chukles Trusted Member / Administrator
 Moderator
 Posts:2907

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10 Jan 2010 01:26 AM |
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST (PA) To view a video of this rate, click here.PAs are the Coast Guard's enlisted public-communications experts. They write news releases and feature articles, shoot still and video imagery, serve as spokespersons, and maintain websites to raise public awareness of important Coast Guard issues and news stories. Types of Duty: PAs typically focus effort in support of media relations and are stationed in major media markets throughout the United States. They work for public affairs officers on district and area commanders' support staffs or in small public-affairs detachments located in major metropolitan areas. Training Available: You will receive entry-level training in an intensive 12-week course held at the Defense Information School in Ft. Meade, MD. Further training in photojournalism, digital imagery, editing and design, media relations, crisis communications, and other aspects of the Coast Guard's public affairs programs are also available. Qualifications: The ability to communicate with clear, accurate speech and writing is a must. You need an excellent command of the English language and should be able to work effectively in a variety of media and situations. School courses in English, journalism, Web design, speech, photography, and typing are highly desirable. Experience with computers and video is also advantageous. Preferred traits are attentiveness, initiative, creativity, people skills, and poise under pressure. Related Civilian Jobs: Public Relations News Reporter Web Designer Freelance Writer Videographer Professional Photographer Desktop Publishing Designer
Vr, Chuck These poor, plain men, dwellers upon the lonely sands of Hatteras, took their lives in their hands, and, at the most imminent risk crossed the most tumultuous sea…and all for what? That others might live to see home and friends. — Annual Report of the U.S. Life- Saving Service, 1885 Recruiting Website Read here for answers to the most often asked questions about joining the Coast Guard! |
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I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords. I'd like to remind them that as a trusted Coastie, I can be helpful in rounding up others to toil in their underground sugar caves. |
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jwmurff
 New Member
 Posts:25

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01 Feb 2010 02:47 AM |
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Does anyone know what the wait time is for this rating?
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massagegirl128
 New Member
 Posts:96

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01 Feb 2010 03:01 AM |
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The list is closed so that probably means the wait is over 18 months or even possibly 2 years long. |
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newms
 Basic Member
 Posts:161

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23 Jun 2010 09:04 AM |
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Are there any PAs out there that could give me a first hand account of their experience in this Rate?
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newms! PATFORSWA |
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delta
 New Member
 Posts:26

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17 Sep 2010 08:38 AM |
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Unfortunately, it is still vell over 24 months. Cant' predict anything more than that since quotas are only provided up 24 months. |
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cgashley
 New Member
 Posts:31

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20 Mar 2011 12:30 AM |
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I'm assuming this rate is mostly a desk job? |
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Old Guard2 Moderator / Trusted Member
 Forum Supreme!
 Posts:14368

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20 Mar 2011 08:09 AM |
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There is desk time to write the stories but there is also quite a bit of travel time to get the stories, get the pictures, attend the conferences, christenings, launching of boats... so I say it is a pretty interesting and cool rate!!! There aren't a whole lot of PA's in the Coast Guard. |
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Sector NY, Staten Island |
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cgashley
 New Member
 Posts:31

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20 Mar 2011 01:11 PM |
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Old Guard, that's neat! One of my zillion reasons for joining is cause I didn't want another job stuck behind a desk all hours of the day (like I am now). But all my civilian experience has prepared and qualified me for this position. Interesting info, thanks! |
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illbboy
 New Member
 Posts:10

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31 Jul 2012 12:34 PM |
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would anyone be able to tell me what a PA would be doing while waiting to go to A school? seems like the list is quite a wait and I was just wondering what there is to do in the meanwhile? |
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jaycaton
 Basic Member
 Posts:106

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03 Feb 2013 09:32 PM |
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Can we bump this? I am also interested in in this rate. Are there any PAs out there that can tell us about it? |
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Gears Trusted Member
 Moderator
 Posts:6880

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03 Feb 2013 09:37 PM |
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You would be doing all the normal nonrate stuff while waiting for PA school. Search the forum for the normal nonrate duties. |
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“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
― Bruce Lee |
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jaycaton
 Basic Member
 Posts:106

