Life As A US Military Photographer

Field Shooting
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Derek Sanchez takes photos during Winter Quick Shot 2011 in February 2011 in Azusa, CA. Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist David Rush

Front Lines: Life As A US Military Photographer -- PopPhoto

Dedicated Combat Camera units photograph operation on the ground, at sea and in air--even in battle. We joined them for two days of training.

“We need to beware of mountain lions,” U.S. Navy Chief Mass Communication Specialist David Rush tells me as we wait for his sailors to arrive. Up to now, on this cold, cloudless February evening deep in the Angeles National Forest, my main concern has been simply not getting shot during a live-fire exercise. But now I had another something lethal to gnaw my nerves.

So it’s a relief when the sailors finally approach in the pitch dark, footsteps crunching softly across the dirt of the high-desert canyon. From our vantage point atop a plateau near the target building, I see silhouettes rise up against the distant glow of Los Angeles: Helmet-wearing figures parade single file, M4 rifles at the ready. When the last of the dozen or so have passed, we fall in behind, preparing for what’s ahead.

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