Military Award Ceremonies and Training

Images of military personnel engaging in award ceremonies, handshakes, and training sessions, showcasing teamwork, recognition, and military readiness in various locations.

Tech. Sgt. Noah Hyatt, 22nd Security Forces Squadron Kennel Master, speaks with Col. James Clark, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC) Detachment 9 commander, about the conditions within 22nd SFS kennels. AFIMSC provides resources and support to mission areas such as security forces, civil engineering, contracting, logistics readiness, financial management, base communications, airmen and family services and the chaplain.

Lt. Col. Gregory Polk, the Task Force Pioneer commander, shakes hands with a U.S. Soldier during an award ceremony at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 22, 2022. As part of Army tradition, Task Force Pioneer facilitates mass ceremonies to present awards and recognize exemplary accomplishments.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Leah G. Lauderback, deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and cyber effects operations, left, shakes the hand of Lt. Col. Matthew Munska, 850th Spectrum Warfare Group deputy commander, during a visit to the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Feb. 1, 2023. Lauderback visited the 350th SWW to learn more about the wings mission to provide cutting-edge Electromagnetic Spectrum capabilities to warfighters.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Dean Shirley, a ramp coordinator assigned to the 172nd Contingency Response Flight, 172nd Airlift Wing, Mississippi Air National Guard, receives a coin from Brig. Gen. Michael Cleveland, commander, 66th Troop Command, Mississippi Army National Guard, for his excellent performance during Southern Strike 2022 at Avon Park, Florida, April 23, 2022. Southern Strike 2022 allows participants the opportunity to build partnerships and maintain combat readiness for future missions.

A team of New Hampshire Army National Guard maintenance subject matter experts kicked off their two-week training with the Fuerza Armada de El Salvador Cavalry mechanics through translated introductions at the Cavalry Regiment base in Sitio del Nino, El Salvador, on February 16, 2024. This mission is part of the NH National Guard-El Salvador State Partnership Program. The guardsmen came to assist the El Salvidorain mechanic team in improving their overall readiness on M1151A1 humvees and technical skills working on transmissions. The team spent the first day walking through troubleshooting techniques and hopes to have two vehicles fully repaired by the end of their trip. Army National Guard

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, Commanding General of 7th Army Training Command speaks with U.S. Army paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade after conducting live fire training as part of exercise Shield 22, April 9, 2022 near Pula, Croatia. Exercise Shield is an annual Croatian air defense exercise that aims at strengthening the execution of the Air Defense tasks against low and medium altitude moving targets. During the exercise, the 173rd Airborne Brigade and Croatian Air Defense Regiment jointly trained on Air Defense Tactics, Techniques and Procedures to include air-space control, deconfliction and surveillance as well as targeting and live fire engagement against flying objects on low and medium level altitudes.The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade r

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Nelson, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, speaks to a group of 379th Expeditionary Security Forces defenders after a shoot, move and communicate demonstration July 2, 2022 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. Nelson along with other 379th AEW leadership witnessed the demonstration as part of a 379th Expeditionary Mission Support Group immersion showcase.

U.S. Army Capt. Kelsey Haslam, commander assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 526th Brigade Support Battalion, acts as the officer in charge (OIC) during an equipment download at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania, July 7, 2022. 101st units will support V Corps' mission to reinforce NATO's eastern flank and engage in multinational exercises with partners across the European continent to reassure our Nation's Allies and deter further Russian aggression.

Tech. Sgt. Noah Hyatt, 22nd Security Forces Squadron Kennel Master, speaks with Col. James Clark, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC) Detachment 9 commander, about the conditions within 22nd SFS kennels. AFIMSC provides resources and support to mission areas such as security forces, civil engineering, contracting, logistics readiness, financial management, base communications, airmen and family services and the chaplain.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo-- Lieutenant (Lt.) General (Gen.) David N. Miller Jr., Commander of Space Operations Command, visited with the 50th Security Force Squadron (50th SFS) during his tour of Schriever Space Force Base, CO, on February 29, 2024. Lt. Gen. David N. Miller Jr. is greeted by members of the 50th SFS as they stand ready to demonstrate what they have been doing at Schrivers shoot house.

