Designated Marksman Training

Photos depict U.S. military personnel in sniper and marksman training, highlighting tactical maneuvers and engagement strategies in various environments.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Oscar Espinoza, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, participates in bilateral force-on-force training during Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 12, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains. Espinoza is a native of Los Angeles, California.

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.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Henry Holden, 822nd Base Defense Squadron fire team member, provides security during exercise Agile Flag 22-2 at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, July 26, 2022. The Base Defense Group Airmen, assigned to the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing, provided integral base and airfield security. Agile Flag 22-2 is Air Combat Commands first lead-wing certification event designed to demonstrate the 23rd Wings capability to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the Wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment.

DM-ST-86-05371. Base: Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060305-A-3733B-013. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE SHEPHERD Base: Hohenfels State: Bavaria Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: TF 1-26

020410-M-9902V-028. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Hansen State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Oscar Espinoza, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, participates in bilateral force-on-force training during Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 12, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains. Espinoza is a native of Los Angeles, California.

DA-SC-89-11599. Subject Operation/Series: GOLDEN PHEASANT Base: Tamara Country: Honduras (HND)

A sniper attached to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment takes aim at insurgents from behind cover, during a firefight in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 18, 2010. Patrols have been increased in an effort to push the Taliban back and create a buffer for villages friendly towards coalition forces in the region.

041105-F-5494H-010. Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DA-SC-90-00053. Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A soldier from the 82nd Airborne Division uses a fire control calculator to compute ballistic trajectories for a 60mm mortar fire mission during Operation Gold Pheasant. Subject Operation/Series: GOLDEN PHEASANT Base: Tamara Country: Honduras (HND)

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sights in on a target during a live fire range on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, July 6, 2022. Infantry Marines train with various weapon systems, including machine guns, grenade launchers, and rockets, making them more flexible on a battlefield. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps soldier in action among the rocks.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, conduct a team live-fire exercise, with M4 rifle, as part of exercise Repel Resolve II at Monte Romano Italian training area, Italy, Jan. 22, 2024. The Repel Resolve exercise series develops small-team lethality and experience, increasing the battalion's ability to operate across the Brigade Support Area of operation. 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. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cristian Ramirez, a bulk fuel specialist with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, moves fuel lines during a forward arming and refueling point exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 04, 2022. A FARP is a point of operation used for fueling and rearming an aircraft outside of a forward operating base. 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.

U. S. Army Spc. Charles Siler provides security during mobilization training given by 1st Army Public Affairs at Fort Dix, N.J., May 3, 2007. Siler is assigned to the 131st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment from Montgomery, Ala.

Lance Cpl. Daniel Vitellaro with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, fires an M249 light machine gun during a two-week machine gunners course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 15. The course taught Marines how to effectively operate machine guns in combat scenarios.

Recruits with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, tackle the Crucible aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., July 28, 2022. The Crucible is the 54-hour culminating event for all recruits before the Eagle, Globe and Anchor Ceremony. This serves as their final test on the skills and resiliency they have acquired over their time in recruit training.

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force member with 3d Rapid Deployment Regiment and a U.S. Marine Corps scout sniper with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division fire their weapon systems during Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 3, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is a bilateral exercise to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

Spc. Sebastian Borges, representing the 1st Mission Support Command, secures a postition at the shoot house event during the 2022 U.S. Army Reserve Best Squad Competition at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin on May 18th 2022. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy to compete in the 2022 U.S. Army Reserve Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022. The 2022 BSC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers and squads from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of "Best Warrior" and "Best Squad" among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

A U.S. Marine with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) fires an M249 light machine gun down range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 13, 2022. Marines applied their knowledge of M249 light machine gun and the M240B weapon systems on the range in order to maintain proficiency and lethality. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

Sniper and spotter of Green Berets US Army Special Forces Group in action. Sniper and spotter of Green Berets

U.S. Marines assigned to 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division reload an M240B machine gun during a crew-served weapons range during Artillery Relocation Training Program 22.1 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Hijudai Training Area, Japan, April 22, 2022. The skills developed at ARTP increase the lethality and proficiency of the only permanently forward-deployed artillery unit in the Marine Corps, providing long-range precision indirect fires throughout the Indo-Pacific Region.

