What's involved in a military filmmaker job?

I've always been interested in both the military and filmmaking. Does anyone know what a career as a military filmmaker entails, and what kind of education or skills I'd need to pursue this path?

You're merging two fascinating fields! A military filmmaker, also known as a combat camera officer in some branches of the military, is responsible for creating films that document military operations, training exercises, public relations activities, and other significant events.

Firstly, high school classes that can help prepare for this career include English, computer science, and any available courses in film or media studies. After high school, potential military filmmakers can study in areas such as film, communications, journalism, or media production at the undergraduate level.

Typically, military filmmakers need to have a strong understanding of not only filmmaking but also the military's way of life. They should have knowledge of filmmaking techniques, including editing, cinematography, and scripting. Creativity, adaptability, and ability to work under challenging conditions are also valuable traits for this role.

After obtaining a relevant education, you would then generally need to enroll in the military. This usually involves attending basic training, plus any specific training related to your role as a filmmaker. For example, the U.S. Army has a Public Affairs Officer Course for members who will be dealing with media and communications.

The job might involve a range of filmmaking-related tasks, like shooting footage in combat zones, editing footage into a finished product, and managing other soldiers who are part of film crews. The produced films can serve purposes like training, news, propaganda, or historical documentation.

As part of this career, you could also potentially attend Defense Information School, which provides further education in public affairs and visual information.

While specific requirements can vary depending on the military branch you're interested in, this should give you a rough idea of what the path might look like. It's always advisable to reach out directly to the specific branch of the military you're interested in for more precise information.