46R - Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist

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Rod Powers was the U.S. Military expert for The Balance Careers and was a retired Air Force First Sergeant with 22 years of active duty service.
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Rod Powers
Updated June 25, 2019

Army Public Affairs Broadcast Specialists are involved in creating, filming, reporting, hosting and editing news and entertainment radio and television programs. Public Affair Broadcast Specialists are primarily responsible for participating in and supervising the operation of audio or video news for Army units or Armed Forces Radio Television Service (AFRTS). (Duties have some overlap with that of Army Public Affairs Specialists, who act as a liaison between the Army and the press.)

Duties performed by Soldiers in this MOS include:

Prepares scripts and news copy for Armed Forces Radio and Television Service radio and television programs and participates as host, announcer, master of ceremonies, and actor in radio and television broadcasts.

Research, prepare and disseminate information through news releases, radio and television products. Perform as writer, reporter, editor, videographer, producer, and program host in radio and television productions. Perform operator level maintenance on assigned equipment and maintenance on assigned vehicles and generators.

Training Information

Job training for public affairs broadcast specialists requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 12 weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instructions.

Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field, where you’ll learn hands-on how to operate a video camera and program a 30-minute disc jockey show. You’ll also participate in a live-to-tape television newscast where you’ll work as anchor, control -room operator, director, and cameraperson.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

  • Videography and video editing
  • Voice skills for anchoring television news and performing as a disc jockey
  • Writing news, feature and sports copy for radio and television
  • Radio and television programming and production
  • Public speaking
  • Media relations

ASVAB Score Required: 107 in aptitude area GT

Security Clearance: Required

Strength Requirement: light

Physical Profile Requirement: 222121

Other Requirements

  • Be able to type 20 WPM prior to school attendance
  • Have no speech impediments
  • Show proof by official transcript of having successfully completed at least two years of high school English
  • Must possess a valid vehicle operator license

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