SAN ANTONIO – More than 1,300 miles from the Defense Information School, U.S. Army Reserve 1st Lt. Marissa Lomax’s screen flickered to life in Dallas. She was beginning the rigorous modules for the Public Affairs and Communication Strategy Qualification Course, known as PACS-Q, but the environment was far from what she expected.
What was intended to be an immersive, in-person learning experience abruptly shifted to virtual instruction amid the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. Faced with unfamiliar expectations and unexpected obstacles, Lomax demonstrated adaptability, perseverance, and excellence throughout her journey.
Coming from a Signal Corps background, Lomax entered the course with a strong technical foundation in communications and information systems.
“I expected the course to cover material I was already familiar with,” she explained. “So, I was surprised when I realized how heavily it focused on writing and strategic communication.”
As she packed her bags for the planned nine-week resident course, the federal government shut down.
“It was nerve-wracking,” Lomax said. “I wasn’t sure what was going to happen.”
Fortunately, the course continued virtually, though the shift presented a new set of challenges. The transition required intense discipline and time management. Like millions of students nationwide who experienced disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lomax had to navigate online classrooms and self-directed learning while maintaining high academic standards.
That previous experience prepared her for the unique hurdles of a virtual PACS-Q.
“During COVID, everything changed overnight,” Lomax recalled. “I had to stay motivated and manage my time well without the structure of in-person learning.”
Drawing from that resilience, Lomax established a disciplined routine, dedicating long hours each day to studying Army doctrine on press releases, media engagement, and new Department of War policies on public affairs. Rather than viewing the shutdown as a setback, she treated it as an opportunity to build a strong foundation for her future work as a public affairs officer.
The federal government reopened Nov. 12, 2025, allowing Lomax to complete the final month of the course in person. Working alongside members from all branches of the military, she participated in a joint planning exercise that simulated real-world public affairs operations.
“Being in the classroom with my peers, who were also service members from other branches, made everything click,” she said. “Working side-by-side allowed me to execute what I learned online and apply it in a real-world simulated setting.”
The demanding curriculum pushed Lomax beyond her comfort zone, particularly in professional writing. Despite the steep learning curve, she embraced the challenge. Her discipline earned her the title of Army Honor Graduate.
“When I heard my name announced, I was genuinely surprised,” Lomax reflected. “I don’t come from a public affairs background, so it meant a lot to see that the hard work paid off. It validated the effort I put into learning something completely new.”
As Lomax prepares to join the 205th Theater Public Affairs Support Element for exercise Hanuman Guardian 26 in Thailand, she carries the lessons learned during those nine weeks of uncertainty.
“The course was an amazing experience,” she said. “I’m excited to grow as a public affairs officer and serve alongside my fellow Soldiers in support of the mission.”
Written by Staff Sgt. Jon Cortez Edited/ Released by Capt. Cyntkaille Coleman