Video Producer
$78KHigh match
High demand
Live · Guide v1.023131 · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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USAF · 23131Career Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.23131.R.04
23131 · USAF · EnlistedMotion Media
Motion Media
Specialist.
Air Force 23131 (Motion Media Specialist). 480 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $55K–$78K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours480DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 6 semester hours recommended
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage2/6direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your 23131 background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.
Sort · Match descending
/ 02 · Skill Bridge
The gap, named.
What 23131 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have04
- 01Video editing software and workflows→ Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve
- 02Audio recording and mixing techniques→ Pro Tools, Logic Pro
- 03Television studio operations and control room procedures→ Blackmagic ATEM, vMix
- 04Operating video switchers→ Blackmagic ATEM, vMix
To learn08
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+Version control with Git+Markdown and reStructuredText+Fundamentals of computer networking+Common operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux+Python fundamentals+Automated testing frameworks like Selenium or Cypress+Cloud computing basics (AWS, Azure, or GCP)+Containerization with Docker and Kubernetes
How VWC fits
Vets Who Code is a free, full-time software engineering accelerator for veterans, active duty, and military spouses. We close the fundamentals — terminal, web platform, AI tooling, portfolio projects — so the rest of this list becomes specialization, not square one.
See VWC Programs →/ 03 · Civilian Pathways
Where your code lands.
Broadcast Technician
$65KGood match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — Specific broadcast certifications (e.g., SBE)
- — Experience with modern broadcast systems
Multimedia Artist/Animator
$75KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Proficiency in animation software (e.g., Adobe After Effects, Maya)
- — Portfolio demonstrating animation skills
Corporate Communications Specialist
$68KModerate match
High demand
Skills to develop
- — Stronger writing and communication skills for internal/external audiences
- — Marketing/PR knowledge
Photographer
$55KModerate match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — Refine photographic style and build a portfolio
- — Consider specializing in a niche (e.g., wedding, product)
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your 23131 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
Situational Awareness
Maintaining awareness of the environment during aerial or ground shoots, coordinating with pilots, and anticipating potential issues to capture the desired footage.
Transfers to
Maintaining a constant awareness of your surroundings and the interplay of multiple factors, allowing you to anticipate problems and adjust plans accordingly.
Resource Optimization
Determining the optimal camera settings, lighting, and equipment placement to achieve the desired visual outcome while efficiently using available resources.
Transfers to
Strategically allocating and utilizing resources, including equipment and personnel, to maximize efficiency and achieve project goals within budgetary constraints.
Team Synchronization
Coordinating with pilots, directors, writers, and other crew members to ensure smooth production and achieve a cohesive final product.
Transfers to
Effectively collaborating with diverse teams, coordinating individual efforts, and maintaining clear communication to achieve shared objectives.
Procedural Compliance
Adhering to established protocols and guidelines for camera operation, safety procedures, and equipment maintenance to ensure mission success and prevent accidents.
Transfers to
Following established procedures and regulations meticulously to ensure accuracy, safety, and compliance in all aspects of your work.
After-Action Analysis
Reviewing footage and production processes to identify areas for improvement, optimize future shoots, and enhance overall performance.
Transfers to
Analyzing past projects and performances to identify areas for improvement, refine strategies, and enhance future outcomes.
/ 05 · Non-Obvious Matches
Roles the recruiter won't suggest.
Adjacent civilian roles your training maps to that conventional military-to-civilian advice tends to miss.
Theme Park Ride Designer
SOC 27-1029You've been responsible for camera placement, lighting and special effects. Your experience in media production translates directly to designing immersive and thrilling ride experiences in theme parks. Your understanding of visual storytelling and technical expertise will allow you to create memorable attractions.
Adjacent · MatchCorporate Archivist
SOC 25-4011You've meticulously managed and maintained visual information, adhering to copyright and reproduction guidelines. Your detail-oriented approach and experience in handling sensitive media assets are valuable in preserving a company's history and intellectual property.
Adjacent · MatchArchitectural Visualization Specialist
SOC 17-3011You've mastered capturing and manipulating visual information, including lighting and special effects. Your skills are directly applicable to creating realistic 3D renderings and animations of architectural designs, assisting architects and developers in presenting their projects.
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
Visual Information Course
Defense Information School (DINFOS), Fort Meade, MD480hHours
12wkWeeks
ACECredit
Up to 6 semester hours recommended
Topics · 8
- Motion picture camera operation and techniques
- Lighting principles and practices for video production
- Audio recording and mixing techniques
- Video editing software and workflows
- Storytelling and visual communication principles
- Television studio operations and control room procedures
- Live event video production
- Aerial videography techniques
Partial coverage · 2
- Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)60%
While the military training covers camera operation, lighting, and composition, CPP requires demonstrated knowledge of business practices, legal issues, and advanced artistic vision which would need further study.
- Certified Video Production Professional (CVPP)70%
The military training provides a strong foundation in video production techniques. However, additional study may be needed in areas such as advanced editing software, project management methodologies specific to civilian video production, and current industry trends.
Recommended next · 04
- Adobe Certified Professional in Premiere ProAdjacent
- Avid Certified User: Media ComposerAdjacent
- Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)Adjacent
- Project Management Professional (PMP)Adjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation
What you ran, in their words.
Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| Avid Media Composer | Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve | Operations |
| Pro Tools | Avid Pro Tools, Logic Pro | Operations |
| Teleprompters (various models) | Quescript Teleprompter, PromptDog | Operations |
| Character Generators (Chyron) | NewBlue Titler Pro, Vizrt | Operations |
| Video Switchers (Ross, Grass Valley) | Blackmagic ATEM, vMix | Networking |
| Studio Lighting Systems (Arri, Mole-Richardson) | Professional Studio Lighting Kits (various brands) | Operations |
| Aerial Camera Platforms (various modified aircraft with camera mounts) | Commercial drones (DJI, Freefly) equipped with professional cameras | Aviation |
/ Translator · Live
Translate 23131 into a resume that ships.
Pair this guide with the VWC AI-powered translator: drop in your service record, get back ATS-optimized civilian resume language tuned to the tech roles above.