Col. Erick Wiedmeier, commander, 97th Troop Command, receives a briefing from a soldier in the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces how they would respond to an airplane crash, Sept. 20, 2022, in Kenitra, Morocco, during joint exercise Maroc Mantlet. The briefing was to explain how the Moroccans would extinguish an airplane fire and extricate personnel inside. Maroc Mantlet benefits both the United States and Morocco in building a stronger partnership. Utah and Moroccan service members training and learning together improve security, professional relationships, and also tactics and techniques.

Tech. Sgt. Thomas Siler shakes newly promoted Tech. Sgt. Eric Terry's hand after Terry's promotion to technical sergeant during the April unit training assembly roll call at Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno.

U.S. Army Col. Derek A. Smith, commander of 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, talks to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Alexis Rembert, a petroleum supply specialist and platoon sergeant, and U.S. Army 1st Lt. Tim Tangires, an ordnance officer and distribution platoon leader, both with 2-158th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, at 2-158th Assault Helicopter Battalions forward arming and refueling point (FARP), Lop Buri, Thailand, Feb. 28, 2024, during Cobra Gold 2024. Exercise Cobra Gold 24 and various other senior leader engagements reinforce the foundation and framework necessary to respond rapidly and effectively to regional crises. Army

U.S. Air Force Col. Mary Teeter relinquished command of the 305th Maintenance Group to U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Pendley during a change of command ceremony. U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Wiederholt, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, presided over the ceremony. Teeter led CAN DO Airmen and 305th innovation through both the COVID-19 pandemic as well as Operations Allies Welcome/Refuge.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shawn Tabankin the commander of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, of the New York Army National Guard, welcomes Soldiers from Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, of the New York Army National Guard, into the Task Force Wolfhound family. In the coming months TF Wolfhound will deploy overseas for a security mission in the Horn of Africa.

Maj. Gen. Michael J. Leeney, Commanding General of Task Force Spartan, addresses Soldiers of the 1-158 Inf. Reg. C. Co. and the 138th Field Artillery Brigade during the Combat Action Badge ceremony, Jordan, Feb. 13, 2024. The Combat Action Badge (CAB) is a United States military award given to Soldiers for being present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy. Army

Brig. Gen. Nick Ducich, director of the Military Advisory Group, Combined Joint Task Force - Inherent Resolve (CJTF - OIR), right, and Lt. Col. Rolf Helland, CJTF - OIR Norway Senior national representative, left, hold a discussion during the Ambassadors Day event at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 21, 2022. During the CJTF-OIR-hosted event, representatives from more than 25 Coalition countries discussed the CJTF-OIR mission and broad efforts to tackle enduring regional security and stability challenges.

040114-A-1915L-015. Base: Camp Santiago State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

ANDRAVIDA AIR BASE, Greece - Members of the 1st Combat Communications Squadron, speak to Lt. Gen. Steven L. Basham, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa deputy commander, during his visit to Andravida Air Base, Greece for INIOCHOS 22, April 1, 2022. The units mission requires its members to be some of the first U.S. forces on the ground to arrive at an operating location. The squadron provided communications for air and ground crew, and support staff members.

Alpha Company bids farewell to 1st Sgt. Nathan Kent and welcomes 1st Sgt. William Booth.

General Daniel Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, speaks to Sgt. Scott Falla and Spc. Javonne Johnson, two Florida National Guard (FLNG) soldiers from the 715th Military Police Company, as they distribute needed supplies in Lehigh Acres, Fla., on Saturday, October 1, 2022. As Hurricane Ian swept through the state of Florida, the FLNG responded to civilians' needs in a disastrous event.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Tony Bozzi, 336th Training Squadron first sergeant, welcomes Lt. Gen. Leah Lauderback, Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, to Thomson Hall at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, August 15, 2022. Lauderback and her team toured the 333rd Training Squadron and 336th Training Squadron to meet and greet squadron personnel, understand the squadron's mission and be briefed on new innovations.

Gen. Michael X. Garrett talks to soldiers about the importance of safety and recognizing good leadership during FORSCOM Safety Award ceremony Fort Hood, Texas, 11 May, 2022. The FORSCOM Safety Awards are presented by Gen. Michael X. Garrett to individuals and organizations with the most significant contributions to risk mitigation, accident prevention and safety program success.

