In a world where communication, information, and ideas can be as powerful as weapons, the Mass Communication (MC) rating is more vital than ever at ensuring that both Sailors and the general public understands the Navy’s goals and how it goes about achieving them. And for Sailors in the MC rating serving at either E5 or E6 paygrades, the opportunity to work as a Broadcaster gives them the opportunity to speak those people in a format they instantly recognize and can fully appreciate.
MCs working as Broadcasters must learn the foundations and princiles of military broadcasting, which begins with the collection and evaluation of military information, evaluating it to determine how the information and message it contains are best delivered, and then tailoring it for the appropriate medium: radio, television, or Web-based video. They learn to utilize the same equipment that professional broadcasters employ for non-military news and entertainment media, from high-end digital video cameras and sophisticated video editing suites to audio soundboards and mixers.
Trained in the placement of cameras, lighting, sound recorders, and other equipment, they use these to deliver framing and composition that serves to emphasize the important issues they wiss to highlight, rather than distracting viewers or listeners with extraneous sound or eye candy. MCs working as broadcasters are also given the chance to work independently or to supervise groups—from as small to just a handful to more than a dozen—based on the size of the production.
The education and training a Sailor receives in these fields will serve them well after their Naval careers have come to a close—but the realization of the importance of their tasks in helping the Navy achieve its goals of ensuring our country’s security means that final tour might come later rather than sooner for a great many of them.
Related Items
Navy Mass Communication Specialist (MC) Rating Badge
Navy Mass Communication Specialist (MC) Buckle