Marksmanship and Training

Soldiers engaged in firearms training, showcasing various military personnel qualifying with their weapons in different environments and competitions.

Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21538093 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Garrett Ools, a radio operator with 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, provides security while participating in urban terrain training during Warfighter Week on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 15, 2022. Warfighter Week provides the opportunity to train to specific objectives that enhance lethality and sustain readiness.

A Marine with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) completes M4 rifle qualification requirements July 26, 2022, on Range 18 on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 24th Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 was holding annual training at Fort McCoy.

Soldiers of Squad 7, United States Army Reserves, participate in a zero range during the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 2, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Army Sgt. Andrew Row, a member of the 101st Airborne Divisions Best Squad, familiarizes himself with his M4 Carbine in preparation for the M4 qualification portion of the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 26, 2022. The M4 Carbine range was one of several events during the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition that tested each competitors weapon proficiency and technical expertise.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldier Sgt. Kelson Brooks, assigned to the 982nd Combat Camera Company (Airborne) conducts M4 Carbine marksmanship qualifications on Fort Jackson, SC, April 9, 2022. Soldiers qualify their marksmanship every year in order to maintain combat readiness.

U.S. Army Spc. Keving Lee, an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fires an M110 semi-automatic sniper system as part of the zeroing step at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 7, 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.

Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21538093 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

Advisors assigned to 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade conduct marksmanship drills with the 95th Civil Affairs Advanced Skills Detachment at Fort Bragg, N.C., Mar. 30, 2022. The advisors conducted the training in preparation for upcoming deployments.

A U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) specialist fires his weapon to hit targets during the TACP 2022 Lightning Challenge at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Nov. 4, 2022. Lightning Challenge tests United States Air Force TACP Airmen through competition in agile combat employment, physical ability and marksmanship in order to identify the most outstanding multi-capable Airman in the world, prepared to fight and win on the all-domain battlefields of the future.

Students dial in their M-68 sights before weapons training during Fieldcraft Hostile on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 8, 2022. FCH places students in realistic and strenuous training scenarios used to teach skills such as weapons control, combative techniques, communications, mounted and dismounted individual and team movements and land navigation.

Cpl. Kyle Slinker, a military police officer with 561st Military Police Company, attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, pulls guard and Police Sub Station 9, July 30. Slinker hails from Claremont, Ind.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Jeremy Scott, 9th Air Force (9th AF) air advisory and training division senior enlisted leader, receives instructions on how to handle a weapon during a training scenario at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Sep. 23, 2022. The 9th AF training division utilizes feedback from the combat training scenarios to design new courses to help our Airmen become even more lethal when it is required.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Kapela, with the 152nd Engineer Support Company, New York Army National Guard, fires his M4 carbine during the SGT Henry Johnson Individual Combat Rifle Match as part of the 38th Annual The Adjutant General's Combat Sustainment Training Exercise (TAG Match) at Camp Smith Training Site, N.Y., June 3, 2017. The TAG Match is a 3-day event conducted by the New York Army National Guard to promote excellence in marksmanship training and offer Soldiers, Airmen and State Militia the opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a battle-focused environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan Forbes, a Abbottstown, Pennsylvania, native and combat engineer with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, post security during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 12, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Fernando Sulsanvelez, an infantryman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, fires an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a live-fire range for at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 3, 2022. The training allowed infantry companies and the medium missile battery with 3d LCT to rehearse maneuver proficiency and conduct expeditionary advanced base operations while integrated into the 3d MLR.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, fires an M16A4 service rifle during table 2 prequalification at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 12, 2022. Recruits shoot at a variety of distances on several targets as part of their marksmanship assessment during recruit training.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 11, 2024) U.S. Marine Corp Sgt. Jesse McManigle, from Beaufort, South Carolina, assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) as a scout sniper, maintains overwatch aboard the forward-deployed amphibious landing dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) during a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercise. Green Bay, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navys largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Navy

U.S. Army Green Berets assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and members of a cross-functional team (CFT) involving a Civil Affairs (CA) team, a Psychological Operations (PSYOP) team, and Macedonian Special Operations Task Unit Wolves” train on multiple sniper rifles during Exercise Trojan Footprint 22 in Macedonia, May 2, 2022. Trojan Footprint is the premier Special Operations Forces (SOF) exercise in Europe that focuses on improving the ability of SOF to counter myriad threats, increases integration with conventional forces and enhances interoperability with our NATO allies and European partners.

