Military Ceremonies and Awards

Images capture U.S. Army personnel in formal settings, saluting and receiving awards during various ceremonies, highlighting camaraderie and military traditions.

U.S. Army Cpl. Carlos Vazquez, assigned to 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, listens to a block of instruction during preliminary marksmanship instruction for the M4A1 carbine at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, July 13, 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.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle, the 45th Surgeon General of the United States Army and the commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Command joins Col. Michael Belenky, commander of the 44th Medical Brigade, rendering a salute during the national anthem during the Expert Field Medical Badge graduation ceremony Oct. 28. 2022, on Pike Field at Fort Bragg, N.C. The EFMB is one of the most challenging skills badges to earn in the U.S. and it tests the professional competence and physical endurance of the Army Combat Medic.

Incoming Soldiers to the "Spartan Brigade," 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, stand in formation while being welcomed by battalion and brigade leadership during a division patching ceremony at Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, Georgia, June 21, 2022. The Spartan Brigade is the tip of the spear on the Marne Division's glide path to become the U.S. Army's most modern division in 2023.

Maj. Gen. James P. Isenhower III, Commanding General of 1st Armored Division, gives out awards to the winners of the competitions during Torch Week on Fort Bliss, Texas, Nov. 4, 2022. Torch Week was the 1st Armored Divisions celebration of their history and it took place Nov. 1, through Nov. 4, 2022.

Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief, National Guard Bureau, addresses Soldiers with the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Florida National Guard, in Grafenwoehr, Germany, June 12, 2022. Germany was Hokansons second stop on a five-nation trip to recognize and strengthen National Guard relationships with European allies and partners.

U.S. Army Cpl. Carlos Vazquez, assigned to 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, listens to a block of instruction during preliminary marksmanship instruction for the M4A1 carbine at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, July 13, 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.

Members from the 97th Security Forces Squadron are joined by U.S. Air Force Col. Blaine Baker, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, during their 3.5 mile ruck across Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Oct. 21, 2022. Day three of The Standard resiliency course began with several physical fitness exercises, a defenders challenge test, and concluded with the ruck back to the Security Forces Squadron.

U.S. ARMY JAPAN held a patching ceremony at Yano Field in CAMP ZAMAJAPAN on JUNE 17th, 2022, authorizing both U.S Army Soldiers and JapanSelf-Defense Force members to wear the new patch that symbolizes theirenduring bilateral relationship.

U.S. Army Cpl. Andrew Somerville, a wheeled vehicle mechanic, and U.S. Army Cpl. Giuseppe Conigliaro, an automated logistical specialist, with Task Force Paxton, Pennsylvania Army National Guard are promoted to the rank of specialist during a promotion ceremony held in Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 15, 2024.. Somerville and Conigliaro were pinned by 1st Sgt. Madia Nieves, India Company, 328th Brigade Support Battalion first sergeant. Promotion ceremonies in the U.S. Army are important occasions that recognize the dedication, hard work, and accomplishments of soldiers as they advance in their military careers. Army National Guard

U.S. Army Soldier Sgt. Brown gets promoted to Staff Sgt. He has been an incredible worker and mentor for his soldiers. (

Airmen with the 914th Security Forces Squadron participate in a Fallen Defenders ceremony and ruck march May 14, 2022 on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York. The mission of the ceremony and 8.4-mile march was to honor their fallen brothers and sisters. Airmen added non-perishable food items in their ruck pack to add weight; items were later donated to a local veterans non-profit organization.

1538 - U.S. Army Col. Michael Flaherty, center, Commander of the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Thomas Moore II, left, Ohio Assistant Adjutant General for Army and U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Antonio A. Aguto, Jr., right, Commanding General, First United States Army, discuss training operations during Operation Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 11, 2022. Lt. Gen. Aguto traveled across Grayling to observe the 37th Infantry Brigade and the Operation, which was designed to maintain unit cohesion, readiness, and partnership, as the exercise saw over 2,000 Ohio and Michigan National Guard Soldiers, alongside troops from the United Kingdom, Latvia and Hungary, conduct the training.

U.S. forces and French soldiers participate in the closing ceremony that commemorates the end of Exercise Marara 22 on Bora Bora, French Polynesia, May 18, 2022. Exercise Marara 22 reinforces U.S. commitments to our allies and partners in Oceania and raises our collective readiness to address crises and contingencies in the region.

