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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
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/
