A career field that opens doors! - Public Affairs & Communications Specialist US Army Employee Review

3.0
5 Jan 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I enjoy this career field because you get to meet and interview many different people. You also get to wear so many different hats. I joined because I had an interest in print journalism, and since then I've gotten to create video news stories, be a radio broadcaster at an AFN, write news stories, write press releases, learn and practice social media strategies, and write communications plans. It's mostly an office job depending on where you're stationed. Though, if you get deployed, you go where your unit goes. It's also a high-visibility job. Not that this should be your main motivation, but you get recognized for a lot of the work you do because people can see a physical product. For example, my friend who's a medic has gotten an Army Achievement Medal once in her entire Army career for her stellar performance and service during a field mission. I've been in for a shorter period of time (5 years) and I've received an Army Commendation Medal, an Army Achievement Medal, and over 14 Army coins. What it comes down to is the fact that when you write an amazing story or perhaps produce a stellar video, many leaders are able to see your work. It's hard to get noticed sometimes for other Army jobs. There's so much room for creativity and initiative. Lastly, if you want experience in PR, you'll leave this job in the Army as a very well-rounded individual.

Cons

At the end of the day, you're a Soldier first. So if you hate the new Army Combat Fitness Test, rucking, wearing the same outfit every day, shaving, deployments, and essentially other Soldier tasks, you're not going to enjoy being in the Army. This may not even be a con, if you're interested in serving. Also, remember when I said you'll easily be seen by Army leaders? It's a con too. You'll have to answer to Army officers and senior enlisted Soldiers, which can sometimes be difficult if you're just starting out as a lower enlisted Soldier. You'll have to pick and choose your battles. Many days you'll say yes and create whatever media product someone wants, and somedays you'll have to disappoint people. If you hate public speaking don't pick this job. I've had to brief LTC's for media interactions and give pre-deployment briefs on social media OPSEC for entire battalions. Another huge con is that people don't see communication specialists often so other Soldiers don't look at you like you're a real Soldier. I can't count how many times people have asked me, "So is this your actual MOS or is it an additional duty?" My all-time favorite is the "Do you have to do PT or go to the field ever?" Resist the urge to roll your eyes. You are a Soldier just like everyone else. Sometimes people will try to make you feel like less of a service member because of the perception that your job is "easy" or "non-combat essential". You just have to remember that you serve a very important purpose. You're an Army communications professional. You keep Soldiers and families informed and you tell the Army's story! (Insert American Flag Emoji)

Explore other reviews about US Army

5.0
26 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Consistent Pay, Purpose, Leadership Development

Cons

Austere working conditions in the field

4.0
22 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Pros: Working in the Army provides strong opportunities for leadership development, professional growth, and responsibility at an early stage. The organization builds discipline, accountability, resilience, and the ability to operate under pressure. It also offers stable pay, benefits, retirement opportunities, education benefits, healthcare, and access to advanced training. For individuals who want to lead teams, manage operations, solve complex problems, and serve a larger mission, the Army provides valuable experience that can transfer into civilian careers in operations, program management, training, logistics, compliance, security, and leadership.

Cons

Cons: The Army can be demanding because the mission often comes first, which can affect work-life balance, family time, and personal flexibility. Frequent changes in priorities, long hours, additional duties, administrative requirements, and high operational tempo can create stress and burnout. Career progression can also depend on timing, assignments, leadership, and organizational needs, not just individual performance. While the Army provides strong leadership experience, some military roles and accomplishments can be difficult to translate clearly to civilian employers without careful resume and profile wording.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All