From Sorority Girl to Soldier

Being the only American woman in the courtroom during the first day of Saddam Hussein's trial in Baghdad is a distinction only one person can claim.

Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Kristen King was physically in the actual courtroom operating a video camera capturing historic footage broadcast around the world that day.  "I felt like I was part of something so much bigger than myself and as a journalist," she said, looking back on the experience.  While other well-known women journalists like Christiane Amanpour and Laura Logan were there, they were required to remain behind bullet-proof glass.

Check the block for "adventure" as a reason for joining the Army Reserve.

The energetic King has enjoyed the best of both worlds as a student and as an Army Reserve broadcast journalist.  In 2008 she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication/Journalism from Louisiana State University in Shreveport, which she was able to fund in part with education benefits she got from the Army Reserve.

Check the block for "education benefits" as another reason for joining the Army Reserve.

King put her military training into practice during two deployments to Iraq.  From 2005-2006, she worked in Baghdad as a reporter for American Forces Network, which provides broadcast entertainment for service members overseas.  There she relied on her "southern hospitality" to engage her radio audience during her wildly popular show "The Country Convoy" broadcast throughout Iraq.

During the most recent deployment in 2009, King worked with the 10th Mountain Division in Baghdad, and the 34th Infantry Division in Basra.  As the assignment editor, she was responsible for tracking down stories and helping the military reporters connect with their subjects.  She was also the editor, writer and producer of "The Red Bull Report," a two-minute weekly news cast highlighting 34th I.D. people and activities.

The hands-on experience King has gained has been the most useful aspect of her Army Reserve career thus far.  "I've learned so much about journalism that I could never grasp just sitting in a classroom," she said.  "The situations I've been in and the extreme pressures I've been under prepared me for life after college."

While an undergraduate degree may likely give King an advantage when competing for full-time civilian employment, she realized it wasn't enough.  "I also wanted something extra to boost my resume," she said.  King hopes to parlay the real-world experience into a career as a DJ on a morning radio show.

She added, "My Army career set me up for a successful civilian career.  During my first deployment, my radio show received national attention from the CBS "Early Show" and NBC "Nightly News."  I'm still feeding off that exposure and have a possible job officer in Seattle stemming from those news stories."

Check the block for "experience" employers respect as a reason for joining the Army Reserve.

In case you get the impression King is focused entirely on herself, think again.  She is most proud of being able to give back.  "During my first deployment I got to travel outside the wire a lot, and would have people send me care packages with goodies for the kids -- pens, pencils, colors, nail polish, etc.," she said.  "I always felt best on those days I could go out into the communities and put a smile on the kids' faces."

As an Army Reserve Soldier, King values the gratitude of the American people and Iraqi citizens.  "I'm constantly thanked for my service and what I'm doing.  I don't think about it as anything special, but it means a lot to hear thanks from the peoople at home," she said.

When King joined the Army Reserve five years ago, her family and friends thought she was crazy.  "I was a sorority girl, and this was the last thing anyone expected," she said.  "They were worried, but supportive."

Family and friends also sustained King during her two deployments to Iraq.  "They were very scared about me going to Iraq, but I've got such a great support system.  They constantly wrote emails and sent packages, letting me know I was on their mind," she said.

King found the best part of deployments was spending time in a country she never would have traveled to on her own.  Additionally, meeting the local Iraqi citizens and playing with the children were highlights of her experience.

Reflecting on her time in Iraq, King learned some things about herself, including the fact that she is strong and independent.  She added, "I tackled a lot that I never thought possible...I can take care of myself, and that makes me happy."

Best Job in the Army Reserve

Twenty-three years in uniform, about half of it in Army Reserve communication and public affairs.  I can honestly say that "GI Journalism" is the best job in the Army Reserve.

I've been lucky enough to cover events on five continents and countless countries.  From missions in central and South America to a lengthy stint in Iraq, I've covered some amazing stories.  Later in my career, I've even had the opportunity to be a key advisor to senior members of a foreign government on dealing with the media.

Here are four reasons why Army Reserve journalism is the best job around.

1.  Cool electronics.  Got a geeky side?  We're operating the most advanced camera and editing systems around -- top-of-the-line professional stuff.

