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Home/Rates/MC
Mass Communications Specialist sailor
Mass Communications Specialist rating badgeMC

Mass Communications Specialist(MC Navy Rating)

Produces Navy media content including photography, journalism, and graphic design.

Overall

5.9/10
Burnout4.6
Lifestyle7.0
Civilian ROI5.3
Happiness7.0
Manning %6.8
$$$ Pay5.2

Quick Stats

Enlistment BonusNo active bonus
Civilian Sector Transferability$40k–$78k
Advancement OutlookAverage
Manning %86%
Initial Contract3 yr active /
Medical Requirements
  • ✓Vision: Corrects to 20/20
  • ✓Normal color perception

Security Clearance

Secret~$3K–$15K civilian sector value

Requires a National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check (NACLC). Processing typically takes 1–3 months and is initiated early in your training pipeline.

ASVAB Requirements

AFQT Minimum

50

Line-score options — meet any one

  • VE+AR≥115 and VE≥53

Who This Is Best For

Best for creative communicators with a visual eye who want to build a professional portfolio while traveling the world. If you have talent in photography, videography, or graphic design and want media production experience that translates to journalism, PR, and content careers, this is the rare rate that combines artistic passion with military service.

+Pros

  • ✓Strong civilian career transition

–Cons

    Real Opinions

    +Positive

    ✓

    “I would recommend MC to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”

    r/navy|
    ✓

    “The hours were long and the work was challenging, but the pay and experience were worth it. Opportunities for travel, education, and professional development.”

    Indeed|

    –Negative & Mixed

    ✗

    “Like any rate, MC has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”

    r/newtothenavy|
    ⚬

    “As an MC you will do three basic things: writing stories, photography, and video. Depending on where you are stationed will influence how much of what you do.”

    NavyDEP|

    Page 1 of 3

    Share your opinion about MC

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    Select one:

    Recruiter vs Reality

    What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.

    🫡 Recruiter says

    “The MC rate offers great training and career advancement opportunities!”

    💀 Reality

    Source: MyNavyRates research

    Training and advancement are available but vary by command and manning. Ask specific questions about sea/shore rotation, typical duty stations, and advancement rates for MC.

    🫡 Recruiter says

    “MC gets to travel and document exciting operations.”

    💀 Reality

    Source: sailor forums

    True for some billets, but many MCs are stuck at shore public affairs offices writing press releases and managing social media accounts. Afloat MCs get better variety.

    Page 1 of 7

    😱

    Horror Stories

    Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.

    💀

    “As a Mass Communication Specialist, I learned quickly that the Navy does not value you as a human being. You are a body filling a billet, and your personal needs, career goals, and wellbeing come second to whatever the command needs done that day. The upside is you may get some fun travel out of it — MCs do get stationed in interesting places and deploy to parts of the world most people never see. But the trade-off is constant relocation, high operational tempo, and being away from home and family for long stretches. The benefits are decent and the rate can prepare you to be competitive in the civilian job market, but only if you approach it with the right mindset and actively pursue opportunities. Many don't, and leave feeling like they wasted years being treated as expendable.”

    Source: glassdoor.com|

    Story 1 of 4

    Share a horror story about MC

    0 chars

    Related Reading

    Guides on picking a rate, ASVAB, bonuses, promotion, and life after the Navy.

    Getting Started

    How do you choose the right Navy rate for you?

    Choosing a Navy rate means weighing your ASVAB scores, lifestyle preferences, civilian career goals, and willingness to deploy or go to sea. Start by identifying which ratings you qualify for, then narrow the list by what matters most to you.

    Getting Started

    What is the ASVAB and what scores do you need?

    The ASVAB is a multi-aptitude test that determines which Navy ratings you qualify for. Your sub-test scores combine into line scores, and each rating has minimum line-score requirements. Higher scores open more options.

    Career & Pay

    Which Navy rates have the biggest enlistment bonuses in 2026?