A group of U.S. Army Rangers, assigned to 5th Ranger Training Battalion, conducts a retirment ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Joey D. Blacksher on Stringer Drop Zone, Dahlonega, Ga., February 2, 2024. Command Sgt. Maj. Blacksher served 22 years of dedicated serve to the U.S. Army and the United States of America. Army Reserve

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and 1st Infantry Division, form up to show support and celebrate Polish National Flag Day, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 2, 2022.

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

U.S. Army soldiers conduct a gear layout prior to the start of the Sullivan Cup at Fort Benning, Ga., April 25, 2022. The Sullivan Cup is a biennial competition that tests the best tank crews from the Armor Branch, the U.S. Marine Corps and international partners.

The U.S. Army Reserves 200th Military Police Command welcomed Brig. Gen. Cary Cowan Jr. as its new commanding general during a change-of-command ceremony Aug. 26 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Cowan assumed command from Maj. Gen. John Hussey during the ceremony, which was presided over by Maj. Gen. Gregory Mosser, U.S. Army Reserve Command deputy commanding general.

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. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tory Elrich, brigade operations non-commissioned officer-in-charge, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, stands at attention during a promotion ceremony at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 24, 2022. The ceremony was held to honor Elrich for his promotion to Sergeant First Class, recognizing his continued service, dedication, patriotism, valor, fidelity, and professional excellence.

Capt. Gregory Bremser, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry returns a salute during a change of responsibility ceremony at Ft. Carson, Colo., May 16. During the ceremony, 1st Sgt. Christopher Price relinquished responsibility of the company to 1st Sgt. Jaime Natividad. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Jason Elmore.

U.S. Air Force reservists of the 914th Air Refueling Wing Staff Agency and 914th Fire Department, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York, salute the flag during the national anthem, on Sunday, Sep. 11, 2022. A total of 343 emergency service providers were killed in the line of duty responding to the 9/11 terrorist attack that occurred in 2001.

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.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, form up to support and celebrate the Polish National Flag Day at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 2, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies.

Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Airmen approach a training transfer case during ground training July 29, 2022 at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. This is the first ground training for newly deployed Airmen since they arrived at AFMAO.

U. S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard (MANG), gives Spc. Lucas Turner, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, MANG, The Adjutant Generals Coin, for his outstanding performance during the eXportable Combat Training Capability exercise 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.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, speaks with U.S. Soldiers assigned to "Chaos" Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a static display at Poznan, Poland, July 30, 2022. Soldiers of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and the 1st Infantry Division, held a static display and picnic with Polish allies, in celebration of the renaming of Forward Operating Site Poznan, and to interact with the community around the Soldiers deployed to Poland.

Soldiers from the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, Wyoming Army National Guard, setup for a training exercise in Sheridan, Wyoming, May 17, 2022. The training exercise included members of the Tunisian Army, part of a State Partnership Program visit.

Troopers assigned to 1-12 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division participated in a WWII Commemoration Wreath Laying Ceremony at Drawsko Pomorskie Municiple Cemetery in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland Sept. 1, 2022. Participating in events like these promote partnership between U.S. and Polish forces and the civilian population.

The 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team headquarters company, Wisconsin Army National Guard, conducted a change-of-responsibility ceremony, October 15, 2022 at its headquarters company at Camp Douglas, WI. During the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Walter R. Smithson relinquished responsibility of the headquarters company to 1st Sgt. Keith T. Graeme. (32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team photo by Staff Sgt. Kati Volkman/Released)

Staff Sgt. Julian Gaitor and Pfc. Patrick Sullivan, both M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle crew members assigned to 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and other Sullivan Cup competitors receive preliminary marksmanship instruction to prepare for a stress shoot 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. Marine Corps Col. Steven M. Sutey, the 2d Marine Regiment commanding officer, awards Marines with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, during an Annual Rifle Squad Competition award ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 23, 2022. The Marines were awarded for finishing first in the Annual Rifle Squad Competition while deployed to Okinawa, Japan.

