What is the PSYOP selection process like? How is the quality of life, work satisfaction, deployment life, day-to-day, etc.?

Anthony White — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 03:28:52 -0500

I am currently in college and I'm planning on enlisting after next semester. Initially I was attracted to only 35 series MOS's, but then really PSYOP caught my attention. There's not an abundance of info out there on what it is like to be a PSYOP soldier, so I was wondering if anyone who is (enlisted or officer) could share their personal experiences, and anyone who has any additional info please feel free to share as well. I know what the overall mission is as I've done my research, so I'm mainly interested in specifics
Background on me- maxed my ASVAB, 107 DLAB, 30 college credits, always had pretty good interpersonal and writing skills, serious high school athlete (still in shape)
Things I'm wondering about- PSYOP selection process and tips, Quality of life, Work satisfaction, deployment life, day-to-day when not deployed (big boy rules?), promotion timelines, command and team structure, tactical vs. strategic, schooling/career path opportunities, post-army careers (both private and public sector), and potenttial bonuses (I realize these change but any info helps).
If you can elaborate on all my questions, great, if not, contribute anything you can! I'm really looking forward to enlisting and am eager to receive any information and mentorship available. Also feel free to message me privately if you prefer to, thank you in advance!

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Dec 23 at 2019 3:39 AM

SGT Robert Pryor — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 03:39:43 -0500

You didn't say whether your college credits are on a semester or quarter basis. Also, it might be interesting to know why you are leaving college without obtaining your degree.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 23 at 2019 8:01 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 08:01:28 -0500

Anthony White ,

To begin with, PSYOP is not an accession MOS in the active component, meaning you do not enlist into it. The way it works is that once you are a qualified Soldier with about 2 year of service then you apply to PSYOP thru one of its recruiters; and the process begins. After applying you’ll go they a selection process which will exhaust you both physically and mentally. If selected after completion (you can completed but not been selected) then you’ll get a school date.

Now, regarding the day to day operations. The regiment is dived into 2 mutually interlaced focus: Regional and Tactical. Each one of the 5 Regional Battalions are organized to support one of the geographical combatant commands (AFRICOM. EUCOM, SOUTHCOM, PACOM, CENTCOM). This is done by working with US Embassies and other US Government organizations as directed. The Tactical Battalion is organized to provide provide support on combat or other contingency operations as required. Their primary customer are special operations units.

Once training is completed you’ll be assigned to one of the aforementioned battalions and train in their unique missions. Don’t worry, you’ll spend time in both regional and tactical. Lots of reading writing, jumping from airplanes while in flight, shooting ranges, etc... Don’t confuse it with becoming a snake eater, although you’ll work with them. You’ll travel at least every other year to your assigned region for at least 6-8 months.

I had a great time as a PSYOP Officer and enjoyed every bit of it, but I won’t lie to you; you’ll work your ass off and as a junior enlisted you’ll have more exposure to senior officers and US and Foreign officials than most. Very few soldiers get sit down with an embassy staff and brief them on your operations; sometimes to the US Ambassador himself/herself.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Dec 23 at 2019 9:22 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 21:22:07 -0500

I was in the 1st Psyop Battalion back in the early 80s for a little while. There were some very cool artists and interesting guys in the battalion back then. We had guys come on active duty for 15 days who were artists from Disney Studios and other famous studios. It was an interesting work environment.