Leadership and Community Support Missions

Images of military leaders interacting with personnel and participating in community health missions, showcasing military training and community service.

Puerto Rico State Guard Lt. Col. Ruiz-Rosas, speaks with U.S. Army Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, during a base tour at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Feb. 5, 2023. During the general's visit, wing leadership presented Hokanson with the organization's mission sets, capabilities, future projects and a tour of the installations facilities.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command Commander and Chief Master Sgt. Jacob C. Simmons, Space Operations Command Senior Enlisted Leader, visit the Clear Space Force Station Fire Department to hear from the Clear Team members on their operations and wellbeing. The Clear Space Force members provide strategic missile warning, missile defense, and Upgraded Early Warning Radar as an integral part of deterrence in support of Homeland Defense. Clear SFS is home to Arctic Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 13th and 213th Space Warning Squadrons and 268th Security Forces, providing 24/7 missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force Roger A. Towberman speaks with U.S. Space Force Tech. Sgt. Daniel Spjute, Combined Force Space Component Commands (CFSCC) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division (ISRD) team member, during his visit at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Sept. 23, 2022. Towberman recognized select individuals from Space Delta 5, 65th Cyberspace Squadron, 55th Combat Training Squadron and CFSCCs manpower, personnel, and resources office.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, commanding general of U.S. Army Central (center), accompanied by Lt. Col. Matthias E. Green, commander of 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment, Assault Helicopter Battalion, "Task Force Rough Rider," attached to the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade (left), meets Command Sgt. Maj. James E. Holloman, command sergeant major of Task Force Rough Rider, at an aircraft hangar on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 17, 2022. 36th CAB, mobilized as Task Force Mustang, is deployed in support of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist, and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of Daesh, the common Arabic term for IS or ISIS, within designated areas of Iraq and Syria.

U.S. Army Col. Angel Estrada, commander of the 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command speaks with a Soldier at Zagan, Poland, April 1, 2022. The 49th Movement Control Battalion finished up a nine-month rotation to Poland in support of Atlantic Resolve, transferring authority to the 330th Movement Control Battalion. Through bilateral, joint and multinational training, Atlantic Resolve builds readiness, increases interoperability and enhances the bond between ally and partner militaries.

Distinguished visitors gather to observe members of joint service components as they provide dental, medical, optometry, physical and mental health, nutrition and pharmaceutical services during a medical mission centered between Meigs, Hamilton and Rhea counties in support of Birchwood Cares, Innovative Readiness Training at the Birchwood Community Center and Rhea County Middle School, Tenn., June 3, 2022. Birchwood Cares, Innovative Readiness Training is a Department of Defense sponsored training event that links community partners with joint force partners to provide medical care for surrounding communities while simultaneously providing hands-on training to joint members.

Master Sgt. Josh Mork, 114th Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant, coordinates with Airmen in a simulated attack during the Lobo Trident exercise in Hector Field, North Dakota March 31, 2023. Hector Field was set up as a simulated forward operating station in a friendly country in order to give Airmen a chance to practice wartime emergency operations and communications in a remote location.

U.S. Air Force Major Gen. Michael Kosheski, commander of the 15th Air Force and Air Combat Command leadership visit Avon Park Auxiliary Air Field, Florida during AGILE FLAG 22-2, July 25, 2022. AGILE FLAG 22-2 prepares todays leaders for the rapid operational decisions and mission type orders required to win against peer adversaries.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael J. Turley, the adjutant general commanding, Utah National Guard, visits with Guard members from the 151st Air Refueling Wing on Sept. 8, 2022, at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. This joint force exercise challenges the status quo and allows the U.S. military to improve its strategies against our greatest competitors.

Brig. Gen. Michael R. Drowley, 57th Wing commander, talks to Airmen after an all call May 5, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Brig. Gen Drowley talked about upcoming projects and restructuring of the wing.

Puerto Rico State Guard Lt. Col. Ruiz-Rosas, speaks with U.S. Army Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, during a base tour at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Feb. 5, 2023. During the general's visit, wing leadership presented Hokanson with the organization's mission sets, capabilities, future projects and a tour of the installations facilities.