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03 Feb 2013 10:01 PM |
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Gears, is there any other information you can share about the rate? Do you know of anyone in this rate who may be available to discuss it?
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Gears Trusted Member
 Moderator
 Posts:6880

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03 Feb 2013 10:57 PM |
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I've only met one PA since I've been in. He was taking pictures of a training operation I was involved in. His boot exploded, we all had a good laugh, he took some pictures, I never saw him again. |
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“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
― Bruce Lee |
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jaycaton
 Basic Member
 Posts:106

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04 Feb 2013 07:56 AM |
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First, I again apologies for starting a new thread. I will repost my questions here and see if anyone replies ... - How many PAs are there? - Is there much room for advancement being that it is such a small group? - Are there many reserves in this rate? - If I do get it, would I still be able to work on things like BTM? Thanks for any information you can provide. |
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lherring52
 New Member
 Posts:7

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27 Apr 2013 01:48 AM |
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I would really love some first hand info on this rate. |
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CoastieOnceAgain
 New Member
 Posts:22

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07 May 2013 01:48 PM |
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Heading to PA School in July...close to getting my degree in Graphic Design, so maybe this will be a plus. Insight? |
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jaycaton
 Basic Member
 Posts:106

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10 Jul 2013 07:35 PM |
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COA, you got into PA School? You are the first person I have heard of getting this ... good for you, live it up! |
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TriMan1991
 Basic Member
 Posts:133

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31 Mar 2014 12:52 PM |
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Doesn't seem to be much known about this rate, is a CG PA similar to a civilian journalist? The USCG Recruiting website has been updated and looks great! but the video for the PA rate is still pretty dated. Any current PA's able to give a soon to be boot an idea about their community/rate? I have worked as an Editor/Writer for the past two years and will be ending my junior year as a Communications Studies major.
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“A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.” |
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Jchilds7
 New Member
 Posts:24

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07 Jul 2017 11:41 AM |
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Looks like much hasn't been said about this rate in over 3 years! Just curious if there is any new info out there? I know what a PA Specialist does - my specific question is how much of it is actually writing news releases, features, etc? I'm a self-starter photographer so doing photo and video for a living would be a dream (especially in the Coast Guard) - writing papers isn't my strong suit though. Just wondering if it's split 50/50 or if I could end up doing one more than the other.
Thanks,
Jordan |
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CGScotty
 New Member
 Posts:6

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03 Apr 2019 12:32 PM |
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01 APR 19
BT
UNCLAS //N01326//
ALCGENL 039/18
SUBJ: MARITIME ENFORCEMENT SPECIALIST AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS A-SCHOOL OPENING
A. https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/psc/psc-epm/SitePages/Non-Rates.aspx
B. Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST M1000.8A
C. ALCGENL 063/18
D. ALCGENL 104/18
1. On 01 April 2019, the Maritime Enforcement Specialists (ME) and Public
Affiars (PA) A-school list will open to new prospective students to meet
future workforce projections.
2. Commands must submit an A-school request form found at reference (a) for
new students and students desiring to switch A-school list.
3. Members who have waited for the list re-opening and/or are considering
switching from a different list should have discussions with their COs
or OICs regarding impacts to their careers to include potential high year
tenure concerns.
4. Unit COs and OICs along with the Gold and Silver Badge network and
Chief's Mess are encouraged to distribute this message throughout the
non-rate community for maximum visibility.
5. Points of Contact:
A. PSC-EPM-2: LT William Stewart, (202) 795-6584 or william.a.stewart@
uscg.mil
B. ME RFMC: MECM Daniel Morales, (202) 372-1319 or daniel.j.morales@uscg.mil.
C. PA RFMC: PACM Michael Hvozda, (202) 372-4639 or michael.e.hvozda@uscg.mil.
6. CDR S. K. Felger, Branch Chief, PSC-EPM-2, sends.
7. Internet release authorized.
BT |
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jdhusker
 Basic Member
 Posts:260

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08 Apr 2019 10:12 PM |
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Basically they are allowing people to put their name on the wait list again, but be prepared for an extremely long wait for A-School! I've met a couple PA's and they love their job but I couldn't imagine waiting that long for school. |
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