Navy and Marine Corps PAOs are close behind.
I’m a former Army PAO and current Army civilian 1035, so this is a little hard to admit. But I’ll stand by it until proven otherwise.
This is entirely based on my personal, colloquial experience. I have no data to back this up, just my meandering perspective based on 11 years in the career field.
Here are my observations:
- Air Force PAOs are educated. I hear about their service-sponsored grad programs frequently, so I think they work hard to build these opportunities into officers’ careers. At my DINFOS classes for JIPAC (2014) and JEPAC (2012), we had a big concentration of Air Force PAOs in the class – they also wanted to be there, took the course seriously, and were generally more junior than the other services; telling me the Air Force emphasizes professional development early in PAOs’ careers. I also frequently meet young Air Force PAOs who are working on a master’s degree, like an MBA, on the side. This further tells me the Air Force culture emphasizes personal education.
- Air Force PAOs are experienced. Many of them enter the career field as 2LTs. They spend more time learning the Public Affairs craft, watching their mentor PAOs engage commanders, and getting in reps. By the time they’re captains and majors, they have way more exposure to their profession than the Army captains and junior majors who are just then getting through their first or second PAO tour.*
- Air Force PAOs have staff skills. They’re skilled, composed briefers. They write for purpose. They write clear SITREPs and advocate for the career field inside the staff. The Air Force PAOs I know are fit. Also, they operate well in joint positions, and can hold their own as credible, junior officers among senior staff leaders.
Don’t take this the wrong way: I mean no offense to the other services. I have amazing colleagues and mentors across all services. PAOs around the world are working hard and succeeding. But I’m going to give credit where credit’s due, because I think the Air Force is doing something right.
Am I speaking in broad, unproven generalities? Sure. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe my assessments aren’t backed up by data. Maybe I’ve just met all the right Air Force PAOs. Maybe it doesn’t even really matter, because we’re all one military; we all protect America together.
But this is what I think. I want to know what you think.
* I appreciate that Army PAOs come to the field with other military experience but this can be a mixed bag. Are we getting Army officers who are following their passion, or who just need a new career field? Probably a little of both.
(Photo by Tech Sgt. Daniel Martinez, DVIDS)
