← Military & Defence

Female Military Drills and Training

Images of female soldiers engaged in various training exercises, testing body armor, and practicing medical and fitness skills in military settings.

Spc. Alexa Gomez of the 448th Engineer Battalion conducts pre-combat inspections during the U.S. Army Central Best Squad Competition at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, May 2, 2022. BSC measures the physical and mental ability of squad level elements

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cristina Rodriguez, left, 23rd Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, and Senior Airman Skylar Blevins, 823d Base Defense Squadron fire team member, perform a litter carry drill with new female body armor at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Aug. 9, 2022. Airmen assigned to the 820th Base Defense Group and 23rd Wing tested female body armor for comfortability and functionality by performing various drills.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Brianne Koessel, 445th Airlift Wing flight nurse, signals a U.S. Air Force critical care air transport team (CCATT) to hold before carrying a mannequin patient onto a U.S. Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft with the Air National Guards 123rd Airlift Wing out of Louisville, Kentucky, at the Cincinnati Municipal Airport, April 6, 2023. The CCATTs trained with the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron on trauma and critical care aboard an aircraft as part of the Center for the Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (C-STARS) program at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. The C-STARS program is a 14-day course at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center that trains 12 to 15 Air Force medical professionals each class with 14 classes held annually.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Emily Eberlein, dietician assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, smiles during a class on nutrition resources during a week long Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) classes at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, April 12, 2022. 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces; execute joint, bilateral and multinational training exercises; and provides command and control for rotational and assigned units in the European theater.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jennifer Johnson, 17th Healthcare Operations Squadron commander, poses for a photo, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Jul 14, 2022. Johnson took command of the 17th HCOS on June 10.

KRISTEN STEWART in CAMP X-RAY (2014), directed by PETER SATTLER.

Spc. Alexa Gomez of the 448th Engineer Battalion conducts pre-combat inspections during the U.S. Army Central Best Squad Competition at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, May 2, 2022. BSC measures the physical and mental ability of squad level elements

Sgt. Victoria Glasgow assigned to Alpha Company 2nd 104th General Support Aviation Battalion, Pennsylvania National Guard, conducts a preflight brief regarding safety and security when flying on a UACCAL Blackhawk Helicopter during the Dense Urban Terrain exercise in Philadelphia, Pa, July 26, 2022. Task Force 46 and over 600 personnel from its federal, state, local, private and academic partners collaborated to successfully complete the most recent DUT in Philadelphia, PA. The DUT series of exercises began in 2018 and has become one of the Nations premier all-hazard and homeland defense exercises designed to enhance interagency interoperability in the event of Americas worst day.

SSgt Amelia Ruiz, 35th Security Forces Military Working Dog Handler, smiles before performing a MWD demonstration at the Police Week 2022 Static Display event on Misawa Air Base, Japan on May 18, 2022.

The United States Army's most qualified uniformed interrogation teams met at Fort Bragg, North Carolina to compete in the inaugural Army Interrogation Olympics to determine the Army's Best Interrogation Team of the Year. Military Intelligence Soldiers from Regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard components met and thrived in an austere field environment while refining and improving individual and collective HUMINT, analytical, leader, and Soldier skills. The competition was hosted by the 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade from August 8 to 10, 2022.

Senior Airman Briana Swesey, 355th Comptroller Squadron special actions technician, assists a customer at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., April 5, 2023. Customer service is key while ensuring proper pay disbursement to DM personnel.

Tech. Sgt. Amber Swearengin, Congressional travel branch office of the Secretary of the Air Force legislative liaison, NCO in charge shares her experiences as NCO during a Senior NCO professional enhancement seminar, Aug. 11, 2022, at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington D.C. The seminar provided Airmen and Guardians an opportunity to network as they enter critical roleS in leading teams and shaping the future force.

Maj. Christine Pierce, the Cyber Defense Branch Chief of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard participates in Cyber Shield 2022 at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock, Arkansas June 10, 2022. Cyber Shield 2022 is the Department of Defense's largest unclassified inter-agency and joint national level training cyber defense exercise which includes representation from 20 states plus Guam.

Senior Airman Myriam Harchaoui, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron warehouse operations journeyman, poses for a photo at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 28, 2022. Harchaoui reflects on her learning experiences during the Air Force Associations Air, Space and Cyber Conference in Washington D.C.