    Active Component (Active Duty) only. Per the CNRC GENADMIN dated 24 July 2026, the biggest source-rate bonus is $40,000 — Nuclear Field on FY26 ship dates ($75,000 EB cap). Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) follows at $35,000, then EOD and SEAL (SO) at $30,000, and Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR) and Cryptologic Technician Maintenance (CTM) at $25,000. Special Operations Future Sailors who clear the elevated PST standards add a flat $20,000 EBPST. Most rates cap at $50,000 total EB. The Loan Repayment Program adds up to $65,000 on top, separately. Reserve component (SELRES) bonuses are governed by a different message and are not covered here.

    Real Opinions

    +Positive

    ✓

    “I would recommend MC to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”

    r/navy|
    ✓

    “The hours were long and the work was challenging, but the pay and experience were worth it. Opportunities for travel, education, and professional development.”

    Indeed|

    –Negative & Mixed

    ✗

    “Like any rate, MC has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”

    r/newtothenavy|
    ⚬

    “As an MC you will do three basic things: writing stories, photography, and video. Depending on where you are stationed will influence how much of what you do.”

    NavyDEP|

    Page 1 of 3

    Share your opinion about MC

    0 chars
    Select one:

    Recruiter vs Reality

    What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.

    🫡 Recruiter says

    “The MC rate offers great training and career advancement opportunities!”

    💀 Reality

    Source: MyNavyRates research

    Training and advancement are available but vary by command and manning. Ask specific questions about sea/shore rotation, typical duty stations, and advancement rates for MC.

    🫡 Recruiter says

    “MC gets to travel and document exciting operations.”

    💀 Reality

    Source: sailor forums

    True for some billets, but many MCs are stuck at shore public affairs offices writing press releases and managing social media accounts. Afloat MCs get better variety.

    Page 1 of 7

    😱

    Horror Stories

    Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.

    💀

    “As a Mass Communication Specialist, I learned quickly that the Navy does not value you as a human being. You are a body filling a billet, and your personal needs, career goals, and wellbeing come second to whatever the command needs done that day. The upside is you may get some fun travel out of it — MCs do get stationed in interesting places and deploy to parts of the world most people never see. But the trade-off is constant relocation, high operational tempo, and being away from home and family for long stretches. The benefits are decent and the rate can prepare you to be competitive in the civilian job market, but only if you approach it with the right mindset and actively pursue opportunities. Many don't, and leave feeling like they wasted years being treated as expendable.”

    Source: glassdoor.com|

    Story 1 of 4

    Share a horror story about MC

    0 chars
  • PC+AR≥115 and VE≥53
    • Calculate your score →

    Remarks

    Requirements to request lateral conversion to MC are contained in MILPERSMAN 1440-010.

    Source: CNRC / ECM Rating List, 19 Jan 2026. Verify current guidance with your recruiter before signing.

    Training Pipeline — Total ~24 weeks (6 months)

    8w
    16w
    Boot Camp— 8 weeks
    RTC Great Lakes, IL
    Basic military training for all recruits
    A-School— 16 weeks
    DINFOS Fort Meade, MD
    10.8% washoutDifficulty: 2.9/10
    Technical training for rating qualification
    Fleet Assignment— 0 weeks
    First duty station
    Report to operational command

    Calculate Your End Training Date and Holidays and Events You Will Miss During Training

    Ship dates are approximate and based on the weekly RTC Great Lakes schedule. Confirm your exact date with your recruiter. Source: bootcamp.navy.mil

    Career Progression Milestones

    Estimated timeline based on current advancement rates. Actual timing varies by individual performance and Navy needs.

    6 mo
    1 mo
    1yr 5mo
    6 mo
    1yr 6mo
    Training Complete— 6 mo
    Pipeline finished (~6 mo) — DINFOS Fort Meade, MD
    First Duty Station— 7 mo
    Sea or shore duty assignment
    NEC Specialization Options— 2yr
    14 specializations available
    A04AA05AA06A

    Advancement Outlook

    E-2 to E-4 Advancement Outlook

    Time to E-4: 30 months total

    • E-1 → E-2: 9 months at E-1. Automatic
    • E-2 → E-3: 9 months at E-2. Automatic
    • E-3 → E-4: 12 months at E-3. Automatic

    E-4 is automatic — competitive advancement starts at E-5

    How to advance faster to E-4

    Your recruiter can process you in at E-2 or E-3 on day one if you qualify. Every rung skipped shortens the path to E-4 by months. Official transcripts / certificates required at enlistment.

