Functional area description. Serves as personal staff advisor to the commander on all command (internal) information, public information—to include media relations—and community relations matters. Participates in development of plans and policies. Monitors operations of the command to assure consideration of public affairs implications. Assesses community attitudes toward the command to identify command actions which have real or potential community interest. Initiates programs to gain understanding of and appreciation for command actions. Advises on accuracy, propriety, timing, and relative importance of information for release to the command and the public. Recommends methods of communicating information. Prepares or supervises preparation of information for release on Army matters through news releases, articles, photographs, radio and television programs. Supervises public affairs activities and personnel. Supervises or provides guidance on operations of radio, television, and closed circuit facilities used for command information purposes. Serves as communicative arts instructor in military schools. Manages marketing and advertising accounts. Promotes and maintains mutually beneficial interaction between the command and representatives of government, the community, the media, and the public.

Functional area qualification. DA Pam 600-3 lists qualifica­tions for entry and professional development in this functional area.

Public Affairs, General (46A).

Description of duties. Commands or advises the commander on all public affairs matters, including command information, public information—to include media relations—and community relations. Develops, coordinates, and supervises these activities within the command.

Special qualifications. Must satisfy one of the following criteria: Successful completion of the Public Affairs Officer Course taught by the Defense Information School (DINFOS). ARNG and USAR officers who are branch qualified and are unable to attend the PAOC may be AOC 46 qualified be successful completion of Phase I training (46A Correspondence Course) and the Phase II (2 week resident training at DINFOS). Request for waiver of qualification must be made to Chief, Public Affairs for U.S. Army, Chief National Guard Bureau (ARNG) or Chief for Army Reserve (OCAR).

Special grading of positions. Mobile Public Affairs and Broadcast Public Affairs Detachment Commander will be graded MAJ.

Unique duty positions.

(a) Command information officer.

(b) Media Relations Officer

(c) Editor, magazine or newspaper.

(d) Marketing/advertising officer.

(e) Speechwriter.

Broadcast (46B).

Description of duties. Advises the commander and public affairs officer on all matters pertaining to use of electronic medica as a public affairs asset. Plans, schedules, and supervises program­ming for radio and television broadcast Commands Armed Forces Radio and Television Service Network or Broadcast Public Affairs Detachment, works as radio/television production officer. Plans, manages, and markets audiovisual products, to include still and video photography, in support of public affairs objectives of audio-visual support activities.

Special qualifications. Must satisfy one of the following:

(a) Successful completion of the Public Affairs Officer Course, and the Broadcast Managers Officer Course taught by DINFOS.

(b) Baccalaureate or higher degree with a major in Electronic Journalism, Broadcast, Instructional Technology, Radio/Television, or Motion Picture Production.

(c) Two or more years prior service (cumulative) as a full-time broadcast officer in the Army or another service.

(d) Two or more years practical experience (cumulative) as a radio/television reporter, newscaster, scriptwriter, editor, program director, station manager, audiovisual management officer, o r teacher of an academic discipline listed in (b) above.

Special grading of positions. Broadcast Public Affairs Detachment Commander will be graded MAJ.

Unique duty positions.

(a) Commander, Combat Pictorial Unit.

(b) Commander, AFRTS Network.

(c) Executive Officer, AFRTS Network.

(d) Station Manager, AFRTS Network.

(e) Commander, Army Element, Audiovisual Center.

(f) Audiovisual Production Officer (skill 5B).

(g) Manager, Audiovisual Support Activity.

See Army Pamplet 600-3-46 for more information.