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Military Career: Audiovisual and Broadcast Technicians

 

Overview

Television and film productions are an important part of military communications. Films are used for training in many military occupations. They are also used to record military operations, ceremonies, and news events. These productions require the teamwork of many technicians. Audiovisual and broadcast technicians perform many specialized tasks, ranging from filming to script editing to operating audio recording devices.

What They Do

Audiovisual and broadcast technicians in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Work with writers, producers, and directors in preparing and interpreting scripts
  • Plan and design production scenery, graphics, and special effects
  • Operate media equipment and special effect devices including cameras, sound recorders, and lighting
  • Follow script and instructions of film or TV directors to move cameras, zoom, pan, or adjust focus

Branches of the Military

Army
Navy
Air Force
Marine Corps

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include photography, graphics, art, speech and drama. Helpful attributes include:

  • Experience in school plays or making home movies
  • Interest in creative and artistic work
  • Preference for working as part of a team

Training Provided

Job training consists of 7 to 52 weeks of instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. Course content typically includes:

  • Motion picture equipment operation
  • Audio recording
  • Scripting and special effects techniques
  • Maintenance of public address sound equipment

Physical Demands

Normal color vision and the ability to speak clearly are required for some specialties in this area.

Work Environment

Audiovisual and broadcast technicians work in studios or outdoors on location. They sometimes work from aircraft or ships. They travel and work in all climates.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian audiovisual and broadcast technicians work for film production companies, government audiovisual studios, radio and television stations, and advertising agencies. Their duties are similar to those performed by military journalists and newswriters. They may be called motion picture camera operators, audiovisual production specialists, sound mixers, recording engineers, and broadcasting and recording technicians.

Below is a list of similar civilian occupations:

Audio-Visual Specialists
Broadcast Technicians
Film and Video Editors
Sound Engineering Technicians

Opportunities

The services have about 1,000 audiovisual and broadcast technicians. Each year, they need new technicians due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, new technicians assist with various production processes. With experience, they work more independently and, in time, may direct audiovisual productions.


Source: U.S. Department of Defense, Washington D.C.