COMBAT
                                                                                    CAMERA

                                                                                     MULTI-SERVICE
                                                                         TACTICS, TECHNIQUES,
                                                                        AND PROCEDURES FOR
                                                                                 COMBAT CAMERA
                                                                        (COMCAM) OPERATIONS

                                                                                    ATP 3-55.12 [FM 3-55.12]
                                                                                              MCRP 3-33.7A
                                                                                                NTTP 3-61.2
                                                                                               AFTTP 3-2.41

                                                                                            APRIL 2013

                                                                        DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release;
                                                                        distribution is unlimited.

                                                                        TRADOC, HQ CAC, ATTN: ATZL-MCK-D,
                                                                        Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027-6900;
                                                                        HQ MCCDC, ATTN: C116, Quantico, VA 22134-5021;
                                                                        NWDC, ATTN: N52, Norfolk, VA 23511-2723;
                                                                        and LeMay Center, ATTN: DDJ, Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6004.

                                                                        *Supersedes FM 3-55.12/ MCRP 3-33.7A / NTTP 3-61.2 / AFTTP(I)
                                                                        3-2.41, May 2007.


FOREWORD
This multi-Service tactics, techniques, and procedures (MTTP) publication is a project of the Air Land Sea Application (ALSA) Center in accordance with the memorandum of agreement between the Headquarters of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force doctrine commanders directing ALSA to develop MTTP publications to meet the immediate needs of the warfighter. This MTTP publication has been prepared by ALSA under our direction for implementation by our respective commands and for use by other commands as appropriate. ROBERT R. NAETHING
ERIC M. SMITH
Acting Deputy to the Commanding Brigadier General (Sel), US Marine Corps General Director US Army Combined Arms Center Capabilities Development Directorate TERRY B. KRAFT
THOMAS K. ANDERSEN
Rear Admiral, US Navy Major General, US Air Force Commander Commander Navy Warfare Development Command Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine

   Development and Education This publication is available through the following Web sites:
                                          ALSA (https://wwwmil.alsa.mil/);
                  US Army (https://armypubs.us.army.mil/doctrine/index.html);
                         To receive publishing updates, please subscribe at http://www.apd.army.mil/AdminPubs/new_subscribe.asp; US Navy at Navy Doctrine Library System (NDLS) (https://ndls.nwdc.navy.mil); US Marine Corp(https://www.doctrine.usmc.mil); US Air Force at Air Force E-Publishing System (http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/); and Joint Doctrine, Education, and Training Electronic Information System (jdeis.js.mil/jdeis/index.jsp?pindex=84).

PREFACE
1. Purpose This multi-Service tactics, techniques, and procedures (MTTP) publication provides commanders, planners, and staffs at all levels with a single source document containing essential information to plan, employ and integrate combat camera capabilities. Note: For the Army, the term "command and control" was replaced with "mission command." "Mission command" now encompasses the Army's philosophy of command (still known as mission command) as well as the exercise of authority and direction to accomplish missions (formerly known as command and control). 2. Scope This MTTP publication supports planners and warfighters by establishing tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) for combat camera (COMCAM) missions, capabilities, responsibilities, and relationships. It highlights COMCAM assets and capabilities available to the combatant commander. It describes Department of Defense, joint and Service COMCAM roles to request, manage, and employ COMCAM forces. It provides methods, tools and procedures to integrate imagery and multi-media products with warfighting staffs throughout the full spectrum of military operations. 3. Applicability This MTTP publication applies to all commanders and their staffs that participate in operations. This publication is unclassified with restricted Distribution Statement A, in accordance with DODD 5230.24. 4. Implementation Plan Participating Service command offices of primary responsibility (OPRs) will review this publication, validate the information and, where appropriate, reference and incorporate it in Service manuals, regulations, and curricula as follows:
Army. Upon approval and authentication, this publication incorporates the TTP
contained herein into the United States (US) Army Doctrine and Training Literature Program as directed by the Commander, US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

Marine Corps.1 The Marine Corps will incorporate the procedures in this publication in US Marine Corps training and doctrine publications as directed by the Commanding General, US Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC).  Distribution is in accordance with the Marine Corps Publication Distribution System (MCPDS).

Navy. The Navy will incorporate these procedures in US Navy training and doctrine publications as directed by the Commander, Navy Warfare Development Command (NWDC)[N5].  Distribution is in accordance with Military Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedures (MILSTRIP) Desk Guide, Naval Supply Systems Command Publication 409 (NAVSUP Pub 409).

Air Force. The Air Force will incorporate the procedures in this publication in accordance with applicable governing directives. Distribution is in accordance with Air Force Instruction (AFI) 33-360.

## 5. User Information

a.  US Army Combined Arms Center (CAC), MCCDC, NWDC, Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education (LeMay Center), and the Air Land Sea Application (ALSA) Center developed this publication with the joint participation of the approving Service commands. ALSA will update this publication as necessary. b.  This publication reflects current joint and Service doctrine, command and control organizations, facilities, personnel, responsibilities, and procedures. Changes in Service protocol, appropriately reflected in joint and Service publications, will likewise be incorporated in revisions to this document. c.  We encourage recommended changes for improving this publication. Key your comments to the specific page and paragraph and provide a rationale for each recommendation. Send comments and recommendations directly to

## Army

Commander, US Army Combined Arms Center ATTN: ATZL-MCK-D Fort Leavenworth KS 66027-6900 DSN 552-4885 COMM (913) 684-4885 E-mail: LEAV-CADDWEB-CADD@conus.army.mil

## Marine Corps

Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration ATTN: C116 3300 Russell Road, Suite 204 Quantico VA 22134-5021 DSN 278-2871/6227 COMM (703) 784-2871/6227 E-mail: Publication POC at https://www.doctrine.usmc.mil

## Navy

Commander, Navy Warfare Development Command ATTN: N52 1528 Piersey St, Building O-27 Norfolk VA 23511-2723 DSN 341-4185 COMM (757) 341-4185
E-mail: alsapubs@nwdc.navy.mil

## Air Force

Commander, Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education ATTN: DDJ 401 Chennault Circle Maxwell AFB AL 36112-6004 DSN 493-2640/2256 COMM (334) 953-2640/2256 E-mail: lemayctr.ddj.workflow@maxwell.af.mil

## Alsa

Director, ALSA Center 114 Andrews Street Langley AFB VA 23665-2785 DSN 575-0902 COMM (757) 225-0902 E-mail: alsa.director@langley.af.mil SUMMARY OF CHANGES
ATP 3-55.1255.12/MCRP 3-33.7A/NTTP 3-61.2/AFTTP 3-2.41, Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Combat Camera Operations. This revision is reorganized to improve readability and incorporates updated material to assist the commander and the combat camera (COMCAM) planner in integrating and employing COMCAM forces and aligning capabilities to support commander's objectives. Also, sections of this revision have been rewritten to provide clarity. In addition, this revision:

- Expands upon COMCAM Service-specific assets and capabilities (chapter II) by
defining Service-unique capabilities.
- Provides a greater level of specificity to roles and responsibilities.
- Updates descriptions of COMCAM support to operations and use of assets to
assist the commander in determining when and how best to employ COMCAM forces.
- Integrates joint concept of operations (CONOPS) and joint planning design
elements to guide the COMCAM planner to achieve improved operational end
states.
- Eliminates outdated tasking procedures and replaces them with Joint Force
Tasking and the Global Force Management (GFM) process as it relates to COMCAM.
- Eliminates Joint COMCAM Training Matrices. Training is addressed in chapter V. - Adds chapter V training section citing Service-specific training requirements to
ensure COMCAM force capabilities are known in order to achieve optimal asset integration with tactical forces.
- Adds specific imagery examples citing operations supported by COMCAM in
appendix B.
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MCRP 3-33.7A
NTTP 3-61.2
AFTTP 3-2.41

ATP 3-55.12 [FM 3-55.12]
US Army Training and Doctrine Command
Fort Eustis, Virginia

US Army Combined Arms Center

Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
MCRP 3-33.7A
Marine Corps Combat Development Command

Quantico, Virginia
NTTP 3-61.2
Navy Warfare Development Command
Norfolk, Virginia
AFTTP 3-2.41
Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine
Development and Education
Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama


12 APRIL 2013
COMBAT CAMERA
MULTI-SERVICE TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCEDURES FOR
COMBAT CAMERA (COMCAM) OPERATIONS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........ VIII
CHAPTER I OVERVIEW OF COMCAM OPERATIONS ........ 1
1. Overview ........ 1 2. Mission ........ 1 3. Impact ........ 1 4. Information Flow ........ 4
CHAPTER II SERVICE COMCAM ASSETS AND CAPABILITIES ........ 7
1. COMCAM capabilities ........ 7 2. Air Force capabilities. ........ 7 3. Army capabilities ........ 9 4. Navy capabilities. ........ 11

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
COMBAT CAMERA
This multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (MTTP) publication for combat camera (COMCAM) establishes TTP for commanders, planners, and staffs at all levels with a single source document and addresses essential information to plan, employ and integrate COMCAM capabilities.

