Writer's Guide: The Army Public Affairs Journal

A female U.S. Army soldier in combat uniform, helmet, and face paint smiles warmly while holding a camera with a microphone attached. She is seated in what appears to be a military vehicle, surrounded by other soldiers.

U.S. Army Spc. Ana Alrawi, 55th Public Affairs Company, smiles at a competitor during the Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., May 23, 2026. The annual event tests tactical and technical skills while honoring Clayton's legacy. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Devin Davis)

Introduction & Mission

Welcome to the professional journal of the U.S. Army Public Affairs branch. In an era of complex information environments, the need for clear, credible, and compelling professional discourse has never been greater.

Our mission is to provide a platform for Public Affairs professionals, and the wider Army community, to share knowledge, innovate ideas, and contribute to the evolution of our practice. We aim to connect the force, foster intellectual growth, and ensure our branch remains at the forefront of synchronizing narrative and action. Your voice matters!

Professional Discourse vs. Journalistic Writing

While PA professionals are trained in AP Style to report objective news, writing for this journal requires a different approach. We are looking for analysis, arguments, and professional discourse. Some things to consider when drafting your submission:

  • Focus on the “so what?”: Analyze why your topic or event matters and how it impacts the branch.
  • Structure: Use a professional essay structure with an introduction, clear thesis, logical body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion.
  • Voice: You are allowed to take a position. Using the first-person (“I” or “we”) is acceptable when sharing your own operational lessons learned.
  • Sourcing: Replace AP-style attribution with formal citations to back up your claims with doctrinal or academic evidence.

Submission Guidelines

To ensure a smooth and efficient publication process, please adhere to the following guidelines when submitting your work.

  • Article length should ideally be between 1,000 to 2,500 words.
  • Submit articles in a Microsoft Word document (docx). Use a standard 12-point font (e.g., Times New Roman), double-spaced, with 1-inch margins.
  • Structure:
    • Headline: Include one or two suggested headlines that capture the essence of your article.
    • Introduction: Your opening paragraph should clearly state your article's purpose and main argument (Bottom Line Up Front or BLUF).
    • Body: Develop your ideas with clear, concise language. Avoid jargon where possible; if you must use it, explain it.
    • Conclusion: Summarize your key points and offer a final thought-provoking takeaway for the reader.
  • Spell out all acronyms and abbreviations on first reference, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. For example, "Public Affairs (PA)." Subsequent references can use the abbreviation.
  • Use the American Psychological Association (APA) style for all citations and references.

Illustrations and Graphics

Authors are highly encouraged to include relevant photos, charts, graphics, or illustrations to provide context and clarity to the written submission.

  • Do not embed images, charts, or diagrams in the Word document. Attach them as separate, high-resolution files (minimum 300 dpi) in .JPEG, .TIFF, or .PNG format.
  • Pro vide a separate list of captions for each graphic. Each caption must include a brief description of the visual and proper credit for the photographer or creator (Rank, Full Name, Unit).
  • Indicate suggested placement for each graphic within your manuscript (e.g., "[Place Figure 1 Here]").

Security and Policy Review (SAPP) & AI Guidelines

Operational Security (OPSEC) and SAPP

All articles must undergo an independent review to ensure appropriate OPSEC and SAPP compliance. Reviews can be coordinated with the unit OPSEC officer, higher headquarters PAO or Commander.

Authors must submit proof of clearance via a signed DD Form 1910 (Clearance Request for Public Release), local command clearance form, or an official email chain from the approver explicitly stating the work is cleared for public release.

Author Information

Include a brief author biography (50-75 words) with your submission. This should include your current duty assignment, relevant previous roles, and any education or experience that establishes your expertise on the topic. If possible, please provide a professional, high-resolution headshot to accompany your biography.

Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Writing

We recognize the evolving role of AI as a tool to assist with brainstorming, outlining, and drafting. However, as PA professionals, our foundation is built on trust, credibility, and accuracy. If you utilize AI in your writing process, you must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Human Accountability: The author bears ultimate responsibility for the accuracy, originality, and appropriateness of the submission. AI is a tool to assist, not a substitute for critical thinking, tactical knowledge, and subject matter expertise expected in professional military writing.
  • Security & OPSEC: Adhere strictly to operational security. DO NOT put Classified information, CUI, PII or sensitive operational details into unauthorized or public AI models.
  • Rigorous Verification: Authors must rigorously fact-check all claims, historical examples, quotes, and doctrinal references.
  • Transparency & Disclosure: If Generative AI is used to significantly draft or structure your article, you must include a brief disclosure statement at the end of your manuscript. (Example: “Portions of this manuscript were drafted or outlined with the assistance of [name of AI tool]. The author reviewed, edited, and assumes full responsibility for the final content.]

Editorial Review Process & Timeline

The PA journal operates on a quarterly publication cycle, and we accept submissions on a rolling basis. Once submitted, your manuscript will undergo an initial review by our editorial board. We aim to notify you regarding its acceptance status within 14 days. If selected, you will work directly with our editorial staff to refine your article for final publication. As our quarterly schedule formalizes, we will publish specific deadlines and issue themes in advance.