Gen. Duke Z. Richardson, Air Force Materiel Command commander, is greeted by Col. Iliana Wingler, the 460th Medical Group commander on Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., Sept. 28, 2022. Richardsons visit was significant to Space Base Delta 2 and its future endeavors to building a better future and focusing on mission effectiveness.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard coined five Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen after Univision interviews 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.

Col. Kareem P. Montague, deputy commanding officer for support, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, receives the ceremonial first rounds fired from the Salute Battery leaders, during the 4th Inf. Div. Deputy Commanding Officer for Support and Chief of Staff Welcome Ceremony, Aug. 30, 2022, at Founders Plaza, Fort Carson, Colorado. The first ceremonial rounds present welcoming new leaders to the Mountain Post and 4th Inf. Div.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guards 56th Striker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, prepare to board a plane at Harrisburg International Airport on Jan. 1, 2024. The Soldiers are leaving their homes and families for about a year to deploy to Africa to support U.S. Africa Command and partner forces with security objectives in the region. Maj. Gen. Mark McCormack, the commanding general of the 28th Infantry Division, Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, the Deputy Adjutant General-Army, Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Phillips, the State Command Sergeant Major, and other officials greeted Soldiers as they boarded their planes to leave Pennsylvania.

1st Lt. Washington Le, an air and missile defense officer assigned to the 4-3 Air Defense Artillery Regiment, greets Lt. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, the commanding general of U.S. Army Central, July 28,2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The 4-3 ADA's mission is to neutralize aerial threats, partnering with their host nation counterparts, and provide air and missile defense for critical assets.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen Christopher G. Beck, the Deputy-Commanding General of Maneuver, III-Corps, observes vehicle staging and inspections with the Soldiers of 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas, July 19th, 2022. The DCG-M visited Fort Riley to observe aspects of 2ABCT's Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise (EDRE) as the unit prepares to deploy to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, board a plane to deploy to the U.S. Army Europe and Africa area of operations, from Fort Hood, Texas, July 13, 2022. The Fort Hood-based 3ABCT, 1CD will go to Europe to reassure NATO allies, deter Russian aggression and to be prepared to support a range of other requirements in the region.

HANSCOM, AFB, Mass - Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Division, return home from deployment after nine months of service throughout the middle east. Leaders from the Massachusetts National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters and 51st Troop Command leadership greeted soldiers on the flight line of Hanscom Air Force Base. The Soldiers were then before then transported to Camp Curtis Guild where they were reunited with family and friends. Since its inception in 1636, the Massachusetts National Guard has participated in each of our nations conflicts, steadfastly serving the country and the citizens of the Commonwealth. More than 20,000 Massachusetts National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have deployed since September 11, 2001

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Infantry Division Artillery, gather for a convoy brief as part of exercise Knight Swift at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, June 9, 2022. The 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.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Marcus Evans, left, commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division, awards 1st Lt. Nathan Marchand for winning the Top Intelligence Officer of the 2024 Top Intelligence competition (TOPINT) during the awards ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 26. 2024. TOPINT 2024 is an annual competition that brings together Soldiers from across the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps to earn the title of Top Int among their peers.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) (INARNG) receive a briefing from local Kosovo Forces for a patrol during Exercise Kosovo Forces 31 (KFOR31) at Hohenfels Training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Oct 10, 2022. KFOR 31 is a multinational training event conducted to prepare units for their deployment to the Kosovo Regional Command East.

Col. Matt Husemann, right, 436th Airlift Wing commander, greets Australian Army Brigadier Hugh Meggitt, Military Attaché - Washington, during a foreign military sales mission at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 7, 2022. The U.S. and Australia maintain a robust relationship that serves as an anchor for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world. Due to its strategic location, Dover AFB supports approximately $3.5 billion worth of foreign military sales annually.

031203-M-1324H-004. Base: USMC Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: WFTBN

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Matthew Mitchell, 409th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, operations officer, discusses operations of AB 201, Niger with U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Brian Cashman, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, Dec. 4, 2022. Cashman visited AB 201 to better understand the mission of the U.S. Armys civil affairs operations in West Africa and the operations of AB 201.

