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Persuade, Change, Influence

The Army's information warfare specialists. PSYOP Soldiers shape the information environment, influence foreign audiences, and win battles without firing a shot — a special operations force multiplier since 1952.

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Career Field at a Glance

Selection + Qualification — 2 MOS — 1 Mission: Information Warfare

The 37-Series is the Army's premier information warfare force. PSYOP Soldiers analyze target audiences, develop influence products, and conduct tactical through strategic operations that shape the battlefield before the first round is fired.

MOS Specialties
37A
PSYOP Officer
Full MOS Page →

Leading the Army's influence missions. Officers plan and lead operations to influence foreign audiences to support tactical objectives.

37F
PSYOP Specialist
CourseQualification (POQC)
LocationFort Liberty, NC
Full MOS Page →

The backbone of influence missions. Specialists analyze audiences and develop media products to shape the information environment.

37X
Enlistment Option
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The entry point for all PSYOP Candidates. Enlist as 17X and earn your specific MOS during training.

37Z
Senior Sergeant
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The pinnacle of enlisted PSYOP leadership. 37Zs manage influence operations at the highest levels.

37F
Psychological Operations Specialist
CoursePSYOP Qualification (POQC)
LocationFort Liberty, NC
Selection~50% Pass Rate
DutySOF — Special Operations
Key SkillsTarget Audience Analysis, Product Development, Media Ops

The 37F Psychological Operations Specialist is the backbone of the Army's information warfare capability. 37Fs serve on tactical PSYOP teams (TPTs) and are responsible for analyzing foreign target audiences, developing influence products across multiple media, and conducting dissemination operations. The PSYOP Qualification Course at Fort Liberty is preceded by a rigorous assessment and selection phase that eliminates approximately half of all candidates.

Once qualified, 37Fs operate in small teams with significant autonomy, deploying globally in support of conventional forces, Special Operations, and interagency partners. The role demands creativity, cultural awareness, critical thinking, and the ability to operate in ambiguous environments.

  • Target audience analysis and behavioral influence planning
  • Product development: print, audio, visual, and digital media
  • Tactical PSYOP team (TPT) operations and dissemination
  • Media production and broadcast operations
  • Cultural and regional analysis
  • Face-to-face engagement and key leader interaction
  • Integration with maneuver and special operations forces
37A
PSYOP Officer
TrackOfficer (Branch Transfer)
LocationFort Liberty, NC
EntryBranch Detail / Transfer
DutySOF — Special Operations
Key SkillsPSYOP Planning, Campaign Design, Strategic Influence

The 37A PSYOP Officer leads psychological operations planning and execution from tactical through strategic levels. Officers enter the PSYOP branch through branch transfer after serving in a basic branch, bringing operational experience that enriches their information warfare capability. 37As plan and synchronize PSYOP across the range of military operations.

PSYOP Officers are responsible for integrating influence operations into the commander's scheme of maneuver, coordinating with interagency partners, and overseeing the development and approval of PSYOP products and campaigns at all echelons.

  • PSYOP planning at tactical, operational, and strategic levels
  • Campaign design and series development
  • Interagency coordination and information operations integration
  • Product approval authority and quality control
  • Detachment and company command in PSYOP units
  • Strategic-level influence operations at COCOM and joint staffs
  • Theater and national-level PSYOP program management
37Z
Senior PSYOP Sergeant
RankE-8 / E-9
RequiresSLC + Selection
ScopeBN/Group Level
DutySenior Enlisted Leader
Key SkillsPSYOP Ops Mgmt, Campaign Planning, Mentorship

The 37Z Senior PSYOP Sergeant represents the pinnacle of enlisted PSYOP leadership. 37Zs serve as operations sergeants major, first sergeants, and command sergeants major at battalion and group level within PSYOP and USASOC formations. They manage PSYOP operations, oversee campaign planning, and mentor the next generation of information warfare NCOs.

Reaching 37Z requires extensive PSYOP experience, completion of the Senior Leader Course and Sergeants Major Academy, combat deployments, and a proven record of excellence across multiple PSYOP duty positions.

