Joining the Military as a PJ

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Derek Bixler
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p.1 #1 · Joining the Military as a PJ

I've been doing a little research about my options after high school and I am deeply considering joining the military as a photojournalist. The thing is, I can't find any information on any of the military's websites. There's nothing involving photography under the careers sections except for the marines and the navy. Both of which I wouldn't want to join. So how would I go about joining the army or air force as a combat photographer? Are there any prior qualifications that are needed?

If somebody on here could help me out or point me in the direction of some help it would be greatly appreciated.

Edited on Nov 19, 2007 at 04:37 PM

Oct 31, 2007 at 03:28 AM

DanBrown
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p.1 #2 · Joining the Military as a PJ

You might try Google. Gave me this site as the first item on the list:

http://www.mpjconnection.com/

Looks like a wonderful source of information and contacts (note the lists of MPJ's)

Edited on Nov 19, 2007 at 04:37 PM

Oct 31, 2007 at 04:09 AM

jcw1982
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p.1 #3 · Joining the Military as a PJ

sent you a PM Derek.

Edited on Nov 19, 2007 at 04:37 PM

Oct 31, 2007 at 03:25 PM

Mickey
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p.1 #4 · Joining the Military as a PJ

Best bet. Go talk to a recruiter. Just keep your hand on your wallet.

BTW In the Air force a "PJ" means "Pararescue - Jumper". If you're not a big time outdoors person you definitely do not want to be a "PJ".

Edited on Nov 19, 2007 at 04:37 PM

Nov 01, 2007 at 08:18 PM

dbailey
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p.1 #5 · Joining the Military as a PJ

As a former Marine who grew up in an Air Force family, if I was enlisting into a photography field I would choose the Air Force. You probably won't be doing much "combat" photography in the Air Force but the Air Force is really into it's image and is very professional when it comes to it's audio visual services. The best out of all the services. You can't walk into an Air Force Headquarters without the walls being adorned by beautiful aircraft and space/missile command photography. The Navy would be my next choice.

Edited on Nov 19, 2007 at 04:37 PM

Nov 01, 2007 at 11:41 PM

Shari Umpstead
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p.1 #6 · Joining the Military as a PJ

I recently met a young man (and his mother) who is going into the military (I can't remember which branch it was) as a photojournalist. He stopped by my booth at the art market I do every weekend, and after he commented on my photos (he liked them - yay!) he told me what he was doing in the military. We had a great conversation about it, and his mom joined us as well - she is very proud of him. She is overwhelmed by the idea that one day he may shoot a photo that will be the one that everyone remembers when they think of this generation's war.

Edited on Nov 19, 2007 at 04:37 PM

Nov 17, 2007 at 11:34 PM

Matt OHarver
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p.1 #7 · Joining the Military as a PJ

I frequently run the help wanted ads for photography jobs. I happened across This link

Just so happens this is in my area. But I'm sure a quick search in whatever area you are in will get you a similar result. If I wasnt old and married, I think an oppurtunity to travel and do photography for a branch of the military is what I might do.

Matt

Edited on Nov 19, 2007 at 04:37 PM

Nov 18, 2007 at 04:35 AM

nathanlake
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p.1 #8 · Joining the Military as a PJ

I think you will find that the military has far fewer photographers than they used to have, making it not an easy one to get into.. In fact, the Army MOS that includes photojournalism is 46Q which is just journalist. They don't have just photographers. When they list the skills of a 46Q, they don't even mention photography. It is mainly about writing.

You might consider a 96D (Imagery Analyst) which is in the intelligence field. You won't be taking many pictures, but you will be looking at a bunch of them.

The Marines call them "Combat Correspondants". Check out this website and ask them for more info. http://www.usmccca.org/

Edited on Nov 19, 2007 at 04:37 PM

Nov 18, 2007 at 05:30 AM

mlorne
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p.1 #9 · Joining the Military as a PJ

nathanlake wrote:
I think you will find that the military has far fewer photographers than they used to have, making it not an easy one to get into.. In fact, the Army MOS that includes photojournalism is 46Q which is just journalist. They don't have just photographers. When they list the skills of a 46Q, they don't even mention photography. It is mainly about writing.

You might consider a 96D (Imagery Analyst) which is in the intelligence field. You won't be taking many pictures, but you will be looking at a bunch of them.

The Marines call them "Combat Correspondants". Check out this website and ask them for more info. http://www.usmccca.org/

"You a photographer?"

"No, I'm a combat correspondant."

"Seen much combat?"

"Well...I've seen a little on TV."

...Sorry, couldn't resist :-)

Nov 19, 2007 at 04:37 PM


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