Navy NEC · Aviation

A18A Aerial Cameraman

Current service use not established

This code is listed in the directory. Inclusion alone does not confirm current service use.

A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.

Overview

An Aerial Cameraman performs in-flight duties, using photographic equipment and techniques to obtain still and video imagery. The cameraman integrates with crewmembers through Crew Resource Management, maintains strict safety standards, and has knowledge of aircraft airframes, applicable equipment, emergency and flight procedures, and related gear checks.

Minimum clearance: Secret

Core Skills

Flight crew coordination using Crew Resource Management
Preflight and postflight procedures and gear checks
Aviation emergency procedures and at-sea operational safety

Civilian Career Paths

Career associations are editorial assessments of the cited evidence, not an official crosswalk unless the evidence explicitly says so. O*NET supplies civilian occupation information, not proof of a military match. Related experience does not confer civilian qualifications. Tasks and tools below describe civilian work, not military training.

Photographers

Experience operating photographic equipment and applying still-imagery techniques in flight transfers directly to civilian photography.

How to prepare: Build a portfolio of images cleared for public use that demonstrates exposure control, focus, and composition under varied shooting conditions.

What the civilian work involves

Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.

Civilian tools and software (examples)

Adobe Photoshop

Notes & Sources

Evidence for this guidance (2 documents)

NAVPERS 18068F Vol II (NEOCS, Jul 2026 edition): NEC A18A
[1] NEC entry "A18A - Aerial Cameraman"; cached text line 1545; NAVPERS 18068F Vol II, 2026-07 edition
Supports: Flight crew coordination using Crew Resource Management, Preflight and postflight procedures and gear checks, Aviation emergency procedures and at-sea operational safety, Photographers (O*NET 27-4021.00)
O*NET: Photographers
[2] O*NET 30.3 occupational data
Supports: Photographers (O*NET 27-4021.00)

Defense contractor jobs for A18A

Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.

Report an error on this page