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84E Career Guide

Army

84E: Television Production Specialist

Career transition guide for Army Television Production Specialist (84E)

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Civilian Career Pathways

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

Broadcast Camera Operator

$62K
High matchStable demand

Film and Video Editor

$78K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Proficiency in editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)Color correction and gradingStorytelling and narrative construction

Multimedia Artist and Animator

$75K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Animation software proficiency (e.g., Maya, Blender)Graphic design principles3D modeling

First-Line Supervisor of Media and Communication Workers

$85K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project managementBudgetingTeam leadership experience

Training and Development Specialist

$68K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional designE-learning platform expertiseCurriculum development

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

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

Situational Awareness

As a TV camera operator, you're constantly aware of the environment around the set, including the positions of actors, the placement of equipment, and the director's instructions. You anticipate potential disruptions and adjust your camera work accordingly to maintain a smooth production.

This ability to perceive and react to your surroundings translates into a keen sense of observation and anticipation, allowing you to quickly assess situations and make informed decisions in dynamic environments.

Team Synchronization

Operating a TV camera isn't a solo act. You're part of a larger production team, requiring seamless coordination with directors, sound engineers, lighting technicians, and other camera operators. You must anticipate their needs and communicate effectively to ensure a cohesive final product.

This experience fosters exceptional teamwork and communication skills, enabling you to collaborate effectively with diverse groups to achieve shared goals.

Procedural Compliance

TV production involves strict adherence to established protocols and technical standards. From setting up equipment to following shot lists, you understand the importance of following procedures to ensure consistency and quality in the final product.

Your commitment to following established procedures and maintaining quality control translates into meticulous attention to detail and a strong understanding of operational standards, valuable assets in any structured environment.

Degraded-Mode Operations

In a live TV environment, equipment malfunctions or unexpected events can occur. You're trained to troubleshoot technical issues quickly and adapt to changing circumstances to keep the show running smoothly, even when things don't go as planned.

This ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure, troubleshoot problems on the fly, and adapt to unforeseen circumstances demonstrates your resilience and problem-solving skills, making you a valuable asset in fast-paced, unpredictable environments.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Crime Scene Photographer

SOC 39-1011.00

You've been trained to capture clear, detailed images under pressure, following strict protocols. Your experience operating and maintaining camera equipment translates perfectly to documenting crime scenes accurately and professionally. Your ability to adapt to challenging environments is also crucial in this role.

Architectural and Engineering Drafters

SOC 17-3011.01

As a former TV camera operator, you have a keen eye for detail and spatial relationships, coupled with technical experience in adjusting equipment and following detailed instructions. These skills are very transferable to creating technical drawings and plans for structures.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062.00

You have experience in camera work, which involves fine-tuning machinery and ensuring optimal performance. This translates well into assembling, testing, and maintaining robots used in manufacturing, healthcare, or other industries. You are adept at troubleshooting technical issues and following precise instructions.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Advanced Individual Training (AIT), Defense Information School (DINFOS), Fort Meade, Maryland

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Communications or Media Studies

Topics Covered

  • Television Camera Operation
  • Video Production Techniques
  • Lighting and Sound for Television
  • Scripting and Storyboarding
  • Set Design and Construction
  • Video Editing and Post-Production
  • Live Television Production
  • Television Directing

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Broadcast Television Engineer (CBTE)60% covered

Requires study of advanced television engineering principles, signal transmission, and FCC regulations.

Certified Television Operator (CTO)70% covered

Needs additional knowledge of master control operations, video editing software, and advanced camera techniques.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Television Cameras (Various Models)Professional Video Cameras (e.g., Sony, Panasonic, Canon)
Camera Control Units (CCUs)Remote Camera Control Systems
Video Switchers/MixersLive Production Switchers (e.g., Blackmagic Design ATEM, Ross Carbonite)
Non-Linear Editing (NLE) SystemsVideo Editing Software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, DaVinci Resolve)
Video Playback and Recording DevicesProfessional Video Recorders and Playback Servers
Intercom SystemsProduction Intercom Systems (e.g., Clear-Com, RTS)
Lighting Equipment (Studio and Field)Professional Lighting Systems (e.g., ARRI, Litepanels)

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