Army Brig. Gen. Lance K. Calvert, deputy chief of staff for the U.S. Army Reserve Command, visits the 77th Sustainment Brigade (STB), based out of Fort Dix, New Jersey, during the 2022 Combat Support Training Exercise (CSTX) at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Aug. 10, 2022. The 77th STB set up a forward operating base as part of their mission for the exercise. CSTX provides an opportunity to enhance collective MOS-specific training and improves the readiness of the U.S. Army Reserve.

Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Ratliff, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief, gets promoted during a ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. He was promoted by Lt. Col. Sylvester dAgrella, 386th ECES commander, on Sept. 17, 2022. Ratliffs family was able to watch his promotion ceremony via cellphone streaming. Nearly 100 firefighters, friends, fellow chiefs and leaders took part in the ceremony. Ratiff, who is deployed from the 132nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Iowa Air National Guard, joined the top 1-percent of enlisted members upon promoting to his new rank.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kirk S. Pierce, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and 1st Air Force commander, discusses special instruments training with 312th Training Squadron instructors at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, April 1, 2022. Pierce gained insight into the training that prepares students for the operational Air Force.

Kentucky National Guard senior leadership welcomed home Soldiers from the 1-149th Infantry Battalion at the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Ky. The 1-149th spent 9 months in Kosovo in support of Task Force Red Dragon. (US Army photo by 1st Lt. Kaitlin Baudendistel)

U.S. Airmen of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing congratulate Lt. Col. Brian Welde, after taking command of the 378th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, during an assumption of command ceremony held at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 6, 2022. The primary purpose of an assumption of command is for subordinates to witness an officer formally assume responsibility, authority and accountability for the unit. These ceremonies preserve the tradition of military service and stimulate unit esprit de corps.

Ukrainian Chief Master Sgt. Oleksandr Kosynskyi, the command senior enlisted leader of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, talks with Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead, the SEA to the chief, National Guard Bureau, during the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe International Command Senior Enlisted Conference in Casteau, Belgium, Sept. 7, 2022.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Blaylock, Task Force Spartan and 35th Infantry Division Commanding General, talks with a Jordanian Armed Forces Soldier during Exercise Eager Lion in Jordan, Sept. 14, 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.

Yesterday the Iron Eagles welcomed Maj. Gen. Adam Joks, V Corps Deputy Commanding General for Interoperability, At the conclusion of the visit, Col. John Morris presented Joks with a 1AD patch symbolizing the enduring partnership of our two great nations.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Gaiser, the senior enlisted advisor to the commander of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, speaks to Command Sgt. Maj. Curtis Moss with the 369th Sustainment Brigade, and other senior enlisted advisors assigned to Task Force Hellfighter, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Nov. 18, 2022.

Air Force Gen. Joseph Lengyel, chief, National Guard Bureau, visits Soldiers and Airmen in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, assisting with hurricane relief efforts Sept. 25, 2017.

Airmen assigned to the 32nd Aerial Port Squadron reenlist at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Jan. 7, 2024. Nearly a dozen Airmen gathered inside of a C-17 Globemaster III for a mass reenlistment.

Col. Bryan M. Bailey, commander of the 911th Airlift Wing, coins Senior Airmen Xiaobo Zhang, 911th Security Forces fire team member, at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Sept. 11, 2022. Zhang was recognized for his outstanding performance in the Exercise STEEL DRAGON readiness inspection.

Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge of The Florida National Guards Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Emergency Response Force-Package, Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Morrow briefs his Soldiers and Airmen on their upcoming mission to Marathon. His team will be one of the first agencies on the scene of the highly impacted area after Hurricane Irma made landfall.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command commander, greets Guardians, Soldiers and civilians at the Wideband Satellite Communications Operations Center (WSOC) in Landstuhl, Germany, Sep. 12, 2022. On Aug. 15, 2022, the WSOCs mission responsibility transferred from the U.S. Armys 53rd Signal Battalion to the U.S. Space Forces Space Operations Command, under Space Delta 8s 53rd Space Operations Squadron. The transfer marked the first time that all Department of Defense military satellite communication functions were unified under a single military service.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Livolsi, left, outgoing senior enlisted leader of the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, shakes hands with Col. Michael Girvin, commander of the 28th ECAB, during a change of responsibility ceremony at Muir Army Airfield. During the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Livolsi passed the brigades senior enlisted leader responsibilities to Command Sgt. Maj. Jeff Huttle.

