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3V171 Career Guide

Air Force

3V171: Motion Media Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Motion Media Specialist (3V171)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 3V171 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Multimedia Producer

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Broadcast Technician

$68K
High matchStable demand

Video Editor

$62K
High matchGrowing demand

Camera Operator

$58K
High matchStable demand

Corporate Video Specialist

$70K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Marketing knowledgeProject management

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 3V171 training built — and where they transfer.

Resource Optimization

This role requires careful planning and execution to maximize the use of equipment, time, and personnel, especially when on location or during live productions. Efficient resource allocation ensures projects stay within budget and are completed on schedule.

You understand how to make the most of limited resources, balancing needs and constraints to achieve optimal outcomes. This skill translates to effective budget management, project planning, and problem-solving in resource-constrained environments.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating with directors, writers, talent, and technical staff is essential for successful motion media projects. This involves clear communication, understanding roles, and anticipating the needs of others to ensure seamless execution.

You excel at collaborating with diverse teams, ensuring everyone is aligned and working towards a common goal. You are adept at anticipating needs, facilitating communication, and resolving conflicts to maintain a cohesive and productive work environment.

Situational Awareness

Whether on the ground or in the air, motion media specialists must maintain a constant awareness of their surroundings to capture the best footage and ensure safety. This includes monitoring equipment, coordinating with pilots, and anticipating potential challenges.

You possess a heightened awareness of your environment and are skilled at identifying potential risks and opportunities. This ability allows you to make informed decisions, adapt to changing circumstances, and proactively address issues before they escalate.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to established protocols and guidelines is crucial in military motion media operations. This ensures consistency, quality, and compliance with safety regulations, particularly when working with sensitive equipment or during aerial assignments.

You are detail-oriented and committed to following established procedures to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance. This makes you a reliable and trustworthy professional who understands the importance of adhering to standards and regulations.

Pattern Recognition

Identifying recurring issues with equipment, anticipating the needs of directors or talent, and recognizing effective visual storytelling techniques are all examples of pattern recognition in this role.

You can quickly identify trends and anomalies, allowing you to anticipate problems, optimize processes, and develop innovative solutions. This skill is valuable in any field that requires analysis, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Corporate Archivist

SOC 11-9199

You've been responsible for managing and preserving visual information assets. As a Corporate Archivist (11-9199), you can use those skills to manage and preserve a company's historical documents, recordings, and other media.

Museum Exhibit Designer

SOC 27-1026

Your experience in production and visual storytelling translates directly to exhibit design. As a Museum Exhibit Designer (27-1026), you will plan and create engaging and informative displays for museums and other institutions.

Training and Development Specialist

SOC 13-1151

Given your experience in Air Force educational and training environments, you can apply your skills in a corporate setting. As a Training and Development Specialist (13-1151), you will design and deliver training programs to improve employee skills and performance.

Real Estate Videographer

SOC 27-4031

You've mastered the art of capturing compelling visuals in various environments, including aerial settings. As a Real Estate Videographer (27-4031), you can create stunning video tours of properties, attracting potential buyers and enhancing marketing efforts.

Training & Education Equivalencies

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

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 9 semester hours in Visual Communications, Television Production, and Digital Media.

Topics Covered

  • Camera Operation (Ground and Aerial)
  • Lighting Techniques
  • Video Editing and Post-Production
  • Audio Recording and Mixing
  • Television Production Equipment Operation
  • Scripting and Storyboarding
  • Motion Media Systems Maintenance

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)60% covered

Requires additional study of professional photography business practices, advanced artistic techniques, and current trends in the photography industry.

Certified Video Production Professional (CVPP)70% covered

Requires understanding of advanced video editing software, color correction techniques, and project management specific to video production.

Adobe Certified Professional in Premiere Pro50% covered

Requires in-depth knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro software, including advanced editing techniques, color grading, motion graphics, and workflow optimization.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

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
Sony HDC Series CamerasProfessional broadcast camera systems (e.g., Sony, ARRI, RED)
Avid Pro ToolsLogic Pro X, Audacity
Lighting Kits (e.g., Arri, Kino Flo)Professional studio lighting equipment (e.g., LED panels, Fresnel lights)
Teleprompters (various models)Autocue, QStart teleprompter software and hardware
Ross Video Production SwitchersBlackmagic Design ATEM switchers, NewTek TriCaster
Aerial Camera Mounts (specific to aircraft)Gimbal Stabilizers (e.g., DJI Ronin series) for drones and helicopters
Motion Capture SystemsAutodesk Maya, Blender

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