U.S. Soldiers with the 252nd Quartermaster Company, 728th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 213th Regional Support Group complete an obstacle course as part of a physical fitness exercise while deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Senior Master Sgt. Janay James, the 911th Aeromedical Staging Squadron functional manager, simulates a pulse check during Black History Month at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Feb. 4, 2024. James has 18 years in service, to include Active Duty Security Forces and Air National Guard Medical Group chief nurse and first sergeant. As a civilian she is a fitness instructor, motivational speaker and life coach. Air Force

Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Regional Support Group, New Jersey National Guard, conduct simulated weapons training at an Engagement Skills Trainer 2000 facility at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., May 16, 2022. The EST 2000 is an indoor, multipurpose, multilane, small arms training simulator and it is used to simulate weapon training events which lead to live-fire individual/crew weapon qualification and training events.

Airman 1st Class Mary Belle Davidson, a crew chief assigned to the 139th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Missouri Air National Guard, poses for a photo in front of C-130 Hercules aircraft at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 28, 2022. The 139th Airlift Wing was the lead unit for Task Force Iron Herk II providing airlift support for European Commands area of responsibility.

Sgt. Azaria Christian, the lead digital forensics instructor for Cyber Shield 2022, answers questions from Sgt. 1st Class Cherrie Retamozzo, an intelligence analyst from the Florida National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in St. Augustine during Cyber Shield 2022 held at the Army National Guard's Professional Education Center on Camp Robinson, North Little Rock, Arkansas, June 5-17. Cyber Shield 2022 is the DODs largest unclassified cyber security exercise working with multiple military branches and inter-agencies to collaborate in continually bettering the militarys cyber security capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Melissa Robinson, 366th Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman, poses for a photo on Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 21, 2022. Robinson received Gunfight of the Week for her numerous accomplishments within her unit.

Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard on July 9, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Martin's 20 years of military service was celebrated by family and friends along with numerous retired and currently serving military personnel who impacted her career.

Young woman in army combat uniform

Col. Holly Shenefelt receives the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) at the Joint Forces Readiness Center in Cheyenne, Wyo., on June 24, 2022. Shenefelt earned the MSM for exceptional leadership in her previous role as the Mission Support Group Commander. She currently is the Chief of the Joint Staff for the Wyoming National Guard. The MSM is a military award presented to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the U.S.

U.S. Army Spc. Gladys Mayo, a Culinary Specialist, assigned to 25th Division Sustainment Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, poses for a photo for Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023, at the 5th Marine Training Center (Puslatpur), Situbondo Regency, East Java, Indonesia, on September 2, 2023. SuperGarudaShield 2023 is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in scope and size since 2009. SGS2023 is the second consecutive time this exercise has grown into a combined and joint event, highlighting the 7 participating and 12 observing nations' commitment to #partnership and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

I am proud of my Mexican heritage, Spc. Cecilia Soriano, combat camera specialist, 1st Theater Sustainment Command says. Im part of a diverse, inclusive team where I am the only Hispanic woman, and I know that my ideas and contributions are welcome and respected. Here she is standing in front of a display honoring logisticians at Fort Knox, Kentucky, September 16, 2022.

051117-A-9419D-030. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Lansing State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Maria Cloherty, 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron unit deployment manager, reviews a unit deployment readiness tracker at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, July 15, 2022. In order to streamline upcoming deployments, UDMs must ensure their assigned unit is deployment ready on a daily basis.

KRISTEN STEWART in CAMP X-RAY (2014), directed by PETER SATTLER.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Shaunte Augustine, an operations noncommissioned officer with the 369th Sustainment Brigade of the New York Army National Guard, poses for a photo in front of the Hellfighters mural on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, March 29, 2023. Augustine was promoted from the rank of staff sergeant.

U.S. Army Spc. Jennifer M. Sanchez, Property Book NCO, 92Y, for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, "Task Force Mustang," 36th Infantry Division, receives Certificate of Appreciation as the brigade's "Hero of the Week" during a command and staff meeting held at Task Force Mustang headquarters, Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 28, 2022. Sanchez, a native of Nacogdoches, Texas, was recognized for her stellar performance and administrative excellence in overseeing quality control measures for the brigade's monthly inventory audits.

