What does a (37A) Psychological Operations Officer do?

1LT Saul S. — Thu, 21 May 2020 19:32:52 -0400

I've heard a lot of guys I've served with talk about Psychological Operations. I am interested in what a 37A Psychological Ops Officer does? What are their duties in Garrison and Deployed? What is the path to becoming a PSYOPS Officer and what are the requirements? If there are any 37As or 37Fs that could answer any of those questions it would be greatly appreciated.

Response by SSG Steven Chirco made May 21 at 2020 7:57 PM

SSG Steven Chirco — Thu, 21 May 2020 19:57:03 -0400

I can only speak to what an NCO does and give some insight maybe into O’s world. in PSYOP the strength of the MOS is in the NCO corps. The best job in the military is to be team chief, SSG, of a PSYOP team. I started out 11B1P. But reclassed to 37F. Garrison like anywhere is training, quals, scenarios in field, army shit. The PSYOP training is learning to think outside of the box to learn best how to manipulate people to put it bluntly and outside of the norms for the military which will drive conventional commanders nuts when you’re supporting them. There are also real world smaller missions, i.e. state department missions to other countries. As a SSG team chief you will be making your own missions to support up to a battalion size element with your three man team. You’ll run missions, collect intel and write reports to be sent up the chain of command and you will be briefing your supported unit commander. You could be supporting any type unit from a MP battalion to an infantry battalion to a SF team. You’ll be trying to support two missions and two chains of command at all times, your PSYOP chain of command and their mission as well as your supported units chain of command and their mission as well. As an officer though you will be in the office receiving reports from your teams and brief the brigade commander. Then you’ll be reviewing them and sending them up to the company level. Then from there the company commander send all the reports up and briefs his upper echelon as well. As an O you will be in an office and there is very little room for promotions for officers to stay in PSYOP because it’s a small business. It is a fast paced job, must be a multitasker, adjust quickly. And not everyone can do it. In the Stan, I had to kick my assistant team chief back to the rear because he could not do the job.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2020 1:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 May 2020 01:04:04 -0400

I’ll be honest with you on the Job in general. It’s what you make of it. If you put in 100% effort then the job can be rewarding and fulfilling. If you put in 0% effort then you will get back 0% in return. The prior comment pretty much summed up everything. But more than likely depending on which battalion you are with and company either on the tactical side or regional it all will vary. If tactical then more than likely you will either be will Seals or ODA’s. Both are phenomenal to work with. Especially once your on missions with them.