030228-M-5753Q-011. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Coyote Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: 7th Marines

Airmen from the 168th Wing fire at the small arms range, Sept. 23, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Airmen must demonstrate quality safety standards while handling and firing their weapons in order to qualify for deployment and maintain readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jake Brandimarte, a Seaford, New York, native and squad leader with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, poses for a photo during Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 28, 2022. Something I would tell someone wanting to join the Marine Corps is think long and hard about your decision. said Brandimarte. The Marine Corps is a beast of its own and you will only get in return what you put into it. Dont come into the Marine Corps half hearted, make sure you're invested in your decision. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

Sgt. James Loville a cannon crewmember assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, looks through an M777 Howitzer sight during a dry fire exercise in preparation for Ivy Mass, June 8, 2022, Fort Carson Colorado. Ivy Mass is a field exercise that demonstrates the 4th Inf. Div.'s readiness and lethality with Space Force for the first time in U.S. Army history.

U.S Army Spc. Mark Williams, assigned to the 1st Battalion 4th Infantry Regiment, waits to ambush a training unit during Dragoon Ready 23 at Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Jan. 29 2023. 1st Battalion 4th Infantry Regiment is U.S. Army Europe and Africa's designated opposing force during exercises.Dragoon Ready 23 is designed to ensure readiness and train the 2d Cavalry Regiment in its mission essential task in support of unified land operations to enhance proficiency and improve interoperability with NATO Allies. Exercise participants include approximately 2,500 U.S. Soldiers from the 2d Cavalry Regiment, 150 U.S. Soldiers from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, and 150 service members from Italy and the United Kingdom.

US Marine Corps (USMC) Sergeant (SGT) Eddie Hedgepeth, assigned to 2nd Division, Force Service Support Group (FSSG), PSD Platoon sites through the scope on his 5.56mm M4 Carbine, during a security patrol along Alternate Supply Route (ASR) Boston, located in Fallujah, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dylan Grimm, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, prepares to fire a Mk 153 shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon during Fuji Viper 22.5 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Sept. 15, 2022. Exercise Fuji Viper exemplifies a commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Grimm is a native of Melbourne, Florida.

Spec ops soldier in black uniform and face mask with his rifle

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Angel Montalvo, an infantry man with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, sets security with an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during exercise Bougainville II at Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, Hawaii, Oct. 31, 2022. 3d MLR interdicted a notional adversary maritime surface platform to set conditions for joint force follow on actions. BVII is a field exercise that allows the MLR and its subordinate units to conduct expeditionary advanced base operations across the island of Oahu. BVII displays the MLRs ability to rapidly establish and displace EABs while executing command and control in a dispersed environment. 3d MLRs Bougainville II is integrated into the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training rotation 23-01 that strengthens defense relationships, fosters multinational interoperability, increase readiness, and reinforces the unified regional land power network of the Joint Force. This rotation of J

A U.S. Marine assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, fires an M27 infantry automatic rifle during a Mission Rehearsal Exercise at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, May 20, 2022. India Company convened with other units from 3/23 at Fort Campbell for a Mission Rehearsal Exercise to prepare for the upcoming Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 4-22 in the summer of 2022. The Marines of India Company and Lima Company conducted live-fire maneuver training on a range designed to simulate the training areas at ITX.

060205-F-2869F-044. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Sailors from the USS Nassau fire small arms and the M249 maching gun in Djibouti, Africa. The 24th MEU remains as one of the most expedient units and rapid-response force ready to perform a full scale of missions ranging from humanitarian relief to full-scale combat operations.