  • PSYOP operations management at BN/Group level
  • Campaign planning and strategic influence oversight
  • Personnel management, evaluations, and career counseling
  • Training management and readiness for PSYOP formations
  • Interagency and joint SOF coordination at senior enlisted level
  • Mentorship of junior PSYOP NCOs and integration with officers
  • Senior enlisted advisor to PSYOP commanders
Career Progression
E1-E4
Junior Enlisted
Timeline0-4 Years
PositionsTPT Member, Analyst
SchoolsAirborne, POQC, DLI
Pay$24K-$36K/yr
BonusSOF enlistment bonus

Junior enlisted PSYOP Soldiers begin their career by completing BCT, Airborne School, and the PSYOP Assessment & Selection program. Those who pass selection continue to the PSYOP Qualification Course (POQC) at Fort Liberty. Upon graduation, 37Fs are assigned to tactical PSYOP teams where they develop target audience analysis skills and media production capabilities.

This is the time to build language skills (DLI attendance is common), develop cultural expertise, and establish a foundation for the unique demands of information warfare operations.

  • PVT (E-1) to PV2 (E-2): BCT and pipeline — Selection and POQC
  • PFC (E-3): 12 months TIS — TPT member, media production, target analysis
  • SPC (E-4): 24 months TIS — Experienced team member, deployment-ready
  • Attend Defense Language Institute for foreign language proficiency
  • Build cultural expertise in assigned regional focus area
  • Pursue deployments to gain operational PSYOP experience early
E5-E6
Noncommissioned Officer
Timeline4-10 Years
PositionsTPT Leader, Det NCOIC
SchoolsBLC, ALC, Advanced PSYOP
Pay$36K-$52K/yr
KeyNCOER performance

PSYOP NCOs lead tactical PSYOP teams and serve as detachment NCOICs. Sergeants (E-5) lead 3-4 person TPTs with significant autonomy in the field, while Staff Sergeants (E-6) take on detachment-level leadership and planning responsibilities. PSYOP NCOs are expected to be experts in their regional focus area and capable of independent operations.

Completion of BLC is required for E-5, and ALC for E-6. Advanced PSYOP courses, regional studies programs, and joint SOF training significantly enhance career progression.

  • SGT (E-5): TPT Leader — leads tactical PSYOP team operations
  • SSG (E-6): Detachment NCOIC — plans and manages PSYOP operations
  • BLC required for promotion to SGT, ALC for SSG
  • Advanced PSYOP Course and regional studies programs
  • Pursue Military Free-Fall, SERE, and joint SOF courses
  • Strong NCOER evaluations and deployment records are critical
E7-E9
Senior Noncommissioned Officer
Timeline10-30 Years
PositionsOPS SGT, 1SG, CSM
SchoolsSLC, USASMA
Pay$52K-$90K+/yr
SelectionBoard-selected

Senior PSYOP NCOs represent the most experienced information warfare leaders in the enlisted force. Sergeants First Class (E-7) serve as company operations sergeants and senior TPT leaders, Master Sergeants/First Sergeants (E-8) lead at company level, and Sergeants Major/Command Sergeants Major (E-9) serve at battalion, group, and USASOC level.

These positions are highly competitive and board-selected. A record of successful PSYOP operations, combat deployments, advanced school completion, and consistent top-block evaluations are essential for advancement.

  • SFC (E-7): Company OPS SGT — manages PSYOP operations at company level
  • MSG/1SG (E-8): First Sergeant or OPS NCOIC — company-level senior enlisted
  • SGM/CSM (E-9): Command Sergeant Major — BN/Group senior enlisted advisor
  • Senior Leader Course (SLC) required for E-7 promotion
  • Sergeants Major Academy for E-9 selection
  • Joint assignments and interagency experience strengthen records
37A
Officer Branch Transfer
PathBranch Detail / Transfer
DurationPOQC + Assessment
LocationFort Liberty, NC
Result37A PSYOP Officer
BonusSOF career track

Officers enter the PSYOP branch primarily through branch transfer after initial service in a basic branch (Infantry, MI, etc.). The 37A career track requires completion of PSYOP assessment, selection, and the officer qualification course at Fort Liberty. Officers bring operational experience from their basic branch that enriches PSYOP planning and execution.

PSYOP Officers lead at the tactical through strategic levels, planning influence operations, coordinating with interagency partners, and commanding PSYOP detachments and companies. The SOF career track offers unique joint and interagency opportunities.