Members from Idahos Joint Forces Headquarters and the 124th Fighter Wing tour the Idaho Youth Challenge Academy, Oct. 21, 2022 in Pierce, Idaho. IDYCA is a state-run, quasi-military, in-residence, alternative highschool program focused on rehabilitating at-risk youth.

U.S. Army CW5 Timothy Shrewsbury gets promoted from chief warrant officer 4 to chief warrant officer 5 on Fort Drum, NY Jun 24, 2022. The U.S. Army rank of chief warrant officer 5 is called a "unicorn" rank because it is rarely seen in the Army.

Alaska National Guard State Command Chaplain (Col.) Ted McGovern leads a Chapel Service for Alaska Guardsmen serving during drill weekend at the AKNG Armory on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Aug. 7, 2022. The service, focusing on watchfulness, paralleled the importance of readiness in the Guard. (Alaska National Guard photo by Mr. Dana Rosso)

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Robert W. Hartzog (right) command sergeant major of Task Force Mustang - 36th Combat Aviation Brigade (36th CAB), meets Task Force Rough Rider Soldiers of the 3-142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, stationed with Task Force No Mercy of the 1-101st Attack Helicopter Battalion, at Erbil International Airport, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, on Sept. 14, 2022. The command team of Task Force Mustang conducted an office visit with Task Force No Mercy to align leadership intent and values required as an aviation task force supporting Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

Lt. Gen Theodore D. Martin, Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, visits Soldiers from 1st Air Cavalry Brigade during Combined Resolve 17. Combined Resolve 17 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. Army video by Sgt. Jason Greaves)

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Bartlett, 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander, Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, center, and Lt. Col. John Fuson, 768th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron commander, left, discuss Air Base 101s unique mission in Niger Aug. 25, 2022. Air Base 101 provides comprehensive mission support and force protection for coalition, joint, and partner forces co-located on Air Base 101.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass speaks with Col. Joelee Sessions, the 156th Contingency Response Group commander, during her visit with the 156th Wing, Puerto Rico Air National Guard at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, May 14, 2022. CMSAF Bass spent time with Airmen and leadership at the 156th Wing and emphasized the importance of total force integration and overcoming challenges to more effectively accomplish the Air Force mission and be ready for the ever-evolving battlefield that future conflicts may hold.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew Juknelis, commander of the 108th Training Command, is briefed by aircrew with the New Jersey National Guard's 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, June 16, 2022. New Jersey Army aviation flew U.S. Army Reserve senior leaders on a tour of New Jersey military facilities.

U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa commander Gen. James Hecker, right, meets Airmen assigned to the 495th Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 19, 2022. Hecker visited RAF Lakenheath as part of his immersion tour aimed at understanding what each wing provides to USAFE-AFAFRICA as well as meeting the Airmen who support and execute Europes on F-35 and F-15E mission.

Maj. Gen. Sean M. Salene, the U.S. Central Command's Director of Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J-5), speaks with Colonel Brian T. Hobbins, the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing deputy commander, September 27, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Salene met with key leaders at the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and the 380th AEW. Meetings focused on how U.S. Forces in the UAE coordinate with their Emirati Partners to maintain regional security.

Maj. Nathan Bukowski was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel by Maj. Gen. William Blaylock, Commanding General of the 35th Infantry Division on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, April 22, 2022.

Col. Richard Ferguson, Commander of the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, Maryland Army National Guard left, and Maj. David Swan, Commander of the 1-230th Attack Helicopter Battalion, Tennessee Army National Guard coordinates an upcoming air assault mission as part of Northern Strike 22 in Grayling, Mich., on Aug. 11, 2022. The 29th CAB provides all domain command and control over the 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion, the 1-111th General Support Aviation Battalion from the Florida Army National Guard and the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 from Jacksonville, North Carolina at the National All Domain Warfighting Center during Northern Strike 22.

The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 77 international officers from 74 countries as it hosted the annual U.S. Army War College International Fellows visit on Sept. 28 at Eisenhower Hall and the Haig Room at the Jefferson Library.

Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Hjelmstad, command senior enlisted leader of the Iowa National Guard, congratulates Staff Sgt. Lorik Ramaj, a Kosovo Security Force member assigned to a civilian affairs company, on his graduation from a U.S. Air Assault course at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 9, 2022. Over 200 students participated in the 12-day course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling. The Iowa National Guard is partnered with the KSF as part of the DOD State Partnership Program, which offers unique opportunities for joint training and cooperation. Ramaj and one other KSF soldier became the first KSF members to graduate from a U.S. Air Assault course.