2.  We get to be infantry Soldiers one day, helicopter crews the next and transportation professionals the following.  We embed with the troops, do what they do, eat what they eat...but when we're done, we get to do something else.

3.  Soldiers.  Soldiers are cool, fun, funny, and each has a unique story.  We get to introduce the American people to the Soldiers who are defending our freedoms.  I've met some of the most interesting people in uniform because of my job.

4.  We make a difference.  I've seen how morale can be boosted by our coverage.  I've seen how families appreciate reading about their Soldiers or seeing a news story that shows what a great job their Soldier, father, mother, sister, brother, son, daugther are doing.

There's much more.  Too much to list.  I wouldn't choose to do anything else.

Lt. Col. Gerald Ostlund
Chief, Army Reserve Social Media and Web Communication

Meet us at the National High School Journalism Convention

Find out how you can get an edge by becoming an Army Reserve photojournalist or broadcaster by meeting us at booth no. 338 at the National High School Journalism Convention, Nov. 12-13, 2009, at the Marriott Wardman Park, Washington, DC.

Achieve Your Career Goals in Communications

The Army Reserve is a positive return on investment for America. Community-based and federally directed, the Army Reserve provides our Nation with trained Soldiers who complement both the Army and civilian Employer workforce. The Army Reserve is unique because the military training Soldiers receive is not combat-specific, but rather supports the overall Army mission. This results in skills that are easily transferrable to the civilian world. Because of this role, more than 60% of Army Reserve Military Occupation Specialties (MOSs) have direct civilian equivalent positions. The public affairs military career field translates directly into the mass media, journalism, broadcasting, marketing, advertising and public relations industries.

Our Soldiers are highly skilled, full-time patriots shared between the Army Reserve and civilian Employers. The communications skills Soldiers gain in the military give them a competitive edge in the job market, while Employers have access to experienced communications professionals who are continually enhancing their skills through training, professional development, and hands-on experience.

The Army Reserve is a reservoir of talented communicators, with Soldiers holding careers as professionals in public affairs, advertising and marketing, as well as photographers, broadcast journalists, sound technicians, and film editors, among others.

Communications is a dynamic career field, both in the military and in the corporate world. The demand for communications professionals within the Army is high with the field projected to grow in the private sector over the next several years. From 2006-2016, the demand for marketing managers is expected to increase more than 14%; PR managers nearly 17%; audio and video equipment technicians more than 24%; broadcast and sound engineer technicians and radio operators more than 14%, and technical writers 20% (1).

Army Reserve Soldiers have played a vital role in every American military and humanitarian mission of the past 100 years. Today, more than 206,000 trained Army Reserve Soldiers in units across the country stand ready to serve the Nation when called upon by the President of the United States. The quality of our force has never been higher. Our Soldiers are one of the best returns on investment American citizens make for the security and freedoms they enjoy.

U.S. Army Reserve Employer Partnership

The Employer Partnership is a bold and innovative program that enables the Army Reserve and Employers across America to jointly attract, develop and retain talent. The Army Reserve is collaborating with business and government leaders to develop staffing solutions to meet America’s industry demands, tackle the issue of workforce preparedness, and reinvigorate America’s human talent to remain competitive in the global economy. Mutually advantageous, the Employer Partnership facilitates job opportunities for Soldiers and gives Employers and the Army Reserve a highly capable Soldier-Employee who is trained, knowledgeable and experienced, and who contributes to both a robust national economy and to the defense of our Nation. Together, the Army Reserve and Employers are working to enhance the skills and career opportunities for Soldiers and to keep our Nation strong – militarily and economically.

Army Reserve Communications Experience
--Army Reserve Soldiers gain extensive real world experience in every aspect of communications and public affairs. Soldiers use their communications skills to promote Army Reserve activities at home and overseas via print, broadcast and online media. They facilitate media interviews; coordinate community events; create online publications with desktop publishing software; conduct media training; research, prepare and disseminate information through news releases, radio and TV products; create podcasts and multi-media products; credential and escort members of the press; and create and post content for social media sites.
--When not in uniform, Army Reserve communications professionals use their tangible skills in a wide array of corporate and non-profit careers including advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, event management, radio and TV production and announcing, reporting, writing, editing, broadcast and sound engineering technician, photography, media relations, video camera operation, editing and desktop publishing.
--The hands-on experience and training gained in the Army Reserve provides Soldiers with invaluable learning opportunities, giving Soldiers a competitive edge in the civilian job market.
--The Army Reserve contributes to the Army’s total force by providing about one-third of all communications and public affairs expertise.