  • Branch transfer typically at CPT level after basic branch service
  • PSYOP Officer Qualification Course at Fort Liberty
  • Detachment Commander → Company Commander → BN/Group Staff
  • Joint and interagency assignments at COCOM and national level
  • Prior branch experience strengthens operational planning
  • Career progression: Det CDR → CO CDR → BN XO/S3 → BN CDR
Major Duty Stations

Where PSYOP Soldiers Serve

Installation Location Unit / Element Type
Fort LibertyNC1st SFC (A) / USASOC / 4th POGSOF / USASOC
Fort LibertyNCSWCS — JFK Special Warfare CenterTRADOC
MacDill AFBFLUSSOCOM / CENTCOM elementsJoint / COCOM
StuttgartGermanySOCEUR / EUCOM supportOCONUS
Camp HumphreysSouth KoreaSOCKOR / PACOM supportOCONUS
Okinawa / JapanPacificSOCPAC elementsOCONUS
Joint Bases WorldwideVariousSOCOM elements & Embassy supportGlobal

PSYOP Soldiers are primarily stationed at Fort Liberty, NC, but deploy globally in support of SOCOM, geographic combatant commands, and embassy teams. Active-duty PSYOP is a special operations branch with worldwide mission requirements.

Elite Information Warriors

From strategic messaging campaigns to face-to-face engagement with local populations, PSYOP Soldiers influence the fight at every echelon — winning hearts, minds, and battles without firing a round.

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Common Questions
Overview
What is PSYOP?

Psychological Operations is a special operations branch that influences foreign audiences through targeted information campaigns. PSYOP Soldiers analyze, develop, and deliver messages that shape the information environment in support of military objectives.

Selection
How Hard is Selection?

PSYOP Assessment & Selection has an approximately 50% attrition rate. Candidates are evaluated on physical fitness, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, and psychological resilience over a demanding multi-week program.

Language
Need Language Skills?

Foreign language proficiency is a force multiplier for PSYOP Soldiers. Many attend the Defense Language Institute (DLI) in Monterey, CA. Language ability enhances target audience analysis, product development, and face-to-face engagement.

Mindset
Creative Thinker?

PSYOP demands creative and critical thinkers who can analyze complex cultural dynamics, develop persuasive messaging, and adapt to ambiguous environments. If you think differently, PSYOP may be your calling.

Deployment
Want to Deploy Globally?

PSYOP Soldiers deploy worldwide in support of every geographic combatant command. From embassy support to joint special operations, 37-Series personnel operate in every theater — often in small teams with significant autonomy.

Career
SOF vs Conventional?

Active-duty PSYOP is a special operations branch under USASOC. Army Reserve PSYOP units exist as well, but the active component is fully integrated into the SOF community with airborne requirements and SOF deployments.

MOS Overview
Selection + QC Training Pipeline
2 MOS 37F / 37A
~50% Selection Rate
SOF Special Operations
Airborne Required
Ft Liberty Home Station
Retention Rates

PSYOP Reenlistment by Year

FY19 72% Reenlistment Rate
FY20 75% Reenlistment Rate
FY21 73% Reenlistment Rate
FY22 70% Reenlistment Rate
FY23 68% Reenlistment Rate
Training Data

Selection & Qualification Attrition

Common Drop Reasons

  • Selection attrition~50%
  • Academic failure~10%
  • Voluntary withdrawal~5%
  • PT failure / injury~5%

Key Context

  • Selection is the primary attrition point (~50%)
  • POQC academic standards are rigorous
  • Airborne qualification is mandatory for active duty
  • Language training adds additional pipeline time
Key Takeaway

PSYOP is one of the most intellectually demanding and globally impactful MOS fields in the Army. If you want to influence the fight through information, deploy worldwide with SOF, and operate with autonomy in complex environments, the 37-Series is the path. Think critically, communicate clearly, and never stop learning.

The PSYOP Motto

Persuade, Change, Influence.

We are the quiet professionals of information warfare.
We shape the environment before the fight begins
and long after the last round is fired.
Our weapons are words, images, and ideas.
We win without firing a shot.

We analyze, we create, we deliver.
From tactical teams to strategic campaigns,
we are everywhere the mission demands.
We are PSYOP.

Persuade, Change, Influence

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