Combat Patrols and Reconnaissance

U.S. military personnel in tactical positions during patrols and training exercises, equipped for combat operations.

Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21538209 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan (13 Nov., 2010) - U.S. Army Sgt. James T. Schmidt, an infantry squad leader from Decatur, Ill., assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, Task Force No Slack, pulls security while on patrol in eastern Afghanistan's Kunar Province, Nov. 4. On his right wrist, Schmidt wears a memorial bracelet for his nine fallen comrades from his previous platoons deployment to Afghanistan.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jacob Normann, a team lead assigned to Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, aims down range for a dry-fire training event during exercise African Lion 22, Tunisia, June 21, 2022. African Lion 22 is a multinational-scale exercise focused on increasing training and interoperability between the U.S. partners and allies in Africa to work towards increased security and stability within the region.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Neal T. Jones with Golf Company, 2D Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, searches for enemy spotters during an engagement in Musa Qal'eh, Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 15, 2012. Marines returned small arms fire after they were engaged by enemy combatants.

PORT HUENEME, Calif. (Aug. 5, 2022) Builder 2nd Class Jesus Ramos watches the reactivity of security forces during a simulated threat during Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 18s Field Training Exercise (FTX). FTX is designed to analyze a battalions construction capability, expeditionary logistics, and combat operations to support major combat operations, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.

Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21538209 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. David R. Wolfe, Pacific Air Forces command chief, shakes the hand of an Airman with the 736th Security Forces Squadron after completing a short mock assault exercise at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, April 14, 2022. The purpose of Wolfes visit was to speak with Airmen in a variety of career fields about Andersen AFB, its importance in the region and how the Air Force could contribute to further enhancing the capabilities displayed across the base.

060417-A-5745M-088. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MTN

040224-M-5753Q-015. Base: Camp Udairi Country: Kuwait (KWT)

060218-A-2718K-054. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE NORTHWEST

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Owen, 3rd platoon sergeant assigned to Alpha Company, 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, collects an inert mine clearing line charges rope after a demolition range as part of Defender 22 at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 12, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises taking place in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

060723-A-1067B-006. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: SOUTHEAST

A U.S. Marine with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve performs maintenance on a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) during a joint-performance drill in support of exercise Arctic Edge 2024 in Fort Greely, Alaska, Feb. 18, 2024. As part of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) capabilities, the HIMARS weapon system contributes significantly to the MAGTF's power projection and precision fire support for Marines in diverse scenarios including those in an arctic environment, enhancing overall effectiveness and versatility. Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. militarys capabilities in extreme cold weather, joint force readiness, and U.S. military commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the arctic region. Marine Corps

Pfc. Ryder Koon, a combat engineer from the 833rd Engineer Company, Iowa National Guard, fires a .50-caliber machine gun during Western Strike 22, June 5, 2022, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. Western Strike 22 is an eXportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise led by the Utah National Guards 65th Field Artillery Brigade, that provides National Guard Soldiers immersed training similar to a Combat Training Center and aims to increase participating unit's readiness and lethality.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer Donald Bruschi, a senior line corpsman (left), and U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joseph Lopez (right), a Platoon Sgt. with 2d Battalion, 2d Marines, 2d Marine Division, set for security at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, May 6, 2022. This exercise is the culminating event of the Service Level Training Exercise, challenging the MAGTF to fight against a free thinking adversary with similar capabilities in a force-on-force environment.

A U.S. Soldier with Task Force Americal from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, provides cover fire for Senior Airman Scott Prouty, a fireteam member assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Security Force Squadron, during a Joint Force combat arms training at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sept. 24, 2022. Soldiers and Airmen must undergo routine weapons qualification training to ensure safety and proficiency standards, which they meet together at PSAB.

U.S. Army officers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, set up a defensive position with a M-240B Machine Gun on a road outside Forward Operating Base Joyce, June 30.

POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii (July 19, 2022) Royal Australian Army soldiers with 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, call for air missions at Pōhakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, July 19, 2022. Marines with 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division conducted joint and international joint terminal attack control air and fire missions as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Evan Werner, an Elma, Washington, native and a gunner with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, prepares for a live-fire drill with a M2A1 machine gun during the Adversary Force Exercise (AFX) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, April 16, 2022. The purpose of AFX is to create a credible, realistic threat for the exercise forces participating in the Integrated Training Exercise to engage against during the upcoming MAGTF Warfighting Exercise in a force-on-force, unscripted wargame.

