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Live · Guide v1.023171 · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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USAF · 23171Career Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.23171.R.04
23171 · USAF · Enlisted

Motion Imagery
Specialist.

Air Force 23171 (Motion Imagery Specialist). 480 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $62K–$78K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.

Training hours480DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Communications, Media Production, or Journalism
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage3/6direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles

Roles your code maps to.

SOURCE · BLS + LIGHTCAST ROLES · 4

Industry tech roles your 23171 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 23171 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.

Already have09
  • 01
    Camera Operation and MaintenanceHardware Troubleshooting and Repair
  • 02
    Video Editing Software (Adobe Premiere Pro)Video Editing and Post-Production
  • 03
    Lighting Techniques for VideoUnderstanding of Visual Design Principles
  • 04
    Storytelling and Visual CommunicationCreating Engaging and Informative Content
  • 05
    Production Planning and ManagementProject Management and Coordination
  • 06
    Situational AwarenessProactive Problem Solving
  • 07
    Resource OptimizationEfficient Resource Management
  • 08
    Team SynchronizationEffective Team Collaboration
  • 09
    Procedural ComplianceAdherence to Standards and Regulations
To learn08

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

+Markdown, reStructuredText, or other markup languages+Software documentation tools (e.g., Sphinx, Doxygen)+Fundamentals of software testing methodologies+A scripting language (e.g., Python) for test automation+Basic knowledge of computer hardware and software+Troubleshooting common operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)+UI/UX design principles+Wireframing and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD)
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.

SOURCE · LIGHTCAST + CURATED PATHWAYS · 5
P.01

Multimedia Producer

$75K
High match
High demand
P.02

Broadcast Technician

$68K
Good match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
  • FCC certification
  • Specific broadcast equipment certifications
P.03

Videographer

$62K
High match
Growing demand
P.04

Film and Video Editor

$65K
High match
High demand
Skills to develop
  • Advanced editing software proficiency (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve)
P.05

Instructional Designer (Multimedia Focus)

$78K
Moderate match
High demand
Skills to develop
  • Learning Management System (LMS) expertise
  • Instructional design principles
  • eLearning development tools
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths

What the code built.

Cognitive skills your 23171 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.

S.01

Situational Awareness

Constantly monitoring the environment during aerial and ground shoots to ensure safety and optimal filming conditions, including coordinating with pilots and anticipating potential obstacles.

Transfers to

Maintaining a constant awareness of surroundings and potential challenges to proactively address issues and ensure smooth operations in dynamic environments.

S.02

Resource Optimization

Determining the most efficient use of equipment, personnel, and time to meet production requirements, including planning shoots, selecting locations, and managing equipment maintenance.

Transfers to

Effectively allocating and managing resources, including budget, personnel, and equipment, to achieve project goals within constraints.

S.03

Team Synchronization

Coordinating with directors, writers, actors, and technical crew to ensure seamless execution of production plans, including relaying cues, managing studio sets, and operating ancillary equipment.

Transfers to

Collaborating with diverse teams to ensure cohesive and efficient project execution, involving clear communication, coordination of tasks, and problem-solving.

S.04

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to established protocols and guidelines for operating equipment, editing materials, and ensuring copyright compliance in visual information production.

Transfers to

Following established procedures and regulations to ensure accuracy, safety, and compliance in professional tasks and projects.

/ 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.

Event Technology Specialist

SOC 15-1299.09

You've been responsible for coordinating complex video shoots and live broadcasts in challenging environments. As an Event Technology Specialist, you'll leverage your expertise in camera operation, lighting, sound, and visual information production to create seamless and engaging experiences for live events, conferences, and performances. Your ability to troubleshoot technical issues on the fly and coordinate with diverse teams will make you an invaluable asset.

Adjacent · Match

Museum Exhibit Designer

SOC 27-1026

You've got experience creating compelling visual narratives and documenting events. In museum exhibit design, you'll use those skills to design and develop interactive exhibits that educate and engage visitors. Your background in motion media production, including video editing and sound design, will allow you to create immersive and memorable experiences.

Adjacent · Match

Corporate Archivist

SOC 25-4011

You're used to maintaining detailed records and ensuring the preservation of visual information. As a Corporate Archivist, you'll be responsible for organizing and preserving an organization's valuable documents, photographs, and media. Your background in visual information management and attention to detail will make you an ideal candidate.

Adjacent · Match
/ 06 · Training & Certs

What you trained on.

SOURCE · DOD + ACE\nVALIDATED
Academy

Visual Information Course

Defense Information School (DINFOS), Fort Meade, Maryland
480hHours
12wkWeeks
ACECredit

Up to 6 semester hours recommended in Communications, Media Production, or Journalism

Topics · 8
  • Principles of Cinematography
  • Camera Operation and Maintenance
  • Lighting Techniques for Video
  • Audio Recording and Mixing
  • Video Editing Software (Adobe Premiere Pro)
  • Motion Graphics and Special Effects
  • Storytelling and Visual Communication
  • Production Planning and Management
Partial coverage · 3
  • Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)60%

    Requires study of general photography principles, business practices, and passing a written exam and portfolio review. Military training heavily covers technical aspects of camera operation and production, but less on the artistic and business side.

  • Certified Video Production Professional (CVPP)70%

    While the military role covers many aspects of video production, the CVPP requires a broader understanding of the entire video production lifecycle, including pre-production planning, budgeting, and distribution strategies. Some gaps might exist in project management and business aspects of video production.

  • Adobe Certified Professional in Premiere Pro75%

    This role likely has significant experience with video editing software, but certification requires demonstrating mastery of specific features and workflows within Adobe Premiere Pro. Gaps may exist in advanced editing techniques, color correction, audio mixing, and exporting for different platforms.

Recommended next · 03
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)Adjacent
  • Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)Adjacent
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateAdjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation

What you ran, in their words.

Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian EquivalentDomain
Avid Media ComposerAdobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci ResolveOperations
ProToolsAvid Pro Tools, Audacity, Adobe AuditionOperations
Motion Picture Film Cameras (Arriflex, Panavision)Professional Cinema Cameras (ARRI, RED, Sony)Operations
ENG (Electronic News Gathering) CamerasProfessional Camcorders (Sony, Panasonic)Operations
Lighting Systems (Fresnel, LED Panels)Studio Lighting Kits (Aputure, Dracast)Operations
TelepromptersProfessional Teleprompter Systems (Autoscript, Prompter People)Operations
Video Switchers (Ross, Grass Valley)Live Production Switchers (Blackmagic Design ATEM, NewTek Tricaster)Networking
/ Translator · Live

Translate 23171 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.