221209-N-PC620-0157 FORT HOOD, Texas (Dec. 9, 2022) U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey P. Van, center, the Joint Task Force Civil Support commanding general, discusses Exercise Sudden Response 23 with U.S. Marine Col. Dean Shulz, left, the Marine Corps Chemical, Biological Incident Response Force commanding officer, and U.S. Army Col. Anthony Barbina, the 36th Engineering Brigade commanding officer and Task Force Operations commander at Fort Hood, Texas Dec. 9, 2022. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercise Sudden Response 23 Dec. 7-13 in Camp Mabry, Austin and Fort Hood, Texas. Teams from Task Force (TF) Aviation, TF Logistics, TF Medical and TF Operations, rehearsed force and equipment employment, life-saving operations and web-based collaborative tools to ensure their ability to execute Defense Support of Civil Authority (DSCA) mission. The DCRF is comprised of up to 5,200 personnel from military units located throughout the nation who come

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Task Force Pioneer accepts a certificate of German marksmanship proficiency during a German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship awards ceremony at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 14, 2022. The German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship is awarded to soldiers proficient in marksmanship and is an official military award authorized for wear by enlisted service members.

Lt. Col. Gregory Polk, the Task Force Pioneer commander, shakes hands with a U.S. Soldier during an award ceremony at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 22, 2022. As part of Army tradition, Task Force Pioneer facilitates mass ceremonies to present awards and recognize exemplary accomplishments.

Lt. Gen. Antonio Aguto, Commanding General of the First Army, conducted a battlefield circulation, visiting soldiers across Task Force Spartan and the 35th Infantry Division on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, May 21, 2022.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. DA Sims, commanding general of 1st Infantry Division, pins a Legion of Merit Award to U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Rickey G. Jackson, command sergeant major of the 1st Infantry Division Artillery, for his service and diligence prior to his Relinquishment of Responsibility Ceremony at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, April 27, 2022. The 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.

1st Sgt. Ben Davis, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade acting Sgt. Maj., from the Maryland Army National Guard, serves soldiers during a morale, welfare, and recreation day during Northern Strike 22 in Grayling, Mich., on Aug. 15, 2022. The 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, led by Col. Richard Ferguson, has approximately 100 Maryland Army National Guard Soldiers providing all-domain command and control capabilities during Northern Strike 22 from Aug. 6 to 20, 2022.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur Fredericks, Command Sergeant Major of the 85th Troop Command, Connecticut Army National Guard, speaks to U.S. Army soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment, Connecticut Army National Guard, at the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site, Jericho, Vermont, July 16, 2022. As a Command Sergeant Major, Fredericks routinely checks on soldiers during their annual training to ensure effective training is being conducted and to check on the welfare of the soldiers that are subordinate to him.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. James R. Holmes III, commandant of the 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy, addresses participants of the 7th Army Training Command and V Corps Best Squad Competition at a closing event ceremony on Grafenwoehr Parade Field, Germany, July 14, 2022. The four-day competition tested the squads discipline, fitness and commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

U. S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard (MANG), talks about the training experienced during the eXportable Combat Training Capability exercise with U. S. Army Col. Peter Fiorentino, Commander, Massachusetts Army National Guard, July 22, 2022, at Ft. Drum, N. Y. More than 2,500 Soldiers are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win.

Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart, 19th Air Force commander (center), and Chief Master Sgt. Justin Apticar, 19th Air Force command chief (far right), engage with Airmen at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Feb. 15, 2023. During their visit, Stewart and Apticar toured premier fighter squadrons and air maintenance units. The purpose of the visit was to gain insight on the successes and challenges unique to the 56th Fighter Wing.

U.S. Army Gen. James McConville, Chief of Staff of the Army, and Chief Warrant Officer Williams talk about Project Convergence 2022 Oct. 20, Camp Pendleton, California. Project Convergence is an All-Service and Multinational effort to test and integrate emerging technologies.

Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the Adjutant General for the Minnesota National Guard, visits with the Soldiers runing the weapons stakes lane on day three of the Region IV Best Warrior Competition on May 13, 2022.Twelve National Guard Soldiers are competing in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette.)

U.S. Army Col. John B. Mountford, deputy commanding officer for maneuver of the 1st Infantry Division, speaks with U.S. Soldiers assigned to Barbarian Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Biedrusko, Poland, July 18, 2022. Mountford visited Biedrusko Training Area to inspect living areas and speak with Soldiers participating in the Abrams Apprenticeship Program.

