Overview
The Army National Guard public affairs specialist participates in and assists with the supervision and administration of Army National Guard public affairs programs primarily through news releases, newspaper articles, web-based material and photographs for use in military and civilian news media.
Job duties
- Research, prepare and disseminate news releases, articles, web-based material and photographs on Army National Guard personnel and activities
- Gather information for military news programs and publications within your unit and around the Army National Guard
- Develop ideas for news articles
- Arrange and conduct interviews
- Write news releases, feature articles and editorials
- Conduct media training
Training
Job training for a public affairs specialist requires 11 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 12 weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Advanced Individual Training: 11 weeks at Fort Meade, MD Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place 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
Required ASVAB score
General Technical (GT): 107
Helpful skills
- Interest in English, journalism, communications, computers and photography
- Ability to speak clearly in front of an audience
- Eye for detail
- Interest in researching facts and issues for news stories
- Ability write clearly and concisely
Civilian career relevance
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a future with newspapers, magazines, wire services, public relations firms, and radio and television stations. You'll be qualified to pursue a career as a staff writer, editor or correspondent.
Recruiter verification required. North Dakota availability, qualifications, training length, incentives and service terms can change.
Source: Army National Guard career record · Updated 2024-02-07