Chapter I Overview of COMCAM Operations Chapter I provides an overview of COMCAM operations and how COMCAM assets provide commanders a unique, firsthand visual account of tactical actions. It describes how COMCAM supports commanders by acquiring, processing, and disseminating classified and unclassified imagery and multi-media products collected during all phases of military operations or campaigns.

Chapter II Service COMCAM Assets and Capabilities Chapter II describes each Services' COMCAM capabilities, team make-up, and highlights specific attributes to assist the commander and planner during the force development process. This helps to facilitate the matching of mission specific requirements with the correct COMCAM capability.

Chapter III COMCAM Roles and Responsibilities Chapter III highlights COMCAM roles and responsibilities of Service components, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Joint Combat Camera Program Manager, Imagery Operations and Coordination Center (IOCC) and the Joint Chiefs of Staff
(JCS). COMCAM units have specific roles and responsibilities assigned to them to ensure combatant commanders are provided with the joint COMCAM forces and assets.

Chapter IV COMCAM Operations Chapter IV describes how COMCAM forces are tasked, deployed, and employed as an integral part of operations to ensure visual information documentation of US military activities during wartime, worldwide crises, contingencies, joint exercises, and other events of significant national interest involving the Department of Defense.

Chapter V COMCAM Training Chapter V provides an overview of the Services' COMCAM training. Integrating COMCAM assets into joint exercises is also addressed.

Appendix A Joint COMCAM Tasking Process Appendix A provides key contact information and overviews the COMCAM tasking process. It notes that COMCAM requirements for joint operations must be vetted through the Global Force Management (GFM) process to the Service providers. Once the requirement is sourced to the respective Services, the details (personnel and logistics) will be loaded in the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES)
for assignment of unit line numbers (ULNs).

Appendix B Joint COMCAM Examples Appendix B provides operational examples of COMCAM imagery used to support Commanders objectives. The photos and vignettes provide the Commander with explicit examples of how COMCAM can support mission objectives.

## Program Participants The Following Commanders And Agencies Participated In This Publication:

Joint Joint DIMOC Imagery Operations Coordination Center IOCC, Fort Meade, MD
Joint Combat Camera Program Manager, (Pentagon) Arlington, VA
Army US Army Combined Arms Center (CAC), Fort Leavenworth, KS US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Ft. Eustis, VA Combined Arms Command, Ft. Leavenworth, KS HQ, Department of the Army CIO/G-6, Washington, DC NETCOM, Ft Huachuca, AZ 21st SIG BDE, Ft Detrick, MD 114th Signal Battalion, Ft. Detrick, MD 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), Fort Meade, MD 982 Signal Company (Combat Camera), East Point, GA
Marine Corps US Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC), Quantico, VA Marine Corps Capabilities Development Directorate, Quantico, VA Training & Education Command, Combat Camera Management, Quantico, VA
Deputy Commandant, Combat Development and Integration, Quantico, VA I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan MCB Quantico, Combat Visual Information Center 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, MCAS Miramar, CA
Navy Navy Warfare Development Command (NWDC), Norfolk, VA Chief of Naval Operations (N09C2), Washington, DC Commander, US Fleet Forces Command (N00P) Norfolk, VA Expeditionary Combat Camera, Norfolk, VA Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific, San Diego, CA
Air Force Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
Secretary of the Air Force, Office of Public Affairs Requirements and Development,
Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Air Force Public Affairs Agency, Lackland AFB, TX 1st Combat Camera Squadron, Charleston AFB, SC 2nd Combat Camera Squadron, Hill AFB UT 3rd Combat Camera Squadron, Lackland AFB, TX 4th Combat Camera Squadron, March ARB, CA



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## Chapter I Overview Of Comcam Operations 1.  Overview

Combat Camera (COMCAM) is a force enabler composed of highly trained visual information (VI) professionals prepared to deploy to the most austere operational environments at a moment's notice. Skilled in acquiring and using still and motion imagery, COMCAM forces provide the Secretary of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), combatant commanders, joint task forces (JTFs) and Services a directed imagery capability. This capability supports operational planning, public affairs (PA), information operations, mission assessment, forensic, legal, intelligence and other requirements during crises, contingencies, and exercises around the globe.

## 2.  Mission

a.  The mission of COMCAM forces is to provide the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), the military departments, combatant commands, and JTFs with a directed imagery capability in support of operational and planning requirements through the full range of military operations. b.  COMCAM forces perform unique and highly specialized missions with VI
documentation capabilities supporting all phases of an operation or campaign. COMCAM teams are trained and equipped to access events and areas typically restricted from other VI personnel or media representatives. COMCAM personnel maintain qualifications enabling them to operate with airborne forces, air crew, special operations forces (SOF), and military divers. Their capabilities range from aerial to underwater photography. Furthermore, COMCAM teams have a technological capability to rapidly transmit imagery during fast moving operations, and support forward operating maneuver elements.

## 3.  Impact

a.  COMCAM forces provide timely VI directly supporting the commanders' objectives and information requirements. Effectively employed COMCAM assets at the tactical level can potentially achieve national, theater strategic, and operational level objectives in a manner that lessens the requirement for combat in many situations. Integrated COMCAM forces, with SOF or conventional units, can provide higher echelons a ground-level view and document mission accomplishment. Their products can counter adversary misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda and help commanders gain situational awareness on operations in a way written or verbal reports cannot. b.  The products can also provide historical documentation, public information, or an evidentiary foundation. For example, COMCAM products can support gathering site exploitation or imagery for forensic documentation of evidence and legal proceedings. They can provide intelligence documentation to include imagery for facial recognition and key leader engagements, and support special reconnaissance. In addition, COMCAM products document key events such as training of a host country's police, defense, and special operations units. These products can support a myriad of activities such as foreign internal defense documentation, information operations (IO) and military information support operations (MISO) campaigns.

c.  The following vignettes and associated pictures (figures 1 and 2) provide examples of the use, support, and impact of COMCAM with respect to military operations. See appendix B for additional examples.

## A Commander's Imagery Requirements

During early combat in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, local market places were abandoned as a result of clearing operations. As coalition forces conducted counterinsurgency operations, security in this area improved and residents returned to the markets. Despite security progress and a return to normal civilian activity, there was a lack of US national and international awareness of the progress. The Regional Command Southwest Commander determined photographs were the means to adequately show the improvement. Combat camera teams were directed to acquire imagery of key districts as the local population moved back to local village areas and business trade resumed. These images were used during dignitary visits and provided to the media to illustrate security progress.
Local Afghan merchants conduct business as usual while US Marines assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, participate in a patrol in Musa Qa'leh, located in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, 2 August 2010. Photo by US Marine Corps Cpl Lindsay L. Sayres.

## Commander's Critical Information Requirements Support Due To Civilian Casualties

In Musa Qal'eh, Afghanistan, insurgents placed roadside improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in populated areas where innocent civilians often became the victims of detonations. Insurgent web-based media would display images of the events and place blame on coalition forces. Insurgent strategies were an attempt to convince the local population coalition efforts were the direct cause of the death and destruction. Adversary propaganda proved effective and the Regional Command Southwest Commander required near-real-time images to counter the adversary's propaganda. Combat camera was directed to capture imagery of civilian IED casualties and the coalition response to them.

## 4.  Information Flow

a.  The following paragraphs describe the information flow for COMCAM products to, from, and among commanders, national-level leaders, and external entities. Figure 3 illustrates this flow.

(1)  Commander Critical Information Requirements (CCIRs). COMCAM acquires, develops, disseminates and archives information to support commanders' information requirements. Information products are obtained and provided to commanders, national leaders (e.g., the President of the United States (POTUS)
or the JCS), and/or to external sources via PA officials.

(a)  Influence. COMCAM capabilities provide a valuable resource to assist in influencing objectives. It supports operations to include MISO and IO. (b)  Inform. COMCAM capabilities provide a valuable resource to assist in defense support to public diplomacy and PA.

(2)  External information requirements. COMCAM provides historical documentation for the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and VI documentation to support the external information requirements for the commander and specific service branch of a specific unit. (3)  National information requirements. COMCAM personnel can be tasked to directly support the POTUS and/or the JCS.

Note: Imagery is provided to the combatant commander/supported elements, while simultaneously transmitted to the Defense Imagery Management Operations Center (DIMOC). The DIMOC transmits imagery to support external information requirements at national levels, and through the Defense Media Activity to support Services, NARA, and the media.
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## Chapter Ii Service Comcam Assets And Capabilities 1.  Comcam Capabilities

While each Services' COMCAM capabilities share many similarities, each has unique capabilities specific to its roles and missions. COMCAM units are adaptive and provide fully qualified and equipped personnel to support sustained day or night operations. Their flexibility facilitates tailoring support for the full spectrum of operations including regional conflicts, small-scale contingencies, peacekeeping, and foreign humanitarian relief operations. Table 1 highlights the diverse capabilities and potential qualifications of Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps COMCAM units and personnel. It is followed by a detailed discussion of each Service's capabilities, units, and tasking nomenclature.

