How To Become a Psychological Operations Specialist: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about the steps important to pursuing a career as a psychological operations specialist, including education, skills, salary and more.
Psychological operations specialists (PSYOPS) are military personnel who use psychological techniques to influence the emotions, attitudes and behaviors of people in order to achieve specific objectives. PSYOPS specialists use a variety of methods, including leaflets, broadcasts, face-to-face conversations and small-scale events, to influence their target audience. If you are interested in becoming a PSYOPS specialist, it is important to understand the training and education requirements, as well as the job duties and responsibilities. In this article, we provide an overview of the career of a PSYOPS specialist.
What Does a Psychological Operations Specialist Do?
Psychological operations specialists are responsible for planning and conducting psychological warfare operations in order to influence the emotions, opinions and behaviors of enemy combatants, government officials and civilian populations. They may work with various media outlets to disseminate information that is favorable to their cause.
Psychological operations specialists typically have the following duties:
- Developing strategies and plans for psychological warfare operations
- Identifying target audiences for propaganda messages
- Creating propaganda materials such as leaflets, posters, radio and television broadcasts
- Disseminating propaganda material through a variety of channels
- Monitoring the effects of propaganda campaigns
- Conducting research on psychological warfare methods
- Training other military personnel in psychological warfare techniques
- Interacting with government officials, journalists and others to promote their cause
- Analyzing intelligence data to identify potential targets for psychological warfare operations
Psychological Operations Specialist Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for a psychological operations specialist is $54,075. This figure can vary based on the level of experience, education, industry and geographical location of the specialist.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job prospects for psychological operations specialists to grow at an average rate over the next decade. This is due to many factors such as the increasing need for psychological operations in military and law enforcement settings.
How to Become a Psychological Operations Specialist
Here are several steps you should take to become a psychological operations specialist.
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, or a related field
The first step to becoming a psychological operations specialist is to earn a bachelor’s degree. You can major in psychology, sociology or another related field and take courses such as social psychology, group dynamics, research methods and military doctrine.
While you are in school, it’s also important to join the military. This will allow you to receive training and experience that is necessary for this position.
2. Join the military and complete basic training
Once you have your bachelor’s degree, you can enlist in the military. You must be at least 18 years old and meet physical requirements for your desired branch of the military. Before beginning specialized training as a psychological operations specialist, you will complete basic training with other new recruits in your branch of the military. Basic training teaches you about military protocol and how to work as part of a team. It also helps you develop physically fit habits that are necessary for working in the military.
3. Attend the Psychological Operations Course at the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School
After completing basic training, you can apply to attend the Psychological Operations Course at the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. This course is 10 weeks long and teaches students about psychological warfare, military deception, counter-terrorism and other related topics.
Upon completion of this course, you will be a psychological operations specialist first class. You may also choose to continue your education by attending the Military Information Support Operations Course, which is an additional 40 days long.
4. Serve in the military for at least four years
Psychological operations specialists must serve a minimum of four years in the military. This allows you to gain experience and develop your skills as a psychological operations specialist. You may be eligible for reenlistment bonuses or other incentives based on your performance.
5. Develop strong interpersonal skills
Psychological operations specialists must be able to interact with people from all walks of life. They may need to interact with civilians, military personnel and foreign officials in different countries around the world. Therefore, it is important for psychological operations specialists to have strong interpersonal skills so they can build rapport with others and communicate effectively.
6. Be able to think critically and solve problems
Psychological operations specialists must be able to think critically and solve problems. They need to be able to identify issues within a population and develop solutions that will help the military achieve its goals. This means being able to research, evaluate data and make sound decisions based on the information available.
You may also be required to develop persuasive messages or campaigns for the military. To do this, you must be able to come up with creative ideas and determine which ones are most effective.
7. Stay up to date on changes in the field of psychological operations
The field of psychological operations is constantly changing, so it’s important for a psychological operations specialist to stay up to date on the latest developments. For example, as technology advances, social media platforms and other online resources may change how military leaders communicate with civilians in combat zones.
A good way to stay informed about changes in this field is to read professional journals or attend conferences where you can network with other professionals. You should also talk to your commanding officers about any new developments that could affect your job.
