How can I reclassify to Public Affairs Specialist (46S) as an MOS-T Soldier? What should I expect in that MOS?

2020-01-29T06:26:31-05:00

Looking for any details on how reclassing to public affairs specialist is as an MOS-T Soldier and what to expect.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Jan 29 at 2020 9:59 AM

2020-01-29T09:59:04-05:00

I'm not sure on the details of reclassing, but what I can tell you is that 46S is a combo between the old 46Q and 46R. You will be doing both print and video journalism. You'll go through two different courses at the Defense Information School (DINFOS) at Fort Meade. You should expect a very intense course on the print side (I got out before they combined the two so can't speak for the video side). Know your grammar rules and know how to write. It's very writing-intensive, as well as learning the basics of photography and public affairs. But, it's a great job to have. I got to meet so many people and do so many things simply because of my job when I was in.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2020 10:50 AM

2020-01-29T10:50:46-05:00

I don't know that they take E6s, but you can find the reclass prerequisites in the DA PAM 611-21 also called the MOS Smart book. The link is on Army Reenlistment

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2020 6:49 PM

2020-01-29T18:49:19-05:00

I was the deputy commandant of the Defense Information School 2016-2018. All service members now attend a 108-day Military Communications Foundation course that teaches the 6-core capabilities of being a Public Affairs specialist (for Army it will grant you the 46S MOS). Their are 4 follow on courses for specialty jobs (AFN broadcasting, Combat Camera, Graphics, Storytelling). The first iteration of the course graduates this March.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2020 11:04 AM

2020-02-03T11:04:36-05:00

For the Guard, we had guys come over as E6 reclass. Just depends if the unit has a slot. Not sure on the active side.

School is school. You still go through PT every morning with student company. Last year the MOS-T soldiers were still housed at the Hotel...not sure if that is still the case. You'll most likely be put in leadership roles in the school house.

I did the 46R school, and you learned a lot. You get out what you put in.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2020 6:43 AM

2020-02-07T06:43:40-05:00

Talk to your retention guy. Tell him “I want 46S” you should be able to make something happen. I reclassed as a Specialist 13 years ago and going to DINFOS was one of my favorite experiences in the army. You’ll either be in barracks or at the base hotel while you attend class (0755-1600), and have the weekends for homework and catching up on Netflix, depending on how busy the detachment is making you. They’ve been known to be pretty hands-off with MOS-T’s but there’s the occasional duty shift or training they need help with. As far as your DINFOS instructors are concerned you’re another student with the ability to handle stress and pressure a little better than the MOS-I’s.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2020 1:47 AM

2020-09-27T01:47:38-04:00

I just graduated DINFOS as a 46S a month ago today. It was awesome. If you aren't married you'll stay in the barracks, even as an E6. There were a few E6s there. You'll do PT from 0500 to 0600 Monday through Friday then be at school from 0745 to 1600. Weekends are yours. The det usually has some sort of class on Thursday or Friday evenings (right now it's still over zoom because of covid) that the MOS-T and MOS-I are part of, but otherwise you generally get plenty of time for homework. All the branches are going to this school so you'll be in class with everyone. It was a lot of fun because I learned a lot about the other branches that I had no idea about.

In class you'll get a camera (worth about $10,000, don't break it lol) and they'll teach you everything about it. You'll learn photography, videography, social media, writing articles, crime scene photography, etc... I had a blast but, for me, there were difficult parts. You can graduate, it's definitely doable, just pay attention and do your homework. Any other questions just let me know!