Soldiers from the 181st Brigade Support Battalion conduct a M249 Light Machine Gun range at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. on June 21, 2022. The soldiers are taking part in their two-week annual training working on basic soldiering skills and MOS refresher training. (U.S. National Guard photos by Peter Chang)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl Salvador Ortiz, an engineer equipment operator with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, sights in with his M16A4 at a Military Operations in Urban Terrain Town, Eastern Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, July 19, 2022. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Marines practice engaging the enemy during convoy operations training April 7 at Camp ODonnell, Philippines, as part of exercise Balikatan 2013. Marines from both countries shared their techniques with each other. BK13, an annual bilateral exercise in its 29th iteration, provides a venue for AFP and U.S. military forces to develop and continue to enhance interoperability across a wide range of military actions.

Naval Amphibious Base. A member of Navy Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) Team 5, sights in on a target with his M-4 carbine during a press demonstration. The rifle is equipped with an M-203 grenade launcher. Base: Coronado State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010507-F-3939J-021. Complete Scene Caption: SENIOR AIRMAN Irvin Osores, USAF, 45th Space Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, security forces team member, adjusts his Colt 5.56 mm M16A2 rifles sights at the firing range during the marksmanship portion for the Air Force Space Command GUARDIAN CHALLENGE, Space and Missile Competition. GUARDIAN CHALLENGE, the world's premier space and missile competition, is a four-day event hosted annually at Vandenberg AFB, CA "to recognize the best and demonstrate the commands warfighting skills. GUARDIAN CHALLENGE creates competition-tough crews; improves readiness and combat capabilities through preparation, innovation and sharing; enhances esprit de corps and strengthens teamwork across all mission areas in the command." Subject Operation/Series: GUARDIAN CHALLENGE Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jesse McManigle, a scout sniper with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides overwatch with a MK22 MRAD during a visit, board, search, seizure exercise in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 7, 2024. Marines with the scout sniper platoon were tasked with providing observation and overwatch for Marines of the maritime raid force during the VBSS training. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America 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. Marine Corps

Sgt. Xavier Compton, a student in the Advanced Infantry Marine Course, Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry-West, Hawaii Detachment, provides security during a training exercise, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, April 19, 2022. AIMC is intermediate training designed to enhance and test the Marines skills and leadership abilities as squad leaders in a rifle platoon.

A defender assigned to the 8th Security Forces Squadron, scans the area from a turret on an armored vehicle during a training event at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 14, 2022. The turret of an armored vehicle offers a mobile vantage point when securing a location in certain hostile situations.

Idaho Army National Guard soldiers from Charlie Company, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion train with the AT4 anti-tank weapon in the field during annual training. This years exercises are taking place before the 2-116th CAB deploys in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

A Marine half-loads a round into the muzzle of an M224 60mm mortar, waiting for the signal to fire, as another member of the gun team holds the weapons' bipod steady. The Marines are participating in a live-fire exercise held as part of PACEX '89. Subject Operation/Series: PACEX '89 Base: Naval Air Station, Adak State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Armed soldier standing in a blooming field.

A U.S. Army Soldier from the 501st Military Police Company lays covering fire during squad level tactics training in Friedberg, Germany, April 4, 2007.

A U.S. soldier assigned to the 21st Theater Sustainment Command provides route security while mounted on a MRAP during a heavy-drop airborne operation onto Bayonet Drop Zone conducted by the 173rd Airborne Brigade at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 8, 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 brigad

Marine Raiders with Marine Forces Special Operations Command evaluate Marines with the Fleet Marine Force during a remote advise and assist during RAVEN, April 29, 2022. RAVEN is a training exercise held to evaluate all aspects of a Marine Special Operations Company prior to a special operations deployment.

Rifle

U.S. Army Cpl. Joseph K. Withers, an infantryman assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, provides basic fire to cover a flanking maneuver against Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team out of Alaska as opposing forces during Exportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) at Camp Roberts, California, July 20, 2022. XCTC focuses on fully instrumental and realistic collective training to certify platoon and company level training proficiency.

U.S. Army Pvt. Marissa Llerena, from the 344th Army Military Intelligence Batallion, crouches behind her rifle during exerice Mount City at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, April 11, 2007. U.S. Army students assigned to the 344th MIB are required to complete the field training exercise before being sent to their duty stations.

