Department of the Army Civilian Career Opportunities in Public Affairs

The United States Army

Pursue a Career in Army Public Affairs

The Office of the Chief of Public Affairs seeks creative and self-motivated students and college graduates for positions in the exciting and challenging world of public affairs.

How to Apply

Vacancy Announcements for the Department of the Army Public Affairs Internship Program and Recent Graduates Program are posted on USAJOBS. Vacancies will only be posted when opportunities are available so please check USAJOBS often. Those interested must apply for Student Intern and Recent Graduate positions through USAJOBS.

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What is Army Public Affairs?

Public Affairs Specialists fulfill the Army's obligation to keep the American people and the Army informed. They help establish the conditions that lead to confidence in America's Army and its readiness to conduct operations in peacetime, conflict and war. Army Public Affairs personnel conduct fast-paced, high-pressure news media, community relations and internal information programs around the world.

What will I do?

U.S. Army Public Affairs student interns and recent graduates serve an important role in telling the Army Story. They research, write and release news, respond to daily inquiries, interview key figures, arrange news events and conferences, escort media representatives, establish communication plans, assist commanders, plan and execute community relation events, and help produce newspapers, magazines, social media, radio and TV programs.

An Exciting Job

U.S. Army Public Affairs professionals have exciting, important, and rewarding jobs. They are members of a vital team dedicated to supporting our Soldiers, families and Department of the Army Civilians. Their dynamic work helps ensure the workforce and the public has access to timely, accurate information.

Media Relations

They actively share the exhilarating Army story by engaging representatives of local, regional and national media. They facilitate interviews between reporters and Soldiers, pitch story ideas, escort media as they cover military training exercises, write news releases about new military equipment, and much more.

Community Relations

They work with members of local communities and organizations to enhance community awareness and understanding of Army activities, programs and operations. They may answer an inquiry from a local Congressional representative, find speakers for local Veterans Day ceremonies, coordinate a tour of their installation, or help develop the action plan for a military air show.

Command Information

They keep internal audiences comprised of Soldiers, family members, Civilians and contractors, informed by using command information tools. For example, recent graduates and interns cover events and then prepare articles for installation or command publications and social media outlets, produce broadcast products, develop communication plans, and create new information materials and programs.

Social Media

As communicators, Public Affairs Specialists operate in a 24-hour news cycle with the news moving faster than ever before. To successfully tell the Army's story, they use a variety of social communication tools to instantaneously tell the Army's story, stay connected with the Army family and share Army information.

The Pathways Program

The Office of the Chief of Public Affairs uses the Office of Personnel Management Pathways Program to provide current students and recent graduates with experience in the Public Affairs field. The Pathways Program offers excellent opportunities to Federal careers for students from high school through post-graduate school. It provides meaningful training and professional development opportunities for recent graduates who are beginning Federal service by allowing them to choose a career path that best correlates their academic path. After finishing this intensive training process, individuals complete the program, are promoted and placed in a permanent assignment. Both the Recent Graduate and Student positions are paid internships.

Current Students Program:

This program is for current students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions from high school to graduate level, with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school.

Recent Graduates Program:

This program is for individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs and seek a dynamic, career development program with training and mentorship. To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion (except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who will have up to six years to apply).

Recent Graduates Program Steps

Step 1

Training at an Army Public Affairs office within the U.S.

Length: Approximately 1 year

Participants rotate through:

  • Command Information
  • Community Relations
  • Media Relations
  • Social Media
  • Plans

The Action Officer Development and Foundation courses must be completed online by interns and recent graduates.

Step 2

Completion of the Public Affairs Qualification Course at the Defense Information School, Fort Meade, Md.

Length: 8 weeks

  • Participants attend courses with military officers and civilians from all services
  • Students reside on post throughout the duration of the course
  • The program director registers participants for the course after they have successfully completed approximately one year of training at a public affairs office

Step 3

Rotation through the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs at the Pentagon

Length: 3 months

Participants rotate through:

  • Command Information
  • Community Relations
  • Media Relations
  • Plans
  • Social Media

Frequently Asked Questions

If I apply for this program, do I have to join the military or the reserves?
No. You would be a Federal Civil Service employee and have no military obligation.
What education and experience do I need to qualify as a DA Public Affairs intern or Recent Graduate?
Army Public Affairs uses the qualifications and requirements of the Office of Personnel Management. The program information is available at USAJOBS.
What can I expect once I've submitted an application for an Army Public Affairs Recent Graduate or Student Intern position through USAJOBS?

Your application will be rated for qualifications within two weeks of the closing date of the announcement. You may check the current status of their application by logging into your USAJOBS account to view the application status. To do this, select Application Status from the "My Account" tab on the header of USAJOBS. Agencies are responsible for evaluating and providing status to applicants at four points. These points are:

  • When the application is received
  • When the applicant is assessed for qualifications or found ineligible
  • When the applicant is referred to the selecting official or no longer under consideration
  • When the applicant is selected or no longer under consideration
How is my duty station assigned?
Candidates should be mobile and not apply if they are not willing to relocate. Candidates are assigned to duty stations based on vacancies at the time and needs of the Army.
What are the job placement procedures once I finish the training?
Trainees sign a mobility agreement requiring them to relocate (at government expense) for their permanent duty assignment. The government will fund relocation costs to the Defense Information School, the Pentagon and the permanent duty assignment.
Am I required to graduate from the Defense Information School at Fort Meade, Md.?
Yes.
Where will I be housed during Defense Information School?
Trainees reside in lodging at government expense.
Where will I be housed while I train at the Pentagon?
Trainees are advised to live near metro or bus lines. The government will pay temporary lodging costs.

Salary & Benefits

Participants are Civil Service employees and enjoy the benefit package provided to federal employees. Benefits include paid vacations, sick leave and participants have the opportunity to work at many locations throughout the United States and the world.

Resources

Pathways Program

USAJOBS

U.S. Army Homepage

Army Public Affairs

GoArmy.com

Defense.gov Multimedia

Salary Tables