Col. Michele Lo Bianco, 15th Wing commander, hands a technical sergeant patch to Staff Sgt. Katherine Johnson, 647th Force Support Squadron force management noncommissioned officer in-charge, during a Stripes for Exceptional Performers promotion ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Oct. 19, 2022. STEP promotions are used to recognize and promote outstanding Airmen to the grades of staff sergeant through master sergeant.

1st Lt. Amanda Palmer briefs the Soldiers of the 940th Movement Control Transport from Fort Sheridan, Illinois, at Tactical Training Base Valor July 28, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. The 940th conducted transportation operations during the annual Warrior Exercise (WAREX), where U.S. Army Reserve units conduct joint training under the 78th Training Division.

Illinois Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Avaceli Padilla talks to a Univision reporter at the Illinois Army National Guard's North Riverside armory. Governor JB Pritzker issued an emergency disaster proclamation on Sept. 14 and activated approximately 75 members of the Illinois National Guard to ensure all state resources are available to support asylum seekers arriving nearly daily to Chicago. More than 60 percent of the Soldiers and Airmen activated are Spanish speakers. The proclamation enables the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and other state agencies, in close coordination with the City of Chicago, Cook County, and other local governments, to ensure the individuals and families receive the assistance they need. This includes transport, emergency shelter and housing, food, health screenings, medical assessments, treatments, and other necessary care and services.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Leonela Covarrubias, 422d Security Forces Squadron flight member, holds an American flag prior to the national anthem at Wembley Stadium, in London, England, Oct. 30, 2022. Approximately 70 uniformed personnel represented the U.S. Air Force and nation by unveiling an American flag during the pre-game ceremonies of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos NFL game.

220604-N-QA919-1100 STOCKHOLM (June 04, 2022) Lt. Cmdr. Grace Landers, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit flight surgeon, speaks with Gen. Mark A. Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during a bilateral key-leader engagement aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). The event marks the beginning of BALTOPS 22. BALTOPS 22 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen the combined response capability critical to preserving the freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

The Inter-American Defense College and United States Northern Command hosts the inaugural North American Defense Framework for Women, Peace, and Security Workshop at IADC Kennedy Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 27-29, 2024. The event brought together military and civilian experts from Canada, Mexico, the United States, and the Bahamas. The collaborative event focused on integrating gender perspectives into military education, addressing gender-based violence, and enhancing gender equality in military operations. Participants, representing diverse ranks and branches, formulated actionable recommendations and formed partnerships, signifying a transformative shift toward a more inclusive defense framework. Air Force

220408-N-GK686-1006 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Apr. 08, 2022) - Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Nuria Avalos, from Fountain Valley, Calif., talks on a headset at Naval Air Station Sigonellas emergency operations center, on Apr. 8, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

US Marine Corps (USMC) Commanding General of the 1ST Force Service Support Group (1FSSG), Brigadier General (BGEN) Richard Kramlich, left, meets with Lance Corporal (LCPL) Jennifer Allison from Combat Service Support Company 122 (CSSC-122) at Camp Fallujah, Iraq (IRQ), during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Staff Sgt. Jazmine Fulmore, 436th Operations Support Squadron weather flight airfield weather services noncommissioned officer in charge, holds a Kestrel 5500 weather meter at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Nov. 2, 2022. Fulmore predicted Dover AFBs first snowfall of a quarter-inch or greater will occur Jan. 5, 2023.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Michelle Santos, 80th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crewmember, drives an MJ-1 jammer vehicle at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Nov. 2, 2022. The MJ-1 is a standard lift truck used to transport, load and unload a wide variety of munitions and other stores.

STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Lisa in the protocol office with SSGT Jose Del Rio-Soto (standing), and 1ST Lieutenant. Scott Jones, deputy chief of protocol. SSgt Livas is part of the 31st Air Expeditionary Wing Protocol Office. Her work involves making and coordinating the schedules of visiting VIP's from round the world. This photograph is part of the article "Fighting the War from Home" , in the July, 1999 AIRMAN Magazine. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

A German range safety oversees U.S. Army Spc. Koryelle Means, with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 39th Strategic Signal Battalion, as she fires with the German Heckler and Koch P8 pistol and competes for the Schuetzenschnur, the German marksmanship badge, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Sept. 08, 2022. Members of the support element to the German National Military Representation at SHAPE provided the opportunity to compete for the coveted medal.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jaila Cruz, 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron retail sales supply technician, wins Marauder of the Week at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Oct 21, 2022. The food has been the best part. Being able to go off base and experience different a culture. People off base that I’ve ran into have been extremely nice and helpful. I like the culture here.”