    • E-2 →Easy
      2 years of JROTC completed. Easiest common path if your high school offers JROTC.
    • E-2 →Moderate
      24+ semester hours/ 36+ quarter hours of college credit (below the associate's threshold). Roughly one full year of college.
    • E-2 →Moderate
      Civil Air Patrol Billy Mitchell Award. Achievable with consistent cadet participation, but requires testing and leadership time.
    • E-2 →Moderate
      Sea Cadet Corps — reaching the Sea Cadet E-2 rate (join by age 17).
    • E-2 to E-3 →Moderate
      Boot camp leadership roles — roles don't auto-pin rank. Advancement comes from earning Honor Recruit or Hall of Fame at graduation (one award only, not stacked).
      • Honor Recruit up to E-2 — effectively the #1 ranked recruit in your division (~60-80 recruits), one Sailor per division per cycle. Selection is based on cumulative performance across all three academic exams, Physical Readiness Test (PRT) scores, uniform and personnel inspections, military bearing, and peer/Recruit Division Commander (RDC) evaluations. Roles that typically compete at this level:
        • Assistant LPO (ALPO) — deputy to the LPO.
        • Master-at-Arms (MAA) — barracks cleanliness, standards, and discipline.
        • Yeoman (YN) — division admin, paperwork, and tracking.
        • Educational Petty Officer (EPO) — study groups, test prep, and academic remediation.
        • Religious Petty Officer (RPO) — coordinates chapel and religious services.
        • Athletic Petty Officer (APO) — leads PT and fitness assessments.
        • Mail Petty Officer — handles mail distribution and tracking.
        • Section Leaders — squad-level leaders below the division-wide roles.
      • Hall of Fame up to E-3 — the most elite recognition at Recruit Training Command (RTC), awarded Navy-wide rather than per division. Requires exceptional performance in every training metric: top-tier scores on all three academic exams (typically 90%+), "Outstanding" on the final Physical Readiness Test (PRT), near-perfect uniform and personnel inspections, held a division leadership role with strong performance, and zero remediation, infractions, or negative marks across the full training cycle. Senior leadership roles positioned to compete:
    • E-3 →Moderate
      3 years of JROTC completed (any service branch). Straightforward if your high school has the program — three school years of enrollment.
    • E-3 →Hard
      Eagle Scout (BSA) or Gold Award (GSUSA) — the highest youth scouting awards. Typically takes years of participation and a capstone service project.
    • E-3 →Hard
      Associate's degree (or 48+ semester hours / 72+ quarter hours of college credit, 100-level or higher from an accredited institution). Two years of full-time college.
    • E-3 →Hard
      Civil Air Patrol Earhart Award. Uncommon — only a small fraction of CAP cadets reach this level.
    • E-3 →Hard
      Sea Cadet Corps — reaching the Sea Cadet E-3 rate (join by age 16).

    Ceiling is E-3 at accession — stacking qualifications doesn't push you to E-4 out of the gate.

    Ways to accelerate E-4 after you're in

    • Very HardMeritorious Advancement Program (MAP) — Command-nominated promotion that skips the exam entirely. Each command gets a small seasonal quota of MAP slots and hands them to the top performers based on evaluation ranking. Fastest path on paper, but you're competing directly with every other sailor at your command.

    Rules can change — verify current criteria with your recruiter and in the latest Navy Recruiting Manual (COMNAVCRUITCOM) before signing any paperwork that assumes a specific entry paygrade.

    E-5 and E-6 Advancement Outlook

    Average☆☆★☆

    1 of 4 factors working in your favor

    • ●

      Manning

      E5 83%E6 88%(E-5/E-6)
      Manning is within normal range. Advancement depends on your command and billet.

