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84B Career Guide

Army

84B: Visual Information Equipment Operator-Maintainer

Career transition guide for Army Visual Information Equipment Operator-Maintainer (84B)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 84B veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Photographer

$50K
High matchStable demand

Videographer

$62K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)Motion graphicsSound design

Photographic Laboratory Technician

$42K
High matchStable demand

First-Line Supervisor of Media and Communication Workers

$75K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project ManagementBudgetingClient Communication

Public Relations Specialist

$68K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Strategic CommunicationMedia RelationsCrisis CommunicationSocial Media Marketing

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 84B training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

84Bs must constantly assess their surroundings during aerial and ground photography, identifying potential risks and opportunities to capture optimal shots while maintaining safety and security.

This translates to a keen ability to observe, interpret, and react to dynamic environments, predicting potential issues and adjusting strategies accordingly.

Resource Optimization

84Bs are responsible for managing and maintaining photographic equipment, film supplies, and laboratory resources, ensuring efficient use of assets to meet mission requirements within budgetary constraints.

This showcases the ability to effectively allocate and manage resources, maximizing productivity and minimizing waste to achieve objectives with limited assets.

Team Synchronization

As supervisors, 84Bs coordinate and synchronize the activities of photographic teams, ensuring seamless integration of ground and aerial photography operations with overall mission objectives.

This demonstrates a capacity to orchestrate team efforts, aligning individual tasks with collective goals and fostering collaboration for optimal performance.

Procedural Compliance

84Bs must adhere to strict protocols and guidelines for handling sensitive information, maintaining equipment, and conducting photographic operations in compliance with military regulations.

This reflects a dedication to following established procedures, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to standards in all tasks.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Insurance Investigator

SOC 13-1031

You've been trained to observe details meticulously, document findings accurately, and assess situations critically. In insurance investigation, you'll use these skills to investigate claims, gather evidence, and identify fraudulent activities.

Archivist

SOC 25-4011

Your experience managing photographic records, developing film, and maintaining archives translates well to preserving and organizing historical documents and materials. You'll use your attention to detail and organizational skills to ensure the accessibility and longevity of valuable collections.

Technical Writer

SOC 27-3042

Your background preparing technical reports and providing guidance on audio-visual operations makes you well-suited for technical writing. You'll use your communication skills and technical knowledge to create clear, concise documentation for various audiences.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Visual Information Equipment Operator-Maintainer Course, Fort Eisenhower

560 training hours14 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Basic Photography Principles
  • Digital Camera Operation and Maintenance
  • Image Editing Software (Adobe Photoshop)
  • Video Recording Techniques
  • Audio Recording and Editing
  • Photographic Laboratory Procedures
  • Aerial Photography Techniques
  • Supervisory Skills

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)60% covered

Requires study of advanced lighting techniques, posing, business practices, and passing a written exam and image evaluation.

Recommended Next Certifications

Adobe Certified Professional in PhotoshopProject 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
DSLR Cameras (Various Models)Professional DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras (e.g., Canon EOS Series, Sony Alpha Series)
Medium Format Cameras (e.g., Hasselblad)Professional Medium Format Digital Cameras
Photographic Darkroom EquipmentProfessional Photo Developing and Printing Equipment
Aerial Photography Platforms (e.g., drones equipped with cameras)Commercial Drones with Camera Systems (e.g., DJI drones with advanced imaging capabilities)
Digital Image Processing Software (e.g., specialized military-grade software)Adobe Photoshop, Capture One, GIMP
Video Editing Software (e.g., specialized military-grade software)Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro
AN/PSS-14 Mine DetectorHandheld metal detectors, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

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