Military Photographer Staff Sgt. Jocelyn L. Rich, USAF sets up a shot

Military Photographer Staff Sgt. Jocelyn L. Rich, USAF sets up a shot on a photo shoot for the JIOCEUR Analytic Center. Staff Sgt. Rich has been selected for the prestigious Newhouse Photojournalism Program at Syracuse University. The program lasts an academic year beginning in August. (USAF Photo by Staff Sgt. Chad E. Chisholm, USAF)

JIOCEUR Honor Guard performing at the first-ever NFL regular season football game

JIOCEUR Honor Guard performing at the first-ever NFL regular season football game played in London, England on October 28, 2007. JAC Photographer Staff Sgt. Jocelyn L. Rich captured the intense focus of the members of the JAC honor guard in the moments before they took to the field during the game's opening ceremonies. Staff Sgt. Rich who accompanied the honor guard was granted all-areas access - the only military photographer accredited to the NFL.(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jocelyn L. Rich)

New York Giant Michael Johnson says a prayer before the start of the second half

New York Giants rookie safety Michael Johnson says a prayer before the start of the second half of the first-ever NFL regular season game played in London, England. Staff Sgt. Jocelyn Rich was the only military photographer given all-areas access during the October 2007 Miami Dolphins Vs. New York Giants game. Staff Sgt. Rich accompanied the JIOCEUR Analytic Center Honor Guard who performed at the game. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Jocelyn L. Rich)

A dramatic photo from a Cambridge speciality glass blower.

A dramatic photo from a Cambridge speciality glass blower. Staff Sgt. Rich like most military photographers is passionate about her profession and seeks opportunities to test and improve her skills. This shoot was for professional development and training in complex lighting situations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jocelyn L. Rich)

JAC Photographer Picked for Elite Syracuse University Military Photojournalism Program

Published April 23, 2008
By Peter G. Park, Commander's Action Group
JIOCEUR Analytic Center

ROYAL AIR FORCE MOLESWORTH, England -- In the movie "Top Gun," "Maverick" and his new class of hot shot naval aviators are told "You are the elite, the best of the best - we will make you better."

For a military photographer the academic year-long Military Photojournalism program at the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications of Syracuse University is the 'top gun' school of the profession. Selection for the MPJ program is highly competitive. Every year each Service sends five photographers that show promise and skill. The Newhouse School is one of the nation's premier schools of mass communication. Only upon completion of the MPJ program can military photographers call themselves 'photojournalists.'

Staff Sgt. Jocelyn L. Rich, photographer at the JAC, made the cut and is scheduled to begin the intense ten-month program this August.

"I've seen quite a bit of Staff Sgt .Rich's photography; both professional and personal. She has more talent in the first knuckle of her left index finger than most people have in their whole body," said JAC Service Element Commander's Advisor, Air Force Master Sgt. John Richardson. I'm proud to have played a small role in her application to this school. Her selection is truly well deserved recognition of her keen photography skills."

Syracuse University makes it clear that the program is tough: "The MPJ program is not a technical training school. It is an academic program based in the Visual and Interactive Communication department. Our goal is to turn military photographers into great photojournalists. The schedule is very, very intense. You work weekends and spend nights in the photography or computer labs. There is little free time during the ten months you are at Newhouse. When you complete your studies at Newhouse, you will be considered among the best in your career field."

"Sergeant Rich has demonstrated outstanding skill and expertise in her career field and I'm not surprised she's been selected for the program," said Tech. Sgt. Kristina Barrett, 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs. "Telling the U.S. military story is an awesome responsibility and she does it with professionalism and pride.

"With the recent merger of the photographer and public affairs career fields, her education is a win-win for PA and the Air Force."

Upon graduation, Sergeant Rich hopes to use her newly-acquired skills at a combat camera unit, which shows the great things Airmen are doing throughout the world.