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Nizhony Dawn Daw, 60th Security Forces Squadron security forces specialist, stands for a portrait at Travis Air Force Base, California, Oct. 25, 2022. Daw is a Navajo from Wide Ruins, Ariz., and comes from a lineage of military servicemembers. She is the first woman in her family to serve in the U.S. armed forces.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Liliana Zacarias-Garcia a combat marksmanship coach assigned to Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico, poses for a photo during an all-female marksmanship subject matter expert exchange between U.S. Marines and Jordanian Soldiers in Zarqa, Jordan, Feb. 22, 2024. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command and the Jordanian Armed Forces developed the exchange to highlight the similarities in marksmanship training and the impacts that inclusivity has within our militaries. Marine Corps

Female Soldier With Kit Bag Home For Leave

230403-N-LK647-1634 NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (April 3, 2023) Students from the Virginia Military Institute tour the bridge of the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) while the ship is in home port with the Ford Carrier Strike Group, April 3, 2023. The Ford Carrier Strike Group returned to home port after completing its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), an intense, multi-week exercise designed to fully integrate a carrier strike group as a cohesive, multi-mission fighting force and to test their ability to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea. As the first-in-class ship of the Ford-class aircraft carriers, CVN 78 represents a generational leap in the U.S. Navys capacity to project power on a global scale.

Capt. Prayer Watson, National Training Center, Operations Group, Ft. Irwin, Calif., at Fort McCoy, Wis., May 11, 2022. Soldiers competed in vigorous physical and mental activities and medical tasks over the two-week Expert Field Medical Badge Competition.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass speaks with Airmen assigned to MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, during an all call, August 4, 2022. Bass met with Airmen to discuss the mission, vision and priorities of the U.S. Air Force.

Spc. Sarah Greene, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to HHC 1-126th Aviation Regiment, stands for a portrait, March 10, 2023, Quonset, RI. Greene was nominated for a Soldier Spotlight for the enthusiasm, expertise and excellence she brings to her team.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alicia Alvarez, 79th Rescue Generation Squadron communication navigation journeyman, sits on the steps of an HC-130J Combat King II at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 5, 2022. The Combat King is the only fixed-wing personnel recovery aircraft in the Air Force and is essential to accomplishing DMs rescue mission.

Col. Samantha Pitman, speaks to the audiance at the 710th Operations Group change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, Oct. 14, 2022. Pitman took command from Col. Agustin Carrero, who has commanded the group since 2019.

Providers assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division discuss and prepare for convoy on Fort Bragg, NC, March 28, 2022. The Field Training Exercise ensures Paratroopers stand ready to fight, win, and meet the 18 hour deployment standard.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, addresses Soldiers during a transfer-of-authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 19. The New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, assumed command of a security mission from the Virginia National Guard's 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, during the ceremony.

Spc. Tamara Hampton, a fueler assigned to Alpha Company, 615th Aviation Support Battalion transfers fuel for the forward arming and refueling point (FARP) during Combined Resolve XVII, Hohenfels Training Area, May 25, 2022. Combined Resolve XVII is a United States Army Europe and Africa directed, 7th Army Training Command executed training event at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center to exercise combined arms operations in a multinational environment.The exercise features approximately 4,800 Soldiers from Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Lithuania, Moldova, North Macedonia, Poland, and the United States.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Lauren Hotaling, 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in-flight refueling specialist, operates a refueling boom in a KC-10 Extender over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 7, 2022. Airmen of the 908th EARS provide advanced tanker and cargo capabilities and can refuel U.S., ally and partner nation military aircraft.

Congressional delegation staff representatives participate in an interactive tour of South Carolina Air and Army National guard aircraft at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, June 27, 2023. The purpose of the visit is to meet with South Carolina Air and Army National Guard leadership to discuss the current state of the SCARNG and SCANG while also correlating future endeavors for the organization and the capabilities of the units housed there.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Briana Quintana, 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, A1/6/7/FP project officer, was one of five Liaison Officers deployed during Operation Agile Spartan III at an undisclosed location, September 2, 2022. Liaising with key personnel from Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, they ensured all support requirements were met prior to fighter jets from Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, being deployed to the location.