U.S. Air Force Airmen gather for an announcement from Col. Russell Cook, 23rd Wing commander, after receiving their promotion certificates, Sept. 16, 2022, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. Staff sergeant is the first rank in the non-commissioned officer tier, bridging the gap between Airmen and Senior NCOs.

Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Cozad, a public affairs chief with the 305th Military History Detachment, and Sgt. 1st Class David Harkleroad, a public affairs chief with the 326th MHD, interview Col. Mitchell Paulin, 99th Readiness Division Command Surgeon, about his career at 99th RD Headquarters on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 9, 2022. Military History Detachment Soldiers conduct intervews like these to document first hand accounts for historical records.

Members of Alpha Company 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment depart for a deployment to Southwest Asia on Memorial Day. 30 May 2022, Army Aviation Support Facility, Quonset Air National Guard Base, Rhode Island. The guardsmen will head first to Fort Bliss, Texas, for mobilization and then head to Southwest Asia.

Lt. Gen. James Jacobson, center, Pacific Air Forces deputy commander, and Brig. Gen. DavidEaglin, left, 18th Wing commander, listen to Master Sgt. Timothy Blas, right, 18th ComponentMaintenance Squadron TF34 engine maintenance section chief, as he provides information on arecent munitions exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 17, 2022. The U.S. Air Forcesposture in the Pacific provides ready and lethal capabilities that deter adversaries and aid inJapan's defense

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Tyler Kelly (Left), a CH-47 helicopter pilot with Company B, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, talks to U.S. Air Force Major General James O. Eight, the adjutant general of Florida, at the Southwest Florida International Airport, Lee County, Florida, October 4, 2022. The 111th is deployed to south Florida to respond to the devastation of Hurricane Ian.

Airmen from the 124th Fighter Wing, Boise, Idaho arrive at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, MI, June 4, 2022 to participate in Agile Rage 22. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise, held June 6-19, 2022 at Alpena CRTC, part of the National All-Domain Warfighting Center, and provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

Lt. Col. David Roman, commander, 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Battalion), speaks with Lt. Col. Kyle Anderson, commander, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery, regarding the capabilities of the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter outside hangar two on Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany, Oct. 13, 2022. The aviators provided capabilities briefs on multiple rotary wing assets, and the air defenders provided a capability brief on the maneuver short-range air defense system for the Soldiers. The 12th Combat Aviation Brigade is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

Senior Master Sgt. Richard Inabnit, 168th Wing Comptroller Flight Superintendent, Alaska Air National Guard, is promoted to the rank of senior master sergeant at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, August 22, 2022. Inabnits family, friends, and wingmen attended the promotion ceremony, and his dad pinned on his new stripe.

U.S Army Sergeant. Maj. Adam T. Lepley shakes the hand of a soldier from 330th Movement Control Battalion coming home from a redeployment on Fort Bragg Dec. 12th. The 330th Movement Control Battalion completed a nine-month deployment to EUCOM in support of Atlantic Resolve.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Ethan Schaffner, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron MASOP, shakes hands with Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Nov. 21, 2022. In one of the biggest DFC ceremonies in history, 51 members were awarded the highest aerial achievement in the DoD for their acts of heroism during Operations Allies Refuge.

Chief Master Sgt. Jeremey Holcomb, 33rd Fighter Wing senior enlisted leader, works at his computer April 20, 2022, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Holcomb's main goal is to take care of his Airmen.

Col. Joseph Sheffield, 28th Bomb Wing Commander, and Col. Derek Oakley, 28th Operations Group Commander, greets aircrew, assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron, at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., as they return from a long-duration CONUS-to-CONUS mission to the Indo-Pacific Aug. 20, 2022. The United States is an Indo-Pacific nation and will remain engaged in the region.

