Audiovisual and Broadcast Technicians

Background

Television and film productions are an important part of military communications. Films are used for training in many military careers. They are also used to record military operations, ceremonies, and news events. These productions require the teamwork of many technicians. Audiovisual and broadcast technicians perform many specialized tasks, ranging from filming to script editing to operating audio recording devices.

What They Do

Audiovisual and broadcast technicians in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Follow script and instructions of film or TV directors to move cameras, zoom, pan, or adjust focus
• Operate media equipment and special effect devices including cameras, sound recorders, and lighting
• Plan and design production scenery, graphics, and special effects
• Work with writers, producers, and directors in preparing and interpreting scripts

Physical Demands

Normal color vision and the ability to speak clearly are required for some specialties in this area.

Special Requirements

No information available.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Experience in school plays or making home movies
• Interest in creative and artistic work
• Preference for working as part of a team

Helpful School Subjects

Helpful school subjects include:

• Art
• Drama
• Graphics
• Photography
• Speech

Helpful Fields of Study

No information available.

Work Environment

Audiovisual and broadcast technicians work in studios or outdoors on location. They sometimes work from aircraft or ships. They travel and work in all climates.

Services offering this career:

• Air Force
• Army
• Marine Corps
• Navy

Hiring Practices

To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.

This position is for enlisted personnel.

Wages

The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.

Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay. 

Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.

There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.

Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.

Training Provided

Job training consists of seven to 52 weeks of instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty.

Course content typically includes:

• Audio recording
• Maintenance of public address sound equipment
• Motion picture equipment operation
• Scripting and special effects techniques

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian audiovisual and broadcast technicians work for film production companies, government audiovisual studios, radio and television stations, and advertising agencies. Their duties are similar to those performed by military journalists and news writers. They may be called motion picture camera operators, audiovisual production specialists, sound mixers, recording engineers, and broadcasting and recording technicians.

Related Civilian Careers

• Audio-Visual Specialists
• Broadcast Technicians
• Camera Operators
• Sound Engineering Technicians

Employment and Outlook

In peace time the services have about 1,000 audiovisual and broadcast technicians. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new technicians due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, new technicians assist with various production processes. With experience, they work more independently and, in time, may direct audiovisual productions.