U.S. Air Force

Combat Camera

The airmen who document warfare from inside it. Combat Camera operators deploy with combat forces to capture imagery for intelligence, operations, public affairs, and the historical record. They carry cameras instead of rifles into the same firefights.

Documenting the Fight Est. 1947

Still / Video / Aerial Imagery

Photo/Video AFSCs

VISUAL INFORMATION

Combat Camera is a joint visual information asset that deploys with combat forces to document operations. Air Force Combat Camera operators are trained to parachute, fast-rope, and operate in combat zones alongside special operations and conventional forces. They produce imagery for battle damage assessment, operational documentation, public affairs, information operations, and legal evidence. The 1st Combat Camera Squadron (now 1st Combat Operations Support Squadron) at Joint Base Charleston has been the primary USAF combat camera unit. Read more

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From WWII Film to Digital 1942 - Present

AAF COMBAT CAMERA

WWII Combat Photography

The Camera as a Weapon

Army Air Forces

Battle Damage Assess

Photo Intelligence

Army Air Forces combat photographers flew bombing missions to document strike results for battle damage assessment. Their reconnaissance photography was critical intelligence for planning subsequent raids. The footage they shot became the historical record of the air war over Europe and the Pacific. Many of these cameramen were killed in action flying the same missions as the bomber crews they documented. Read more

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JOINT OPERATIONS

Modern Combat Camera

OIF / OEF / Global Operations

Iraq Documentation

Afghanistan Ops

Embedded Operations

HIGH-DEF CAPTURE

During OIF and OEF, Combat Camera operators embedded with units across both theaters. They documented air strikes, ground operations, humanitarian missions, and detainee operations. Their imagery supported intelligence analysis, legal proceedings, and public affairs. Combat Camera airmen have earned Bronze Stars, Air Medals, and Combat Action Medals. They go where the fight is and bring back the proof. Read more

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COMCAM

Combat Camera

1st

Combat Ops Spt Sqn

3N

Visual Info AFSCs

Joint

DoD Asset