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

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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!

Does anyone know what the wait time is for this rating?

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The list is closed so that probably means the wait is over 18 months or even possibly 2 years long.

Are there any PAs out there that could give me a first hand account of their experience in this Rate?

Unfortunately, it is still vell over 24 months. Cant' predict anything more than that since quotas are only provided up 24 months.

I'm assuming this rate is mostly a desk job?

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.

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!

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?

Can we bump this? I am also interested in in this rate. Are there any PAs out there that can tell us about it?

You would be doing all the normal nonrate stuff while waiting for PA school. Search the forum for the normal nonrate duties.

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?

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.

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.

I would really love some first hand info on this rate.

Heading to PA School in July...close to getting my degree in Graphic Design, so maybe this will be a plus. Insight?

COA, you got into PA School? You are the first person I have heard of getting this ... good for you, live it up!

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.

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.