Table 1.  COMCAM Capabilities

Air Force
Army
Navy
Marine Corps
Video/still acquisition and editing
X
X
X
X
Product development layout and design
X
X
X
X
Imagery transmission
X
X
X
X
Large-scale production
X


X
Night imagery acquisition
X
X
X
X
Aerial still/video imagery acquisition
X
X
X
X
SERE
X
X
X
X
Dive (scuba)


X

Aircrew qualified
X

X
X
Airborne/HALO

X


VBSS


X
X
HRST
X
X
X
X

Legend: HALO - high-altitude low-opening parachute technique. HRST - Helicopter rope suspension technique.

SERE - Survival, evasion, resistance, and escape.

VBSS - Visit, board, search, and seizure.

## 2.  Air Force Capabilities.

a.  Air Force COMCAM units provide in-flight (i.e., fixed or rotary wing) and ground personnel capable of day or night, all-weather, still or video imagery acquisition, processing, and rapid transmission. Forces are trained and equipped to operate from locations to support all military units (conventional and SOF). When not deployed, COMCAM units are under the operational control of the Director, Air Force Public Affairs Agency. The following describe capabilities, units, and unit type codes (UTC).

b.  Air Force capabilities include the following.
(1)  Rapid Response (i.e., XFFG1, XFFGG and XFFGF, XFFGM, and XFFG5). (2)  Day or night, still or video imagery acquisition. (3)  Still or video imagery transmission services. (4)  Aerial still or video imagery acquisition. Qualified aircrew (fixed and rotary wing). (5)  Full video editing services.
c.  Table 2 describes Air Force units and UTCs.

| Combat Camera Unit         | Location             |
|----------------------------|----------------------|
| 1st Combat Camera          |                      |
| Squadron (1CTCS)           |                      |
| Joint Base Charleston,     |                      |
| SC                         |                      |
| XFFG1, XFFG5, XFFGG,       |                      |
| XFFGF, XFFGM               |                      |
| 2nd Combat Camera          |                      |
| Squadron (2CTCS)           |                      |
| Hill AFB, UT               | XFFG1, XFFG5, XFFGG, |
| XFFGF                      |                      |
| 3rd Combat Camera          |                      |
| Squadron (3CTCS)           |                      |
| Lackland AFB, TX           | XFFG1, XFFG5, XFFGG, |
| XFFGF                      |                      |
| 4th Combat Camera          |                      |
| Squadron (4CTCS, Reserves) |                      |
| March AFB, CA              | XFFG1, XFFG5, XFFGG, |
| XFFGF                      |                      |

Legend: XFFG1 (Company Grade Officer): Provides functional management of COMCAM teams of various compositions. One 035P3 minimum grade: 0-3. XFFG5 (Senior noncommissioned officer): Provides functional management for overall COMCAM teams of various compositions. One passenger, 3N090 grade: E-8. XFFGG (Ground combat camera documentation team). Provides video and still photo acquisition of day and night ground operations. Has basic video and photo editing capability. Two passengers, one each, 3N0X2 and 3N0X4. XFFGF (Aerial combat camera documentation team): Provides video and still photo acquisition of aerial day and night ops. Personnel are fully qualified aircrew members. Has basic video and photographic editing capability. Two passengers, one each, X3N0X2 and X3N0X4. XFFGM (Combat camera maintenance): Provides video and still photo maintenance of camera and related equipment systems. Personnel are trained to support imagery transmission requirements. One passenger, 3D1X2.

d.  Air Force COMCAM personnel are trained to support a variety of missions. The figure 4 photo shows an aircrew trained COMCAM photographer supporting flying operations.

Aerial qualified (back seat), Air Force combat photographers can provide commanders the visual means to assess sorties and various other flying operations, capture visual images of a battlefield, and provide a means of capturing targeted data aiding in the decision making process. Photo by US Air Force Staff Sgt James L. Harper Jr. taken 27 August 2008.

## 3.  Army Capabilities

a.  Army COMCAM units provide still and video acquisition of land, static airborne, and air assault operations. They are trained and equipped to operate under all weather and lighting conditions with conventional and special operations units. They maintain airborne qualified Soldiers and conduct other advanced tactical training which may include air assault, combat lifesaver, and advanced marksmanship techniques. b.  Army COMCAM Reserve Component units are under the operational control of US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) until they are deployed. Army COMCAM
Active Component units are under the operational control of US Army Cyber Command/Second Army until they are deployed. The units can deploy on short notice and may be tailored to support any level of combat force projection.

c.  Army capabilities include the following:
(1)  Tactical digital media (2)  Editing (3)  Transmission for conventional, non-conventional, and airborne operations
(4)  High definition camera equipment.
d.  Army COMCAM consists of two components: the 55th Signal Company, COMCAM, which is active duty; and the 982nd COMCAM, Army Reserve. Table 3
identifies units, locations and UTCs.

| Combat Camera Unit    | Location          | UTCs Assigned    |
|-----------------------|-------------------|------------------|
| 55th Signal Company   | Fort Meade, MD    | 699BB            |
| 982nd Combat Camera   |                   |                  |
| (Reserves)            |                   |                  |
| East Point, GA        | 6FRAG0A, 6FRAG0B, |                  |
| 6FRAG0C, 6FRAG0D,     |                   |                  |
| 6FRAG0E, 6FRAG0       |                   |                  |

Note: Army COMCAM Soldiers use only high definition camera equipment that allows for one person to shoot still and video images which is an important consideration for small-unit planning, such as special operations, ranger, and pathfinder operations.

e.  Army COMCAM personnel train to support a variety of missions. The photo in figure 5 shows COMCAM expertise demonstrated by capturing detailed imagery.

US Army PVT Jacob Dunn, center, fires a 155 mm round from a Howitzer during a support fire mission at Forward Operating Base Boris, Paktika Province, Afghanistan. Dunn is a cannoneer with 2nd Platoon, Alpha Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment. The cameraman put the camera on continuous shot and used the fastest shutter speed to stop the action, showing the round leaving the Howitzer, 1 May 2010. Photo by US Army Sgt. Derec Pierson.

## 4.  Navy Capabilities.

a.  Navy COMCAM units provide specialized day or night, all-weather, hand-held imagery support to maritime and expeditionary operations. COMCAM units provide a quick-reaction force capable of imagery acquisition and transmission from austere and remote locations. Assets include aircrew and dive-qualified personnel. When not deployed, the Expeditionary Combat Camera unit is under the operational control of Commander, US Fleet Forces Command; and Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific is under the operational control of the Commander, US Pacific Fleet.

b.  Navy capabilities include the following:

(1)  Day and night, still and video imagery acquisition, including infrared thermal
imaging (2)  Still and video imagery transmission (3)  Aerial still and video imagery acquisition; and qualified naval air crewmen (fixed and rotary wing platforms). (4)  Underwater still and video photography
Note: Navy underwater photographers are scuba qualified (Navy enlisted classification
(NEC) 5345) Mass Communication Specialists capable of integrating with military diving operations. They use open-circuit scuba rebreather gear, are limited to normal working depths of 130 feet, and do not normally participate in decompression diving operations.

(5)  Full video editing capabilities (6)  Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System operations
(7)  Visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operations (8)  Maritime Interdiction Operations (9)  Amphibious reconnaissance.
c.  Table 4 describes Navy units and UTCs.

## Table 4.  Navy Units/Unit Type Codes (Utcs)

| Combat Camera (COMCAM) Unit    | Location                |
|--------------------------------|-------------------------|
| Expeditionary Combat Camera    | Naval Station, Norfolk, |
| VA                             |                         |
| L9440, L9430,                  |                         |
| L9410, L9420                   |                         |
| L9440, L9430,                  |                         |
| L9410, L9420                   |                         |
| Fleet Combat Camera Group      |                         |
| Pacific                        |                         |
| Naval Air Station              |                         |
| (NAS) North Island,            |                         |
| San Diego, CA                  |                         |
| Detachment ALFA, Fleet Combat  |                         |
| Camera Group Pacific           |                         |
| NAS North Island, San          |                         |
| Diego, CA                      |                         |
| L9410                          |                         |
| Expeditionary Combat Camera,   |                         |
| Atlantic 0293 (Naval Reserve)  |                         |
| Naval Station, Norfolk,        |                         |
| VA                             |                         |
| L9440, L9410                   |                         |
| Fleet Combat Camera Group,     |                         |
| Pacific 0194 (Naval Reserve)   |                         |
| NAS North Island, San          |                         |
| Diego, CA                      |                         |
| L9440, L9410                   |                         |

## Table 4.  Navy Units/Unit Type Codes (Utcs)

-
L9440 (COMCAM Management): Provides command and control, management and staff
assistance of COMCAM resources. One person: public affairs officer or COMCAM officer (1650)
or a leading chief (MCC).
-
L9430 (COMCAM Imagery Management Team): Provides functional management of COMCAM
imagery and products when the level of effort within a theater requires expertise to manage large
amounts of COMCAM imagery and products. Four people: Crew Chief (MC 8148), videographer/editor (MC 8143), photojournalist (MC 8147), and information systems technician
(IT 2735).
-
L9410 (COMCAM Documentation Team): Provides video and still acquisition day/night ops,
imagery preparation, capture, editing, management, enhancement, captioning and near-real-time
image transmission capability using installed/portable equipment. Two people: videographer/editor (MC 8143) and photojournalist (MC 8147).
-
L9420 (Underwater combat documentation team): Provides imaging and documentation support
of multi-service underwater operations (i.e., underwater construction teams, explosive ordnance
disposal, special operation commands, mobile diving, and salvage units) including: still and
motion imagery, transmission; and limited motion media editing. Two people: scuba diver/underwater photographer (MC 5345) and scuba diver/underwater videographer (MC 5345).
d.  Navy COMCAM personnel are trained to support a variety of missions on land, in the air, at sea, and under the sea. Figure 6 shows a Navy COMCAM team member with scuba qualifications capturing an undersea mission. COMCAM teams have underwater imagery capabilities which provide near-real-time visual information depicting military operations. It is the only Department of Defense (DOD) resource capable of capturing underwater operations.

