U.S. NAVY Public Affairs Officer (PAO)

Public Affairs Officer (PAO) 

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

⚡ ABOUT PAO

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.

✅MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

U.S. Citizen

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

✅ WHAT MAKES A COMPETITIVE APPLICANT

While all eligible applicants are considered, the most competitive PAO candidates often demonstrate:

Strong writing and communication skills with published work or media contributions

High GPA (3.3 or above) or completion of graduate-level coursework

Interview scores of “Outstanding” with 8–10 on “Willingness to Serve With”

Robust creative portfolio (press releases, articles, strategic comms plans, video scripts, social campaigns)

Relevant experience in public affairs, journalism, military comms, media relations, or community outreach

Letters of recommendation from senior officers or respected civilian professionals

A deep understanding of current events, strategic communication, and Navy values

✅PREFERRED DEGREES

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

💼 WHAT YOU'LL DO AS A PAO

Lead Navy public communication efforts and media relations

Serve as spokesperson during operations, crises, and international events

Manage internal communication and command information programs

Oversee branding, marketing, and strategic campaigns

Collaborate with Pentagon, international media, and senior leadership

Represent the Navy in high-visibility environments across the world

📍 POPULAR PAO DUTY LOCATIONS

Location

Washington, D.C.

CHINFO, Pentagon, national policy

Norfolk, VA

Atlantic Fleet, Fleet Public Affairs, CNIC

San Diego, CA

Pacific Fleet, Fleet Public Affairs

Pearl Harbor, HI

COMPACFLT (Pacific Fleet), INDOPACOM

Naples, Italy

CNE-CNA, U.S. 6th Fleet

Yokosuka, Japan

U.S. 7th Fleet

Fort Meade, MD

DINFOS (training), USCYBERCOM

Bahrain or Qatar

U.S. 5th Fleet, CENTCOM Public Affairs

Tampa, FL

CENTCOM, SOCOM

Stuttgart, Germany

EUCOM, AFRICOM

💰 ESTIMATED SALARY – YEARS 1 TO 4

Estimated Total Compensation

1st

$86,964 – $93,509

2nd

$99,822 – $104,567

3rd

$118,284 – $124,096

4th

$137,130 – $141,309

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

🏠 MILITARY & LONG-TERM BENEFITS

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)

🎓 EDUCATION ADVANTAGES

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

✅DRUG SCREENING

Must pass the drug screening 

Experimental marijuana use may be waived, all other drug abuse disqualifying

✅SERVICE COMMITMENT

4 years Active Duty from date of commissioning

Remaining time to 8 years may be served in the Reserves