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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Military Public Affairs Officers

Median Salary
131,956
Workforce Count
2,942

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Public Affairs Officers research, plan, budget, execute, and evaluate operations involving the public. They liaise with the news media and provide guidance to senior leaders on decisions that impact mission success. They also collect and present information to internal staff on current operations and matters affecting the military community.

What is the work environment like?

Public affairs officers usually work in offices.

How many people have this role in the Military?

2,942

Compensation

Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Always fixed based on rank and service time.
  • Distributed monthly.
Learn More About Military Benefits

What is the typical salary range?

Salary by Years of Service

$151,491

2 Years

$99,218

6 Years

$151,491

10+ Years
Median Salary
131,956

Military Details

What Service Branches offer this role?

Learn More About Service Branches

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer Paths

What does the training for this role entail?

Job training for public affairs officers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training may include:

  • Department of Defense policies
  • Principles of public information and community relations
  • Developing communication strategies
  • Media relations and community relations programs
  • Speech writing and public speaking
  • Military-media relations

Education

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Speech Communication and Rhetoric
  • Communication, General
  • Public Relations/Image Management
  • Mass Communication/Media Studies
  • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
  • Communication Management and Strategic Communications
  • Political Communication
  • Business/Corporate Communications, General
  • International and Intercultural Communication
  • Business/Corporate Communications, Other

Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree

The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For College

Skills and Interest

No data available for this section.

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