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23171 Career Guide

Air Force

23171: Motion Imagery Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Motion Imagery Specialist (23171)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 23171 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Multimedia Producer

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Broadcast Technician

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FCC certificationSpecific broadcast equipment certifications

Videographer

$62K
High matchGrowing demand

Film and Video Editor

$65K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced editing software proficiency (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve)

Instructional Designer (Multimedia Focus)

$78K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Learning Management System (LMS) expertiseInstructional design principleseLearning development tools

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 23171 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Constantly monitoring the environment during aerial and ground shoots to ensure safety and optimal filming conditions, including coordinating with pilots and anticipating potential obstacles.

Maintaining a constant awareness of surroundings and potential challenges to proactively address issues and ensure smooth operations in dynamic environments.

Resource Optimization

Determining the most efficient use of equipment, personnel, and time to meet production requirements, including planning shoots, selecting locations, and managing equipment maintenance.

Effectively allocating and managing resources, including budget, personnel, and equipment, to achieve project goals within constraints.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating with directors, writers, actors, and technical crew to ensure seamless execution of production plans, including relaying cues, managing studio sets, and operating ancillary equipment.

Collaborating with diverse teams to ensure cohesive and efficient project execution, involving clear communication, coordination of tasks, and problem-solving.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to established protocols and guidelines for operating equipment, editing materials, and ensuring copyright compliance in visual information production.

Following established procedures and regulations to ensure accuracy, safety, and compliance in professional tasks and projects.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Event Technology Specialist

SOC 15-1299.09

You've been responsible for coordinating complex video shoots and live broadcasts in challenging environments. As an Event Technology Specialist, you'll leverage your expertise in camera operation, lighting, sound, and visual information production to create seamless and engaging experiences for live events, conferences, and performances. Your ability to troubleshoot technical issues on the fly and coordinate with diverse teams will make you an invaluable asset.

Museum Exhibit Designer

SOC 27-1026

You've got experience creating compelling visual narratives and documenting events. In museum exhibit design, you'll use those skills to design and develop interactive exhibits that educate and engage visitors. Your background in motion media production, including video editing and sound design, will allow you to create immersive and memorable experiences.

Corporate Archivist

SOC 25-4011

You're used to maintaining detailed records and ensuring the preservation of visual information. As a Corporate Archivist, you'll be responsible for organizing and preserving an organization's valuable documents, photographs, and media. Your background in visual information management and attention to detail will make you an ideal candidate.

Training & Education Equivalencies

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

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Communications, Media Production, or Journalism

Topics Covered

  • Principles of Cinematography
  • Camera Operation and Maintenance
  • Lighting Techniques for Video
  • Audio Recording and Mixing
  • Video Editing Software (Adobe Premiere Pro)
  • Motion Graphics and Special Effects
  • Storytelling and Visual Communication
  • Production Planning and Management

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)60% covered

Requires study of general photography principles, business practices, and passing a written exam and portfolio review. Military training heavily covers technical aspects of camera operation and production, but less on the artistic and business side.

Certified Video Production Professional (CVPP)70% covered

While the military role covers many aspects of video production, the CVPP requires a broader understanding of the entire video production lifecycle, including pre-production planning, budgeting, and distribution strategies. Some gaps might exist in project management and business aspects of video production.

Adobe Certified Professional in Premiere Pro75% covered

This role likely has significant experience with video editing software, but certification requires demonstrating mastery of specific features and workflows within Adobe Premiere Pro. Gaps may exist in advanced editing techniques, color correction, audio mixing, and exporting for different platforms.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

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
ProToolsAvid Pro Tools, Audacity, Adobe Audition
Motion Picture Film Cameras (Arriflex, Panavision)Professional Cinema Cameras (ARRI, RED, Sony)
ENG (Electronic News Gathering) CamerasProfessional Camcorders (Sony, Panasonic)
Lighting Systems (Fresnel, LED Panels)Studio Lighting Kits (Aputure, Dracast)
TelepromptersProfessional Teleprompter Systems (Autoscript, Prompter People)
Video Switchers (Ross, Grass Valley)Live Production Switchers (Blackmagic Design ATEM, NewTek Tricaster)

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