A new helicopter training landing pad at Muir Army Airfield is dedicated to Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew Ruffner and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jarett Yoder during a ceremony in the Aviation Maintenance Instruction Building here.The two pilots were killed April 9, 2013 when the AH-64 Apache helicopter they were flying crashed during a flight mission in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. They were serving on a combat deployment with Bravo Company, 1-104th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 28th Combat Aviation Brigade during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Senior Master Sgt. Michael Sierra, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron flight superintendent, right, greets Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force commander, left, during his visit to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 13, 2022. Martin experienced Dovers unique mission by touring the C-5 Isochronal Inspection Dock, 436th Aerial Port Squadron and 436th LRS.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 2-151st Security and Support Aviation Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, received the new UH-72 Bravo Lakota helicopter at Army Aviation Support Facility Two, Feb. 7, 2023, Greenville, South Carolina. Flown from Huntsville, Alabama the newest edition of rotary wing aircraft for the South Carolina National Guard Army Aviation will be replacing the UH-72 Alpha models, as the South Carolina National Guard was one of nine states fielded two of the new UH-72 Bravo models. This upgraded aircraft equipped with enhanced engines, transmission, and avionics will be an important asset, specifically for search and rescue missions with the South Carolina Aquatic Rescue Team (SC-HART), providing a faster response time to emergencies with increased space to rescue and transport more individuals.

The 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Wisconsin Army National Guard, conducted a change-of-responsibility ceremony, August 7, 2022 at its headquarters company at Camp Douglas, WI. During the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. John L. Dietzler relinquished responsibility of the brigade to Command Sgt. Maj. Aaron J. Johnson.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, inspects the 9th Mission Support Groups infrastructure plans during a visit at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. on Dec. 6, 2022. The MSG plans showcase improvement opportunities that will enhance mission effectiveness.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan B. Coleman, incoming land component command sergeant major of the Mississippi National Guard, receives the noncommissioned officer sword during a change of responsibility ceremony in the Mississippi Armed Forces Museums Grand Gallery, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, June 9, 2022.

Tech. Sgt. Jamaul Anderson, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron warehouse operations noncommissioned officer in charge, briefs Gen. Mike Minihan, center, Air Mobility Command commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Brian Kruzelnick, right, AMC command chief, at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, May 5, 2022. During their visit, AMC leadership highlighted top performing Airmen and toured base facilities such as the C-5 isochronal dock, the air traffic control tower and the Tactics and Leadership Nexus.

Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Shields Jr., theadjutant general of New York, talks with soldiers competing in the 2023 State Best Warrior Competition at the Sportsplex Aquatic Center in New Windsor, N.Y., April 4, 2023. The competition brought soldiers from numerous units together to compete in events such as physical fitness, warrior tasks, rucking, and weapon qualification.

BETHESDA, Md. (May 12, 2022) Army Brig. Gen. Jack Davis, director of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and an Army Nurse, addresses the WRNMMC staff, after the all nurse color guard raised the flag as part of WRNMMCs National Nurse Week celebration. National Nurse Week is a weeklong event that celebrates and acknowledges nurses, and the hard and selfless work they put in in service of their patients. (DoD photo by Ricardo J. Reyes)

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan (23 December 2010) - Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George Casey tells a formation of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Soldiers about the actions leading to the award of a Silver Star Medal for U.S. Army Spc. Nicholas Robinson, Company D, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment from Tacoma Wash., during a Dec. 23 ceremony at Forward Operating Base Salerno.

U.S. Air Force Col. Amy Boehle, right, Senior Air Reserve Component advisor for Ninth Air Force (AFCENT), talks to Staff Sgt. Blaine Hutcherson and Staff Sgt. Justin Hatten, both munitions specialists assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, during a visit with the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, at Prince Sultan Air Base, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, April 26, 2022. During the visit Boehle briefings across the base where she explained specific processes, benefits and entitlements available to Reserve and Air National Guard members. ARC advisors are responsible for advising commanders and staff on Reserve and Guard related issues and advocating for deployed ARC personnel.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gregory Brady, commander, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command (right) congratulates Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Howard, outgoing senior enlisted advisor, 21st Theater Sustainment Command (left) during a change of responsibility ceremony, June 3, 2022, at the NCO Field, Daenner Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Command Sgt. Maj. Kofie Primus assumed responsibility of the unit from Howard.

Aspirational space cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy meet with Space Training and Readiness Command senior leaders to learn more about the U.S. Space Force during a conference at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, Aug. 24, 2022. STARCOM leaders to include Delta Commanders, Senior Enlisted Leaders, staff and spouses gathered at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Aug. 24-25, to celebrate the commands first year accomplishments and discuss year two objectives focused on preparing every Guardian to prevail in competition and conflict in the space domain.

