The Military Services and Professional Development of Public Affairs Officers -- Is There a Better Way?

Each service, or as stated in pertinent Department of Defense directives, Military Department, operates a public affairs apparatus. The officers who direct and function within these structures are identified, trained, professionally developed and promoted in ways both peculiar to and common among each service. These peculiarities and similarities have created strengths and weaknesses in the public affairs activities of each service. This study examines each services program. It also examines the Department of Defense school for public affairs professionals. The purpose of both examinations is to seek ways to synthesize service methods and broaden utilization of the existing educational structure. This might enhance professionalization of public affairs activities across the services and, coincidentally, offer considerable savings in educational costs.