AIR BASE 201, Niger - U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mykal Villalobos, the fitness operations Airman-in-charge with the 724th Expeditionary Air Base Group, is responsible for three fitness facilities servicing over 1,000 patrons weekly at Nigerien Air Base 201, Niger. She developed a six-month fitness calendar encouraging AB 201 personnel to participate in events that foster overall mental and physical wellness. She and her team provide a healthy outlet that improves the quality of life for over 600 personnel.

A military officer saluting

Capt. Maddie Atkinson, 36th Airlift Squadron C-130 pilot, speaks during a pre-flight brief for a formation flight of four C-130J Super Hercules at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 27, 2022. Pre-flight briefs establish teamwork between pilots and loadmasters providing current mission details, logistical considerations, weather, and other hazards to watch for. Some crew members may have not worked together previously, so these briefings provide an opportunity to establish the clear communication necessary to have a safe flight.

$U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ericka ValenciaReyes, a postal clerk with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, organizes mail at the Camp Foster Post Office on Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 10, 2024. At 9-years-old, ValenciaReyes left her hometown in N.C. for Mexico with her mother after her parents divorce. She decided to move back to the states and join the Marine Corps when she turned 18. Despite fracturing her pelvic bone in boot camp, she persevered and went on to graduate from Papa Company in Feb. 2021. She moved to Okinawa in July, 2022.$

Soldiers in army combat uniform, woman in focus

U.S. Air Force Col. Tiffany Feet, director of the 386th/A4, spoke about her experience in the Air Force for Women's Equality Day at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, August 24, 2022. "I joined as an Airman Basic with a GED. It's still amazing to me that I now have four college degrees and have pinned on O-6. For every bit of hard work I have put forth, the Air Force has rewarded me with increased opportunities, but anything I have accomplished has been as part of a bigger team."

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Ruth Polancorivera, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native, legal services specialist, Headquarters and Support (H&S) Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST) - Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, poses for a portrait during Exercise Urgent Response on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2022. H&S Battalion Marines conducted identification checks and established vehicle control points in support of Exercise Urgent Response, an installation-wide exercise that plans for and executes anti-terrorism response procedures.

Tech. Sgt. Britney Moody, from the 442d Force Support Squadron, processes incoming packages at the post office on Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, May 23, 2022. Partnering with the 100 FSS, the 442d members trained on personal and official mail processing and delivery.

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Martha Kester smiles for a photo after completing a Passing of the Stole Ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, on Oct. 22, 2022. Kester, alongside Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Heather Simon, have made history together by becoming the first women to serve as State Chaplains, both in their states and in the country. Kester will serve the Iowa National Guard, while Simon will serve the New Jersey National Guard. The Passing of the Stole reminds all military chaplains of their calling and their pastoral responsibility to provide religious support to service members and families. The ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the previous State Chaplain to the new one.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Renee Fontenot, 17th Training Support Squadron commander, poses for a photo at her desk, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, August 5, 2022. Fontenot assumed command of the 17th TRSS, June 17.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Myka Torres, a 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron base defense operations center controller, poses for a photo at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Feb. 6, 2024. The Air Force builds multi-capable Airmen through language based programs in order to enhance global communication, foster cultural understanding, and empower personnel with the diverse skills needed to navigate complex international environments and missions. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Jessica McWain, the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing command chief, delivers remarks during a chief master sergeant release ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dec. 9,2022. Air Force officials selected 514 senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant, out of 2,526 eligible, for a selection rate of 20.34 percent in the 22E9 promotion cycle.

U.S Marine Corps Sgt. Madison Struck, a UH-1Y Huey mechanic with the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), poses for a photo during a veterans day airshow in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia, Nov. 3, 2022. Marines with the 22nd MEU are participating in the Delta Airlines Veterans Day air show to showcase and highlight military air power.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Haideeth Porras, a San Diego native and an embarkation and logistics specialist with III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group shares her experiences in the Marine Corps and her first time in South Korea on U.S. Army Garrison Casey, Gyeonggi, South Korea, Feb. 4, 2023. The Fallbrook Union High School graduate participated in Bushido Strike 23 on her second rotation in the Republic of Korea. III MSB is is conducting Bushido Strike 23, which comprises training events including a Marine Corps combat Readiness Evaluation in South Korea to validate its mission essential tasks of providing combat service support, security and administrative services to III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. McLeod and other Airmen from the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, listen as Col. Victor Teal, Jr., wing commander, recognizes Airmen and talks about resiliency during an all hands meeting, Dec. 3, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Olivia Bermudez, an ammunition technician with Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, was selected as Warrior of the Week on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 11, 2024. Bermudez was selected due to her ambition and accomplishments while standing in as ammunition chief for CLR-27, a billet normally reserved for sergeants. When asked what motivates her, she said, My peers and the people that I work with. We have a really tight shop and everyone is usually very happy and positive and will encourage you to keep going when you have a roadblock or need help with something. Each week, 2nd MLG recognizes one outstanding Marine or Sailor that goes above and beyond in their duties and embodies the whole Marine concept.