      Source: N12 Community Health Indicator brief (FY26)

    • ●

      Enlistment bonus

      No

      No active enlistment bonus for this rate. Most ratings do not offer one in any given fiscal year, so this is a neutral signal on its own.
    • ▲

      Overall Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) Outlook

      Competitive
      Navy is paying a substantial bonus to retain sailors. Strong signal that billets are staying empty at senior paygrades.

    Bonuses — Click here to see your military pay

    How to qualify & get paid

    1. Sign a contract for this rate at MEPS with the bonus(es) listed on your NAVCRUIT 1133/52 Enlistment Guarantee — eligibility is locked at signing.
    2. Ship to Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes inside the authorized window — EBSHP and EBPST are earned and paid at RTC graduation and cannot be recouped after.
    3. Complete A-school (and any required follow-on C-school or qualifying course) for your rating — EBSR is earned and paid at school graduation, except for the Special-Operations pipelines, which pay later (AIRR after FRS + first duty station; SO after SQT; SB after SWCC Charlie phase; EOD/ND after their respective A-schools).
    4. LRP is paid annually upon submission of a DD 2475; ~25% is withheld for federal taxes, and a W-2 is issued. LRP must be on your contract at accession — it cannot be added later via reclassification.

    Important details & disqualifiers

    • •All bonuses on this page are Active Component (Active Duty) only. Reservists (SELRES) follow a separate CNRF incentive message — ask your recruiter.
    • •Future Sailors with Tier 3 education credentials (HiSET / GED / alternative) are NOT authorized any EB.
    • •AFQT score must be ≥ 31 for EBSHP and ≥ 50 for LRP.
    • •EBSR is the only EB type that can be partially recouped if you separate before completing the obligated service. EBSHP / EBPST cannot be recouped after RTC.
    • •Bonus payments are subject to federal income tax withholding.
    • •EB-for-High-School (EBHS) is currently NOT authorized in the July 2026 GENADMIN — distinct from earlier cycles when it was offered.
    • •Funding: NDAA 2026 authorizes contracts through 31 December 2026; appropriations cover obligations through 30 September 2026; max-EB authority extends through 10 January 2027 — all subject to congressional reauthorization of 37 USC § 331.
    • •This rate requires a security clearance — failure to obtain clearance may affect bonus eligibility (and several special-operations footnotes explicitly require an earned NEC + clearance before payment).

    No initial enlistment bonus for this rate per the current CNRC GENADMIN. Career Sailors may still qualify for a Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) — see the Reenlistment section below.

    You May Qualify for a Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC)

    Specialties within this rate you can select, some with additional compensation. Each NEC has its own training, bonus potential, and career path.

    0000Any NEC or no NEC (all qualifying Sailors in this rating)

    Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB)

    🟡

    First Reenlistment (17 mo to 6 yrs Active Duty)

    $30,000

    Max

    Reduced · effective 2025-12-18

    —

    Second Reenlistment (6 to 10 yrs Active Duty)

    Not eligible

    —

    Third Reenlistment (10 to 14 yrs Active Duty)

    Not eligible

    A04AMultimedia Cameraman

    Performs intermediate skills necessary to operate proficiently at a journeyman level of video documentation and production.

    Requirements

    Potential Civilian Post-Navy Outcomes

    Multimedia Journalist

    Transferability: 7/10

    $40k–$78k

    Public Relations Specialist

    Transferability: 7/10

    $44k–$88k

    Post-Navy Salary Trajectory

    Estimated civilian salary growth after separating from the Navy, based on industry data for this rating's skill set.

    Year 1

    $42K

    Year 5

    $58K

    Year 10

    $75K

    10-year growth: +79%

    Retention & Burnout

    First-Term Retention

    55%

    choose to reenlist

    Burnout Index

    4.6/10

    Moderate

    Watch Intensity

    5

    Hours/Day

    9

    Deploy Tempo

    5

    Manning Strain

    3

    Low Morale Risk

    3

    Attrition Signal

    5

    What this means: The Burnout Index combines watch intensity (25%), daily hours (20%), deployment tempo (15%), manning strain (15%), morale (15%), and attrition (10%) into a single risk score.

