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84C Career Guide

Army

84C: Motion Picture Specialist

Career transition guide for Army Motion Picture Specialist (84C)

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Civilian Career Pathways

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

Photographer

$50K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Digital photography skillsProficiency in Adobe Photoshop and LightroomBuilding a professional portfolio

Videographer

$62K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Video editing software expertise (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)Cinematography techniquesSound recording and mixing

Broadcast Technician

$55K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FCC certificationKnowledge of broadcast equipment maintenanceUnderstanding of broadcast regulations

Multimedia Artist and Animator

$77K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

3D modeling and animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender)Graphic design principlesStoryboarding and visual storytelling

Camera Operator, Television, Video, and Motion Picture

$68K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Experience with professional cinema camerasUnderstanding of lighting techniquesKnowledge of different lenses and their effects

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

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

Situational Awareness

Maintaining awareness of surroundings during aerial photography missions is critical for safety and mission success, considering factors like weather, airspace, and potential threats.

This translates to a keen ability to assess dynamic environments and make informed decisions based on real-time information, crucial for anticipating and mitigating risks.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict protocols for equipment maintenance, flight operations, and data handling ensures the integrity of collected visual intelligence and the safety of personnel.

This demonstrates a commitment to following established guidelines and standards, essential for maintaining quality and minimizing errors in regulated industries.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating with pilots, ground crews, and intelligence analysts requires precise communication and synchronized actions to effectively capture and deliver timely aerial imagery.

This showcases your ability to work cohesively within a team, coordinating efforts to achieve shared objectives in fast-paced and demanding situations.

Resource Optimization

Managing limited resources such as film, equipment, and personnel to maximize mission effectiveness within budgetary and logistical constraints is a key responsibility.

This highlights your ability to efficiently allocate and utilize resources to achieve optimal outcomes, a valuable asset for improving productivity and reducing costs.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Insurance Investigator

SOC 13-1031

You've been trained to observe, document, and analyze visual information from a unique perspective. Your attention to detail and ability to identify discrepancies makes you well-suited to investigate insurance claims and detect fraud.

Technical Writer

SOC 27-3042

Your experience in creating technical reports related to audio-visual operations shows you can explain complex information clearly and concisely. Now, you can apply those skills to creating user manuals, training guides, and other technical documentation for various industries.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161

Your skills in situational awareness, resource optimization, and team coordination honed in aerial photography missions are highly transferable to emergency response scenarios. You can help plan and coordinate responses to natural disasters and other crises.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Basic Combat Training, Fort Jackson, SC and Advanced Individual Training, Fort Meade, MD

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • •Basic Camera Operation
  • •Motion Picture Techniques
  • •Sound Recording
  • •Video Editing
  • •Equipment Maintenance
  • •Scripting and Storyboarding
  • •Aerial Photography Principles

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)60% covered

Requires study of advanced photography techniques, business practices, and passing a certification exam.

Certified Video Production Professional (CVPP)50% covered

Focus on current video production software, editing techniques, and industry standards.

Recommended Next Certifications

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

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) CamerasCommercial thermal imaging cameras used in drones and security systems
MX-15 Multi-Sensor Imaging SystemGimbal-mounted camera systems used in professional cinematography and surveillance
Digital Motion Picture Cameras (e.g., Arriflex, RED)Professional digital cinema cameras used in filmmaking and television production
Non-Linear Editing (NLE) Software (e.g., Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro)Professional video editing software used in post-production
Sound Recording Equipment (e.g., Sound Devices Recorders, Sennheiser Microphones)Professional audio recording equipment used in field recording and studio environments
MIL-STD ruggedized laptops/workstationsRugged laptops and workstations for field work (Panasonic Toughbook, Dell Rugged)
Satellite Communication Systems (SATCOM)Satellite internet and communication services (e.g., HughesNet, Iridium)

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