Combat Camera Training

Many war photos and active military prints are produced by combat photograph units in the military.

Every branch of the U.S. military includes a unit designed for capturing war images and photography for intelligence. These military units receive training to function cohesively with other military teams, producing their images for tactical planning, public information and marketing and for gathering visual intelligence on operations.

Combat Training Basics

In addition to the normal training required of all military personnel, combat camera training also focuses on utilizing photographic and visual tools to enhance combat operations. For example, the U.S. Marines' Combat Camera program aims to improve decision-making and situational awareness during operations.

Different Levels

Like other divisions in the military, combat camera units have a hierarchy of roles. Team training specializes in camera officer roles, photographers, videographers, production specialists and camera chiefs. The lead chief positions are trained by both theory and proven experience in the aforementioned subordinate roles before taking over a team.

Training Goals

Military camera training is designed to work with the constantly changing function of the military, which includes adapting to new technology as it comes along. Camera training retains the goal of integration with fighting units, so at any time the trained teams can also function as full-fledged fighting soldiers. With fast set-up, movement and breakdown, combat camera teams can grab information and then fight their way out.

References

• U.S. Dept. of the Navy: Combat Camera Training and Readiness Manual
• U.S. Marine Corps Combat Camera: Marine Corps Concept of Operations
• U.S. Army: Combat Camera -- The Army's Unseen Warriors

Resources

• Camera Quest: Photographing War