37A Career Guide
37A: Psychological Operations Officer
Career transition guide for Army Psychological Operations Officer (37A)
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Top civilian roles for 37A veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Market Research Analyst
Skills to develop:
Public Relations Manager
Skills to develop:
Political Campaign Manager
Skills to develop:
Corporate Communications Director
Skills to develop:
Intelligence Analyst (Private Sector)
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 37A training built — and where they transfer.
Adversarial Thinking
PSYOP officers must anticipate how target audiences will react to information and tailor strategies to overcome resistance or counter-arguments. They need to understand the perspectives and motivations of adversaries to effectively influence them.
This translates to an ability to predict how others might react to proposals or strategies, allowing you to develop proactive solutions and counter potential objections. It's about seeing things from different angles and planning accordingly.
Situational Awareness
PSYOP officers operate in complex environments, requiring constant monitoring of the social, political, and cultural landscape to understand the target audience and the impact of PSYOP activities. They need to quickly assess new information and adapt strategies accordingly.
You possess a heightened ability to perceive and understand the nuances of your surroundings. You can quickly grasp complex situations, identify potential risks and opportunities, and make informed decisions in dynamic environments.
Resource Optimization
PSYOP officers are responsible for planning and executing operations using limited resources. They must effectively allocate personnel, equipment, and funding to achieve maximum impact.
You know how to maximize the impact of resources, and make smart decisions in order to achieve the goals in any project.
Team Synchronization
PSYOP officers lead and coordinate teams with diverse skills, including PSYOP NCOs, HUMINT collectors, and multimedia specialists. They ensure everyone is working towards a common goal and that their efforts are synchronized.
You have experience as a collaborative team member, especially as a leader, in order to plan, execute, and achieve shared goals.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Market Research Analyst
SOC 19-3022You've been analyzing target audiences and crafting messages to influence behavior. As a Market Research Analyst, you'll apply those skills to understand consumer behavior, identify market trends, and develop effective marketing strategies. Your experience with target audience analysis and product testing translates directly to this role.
Public Relations Specialist
SOC 27-3031You've honed your skills in shaping perceptions and influencing public opinion. As a Public Relations Specialist, you'll use those skills to build and maintain a positive image for organizations. You're adept at crafting compelling narratives and managing communications, making you a natural fit for this field.
Political Campaign Manager
SOC 11-1021You've mastered the art of strategic communication and persuasion. Your experience in PSYOP provides a solid foundation for managing political campaigns, crafting messages that resonate with voters, and mobilizing support for candidates.
Corporate Communications Manager
SOC 11-2011You have a background in strategic communication and influencing audiences. You can use your experience as a Corporate Communications Manager to create and disseminate messages that support a company's goals. Your skills in product testing and evaluation can be applied to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Psychological Operations Qualification Course (POQC), Fort Liberty, NC
Topics Covered
- •Psychological Operations (PSYOP) Principles
- •Target Audience Analysis (TAA)
- •PSYOP Product Development
- •Influence Techniques
- •Interagency Coordination
- •Military Deception (MILDEC) integration
- •Operational Law
- •Regional Studies
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Formal project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall), specific tools and software, and detailed knowledge of the PMI framework.
In-depth knowledge of governmental accounting principles, budgeting, and financial reporting standards specific to civilian government agencies.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) | Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana) |
| Propaganda Dissemination Systems (Mobile loudspeaker systems) | Public Address (PA) systems, mobile marketing platforms |
| Target Audience Analysis Toolkit (various) | Market Research Software (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey) |
| Multimedia Production Center (MPC) | Adobe Creative Suite, Video Editing Software |
| Defense Information Operations Range (DIOR) | Cybersecurity training platforms, Social media simulation tools |
| Tactical PSYOP Detachment communication equipment (HF/VHF radios, satellite phones) | Satellite communication systems, professional two-way radios |
| Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS) | Secure file sharing and communications platforms (e.g., Signal, secure enterprise messaging) |
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