Navy COMCAM can provide specialized photography in underwater operations. Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Andrew McKaskle, left, documents a Navy diver conducting lock out training with the nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) for material certification 26 October 2007. Photo by US Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kori Melvin.

## 5.  Marine Corps Capabilities

a.  Marine Corps COMCAM units are organized and tasked to support VI
requirements at all levels within the Marine air ground task force (MAGTF). COMCAM officers at the Marine Corps component level coordinate and task Marine specific and joint requirements within their area of operations (AO). COMCAM
officers assigned to the Marine expeditionary forces (MEFs) staffs plan and coordinate COMCAM mission requirements for a variety of operations. Tactical COMCAM assets are organic to all major subordinate commands to include the ground combat elements, aviation combat elements, logistics combat elements, and the Marine expeditionary brigades and Marine expeditionary units. Additionally, COMCAM personnel are assigned to supporting establishments and training commands. b.  Marine COMCAM units can acquire directed images, prepare and design a product to support a specific theme or message and print the product as hand-bills, leaflets, or in other print media formats the commander determines necessary to fulfill the mission requirement. Units equipped with a tactical imagery production system (TIPS) table of authorized material control number (TAMCN) C7110, employ high volume print production equipment and photographic and videographic components to create specific products and productions to support mission and internal/external requirements. c.  Marine Corps capabilities include the following:

(1)  Digital still and motion imagery/video acquisition and production (2)  Multi-media creation and production (3)  Mass print production/reproduction (4)  Graphics design (5)  Low light acquisition (6)  All-weather operations (7)  Imagery transmission via organic Marine Corps communications.
Note: These products support requirements to communicate selected messages to specific target audiences to achieve the commander's desired effects.

d.  US Marine Corps Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC), US Marine Corps Forces Command (MARFORCOM) and US Marine Corps Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) commanders can task supporting establishments to support joint COMCAM operations within their AO. The Training and Education Command (TECOM) is the only tasking authority for training commands. The following describes Marine Corps units and responsibilities.

(1)  MARFORCOM, MARFORPAC, and MARFORRES:
(a)  Command and control (C2) of all organic COMCAM forces within the Marine Corps forces AO
(b)  Tasking authority for MARFORCOM AO global sourcing for joint combat camera teams' (JCCTs') requirements (c)  Imagery management (d)  Operation plan (OPLAN) development (See COMCAM appendices.)
(2)  MEFs (I, II, and III)
(a)  C2 for tasking all organic COMCAM forces within MEFs (b)  Imagery distribution and management
(c)  OPLAN development.
(3)  Marine Divisions (1st, 2d, and 3d)
(a)  Tactical Imagery Production System (b)  Advanced ground combat training.
(4)  Marine Aircraft Wing (1st, 2d, 3d)
(a)  Aviation qualifications (fixed and rotary) (b)  Tactical imagery production system (TIPS: TAMCN: C71107G) employment.
(5)  Marine Logistics Group (1st, 2d, 3d).
(6)  Marine Expeditionary Units (11th, 13th, 15th, 22d, 24th, 26th, and 31st)
(a)  Special operations capable qualifications (b)  VBSS (c)  Raids packages (d)  Maritime interdiction operations (e)  Close quarters combat (f)  Maritime special purpose force (g)  Amphibious reconnaissance (h)  Direct action (i)  Helicopter rope suspension techniques (j)  Tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel (k)  High-risk personnel (l)  Survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE).
e.  Marine Corps COMCAM is comprised of various military occupational specialties (MOSs) which include: MOS 4612, Combat Lithographer; 4641, Combat Photographer; 4671, Combat Videographer; 4691, Combat Camera Chief; and 4602, Combat Camera Officer. f.  Marine Corps COMCAM personnel perform a variety of missions. Figure 7 shows a Marine carrying a weapon and video camera while assisting in clearing a mosque in Fallujah, Iraq.


US Marine Corps Cpl Trenton E. Harris, left, assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) Security Battalion, Combat Camera, slings his Sony PD-150 video camera, and mans his 5.56mm M16A2 rifle, while clearing a mosque in Fallujah, Iraq. Harris assisted in conducting a battle damage assessment to determine damages caused by 3rd MAW during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 18 April 2005.The photographer is unknown.


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## Chapter Iii Comcam Roles And Responsibilities 1.  Overview

There are fundamental differences in the training, management, and operations of individual Service COMCAM activities. There is enough commonality in their training and equipping, however, to provide the JFC with the necessary forces to meet JTF objectives during joint missions, contingencies, and operations. To ensure combatant commanders are provided with qualified COMCAM forces and assets, all Service components, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (OASD), Joint Combat Camera Program Manager (JCCPM), Defense Imagery Management Operations Center (DIMOC), Imagery Operations and Coordination Center (IOCC), JCS, combatant commands, Services and COMCAM units have specific roles and responsibilities.

## 2.  Oasd(Pa)

OASD(PA) provides critical guidance and support to the COMCAM community. Some of its responsibilities include:

a.  Operating and maintaining the IOCC as the DOD central reception and
distribution point for classified and unclassified COMCAM and joint-interest imagery
b.  Establishing and coordinating communication requirements with the combatant commands to transmit Joint COMCAM imagery to the IOCC
c.  Recommending to commanders of combatant commands when to deploy and employ Joint COMCAM forces to document events likely to yield high-value imagery for PA and other applications d.  Providing a primary and alternate COMCAM representative to the National Military Command Center (NMCC) and the OSD Crisis Coordination Center when necessary to facilitate Joint COMCAM integration into operations.

## 3.  Jccpm

a.  The JCCPM is assigned to the Defense Visual Information (DVI) directorate of the Defense Media Activity and is the OASD(PA) COMCAM representative to the NMCC and the OSD Crisis Coordination Center. b.  The JCCPM assists combatant command planners in deliberate/crisis action plan development of strategic communication requirements.

## 4.  Dimoc

The DIMOC is DOD's central VI enterprise-level activity for collection, management, storage, and distribution of classified and unclassified strategic, operational, tactical, and joint-interest still and motion imagery, VI end products and records.


## 5.  Iocc

a.  COMCAM imagery is consolidated for global distribution at the IOCC. The IOCC falls under the DIMOC and is the DOD central collection point for all joint-interest still and motion imagery. The IOCC electronically processes and edits imagery acquired by DOD photographers primarily operating in joint and Service COMCAM teams deployed in wartime; contingency and humanitarian operations; joint exercises; and other operations or events involving US military forces. b.  IOCC customers include the OSD, the Joint Staff, defense agencies, Department of the State, Department of Homeland Security, combatant commands, and military and other government agencies. c.  A distribution of imagery is made available online via the password protected Defense Imagery Server managed by DVI. It contains still and motion imagery in various formats and resolutions accessible to a worldwide customer base of registered users.

## 6.  Jcs

The JCS performs the following roles:
a.  Identifies joint COMCAM mission objectives, priorities, and tasking to support the OSD. This includes coordinating COMCAM imagery requests from the OSD, CJCS, unified combatant commands, and military departments during wartime operations, worldwide crises, contingencies, joint exercises, and other events involving DOD components. b.  Plans for, and coordinates, deploying COMCAM forces with the combatant commands and military departments. c.  Promulgates joint COMCAM doctrine.

d.  Establishes a liaison position on the Joint Staff to coordinate integrating COMCAM forces into operations, and identify imagery requirements for the Joint Staff. The incumbent shall be the CJCS representative on the Joint COMCAM Planning Group (JCCPG). The Joint Staff Deputy Director for Global Operations is the COMCAM proponent. e.  Requests joint COMCAM representation to CJCS response cell in the NMCC during crises to coordinate imagery mission requirements and direct imagery distribution.

