4541 - Combat Photographer

Summary

The Combat Photographer conceptualizes, acquires and produces still imagery products using digital cameras and accessories (e.g., lenses, flashes, night vision devices).

These products support communication to internal, domestic and international audiences; commander’s information requirements; and all other operations, garrison, training, and recruiting requirements.

Typical duties include, but are not limited to: planning in order to meet communication/operational end state; developing a shot list; acquiring images in studio, field, and combat environments using the principles of photographic composition; selecting and editing images for layout; writing; tailoring products for different audiences and mediums (print, broadcast, audio visual, web-based, social media, face-to-face, etc.); broadcasting; supporting news media queries and escorts; supporting community engagement programs; executing marketing programs for recruiting; supporting administrative, legal, investigation, and combat documentation; conducting photographic finishing, visual and electronic quality control; transmitting and archiving; performing equipment inspections and preventive maintenance.

Prerequisites

Meet all prerequisites listed in 4500 Basic COMMSTRAT Marine.

Complete the Mass Communication Foundations Course (MCF) (A1824Q2), Defense Information School (DINFOS), Ft Meade, MD.

A Marine requesting a lateral move to MOS 4541 must: Submit a portfolio of the Marine’s own photographic products to demonstrate an understanding of photography principles such as composition, depth of field, lighting, and the creative ability to communicate concepts, themes, and messages.

Submit a typed 300-500 word essay describing why they want to be a Combat Photographer to demonstrate written communication skills.

Pass the English diagnostic test with a score of 80 or higher, administered by an O4 or above, CWO3 or above, or E8 or above from the 45XX OccFld.

Be worldwide deployable at the time of lateral move approval.

Be interviewed and receive a letter of recommendation by a 4502 Officer O4 or above, 4503 CWO3 or above, 4591 E8 or above, or supervisory civilian 1000 series GS12 or above.

CMC (MMEA-6) provides final approval on all lateral moves.

Requirements

Complete Mass Communication Foundations Visual Documentation Photography (MCF-VD-P) Course (A1846L2), DINFOS, Ft Meade, MD.

45XX Marines in other PMOS (4512, 4571, 4591) may earn the 4541 AMOS by completing requirement (1) or through managed on the job training (MOJT).

They do not require completion of Mass Communication Foundations (A1824Q2).

MOJT requirements: Demonstrate MOS qualifications through job performance in an MOJT program for a period of six months, validated by the Marine’s staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge and nearest Visual Information Officer, and certified by their O6-level commander.

MOJT must be completed using the DIRCOMM-approved 4541 Indoctrination Plan.

Photography portfolio consisting of at least 20 products spanning the required six months and must include all of the following types of photography: news photo, feature photo, portrait, photo series/picture story, uncontrolled action photography, and low-light photography.

AMOS 4541 package submitted to installation personnel administration center must include: Signed-off 4541 Indoc Plan, letter requesting AMOS awarding from COMMSTRAT officer-in-charge with O6-level commander endorsement, and photography portfolio as enclosures to an Administrative Action Form.

POI CID

A1824Q2, A1846L2

Duties

For a complete listing of duties and tasks, refer to the Communication Strategy and Operations Training and Readiness Manual (NAVMC 3500.9C).

Art Directors 27-1011.

Special Effects Artists and Animators 27-1014.

Graphic Designers 27-1024.

Set and Exhibit Designers 27-1027.

Broadcast News Analysts 27-3021.

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists 27-3023.

Public Relations Specialists 27-3031.

Writers and Editors 27-3040.

Broadcast, Sound, and Lighting Technicians 27-4010.

Photographers 27-4021.

Television, Video, and Film Camera Operators and Editors 27-4030.

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture 27-4031.

Film and Video Editors 27-4032.

Combat Graphics Specialist, 4512.

Combat Videographer, 4571.

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