New Cohort Starts:

Donate

23131 Career Guide

Air Force

23131: Motion Media Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Motion Media Specialist (23131)

Translate Your 23131 Experience Now

Get a personalized AI-powered translation of your military experience into civilian resume language.

Start Free Translation

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 23131 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Video Producer

$78K
High matchHigh demand

Broadcast Technician

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specific broadcast certifications (e.g., SBE)Experience with modern broadcast systems

Multimedia Artist/Animator

$75K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Proficiency in animation software (e.g., Adobe After Effects, Maya)Portfolio demonstrating animation skills

Corporate Communications Specialist

$68K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Stronger writing and communication skills for internal/external audiencesMarketing/PR knowledge

Photographer

$55K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Refine photographic style and build a portfolioConsider specializing in a niche (e.g., wedding, product)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 23131 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining awareness of the environment during aerial or ground shoots, coordinating with pilots, and anticipating potential issues to capture the desired footage.

Maintaining a constant awareness of your surroundings and the interplay of multiple factors, allowing you to anticipate problems and adjust plans accordingly.

Resource Optimization

Determining the optimal camera settings, lighting, and equipment placement to achieve the desired visual outcome while efficiently using available resources.

Strategically allocating and utilizing resources, including equipment and personnel, to maximize efficiency and achieve project goals within budgetary constraints.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating with pilots, directors, writers, and other crew members to ensure smooth production and achieve a cohesive final product.

Effectively collaborating with diverse teams, coordinating individual efforts, and maintaining clear communication to achieve shared objectives.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to established protocols and guidelines for camera operation, safety procedures, and equipment maintenance to ensure mission success and prevent accidents.

Following established procedures and regulations meticulously to ensure accuracy, safety, and compliance in all aspects of your work.

After-Action Analysis

Reviewing footage and production processes to identify areas for improvement, optimize future shoots, and enhance overall performance.

Analyzing past projects and performances to identify areas for improvement, refine strategies, and enhance future outcomes.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Theme Park Ride Designer

SOC 27-1029

You've been responsible for camera placement, lighting and special effects. Your experience in media production translates directly to designing immersive and thrilling ride experiences in theme parks. Your understanding of visual storytelling and technical expertise will allow you to create memorable attractions.

Corporate Archivist

SOC 25-4011

You've meticulously managed and maintained visual information, adhering to copyright and reproduction guidelines. Your detail-oriented approach and experience in handling sensitive media assets are valuable in preserving a company's history and intellectual property.

Architectural Visualization Specialist

SOC 17-3011

You've mastered capturing and manipulating visual information, including lighting and special effects. Your skills are directly applicable to creating realistic 3D renderings and animations of architectural designs, assisting architects and developers in presenting their projects.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Visual Information Course, Defense Information School (DINFOS), Fort Meade, MD

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Motion picture camera operation and techniques
  • Lighting principles and practices for video production
  • Audio recording and mixing techniques
  • Video editing software and workflows
  • Storytelling and visual communication principles
  • Television studio operations and control room procedures
  • Live event video production
  • Aerial videography techniques

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)60% covered

While the military training covers camera operation, lighting, and composition, CPP requires demonstrated knowledge of business practices, legal issues, and advanced artistic vision which would need further study.

Certified Video Production Professional (CVPP)70% covered

The military training provides a strong foundation in video production techniques. However, additional study may be needed in areas such as advanced editing software, project management methodologies specific to civilian video production, and current industry trends.

Recommended Next Certifications

Adobe Certified Professional in Premiere ProAvid Certified User: Media ComposerCertified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Avid Media ComposerAdobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve
Pro ToolsAvid Pro Tools, Logic Pro
Teleprompters (various models)Quescript Teleprompter, PromptDog
Character Generators (Chyron)NewBlue Titler Pro, Vizrt
Video Switchers (Ross, Grass Valley)Blackmagic ATEM, vMix
Studio Lighting Systems (Arri, Mole-Richardson)Professional Studio Lighting Kits (various brands)
Aerial Camera Platforms (various modified aircraft with camera mounts)Commercial drones (DJI, Freefly) equipped with professional cameras

Ready to Translate Your Experience?

Our AI-powered translator converts your 23131 experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.

Translate My Resume — Free