But, combat camera does so much more than just photographs, say the Marines who work there.

Combat camera is organized and structured to provide commanders with photographic, video, digital and printed products and archival capabilities which directly support Marine Corps operations, enhanced decision making processes and situational awareness.

Combat camera also supports all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, training commands and supporting establishments with a full range of professional imagery capabilities.

"The issue that we have is that when people think of combat camera, they don't understand that it is more than taking pictures," said Master Sgt. Henry J. Weaver, staff noncommissioned officer in charge for combat camera, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler.

"Combat camera by doctrine is a supporting function that is a huge asset to the Corps in a counter-intelligence environment," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Philippe E. Chasse, deputy director of combat camera, MCB Camp Butler.

"We do force protection, site surveys, operational planning, after action information, command chronology, surveillance awareness products, information operations and terrain analysis," said Weaver. 

For example, if an improvised explosive device injured or killed civilians in Afghanistan, combat camera Marines could create products to show what the insurgents did in hopes that locals would help the U.S. military or at least remain neutral,  he explained.

"Our advertisements let civilians know that they have a friend, and that we're on their side," Weaver continued.
"We do tattoo documentation for service members' service record books," said Lance Cpl. Eric P. Thongsavath, combat camera production specialist, MCB Camp Butler.

Combat Camera's primary focus is to take photos that become 'visual weapons,' he said.

"Combat documentation is only a by-product, and not our main intent," he explained.

"At our audio visual learning center service members can (check out) rubber rifles, pugil sticks, (rubber) bayonets, Marine Corps martial arts training pads along with personal audio systems, projectors and megaphones," Thongsavath said. "We also have a language learning center for units to use to help their Marines familiarize themselves with any languages in combat zones," he added.

"I made a counter-intelligence recruiting poster, which was cool for me because I knew that it was going to directly affect the Corps," said Lance Cpl. Cy R. Kranak, combat camera production specialist, MCB Camp Butler. 

"The Marine Corps has a lot of boundaries but being combat camera allows you to be innovative," he said.

A combat camera Marine not only sees a lot, but does a lot, he added.

Thongsavath said he appreciates the unique opportunities he has at combat camera.

"I'm really excited to start working on (a) magazine for the criminal investigation department that will be released exclusively for CID," he said. "It's going to be a collection of stories and cases from agents for agents as a learning tool," he explained.

To use combat camera resources, call 645-2533 or go to building 478 on Camp Foster and fill out an order form.