Public Affairs Officer

Overview

Military Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) provide commanders and key staff with advice on the effective use of information and communication in military operations. PAOs perform military staff functions to support all phases of operations at the tactical, operational and strategic levels, at home and abroad. PAOs are skilled in developing, managing and directing military public affairs, which are designed to uphold the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)’s duty of transparency and accountability to Canadians by informing the CAF’s audiences of roles, activities and key issues in a timely fashion.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead communication efforts for Canadian and multinational military operations.
• Identify, capture and analyze all-source media coverage to understand the media environment and contribute to military public affairs planning.
• Advise on, plan for and execute media and community relations strategies to promote public awareness and understanding of CAF operations and/or activities.
• Lead groups of visual media specialists who are responsible for capturing and producing compelling still and video imagery to tell the CAF story.
• Plan and lead media operations, digital engagement, and public affairs activities, ensuring accurate, dynamic communications with internal and external audiences on matters relating to the CAF.
• Embody the ethics of the CAF which are defined as operating with the trust of our organization, the Government of Canada, and above all, the Canadians who we serve.

Work Environment

Primarily, military PAOs work in an office setting at a base/formation headquarters anywhere in Canada, including within the National Capital Region.

PAOs may be required to deploy worldwide to support CAF operations during times of conflict, peace support operations or humanitarian missions. This operational work is sometimes performed in austere conditions. PAOs can expect opportunities to serve with a Canadian Army unit deployed in a tactical setting, aboard one of His Majesty’s Canadian Ships, supporting deployed Air Force elements, or working with Allies and Partners as part of a combined communications bureau.

Entry Plans

As this occupation’s focus is on communications, applicants must excel in either or both official languages. If you already have a university degree in Communications, Public Relations, International Relations or Journalism, the CAF will decide if your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the required on‑the‑job training program following basic training. Previous experience working in public affairs, public relations or journalism is an asset. Basic Military Officer Qualification is required before being assigned.

Training

After enrolment, you start basic officer training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec, for 12 weeks. Topics covered include general military knowledge, the principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the CAF, basic weapons handling, and first aid. Opportunities will also be provided to apply such newly acquired military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and leadership. A rigorous physical fitness programme is also a vital part of basic training. Basic officer training is provided in English or French and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training.

Following basic officer training, official second‑language training may be offered to you. Training could take from two to nine months to complete depending on your ability in your second language.

All CAF Public Affairs training is centralized at the Defence Public Affairs Learning Centre in Gatineau, Quebec. The intensive four‑month course is designed to provide candidates with the tools and knowledge required to support public affairs activities at a base, formation or on a deployed mission. The course focuses on developing the knowledge and skills to advise a commander on public affairs, create communications products and tools, conduct media relations, public affairs planning and internal communications, coordinate a media event, foster community relations, support public affairs operations, manage the production of audio‑visual products, handle sensitive information, and to develop and demonstrate the qualities of leadership and character expected of a Public Affairs Officer.

Public Affairs Officers may be offered the opportunity to develop specialised skills through formal courses and on‑the‑job training, including:

• Strategic Communications Management
• Stakeholder Relations
• Digital Media Management and Production
• Information Operations
• Advanced Public Affairs Leadership
• Post‑Graduate Education in communications

Part‑Time Options

You can work part‑time with the Primary Reserve at various locations throughout Canada. You can serve while attending school or working a civilian job, and you will be compensated for all required training. You will not be required to relocate, but you can volunteer for training exercises and operations within Canada or abroad.

Reserve Force members receive the same training as Regular Force members, starting with basic military qualification training at their home unit. Additional specialised training for PAOs lasts approximately ten months through a mix of distance learning and in‑person learning at the Defence Public Affairs Learning Centre.

Reserve members work up to 12 days per month and can serve full‑time for short periods as needed. They earn 92.8% of Regular Force pay rates, receive a benefits package, and may qualify for a pension plan.

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