Business Incentives for Employer Partners
--No-cost link to the dynamic Army Reserve workforce.
--Potential to reduce recruiting costs. Army Reserve Soldiers undergo a thorough screening process which includes medical evaluation, aptitude testing, background checks and drug screening.
--Potential to trim training costs. Army Reserve Soldiers receive rigorous training at military schools before they are awarded their military occupational specialty, which translates into the skills Employers need.
--Employers benefit from the additional training, professional development and hands-on experience that Soldiers bring to the civilian workplace.
--Personal involvement from Army Reserve senior leaders who will work with business executives to tailor a partnership that meets company staffing goals.

(1) Source: US Department of Labor, 2006-2016 Occupational Employment Projections, National Employment Matrix

Get an Edge

In the Job Market
In the Workplace
In School
In Life

If you’re looking for a way to stand out in a crowded job market, continually augment your experience, gain tangible skills to enhance your education, or launch a new career path, consider becoming a communication professional in the Army Reserve.

Today’s Job Market

To stand out in today’s crowded job market above other job seekers, you need to offer a prospective employer a strong portfolio of credentials, experience, skills and education. Round out your portfolio by gaining tangible skills in military communication as either a Print Journalist or Broadcast Journalist.

Augment Your Current Career

Imagine having the opportunity to travel around the world to where you’ll use your military communication skills to conduct media relations, prep Soldiers for interviews, create podcasts and multi-media video clips, gather b-roll footage, and the like. You’ll return to your current workplace with enhanced capabilities that will also benefit your employer. At the same time, you’ll practice your leadership abilities and decision making skills, and learn to work as a team, all desirable in the workplace.

Go to the Head of the Class

If you’re a student currently working toward a journalism or mass communication degree, there’s no better way to complement that education than by gaining real-world skills as a military communication professional. You’ll get more out of your classes by having the experience under your belt.

Straight Career Path

Your career goals have changed and you want to chart a new course in communication. Move quickly down the path toward a new career by becoming a military communications professional as a Print Journalist or Broadcast Journalist.

Three Communication Career Tracks

Depending on your interests, you can follow one of three tracks – as an enlisted Print Journalist or Broadcast Journalist, or as a commissioned officer serving as a Public Affairs Officer.

Skills Employers Value

The training, skills and experience you gain as a Print Journalist, Broadcast Journalist or Public Affairs Officer are essential to companies of all sizes in all industries, government agencies and academic institutions worldwide. With media exposure, management skills and public relations experience, you’ll have the capabilities to jump into virtually any communication, media, public relations, marketing or advertising position. The opportunity to document news in the United States and around the globe gives you a wide range of real-world experience and a stellar portfolio.

Print Journalist

Newspapers, Web sites, broadcast television and radio programs are important sources of general information about people and events in the Army Reserve. They also help tell the Army Reserve story by assisting with media relations and helping to prepare other Soldiers to be interviewed.

A Print Journalist participates in and assists with the supervision and administration of Army Reserve communication programs primarily through news releases, newspaper articles, Web-based material and photographs for use in military and civilian news media. Some of your duties may include:

· Research, prepare and disseminate news releases, articles, Web-based material and photographs on Army Reserve Soldiers and activities.

· Gather information for military news programs and publications

· Develop ideas for news articles

· Arrange and conduct interviews

· Collect information for commercial media use

· Write news releases, feature articles and editorials

· Create online publications using desktop publishing software

· Conduct media training

· Serve as an escort or liaison to civilian media

· Photograph Soldiers doing their job around the globe

Broadcast Journalist

Broadcast television and radio programs are an important source of general information about people and events in the Army Reserve. Army Reserve Broadcast Journalists create, film, report, host and edit news and entertainment television and radio programs.

