New user - Need some help - Wish to become a Combat Photographer

[PhotoExtremist]

Hello Ladies and Gents,

First I want to say these forums look like their filled with an abundance of information, and a great community, I'm sure I WILL enjoy my stay.

The reason I'm here, I want to join the military, as a Combat Photographer. Yes, I could go to my local recruiters, and ask every one of those guys my questions, which I will be doing, but first I want to ask this community and get their opinions/knowledge about the subject.

Some Info about me: I'm a Jr(11th grade) in High School. I'm 17 years old, birthday May 5th, 1988. I love traveling, photography, adventure, and meeting great people. I've been doing photography for 3 years now, using a SLR Film camera and shooting anything I can and think is interesting. Right now I'm looking at my options for the future, at some point in time(whether it be right after high school or after the military) I want to go to college.(might have to go with the second option)

Back to the subject at hand, yes, I want to go into the military as a 'Combat Photographer.' I'm not sure what branch, I'm leaning more towards the Army or Marine Core, but here's the thing.....I want to enlist and be able to guarentee myself that I will in fact join that certain branch as a Combat Photographer. I don't want to do anything else. I live for action, and I live for Photography.

So, my questions that I have for all of you:



1. What branch(if any) would guarentee myself a spot as a Combat Photographer.

2. If there's more then one branch that would, what branch(in your opinion) would be my best choice(and why)?

3. What do you think I should do to better prepare myself for my goal to be a Combat Photographer.

4. 'Anything that would help me'



I apologize for my long and maybe to you, painful, post. But the time has come for me to start researching and getting as much information as I can about my possible future.

Thank you, I appreciate any posts that are made, I will take your response as serious as I take the words "Cut the lawn or I will beat your ass" coming out of my Fathers mouth.

[333MP]

First Welcome to the forums. Next as for garunteeing your job I believe that the Army can, I am not certain on the other branches. As for branch decision, that is all you, we will all have a bias here. I don't know that we have any combat photographers here, but I could be wrong. So to better prepare yourself in that field I don't know. As for preparing yourself for the military in general, do lots of PT, there are plenty of good PT regiments listed on this site. Good Luck!!

[Hoss68]

Okay, since I have never met one online, I did a little digging for you, otherwise I would have brought someone with first hand knowledge here to answer this...

Starting out with requirements through ASVAB scoring~

The Army converts the ASVAB subtest scores into five composite score areas, known as "line scores." The line scores determine what job(s) an individual qualifies for. The ASVAB subtests are: General Science (GS); Arithmetic Reasoning (AR); Word Knowledge (WK); Paragraph Comprehension (PC); Numerical Operations (NO); Coding Speed (CS); Auto and Shop Information (AS); Mathematics Knowledge (MK); Mechanical Comprehension (MC); Electronics Information (EI); and Sum of Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension (VE). Marine Corps Line Scores are determined as follows:

CL—Clerical—VE+AR+MK

EL—Electronics—GS+AR+MK+EI

GT—General Technical—VE+AR

MM—Mechanical Maintenance—NO+AS+MC+EI

ST—Skilled Technical—GS+VE+MK+MC

For the Marines you score requires a GT of 100 or above~

4341 - Combat Corespondent GT=105
4611 - Combat Illustrator GT=100
4612 - Combat Lithographer GT=100
4641 - Combat Photographer GT=100
4671 - Combat Videographer GT=100

MOS 4641, Combat Photographer

Summary. Combat photographers take photographs using all types of cameras and accessories in a variety of environments (including time of darkness and underwater) to support a wide range of requirements including: operational imagery, intelligence imagery, investigations, research, development and evaluation, recruiting, internal and external information efforts, etc. Performs chemical mixing, equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, visual and statistical quality control, captioning, archive accessioning, and photographic finishing. Combat photography SNCOs draft reports, official correspondence, and budget; supervise and instruct personnel in the operation of all equipment and software related to MOS 4641, as well as supervising and organizing all aspects of photographic operations.

Requirements/Prerequisites

(1) GT score of 100 or higher.

(2) Must have normal color vision.

(3) Must be eligible for a secret security clearance.

(4) Complete the Basic Still Photographic Course, Fort Meade, MD or demonstrate MOS proficiency through completion of appropriate civilian schooling.

(5) Must be a U.S. citizen.

Duties. For a complete listing of duties and tasks, refer to MCO 1510.54_, Individual Training Standards.

Related DOT Classification/DOT Code

(1) Photographer, Still 143.062-030.

(2) Photojournalist 143.062-034.


Army 25V -- Combat Documentation/Production Specialist

Major duties. The combat documentation/production specialist supervises, plans, and operates electronic and film based still, video, and audio acquisition equipment to document combat and noncombat Army, Joint, and Combined operations; operates broadcast, collection, television production and distribution equipment; creates visual information products in support of combat documentation, psychological operations, military intelligence, medical, public affairs, training, and other functions; performs unit level maintenance on assigned equipment and preventive maintenance checks and services on assigned vehicles and generators.

(1) Skill Level 1. and performs unit level maintenance on motion, still, and studio television cameras; electronic and film based processing, editing, audio, and printing darkroom equipment; prepares captions for documentation images; operates and performs PMCS on assigned vehicles and power generators.

(2) Skill Level 2. Supervises and provides technical guidance to subordinate documentation/production team members; monitors, operates, and performs unit level maintenance on master control systems; aligns and adjusts video cameras; prepares video reports for review by commanders and planning staff; operates and performs unit level maintenance on still video transmission systems.

(3) Skill Level 3. Performs as team leader of combat camera documentation teams; determines documentation/production equipment and systems mission support requirements; coordinates and directs personnel and operational requirements to produce audiovisual, audio, and television productions in both fixed and tactical environments.

Physical demands rating and qualifications for initial award of MOS. The Combat Documentation/Production Specialist must pos sess the following qualifications:

(1) A physical demands rating of moderately heavy.

(2) A physical profile of 111221.

(3) Normal color vision.

(4) Depth perception: Normal binocular vision for fine close work as determined by the Armed Forces Vision Tester.

(5) A minimum score of 95 in aptitude area ST and EL.

(6) High school graduate or equivalent.

(7) Mandatory formal training (completion of MOS 25V Course approved by the USA Signal School). Waiver may be granted by Commandant, USASC & FG, Ft Gordon, GA 30905-5300.

Additional skill identifiers

(1) P5--Master Fitness Trainer.

(2) 4A--Reclassification Training.

[USMCRET6391]