U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Sunami E. Galicia with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, receives a water survival class at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 26, 2024. The Marine Corps Basic Swim Qualification instructs recruits on how to execute basic water maneuvers, and promotes combat readiness. Marine Corps

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Heather Reuter, deputy commanding general, 75th Innovation Command, sings the Army Song during Mountain View Group's first ever change-of-command ceremony conducted Aug. 4 at the Army Forces Reserve Center in Mountain View, California. The 75th Innovation Command drives operational innovation, concepts, and capabilities to enhance the readiness and lethality of the Future Force. Mountain View Group supports the 75th IC's mission by conducting innovation and technology scouting activities that support the Army modernization priorities and initiatives. Although the group comprises less than 30 Soldiers spread across five city teams from Denver to Silicon Valley, it has led more than 350 tech scouting discovery related events during fiscal year 2021.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Margaret Valcourt, a field artillery officer and a Joint Terminal Attack Controller with 2d Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), observes a target area during exercise Mjolnir Strike on Atlantic Airfield, North Carolina, June 27, 2023. Exercise Mjolnir Strike 3-23 is a fire support-focused training opportunity for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers and Joint Fires Observers across II MEF to increase proficiency while incorporating multiple fire support capabilities, such as ground-based indirect fires and close air support.

Christine Fernando and her husband, 2nd Lt. Brandon Fernando, listen to a demonstration during the 93rd Military Police Battalions “Crossed Pistols” event at Fort Bliss, Texas, March 31, 2022. Spouses from across the battalion were invited to spend a day in their Soldiers boots as they learned about Soldier life with help from experts from across the unit, as well as learned about family resources and met with fellow spouses.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brianna Eisenhower, a combat marksmanship trainer assigned to Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, gives commands during an all-female marksmanship subject matter expert exchange between U.S. Marines and Jordanian Soldiers in Zarqa, Jordan, Feb. 20, 2024. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command and the Jordanian Armed Forces developed the exchange to highlight the similarities in marksmanship training and the impacts that inclusivity has within our militaries. Marine Corps

The Inter-American Defense College and United States Northern Command hosts the inaugural North American Defense Framework for Women, Peace, and Security Workshop at IADC Kennedy Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 27-29, 2024. The event brought together military and civilian experts from Canada, Mexico, the United States, and the Bahamas. The collaborative event focused on integrating gender perspectives into military education, addressing gender-based violence, and enhancing gender equality in military operations. Participants, representing diverse ranks and branches, formulated actionable recommendations and formed partnerships, signifying a transformative shift toward a more inclusive defense framework. Air Force

Portrait of a female doctor of US army

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, inflates her blouse during swim week at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Oct. 4, 2022. The basic swim qualification consists of a 25-meter swim, tower jump into the water, four-minute tread, 25-meter pack swim, and an underwater gear shed.

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (August 4, 2022) Female Sailors from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79 pose for a photo at one of the HSM 79 hangars, Aug. 4, 2022.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass shakes hands with Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Hucks, 6th Communications Squadron senior enlisted leader, after arriving at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 3, 2022. Bass met with members assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and other tenant units to discuss the Air Force's mission, vision and priorities during her visit to the base.

Airman 1st Class Khanya Joseph, a 105th Medical Group medical technician, checks guardsmen pre-deployment vitals before they enter a mock hot-zone disaster area during a New York National Guard joint training exercise and external evaluation of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Task Force and Homeland Response Force for FEMA Region II, in Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, September 12, 2022.