Sgt. 1st Class Brandon W. Rodriguez, representing U.S. Army Forces Command, fires an M4 carbine at a stress shoot event during the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition, held on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 05, 2022. The week-long competition will assess each squad on their technical and tactical proficiency, as well as their ability to work as a disciplined and cohesive team, featuring a multitude of fitness, knowledge and combat-related events.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Elliot Blasi, a field artillery fire control Marine, left, and Lance Cpl. Angel Flores, an administrative specialist, both with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), reload an M240B machine gun during a live-fire exercise 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.

Soldiers with 1st Platoon, B Dog” Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct a platoon live fire on a range at Fort Knox, KY, April 27, 2022.The purpose of this training is to execute a decentralized division training density from dispersed field environments in order to enhance readiness, while stressing communications and sustainment systems across extended distances.

A Soldier assigned to 2nd Infantry Division shoots at the Bayonet Blitz range during the 7ID Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 21, 2022. The three-day competition was held to recognize the best Soldier and noncommissioned officer in the division through various tests including a ruck march, obstacle course, land navigation, R2 performance test and a board.

A U.S. Army Soldier from the 10th Mountain Division fires at a target during the International Sniper Competition 2022, April 5, 2022, on Fort Benning, G.A.Not only were their shooting abilities tested on their rifles and pistols, at both stationary and moving targets, but they also had to demonstrate their ability to maintain information under stress and their ability to communicate as a team.

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade fires a M240 machine gun during a combined arms live fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 22, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

A U.S. Army Soldier with 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division (25th ID), fires an M4A1 carbine while defending an objective as the opposing force during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center rotation 23-01 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Nov. 2, 2022. JPMRC uses training scenarios specific to certain environments to train the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th ID with joint, allied and partnered forces in conditions in which they would fight.

Soldiers with the 370th Chemical Company participate in weapons qualifications on ranges at Fort McCoy, Wis., as part of the Red Dragon exercise in August, 2022. U.S. Army photo by Kevin W. Clark

A U.S. Marine with 3d Battalion, 2nd Marines conducts a live fire range in Okinawa, Japan, May 12, 2022. This range integrates raiding and demolition tactics to enhance the Marines' ability to breach obstructions and perform combat operations in an urban environment. 3/2 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division.

U.S. Army Pfc. Damien Naylor, an infantryman assigned to 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, uses the M4 carbine weapon to fire at targets at the 7th Army Training Command and V Corps Best Squad Competition weapons qualifications event, Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, July 12, 2022. Squads from the two commands area of operation tested their marksmanship during the weapons qualification event of the competition. Winners of this best squad competition will advance to the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition in August.

A U.S. Soldier with Task Force Americal from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, trains with an M4 carbine at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sept. 24, 2022. The U.S. Air Forces 378th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron facilitate and occasionally conduct Joint Force training with the U.S. Army on PSABs firing range. Soldiers and Airmen must undergo routine weapons qualification training to ensure safety and proficiency standards. (U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Noah J. Tancer)

A Hellenic Special Forces member assigned to the Z Amphibious Raiding Squadron, posts security for a combined forces event during exercise Alexander the Great 2022, Skyros, May 17, 2022. Alexander the Great 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Greece, and Allied nations, enhancing strategic defense and partnership while promoting security and stability in the region.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 fires an M110 semi-automatic sniper system during exercise Eagle Wrath 22 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, May 9, 2022. The explosive ordnance disposal team uses the M110 semi-automatic sniper system to detonate explosives from a safe distance. Eagle Wrath is an annual MWSS-171 exercise at CATC Camp Fuji, Japan, designed to increase squadron proficiency in conducting real-world contingency missions while in a forward operating environment.