Snipers from C Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment provide over-watch for a fire team during a fire team live fire training event at the Yukon Training Area

Welsh Guards training at the Sennybridge training area, Powys, Wales, United Kingdom.

hunting, war, army and people concept - close up of young soldier, ranger or hunter with gun in forest

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. McDaniel Sharber, the commanding officer of 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, fires an M240B machine gun during company field exercise 1-23 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 12, 2022. 1st ANGLICO conducted COFEX 1-23 to develop, sustain, and enhance core competencies required to support I Marine Expeditionary Force across the companys Training and Readiness standards and the Warfighting Functions.

Sniper aiming with telescopic optical sight on sniper rifle mounted on tripod.

DM-ST-87-01585. Base: Camp Lejuene State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030130-M-1852W-028. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Fuji State: Honshu Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: 3rd Bn, 12th Marines

A member of the 1ST Bn., 38th Inf., 2nd Inf. Div., looks through the tracking sight of an M-47 anti-tank missile launcher during the joint U.S./South Korean exercise Team Spirit '86. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '86 Country: South Korea

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jacob Clemens a scout sniper with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sights in during an aerial live-fire out of a SH-60 Sea Hawk in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 16, 2022. The scout snipers conducted the live-fire to hone their skills and maintain combat readiness. 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Marshal Wenong, antitank missileman with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve provides security during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 26, 2024. Wenong, served as the local security chief during the exercise and was responsible for providing security and force protection for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and its crew during operations. 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

U.S. Army paratroopers with 1st and 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, prepare to fire an FIM-92 Stinger as part of exercise Shield 22, April 8, 2022 in Pula, Croatia. Exercise Shield is an annual Croatian air defense exercise that aims at strengthening the execution of the Air Defense tasks against low and medium altitude moving targets. During the exercise, the 173rd Airborne Brigade and Croatian Air Defense Regiment jointly trained on Air Defense Tactics, Techniques and Procedures to include air-space control, deconfliction and surveillance as well as targeting and live fire engagement against flying objects on low and medium level altitudes.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 part

A U.S. Marine with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), aims an M249 light machine gun down range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 13, 2022. Marines applied their knowledge of M249 light machine gun and the M240B weapon systems on the range in order to maintain proficiency and lethality. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

An Australian Operator with 2 Commando Regiment, Special Operations Command participates in a live-fire range during Balikitan 22 at El Nido, Palawan, Philippines, March 30, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan, Tagalog for 'shoulder-to-shoulder' is a longstanding bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. Balikatan 22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S. Philippine security cooperation.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Chaos Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, engages a target during a squad live-fire exercise at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, July 14, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

Soldier standing on sand dune with service rifle in hands.

Smoke wafts by a combat rifle competitor in an M-17 protective mask firing from a kneeling position during the Defender Challenge '88. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE '88 Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Paintball player lying in grass aiming with paintball gun during a paintball game

U.S. Army Pfc. Neo Savarese, assigned to Eagle Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, fires blanks during a joint training exercise with the Bulgarian Land Forces at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, June 1, 2022. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment is a part of V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe, who works alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners, like Bulgaria, to provide combat ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retains command and control for 2nd Cavalry Regiment and all rotational and assigned units in the European theater.

Military sniper armed with a .50 caliber sniper rifle on bipod.

U.S. Marine Corps Marsoc raider aiming weapon at night.

Soldier hiding in a forest

040824-A-0949P-023. Base: Grafenwoehr Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fire an M240B medium machine gun during a live fire range in the Central Training Area, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 8, 2022. The purpose of the range was to improve the Marines ability to operate the M240B medium machine gun by firing at targets with unknown distances and perform remedial actions. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force's comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

image of one soldier that is in combat situation with sniper

Straight on medium close-up shot as STAFF Sergeant Richard Buczynski of the 48th Security Forces Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom mans a M-60 during the 48th FW Local Surety Inspection. The week long exercise hones the 48th FW emergency response actions, and helps them practice for a upcoming major command inspection. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nick Kempton, an infantryman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, sets security as during exercise Bougainville II at Dillingham Airfield, Hawaii, Oct. 25, 2022. A company with 3d Littoral Combat team secured an expeditionary advanced base at Dillingham Airfield in order to enable early warning of air and missile threats. Bougainville II is a field exercise that allows the MLR and its subordinate units to conduct expeditionary advanced base operations across the island of Oahu. BVII displays the MLRs ability to rapidly establish and displace EABs while executing command and control in a dispersed environment.

