can advance their education by:

Post-9/11 GI Bill

Navy Tuition Assistance Program

Pursuing opportunities at institutions such as Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or Navy War College (NWC)

Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges

Earning a master’s degree through the PAO Program at San Diego State University

Find out more about additional education opportunities for Officers, including post-graduate school.

Qualifications and Requirements

Bachelor’s degree

U.S. Citizen or equivalent

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

Work Environment Public Affairs Officers may serve anywhere there is an audience—from aircraft carriers, to shoreside bases and installations, to the Pentagon and other high-profile locations around the world.

Part-Time Opportunities There are part-time opportunities for Reserve Public Affairs Officers. Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, PAOs in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.

Take a moment to learn more about the general roles and responsibilities of Navy Reserve Sailors.