    Lifestyle7/10

    Ship vs. Shore Split

    45% / 55%

    Sea Duty Tempo

    Moderate — 5/10

    Physical Demand

    low — mixed

    Sea Duty Tempo measures how much of a career is spent in deployable billets — ships, submarines, deploying squadrons, and expeditionary units — and how often those units leave homeport. It is separate from physical demand: an administrative job aboard a deployed unit still deploys, and a hands-on maintenance job at a shore command does not.

    Watch Standing

    Standard shore hours, CDO/DCPO rotation when assigned

    Watch standing is a 24-hour duty rotation where sailors take turns manning critical positions aboard the ship or at their command. The rotation determines how frequently you stand watch and how much rest time you get between shifts.

    Watch qualifications vary by command and platform. Expect to qualify within 90 days of reporting.

    OPNAVINST 3120.32DUSNI ProceedingsNavy Watch Standing Manual

    Life on Watch — Sea Stories

    “I was the duty PAO aboard a carrier when a sailor went overboard during flight ops. Man overboard, all hands on deck. While the rescue was happening, I was simultaneously documenting the response for the command record, managing media inquiries that started within 20 minutes, and drafting the initial press release. The sailor was recovered alive — the angel helo crew pulled him out in under eight minutes. My photos of the rescue ran on Navy.mil the next day. As an MC, you document history in real time. Sometimes that history is terrifying, and you still have to hold the camera steady.”

    Veteran account (composite)

    Story 1 of 5

    Common Duty Stations

    Naval Station NorfolkSea
    Family Friendly

    6.9/10

    Schools + spouse jobs

    Base Housing Wait

    10 months

    Avg waitlist for on-base

    Cost of Living

    95

    100 = national avg

    Naval Base San DiegoSea
    Family Friendly

    7.9/10

    Schools + spouse jobs

    Base Housing Wait

    14 months

    Avg waitlist for on-base

    Cost of Living

    135

    100 = national avg

    Joint Base Pearl Harbor-HickamSea
    🎓

    Step-by-Step Strategy Guide to Getting an Associate's Degree After Boot Camp — For Free

    Most sailors don't know they already have 9 or more general education college credits just from graduating boot camp.

    Based on your rate, you may have more.

    You can earn an associate's degree for free in 12-30 months without spending a dime.

    Strategy Guide & Boot Camp College Credit Calculator →
    Not the rate for you? See other ratings side by side →

    Talk to a Sailor

    Community Poll

    If you could go back, would you pick MC again?

    Career & Pay

    How does promotion work in the Navy?

    Navy advancement depends on exam scores, evaluations, time in rate, and available quotas. Some ratings promote over 50% of eligible sailors while others promote less than 5%. Your rate choice directly affects how fast you can advance.

    Career & Pay

    Which Navy jobs set you up best for a civilian career?

    Information warfare ratings (IT, CTN, IS) and medical ratings (HM) offer the strongest civilian career pipelines. Security clearances, technical certifications, and hands-on experience make these sailors highly competitive in the private sector.

    Browse all articles →

    Life on Watch — Sea Stories

    “I was the duty PAO aboard a carrier when a sailor went overboard during flight ops. Man overboard, all hands on deck. While the rescue was happening, I was simultaneously documenting the response for the command record, managing media inquiries that started within 20 minutes, and drafting the initial press release. The sailor was recovered alive — the angel helo crew pulled him out in under eight minutes. My photos of the rescue ran on Navy.mil the next day. As an MC, you document history in real time. Sometimes that history is terrifying, and you still have to hold the camera steady.”

    Veteran account (composite)

    Story 1 of 5

    A07A
    + more
    C-School / Advanced Training— 2yr 6mo
    2 follow-on schools available
    Shore Duty Rotation— 4yr
    First shore rotation opportunity
    • Leading Petty Officer (LPO) — runs day-to-day ops inside the division.
    • Assistant RCPO (ARCPO) — backs up the RCPO and steps in when needed.
    • Recruit Chief Petty Officer (RCPO) — senior recruit in the division, overall accountability to the RDCs. Highest visibility for meritorious advancement.
    +0 SRB added/increased · −1 SRB reduced/eliminated
    $30,000 max
  • ●

    Billet-Based Advancement eligibility

    Legacy exam cycles

    This rating has not been integrated into Billet-Based Advancement yet. Advancement still runs through the traditional exam and Final Multiple Score (FMS) system — your exam score is one of the main factors in how you promote.

