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3N0X4 Career Guide

Air Force

3N0X4: Imagery Production Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Imagery Production Specialist (3N0X4)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 3N0X4 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Photographer

$50K
High matchStable demand

Digital Imaging Technician

$45K
High matchGrowing demand

Medical Photographer

$55K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Medical TerminologyHIPAA ComplianceClinical Photography Techniques

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Pilot/Photographer

$70K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Part 107 CertificationDrone Piloting ExperienceAerial Photography Techniques

Photo Editor

$48K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced Photo Editing Software Skills (e.g., Adobe Photoshop)Color CorrectionRetouching

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 3N0X4 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As a photographer, you constantly assess your environment - lighting, angles, potential obstacles, and subject positioning - to capture the best possible image, whether in a controlled studio or a dynamic combat environment. You anticipate how these factors interact to influence the final product.

This translates to an ability to quickly grasp complex situations and understand how different elements interact. You can anticipate potential problems and adjust your approach to achieve desired outcomes.

Resource Optimization

You are adept at maximizing limited resources, selecting the right equipment (cameras, lenses, lighting) and settings under pressure to produce high-quality results. You make calculated decisions to conserve film/digital storage and power, crucial in austere environments.

You are efficient with resources. You are good at making the most of limited budgets, time, and materials to deliver results, a valuable skill in any business setting.

Procedural Compliance

You adhere to strict protocols for handling sensitive information, maintaining equipment, and documenting events, ensuring accuracy and security are maintained, no matter the environment.

You understand and value the importance of following established procedures, ensuring accuracy, and maintaining security, vital for regulated industries or roles requiring precision.

Rapid Prioritization

Whether documenting a rapidly evolving combat situation or responding to urgent requests for photographic evidence, you quickly assess priorities and allocate your time and resources to the most critical tasks.

You can rapidly assess the urgency and importance of different tasks, allocating your time and energy effectively, even under pressure. This is a key skill for managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.

Team Synchronization

You routinely collaborate with pilots, aircrew, medical staff, and other personnel to coordinate photographic missions and documentation efforts. This demands clear communication, understanding of different roles, and the ability to work seamlessly within a team to achieve shared objectives.

You are effective at collaborating with diverse teams, communicating clearly, and coordinating efforts to achieve common goals. You can build rapport and work effectively with people from different backgrounds and skill sets.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

User Experience (UX) Researcher

SOC 19-3099.00

You've been trained to observe, document, and analyze visual information in dynamic environments. Your experience translating complex situations into compelling visual narratives makes you ideally suited to understand user behavior and improve digital interfaces. UX Research (19-3099.00)

Insurance Investigator

SOC 13-1031.00

You've honed your skills in photographic documentation and attention to detail. Insurance companies rely on investigators with similar experience to gather and assess evidence to make determinations on potentially fraudulent claims. You know how to look for what others miss. This makes you perfect for Insurance Investigation (13-1031.00)

Digital Asset Manager

SOC 11-9199.00

You've managed and processed images using digital systems, and you have experience maintaining and organizing large collections of imagery. Your attention to detail and process and procedures, allows you to step in and manage assets effectively. This translates directly into the role of Digital Asset Manager (11-9199.00)

Training & Education Equivalencies

Imagery Production Specialist Technical Training, Defense Information School (DINFOS), Fort Meade, MD

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Photography and Visual Communications

Topics Covered

  • Photographic Composition and Principles
  • Digital Image Acquisition and Processing
  • Camera and Lens Systems Operation and Maintenance
  • Lighting Techniques for Photography
  • Image Management and Archiving
  • Photojournalism and Caption Writing
  • Medical Photography Techniques
  • Multimedia Safety Procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)60% covered

The CPP covers business practices, legal issues, and advanced artistic techniques not explicitly covered in the military training. Some studio lighting techniques may also require additional study.

Adobe Certified Professional in Photoshop70% covered

While the military training covers image editing, the Adobe certification requires deeper knowledge of the software's advanced features, workflows, and industry best practices, especially regarding design principles.

Recommended Next Certifications

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

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Tactical Imagery Systems (TIS)Digital asset management (DAM) software
Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet)Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure data transfer
Night Vision Devices (NVDs)Low-light security cameras or specialized photography equipment
Satellite Communication SystemsSatellite internet providers (e.g., HughesNet, Viasat)
Digital Darkroom SystemsAdobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One
Reconnaissance Pod SystemsHigh-resolution aerial photography and surveying services using drones or manned aircraft
Medical Imaging SystemsMedical photography equipment and software for clinical documentation

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