Im considering joining, my question is what is the News/Media life like. just looking for some round-a-bout guidance. thanks in advance. this is my passion! also, i made a 67 on the ASVAB, is this high enough?

I wasn't an MC while I was in the Navy. But, I do have a degree in Communications (Mass Media Communications), am now earning my Masters in the field, have worked in the field for 4 years as a civilian (was an AP at WUAB Cleveland and a Producer at NBC San Diego and Fox Los Angeles). The Navy field probably has a very similar structure as the civilian world (I believe that most of the producers and top execs are civilian) and the process is probably similar, as well. What aspect of Mass Media Comms. are you interested in?

Hmmm...what area? I dont know, what areas are there. I dont know the specifics because I havent been to the recruiter yet. But i want to do radio and work on getting some hands on experience. While Im doing that I wan to go to college and get my masters in communication. Then I want to go officer. Any flaws in that plan? I wuold consider any aspect of Media though. Videography, etc. What you think? Is it mostly Sea duty or Land duty?

hmm....guess not---BUMP!

Radio? Hmm, that is not a popular choice in the MC rating. Unfortunately, I don't know much about that aspect as it pertains to the MC rating. I can tell you how it works in the civilian sector. A few guys that I graduated with are pretty well known radio personalities.

As for your plan, do you already have a degree. Because, if you do you can be an Officer now, do 6 years and then the Navy will pay for your Masters if you re-up.

As for videography, that would be either a camera operator or an editor. Both can be fun if you like those things. As for operating a camera, you will typically either be attached to a shore-station or attached to a carrier. From what I understand of the MC rating (and, what is prevalent in the civilian sector) you will travel often. You basically need to learn lighting and how it affects a shot, you need to be creative in what kind of backdrop will be in the shot and will need to understand your gear and be able to maintain it. Basically, you are a director of photography, set planner and camera operator all rolled up into one.

As for editing, well expect to have a lot of azz time. Because, you will more than likely be sitting behind a console for most of your day. Most of the broadcast community has moved to computer video editing and are using Adobe Premiere, Avid Express and the like. Those programs have steep learning curves, but once you get used to them, you can get pretty efficient with them. And, that is the name of the game; to be fast and efficient.

No matter what area media you end up in, you will typically need to learn the basics of all aspects of a production. They include:

Reading and Speaking Techniques
Introduction to Radio Studio/Studio Operation
Audio Production Techniques
News Writing/News Production/Copywriting
News Announcing
Career Opportunities in Radio/TV and Broadcast Ratings
Introduction to Radio Formats and Program Log
Broadcast Interviewing Techniques
Resume/Audition Tape Preparation/Job Interviewing
Final Audition Tape Production/Submission
Introduction to Television
Writing and Performing for the Camera
Video Production/TV Camera and Directing Techniques
Production of TV News, Sports and Weather Programs
TV Talk Shows/Adlibbing and TV Interviewing
Creating/Producing a TV Audition Tape
TV Reporting and ENG News Gatherings
Telecommunications/Cable/Satellite Operation
Audio Visual/Video Graphics
The Function of Voiceovers in Broadcasting

Just to give you a heads up, the MC rating is very hard to get into due to the large number of people that want to enter it and the limited number of positions available. But, if you are really adamant about it, you may be able to get in. But, everything is up to the needs of the Navy.

Also, keep in mind that if you intend to try to get into the civilian sector you will hit many walls. The media business is not very rewarding for a while. You usually start out as an intern and when you do eventually get hired, you usually work part-time with low pay and no benefits. But, if you really prove yourself or get really lucky, it can be an extremely rewarding career.

That is about all I can say. But, if you have specific questions I may be able to answer them. But, keep in mind that my experience is in the private sector and not as an MC in the Navy.

Well thanks! This is good info. I dont have a degree. LIke i said before, i want to enlist to get an education. enlist, get a degree in communications, and then try to become an officer. Thanks for all the info. umm...im trying to think if there i anything else. I just want to be able to get the knowledge and experience to be on a morning show or something in the private sector. i think this is the path for it.

I work with MCs quite often in my civilian job and a 67 ASVAB will not qualify your for the rating. You need to discuss this with a recruiter for specifics.

wow, thanks WriterGig. that def. changes things. i took the ASVAB in 11th grade, and ive been out of highschool for 4 years, so im retty sure i can do better. im going to see the recruiter tommorow(monday), because they were closed Sat. lol
Anyway, if anyone knwos the specific score i need to shoot for let me know, i guess ill just have to do my best, huh? Thanks!

i thought after 2 years your asvab score didn't count anymore and you had to take it again anyway?

quote:

Originally posted by orions_knight:
wow, thanks WriterGig. that def. changes things. i took the ASVAB in 11th grade, and ive been out of highschool for 4 years, so im retty sure i can do better. im going to see the recruiter tommorow(monday), because they were closed Sat. lol
Anyway, if anyone knwos the specific score i need to shoot for let me know, i guess ill just have to do my best, huh? Thanks!

Just remember that time is just as much a factor in regard to your score as the answers you give. So, don't lollygag with the questions. The best thing to do is not over-think the question and your answer. Just answer on your first instinct. It is common for people to give the wrong answer when they think about it too much. When, in fact, the first answer that popped into their head was the correct one.

Good luck.

oh yeah, ive been there and done that. ya know the whole overthinking the questions thing. ill keep that in mind.

Is timing really a factor? I went in the red quite a few times while taking the test (meaning I had gone over the suggest time limit), and I still came out with a 79...I defiantly thing it's more important to be sure of your answer than speed through it.