Green Berets U.S. Army Special Forces Group soldier.

U.S. Army Spc. Brett Bell, a fire support specialist assigned to Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, searches for contacts during a cordon and search operation in western Baghdad, Iraq, on Feb. 23, 2007.

From left, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Alex Jobe, tank commander and Spc. Arath Flores, tank loader, both from 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, work on the the mount for the loader's M240 machine gun during vehicle draw activities on the second day of the Sullivan Cup, at Fort Benning, Ga., April 26, 2022. During day 2, Sullivan Cup crews have an equipment layout, draw vehicles and conduct PMCS (Preventive Maintenance Checks), to ensure that their vehicles will be ready to perform for the competition.

U.S. Army Ranger in Afghanistan combat scene.

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment waits for a signal before moving forward during a combined arms live fire exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Grafenwoehr, Germany, Sept. 22, 2022.The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army photograph by Sgt. Luke Michalski)

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, execute a brigade-level live fire exercise at Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) rotation 23-02 on Fort Polk, Louisiana, Nov. 14, 2022. The live fire exercises were conducted alongside Dutch and Japanese allies at JRTC with missions including breaching and clearing buildings and calling for fire.

1st Armored Division Soldiers lead a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle out of the Main Command Post area, so it can be driven to the new location for the 1AD Command Post Exercise III, Fort Bliss Feb. 9, 2023. LMTVs are used to transport both Soldiers and equipment to ensure safety.

AL HAMRA, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (June 16, 2022) - U.S. Marines assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command secure a rooftop during exercise Iron Defender 22 at Al Hamra training camp, UAE, June 16. Iron Defender is an annual bilateral training event between U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and forces from the United Arab Emirates. The exercise focuses on maritime security operations, mine countermeasures and harbor defense.

060704-N-7586B-035. Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

View of a U.S. Marine Turret Gunner in an M-ATV or Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle, in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

Soldiers from the British Army conduct infantry training during Exercise Eager Lion in Jordan, Sept. 11, 2022. Eager Lion 22 is a multilateral exercise hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, designed to exchange military expertise, and improve interoperability among partner nations.

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Chris Mason, first sergeant of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, encourages his troops before heading out to the field for a multinational training exercise as part of Defender Europe at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 24, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises taking place in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

220714-M-WC972-1034 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 14, 2022) A U.S. Marine squad leader assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, directs his squad during a squad live-fire range in support of Rim on the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 on July 14. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii (July 19, 2022) Royal Australian Army soldiers with 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, call for air missions at Pōhakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, July 19, 2022. Marines with 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division conducted joint and international joint terminal attack control air and fire missions as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

221206-N-EA521-9680 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Dec. 6, 2022). A U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal technician from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2 loads an M4A1 rifle with training ammunition during CrabEx 23-1, located at Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit (EODTEU) 2 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. CrabEx 23-1 is a training exercise that certifies U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units to be combat-ready and capable to deploy anywhere, anytime to support our nations interests.

A U.S. Army Soldier, assigned to Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 134th Field Artillery Regiment, Ohio National Guard, holds an M119 Howitzer 105mm round during a fire mission at exercise Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 12, 2022. Northern Strike tests multi component and coalition forces through a challenging, realistic and detailed scenario based on relevant real-world security challenges and future conflicts.

Portrait of United States airborne infantry corporal with rifle.

Cpl. Eric Braddock, engineer with Combat Logistics Battalion 8 and Murray, Ky., native, assembles a security post for the under-construction Patrol Base Khanjar Aug. 17, 2009. The security posts, staged atop Hesco barriers, will give Marines a better view of the surrounding area while providing a shelter for cover and concealment from insurgents.

041109-M-2789C-039. Base: Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

060218-A-2718K-024. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE NORTHWEST

A Soldier from the United Arab Emirates 11th Mountain Battalion waits for a CH-47 Chinook helicopter to land in preparation for air movement to a live fire exercise during Joint Readiness Training Center Rotation 23-04, Feb. 19, 2023. United Arab Emirate soldiers from the 11th Mountain Battalion are participating in the training rotation alongside U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade. UAE Soldiers will train alongside a U.S. Army brigade throughout this JRTC rotation to increase tactical interoperability and readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Stephen Granata, a satellite transmissions system operator with Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group, prepares to launch a Parrot ANAFI unmanned aerial vehicle during Adversary Force Exercise 3-22 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, April 26, 2022. During each Service-Level Training Exercise, the adversary force is augmented with advanced equipment from the Office of Naval Research to test emerging technology to understand what is effective in the multi-domain force-on-force exercise environment.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 82nd Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division observes a D7 Dozer during Decisive Action Rotation 22-09 at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., Aug. 16, 2022.