Pfc. Ryder Koon, a combat engineer from the 833rd Engineer Company, Iowa National Guard, fires a .50-caliber machine gun while Spc. Shawn Swanson spots targets during Western Strike 22, June 5, 2022, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. Western Strike 22 is an eXportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise led by the Utah National Guards 65th Field Artillery Brigade, that provides National Guard Soldiers immersed training similar to a Combat Training Center and aims to increase participating unit's readiness and lethality.

Several Airmen with the 157th Air Operations Group received their annual awards and promotions during drill, May 14, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Col. Christopher J. Blaney, 157th Air Operations Group Commander, handed out the awards and promotion coins.

Col. Ethan J. Diven, commander of the "Spartan Brigade," 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, speaks to incoming Soldiers into the brigade during a division patching ceremony at Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, June 21, 2022. The Spartan Brigade is the tip of the spear on the Marne Division's glide path to become the U.S. Army's most modern division in 2023.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kyle W. York with the 160th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment prepares to change the unit guidon during a change of command ceremony, Aug 4, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Lt. Col. Mark A. Black assumed command of the unit from Lt. Col. Michael P. Meissel.

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.

Lt. Gen. Leon Thurgood, Director of Hypersonic, Directed Energy, Space and Rapid Acquisition, visited with soldiers of newly reactivated 4th Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery April 15, 2022.

U.S. Army Spc. Brandon Nangauta (center), 2nd Battalion 158th Assault Helicopter Battalion, explains the importance of muzzle awareness to Australian soldiers of the 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment for their joint training rehearsal as part of Super Garuda Shield 2022 in Baturaja, Indonesia, Aug. 8, 2022. Super Garuda Shield, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. military, Indonesia National Armed Forces, has now expanded to a multinational exercise encompassing 14 Nations. This exercise reinforces the U.S. commitments to our allies, and other regional partners reinforcing joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together.

Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Airmen approach a training transfer case during July 29, 2022 at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. Ground training allows Airmen to practice dignified transfers with K-Loaders in simulated scenarios.

Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion attend an award and promotion ceremony for fellow Paratroopers on Fort Bragg, NC, Aug. 5, 2022. Paratroopers recieved awards for work done both in Poland and in Garrison.

U.S. Army Col. John B. Gilliam, commander of 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team prepares to pass the battalion colors from the outgoing commander U.S. Army Lt. Col. Derek Drouin to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Levi Thompson, the new commander of 6-9 Cavalry Regiment at a ceremony in Poland, Sept. 12, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.

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.

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Remus Cristobal renders a salute during the final moments of the closing ceremony for Tradewinds 2022 in Belize City, Belize, on May 20, 2022. Tradewinds 2022 focuses on foreign military interaction, maritime interdiction, ground security, and field training exercises supporting SOUTHCOM's Campaign Plan.

U.S. Army Spc. Tyler Bridges, a human resources specialist assigned to the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, salutes during a promotion ceremony at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 17, 2022. Bridges, along with three other Soldiers from the 37th IBCT, was recognized for his patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence, as well as demonstrated leadership potential and dedicated service.

Spc. Jennifer Lord of the Iowa National Guard inspects her team during firing party drill a part of the level 2 instructor course on Camp Ripley Apr 9, 2017.

Gen. Michael X. Garrett recognizes Cpl. Abrica and his leader Sgt. 1st Class Sanders 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.

U.S. Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division stand in formation with Brazilian Marines to listen to a speech from Brazilian Marine Corps Vice Admiral Carlos Chagas, Commanding General of the Brazilian Fleet Marine Force, during a formation held during Exercise Formosa in Goias, Brazil, Aug. 05, 2022. The formation hosted 3,100 Brazilian Marines, about 20% of the total Brazilian Marine Corps force. Exercise Formosa focuses on strengthening relations and interoperability between U.S. and Brazilian Forces, conveying the enduring promise to be a trustworthy neighbor.

U.S. Airmen with the 378th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Honor Guard, present colors for the national anthem, during the closing ceremony of Police Week, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, May 20, 2022. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy made May 15 National Police Officer Day and the week which May 15 falls on as National Police Week. The 378th ESFS hosted several events throughout the week to honor all those who have fallen and are still serving.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Charlie Arrendale, 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, briefs Soldiers and Airmen on parachute landing procedures at the Airborne Sustainment Training Area, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 14, 2022, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2. RF-A provides realistic combat training by integrating joint, coalition and multilateral forces into simulated forward operating bases.

