Public Affairs
Army Public Affairs soldiers handle the information space between the military and the public. They produce news articles, photographs, video packages, and social media content, and they manage press access during training and combat operations. CMF 46 is the only Army career field built around journalism and media production as the primary mission. At garrison, that means working in a newsroom environment alongside civilian public affairs staff. On deployment, it means moving with a unit, carrying camera gear into the field, and producing content under the same conditions as any other soldier. Every product goes through an operational security review before publication.
At a Glance
| MOS | Title | ASVAB Line Score | Training Length | Clearance | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46S | Public Affairs Mass Communication Specialist | GT 107 | 26 weeks | Secret | Journalist, Public Affairs Specialist, Multimedia Producer |
Who This Career Field Is For
Public affairs suits soldiers who want to serve and build a real communications career at the same time. If you have a natural eye for framing a photograph, a habit of writing clearly under pressure, or experience managing social media for an audience, this career field transfers those skills directly into military work.
What draws people to CMF 46 is the rare chance to do something they would do anyway: write, shoot, produce, and get paid, housed, and trained at the Army’s expense. The work is concrete. You leave each assignment with bylines, photographs, and video packages in a portfolio. A soldier spending four years in this MOS can walk out with a body of work that competes with recent journalism graduates who spent those same years in school.
The specific skills involved span the full range of modern media production. Writing includes news releases, feature stories, command information articles, and social media copy. Photography means covering everything from combat patrols to change-of-command ceremonies with professional DSLR gear. Video production runs from field shoots to studio broadcasts, using industry-standard editing software on the same tools civilian producers use. Media relations adds a layer most entry-level civilian communications jobs don’t offer. You’ll brief generals, escort reporters in the field, and prepare commanders for press conferences early in your career.
The fit is strongest for people comfortable working alone without a supervisor nearby. Junior specialists often cover events solo, which means making editorial calls on the spot. You also spend time around senior officers and civilian executives as a routine part of the job, so comfort with that environment matters.
After service, the transition to civilian work is more direct from this MOS than from most others. Journalists, digital media producers, corporate communications managers, and government public affairs officers all share a skill base with 46S veterans. Federal agencies including the Department of Defense, VA, and others actively recruit from this population.
This career field probably isn’t right for you if:
- You want a physical, outdoor, or combat-focused daily routine
- You struggle with structured messaging constraints on what you can publish
- Writing and visual communication genuinely don’t interest you
The 46S community is small. Billets are limited, competition for seats can be tight, and your professional reputation follows you from assignment to assignment across a career.
Common Entry Requirements
All CMF 46 soldiers must hold a high school diploma and U.S. citizenship. The GT composite score of 107 is a firm minimum. This composite draws on verbal expression and arithmetic reasoning, reflecting the writing and communication demands of the work. No security clearance is required at the time you enlist, but the Secret clearance investigation starts before you ship to basic training. Expect a background check covering criminal history, finances, and foreign contacts. After Basic Combat Training, all 46S soldiers attend the Defense Information School (DINFOS) at Fort Meade, Maryland, for a 26-week Advanced Individual Training course. DINFOS teaches print journalism, photography, video production, and broadcast operations in a single integrated program. See each role’s profile below for specific requirements.
Career Field Directory
CMF 46 has one active enlisted MOS.
| MOS | Title | ASVAB Requirement | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46S | Public Affairs Mass Communication Specialist | GT 107 | Secret clearance required; 26-week AIT at DINFOS, Fort Meade |
The 46Q and 46R designations were merged into 46S in 2018. Current recruits enlist under 46S. Older publications may still reference 46Q.
Related Resources
Strong ASVAB line scores are the first requirement. The 46S requires a GT score of 107, one of the higher thresholds among Army support MOSs. Our ASVAB study guide covers the GT composite and what to focus on to hit that target.
First-time testers can take the PiCAT from home before visiting a recruiter. A strong PiCAT score can lock in your MOS choice before you set foot in MEPS.
Explore more Army enlisted careers or compare this field against options in cyber and signal and intelligence.