## 7.  Combatant Commands

a.  Combatant Commands should: b.  Plan for, task, deploy, and employ COMCAM forces during wartime operations, worldwide crises, contingencies, joint exercises, and other events. In all applicable crisis action and deliberate plans, include a COMCAM appendix that establishes a joint COMCAM concept of operations and initial imagery requirements. c.  Assign a COMCAM point of contact and ensure he or she coordinates COMCAM
requirements during all phases of operations, contingencies, and exercises. d.  Ensure classified and unclassified COMCAM imagery is immediately distributed to the IOCC. e.  Provide COMCAM forces with facilities, transportation, communications, and other logistical support to meet mission requirements. COMCAM forces will need messing, berthing, and spaces to work. COMCAM forces use computers and other equipment requiring access to electrical outlets and Internet connectivity. f.  Ensure COMCAM forces have full mission access, as is reasonably and tactically feasible, during each phase of an operation. g.  Provide representation to the JCCPG. h.  Ensure tasking orders and requests for forces identify the operational controlling authority for COMCAM forces in advance of deployment, and provide an in-theater point of contact (POC) for initial coordination. i.  Ensure COMCAM imagery is reviewed to protect classified information and transmitted in accordance with applicable security regulations and local instructions. j.  Coordinate and clear with IO, civil affairs, MISO and PA to ensure unclassified COMCAM imagery is reviewed for release. k.  Coordinate with the Joint Staff and IOCC to publish specific guidelines for imagery distribution, clearance, and security classification requirements.

l.  Include within Annex K (Command, Control and Communication Systems) of the operations plan the communication requirements necessary to transmit COMCAM imagery between forces in theater and DIMOC IOCC.

## 8.  The Services

a.  Air Force
(1)  The Secretary of the Air Force PA and the Air Force PA Agency:
(a)  Manage the Air Force COMCAM Program. (b)  Set policy and procedures for COMCAM activities and programs.
(c)  Plan the development and use of COMCAM resources to ensure effective support of Air Force mission objectives. (d)  Manage requests for COMCAM support to the Air Force, DOD, and other government agencies.
(e)  Monitor the Air Force COMCAM planning, programming, and budgeting functions. (f)  Approve requests for new COMCAM facilities or requests to add COMCAM functions, as appropriate.
(2)  The Air Component function:
(a)  Establishes requirements for COMCAM VI documentation during operations within their AO. The air component must consider aerial and ground documentation teams when establishing COMCAM requirements. (b)  Has operational control (OPCON) of all air component COMCAM activities in their AOs through the Air Operations Center function or the Air Force, Forces PA director. (c)  Coordinates with the Secretary of the Air Force/Office of Public Affairs Requirements and Development Division to plan COMCAM documentation of operations and contingencies. (d)  Builds unit line numbers using the standard Air Force UTCs to employ COMCAM forces. Considers traditional VI forces as well for sustainment of operations.

## B.  Army

(1)  Army COMCAM teams provide rapid support to commanders for military operations, contingencies and crises, and field exercises. Each major and combatant command, and Headquarters (HQ) Department of the Army (DA) chief information officer (CIO)/G-6 should ensure all contingency and war plans include COMCAM requirements in their OPLANs. (2)  COMCAM teams provide tactical digital media coverage of decisive operations and events before, during, and after military engagements. (3)  FORSCOM is responsible for COMCAM mission requests and tasking. Requirements for COMCAM support are identified to FORSCOM. (4)  Army COMCAM personnel or teams are tasked to participate in DOD joint exercises along with COMCAM personnel or teams from other Services. Only POTUS, OSD, CJCS, and combatant commanders have the authority to task joint Service COMCAM teams. (5)  Materiel requirements for COMCAM are documented and approved per Army Regulation (AR) 70-1, Army Acquisition Policy, and AR 71-9, Warfighting Capabilities Determination. COMCAM authorization to table of organization and equipment (TO&E) units are documented per AR 71-32, Force Development and Documentation Consolidated Policies. (6)  HQ DA CIO/G-6, Army VI Management Office, serves as the functional proponent for COMCAM. As such, it:
(a)  Provides a senior Army VI representation to the OSD, Office of the Secretary of the Army, the Army staff, and major commands. (b)  Manages the Army VI documentation program. Evaluates Army OPLANs to ensure rapid COMCAM responses to wartime, contingencies, joint exercises, disaster response operations, and other peacetime engagements. (c)  Reviews and evaluates COMCAM combat developments for force structure manpower and systems requirements.

(7)  The deputy chief of staff for operations and plans ensures COMCAM
documentation support is included in Army operational planning documents for OPLANs, contingency plans, and training exercises. (8)  The Commanding General, US Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Army Signal Command
(a)  Organizes and operates Army deployable COMCAM units through the
55th Combat Camera Company to provide visual documentation of operational contingencies, exercises, joint operations, and relief activities in response to major disasters and other peacetime engagements. (b)  Provides worldwide COMCAM documentation support for Army and joint Service military operations, contingencies, emergencies, and other peacetime engagements. This includes participation in development and maintenance of appropriate war plans.

(9)  The Commanding General, US Army Training and Doctrine Command
(TRADOC), produces combat and materiel development plans and concepts for COMCAM organizations and systems. TRADOC prepares TO&Es within the force structure for COMCAM and prepares COMCAM operational concepts, associated systems, and equipment. (10)  Commanders of Army components of unified and specific commands integrate COMCAM support requirements into operational plans for contingencies and national disasters in accordance with the Joint Operations Planning and Execution System (JOPES), Volumes I and IV.

## C.  Navy

(1)  The Special Assistant for PA Support (N09C), the Chief of Navy Information
(CHINFO), provides policy oversight and management of the Navy COMCAM program and serves as the warfare sponsor. (2)  The Assistant Chief of Information for Requirements, Policy and Professional
Development serves as the Navy's COMCAM program manager whose roles and responsibilities include:
(a)  Plans and advocates for resources to enable Navy COMCAM mission
accomplishment. (b)  Advises Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on development of Navy COMCAM plans, policies, programs, architecture, and systems integration. (c)  Serves as the Navy representative for COMCAM issues on DOD, joint and Service committees, panels, and working groups. (d)  Manages the Navy COMCAM Program to include the establishment,
review, and maintenance of required operational capabilities and projected
operational environment for COMCAM.

(3)  The US Fleet Forces Command Global Force Manager serves as the liaison among the Fleet Combatant Command N3/N5/N7 staffs to ensure Secretary of Defense, combatant commander, Secretary of the Navy, and CNO COMCAM
requirements are properly coordinated and met. (4)  Commander, US Fleet Forces Command; Commander, US Pacific Fleet; and Commander, Naval Reserve Force develop, maintain, train, and equip COMCAM
resources to provide rapidly deployable COMCAM assets for documenting war, planning and executing force deployments and activities before, during, and after military engagements, operations, and emergency actions. Additionally, they integrate COMCAM into Navy-specific exercises and include them in appropriate operation orders and annexes.

## D.  Marine Corps

(1)  The TECOM Commanding General has been assigned as the centralized manager for COMCAM personnel and assets within the Marine Corps. The Commanding General designated Combat Camera Management (CCM) as the Marine Corps combat camera occupational field manager and management policy office COMCAM. CCM's roles and responsibilities to joint requirements include the following:
(a)  Provides COMCAM input for the Marine Corps and develops plans regarding programming, policy, direction, guidance, and procedures.

(b)  Designates and provides qualified representatives to joint panels, working groups, boards, and committees relevant to Marine Corps COMCAM support to joint requirements. (c)  Ensures all COMCAM activities support the commanders' requirements, Marine Corps component coordination point, and IOCC. (d)  Manages global sourcing of Marine Corps COMCAM for joint requirements.

(2)  Commanders of MARFORPAC, MARFORCOM and MARFORRES are responsible for the operational planning, training, and employment of COMCAM personnel and assets within specific AOs for joint exercises, operations, and contingencies.


## Chapter Iv Comcam Operations 1.  Comcam Operations Overview

COMCAM operations and planning for a joint COMCAM capability can be simple or fairly complex depending upon the scope and scale of operations. Clearly defined requirements from the beginning of the planning process will ensure the right capabilities are included in all phases of the operation. The COMCAM planner must place special attention on differences in individual Service COMCAM capabilities when building requests for forces (RFFs) and force requirements in the joint capabilities requirements manager. This chapter addresses COMCAM operations when joint COMCAM teams are formed at the JTF level.

## 2.  Operational Design

a.  Joint COMCAM planners must understand operational design elements which facilitate course of action determinations to develop a detailed concept of operations (CONOPS). The joint operational planning process (JOPP) provides a logical set of planning steps through which the commander and staff interact. Operational design supports JOPP by providing a number of design elements to help the commander and staff visualize and shape the operations and accomplish the mission. Figure 8 provides a visual representation of the Joint Combat Camera Operational Design process. b.  Design Elements. The elements of operational design are tools to help supported JFCs and their staffs visualize what the joint operations should look like and to shape the commander's intent. The goal of a sound operational design is to ensure there is a clear focus on the ultimate strategic objective and corresponding strategic centers of gravity (COGs). The following design elements may be used to determine COMCAM support to the CCIRs and the operational intent.

