Front Lines: Life as a US Military Photographer

Chen captured the U.S. Navy’s twice-yearly Combat Camera field training. In this photo, combat camera photographers watch another unit maneuver during a reconnaissance exercise. A unit practices with M4 rifles on the firing range. A photographer documents simulated munitions found during a night training exercise. Navy Combat Camera’s standard-issue Nikon D700 and Nightstalker II night vision system by Tactical Solutions LLC. Sergeants and petty officers aren’t the only ones who can get in your face. Military personel editing images captured with night vision gear. Combat Camera photographers from all branches of the U.S. military participate in Quick Shot field exercises designed to train them in small-unit combat operations. Combat photographer work on the ground, at sea, and as shown here, in the air.