U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mikaela Smith, 633d Air Base Wing Public Affairs public affairs specialist, poses for a photo during Scorpion Lens 2024, Joint Base Charleston, S.C., March 8, 2024. Participants were instructed in crafting products aimed at combatting propaganda and disinformation, aiding commanders in making well-informed decisions, deterring aggression, and garnering support from a simulated foreign populace, all with the goal of attaining informational superiority. (U.S. Air Force photo curtesy photo)
The name “Public Affairs” for our Air Force Specialty Code does a disservice to the storytellers and the overarching mission of PA. We joke within the career field that PA stands for “practically anything” because of the diversity in our mission and how we never know what new idea we will get looped into. As a Senior Airman, I am often one of the most junior members in a room. Despite this, working at a base with as many mission assets as Joint Base Langley-Eustis has, I’ve been able to critically assess PA through my limited experience.
I love being a public affairs specialist. I have been blessed with leaders who have trusted me and given me opportunities to grow and excel within this field. Every week is different from...