Military public affairs involve the planned and sustained effort to establish goodwill and mutual understanding between the Australian Defence Force and the Australian community. It includes the use of effective communications via Defence publications or national television, radio and print media, to build and maintain a positive reputation amongst the Australian public.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) does not have permanent Public Relations specialists amongst its ranks. Instead, it uses Reserve officers with specialist communication skills to provide its public affairs capability. Reserve Public Relations (PREL) officers are expected to provide a broad range of public affairs functions for both Navy and Defence.

Naval Reserve PREL officers main role is to serve at sea in exercises or maritime operations to market and profile Naval activities, use written communication and media liaison skills to provide strategic and operational communications advice to Commanding Officers and senior managers to assist with the handling of topical issues. Furthermore, PREL officers may be required to promote Community Relations events to enhance Defence image and reputation.

With further experience, PREL officers contribute to the development and implementation of military public affairs policy and plans. There are also opportunities to lead deployable field teams in a joint operating environment.

Required Skills

To perform these tasks PREL officers will need to demonstrate current knowledge, skills and experience in the following communication fields:

• Corporate communications, both internal and external;
• Government and community relations;
• Crisis and issues management;
• Electronic communications including TV, radio, and World Wide Web;
• Media coordination;
• Journalism and publishing;
• Advertising and marketing; and
• Communication research and evaluation.

PREL candidates will also need to display the following:

• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills;
• A sound understanding of media dynamics;
• Confidence in dealing with the media and senior officers;
• An ability to work well in a crisis; and
• A broad understanding of the RAN.

Will you make a Reserve PREL Officer?

Ask yourself:

• Do you meet the minimum officer entry requirements into the Australian Defence Force?
• Do you meet the specialised education entry requirements for the Public Relations Branch?
• Are you willing to commit to at least 20 days of Navy Reserve service annually??
• Are you aware that there are no full-time public relations roles in the Royal Australian Navy?
• Are you prepared to deploy nationally and internationally at sea?
• Are you willing to serve in an operational joint environment with other Services?
• Have you experience in the management of public affairs issues?
• Have you written and published articles, newsletters, reports and publications?
• Have you experience with the media?
• Have you developed public relations plans or programs?

If you answered YES to the above questions, then submit your application and resume through your nearest Australian Defence Force Recruiting Centre.

Note: This is a Reserve only qualification and transfer to the Permanent Navy is not available.