3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Soldiers perform Twilight Tattoo for service member's friends and family, on Summerall Field, Joint Base Myer Henderson-Hall, Va., April 27, 2022. This performance is the final rehearsal of the hour-long pageant to showcase the rich history of the U.S. Army.

U.S. Navy Capt. Charmagne Beckett, a research physician at the Naval Medical Research Center Silver Spring, poses for an environmental portrait on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 24, 2022. The COVID-19 Health Action Response for Marines study was founded in May 2020 to assist the Marine Corps manage the COVID-19 outbreaks at the recruit depots and to monitor the health of recruits who tested positive for the virus. The second iteration of the study was launched soon after, and deployed to over 15 bases around the U.S. and in Okinawa to follow up and monitor the long-term effects those recruits, now Marines, may be experiencing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alex Fairchild)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 60th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, participate in National Nurses and Medical Technicians Week May 6-12, 2022, at Travis Air Force Base, California. National Nurses and Medical Technicians Week honors the commitment, dedication and contributions of these medical professionals.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Lindsay Millinger, motor vehicle operator, Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, Marine Aircraft Group 24, talks to NFL cheerleader Mary Naylor during the Armed Forces Entertainments Pro Blitz Tour 2024 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Feb. 2, 2024. The visit provided service members and their families the opportunity to meet retired and current NFL cheerleaders and Football Hall of Fame Honorees. Marine Corps

Col. Amy Lou Emanuel Bassett, the New Hampshire Air National Guard director of plans and programs and a breast cancer survivor, heads to KC-46 training Sept. 15, 2022. Emanuel Bassett has been at Pease Air National Guard base since 2005 and has battled breast cancer for three years; she is scheduled to return to a flying-status position once she completes her KC-46 training.

Woman, call center and face with microphone and glasses for information technology, big data or intelligence agency. Cyber security, person and smile for communication, analysis and support to army

220521-N-EV253-1972 HILLSBORO, Ore. (May 21, 2022) - Lt. Amanda Lee, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106s Rhino Demo Team delivers remarks during a reception at the 2022 Oregon International Air Show in Hillsboro, Oregon, May 21. During the show, more than 100,000 attendees were able to observe and interact with an all-women team of U.S. Navy aviators and crew, and view Navy aircraft including the F-35C Lightning II, CMV-22 Osprey, EA-18G Growler, F/A-18E Super Hornet, C-2A Greyhound, EP-3E Aries II, and MH-60S and MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.

U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Emily Walker with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, traverses an obstacle on the obstacle course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Feb. 15, 2024. The O-Course includes obstacles recruits must overcome to enhance strength, agility, enhance, and confidence. Marine Corps

A drill sergeant smiles and looks coil while standing near the barracks of her military trainees.

Melissa Ochoa (right), 502nd Judge Advocate honorary commander, receives a tour in a T-38 from U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Williams (left), 560th Flying Training Squadron commander, during an honorary commanders program tour, Aug. 17, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The honorary commanders program enhances the knowledge of community leaders regarding the missions, policies, programs and people of the U.S. military, while fostering a supportive relationship between the military and the community.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (July 29, 2022) Lt. Cmdr. Carolyne Vu, the master of ceremony, addresses guests and crew during a change of command ceremony aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), forward-deployed to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, July 29, 2022. Dewey is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleets principal surface force.

Equipment Operator Construction Apprentice Miller climbs operates a bulldozer during a causeway-building exercise with Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 (ACB-1). Base: Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

MANAMA, Bahrain (Oct. 4, 2022) Cmdr. Katherine Vester poses for a portrait at U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, Oct. 4.

031112-F-1798W-011. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Trudy Tyson, the Area Support Group-Kuwait Installation (ASG-Kuwait) Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), poses for a portrait as the U.S. Army Central (USARCENT) "Strong Sergeant, Strong Soldier, of the Week", on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Dec. 7, 2022. Every week USARCENT highlights one non-commissioned officer (NCO) and promotes their hard work on their social media accounts. "I believe in empowerment. Empowering you to be the best version of you, one step at a time.", said Tyson.

U.S. Navy Capt. Emily Bassett, the force nuclear propulsion officer of Commander, Naval Air Forces, poses for a photo during the Joint Women's Leadership Symposium at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California, June 29, 2023. The Sea Service Leadership Association is a non-profit organization that hosts an annual JWLS which provides professional development through networking, education, and mentorship for women from all three maritime armed forces.

of 2