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3N033 Career Guide

Air Force

3N033: Motion Imagery Journeyman

Career transition guide for Air Force Motion Imagery Journeyman (3N033)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 3N033 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Videographer

$62K
High matchGrowing demand

Television Camera Operator

$58K
High matchStable demand

Film and Video Editor

$68K
High matchHigh demand

Broadcast Technician

$55K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FCC certification

Multimedia Artist and Animator

$77K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

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

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 3N033 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

This role requires constant awareness of the shooting environment, including coordinating with pilots in aerial assignments, monitoring equipment status, and anticipating potential problems to capture the best visual data.

The ability to quickly assess and understand your surroundings and adapt to changing conditions translates to effective decision-making and problem-solving in dynamic environments.

Resource Optimization

The role demands efficient allocation of resources such as equipment, lighting, and personnel to achieve production goals within constraints. This includes determining optimal camera settings, lighting, and recording methods to maximize quality while minimizing waste.

Skills in efficiently managing resources, including time, equipment, and personnel, are highly valuable in project management and operational roles.

Team Synchronization

The role involves coordinating with various team members, including producers, directors, writers, and pilots, to ensure smooth production. This involves clear communication, understanding each member's role, and working together to achieve a common goal.

Experience in coordinating and synchronizing efforts within a team, even under pressure, is essential for leadership and collaborative roles.

Procedural Compliance

The role necessitates adhering to established procedures and guidelines for equipment operation, safety protocols, and copyright regulations. This includes performing operator maintenance, ensuring proper slating, and following recording techniques compatible with editing.

A strong understanding of and adherence to established procedures and guidelines are vital for roles that require consistency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Event Technology Specialist

SOC 27-4031

You've been responsible for setting up and operating complex motion media systems. As an Event Technology Specialist, you'll use those technical skills to manage the audiovisual aspects of live events, ensuring seamless execution and impactful presentations.

Technical Writer

SOC 27-3042

You have a background researching subject matter, writing captions and background material. That makes you an ideal technical writer, translating complex information into clear, concise documentation for technical products and services.

Archival Technician

SOC 25-4011

You are experienced in maintaining continuity, orientation, and screen direction, along with maintaining logs. That experience is essential to archival technicians who appraise, process, and preserve historical documents and audiovisual materials.

Training & Education Equivalencies

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

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended for lower-division electives in communications, media production, or visual arts.

Topics Covered

  • Camera operation (DSLR, professional video cameras)
  • Lighting techniques (three-point lighting, color correction)
  • Sound recording (microphone selection, audio mixing)
  • Video editing (Adobe Premiere Pro, non-linear editing workflows)
  • Motion graphics (After Effects basics)
  • Storytelling and visual communication principles
  • Production planning (scripting, storyboarding, pre-production)
  • Aerial videography coordination

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)60% covered

Business practices, legal and ethical considerations, and advanced artistic techniques specific to professional photography.

Certified Video Production Professional (CVPP)70% covered

Advanced video editing techniques, specific software proficiency (Avid, Final Cut Pro), and project management methodologies within a professional video production environment.

Recommended Next Certifications

Adobe Certified Professional in Premiere ProCertified 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
Avid Pro ToolsAdobe Audition, Logic Pro
Broadcast Cameras (e.g., Sony HDC series)Professional broadcast and cinema cameras (e.g., ARRI, RED)
Studio Lighting Systems (e.g., Arri, Mole-Richardson)Professional studio lighting equipment (e.g., LED panels, HMIs)
Video Switchers (e.g., Ross Carbonite)Blackmagic Design ATEM switchers, NewTek TriCaster
Teleprompters (various models)Autocue, QStart teleprompter systems
Audio Mixing Consoles (e.g., Yamaha, Soundcraft)Digital audio workstations (DAWs) with mixing consoles

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