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, holds security after clearing a building during a Raid Course on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 30, 2022. The Raid was one of several training events part of Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Interoperability Course, an Expeditionary Operations Training Group led training and evaluation event focused on combining elements of the MAGTFduring the initial training phases of the 26th Marine Expeditionary UnitPre-deployment training program.

US marine with assault rifle during the military operation

021018-F-1443F-003. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 12th Combat Aviation Brigade conducted M240 weapons familiarization for a CH-47 Chinook aerial gunnery evaluation at Grafenwoehr, Germany, July 26, 2022. The 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) prepares for full-spectrum combat aviation operations in support of the United States Army, the United States Army-Europe and other designated combined joint task force headquarters.

A Soldiers the United States Army Reserves squad makes an adjustments to their iron sights at a zero range during the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 2, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

Spc. Kellen Matis, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, fires at his target while kneeling during the M4 Carbine weapons qualification at Studnica Range, Poland, April 1st, 2022. The qualification process is composed of 6 steps or tables during which the Soldiers put into practice all the techniques and skills learned during the process, demonstrating their skills and knowledge.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Zachary Muney, a squad instructor with Marine Combat Training Battalion, School of Infantry East, prepares to fire his rifle during the Intramural Marksmanship Competition at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 6, 2022. The Marine Corps Intramural Marksmanship Competition inspires unit cohesion and mission readiness by allowing Marines to compete and improve lethality with both rifle and pistol weapons.

A student lays in the prone position while firing her weapon during weapons training in Fieldcraft Hostile on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 8, 2022. FCH is a pre-deployment course directed by the 421st Combat Training Squadron, that teaches basic combat skills to over 5,000 U.S. Air Force, Joint and NATO personnel annually.

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

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

The soldiers from the 104th Engineer Battalion are at the Fort Dix Range Complex on Ranges 29a and 29b during their M4A1 Zero and Grounding training. This is one of the first units to use Range 29b that was just recently transformed and renovated to an Army standard 25-meter rifle range here on Fort Dix. The 104th Engineer Battalions is based in Port Murray, New Jersey. (Images are provided by the Fort Dix (TSC) Training Support Center / Daniel Amburg)

U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Raul Geadau with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, shoots in the kneeling position for the Marine Corps table two course of fire at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 19, 2022. Table two course of fire teaches recruits the fundamentals of safety and marksmanship in combat shooting positions and rifle carries.

240206-M-IU565-1298 FAILAKA ISLAND, Kuwait (Feb. 6, 2024) A Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command returns fire on opposing forces while participating in the final evolution of exercise Eager Defender 24 on Failaka Island, Kuwait, Feb. 6. Eager Defender 24 is the capstone in a series of bilateral exercises between Kuwait and U.S. naval forces, focused on enhancing mutual capabilities and interoperability in maritime security operations. Marine Corps photo)

Army Spc. Christopher Keefe, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul, scans his area of responsibility as he secures an area near a bridge construction site in the Zabul province of Afghanistan. Members from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were on hand to inspect the progress and quality of several bridges being built in the area.The PRT consists of members from the Air Force, Army and civilian agencies. Keefe is deployed from the 181st Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tyler Zimbro, 633d Security Forces Squadron response force leader, gets down to cover during a field day training exercise at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Nov. 1, 2022. Airmen participating in the exercise are required to be at their sharpest in order to have their teammates back and simulate proper formations and procedures when under attack.

Midshipman Christopher Strout, with the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, operates the M27 assault rifle during a live-fire range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 26, 2022. The Career Orientation and Training for Midshipmen program is a basic introduction and training event to familiarize NROTC Midshipmen with the primary warfare designators that they will eventually serve in, as well as provide them with exposure to what is often their first fleet experience.