A U.S. Marine with 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, fires an M240G medium machine gun during a live-fire exercise as part of a squad competition at Range 223B on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 24, 2022. 1st Marines held a week-long regimental squad competition to send the winning infantry squad to compete against squads drawn from other units across the division.

110331-F-DB956-327 U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Youngs, a noncommissioned officer in charge with Kapisa Provincial Reconstruction Team civil-military operations cell, takes a look at his target before firing at it with an M4 carbine during reflexive fire training at Forward Operating Base Morales-Frazier, Kapisa province, Afghanistan, on March 31, 2011. The mission of Kapisa Provincial Reconstruction Team was to help the local and national governments of Afghanistan provide development and security for the Afghans.

060706-A-0559K-019. Subject Operation/Series: STARLIT Base: Cob Speicher State: Salah Al Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: SOUTHEAST

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, of the New York Army National Guard, crawls behind cover during a platoon live fire exercise while conducting pre-mobilization training at Fort Drum, Jun. 29. The battalion is honing its warfighting skills for an upcoming deployment to Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, slated for later this summer.

A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, fires an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during exercise Intrepid Maven 22.4 in the United Arab Emirates, Sept. 23, 2022. Intrepid Maven 22.4 is a U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command engagement series designed for bilateral and multilateral training engagements with partner nations and Marine Corps forces.

040808-A-0259W-119. Base: Jikdalek Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. sailors with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Five (EODMU 5) conduct rapid explosive hazard mitigation (REHM) training during Valiant Shield 2022 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 7, 2022. The training focused on the rapid clearing of unexploded ordnance in response to a simulated airfield attack allowing for safe airfield repair and continued operations.

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment moves in a tactical formation with an M240B after conducting an airborne operation onto Hohenfels Drop Zone at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 7, 2022 as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22.Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Army's Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains al

Armed special forces soldier with rifle in the desert during a military operation.

SPC Alyssa Reyes pulls security while SPC Patrick Chayeb climbs over a wall to enter the Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training area on Fort Rucker August 22, 2022 in preparation for the upcoming Army best squad competition in September. Photo by Jay Mann.

U.S. Marine assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division directs his fireteam as they set up support by fire positions during a battalion field exercise at Range 800, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, September 29, 2022. Range 800 improved Charlie Companys efficiency in independent platoon operations and basic fire support team skills during the larger FEX, intended to increase the battalions combat readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joshua Webster, a fire support Marine with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, loads a magazine for Table 3A course of fire range during ANGLICO Basic Course 1-22 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 5, 2022. This basic training enhances the capabilities of ANGLICO Marines to plan and execute liaison missions in support of joint, interagency, intergovernmental and multinational operations.

060420-A-6365W-013. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Remagen State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

U.S. Marine Corps infantrymen with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, conduct insertion drills during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at K9 Village training complex, Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Marine Private First Class Mathew Brown, a rifleman assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division conducts unmanned aerial vehicle reconnaissance prior to an attack on an objective during a battalion field exercise at Range 800, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, September 29, 2022. Range 800 improved Charlie Companys efficiency in independent platoon operations and basic fire support team skills during the larger FEX, intended to increase the battalions combat readiness.

U.S. Army Green Berets from 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) hold their position during training mission rehearsals with United Kingdom Royal Marines from 45 Commando at Grafenwöhr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 22, 2022. This Special Forces-led exercise is designed to improve their ability to work with the United Kingdoms commando forces in a time of crisis.

Arizona Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team perform communication assessments prior to conducting troop maneuvers training during Exportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) program at Camp Roberts, California, July 18, 2022. XCTC provides commanders and leaders the opportunity to assess their Soldiers strengths and weaknesses which aids in their proficiency as an individual, team, platoon, unit and brigade.

