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23151 Career Guide

Air Force

23151: Motion Media Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Motion Media Specialist (23151)

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Tech Roles You Could Aim For

Real industry tech roles your 23151 background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.

Technical Writer

Customer / Field

SOC 27-3023
High match

Your experience in motion media and production, combined with editorial functions, translates well to creating clear, concise, and accurate technical documentation. Your background in script preparation, visual communication, and storytelling provides a strong foundation for explaining complex technical concepts in an accessible manner.

Typical stack:

Strong writingSoftware engineering literacy (read code, run examples)Static site generatorsInformation architectureEditorial process

UX Designer / Researcher

Product

SOC 15-1255
Good match

Your experience with camera operation (placement, settings), lighting techniques, and visual information editorial functions provides you with a foundation in visual design principles and user experience. You understand how to create visually appealing and effective content, a key aspect of UX design. Your skills in directing rehearsal and recording activity, as well as evaluating production treatment for suitability, give you a user-centered perspective that is essential for UX design.

Typical stack:

User research methodsWireframing and prototyping (Figma)Accessibility patternsInformation architectureStakeholder communication

IT Support Specialist (Help Desk)

Infrastructure

SOC 15-1232
Moderate match

Your background in operating and maintaining motion media systems, including cameras, lighting, and audio equipment, demonstrates a technical aptitude applicable to IT support. Your experience in troubleshooting equipment issues and performing operator maintenance translates to diagnosing and resolving technical problems for computer users. Skills in team synchronization, resource optimization, and situational awareness developed while performing your duties can be valuable assets in providing efficient and effective IT support.

Typical stack:

Windows and macOS troubleshootingActive Directory basicsTicketing systemsCustomer communicationDocumentation

Technical Program Manager

Product

SOC 11-3021
Moderate match

The experience you possess in motion media, production, and television functions, particularly in supervising and coordinating projects, provides a solid foundation for technical program management. Your proficiency in planning, coordinating, and executing visual information productions, combined with your ability to work with diverse teams, makes you well-prepared to handle the diverse responsibilities of a technical program manager.

Typical stack:

Software systems literacy (read code, read architecture diagrams)Cross-team coordinationRisk and dependency managementWritten communicationStakeholder reporting

Skills You Already Have

Concrete bridges from 23151 experience to tech-industry practice.

  • Camera Operation and Lighting TechniquesUnderstanding of visual design principles and user experience.
  • Video Editing (Adobe Premiere Pro)Proficiency in digital content creation and manipulation.
  • Studio and Field ProductionExperience in project planning, coordination, and execution.
  • Team Synchronization and Resource OptimizationAbility to work effectively in collaborative environments and manage resources efficiently.
  • Situational AwarenessAbility to adapt to changing conditions and make informed decisions in real-time.

Skills to Learn

The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not generic.

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript fundamentalsUI/UX design principles and best practicesUser research methodologies and usability testingTechnical writing principles and documentation standardsAPI documentation and software development lifecycle (SDLC)Help desk ticketing systems (e.g., Jira, Zendesk)Basic networking concepts and troubleshootingProject management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum)Software development lifecycle (SDLC) and DevOps principlesCloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) basics

How VWC fits

Vets Who Code accelerates the parts we teach — software engineering fundamentals, web development, AI tooling. For everything else above, the path is doable independently with the resources we link to.

See VWC Programs

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 23151 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Multimedia Producer

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects)Strong portfolio showcasing diverse projectsUnderstanding of digital marketing strategies

Broadcast Technician

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator LicenseExperience with specific broadcast equipment brands (e.g., Grass Valley, Sony)Knowledge of signal routing and distribution systems

Corporate Videographer

$65K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Client communication and project management skillsExperience in shooting product demos and testimonialsKnowledge of corporate branding guidelines

Film/Video Editor

$62K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced editing techniques (motion graphics, color correction)Familiarity with various codecs and video formatsStorytelling and pacing expertise

Photographer

$50K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Refine photography skills beyond videographyDevelop a photography portfolio (e.g., weddings, portraits, events)Learn business management skills for running a photography business

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 23151 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Continuously monitoring the environment during aerial and ground shoots, coordinating with pilots, and adjusting camera settings based on changing conditions to capture the best possible footage.

Maintaining a constant awareness of surroundings and adapting strategies in real-time based on evolving conditions, essential for successful project execution.

Resource Optimization

Determining the most efficient use of camera equipment, lighting, and personnel to meet production requirements while adhering to budgetary constraints and time limitations.

Maximizing the effectiveness of available resources, including equipment, personnel, and budget, to achieve project goals efficiently and effectively.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating with directors, producers, writers, and other team members to ensure seamless integration of visual elements into the final product, maintaining alignment with the overall vision.

Collaborating effectively with diverse teams to ensure all members are aligned and working cohesively towards a common goal, contributing to overall project success.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict technical standards and safety protocols during the operation of motion media equipment and the execution of visual information projects.

Following established guidelines and protocols to ensure consistent quality, safety, and regulatory compliance in all work-related activities.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Virtual Reality (VR) Content Creator

SOC 15-1199.11

You've been managing complex visual information projects in dynamic environments. In VR content creation, you'll leverage your skills in camera operation, scene composition, and storytelling to create immersive experiences.

Drone Cinematographer

SOC 27-4031.00

You have experience in aerial camera work, coordinating with pilots, and ensuring the capture of desired visual results. As a drone cinematographer, you’ll use those skills to capture stunning aerial footage for films, commercials, and documentaries.

Event Technology Specialist

SOC 15-1151.00

Your expertise in setting up and operating television production equipment, managing lighting, and coordinating visual inputs makes you ideal for managing the technical aspects of live events, conferences, and concerts.

Digital Archivist

SOC 25-4011.00

You're experienced in visual information editorial functions, reviewing and editing materials, and ensuring their proper arrangement. As a digital archivist, you’ll use these skills to preserve and organize digital media for organizations.

Training & Education Equivalencies

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

350 training hours9 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Visual Communications or Media Production

Topics Covered

  • Camera Operation (DSLR and professional video cameras)
  • Lighting Techniques (three-point lighting, color correction)
  • Audio Recording (microphone types, sound mixing)
  • Video Editing (Adobe Premiere Pro)
  • Motion Graphics (Adobe After Effects)
  • Studio Production (multi-camera setups, teleprompter operation)
  • Field Production (location scouting, permits)
  • Storytelling and Visual Communication

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)50% covered

Focus on business practices, legal and ethical considerations, and specific post-processing techniques not covered in military training.

Certified Digital Video Producer (CDVP)60% covered

Study advanced video editing workflows, distribution strategies, and project management principles specific to commercial video production.

Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certifications (e.g., CBRE)40% covered

Requires in-depth study of broadcast-specific technologies, FCC regulations, and advanced troubleshooting techniques for broadcast equipment.

Recommended Next Certifications

Adobe Certified Professional in Premiere ProAvid Certified User: Media ComposerProject 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/DaVinci Resolve
Avid Pro ToolsLogic Pro/Audacity
Broadcast Television Studio CamerasProfessional Video Cameras (e.g., Sony, Canon, Blackmagic)
Television Switchers/Vision MixersBlackmagic ATEM switchers/NewTek TriCaster
Character Generators (Chyron)Titling and graphics software (e.g., NewBlueFX, Boris FX)
Studio Lighting SystemsProfessional Lighting Kits (e.g., ARRI, Kino Flo)
TelepromptersSoftware-based teleprompter applications

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