U.S. Air Force Col. Pete Boone, commander, 156th Wing, speaks with Dominican Republic army Col. Nelton Baralt, director of training and doctrine ministry, during a State Partnership Program meeting at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Aug. 24, 2022. During the SPP meeting, leadership with the 156th Wing and the Dominican Republic armed forces discussed best practices.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, left director, Air National Guard, shakes the hand of Tech. Sgt. Joel Jiskra of the 168th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 168th Wing, Alaska National Guard, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, August 9, 2022. Jiskra recently returned from tech school, where he passed every test, only missing one question on one of the course tests.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. greets U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Eric Bohannon, command sergeant major of V Corps forward, on Camp Kosciuszko, Poland, Jan. 20, 2024. Camp Kosciuszko is the site of U.S. Army Garrison Poland, the Army's home on NATOs eastern flank.

U.S. Army Capt. Jennifer Wain speaks at a change of command ceremony on Sept. 18, 2022 at the Flemington National Guard Armory. Capt. Wain replaced Capt. Clinton Bradley who was promoted to another assignment in the National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Pfc. Michael Hayes)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Author Rifenbury, 5th Maintenence Squadron crew chief, asks a question during the First Sergeant Symposium at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Feb. 23, 2024. The First Sergeant Symposium allowed Minot Airmen to gain valuable tools and resources needed to step into the role of a first sergeant.

Lt. Col. Brian Austin, the director of the Smoky Mountain Air Show Emergency Operations Center, 134th Air Refueling Wing, briefs his team on EOC protocol Sept. 8, 2022 at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee. The two-day annual event provided the local community with a rare chance to see modern and historic aircraft up close and to meet military members. (Blur applied to map and data for security)

Col. Richard Ferguson, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade commander, left, and Lt. Col. David Magness, 29th CAB executive officer, both with the Maryland Army National Guard discuss targets for an upcoming air assault mission as part of Northern Strike 22 in Grayling, Mich., on Aug. 11, 2022. Northern Strike 22 brings approximately 7,400 participants from 19 states and 4 coalition countries to Northern Michigan to validate the readiness and interoperability of multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners from Aug. 6 to 20, 2022, at the National All Domain Warfighting Center.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael E. Dixon, Jr. receives a patch symbolizing his move from the 122nd Fighter Wing (FW) to state headquarters from outgoing Chief Master Sgt. Michael C. May, Indiana Air National Guard state command chief master sergeant during an assumption of responsibility ceremony Sept. 10, 2022 at the 122nd FW Air National Guard Base in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Chief Master Sgt. Michael E. Dixon, Jr. assumed the position of state command chief master sergeant of the Indiana Air National Guard during the ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael E. Dixon, Jr. receives a patch symbolizing his move from the 122nd Fighter Wing (FW) to state headquarters from outgoing Chief Master Sgt. Michael C. May, Indiana Air National Guard state command chief master sergeant during an assumption of responsibility ceremony Sept. 10, 2022 at the 122nd FW Air National Guard Base in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Chief Master Sgt. Michael E. Dixon, Jr. assumed the position of state command chief master sergeant of the Indiana Air National Guard during the ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Col. William Hunter, 81st Training Wing commander, congratulates senior airmen during the staff sergeant select release celebration inside the Bay Breeze Event Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Sept. 1, 2022. More than 20 Airmen were recognized during the event.

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McChord, Wash. - Sgt. Maj. Aaron Palmquist (left) of 1-364th Training Support Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade shares a laugh with Lt. Col. Kristy Norquist (right), the battalion's commander, during a ceremony to commemorate his 40 years of service at the Schwab Reserve Center at JBLM, Washington Dec. 4, 2022.

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Wayne Baze, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3, and Rear Adm. Jean-Mathieu Rey, Joint Commander of the French Armed Forces in the Asia-Pacific, greets the soldiers participating in Exercise Marara 22 on Huahine, French Polynesia, May 16, 2022. Marara 22 is the foundation for building relationships and increasing engagements with our allies and partners to build a better bilateral relationship.

