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3V031 Career Guide

Air Force

3V031: Motion Imagery Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Motion Imagery Specialist (3V031)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 3V031 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Video Producer

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Broadcast Technician

$68K
High matchStable demand

Multimedia Artist and Animator

$77K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Proficiency in specific animation software (e.g., Adobe After Effects, Maya)Knowledge of 3D modeling and animation techniques

Camera Operator

$62K
High matchStable demand

Film and Video Editor

$65K
High matchHigh demand

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 3V031 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

This role requires constant awareness of the shooting environment, including lighting conditions, camera angles, subject movement, and potential obstacles, whether on the ground or in aerial settings. You're always evaluating the scene to capture the best possible footage.

Your ability to quickly assess complex environments and anticipate potential issues translates into a knack for understanding market trends, competitor activities, and customer needs.

Resource Optimization

You are responsible for determining equipment needs, managing budgets, coordinating with various personnel (pilots, producers, etc.), and ensuring efficient use of resources to complete video production projects.

This skill set makes you adept at managing projects within budget constraints, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and maximizing the use of available resources to achieve organizational goals.

Team Synchronization

You routinely coordinate with pilots, producers, directors, and other team members to ensure seamless execution of video shoots, requiring clear communication and collaboration to achieve desired outcomes.

Your experience in coordinating with diverse teams equips you to facilitate collaboration, resolve conflicts, and ensure that team members are aligned toward common goals in a business setting.

Procedural Compliance

You must adhere to strict protocols and guidelines when operating equipment, coordinating with pilots, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations during aerial and ground shoots.

This demonstrates your ability to follow established procedures, maintain accuracy, and ensure that projects are completed in compliance with industry standards and legal requirements.

After-Action Analysis

Reviewing footage, identifying areas for improvement, and adjusting techniques based on past experiences is critical for enhancing the quality and efficiency of future video productions.

You possess a valuable skill for evaluating project outcomes, identifying lessons learned, and implementing changes to improve future performance and processes.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Market Research Analyst

SOC 19-3022.00

You've been gathering and analyzing visual information for the Air Force, which translates well into understanding consumer behavior and market trends. Your knack for identifying patterns and optimizing resources will make you a valuable asset in market research.

Training and Development Specialist

SOC 13-1151.00

You've been involved in creating educational and training materials using motion media. This experience directly applies to designing and delivering effective training programs in the civilian sector. Your ability to instruct talent and manage production will be highly beneficial.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 29-9091.00

You've been operating in environments requiring situational awareness and rapid response. These skills are crucial in emergency management, where you'd be planning and coordinating responses to various crises. Your experience with resource optimization and procedural compliance will be invaluable.

User Experience (UX) Researcher

SOC 15-1212.00

You've been focused on capturing the right visual information to convey messages effectively. This skill set makes you an ideal UX researcher who focuses on observing user behavior and gathering insights to improve digital product design. Your skills in pattern recognition and situational awareness will translate directly.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Visual Information Production Documentation (VIPD) 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

  • Camera Operation and Techniques (DSLR and Video)
  • Lighting Principles and Techniques
  • Audio Recording and Sound Design
  • Video Editing (Adobe Premiere Pro)
  • Motion Graphics (Adobe After Effects)
  • Storytelling and Visual Communication
  • Production Planning and Management
  • Aerial Videography Principles

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)60% covered

The Air Force training provides a strong foundation in camera operation, lighting, and composition. However, the CPP exam also covers business practices, legal issues, and advanced artistic techniques that require additional study.

Certified Video Production Professional (CVPP)70% covered

While the military training covers many aspects of video production, the CVPP certification may require additional knowledge in areas such as advanced editing techniques, project management, and client communication specific to the civilian sector.

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
Avid Pro ToolsLogic Pro X
TeleprompterOn-screen prompting software
Broadcast Cameras (Sony, Panasonic)Professional Cinema Cameras (ARRI, RED)
Video Switchers (Ross, Blackmagic Design)Live Production Switchers (vMix, Tricaster)
Character Generators (Chyron)Real-time graphics rendering (Vizrt, NewTek)
Studio Lighting Systems (Fresnel, LED panels)Professional studio lighting kits (Aputure, Godox)

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