United States Marine aims a designated marksman rifle, Marjah, Afghanistan

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

A U.S. Army Soldier, with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, takes a security position with the M110A1 Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDMR) during a field mission at the Fort Dix Ranges on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 25, 2023. The 114th Infantry Regiment had a four day drill weekend to better prepare for JRTC.

U.S. Army Spc. Donovon Lynch, a Mass Communications Specialist assigned to the Viper Team at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, takes photos of paratroopers during Exercise Saber Junction 22 in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 7, 2022. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Armys 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. Armys Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022.

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment engages targets with a M240 machine gun during a combined arms live fire exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Grafenwoehr, Germany, Sept. 22, 2022.The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army photograph by Sgt. Luke Michalski)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Carl Harkins, a combat engineer with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, picks up an M240B machine gun during exercise Eagle Wrath 22 at Combined Arms Training Center (CATC) Camp Fuji, Japan, May 6, 2022. Eagle Wrath is an annual MWSS-171 exercise at CATC Camp Fuji designed to increase squadron proficiency in conducting real-world contingency missions in a forward operating environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Crisitina Salazar, a finance technician with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fires an M16A4 service rifle during a table three through six range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 8, 2022. The purpose of the range was to improve Marines combat marksmanship in preparation for future operations. 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. Salazar, a native of Los Angeles, California, graduated from Bell Gardens High School in 2018 and enlisted out of Recruiting Station Hollywood in 2020.

An Airman from the 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron practices shooting drills at Camp Guersney, Wyoming, on June 23, 2022. Airmen perfrom these exercises hone skills and ensure readiness.

A Soldier with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, conducts Buddy Team Tactics at a Fort Benning Range on 27 September 2022.In each lane, a drill sergeant coached Soldiers on the correct movements. Soldiers began the lane behind a structure's wall, moved down range to another structure, took a knee, locked and loaded their M4 rifle and began their patrol.

A U.S. Soldier, assigned to A Battery, Field Artillery Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, sights in a M777A2 Howitzer during a Table XV Battery Certification live fire exercise, Nov. 9, 2022 at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. 2nd Cavalry Regiment, assigned to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe, works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater to defend the NATO alliance.

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires an M27 infantry automatic rifle during a mechanized raid exercise at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 16, 2024. The mechanized raid was conducted to refine the Marines ability to carry out continuous operations in austere environments and execute strategic plans. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in 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

U.S. Army soldier assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducts rifle qualifications with an M4-A1 Carbine during tryouts for the Best Ranger Competition. The Best Ranger Competition is held annually at Fort Benning, Georgia, where for over 60 hours, ranger-qualified soldiers compete in a series of challenges ranging from physical fitness and marksmanship.

U.S. Army Pfcs. Noah Arms and Hayden Erickson, fire support specialists assigned to Headquarters & Headquarters Battalion, 41st Field Artillery Brigade, reload a M249 Light Machine Gun during the 7th Army Training Command and V Corps Best Squad Competition weapons qualifications event-a test of their marksmanship, Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, July 12, 2022. The winning squad will advance to the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition in August.

020417-F-0007M-008. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE 2002 Base: Fort Dix State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Mobility Command

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Diego WalkerMendez, a combat engineer with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, fires an M110 semi-automatic sniper system during exercise Eagle Wrath 22 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, May 9, 2022. The explosive ordnance disposal team uses the M110 semi-automatic sniper system to detonate explosives from a safe distance. Eagle Wrath is an annual MWSS-171 exercise at CATC Camp Fuji, Japan, designed to increase squadron proficiency in conducting real-world contingency missions while in a forward operating environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Nestor Castilloverdines, engineer equipment mechanic assigned to Engineer Platoon, Support Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Support Battalion, adjusts the machine gun day optic on a M240B medium machine gun during live-fire training at L-5 Range, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 22, 2022. II MEF prioritizes realistic training and education that prepare its Marines to rapidly respond to crises and contingences around the globe.