    • Sources: Manning NAVADMIN · SRB NAVADMIN · Billet-Based Advancement Handbook (NAVADMIN 255/24, updated via NAVADMIN 112/25). How to interpret these factors →

    • Waiver of course completion will be considered when specialized university training in motion media has been completed. Submit transcript from an accredited university or professional civilian motion media school to certify completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours of motion media curriculum with mandatory courses in image acquisition and editing, non-linear editing, software and hardware configurations, archiving, emerging technologies, lighting and audio techniques, ethics in journalism, production and presentations. Include copies of course descriptions from university or civilian graphic design school catalog. Submit waiver request form NAVPERS 1221/6 to NPC, BUPERS-312 (NEC Mgmt. Section), 5720 Integrity Drive, Millington, TN 38055-3340 via OPNAV (N09C4).
    • Must be eligible to hold a SECRET security clearance.
    A05AMultimedia Director/Producer

    Master-level multimedia producer that plans, coordinates and supervises the coverage of events, exercises and operations to meet public affairs and commander's communication objectives. Serves as multimedia communications subject matter expert and directs crewmembers shooting controlled and uncontrolled motion media productions.

    Requirements

    • Must be eligible to hold a SECRET security clearance.
    A06AIntermediate Public Affairs Specialist

    Performs intermediate level Public Affairs duties and provides local commanders with public affairs guidance. Proficient in the knowledge and skills required to develop command themes, messages and talking points and how to draft quotes for senior leaders. Prepares subject matter experts (SME) for engagements and provides post-engagement analysis on the SMEs performance.

    Requirements

    • Must be eligible to hold a SECRET security clearance.
    A07APhotojournalist Journeyman

    Journeyman-level visual journalist that covers and photographs events of news/documentary interest. Supports and effectively meets military services' public affairs objectives and programs.

    Requirements

    • Waiver of course completion will be considered when specialized university training in photojournalism has been completed. Submit transcript from an accredited university or professional civilian photographic school to certify completion of a minimum of 15 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours of an electronic imaging curriculum with mandatory courses in image acquisition and editing, graphic design, software and hardware configurations, archiving, emerging technologies, networking, ethics in journalism and production of presentations. Include copies of course descriptions from university or civilian photographic school catalog. Submit waiver request form NAVPERS 1221/6 to NPC, BUPERS-312 via OPNAV (N09C4).
    • Must be eligible to hold a SECRET security clearance.
    A08AMaster Photojournalist

    Master-level multimedia photojournalist that covers and photographs events of news/documentary interests as well as plans, coordinates and supervises the coverage of events, exercises and operations to meet public affairs and commander communication objectives.

    Requirements

    • Must be eligible to hold a SECRET security clearance.
    A09ABroadcaster

    Works in broadcast delivery; principles and procedures of military broadcasting; collection, evaluation and preparation of military information for use on radio and television; techniques of radio and television production and interviews. Have the ability to refine broadcast writing skills, effectively communicate ideas and information vocally and aurally using natural sound.

    Requirements

    • Prospective students must pass a voice audition prior to enrollment in this course.
    • Must be eligible to hold a SECRET security clearance.
    A10AGraphic Illustrator Journeyman

    Demonstrates skills in the principles of design and layout. Understands the fundamentals of color theory, realistic drawing, color media, lettering, printing reproduction, elements of graphic design; image editing; desktop publishing. Creates, imports, exports and edits art work files, imagery captions, Visual Information Record Identification Numbers (VIRIN), and archiving data/image files.