During firing exercises snipers frequently check target location and record data to compute firing information. Sniper solders typically work in teams of shooter and spotter and pass data back and forth to ensure accuracy.While commonly known as snipers, the official term used by U.S.Army is designated marksman. The U.S. Army Sniper Course is a seven-week training course at Fort Benning. With most formal training courses, skill training is an ongoing process throughout the year. The snipers of the 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion trained for a full week separate from the main body of units in the field during annual training 2022. Their training encompassed individual qualifications, timed shooting exercises and movement to a covered location without being detected, identifying adversaries, engagement and withdrawal without being sighted.

060320-A-7969G-011. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Bayji State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

060219-A-5745M-177. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MNT 2ND BDE

U.S. Army Spc. Jack Montgomery assigned to Charlie Troop, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, clears the rooftop of a building while wearing the Integrated Visual Augmentation System during Project Convergence 2022 on Oct. 12, 2022, Western United States. PC22, a multi-month event enables the Department of Defense and its multinational partners to assess future warfighting concepts and capabilities.

CAMP TITIN, Jordan - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Philip Rainard, a combat engineer with the 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, trains alongside a Saudi Royal Marine at a ballistic breaching range, during Exercise Eager Lion 22 on Camp Titin, Jordan, September 6, 2022. Eager Lion 22 is a multilateral exercise hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, designed to exchange military expertise, and improve interoperability among partner nations, and considered the capstone of a broader U.S. military relationship with the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF). Jordan is one of U.S. Central Commands (USCENTCOM) strongest and most reliable partners in the Levant sub-region.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Cameron Thomas, a radio operator with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, communicates with security patrols following an air assault as part of Steel Knight 23 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 7, 2022. Steel Knight is an annual combined arms live-fire exercise which ensures 1st MARDIV is optimized for naval expeditionary warfare in contested spaces, and is purpose-built to facilitate future operations afloat and ashore. Thomas is a native of West Des Moines, Iowa.

U.S. Marine Corps infantrymen with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, receive a mission brief before boarding a UH-1Y Venom (not shown) during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at the Laguna Combat Aircraft Loading Area, Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

Staff Sgt. Brandon Garner, a platoon Sgt with the Moundsville-based 119th Engineer Company (Sapper), spools his modern demolitions initiator during multinational breach training during Noble Partner at the Vaziani Training Area, Georgia. Noble Partner is a cooperatively-led multinational training exercise in its sixth iteration between the Georgian Defense Forces (GDF) and U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

Lance Cpl. Javarre Chaser, a rifleman with Company C, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, takes cover on the roof of one of the buildings in the Combat Center's Range 210 during the Co. C's attack on the 'insurgent-held town', Jan 20. The battalion is aboard the Combat Center completing the Enhanced Mohave Viper predeployment training in preparation for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Javan Gloege, a combat engineer with A Company, 334th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, fires at simulated opposing forces from the roof of a building during Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training at Camp Ripley, July 18, 2022. During MOUT training, Soldiers breached buildings, cleared rooms, and secured urban areas.

041030-F-0524H-007. Base: Bayji State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A US Air Force (USAF) Pararescueman, 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (ERS), Balad Air Base (AB), Iraq, secures a landing zone near a hardened shelter during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. He keeps his 5.56 mm M4A1 SOPMOD (Special Operations Peculiar Modification) ready as he communicates via radio with other team members. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

The 231st Transportation Company from Athens, Georgia, conducts perimeter defense around Tactical Training Base Independence July 21, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. The Soldiers of the 231st are providing transportation support by ensuring that rolling stock - all equipment with wheels - is properly received, stored and distributed during an annual Warrior Exercise where U.S. Army Reserve units conduct joint training under the 78th Training Division. A Soldier patrols the main entry control point.

Pfc. Anton Mihelic, an infantryman with C. Troop, 6th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt., fires a M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon at an abandoned hill during a during a practice live-fire at Nishagam District Center in Konar province, Afghanistan, March 17.

U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Jorge Franco, a team leader with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, communicates with other Marines on Range 400 during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) on Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, May 16, 2022. ITX creates a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated MAGTF.

U.S. Army Sgt. Albert Satcher, an infantryman with the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, leads his Soldiers in a squad attack practice at Fort Carson, Colorado, Feb. 1, 2024. Soldiers practice these exercises to hone in their skills to prepare for a real situation. Army

U.S. soldier in the desert during the military operation.

