U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Miclo Rud, a combat videographer with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, poses for a photo during a field training exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 8, 2026. The COMMSTRAT FTX is a five-day event focused on increasing acumen and technical proficiency to provide commanders with capable COMMSTRAT forces at the tactical level. "I didn’t come into this exercise trying to win, I came here to learn,” said Rud. “I’m glad I have two of my mentors who teach me a lot out here I am appreciative of them.” He didn’t always like his job as a videographer, but day by day he learns more. Him learning about his job creates a passion and love for the job. He impresses himself every day when looking back at his footage. “I’m usually harsh on myself when taking my video shots, but when I get back to my desk it’s my favorite part because I realize I didn’t do as bad as I thought,” said Rud. We are our harshest critic, and our leaders are there for us in those times to support us, pass the knowledge to us and remind us of who we are and what we can do. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Carlos Paz-Sosa)