(1)  Know end points/commander's termination plan. Understanding the commander's termination plan and how achieved advantages will be preserved are key to supporting the commander from the beginning of operations through the end state. (2)  Understand end state and objectives desired effects. The Joint COMCAM planners must have a clear understanding of the end state and objectives as they begin the mission analysis. Furthermore, to provide COMCAM forces with clear direction for imagery requirements, planners must have a complete understanding of the commander's communication objectives when determining events and missions to be visually documented. Understanding the specific "phases" of an operation will enable the planner(s) to develop a support mission or plan in line with the phases and the commander's end state. Understanding the desired and undesired effects in joint operations planning will help clarify the relationship between objectives and tasks.

(3)  Identify the information COG. Identifying the information COG is useful to planners to help analyze friendly and adversary sources of strengths, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities. Understanding the vulnerabilities/limits of joint COMCAM capabilities will help determine the type and scope of support to accomplish the commander's intent. Knowing the vulnerabilities/limits of capabilities will also prevent an adversary from capitalizing on apparent friendly information COGs. (4)  Understand the commander's decision points (DPs). Joint COMCAM planners must understand the commander's DPs. DPs may have a systemic impact (such as a node or combination of nodes) which, when acted on, can substantially affect the adversary's information. Most critical factors will be DP and addressed during the planning process. Joint COMCAM planners must be able to identify specific DP supported or affected through VI and COMCAM capabilities or actions. Planning to support the DP is critical to the overall mission of Joint COMCAM and supporting the Joint commander's intent and CCIRs. (5)  Determine how to support the commander's lines of operations (LOOs). From the perspective of a unified action, there are many informational activities that affect military operations. LOOs help visualize the intended progress of the joint force toward achieving operational and strategic objectives. COMCAM planners must have an understanding of the information LOOs to plan COMCAM actions. (6)  Plan COMCAM support to the commander's operational timing and tempo.

Consider possible effects that may change COMCAM operational requirements and/or capabilities. Early integration of COMCAM forces into an operation can provide a commander with early and near instantaneous visual awareness of operations which can help him better understand circumstances on the ground.

COMCAM planners must be able to integrate COMCAM forces into the operations tempo to effectively support specific phases of an operation and the JFC's intent and concept of operations. (7)  Anticipate requirements. Joint COMCAM planners must consider what information requirements will be needed in future phases of a joint operation. While planning, they must identify or anticipate future VI/COMCAM imagery acquisition, development, or any other VI requirements, and plan to support them.

Visually documenting an AO before and after the operation can provide evidentiary material critical to support an adversary's misinformation efforts. In addition, consider the sensitivity of operations to prevent an inadvertent release of imagery not intended for public release. (8)  Develop synergy. Synergy depends on the understanding of an individual Service's COMCAM capabilities. During joint operations there will be joint COMCAM forces and individual Service assets in the same AO. Synergy of forces will ensure economy of forces and ensure COMCAM requirements and capabilities are used to best support the joint Commander's intent and the Service's specific requirements. For example, Marine Corps COMCAM forces are organic to Marine forces and should be tasked with providing the JTF commander required imagery of Marine operations. (9)  Arrange Operations. Determine the best arrangement of joint COMCAM forces to accomplish the assigned tasks and missions. Understanding logistics and phase planning enable COMCAM planners to determine when and where to deploy COMCAM assets.

Note: JP 5-0, *Joint Operation Planning*, provides a detailed description of the operational design of a joint CONOPS.

## 3.  Joint Comcam Integration.

COMCAM VI documentation assists the commander's situational awareness, supports communication strategies and combat assessment. When deployed, joint COMCAM forces are assigned in accordance with the tasking order or RFF and established GFM allocation/apportionment policies for OPCON/tactical control (TACON). Service component functions retain administrative control over their forces while deployed.

Note: Each combatant command has a GFM cell to coordinate RFFs.



## 4.  Forces And Timelines

a.  Global force managers and planners use the joint capabilities and requirements manager (JCRM) to establish RFF requirements for joint COMCAM forces. Global force managers and planners will use the Global Force Management Allocation Plan (GFMAP) to sustain operations and make adjustments to requirements using the GFMAP construct. Upon initiation of crisis action planning for the development of a joint force, the COMCAM planner will add COMCAM integration to joint operations. In the absence of a COMCAM planner, Service component providers for the combatant command can plan for COMCAM forces on behalf of the combatant command. COMCAM teams produce still and motion imagery and, when provided access to communications, transmit imagery to multiple locations. (There is limited organic capability to move imagery via portable and fixed long-range transmission systems, such as satellite communication, local area networks, etc.).
b.  COMCAM teams can support a range of military operations commonly characterized in the following three groups:

(1)  Major operations and campaigns (2)  Military engagement, security cooperation, and deterrence
(3)  Crisis response and limited contingency operations
c.  In addition, COMCAM teams may support a wide variety of other operations, as depicted in table 5.

## Table 5.  Examples Of Military Operations

 Stability operations Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear consequence management
Defense support of civil authorities
Foreign internal defense
Foreign humanitarian assistance
Counterdrug operations
Recovery
Combating terrorism
Noncombatant evacuation
Counterinsurgency
Peace operations
Homeland defense
Combating weapons of mass destruction

Note: See appendix B for examples of COMCAM support to military operations.

d.  Scalable COMCAM forces allow planners to manage the level of effort required. Long-term and/or large-scale operations spread across a wide geographic area will require support of a Joint COMCAM management team (JCCMT). With guidance from the JTF, the JCCMT will coordinate imagery requirements and direct documentation efforts within the joint operations area (JOA). The following tiers are used in building up and scaling back Joint COMCAM capability.

(1)  Tier 1. Tier 1 operations are the basic level of support and usually involve deploying one or more JCCT. Basic still and video acquisition teams are typically made up of two persons (one video, and one still) with man-packable transmission capability. Each JCCT is typically used in small-scale operations where a limited footprint exists, or when forces are capped by other factors. Tier 1
meets the basic needs for VI documentation and other imagery needs. The JCCT has limited editing and production capability. Tier one operations typically have one to four teams. (2)  Tier 2. Tier 2 operations typically require deploying multiple JCCTs and at least one JCCMT to manage the multiple JCCTs. When operations require multiple JCCTs, a JCCMT is necessary to coordinate the imagery collection requirements, COMCAM force movement and tasking, and imagery processing, review, and distribution within the JOA. Generally, the JCCMT consists of either an officer or a senior noncommissioned officer. Tier 2 operations can be sustained for a long period on a rotational basis through the GFMAP process. Tier 2 operations typically have four or more teams and at least one manager. (3)  Tier 3. Tier 3 operations provide a full VI documentation and production capability and require deploying Tier 1 and Tier 2 assets. This usually requires a more robust deployment of a JCCMT and a Joint Imagery Processing Team to manage multiple teams and imagery transmission processes. Sustained Tier 3
operations normally require surge operations and cannot be sustained indefinitely. Due to the small number of COMCAM forces, Tier 3 operations for major combat operations may require reprioritization of mission tasks and require the components to draw COMCAM forces from other operations to meet the full Tier 3 requirement. See figure 9.

## 5.  Logistics

a.  COMCAM transportation requirements vary based on mission requirements and crew size. COMCAM typically uses small, lightweight and commercial off-the-shelf equipment. The lightweight COMCAM equipment, once packed in cases, may be transported either in commercial aircraft cargo holds or palletized for military airlift. More robust capabilities will require movement of larger amounts of cargo, which may include vehicles, and require entry into JCRM as cargo under level 4 detail in the time-phased force and deployment data. b.  Planners should review type unit characteristics file and understand what equipment requirements must be anticipated. In general, COMCAM units will need the following support to accomplish their mission:

(1)  In-theater air, land, and sea transportation for COMCAM forces, equipment,
and imagery. (2)  Access to dedicated data and voice communications for imaging support requirements. Depending on the size and scope of the operation, COMCAM forces may produce up to 1 Gb a day of data which must be transmitted daily. In addition, access is required to Secure Internet Protocol Router Network and Nonsecure Internet Protocol Router Network to expedite image transmission.
Planners should also write commercial Internet requirements into supporting plans to allow for transmission of imagery. (3)  Redundant communications capabilities to coordinate COMCAM coverage of theater activity.
6.  Imagery Management
a.  Acquisition. JCCTs acquire still and motion imagery via digital format. Based on the requirement, the number of teams and composition needed to support a specific mission will vary. The team is attached to and is logistically supported by the requesting unit. JCCTs may move to cover multiple units within a theater and TACON may transfer multiple times at the discretion of the JCCMT. Emerging visual information needs require prioritizing mission tasking to ensure availability of COMCAM forces. b.  Transmission and Distribution. It is imperative COMCAM imagery is transferred through the area of operations in order to meet the CCIRs. JCCTs transmit imagery to either a central point in theater such as a Tier 2 or Tier 3 JCCMT, or the IOCC, as expeditiously as possible to meet the timely requirements established by the JFC. All COMCAM units have editing and processing capability that allows for image compression to meet image quality requirements while producing files small enough to transmit in limited bandwidth scenarios. Most COMCAM imagery is transmitted using theater-deployed or commercial communications. The on-scene commander is responsible for clearing or restricting imagery for public release. c.  Imagery Review for Classification and Public Release. The designated representative or releasing authority at the lowest possible level will review all imagery for possible public release unless otherwise directed by PA guidance or higher authority. COMCAM imagery may be specifically identified as "not cleared for public release" at any level in the review process to prevent inadvertent release of sensitive imagery to the public. This review process should be established in advance to ensure imagery movement is not delayed. Reviewing and clearing imagery at the lowest possible level will expedite the movement of imagery to customers who have an immediate need for "cleared" imagery. Public release procedures must be spelled out in the applicable OPLAN/operations order/
supporting annexes and coordinated with the release authority. d.  All imagery, regardless of classification, must be transmitted expeditiously to the IOCC unless restricted by the on-scene commander. The IOCC falls under the DIMOC which serves as DOD's central reception and distribution point for jointinterest imagery. The IOCC has a primary mission of distributing operational imagery to the joint staff for JCS briefings. In addition, unclassified imagery cleared for public release by the appropriate authority is provided to OASD(PA) for potential release to internal and external media. Imagery may be provided to Service headquarters staffs, and other government agencies.