110219-N-OT964-030AZUSA, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2011) Lt. j.g. Miranda Williams, right, and Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson, both assigned to Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific, practice a personal security detail escort during Winter Quick Shot 2011. Quick Shot is a semi-annual field exercise designed to train combat camera personnel to operate in a combat environment.

Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21538171 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

During the U.S. - Norway Reciprocal Troop Exchange April 1, 2022, Norwegian and Minnesota National Guard Soldiers were transported to Landing Zone X-5A on Camp Ripley by CH-47 Chinook Helicopter to conduct joint training while Norwegian youth squads took part in aerial training on a UH-60 Blackhawk.

Senior Master Sgt. James Robbins checks an Airman's firing position while clearing a building March 5, 2014, at Silver Flag Alpha, 99th Ground Combat Training Squadron Range, Nev. Robbins was nominated for the 12 Outstanding Airman of the Year Award and is the 99th GCTS superintendent of operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Gabriel Ramos, an infantryman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, sights in with an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a training event at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec. 12, 2022. This training allowed small unit leaders to practice decision making and problem solving in a realistic scenario.

Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers with Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) exchange knowledge on close-quarters combat at the French 5th Overseas Interarms Regiment base, Djibouti, June 23, 2022. Members of the CJTF-HOA regularly train and work alongside allies, partners, and government organizations to achieve a unified effort to improve safety, security and prosperity in East Africa.

United States Marine on a combat patrol near the city of Marjah, in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) East Africa Response Force (EARF), conduct helicopter landing zone training with U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft in the Grand Bara Desert, Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2022. The EARF is augmented by U.S. Marine Corps aviation assets that transport and insert ground forces wherever they are needed throughout the region, supporting crisis response through seamless and immediate force deployment capabilities across vast distances.

051120-F-4177H-233. Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Two equipped and armed special forces soldiers standing in the desert.

U.S. Air Force Combat Controllers and U.S. Army Pathfinders land in a field conducting Drop Zone surveys for future air drop sites in a U.S. Navy HH-60 on January 24, 2010 in Port au Prince, Haiti during Operation Unified Response.

041109-M-2789C-094. Base: Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Lance Cpls. Keith B. Lawson and Spence G. Press, scout snipers attached to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, work together to identify targets as Taliban fighters approached from Marjeh toward their position at the Five Points” intersection Feb. 9. Marines of Charlie Co. conducted a helicopter-borne assault earlier that morning to seize the key intersection of roads linking the northern area of the insurgent stronghold of Marjeh with the rest of Helmand province. Lawson, 25, is from Reedly, Calif., and Press, 20, is from Newbury Park, Calif.

Pfc. John Askey, a Phillipsburg, Pa. native assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry regiment, assembles an M-4 rifle blindfolded as part of the Chaos Ironman Competition at the Forward Operating Base Loyalty, Aug. 20, 2008. Askey was on the winning team and represented his teammates during the M-4 rifle assembly - the event chosen to break a three-way tie after the main competition.

U.S. Soldiers with 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, drive the M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle during a Mine Clearing Line Charge certification training, Bucierz Range, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 12, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises taking place in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Division conduct M17 and M4 individual weapons qualification ranges at Udairi Ranges, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022.

020410-F-2034C-001. Subject Operation/Series: PHOENIX READINESS Base: Fort Dix State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Navy equipment operator constructionman Ty Mathis and builder petty officer 3rd class Hannah Doge, with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to fire an M240B machine gun during a live fire deck shoot aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 28, 2022. Marines and Sailors conducted weapons training to further educate their Marines on different weapons platforms. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

a Soldier with a rifle, Taken During the Military Exercise Wettiner Schwert with German and Czech Soldiers Near Tangermuende, 26 03 2024 Wettiner Schwert is part of the quadriga Exercise of Nato Tangermuende Germany Copyright

031205-F-9629J-004. Base: Kirkuk Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

060123-A-6365W-064. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Loyalty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

060412-F-1830P-032. Base: Al Mahmudiyah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Cpl. Trinity Wilson-Irwin, a field artillery cannoneer with India Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, unravels the lanyard of an M777A2 lightweight 155mm howitzer during a direct fire training exercise as part of Steel Knight 23 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 5, 2022. Steel Knight is an annual combined arms live-fire exercise which ensures 1st MARDIV is optimized for naval expeditionary warfare in contested spaces, and is purpose-built to facilitate future operations afloat and ashore.

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