Sergeant 1st Class Jason E. Pate, 68W Combat Medics, 187th Medical Battalion,zeros in his weapon during the stress shoot qualifications for the best medic competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The event included the Army Combat Fitness Test, obstacle course, M-4 qualification, warrior tasks and battle drills, land navigation, a Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and 12-Mile Ruck March.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Philip Wisniewski, an infantryman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, fires an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 3, 2022. The training allowed infantry companies and the medium missile battery with 3d LCT to rehearse maneuver proficiency and conduct expeditionary advanced base operations while integrated into the 3d MLR.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, conduct a Browning M2 .50 Caliber Heavy Machine Gun Qualification Range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Feb. 29, 2024. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment, assigned to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe, works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater to defend the NATO alliance. Army

Before entering the shoot house, soldiers from Charlie Company practiced squad movements outside.Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers from Charlie Company, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion spent a portion of their annual training working inside the Orchard Combat Training Center Shoot House.The Shoot House is not another range but a tactical training environment where soldiers sharpen their skills in entering and clearing a room and various passageways in tight, close quarters areas. The exercise requires squad leaders to clearly communicate directions to identify potential threats and respond strategically and effectively to those threats.Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers are currently preparing to deploy in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

A soldier from 3rd Platoon, Blackhorse Company, 2-3 Infantry Regiment, 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team wears upgraded Integrated Visual Augmentation System goggles while pulling security during a movement-to-contact urban raid exercise on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., August 24, 2022. The exercise was part of a two-day demonstration event hosted by the Program Executive Office of Ground Combat Systems with the aim of integrating soldier feedback into the development of new military combat technology.

060201-A-2718K-079. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ)

GREYWOLF Trooper, assigned to 1-12 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducts a platoon STX, Oct. 26, 2022. Training events like these promote readiness throughout the unit and help soldiers prepare for situations they may face on the battlefield.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers from Charlie Company 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry conduct joint marksmanship training with Soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland near Mitrovica, Kosovo June 28, 2022. Internally, Kosovo Forces cooperation occurs between all of our valued, troop-contributing nations.

FORT HOOD, Texas - 1st Squad, Red Platoon, based out of Joint Base Lewis McCord, Washington, compete in Patrol Lane 2 for the U.S. Army Forces Command Best Squad Competition at Fort Hood, Texas, August 18, 2022. These Soldiers represent the best the in U.S. Army Forces Command.

NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Poland U.S. Soldiers assigned to Fist Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), alongside U.K. soldiers assigned to N Battery, Eagle Troop, Royal Horse Artillery confirm a call for fire support during a live fire exercise with U.S. Soldiers assigned to Bull Battery, 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3-1 ABCT in Toruń, Poland, Nov. 3, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division fire an M136 AT4 rocket launcher during Resolute Dragon 22 at Shikaribetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 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.

U.S. Sgt. Jackie Payne, representing the U.S Army Futures Command, fires his M-4 carbine during the stress shoot portion of the Army Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 5, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, test fires an M17 pistol. Regular range visits allow soldiers to hone their marksmanship and ensure their weapon is functional.

Spc. Brett Cooper, a Valparaiso, Indiana native and infantryman with 2nd Platoon, Viper Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), demonstrates reloading of the 84mm Recoilless Rifle, known as the Carl Gustov Apr. 27, Fort Campbell, Ky. This brief is in preparation for an upcoming Engagement Area Development, a company-level defense set to take place this week during OLE II.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Aaron Capolupo, with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, fire the M4 Carbine during a field mission at the Fort Dix Ranges on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 25, 2023. The 114th Infantry Regiment had a four day drill weekend to better prepare for JRTC.