Brig. Gen. Lori Robinson, Deputy Commanding General of Support with 2nd Infantry Division/ROK Combined Division, conducts a maintenance terrain walkthrough of the 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade footprint on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Sept. 15, 2022. The purpose of the maintenance terrain walkthrough is to ensure a high level of awareness and command interest in field maintenance by ensuring senior Command Groups understand how their maintenance program operates.

Members of the 202nd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers (RED HORSE), Florida Air National Guard, head south from Bradenton, Florida, to clear debris from roadways in Manatee, Charolette, and Lee counties, Sept. 29, 2022. The 202nd RED HORSE Squadron, stationed at Camp Blanding, Florida, is a specialized, highly mobile civil engineering team comprised of Florida Air National Guardsmen that provides rapid response capabilities for multiple worldwide contingencies and operations.

Leadership from the 301st Fighter Wing greet Maj. Gen Bryan R. Radliff at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, June 5, 2022. Radliff toured the 301 FW to gain a better understanding of the wings future capabilities through the F-35 beddown process.

Brig. Gen. Nick Ducich, director of the Military Advisory Group - North, Combined Joint Task Force - Inherent Resolve (CJTF - OIR), right, addresses fellow attendees during the Ambassadors Day event at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 21, 2022. During the CJTF-OIR-hosted event, representatives from more than 25 Coalition countries discussed the CJTF-OIR mission and broad efforts to tackle enduring regional security and stability challenges.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek C. France, Third Air Force commander, left, presents a coin to Tech. Sgt. John Dempsey, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron Operations Engineering section chief, right, during his visit to Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Jan 27, 2023. Maj. Gen. France traveled to Incirlik AB to meet with Airmen, experience the wings Larger than Life weekend and observe how they support Third Air Force, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, and U.S. European Command objectives. Third Air Force issues directives to subordinate commands and takes action on behalf of the USAFE-AFAFRICA commander as directed. The command takes deliberate actions to develop Airmen and their families, confronts global challenges in support of the National Defense Strategy to defend our country and our allies and utilizes dedicated efforts to deliver peace to our nation and its allies by fostering stability and deterring aggression throughout Europe and Africa.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jared Ennis, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, Tennessee National Guard, instructs Soldiers from the 1171st Medical Company, Michigan National Guard, and the 477th Medical Company, U.S. Army Reserves, Duluth, Minnesota on cold and hot loading medical patients for air evacuations, at Grayling Army Airfield, Mich., during Northern Strike 22-2 Aug. 8, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Robert W. Hughes Jr., Commander of Troops, stands at the position of attention during the 2022 New Jersey National GUard Military Review in Sea Girt, New Jersey, Oct. 16, 2022. New Jersey National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are reviewed annually by New Jerseys governor in this 130-year-old event.

Lt. Col. Joel Maxwell (left) hands the 324th Military Police Battalion colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Bruce Hall during the 324th MP Battalion Change of Command Ceremony here in Fort Hunter Liggett, California. Maxwell is the first active-duty soldier to command an Army Reserve unit according the the Department of the Army Executive Order 139-22 dated May 2022.

Leaders with 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division (3/4 ABCT) listen to an operations order from brigade staff during a command post exercise, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, April 22, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT 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.

Soldiers from Charlie Battery, 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade win the XVIII Airborne Corps Separate Brigades Best Squad Competition on Ft. Bragg, Dec. 6 and 7. The squad completed physical and mental challenges over two days to earn the top spot.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, and other leaders have a conversation at Manda Bay Airfield, Kenya, Aug 30, 2022. "Cooperative Security Location-Manda Bay is an important operational base for U.S. Africa Command forces in the region. The missions here are possible thanks to the exceptional relationship we have with our Kenyan partners and their commitment to regional security and stability," Langley said.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Dorman, left, noncommissioned officer in charge of Bravo Company, 1st Batallion, 116th Infantry Division, briefs U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Chambers, 449th Air Expeditionary Group commander, during Chambers tour of Camp Simba, Kenya, June 3, 2022. Camp Simba is operated by the 475th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron and provides base operations and communications support for thirteen mission partners including a safe landing zone for Combined Joint Task ForceHorn of Africa personnel recovery and casualty evacuation and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms.

