How Can I Pursue Photojournalism as a Career in the Military?

I'm really into photography and photojournalism, and I'm curious about how I could pursue this as a career within the military. Does anyone have experience in this field or know what steps I need to take?

The steps to pursuing photojournalism in the military generally involve similar elements regardless of the specific branch of service you're interested in. Here's an overview of what your journey could look like:

1. High School Preparation: Begin by honing your skills in photography and journalism while still in high school. Take photography classes if they're offered at your school or consider enrolling in community classes. You could also join the school newspaper to gain journalism and writing skills. Concurrently, strengthening your physical fitness is important as all branches of the military have physical fitness requirements.

2. College or Vocational Education: Although not all military specialists go to college, earning a degree in photography, journalism, or a related field could provide you with a solid foundation and make you a more attractive candidate. However, it's also possible to go straight from high school to enlistment.

3. Enlistment: To enlist in the military, you'll need to fill out an application, pass physical fitness tests, and also a background check. Note that each branch of the military has its own set of requirements, and there may be certain criteria specific to your preferred occupation within the military.

4. Job Selection: During enlistment, you'll select your preferred job. Military occupations related to photojournalism may be listed under titles like "combat documentation/production specialist", "mass communication specialist", or similar, depending on the branch.

5. Training: Once you've enlisted and have been accepted into your desired occupation, your military branch will provide the necessary training. For instance, the Army sends enlisted soldiers interested in photography and journalism to the Defense Information School, where they learn skills appropriate to their job.

6. Continuous Learning and Development: In addition to your initial training, you'll likely have opportunities for further learning and development throughout your military career.

Remember that details can vary depending on the specific branch of the military you're interested in, so it's a good idea to speak directly with a recruiter or other career counselor to get the most accurate and helpful information for your individual situation.