Combat correspondents gather news and feature information for use in command newspapers, magazines, and websites, on AFN radio and television, and for internal and external release; respond to queries from the civilian media; perform media liaison functions during operations/exercises; conduct community relations programs; produce print and photographic materials; and edit/produce command newspapers and/or magazines and assist in the management and production of Marine Corps websites.
Upon reaching the rank of staff sergeant and above, a Marine in OccFld 43 may be assigned billet of public affairs chief in accordance with reference (bl). The PA chief supervises, trains and coordinates the activities of all enlisted Marines assigned to the PA office. He/She is also the advisor to the public affairs officer in all matters pertaining to public affairs to include, but not limited to, internal and external information programs, publishing a command newspaper/magazine, producing/planning a radio or television program, conducting MOJT programs and managing community relations programs.
Prerequisites.
(1) Must possess a GT score of 110 or higher.
(2) Must have a VE 45 or higher.
(3) Must be interviewed by, and have the approval of a public affairs officer or public affairs noncommissioned officer. The DivPA OccFld sponsor will provide the final approval on lateral moves, per reference (bm).
Requirements.
Complete the Basic Public Affairs Specialist-Writer (BPAS-W) Course at the Defense Information School or demonstrate satisfactory performance per reference (bl), PA T&R Individual Training Events (ITE) through MOJT at a command public affairs office and//or an AFRTS detachment for a minimum of six months.
Duties.
For a complete listing of duties and tasks; refer to reference (bl), Marine Corps Public Affairs T&R Manual.
Related SOC Classification/SOC Code.
(1) Public Relations Specialists 27-3031.
(2) Editors 27-3041.
Related Military Skill.
Broadcast Journalist, 4313.
