U.S. NAVY Public Affairs Officer; PAO

Expires on January 31, 2026

U.S. Navy | Full-Time Officer Track | Storytelling, Media, & Strategic Communications

Majors: Communications, Journalism, PR, Marketing, English, Political Science, or related fields

Location: Nationwide + Officer Training in Newport, RI & DINFOS, MD

Type: Full-time | Commissioned Officer | Paid Training | High-Visibility Leadership Career

The Public Affairs Officer (PAO) program gives creative, driven, and articulate leaders a chance to shape the Navy’s global message
. As a PAO, you’ll lead teams that develop strategic communication plans, respond to media, manage public relations crises, and oversee internal and external Navy messaging—often during high-stakes events on a national and global scale.

Applicants attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI, followed by advanced training at Defense Information School (DINFOS). You’ll earn the title of Naval Officer—no prior military experience required.

• Age 19–36 at time of commissioning (waivers up to 39 may be considered)
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• GPA 2.8 or higher (waivers to 2.6 with grad school GPA ≥ 3.0)
• Must pass medical screening and a background investigation
• Must submit a writing & creative portfolio
• Must complete a formal interview panel (schedule 4+ months in advance)
• No prior military experience required
• Waivers possible for exceptional candidates with unique communication backgrounds

• Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising
• English, Political Science, International Studies
• Social Sciences or other liberal arts may be accepted
• Non-listed degrees may qualify with 1+ year of public affairs-related experience

• Lead teams that develop strategic communication plans, respond to media, manage public relations crises, and oversee internal and external Navy messaging—often during high-stakes events on a national and global scale.
• Serve as spokesperson during operations, crises, and international events.
• Collaborate with Pentagon, international media, and senior leadership.
• Represent the Navy in high-visibility environments across the world.
• Manage internal communication and command information programs.
• Oversee branding, marketing, and strategic campaigns.

• 4 years Active Duty from date of commissioning; remaining time to 8 years may be served in the Reserves.

• Must pass drug screening; experimental marijuana use may be waived; all other drug abuse disqualifying.

• Washington, D.C.
• Norfolk, VA – Atlantic Fleet, Fleet Public Affairs, CNIC
• Pacific Fleet, Fleet Public Affairs
• Pearl Harbor, HI – COMPACFLT (Pacific Fleet), INDOPACOM
• CNE-CNA, U.S. 6th Fleet
• U.S. 7th Fleet
• Fort Meade, MD
• Bahrain or Qatar – U.S. 5th Fleet, CENTCOM Public Affairs
• Tampa, FL – CENTCOM, SOCOM
• Stuttgart, Germany – EUCOM, AFRICOM

• 1st: $86,964 – $93,509
• 2nd: $99,822 – $104,567
• 3rd: $118,284 – $124,096
• 4th: $137,130 – $141,309

• VA Home Loan – Buy a home with 0% down, no PMI
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) – 401(k)-style retirement with 5% government match
• Military Pension – Earned after 20 years of active-duty service
• Full Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Low-cost Life Insurance (SGLI) up to $500,000
• Free Fitness Centers on Base
• Tax-Free Shopping – Groceries, electronics, clothing
• Exclusive Financial Services – Navy Federal, USAA
• Premium Credit Cards – Annual fees waived (AmEx Platinum, Chase Sapphire)
• Military Discounts – Travel, retail, insurance, and more
• Interest Rate Caps on Loans – Under SCRA protection
• Free Tax Filing & Possible State Tax Exemptions
• Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF Eligible)
• Eligible for Navy War College, Naval Postgraduate School, and Joint PME
• GI Bill benefits for post grad, PHD or transfer benefits to dependents
• Receive credit toward advanced degrees for public affairs training

Includes base pay, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS). Actual compensation depends on location and dependents.