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46Z Career Guide

Army

46Z: Public Affairs Senior Noncommissioned Officer

Career transition guide for Army Public Affairs Senior Noncommissioned Officer (46Z)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 46Z veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Public Relations Manager

$120K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Specific Industry KnowledgeCrisis Communication Certification

Communications Director

$135K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Master's Degree in CommunicationsFundraising experience

Broadcast News Producer

$75K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Avid or Adobe Premiere Pro proficiencyJournalism Degree or Certification

Training and Development Manager

$110K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP CertificationLearning Management System (LMS) Expertise

Community Relations Manager

$95K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Grant writingNon-profit experience

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 46Z training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As a Public Affairs advisor, you maintained constant awareness of the information environment, including public sentiment, media narratives, and the potential impact of released information on various stakeholders.

This translates to a keen ability to understand the dynamics of a business environment, anticipate potential challenges, and adjust strategies accordingly. You are adept at reading the room and understanding unspoken cues.

Rapid Prioritization

You routinely assessed the urgency and importance of various public affairs matters, swiftly determining which issues demanded immediate attention and allocating resources accordingly to manage crises or opportunities.

In the civilian world, this means you excel at triage. You can quickly identify the most critical tasks from a multitude of competing demands, ensuring that high-priority projects receive the focus they require.

Team Synchronization

You coordinated diverse teams, including media relations personnel, broadcasters, and communication specialists, ensuring seamless execution of public affairs strategies and effective dissemination of information.

This ability allows you to effectively lead and coordinate teams in a corporate setting, fostering collaboration and ensuring that everyone works together towards a common goal. You’re a natural at project management.

Adversarial Thinking

You anticipated potential negative reactions or challenges to public information campaigns, developing counter-strategies and messaging to mitigate risks and maintain public trust.

You're skilled at identifying potential risks and challenges before they arise, allowing you to proactively develop mitigation strategies and ensure the success of your projects. This is a crucial skill in strategic planning.

After-Action Analysis

You consistently reviewed the outcomes of public affairs initiatives, identifying lessons learned and implementing improvements to enhance future communication strategies and public engagement.

This analytical approach translates directly to your ability to evaluate project performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes that drive greater efficiency and effectiveness. You're committed to continuous improvement.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Crisis Management Consultant

SOC 11-9199.02

You've been advising commanders on sensitive public information for years. Your ability to anticipate and manage public perception, combined with your experience in handling critical information releases, makes you an ideal crisis management consultant. You're adept at guiding organizations through reputational challenges.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager

SOC 11-2011.00

You've been responsible for community relations and ensuring positive public perception. Your background in public affairs aligns perfectly with managing a company's CSR initiatives, building a positive brand image and fostering community engagement. Your skills in communication and strategic planning will be invaluable.

Lobbyist

SOC 11-2011.01

You've been advising on the timing and importance of information releases. Your experience in influencing public opinion and navigating complex communication environments translates perfectly to lobbying, where you can advocate for specific causes and shape public policy. Your strategic communication skills are your greatest asset.

Change Management Specialist

SOC 11-3111.00

You've been responsible for ensuring adherence to command policies and facilitating smooth transitions. Your skills in communication, training, and policy implementation are crucial in change management, where you'll guide organizations through periods of transformation and ensure employee buy-in. Your ability to manage communication during change will be key.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Defense Information School (DINFOS), Fort Meade, Maryland

320 training hours8 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Public Relations, Communications, or Journalism

Topics Covered

  • Public Affairs Principles and Practices
  • Command Information Program Management
  • Media Relations and Engagement
  • Community Relations Strategy
  • Crisis Communication
  • Public Affairs Writing and Editing
  • Visual Information (Photography and Videography) Oversight
  • Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership and Management

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Public Relations Professional (CPRP)60% covered

Requires additional study in advanced PR strategies, crisis communications, and specific public relations principles relevant to civilian organizations.

Accredited in Public Relations (APR)50% covered

APR requires demonstration of strategic planning, research, and evaluation skills within a civilian PR context. Candidate needs to focus on civilian case studies and ethical considerations.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Communication Professional (CCP)Social Media Marketing CertificationCertified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Defense Information School (DINFOS) CurriculumJournalism and broadcasting educational programs
Digital Media Asset Management System (DMAM)Digital asset management (DAM) platforms like Adobe Experience Manager Assets, Brandfolder, or Bynder
American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS)Public broadcasting services (e.g., PBS, NPR) or commercial broadcast networks
Army Knowledge Online (AKO)Enterprise intranet and communication platforms (e.g., Microsoft SharePoint, Confluence)
Public Affairs Automation System (PAAS)Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and media contact databases (e.g., Cision, Meltwater)
Joint Visual Information Services (JVIS)Professional photography and videography equipment and services
Social Media Management System (SMMS)Social media management platforms like Hootsuite or Sprout Social

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