Spc. Ashraf Fanidi, an intelligence analyst assigned to 2-158th Attack Helicopter Battalion, shoots at the Bayonet Blitz range during the 7ID Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 21, 2022. The three-day competition was held to recognize the best Soldier and noncommissioned officer in the division through various tests including a ruck march, obstacle course, land navigation, R2 performance test and a board.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 174, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, fire M240-B and M2 .50-caliber machine guns at the Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay range, Hawaii, Jan. 16, 2024. The training provided an opportunity for Marines with MWSS-174 to get hands-on training and familiarization with the employment of crew-served weapons.

Spc. Tyler Wischerman, a Soldier assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, engages the target during the International Sniper Competition 2023 at Fort Benning, Georgia, on April 11, 2023. The snipers at the competition had to demonstrate critical battlefield skills, including stealth, reconnaissance, fitness, and the ability to adjust under pressure.

U.S. Special Forces soldiers provide security with automatic rifles.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members fire an M240B machine gun alongside U.S. Marines assigned to 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division during Artillery Relocation Training Program 22.1 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Hijudai Training Area, Japan, April 14, 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Leroy Jr, a squad leader with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, posts security during Exercise Manticore in France, Sept. 17, 2022. Exercise Manticore is a French Army-led large scale exercise that integrated the Marines into a platoon-sized maneuver element to conduct offensive and defensive operations.

United States airborne infantry marksman in action.

AL HAMRA, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (June 14, 2022) - A U.S. Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command clears a pathway during bilateral training with the United Arab Emirate Presidential Guard during exercise Iron Defender 22 at Al Hamra training camp, UAE, June 14. Iron Defender is an annual bilateral training event between U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and forces from the United Arab Emirates. The exercise focuses on maritime security operations, mine countermeasures and harbor defense.

Spc. Tanner Cherry, 1067th Transportation Company, fires blank rounds from an M2 machine gun during the weapon malfunction portion of the 2022 Best Squad Competition at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, May 4, 2022. BSC 2022 measures the abilities of squads to perform physical and mental challenges as a cohesive team.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Sean Evans, an Illinois native, and an engineer officer with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division (MARDIV), aims down range with an M3E1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapons System as part of the Division Leaders Assessment Program (DLAP) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 24, 2024. DLAP is a rigorous course that tests and improves the warfighting abilities of leaders across 2d Marine Division. Marine Corps

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Steven Shives, an M1 armor crewman gunner, master gunner assigned to 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, familiarizes himself with the M17 pistol in preparation for the stress shoot portion of the Sullivan Cup on Fort Benning, Georgia, May 4, 2022. The Sullivan Cup requires mastery of individual tasks, technical and tactical competence, and the ability to demonstrate an array of maneuver, sustainment, and gunnery skills.

U.S. Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division lay suppressing fire during a training scenario at the National Training Center on Fort Irwin, Calif., July 23, 2006. The center trains Soldiers in preparation for service in Iraq.

U.S. Soldiers with Task Force Americal from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, qualify on M17 handguns at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sept. 22, 2022. The U.S. Air Forces 378th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron facilitate and occasionally conduct Joint Force training with the U.S. Army on PSABs firing range. Soldiers and Airmen must undergo routine weapons qualification training to ensure safety and proficiency standards. (U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Noah J. Tancer)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Adam Schmidbauer, a security forces Airman assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, fires an M203 grenade launcher during a heavy weapons training event at Fort Custer in Augusta, Mich., Jan. 10, 2024. The training gives Airmen hands-on experience with various heavy weapons, ensuring they are prepared for any situation around the world. (Air National Guard

modern warfare american marines soldier in action while sneaking and aiming on laseer sight optics in combat position and searching for target in battle

Airman 1st Class Leland Volrath, of the 219th Security Forces Squadron, fires an M249B Light Machine Gun at the firing range at Camp Gilbert C. Grafton, North Dakota, July 15, 2014. The Airman is performing annual weapons familiarization training and qualification for his assigned mission of missile field security at the Minot Air Force Base, near Minot, North Dakota.

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