A Marine Corps Photographer (MOS 4641) and Videographer (MOS 4671) capture military footage in real-time.
While these USMC MOS’s aren’t technically combat roles, there’s always a chance you’ll see combat as a Marine.
Marine Photographers and Videographers chronicle military life both during wartime and in other aspects, such as training and preparation.
Learn more about the available opportunities in Marine Corps Field 46 Combat Camera (COMCAM).
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Education, Qualifications, and Training
Marine Corps Field 46 Combat Camera (COMCAM) is designed to produce still images and videos related to military operations and lifestyle.
MOS 4641 (Photographer) and MOS 4671 (Videographer) serve the media department of the Marine Corps.
In order to qualify for the Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) you need to complete education, training, and other requirements.
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Education
The Marine Corps encourages all enlistees to complete high school with a diploma or GED equivalent.
A few select waivers are granted each year without the education, though it is rare.
New recruits are required to complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) in order to qualify for an MOS.
Marine Corps Photographers (MOS 4641) must score General Technical (GT): 100 or higher on the ASVAB.
Videographers (MOS 4671) must score the same General Technical (GT): 100 or higher on the series of tests.
Qualifications
Marine Corps Photographers and Videographers (MOS 4641 & MOS 4671) are required to be citizens of the United States.
Secondly, aspiring Field 46 Combat Camera Operators need to have normal color vision (no color blindness).
MOS 4641 and MOS 4671 both deal with potentially sensitive information and images.
Therefore, the two MOSs are required to have personnel with secret security clearance.
The secret security clearance is provided by the Department of Defense and requires a detailed investigation into personal character and conduct.
A record of drug or alcohol abuse could potentially disqualify you from MOS 4641 and MOS 4671.
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Training
Recruits begin their military career at the same place, regardless of Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
Marine basic training, or boot camp, lasts 13 weeks and is designed to see if you have what it takes to survive the rigors of military life.
After completing basic training, aspiring Marine Corps Photographers (MOS 4641) and Videographers (MOS 4671) focus on specialized training.
USMC Combat Photographers (MOS 4641) must complete the Basic Still Photographic Course at Fort Meade (Maryland).
It is also possible to demonstrate proficiency of the MOS through completion of appropriate civilian schooling.
USMC Combat Videographers (MOS 4671) must complete the Video Production Documentation Course which is also conducted at Fort Meade.
Combat Videographers can also bypass the training with approved schooling through a civilian course.
What does a Marine Corps Combat Photographer Do?
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A Marine Corps Photographer and Videographer (MOS 4641 & MOS 4671) is part of the media team of the military branch.
Though the mediums the two Marine MOS serve are different the overall purpose is the same.
Combat Photographers and Videographers capture day-to-day events as they unfold in the military.
Marines may capture footage in combat as well as imagery related to training, planning, and preparation of operations.
The Marine jobs are considered dangerous since MOS 4641 and MOS 4671 are combat roles where you may collect footage in the field.
Marine Corps Combat Photographer (MOS 4641)
Marine Combat Photographers (MOS 4641) are responsible for still images captured on film and through digital mediums.
Combat Photographers use digital cameras and equipment to take photos in a variety of conditions and environments.
It includes challenging photo-ops like capturing still images at night and underwater.
Photographers need to have the mental fortitude to survive while snapping photos in combat, as well as in inclement weather.
The photos are used for civil affairs, research, recruitment, intelligence, investigations, and documentation purposes.
USMC Combat Photographers (MOS 4641) must also inspect and perform maintenance on all equipment related to the job.
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Marine Corps Combat Videographer (MOS 4671)
Marine Combat Videographers (MOS 4671) are responsible for recording footage on video and film.
Combat Videographers rely on video cameras and equipment to capture the footage during operations and for other military purposes.
Job duties include creating the concept for the production, building a storyboard, writing the script, acquiring motion video, and editing the final production.
Videographers may create products for internal, domestic, or international audiences.
The objective is to tailor the production for the specified audience as well as the purpose of the video.
Combat Videographers (MOS 4671) may also assist with admin duties as well as transmitting and archives.
What does a Marine Corps Combat Photographer make?
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Marines are paid based on military rank and years of service.
The table gives you a general idea of what you can expect to receive each month in pay based on Marine rank:
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | 2023 Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 +4 months | Private | Pvt | $1,917.60 | |
 | E-2 | Private First Class | PFC | $2,149.20 |
 | E-3 | Lance Corporal | LCpl | $2,259.90 |
 | E-4 | Corporal | Cpl | $2,503.50 |
 | E-5 | Sergeant | Sgt | $2,730.30 |
 | E-6 | Staff Sergeant | SSgt | $2,980.50 |
 | E-7 | Gunnery Sergeant | GySgt | $3,3445.80 |
 | E-8 | Master Sergeant | MSgt | $4,957.20 |
 | E-8 | First Sergeant | 1stSgt | $4,957.20 |
 | E-9 | Master Gunnery Sergeant | MGySgt | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major | SgtMaj | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major Of The Marine Corps | SgtMaj | $6,055.50 |
Benefits
The Marine Corps has several benefits in addition to monthly salary:
- Medical Insurance
- Affordable Life Insurance
- Retirement
- Vacation Time
- Special Pay
- Education: Marines can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses.
- Housing: Allowances for living expenses, utilities, and maintenance.
- Food: Allowance for the on-base dining hall and access to tax-free department and grocery stores.
Job Reviews
It is challenging to find reviews specific to MOS 4641 and MOS 4671.
If you aspire to become a Photographer or Videographer for the Marines you can get a good idea of what military life is like on job sites.
Indeed.com and GlassDoor.com are the two best places to find real, legitimate military reviews on the web.
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Civilian Job Opportunities
Marine Corps Photographers and Videographers have an optimistic job outlook in the civilian world.
Combat Photographers and Videographers have a direct civilian equivalent, even if the working conditions are far different.
It is a contrast to many other Military Occupational Specialties which lack a civilian equivalent.
Therefore, many former MOS 4641 and MOS 4671 work for various media outlets in creative roles like photography, videography, editing, producing, and directing.
Summary
Marine Photographers (MOS 4641) and Marine Videographers (MOS 4671) capture important footage for the military branch.
The accurate, realistic portrayal of combat operations and other aspects of military life is only made possible thanks to the hard work of Videographers and Photographers.
Resources:
- Marine Corps Boot Camp Schedule - June 20, 2024
- What To Bring To Marine Boot Camp - June 20, 2024
- Marine Corps Promotion Timeline for Enlisted & Officers - June 19, 2024
General FAQ
What MOS is Combat Camera?
Marine Corps Combat Camera jobs are Photographer (MOS 4641) and Videographer (MOS 4671). They capture military footage in real-time in order to present an accurate and timely account of what it is like serving in the Marine Corps.
How much does a combat photographer make?
Marine Corps Combat Photographer (MOS 4641) and Videographer (MOS 4671) positions are paid according to rank and time in service.
What ASVAB score do I need to be a combat photographer?
Marine Corps combat photographers and videographers must score a minimum of 100 on the General Technical portion of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.
How long is school for Marine Corps MOS 4641 Combat photographer?
After boot camp, combat photography training is four months at Fort Meade in Maryland. Unlike most MOS, you may be able to bypass training if you’ve taken a comparable civilian training or demonstrate proficiency.
Do Marine Corps combat photographers have to have a security clearance?
Marine Corps Combat Camera MOS candidates must obtain a Secret security clearance because they often deal with sensitive information.
