Mass Communications Specialist (MC)

The U.S. Navy Requirements, Duties, and More

A combat videographer practices evasion techniques.
A combat videographer practices evasion techniques. Stocktrek Images / Getty Images
By
Rod Powers
Rod Powers
  • Air Force NCO Academy

Rod Powers was a retired Air Force First Sergeant with 22 years of active duty service.

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Updated on 01/12/20

Mass Communication Specialist (MC) are Public Affairs and Visual Information experts. They present the Navy story to audiences in the Navy and the rest of the world through a variety of media. MCs write and produce print and broadcast journalism news and feature stories for military and civilian newspapers, magazines, television and radio broadcast stations.

They record still and video photography of military operations, exercises, and other Navy events. They serve overseas, on ships, and at stateside commands as photographers, public affairs specialists, newspaper and magazine staff, and TV and radio station staff and talent. MCs also create graphic designs in support of the public affairs mission, create and manage official websites, and perform high-speed, high-volume graphic reproduction.

The duties performed by MCs include:

  • Prepare and write news and feature articles for publication
  • Photograph events for publication and historic documentation
  • Operate and maintain a variety of state-of-the-art still and video cameras
  • Operate computer-based graphics software and desktop publishing systems
  • Create original visual information displays and graphics
  • Multi-media design and production
  • Design and manage public and secure websites
  • Layout and design military newspapers and magazines
  • Manage radio and television stations
  • Operate video and electronic imaging equipment
  • Operate digital electronic reproduction equipment
  • Edit video news, features, and documentation
  • Shoot still photographs and video for accident or incident investigations
  • Conduct interviews
  • Market stories
  • Perform as a Public Affairs Officer

Working Environment

Mass Communication Specialist may work outdoors or inside, onboard aircraft carrier flight decks, in the field with combat construction units, or air-conditioned broadcast stations. Work varies from using precision computer graphics equipment in an office to strenuous work throughout a ship or station. Most MCs work on projects alone or with small teams, normally with little supervision. Their work is primarily mental and creative.

  • A-School (Job School) Information
  • 25 weeks at Ft. Meade, Maryland
  • ASVAB Score Requirement: VE + AR = 110
  • Security Clearance Requirement: Secret
  • Sub-Specialties Available for This Rating: Navy Enlisted Classification Codes for MC

Other Requirements

  • 60-month enlistment obligation
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Normal color vision is required

Current Manning Levels for This Rating: CREO Listing

Note: Advancement (promotion) opportunity and career progression are directly linked to a rating's manning level (i.e., personnel in undermanned ratings have greater promotion opportunity than those in overmanned ratings).

Sea/Shore Rotation for This Rating

  • First Sea Tour: 42 months
  • First Shore Tour: 48 months
  • Second Sea Tour: 36 months
  • Second Shore Tour: 48 months
  • Third Sea Tour: 36 months
  • Third Shore Tour: 48 months
  • Fourth Sea Tour: 36 months
  • Forth Shore Tour: 48 months

Note: Sea tours and shore tours for sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea, followed by 36 months ashore until retirement.

Much of the above information courtesy of the Navy Personnel Command