Throughout the days and nights of Oct. 24th through Oct. 26th, 2022, four planes full of National Guard Soldiers arrived at Fort Bliss, Texas, after a yearlong deployment overseas. Leadership from Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Florida, shook the hands of more than 1,000 Soldiers to welcome them home upon their arrival. The majority of the Soldiers are from the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team headquartered in Boise, Idaho, with components in Montana, Nevada and Oregon. Soldiers from the Florida National Guard joined the deployment as an augmentation. The Soldiers returned home from Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield and were part of Task Force Griz, which deployed last November.

Shane MacDonald (center), 340th Flying Training Group Emergency Manager, asks 340th FTG personnel questions after conducting a natural disaster response exercise held Mar. 29, 2023, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The drill tested the units ability to validate notification and communication processes, facility emergency action plan or organizations emergency checklists, shelter operations, and personnel accountability.

The Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center Command Team discusses future partnerships with a team from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Washington D.C., at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, July 29, 2022. The German team led the first Camp Shelby hosted German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge event.

U.S. Army Soldier Spc. Jeremy Roup, infantryman, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, receives a coin from the 25th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Joseph Ryan at the 3IBCT headquarters on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Oct. 4, 2022. Roup demonstrated unwavering grit and determination by graduating U.S. Army Ranger School after 200 days in the course.

Director of US Southcom Exercises and Coalition Affairs, Mr. Kevin J Bostick, meets with Belizean Coast Guard forces at Belizean Coast Guard Headquarters for Tradewinds 2022. Tradewinds 2022 is a multinational exercise designed to expand the Caribbean regions capability to mitigate, plan for, and respond to crises; increase regional training capacity and interoperability; develop new and refine existing standard operating procedures (SOPs); enhance ability to defend exclusive economic zones (EEZ); and promote human rights and adherence to shared international norms and values; fully integrate women into defense, peace and security missions; and increase maritime domain awareness to deter illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activities.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark A Milley and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff SEAC Ramon Colon-Lopez spoke with soldiers and staff of Garuda Canti Dharma II and thanked them for their efforts to continue peacekeeping training in Indonesia.

U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville calls a Soldiers father after presenting him with a challenge coin before the reflagging ceremony of the 11th Airborne Division, June 6, 2022, at Pershing Parade Field, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The activation returns the historic 11th Airborne Division to an active Army role, with a focus on operations in extreme cold weather and mountainous high-altitude environments. The ceremonies at Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson reflagged the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, into the 1st and 2nd brigade combat teams, 11th Airborne Division, respectively.

Major General Charles D. Costanza and Command Sergeant Major Quentin V. Fenderson, command team of 3rd Infantry Division, recently visited U.S. Soldiers of 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. Marne 6/7 took time to visit each Battalion area of operation and talk with the Dogface Soldiers about their mission and accomplishments since arriving in Germany. They also recognized some outstanding Soldiers with 3ID Coins. The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division is part of the 1st Infantry Division and V Corps, Americas Forward Deployed Corps in Europe which works alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multination training exercises, and retain command and control for its rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

U.S. Army V Corps Commanding General Lt. Gen. John Kolasheski, Maj. Gen. John Meyer III, commanding general of 1st Infantry Division, and General Commander of Branches of the Armed Forces Polish Land Forces Gen. Jarosław Mika share a moment during a tour of the various displays and booths at the Camp Kościuszko Military Picnic at John Paul II Park, Poznań, Poland, July 30, 2022. The military picnic is part of a series of events celebrating the renaming to Camp Kościuszko and the shared history and commitment to collective defense between the United States and Poland. As America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe, V Corps works alongside NATO Allies, like Poland, to provide combat ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retains command and control for all rotational and assigned units, like 1st Infantry Division, in the European theater while building local community relationships.

Maj. Gen. Curtis A. Buzzard, commanding general of the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Moore, visits Soldiers training at 7th Army Training Commands Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Feb. 6, 2024. During his visit, he interacted with and recognized Soldiers who are part of or supporting the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission. Army National Guard

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. David M Pelham III, the incoming Command Sergeant Major of the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, speaks during a change of responsibility ceremony at King Field House, Fort Riley, Kansas, September 23, 2022. The change of responsibility is a tradition of the Army dating back to the times of Alexander the Great.

Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adjutant general of Mississippi, speaks with Soldiers at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson, Mississippi, Sept. 1, 2022.Nearly 600 Mississippi National Guardsmen were set up across seven sites throughout Jackson for residents to collect bottled water and non-potable water from water trucks, helping to relieve some of the effects of the Jackson water crisis.

