Job Description

You don’t need a degree to work as an Enlisted Sailor in the news media field. But you can use your communications skills and attention to detail to inform and educate others. In this specialty, you will convey news and information both internally and to the public – on the air, in newspapers and online. That could involve anything from gathering facts and writing to preparing layout and content for newspapers and Web sites to maintaining equipment. Positions are available for those with or without college degrees.

Specific Responsibilities

If you have the ability to handle deadlines, communicate ideas artistically and effectively or have technical production skills, a career in news media with America’s Navy might be the ideal career choice for you.

In the news and media field, you might:

• Gather facts and write speeches and articles
• Write, edit, proofread and produce radio and TV news, programs and training films
• Prepare layouts and content for newspapers, magazines and Web sites
• Serve as staff photographer, take and review aerial photographs
• Scan and edit digital video images, perform digital editing
• Operate various types of still and video equipment

Work Environment

A news media career with America’s Navy takes you far beyond the scope of similar civilian sector jobs. As a photojournalist, your images of a humanitarian relief operation in a foreign country could open the eyes of the world. As a videographer with a combat photography unit, you might develop a training video for an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team. If you’re technically inclined, you could work to ensure that your ship or unit’s communications equipment meets current standards and is functioning properly. Regardless of the mission or assignment, your skills in gathering and creatively communicating information will be employed daily.

Training and Advancement

On-the-job training in this field is extensive, and there are a number of opportunities for intermediate and advanced schooling in the news and media disciplines, depending on the career path you choose. Enlisted Sailors in the news and media field have access to cutting-edge digital cameras, nonlinear editing systems and computer-based graphics applications, and you could receive training in the operation, care, and maintenance of digital and conventional still and video equipment.

Education Opportunities

In the news and media specialty, you will have an opportunity for continued education through various college programs. Much of the training received in this field could translate toward semester credit hours for a vocational certificate, as well as a bachelor’s or associate degree. Advanced technical training may be available toward the later stages of your career development.

After the Navy

Your assignments in the news and media field are similar to those you would find in the civilian sector, with one exception – your “beat” is worldwide. The opportunity to document news almost anywhere in the world is a reality in the Navy, giving those in this field a wide range of real-world experience and a portfolio of unmatched scope.

Your training might also prepare you for a future career as a:

• Photographer or photojournalist
• Magazine or newspaper editor or art director
• PR specialist or speech writer
• Web content manager
• Reporter
• Radio and TV producer, announcer or recording engineer
• TV camera operator
• Production manager
• Film editor or screenwriter
• Audiovisual repair technician