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

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.

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.

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.