DVIDS – News – Combat artist describes the Marine Raiders

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC-It was a hot day at Camp Lejeune as a Marine Special Operations Company conducted a portion of their pre-deployment readiness exercise. In the distance, the Marine Raiders conduct a gear check as they prepare for the next segment of their training. In the front sat Capt. Charles J. Bauman and to his left, Capt. Michael Reynolds, while both expertly maneuvering their selection of drawing tools on their sketch pads, describes the story going on in front of them.

Capt. Charles Baumann, a designated combat artist and logistics officer with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, and Capt. Michael Reynolds, ammunition officer at Marine Forces Special Operations Command, documents the pre-deployment culminating exercise while attached to a Marine Special Operations Company, June 13-16, 2022.

“The purpose of [Marine Corps Combat Art Program] is to document Marine Corps operations by description for historical documentation, ”Baumann explained. “Hopefully I can contribute to the collections of works archived at [National Museum of the Marine Corps] and provide a slightly different perspective on looking at the recorded history of the Marine Corps. I hope that in 10, 20, 50 years my artwork will be used to help tell the story of the Corps while I am in service. ”

Baumann, at first, was unaware of the Marine Corps Combat Art Program. When he learned of the program, he contacted retired Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael D. Fay who was the last activated reserve combat artist during the early years of the Iraq War who introduced him to retired Col. Craig H. Streeter, also a battle artist. Streeter introduced Baumann to the director, deputy director and art curator of NMMC, which prompted him to submit an artwork portfolio. They considered Baumann’s artwork skilled enough to take him to the program and he earned the combat artist’s free military occupational specialty.

Combat artist is a free military occupational specialty that any Marine can fill regardless of basic MOS in addition to their regular duties. They describe military operations on behalf of the Marine Corps ’historic collection efforts as permitted by their schedule and aim to capture military operations from an organic perspective.

“Once I realized I could combine my passion [and] skills for the arts and my duty to serve at the USMC, I was immediately inspired to see my military experience as a medium to visualize, ”Baumann said.“ My early work submitted as a portfolio was praised by people I respect and admire as veteran artists, who have had a huge impact on my self -confidence and determination to develop my skills. ”

Reynolds is currently applying to join Baumann as a combat artist for the Marine Corps Combat Art Program.

“I can directly relate my desire to be a combat artist to the influence of Marine Corps Combat Artists like Capt. Baumann and former Staff Sgt. Elize Mcelvey, ”Reynolds said. “As with marksmanship, if you have a foundation understanding of what should happen and have the ability to accept and grow from constructive criticism, you can continue to be better at more practical applications.”

Baumann was early taught by Fay, Streeter and Richard Johnson, a civilian field illustrator, to draw from observation and life-to-life experiences. Once he understood the concept of description through direct observation, new opportunities came with confidence to draw what he observed personally. He now holds a sketch pad and camera for any occasions that may appear worth describing.

“I hope my art can connect with the viewer in an emotional and personal way,” Baumann expressed. “I want my civilian audience to have an appreciation for the details of what military service means. I feel I can provide an insider’s perspective as both an illustrator and an active member of the service. ”

Reynolds shared what he hopes to accomplish with his art.

“When looking at the artwork of former Marine Corps combat artists like retired Chief Warrant Officer Mike Fay, it brings me back to the scene I’m looking at,” Reynolds said. “I remember the smell of the JP8, the feeling of moondust under my boots, and the sounds of the thunderous Humvee engine in the distance. That is the level of connection I must achieve in the hope that one day, someone will remember and connect with what I have described to tell the story using non-verbal communication. ”

NMMC is currently taking applications from artistically talented Marines to serve as combat artists. For more information on the program and how to apply, refer to MARADMIN 267/22.