Note: Visit http://www.defenseimagery.mil/learning/howto.html for instructions on uploading imagery.


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## Chapter V Comcam Training 1.  Service Training Overview

COMCAM personnel are trained to operate and integrate with conventional and special operations forces in anti-access environments, to support the assigned commander's mission and intent. They provide day and night imagery acquisition and transmission. Additionally, some personnel may complete field, advanced weapons and small unit tactics, convoy operations, combat lifesaving, and physical fitness training to support conventional and unconventional combat operations. Note: Service capabilities vary and are consistent with each Service's roles and missions.

a.  Army
(1)  The Army provides designated COMCAM personnel who have been trained at the Defense Information School (DINFOS) and by their unit in photographic equipment operation to fulfill the warfighting unit's mission requirements. The requirements may include airborne, air assault, and infantry brigade combat teams. If required, they will be trained to perform pathfinder, reconnaissance, military operations on urbanized terrain, and high-altitude low-opening parachute technique missions. (2)  COMCAM Soldiers may require SERE level C (SERE-C), advance tactical combat casualty care, and fast rope rappel training. Beyond qualifying on personal weapons, the Soldier trains for familiarization with various crew served weapons of the assigned unit.

b.  Marine Corps.
(1)  Marine Corps COMCAM personnel are initially trained by DINFOS. Post graduation, they receive unit-level training conducted according to NAVMC
3500.26, Combat Camera Training and Readiness Manual. Marine COMCAM is unique in that Marines assigned to operating forces are organic to the unit in which they are assigned. Therefore, specialized training conducted by those forces includes COMCAM Marines. (2)  Marine Corps COMCAM personnel are trained to support all elements of MAGTF operations. Personnel receive advanced training in still and video acquisition, product development, post production, and layout and design. (3)  Marines are also trained to operate and maintain a tactical imagery production system.

c.  Navy.
(1)  Navy COMCAM personnel are enlisted as Mass Communication Specialists (MC) who receive VI training at DINFOS and advanced photojournalism and motion media training via Navy and contract courses. Most Navy COMCAM
personnel have five to eight years of experience upon assignment to a COMCAM
unit and receive further specialized training en route to and at the unit. To meet joint COMCAM mission requirements, each Navy COMCAM member may receive SERE-C, basic and advanced weapons, small unit tactics, and combat lifesaving training. Due to the unique maritime nature of Navy COMCAM missions, Navy COMCAM members also receive visit, board, search and seizure training. (2)  Navy COMCAM trains and maintains MCs as aerial cameramen, NEC 8288, who are Naval Aircrewmen, and dive qualified (scuba) MCs as underwater photographers, NEC 5345.

d.  Air Force
(1)  Air Force COMCAM provides select aircrew qualified personnel for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft based on Air Force flight crew standards and evaluation. Aircrew personnel must pass a class III flight physical, altitude chamber, and training in SERE (i.e., S-V80-A, S-86-A, and S-V87-A). Air Force COMCAM also provides ground documentation teams that focus on ground-to-air operations. (2)  COMCAM teams are trained to the "A" arming group on tactical weaponry (i.e., M16/M4/M9). Aerial and ground teams are trained on advanced weapons and tactics and are equipped and organized for rapid global deployment to provide visual documentation of air component and joint forces' air and ground operations.

2.  Training in Joint Exercises a.  Employment of COMCAM in joint exercises assists JFC and staff training. Joint exercises provide a valuable opportunity for Service COMCAM teams to integrate and operate together. It offers commanders and their staffs the opportunity to train on the proper planning and employment of COMCAM operations in the joint exercise environment. Additionally, joint exercises provide COMCAM teams and commanders experience on effective use and benefit of COMCAM capabilities.

b.  Exercise planners should incorporate COMCAM into exercise joint mission essential task lists and master scenario event lists to ensure forces train as they operate in a real-world environment.

## Appendix A Joint Combat Camera (Comcam) Tasking Process 1.  Joint Force Tasking

a.  The purpose of Global Force Management (GFM) is to manage the allocation and apportionment of deployed forcesincluding COMCAM personnelinto a predictive, streamlined, and integrated process. Using GFM enables the Secretary of Defense to make proactive, informed decisions by evaluating risk to the Services and allocating appropriate forces to known requirements. Combatant commander planners develop requirements and submit them to the Joint Chiefs of Staff through J3 by entering the requirement into the joint capabilities and requirements manager.

All rotational and emergent COMCAM requirements for joint operations must be vetted through the GFM process to the Services. Once the requirement is sourced to the appropriate Service, the details (personnel and logistics) will be loaded into the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System for assignment of unit line numbers. b.  The following table provides key POCs for COMCAM.

Joint COMCAM GFM Process
Joint Staff J31, Joint Force Coordinator Signal Combat Camera 7927 Ingersol Street, Suite 110 Norfolk, VA 23551-2333 Comm: 757-836-7028; DSN: 836-7028
Army Global Force Management (GFM) Process
Forces Command Signal Integration Fort McPherson, GA Comm: 404-464-5996; DSN 969-5996
Marine Corps GFM Process
US Marine Corps Forces Command (FA) Force Analysis Division Norfolk, VA 23551 Comm:757-836-1605/1638; DSN 836- 1605
Navy GFM Process
US Fleet Forces Command 1562 Mitscher Avenue Suite 250 Norfolk, VA 23551-2487 Comm: 757-836-4422
Air Force GFM Process
SAF/PAR 1690 Air Force Pentagon Washington DC 20330 Comm: 703-695-9401; DSN 225-9401

Note: A lack of familiarization with COMCAM capabilities can often lead to inappropriate tasking for COMCAM services and support. For detailed assistance, contact the component command COMCAM planner to plan COMCAM integration into joint operations. In the absence of the combatant commander planner, contact the joint COMCAM program manager at Defense Imagery Management and Operations Center.

Joint Combat Camera Program Manager Comm: (301) 225-6516 DSN: 312-225-6516 Defense Visual Information 6700 Taylor Ave Fort Meade, MD, 20755


## Appendix B Joint Combat Camera (Comcam) Examples 1.  Overview

This appendix provides operational examples of COMCAM support to commanders and national or external entities. The following are examples of how COMCAM can support mission objectives. It should be noted, COMCAM products often are not disclosed and are used exclusively for evidentiary information and/or classified support to commanders and/or national leadership.

## 2.  Counterinsurgency Operations

COMCAM imagery is a means to convey messages without words, as in figure 10. The impact of imagery is magnified where populations are undereducated and reading is not commonplace. Enduring effects of the images gathered also support historical documentation of the overall effort. Furthermore, integrating COMCAM in the planning phase of operations maximizes commanders' ability to create tailored messages for specific audiences.

## 3.  Combating Terrorism

COMCAM assets provide the commander multiple use images. These support, but are not limited to, battle damage assessment (BDA), intelligence gathering, criminal activity and evidence recording, and validity in operations. BDA imagery (as shown in figure 11) can support reporting and collection of collateral damage assessment information. The images can validate kinetic operations when enemy forces publish photography to back up their accusations that coalition forces are responsible for certain atrocities, since enemy images are often manipulated. Secondary effects of the images gathered can support follow-on efforts of information operations in product generation, lessons learned and historical documentation.


## 4.  Foreign Humanitarian Assistance

United States (US) humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) operations support nations requiring America's help, as seen in figure 12. The poster in figure 12 promotes "help for a healthy body" for Filipino citizens in the Tagalog language. COMCAM is a major asset to HADR with its acquisition, product development and reproduction capabilities. Much of the imagery produced by COMCAM is used to relay messages of hope and positive support to nations in need. Additionally, the products are used to inform local and international people and governments about the aid being provided and to show the positive results of HADR actions.