U.S. Army Col. Michael P. Flaherty, left, Commander of the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John C. Harris, Jr., right, Adjutant General, Ohio National Guard, discuss annual training exercise Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 14, 2022. Harris visited Ohio National Guard units all across Camp Grayling, interfacing with Soldiers and observing the various training missions that occurred.

Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Randall E. Kitchens, U.S. Air Force Chief of Chaplains, receives a metal souvenir in the shape of an F-22 Raptor from Airman 1st Class Kendrick Johnson, an aircraft metal technologies apprentice assigned to the 3rd Maintenance Squadron, on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 20, 2023. Kitchens souvenir was made using a water jet cutter, a machine that allows Airmen from the 3rd MXS to cut pieces of metal with high precision, creating essential parts for the aircraft on JBER.

Maj. Matt Neil, commander of the 139th Civil Engineer Squadron, briefs Maj. Gen. Levon E. Cumpton, the adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard, about the construction progress of a C-130 aircraft simulator facility at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 20, 2022. Cumpton was briefed on the 139th Airlift Wings North Site Development Plan.

Staff Sgt. Jacob Kelly, a member of 157th Security Forces Squadron, completes the land navigation section of the New Hampshire Army National Guard Ranger Assessment at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, Sep. 17, 2022. Kelly was selected to attend the Ranger Training Assessment Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, after finishing within the top three competitors in the NHARNG Ranger Assessment.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael J. Turley, the Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard attends to support the recipients of the State of Utah Service Member of the Year awards at the Utah State Capital on 09 June 22. The awards recognize the outstanding performers from each of the major military entities in the state representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, from active duty, guard and reserve organizations. (Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt Nicholas Perez)

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jared P. Helwig, director of logistics and engineering at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, right, talks to a colleague during a windshield tour of the construction sites at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz, Guam, on June 10, 2022. MCB Camp Blaz is a new military installation being built that will support the armed services operating in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Col. Justin Swartzmiller, the 673d Logistics Readiness Group commander, takes a photo of a Department of the Air Force civic leader during the DAF civic leader tour at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 21, 2022. The 673d LRG showcased how their mission keeps JBERs arctic warriors ready for the fight.

More than 600 personnel from the Idaho National Guards largest unit deployed August 9 and 10 in support of Operation Spartan Shield in Southwest Asia. The 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Teams Task Force Rattler trained for more than two years in anticipation of this mobilization. Idaho Soldiers will comprise nearly 65 percent of the task force during this rotation, and will include other Soldiers from Montana, Ohio, Oregon and South Carolina. OSS is a joint mission under the United States Central Command and is part of Operation Enduring Freedom. OSS is an ongoing operation and supported primarily by Army National Guard combat units from across the country. The deployment is anticipated to last approximately 12 months and is the second rotation the 116th CBCT is supporting. The first task force deployed in November 2021 and will return in October. The Soldiers mobilizing Wednesday will receive 45 days of additional training stateside before deploying overseas.

Senior Airman Mark Vogt, 914 Air Refueling Wing chats with fellow Airmen, Newfane NY, May 24 2022. Both veterans and current members of the 107 Attack Wing and 914 Air Refueling Wing were invited to the military appreciation lunch hosted by students, parents and staff of Newfane Central School. Air National Guard photo, 2d Lt Jason Carr

Polish Maj. Gen. Adam Joks, deputy commanding general for interoperability of V Corps, laughs with Soldiers during a tour of the Abrams Tank Training Academy at Biedrusko, Poland, Sept. 7, 2022. The Abrams Tank Training Academy was established to teach Polish tank crewmen on operations, tactics and maintenance of the M1 Abrams tanks, bringing the U.S. and Poland closer as allies.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael J. Turley, the adjutant general commanding, Utah National Guard, and Brig. Gen. Dan Boyack, assistant adjutant general, Utah Air National Guard, visit Dugway Proving Ground, Utah on Sept. 8, 2022, during a joint force exercise. The exercise is designed to develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Ukrainian Air Force Kostiantyn Stanislavchuk speaks with Norwegian Chief Master Sgt. Didrik Sand during the Senior Enlisted Leader International Summit in Arlington, Va., Aug. 3, 2022. The summit is hosting senior enlisted leaders from 54 countries to reinforce partnerships between military services.

of 3