    Requirements

    • Must be eligible to hold a SECRET security clearance.
    • Waiver of course completion will be considered when specialized university training in graphic arts has been completed. Submit transcript from an accredited university or professional civilian visual arts school to certify completion of a minimum of 15 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours of a graphic arts curriculum with mandatory courses in image acquisition and editing, graphic design, archiving, digital workflow, ethics in journalism, and production of presentations. Include copies of course descriptions from university or civilian trade school catalog. Submit waiver request form NAVPERS 1221/6 to BUPERS-312 (NEC Mgmt. Section), 5720 Integrity Drive, Millington, TN 38055-3340 via OPNAV (N09C2).
    A10BGraphic Illustrator Master

    Expert in graphic design and visual communication practices.

    Requirements

    • Member must complete two semesters of university education as part of the Advanced Military Visual Journalism Program at Syracuse University to earn this NEC code.
    • Member must submit NAVPERS 1221/6 with supporting documentation to BUPERS-312 for award of this NEC code.
    A11AVisual Information Manager

    Performs management-level duties and applies advanced technical and operational skills necessary to implement and manage an organizational visual information (VI) program.

    Requirements

    • Must be eligible to hold a SECRET security clearance.
    A12APublic Affairs Supervisor

    Manages operational unit or forward-deployed public affairs program and teams. Serves either as command public affairs representative or special assistant at journeyman level. Understands concepts and development of communication, including external information and internal information plans, executing them at the tactical level.

    Requirements

    • Must be eligible to hold a SECRET security clearance.
    A18AAerial Cameraman

    Performs in-flight duties as an aerial cameraman. Knowledgeable of photographic equipment and techniques in obtaining still and video imagery; aircraft airframe, applicable equipment, emergency procedures and pre and post flight procedures. Integrate with crewmembers utilizing Crew Resource Management and knowledge in all related gear checks.

    Requirements

    • Candidates are required to become familiar with the following material: MPM 1220-010, MPM 1220-020, BUPERSINST 1326.4, and CNAF 3710.7.
    • Upon completion of Naval Air Crew Candidate School, Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape School, PQS NAVEDTRA 43242-2 Navy Aircrew Aerial Cameraman, PQS NAVEDTRA 43437 Naval Aircrew Warfare Specialist Common Core, 30 flight hours and with Medical Approval (DD Form 2992) granted from Flight Surgeon. Candidate must obtain Commanding Officer's recommendation utilizing the NEC Change Request Form (NAVPERS Form 1221/6) and submit certificates of graduation, completed PQS to MILL_NEC_REQUEST@navy.mil.
    • Individuals applying for this NEC code must be serving at their current command and assigned to a billet coded with the NEC code and continue to meet the requirements as described in BUPERSINST 1326.4.
    • Must be eligible to hold a SECRET security clearance.
    A24AWriter

    Applies basic elements of non-fiction writing and narrative storytelling techniques to write feature stories to further DoD themes and messages. Identifies and understands the differences in purpose and structure between hard news stories and feature stories. Identifies the story purpose and focus, plans the story angle and selects the type of feature appropriate to the story focus and purpose.

    A25AVisual Documentation Specialist

    Identifies practical concepts and skills to capture still imagery and motion video in uncontrolled environments, to include expeditionary, humanitarian and other operations. Applies hands-on techniques for documentation and communication of DoD themes and messages.

    A26AGraphic Illustrator Apprentice

    Demonstrates skills in graphic design, digital drawing, desktop drawing, and mobile drawing. Knowledgeable in the use of vector graphics, animation and raster graphics to display in interactive multimedia. Uses and applies Graphic Design theory, and other communication devices for multiple print and web-based platforms.

    Requirements

    • Must be eligible to hold a SECRET security clearance.
    • Waiver of course completion will be considered when specialized university training in photojournalism has been completed. Submit transcript from an accredited university or professional civilian photographic school to certify completion of a minimum of 15 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours of an electronic imaging curriculum with mandatory courses in image acquisition and editing, graphic design, software and hardware configurations, archiving, emerging technologies, networking, ethics in journalism, production of presentations. Include copies of course descriptions from university or civilian photographic school catalog. Submit waiver request form NAVPERS 1221/6 to BUPERS-312.
    Family Friendly

    6.6/10

    Schools + spouse jobs

    Base Housing Wait

    18 months

    Avg waitlist for on-base

    Cost of Living

    155

    100 = national avg

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