Managing the flow of news and information for the Navy, the media and the public is the responsibility of a group of elite officers who specialize in the Navys public relations. Public Affairs officers are the eyes and ears of the fleet and often the rest of the world. Effective delivery of information is an intricate part of the Navy – in the form of visual, audio and written communications, both internally and to the public. Your knack for communicating ideas creatively and effectively, determining the best media to deliver news and information and providing intuitive advice to top-level Navy decision-makers may make this the perfect career choice for you.

What Will You Do?
Utilizing your planning and communications skills while working with a combat photography unit, you may find yourself directing the development of a training video for an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team. Or perhaps youll help arrange a presidential visit to the Norfolk Naval Base, where youll have the opportunity to meet the President. Whether youre coordinating a live Web cast for the Navys Web site, issuing a press release or helping a commander prepare an important speech, your creativity, communication skills and people savvy will be employed daily. Regardless of which parts of the world youll travel and on which missions, a career in Public Affairs in the Navy is never short on excitement. As a Public Affairs officer, you may:

• Supervise the writing and delivery of press releases and reports for the public and military
• Brief military personnel before they meet with the public and news media
• Provide information to newspapers, TV and radio stations and civic organizations
• Schedule and conduct interviews and news conferences
• Plan activities to improve public relations
• Oversee the content and production of radio and television programs
• Advise the operational commander on decision-making and communication with three main audiences: media, internal Navy, and the public
• Direct the preparation of layouts and content for papers, magazines and web sites

Skills and Training
There are a few ways to become a naval officer. Enrolling in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) or the U.S. Naval Academy are two paths toward gaining a commission. Other prospective officers attend Officer Candidate School (OCS), a 13-week Navy orientation school in Pensacola, Florida. OCS prepares you for the roles and responsibilities expected of and afforded to U.S. naval officers through academic and military courses and physical fitness training. Course subjects include naval operations, orientation and administration, Navy history, strategic deterrence and sea control, shipboard management, combat systems, ship control and surface ship fundamentals. Public Affairs officers attend Defense Information School in Ft. Mead, Maryland prior to their first duty station. This 10-week advanced training course includes principles of public information and community relations and Department of Defense policies.

Educational Opportunities
Opportunities abound for continuing education and training throughout a Navy officers career. Navy officers can continue their education by attending one of the military service colleges to study military strategies, tactics and joint operations with other branches of the armed forces. As an officer, the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California is also an attractive tour of duty option that allows you to earn a masters or doctorate degree while being paid full-time as naval officer.

Career Outlook
The skills you will acquire as a Public Affairs officer are essential to large corporations, government agencies and colleges and universities worldwide. With media exposure, management skills and public relations experience, youll have the skill set to dive into virtually any media or public affairs position. The opportunity to document news almost anywhere in the world is a reality in the Navy, giving officers in this field a wide range of real-world experience and an unmatched portfolio.

If youd like to find out more about career opportunities with the U.S. Navy, Request More Information.