soldier of the national guard

Standing next to a .50-caliber machine gun, a forward scout of the 2nd ACR reports while at the Joint Readiness Training Center. Base: Fort Polk State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii (July 18, 2022) A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division post security while participating in Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 18. 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.

030829-M-5578G-013. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST MARDIV

Rct. Wilde Lariveaux, Platoon 1066, Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, provides security as his team rushes through a combat training course Aug. 26, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits sprinted, crawled and climbed through the course in teams, reinforcing the saying no one left behind.” The course is part of Basic Warrior Training, held during the ninth week of boot camp, which focuses on basic field-related skills all Marines must know. The basic combat training recruits receive while on Parris Island will be broadened after boot camp during follow-on training at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Lariveaux, 19, from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is scheduled to graduate Sept. 19, 2014. Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zachary Posey, an engineer equipment mechanic with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Group (Experimental), 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fires an M9 pistol during a table three through six and combat marksmanship program range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 16, 2022. The purpose of the range was to improve the battalion's organic combat marksmanship capabilities and to train the core position safety officers for subsequent company ranges. 3rd MLG based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

A North Macedonian soldier with the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 11th Infantry Brigade poses for a portrait at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 11, 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 alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alli

Silhouette of Army soldier with rifle against an orange sunset.

1972 - A U.S. Army soldier fires an M-16A1 rifle during a field exercise. He is wearing a Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) protective mask.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines fire a MK 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon while conducting platoon attack drills on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 8, 2022. This training improved the Marines proficiency at the tactical level and developed small-unit leadership. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

10th Mountain Soldiers place their gear dress right dress in traditional military fashion before competing. Soldiers maintain military bearing in honor of those who have come before.

Army National Guard officer candidates, enrolled in the Washington Army National Guards 205th Regimental Training Institute Officer Candidate School Phase III, execute a platoon raid and air extraction at the Leschi Town Collective Training Facility on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 24, 2022. A raid is a limited-objective, deliberate operation entailing swift penetration of hostile terrain. Squad and platoon missions help candidates to develop their leadership skills, and quickly make critical decisions based on an understanding of Army tactical doctrine.

Norwegian Rapid reaction special forces FSK soldiers in action in the forest fog.

U.S. Soldier assigned to Bandits Company, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, engages a target during a squad live-fire exercise at Karliki, Poland, Jan.23, 2024. The 3rd Infantry Divisions mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe.

030821-M-7837W-015. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Kut State: Wasit Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A Security Forces trainee at the 343rd Training Squadron holds a mock weapon while listening to instructions for the Individual Tactics and Techniques basic course at Joint Base San Antonio - Camp Bullis on Sept. 20, 2022. The course is designed to teach the trainees how to shoot, move, and communicate through tactical environments. The 37th Training Wing and 343rdTraining Squadron provide the initial training for all Air Force security forces.

German soldiers of the 26th Panzer Division

US Air Force PETTY Officer Second Class Scott S. Faculak, Air Force Materiel Command, attaches an M60 machine gun back on a High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) top mount during the combat weapons competition of DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 at Camp Bullis, Texas. Defender Challenge is the annual Air Force wide competition sponsored by Air Force Security Forces. This competition showcases the talents and capabilities of 13 international Security Forces teams in seven physical fitness, base defense and policing skills over six days. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 Base: Camp Bullis State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jacob Michaltz, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, fires a Mk 153 shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon during Fuji Viper 22.5 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Sept. 15, 2022. Exercise Fuji Viper exemplifies a commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Michaltz is a native of North Mankato, Minnesota.

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