## 5.  Routine, Recurring Military Activities

COMCAM imagery can help to bolster public support, educate commanders and planners, and provide support to develop future tactics, techniques, and procedures.

In figure 13, a precision photo of AIM-7 missiles, was taken by a COMCAM photographer flying on an adjacent F-15. COMCAM training enabled the photographer to coordinate with pilots to position aircraft in a tight formation with a chase aircraft in proximity to capture the photo.

## 6.  Maritime Security Mission

Navy COMCAM teams document all aspects of maritime security missions including counter-piracy and maritime interdiction operations. The operations fall under a mission-based mandate throughout the Naval Forces Central Command area of operations to actively deter, disrupt and suppress piracy to protect global maritime security and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all nations. The photo in figure 14 was published across the spectrum of national and international media outlets, bringing to the front pages of worldwide publications the resolve and success of US and coalition forces in countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin.

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## References Army

ADP 3-0, Unified Land Operations, Oct 2011 FM 6-02.40, Visual Information Operations, Mar 2009 AR 25-1, Army Information Management, Dec 2008 DA Pamphlet 25-91, Visual Information Procedures, Sep 1991 AR 70-1, Army Acquisition Policy, Jul 2011 AR 71-9, Warfighting Capabilities Determination, Dec 2009 AR 71-32, Force Development and Documentation Consolidated Policies, Mar 1997

## Marine Corps

MCWP 3-33.7, Marine Air-Ground Task Force Combat Camera, Oct 2010 NAVY OPNAVINST 3104.1, Navy Visual Information and Combat Camera Program Policy and Responsibilities, Oct 2008 OPNAVINST 3104.3A, Navy Combat Camera (COMCAM) Program, Policy, Responsibilities, Aug 2012 OPNAVINST 3501.320C, Required Operational Capabilities (ROC)/Projected Operational Environment (POE) for Combat Camera Units (COMCAM), Apr 2011 AIR FORCE AFI 35-109, Visual Information (VI), Mar 2010
AFI 35-111, Public Affairs Contingency Operations and Wartime Readiness, Oct 2009 JOINT PUBICATIONS CJCSI 3205.01, Joint Combat Camera, Jan 2010 CJCSM 3122.03C, Joint Operation Planning and Execution System, Vol. II, Aug 2007
JP 5-0 Joint Operations Planning, Aug 2011 JP 3-13 Information Operations, Oct 2011 JP 3-61 Public Affairs, Aug 2010 OTHER PUBLICATIONS DODI 5040.02, Visual Information (VI) Enclosure 9, Oct 2011
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## Glossary Part I - Abbreviations And Acronyms

A
ALSA
Air Land Sea Application (Center)
AFB
Air Force base
AFI
Air Force instruction
AFTTP
Air Force tactics, techniques, and procedures
AO
area of operations
AR
Army regulation
B
BDA
battle damage assessment
C
C2
command and control (For the Army, one definition of mission command is synonymous with C2.)
CAC
Combined Arms Center
CCIR
commander's critical information requirement
CCM
Combat Camera Management
CHINFO
Chief of Navy Information
CNO
Chief of Naval Operations
CIO
chief information officer
CJCS
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
COMCAM
combat camera
COG
center of gravity
CONOPS
concept of operations
D
DA
Department of the Army
DIMOC
Defense Imagery Management Operations Center
DINFOS
Defense Information School
DOD
Department of Defense
DP
decision point
DSN
Defense Switch Network
DVI
Defense Visual Information
E-F
FM
field manual
FORSCOM
United States Army Forces Command
G
GFM
Global Force Management
GFMAP
Global Force Management Allocation Plan
H
HADR
humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
HALO
high-altitude low-opening parachute technique
HQ
headquarters
HRST
Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques
I
IO
information operations
IOCC
Imagery Operations and Coordination Center
J-K
JCCPG
joint combat camera planning group
JCCPM
Joint Combat Camera Program Manager
JCCT
joint combat camera team
JCCMT
joint combat camera management team
JCRM
joint capabilities and requirements manager
JCS
Joint Chiefs of Staff
JFC
joint force commander
JOA
joint operations area
JOPES
Joint Operation Planning and Execution System
JOPP
joint operation planning process
JP
joint publication
JTF
joint task force
L
LeMay Center
Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education
LOO
line of operation
M
MAGTF
Marine air-ground task force
MARFORCOM
United States Marine Corps Forces Command
MARFORPAC
United States Marine Corps Forces, Pacific
MARFORRES
United States Marine Corps Forces Reserve
MC
Mass Communication Specialists
MCCDC
Marine Corps Combat Development Command
MCPDS
Marine Corps Publication Distribution System
MCRP
Marine Corps reference publication
MEF
Marine expeditionary force
MILSTRIP
Military Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedures
MISO
military information support operations
MTTP
multi-Service tactics, techniques, and procedures
N
NARA
National Archives and Records Administration
NEC
Navy enlisted classification
NMCC
National Military Command Center
NTTP
Navy tactics, techniques, and procedures
NWDC
Navy Warfare Development Command
O
OASD(PA)
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
OPCON
operational control
OPLAN
operation plan
OPNAVINST
Chief of Naval Operations instruction
OPR
offices of primary responsibility
OSD
Office of the Secretary of Defense
P
PA
public affairs
PAR
Office of Public Affairs Requirements and Development Division
PCN
publication control number
POC
point of contact
POTUS
President of the United States
Q-R
RFF
request for forces
S
SAF
Secretary of the Air Force/
SERE
survival, evasion, resistance, and escape
SOF
special operations forces
T
TACON
tactical control
TAMCN
table of authorized material control number
TECOM
Training and Education Command
TIPS
Tactical Imagery Production System
TTP
tactics, techniques, and procedures
TO&E
table of organization and equipment
TRADOC
United States Army Training and Doctrine Command
U
ULN
unit line number
US
United States
UTC
unit type code
V, W, Y, Z
VI
visual information
VBSS
visit, board, search, and seizure


## Part Ii - Terms And Definitions

activity1. A unit, organization, or installation performing a function or mission. 2. A
function, mission, action, or collection of actions. Also called ACT (JP 1-02.
Source: JP 3-0) acquisitionThe process of recording visual information in a camera; creating it by
hand, mechanically, or on a computer; or obtaining it by purchase, donation, or
seizure. (Source: DODI 5040.02) clearanceThe process by which information that is proposed for public release is
examined for compliance with established national and DoD policies and to
determine that it contains no classified or export-controlled information.( Source:
DODD 5230.09) combat cameraThe acquisition and utilization of still and motion imagery in support
of operational and planning requirements across the range of military operations and during joint exercises. Also called COMCAM. (JP 1-02. Source: JP 3-61) imageryA likeness or presentation of any natural or man-made feature or related
object or activity, and the positional data acquired at the same time the likeness or representation was acquired, including: products produced by space-based national intelligence reconnaissance systems; and likeness and presentations produced by satellites, airborne platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles, or other similar means (except that such term does not include handheld or clandestine
photography taken by or on behalf of human intelligence collection organizations). (JP 1-02. Source: JP 2-03) information operationsThe integrated employment, during military operations, of
information-related capabilities in concert with other lines of operation to influence, disrupt, corrupt, or usurp the decision-making of adversaries and
potential adversaries while protecting our own. Also called IO. (JP 1-02. Source: Secretary of Defense Memo 12401-10) resolutionA measurement of the smallest detail that can be distinguished by a
sensor under specific conditions. (Source: JP 3-08) strategic communicationFocused United States Government efforts to understand
and engage key audiences to create, strengthen, or preserve conditions favorable for the advancement of United States Government interests, policies, and objectives through the use of coordinated programs, plans, themes,
messages, and products synchronized with the actions of all instruments of national power. Also called SC. (JP 1-02. Source JP 5-0) videoMotion imagery that is recorded or transmitted as either a digital or analog
electromagnetic signal. (Source: DODI 5040.02)


visual informationVarious visual media with or without sound. Generally, visual
information includes still and motion photography, audio video recording, graphic arts, visual aids, models, displays, and visual presentations. Also called VI. Source: (JP 1-02. Source JP 3-61) visual information documentationMotion, still, and audio recording of technical and
non-technical events that is made while occurring, and not usually under, the production control of the recording element. Visual information documentation includes documentation by combat camera forces. (Source: DODI 5040.02) visual information management officeA headquarters staff level office that typically
prescribes visual information policies and procedures and supervises or oversees visual information functions. (Source: DODI 5040.02) visual information products A copy of a visual information record, or a collection,
compilation, or composite of such copies (Source: DODI 5040.02)


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By Order of the Secretary of the Army


Official:

RAYMOND T. ODIERNO
General, United States Army Chief of Staff


JOYCE E. MORROW
Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army
1310601
DISTRIBUTION: Active Army, Army National Guard, and US Army Reserve: Not to be distributed. Electronic media only. By Order of the Secretary of the Air Force THOMAS K. ANDERSEN Major General, USAF Commander

Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education


ACCESSIBILITY:
Publications and forms are available on the e-Publishing website at
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