Broadcast Journalists participate in and supervise the operation of audio or video news for Army Reserve units. Some duties may include:

· Research, prepare and disseminate information through news releases, radio and television products

· Serve as a writer, reporter, editor, videographer, producer and program host in radio and television productions

· Create podcasts and multi-media products

Public Affairs Officer

Public Affairs Officers are responsible for creating, implementing and assessing communication programs that advance the Army Reserve’s mission, objectives and goals. They ensure the right message is delivered to the target audience using the right communication channel at the right time. They handle public information, media relations, community outreach and internal communication to Soldiers and their families. Public Affairs Officers use their planning and communication skills to deliver information in the form of visual, audio and written communications. Some duties may include:

· Supervise the writing and delivery of press releases and reports for the military and the public

· Brief military members before they meet with the public and news media

· Provide information to newspapers, TV and radio stations, and civic organizations

· Schedule and conduct interviews and news conferences

· Oversee the content and production of radio and television programs

· Advise senior leaders on decision making and communication with the media and the public

· Direct the preparation of content and layout for papers, magazines and Websites

Training

Job training for a Print Journalist requires nine weeks of basic training where you’ll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 12 weeks of advanced training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part learning hands on how to write news stories, operate a camera, and edit newspapers and photographs. You’ll also put together a real newspaper contributing stories and photographs. Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

· News, feature and sports writing and research

· Newspaper design and production

· Interviewing techniques

· Photojournalism

· Public speaking

· Media relations

· Media escort and interactions

Job training for a Broadcast Journalist requires nine weeks of basic training where you’ll learn basic Soldiers skills, and 12 weeks of advanced training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part learning hands on how to operate a video camera and program a 30-minute disc jockey show. You’ll also participate in a live-to-tape television newscast where you’ll work as anchor, control room operator, director and camera person. Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

· Videography and video editing

· Voice skills for anchoring television news and performing as a disc jockey

· Writing news, feature and sports copy for radio and television

· Radio and television programming and production

· Public speaking

· Media relations

There are a few ways to become an Army Reserve Officer. Most prospective Public Affairs Officers attend Officer Candidate School (OCS), a 12-week orientation school at Fort Benning, Ga. OCS prepares you for your roles and responsibilities as a commissioned officer. You can also become an Army Reserve Officer through ROTC at colleges and universities throughout the country. Depending on your education and background, you might also pin on gold 2nd Lieutenant bars through a direct commission.

Public Affairs Officers attend the Defense Information School at Fort Meade, Md., for 10 weeks of advanced training in public information, media relations, community outreach and internal communication.

Benefits

Pay

You earn pay while attending unit training assemblies on the weekend, and when you attend an annual full-time training period. Your wages will increase when you climb in rank and years of experience.

Education

Post 9/11 GI Bill

Soldiers who served at least 90 days on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, are eligible to take advantage of the Post 9/11 GI Bill which provides up to 36 months of benefits for education. Benefits include tuition, fees, a monthly living allowance, books and supplies. Benefits may be transferred to a family member.

Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarship

College students on more than 700 campuses nationwide can take advantage of the best leadership course in America – Army ROTC Military Science and Leadership. Army ROTC Cadets gain practical experience in management and problem solving to become Army or Army Reserve Officers. College students can compete for full-tuition scholarships, with generous textbook allowances and an annual stipend.

College Loan Repayment Program

The Army College Loan Repayment Program makes paying off your student loans easier.

Tuition Assistance

You can get help with 100 percent of the cost of tuition while serving in the Army Reserve.

Health and Dental Care

When you serve on active duty during annual training periods you’re covered by military health and dental insurance. If you deploy overseas for an extended period, you and your family are eligible for full military health care coverage.

Career Assistance

Army Reserve Employer Partnership

Advance your civilian career goals by taking advantage of the Employer Partnership. The Army Reserve is partnering with employers in the public and private sectors to maximize potential job opportunities for Army Reserve Soldiers in a variety of positions and career fields. Army Reserve-friendly employers are eager to consider Army Reserve Soldiers for possible employment, because they know Citizen-Soldiers come to them with a portfolio of valuable skills and experience. Army Reserve Soldiers who participate in the Employer Partnership will find expanded job opportunities, additional platforms for career advancement and greater job security that will enhance both military and civilian careers.

Get Started Today And Get An Edge
Contact Your Nearest Army Reserve Recruiter For the Details