FORT HOOD, T.X. - U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, deputy commander III Corps & Fort Hood, recites the Oath of Commissioned Officers, given by Maj. Gen. Robert Whittle, deputy commander for United States Army North (Fifth Army) during his promotion ceremony at III Corps Fort Hood, Texas 22 Aug. 2022.

Major Gen. Albert Miller, deputy chief of staff for operations at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, thePentagon, Arlington, Virginia, and Col. Phil Heseltine, 931st Air Refueling Wing commander, shake handsduring Millers arrival to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing headquarters building at McConnell Air Force Base,Kansas, July 5th, 2022. Miller talked with Heseltine and Col. Nate Vogel, 22nd Air Refueling Wingcommander, about feedback he received from Airmen in the air refueling squadrons.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, commanding general of U.S. Army Central (left), receives greetings from Command Sgt. Maj. James E. Holloman, command sergeant major of 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, "Task Force Rough Rider," attached to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, during a visit held 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.

(Right to Left) Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew Campbell, State Command Sergeant Major for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, places a Governor's Twenty tab onto the shoulder of Air Force Staff Sgt. John Rebuck, 148th Air Support Operations Squadron, PA Air National Guard, during closing ceremonies of the Governor's Twenty competition on May 21, 2022

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (Aug. 1, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Steven R. Rudder, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC), shakes hands with a Royal Malaysian Marine during Distinguished Visitor Day as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 at Pyramid Rock Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 1. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Army Cpt. Robert Harrison, a team leader (left) and Sgt. 1st Class Johnathan Boynton, the assistant team leader (center), both with the Fort Benning-based 1st battalion, 54th Security Forces Assistance Brigade, give their remarks to a Georgian Defense Forces multinational commander after a defensive posture training exercise during Noble Partner at the Vaziani Training Area, Georgia, Sep. 1, 2022. Exercise Noble Partner is designed to enhance regional partnerships and increase U.S. force readiness and interoperability in a realistic, multinational training environment. The exercise allows participants to conduct situational training exercises, live-fire exercises, and combined mechanized maneuvers.

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 in 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.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard coined five Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen after Univision interviews 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.

Air Force Col. Kurt Muller, commander of the 673rd Civil Engineer Group based on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson awards Alaska Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Reed Vukelic, acting first sergeant of the 207th Engineer Utilities Detachment, with a coin on Camp Carrol, Aug. 5, 2022. Vukelic led his Soldiers during a joint field training exercise on JBER and enhanced intra-agency training cooperation between the 207th EUD and 673rd CEG

U.S. Army Col. Mitchell Wisniewski, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst deputy commander, and Army Support Activity Fort Dix commander, speaks with a guest at the Army Support Activity Fort Dix Aviation Facility ribbon cutting ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst N.J. on Aug. 19, 2022. The Army Aviation Facility Project was a MILCON effort valued at 11.7 million dollars and made possible through the joint effort of ASA Fort Dix and the U.S. Marine Corps Marine Aircraft Group 49. The 2100 square foot building is host to an Army Ramp Management Area which provides a wide range of capabilities for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft such as the C-130, CH-47S, and UH-60S. The addition of the new Army Ramp will provide enhanced load out and aviation operation training capabilities, parking for Army aviation aircraft, refueling, troop movement and flight planning operations for approximately 216,000 people that use JB MDL to meet readiness requirements.

Tunisia Maj. Wagdi Nehdi, Logistical Commander of the Tunisian Army, discusses maintenance procedures with U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Craig Krantz, a Motor Officer for the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, Wyoming Army National Guard, in Sheridan, Wyoming, May 17, 2022, on a State Partnership Program visit.

On the Finance Corps 247th birthday, the 25th DSB stood up the 125th Finance Battalion. Leading the new Battalion is LTC Leviticus D. Pope who assumed command of the battalion in conjunction with the activation.The support of this new battalion increases our capabilities in all aspects, and allows us to plan and synchronize operations in the joint division and core operation areas. Mahalo, and welcome back!

030819-M-7837W-030. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT)

U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin Jonsson, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, speaks to Airmen prior to a Tampa Bay Rays game in St. Petersburg, Florida, June 8, 2022. The Tampa Bay Rays welcomed Airmen assigned to the 6th ARW to watch a game to show appreciation for their military service.

