Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist

Overview

Army National Guard public affairs broadcast specialists are involved in creating, filming, reporting, hosting and editing news and entertainment radio and television programs. They are primarily responsible for participating in and supervising the operation of audio or video news for Army National Guard units or the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

Job duties

• Research, prepare and disseminate information through news releases and radio and television products
• Perform as writer, reporter, editor, videographer, producer and program host in radio and television productions
• Maintain assigned equipment, vehicles and generators

Training

Job training for a public affairs broadcast specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 12 weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field, where you'll learn hands-on how to operate a video camera and program a 30-minute disc jockey show. You'll also participate in a live-to-tape television newscast, where you'll work as anchor, control room operator, director and cameraperson. Advanced Individual Training: 12 weeks, 2 days at Fort Meade, MD Some of the skills you'll learn are: Videography and video editing Voice skills for anchoring television news and performing as a disc jockey Writing news, feature and sports copy for radio and television Radio and television programming and production 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 to write clearly and concisely

Civilian career relevance

The skills you learn will help prepare you for a future with wire services, radio and television stations, and other visual information opportunities. You'll be qualified to pursue a career as a newscaster, disc jockey, writer, director, producer, editor or correspondent.