Joining Army Psychological Operations
You can join the Army as a PSYOP Soldier or transfer into the role if you’re a current Soldier. There are different requirements depending on the path you take.
Common Questions about Psychological Operations
Do I need to attend Basic Training to become a PSYOP Soldier?
Yes. In addition to Basic Combat Training, Soldiers must have completed Advanced Individual Training and U.S. Army Airborne School.
What happens if I’m not selected to PSYOP during training?
If you are not ultimately selected to join, you will be assigned to a unit as a qualified specialist in the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) you trained for while applying to PSYOP.
What equipment do PSYOP Soldiers use?
PSYOP Soldiers use effective technology to deliver critical messages during disaster or combat situations, including: The Fly Away Broadcast System, a vehicle-mounted or stationary system to broadcast radio messages or block enemy communications in the field; The Next Generation Loudspeaker System, a portable or vehicle-mounted loudspeaker to blast high quality recorded audio over large distances during disaster rescues; and video editing software, high tech cameras, and state of the art recording studios, to produce mission-critical messages.
What language could I be assigned to learn as part of PSYOP?
Assigned languages include French, Indonesian-Bahasa, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese-Mandarin, Korean, Persian-Farsi, Russian, Tagalog, Thai, Levantine, and Arabic (Egyptian).
Do PSYOP Soldiers receive extra pay?
Yes, they receive special pay for learning a foreign language and graduating from Airborne School. Their total benefits package includes more than $50,000 to further their education, 30 days of vacation per year, complete medical and dental care, initial entry and reenlistment bonuses, and more.
What is the history of Army Psychological Operations?
Founded during World War I to devastate opposing troops’ morale, the PSYOP unit has played a critical role in World War II, the Vietnam War, and recent operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, where unconventional warfare provided by PSYOP has been crucial to national security.
Talk to a Recruiter
Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.
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Here's What Happens Next
You'll receive an email confirming your request
We'll provide additional information about next steps
You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
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While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
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While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
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While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
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While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
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Explore more topics that may interest you
- Education Benefits
- Ways to Serve
- Career Opportunities
- Education Benefits
- Army Reserve
- Army National Guard
- AMEDD Education Benefits
- AMEDD Education Programs
- Medical Career Opportunities
- ROTC National Scholarship
- Education Benefits
- Become an Officer
Thanks for reaching out,
Here's What Happens Next
You'll receive an email confirming your request
We'll provide additional information about next steps
You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can I join ROTC at my age
Can I join as an Officer?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
- Ways to Serve
- Benefits
- Career Opportunities
- Education Benefits
- Army Reserve
- Army National Guard
- AMEDD Benefits
- AMEDD Education Programs
- Medical Career Opportunities
- Become an Officer
- Benefits
- Career Opportunities
Thanks for reaching out, .
We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.
Topics to Explore
- Learn about ROTC
- Learn about ROTC scholarships
- Find schools that offer ROTC
Questions you may have right now
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you
- How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?
Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- What are the ways to serve part-time?
You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- How do I become a health care provider in the Army?
You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.
- What types of medical careers are available in the Army?
There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- What are the benefits of joining ROTC?
ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.
- How do I prepare to join ROTC?
When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.
- Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?
Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
- Education Benefits
- Ways to Serve
- Career Opportunities
- Education Benefits
- Army Reserve
- Army National Guard
- AMEDD Education Benefits
- AMEDD Education Programs
- Medical Career Opportunities
- ROTC National Scholarship
- Education Benefits
- Become an Officer