Gen. Daniel Hokanson, Chief, National Guard Bureau, speaks with Staff Sgt. Austin Grant (left) and Staff Sgt. Joshua Poticha (right), aircraft maintainers with the 157th Maintenance Group, about the KC-46a Pegasus at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire, May 3, 2022. Hokanson attended the annual Northeast TAG Huddle and New Hampshire visit hosted by the 157th Air Refueling Wing.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, listens to 86th Civil Engineer Squadron leadership about their mission during an immersion tour of the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 27, 2022. 86 CES Airmen talked about the importance of the base water treatment facility and how the system works.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Darrell Walls, command sergeant major of 56th Artillery Command, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, talks to U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment, 75th Field Artillery Brigade, about their performance during a HIMARS Rapid Infiltration exercise as part of DEFENDER-Europe 22 at Bornholm, Denmark, May 24, 2022. DEFENDER-Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises within U.S. European Commands Large Global Scale Exercise construct taking place in Eastern Europe. As part of the annual U.S.-led exercise, parts of the Danish army, navy, and air force train littoral defense from Bornholm and in the Baltic Sea as part of the bilateral training exercise led by the United States in order to build readiness and interoperability within the NATO allies.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander coins Nebraska Air National Guard members for exceptional performance at the Tunisia International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition 2022 in Hammamet, Tunisia, Oct. 12, 2022. Support to the Tunisia IADE is the embodiment of U.S. Africa Command's dedication to its African partners.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Task Force Pioneer accepts a certificate of German marksmanship proficiency during a German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship awards ceremony at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 14, 2022. The German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship is awarded to soldiers proficient in marksmanship and is an official military award authorized for wear by enlisted service members.

Kosovo Forces Regional Command-East Maneuver Battalion transferred authority from the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Kentucky Army National Guard (Task Force Mountain Warrior), to the 2nd Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Indiana Army National Guard (Task Force Avenger) during a ceremony on Camp Nova Selo, Kosovo, on Oct. 29, 2022. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Anna Pongo, 111th Public Affairs Detachment, Nebraska National Guard)

Maj. Gen. Sean M. Salene, the U.S. Central Command's Director of Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J-5), is greeted by Maj. Samuel H. Waterman, the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron 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.

MG Phil Brooks and CSM Neil Sartain visit soldiers in the EOC for the 1-118th MRE at Fort Sill's Thompson Hill Range Complex.

Col. Damon Delarosa, U.S Army Corps of Engineers - Alaska District commander (center), delivered remarks at a groundbreaking ceremony for the 16/34 runway extension on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.In the 77-year history of our organization in Alaska, this $309 million project represents the largest construction contract that we have ever awarded, said Col. Damon Delarosa, district commander. Now that we are ready to break ground, our team is eager to oversee the next phase of this massive undertaking and build upon the impressive legacy of the Army engineers who have served in the Last Frontier.Engineers on the mega-project used cutting-edge technology and innovative techniques to design the project. It will require extensive excavation due to the site topography including the movement of 12 million cubic yards of soil, which is equal to 800,000 dump truck loads. If lined up, those trucks would cover the distance from JBER to San Antonio, Texas.

Col. Chris Stelle (Center), U.S. Army Central intelligence operations officer, and his team discuss battle drills during Exercise Lucky Strike 2022 at Fort Gordon, Georgia, Sept. 21, 2022. During Exercise Lucky Strike, USARCENT deployed its contingency command post, demonstrating an ability to rapidly deploy within its area of responsibility.

Members with the 36th Aircraft Maintenance Unit prepare for the 51st Maintenance Group Weapons Load Crew Competition to begin at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 6, 2022. For this competition, each team loaded various munitions pivotal to the United States Air Force combat inventory to their respective airframe.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Donald Lipscomb, commander of the California Army National Guards 185th Military Police Battalion, 49th Military Police Brigade, talks to his command team at the Randall Road Debris Basin, Jan. 13, 2023, in Montecito, California, during a 649th Engineer Company mission to reroute the water flow as part of the states storm response. The basin is in the same area where a deadly mudflow hit in 2018. The engineers are supporting the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management through the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services.

Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment return from deployment in Poland, are greeted by senior leaders at the Jackson Armory, Portland, Ore., on Jan. 25, 2022. Approximately 130 Oregon National Guard Soldiers deployed to Poland to support the European Deterrence Initiative as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve in April of 2021. (Air National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Troopers Col. Kevin Bradley (left), commander of the 3d Cavalry Regiment, Maj. Nicholas Drake (middle left), the executive officer of the regiment, Capt. Miguel DeLeon (middle right), the on-duty regimental battle captain, and Maj. Brandon Essiet (right), talk about current battlefield conditions during a training rotation to the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, at the Regimental Tactical Operations Center in a remote location of the training area, May 18, 2022. The regimental leaders communicated consistently with squadrons to keep Bradley abreast of real-time data of the fight.

AIR BASE 201, Niger - U.S. Air Force Gen. James Hecker, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), commander, greets members of the 409th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron during a base visit at Air Base 201, Niger, Oct. 29, 2022. Hecker was briefed on force protection along with a perimeter tour to better understand the installations significant improvements as well as ongoing challenges.

050308-A-6854T-042. Base: La Mesa Country: Panama (PAN)

From left, U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Hector Garcia, Command Chief, 156th Wing, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James Porterfield, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, and U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Phelix Vazquez, Airfield Manager, 156th Wing, tour the airfield at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Sept. 14, 2022. During the visit, wing leadership presented Porterfield with the organization's mission sets, capabilities, future projects and a tour of the installations airfield.

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Pettway, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew chief with 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, 29th Infantry Division, Virginia National Guard, discusses aircraft procedures and safety with service members of the Swiss Air Force at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, prior to conducting a multinational, multi-ship flight April 12, 2022. Four service members from the Swiss Air Force were passengers on the Blackhawk helicopter during the multi-ship flight, which brought together aircraft from Switzerland, Croatia and the U.S.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. James McCormack bids farewell to Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 28th Infantry Division, as they depart from Harrisburg International Airport as they begin a year-long deployment where they will serve in the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

U.S. Army Paratroopers participate in Initial Manifest Call (IMC) to prepare for an airborne jump from UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters at Fort Bragg, N.C. on Apr. 27, 2022. The purpose of IMC is to gather a manifest of people who will be participating in an airborne jump.

From left, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. William Russell III, senior enlisted advisor to the adjutant general, Michigan National Guard speaks with U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Joseph Orr, 1-119th Field Artillery Regiment, Charlie Battery, Michigan Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Roger Kenny, command sergeant major of the 119th Field Artillery Regiment of the Michigan Army National Guard, during Summer Shield at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, May 25, 2022. Summer Shield, led by Latvian Mechanized Infantry Brigade is one of multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe that make up Defender Europe 22 exercise, led by U.S Army Europe and Africa. Defender demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

As our Iron Eagles arrived in Denmark, they were taken to the Port of Esbjerg and welcomed by Danish Home Guard with a tour of the port, custom colored patches, and a complimentary lunch of local cuisine. What a way to kick off the CABs entrance into Europe!

U.S. Army Col. Josie Carrasquillo, the Defense Logistics Agency Energy Americas commander, talks to Airmen assigned to the 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron during a visit to North Pole, Alaska, July 26, 2022. During the visit, Carrasquillo met with fuels management Airmen from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, and talked about how the North Pole Defense Fuel Support Point facility compares to its on-base equivalent.

221017-N-TP834-2003U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander, greets U.S. Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Navy Adm. Christopher Grady, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Oct. 17, 2022, at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo. While at USSPACECOM, senior leaders briefed Grady on how the command supports integrated deterrence through seamless cooperation among warfighting domains, theaters, and our unmatched network of alliances and partnerships. USSPACECOM strengthens integrated deterrence by providing space warfighting options that preserve the competitive advantage of the U.S. and our allies while promoting security and stability in space.

Chief Petty Officer Tiffany Moore gives a briefing to attendees of the Drill Instructor Summit, Oct. 19, 2022.The summit is designed to facilitate dialogue between the services, aid in the exchange of ideas, discuss societal trends affecting basic military training, and identify best practices which serve to benefit enlisted training across the services.U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Timothy Tamargo

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