Airmen salute as the national anthem is played during a Women Veterans Day ceremony held by the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, June 3, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California. The ceremony highlighted the contributions of women in military service and was followed by a networking and development workshop for the wings female service members.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Erik Blom, a 103rd Rescue Squadron pararescueman of the 106th Rescue Wing, Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, New York Air National Guard, receives The Air Force Commendation Medal for heroism for actions at sea, at a ceremony on base, June 4, 2022.

A group of U.S. Army Paratroopers stand in formation during the opening ceremony for Exercise Falcon Leap on Camp Orange Barracks, Schaarsbergen, Netherlands., Sep. 12, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise

Sgt. Mayra Perez-Velasquez, Headquarters Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 142nd Field Artillery Brigade, was promoted by Arkansas National Guard Land Component Commander Col. Tony Shepherd who visited the gun line for the Multi Launch Rocket System (MLRS) during the live fire exercise Operation Razorback Thunder 2022 at Fort Chaffee, Ark., May 20, 2022. Perez-Velasquez, a native of Guatemala, emigrated from San Marcos-Tacana to Arkansas in 2011. Guatemala has been Arkansas' State Partnership Program country for more than 20 years.(Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Cpl. Bryce Colvert

Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians competes at the all army team of the year (ToY) competition at Fort Carson, Colorado, May 16, 2022. This year, 71st Ordnance Group hosts the all army ToY where teams 52nd Ordnance Group, 71st Ordnance Group, 48th Chemical Brigade, 303rd Ordnance Battalion, and 718th Ordnance Company, put their skills to the test to tasks in a physically and mentally demanding training environment.

U.S. ARMY JAPAN held a patching ceremony at Yano Field in CAMP ZAMAJAPAN on JUNE 17th, 2022, authorizing both U.S Army Soldiers and JapanSelf-Defense Force members to wear the new patch that symbolizes theirenduring bilateral relationship.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), renders a salute during a French Desert Commando Course graduation ceremony at the 5th Overseas Interarms Regiment, Djibouti, June 1, 2022. Members of the CJTF-HOA regularly train and work alongside allies, partners, and government organizations to achieve a unified effort to improve safety, security and prosperity in East Africa.

Troopers assigned to 1-12 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division participated in a WWII Commemoration Wreath Laying Ceremony at Drawsko Pomorskie Municiple Cemetery in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland Sept. 1, 2022. Participating in events like these promote partnership between U.S. and Polish forces and the civilian population.

U.S. Army Maj. Paul Ambrose, commander of the 153rd Medical Detachment (Blood Support), 56th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 62nd Medical Brigade, awards a coin to Staff Sgt. Zachary Collins, a decontamination specialist with the Washington National Guards 10th Homeland Response Force on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Sept. 23, 2022. Potter, with two other 10th HRF subject matter experts, taught a 2-day introductory course on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incident basics, proper wear of protective gear, and hazardous material detection and monitoring.

Representatives from the United States and partering nations close out Tradewinds exercises in final ceremony May 20, 2022 at British Army Training and Support Unit Belize 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.

U.S. Army Spc. Urijaun Hall, left, and U.S. Army Spc. Wigber Torres, both assigned to 456th Medical Company Area Support of the U.S. Army Reserve, smile for the camera as they wait for a makeshift graduation ceremony for a fellow Soldier at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 23, 2022. Training and Readiness are key in being ready and able to respond to any threats from our adversaries and provide support to our allies.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, place the new 43rd Communications Squadron patch on their shoulder July 8, 2022, at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina. The 43 CS was activated as part of an overall reorganization to better align what Team Pope does with its overall mission and other Air Force locations. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Jim Bove)

The U.S. Army Reserves 200th Military Police Command welcomed Brig. Gen. Cary Cowan Jr. as its new commanding general during a change-of-command ceremony Aug. 26 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Cowan assumed command from Maj. Gen. John Hussey during the ceremony, which was presided over by Maj. Gen. Gregory Mosser, U.S. Army Reserve Command deputy commanding general.

122nd Tactical Support Detachment Commander, Colonel John Fuchko administers the oath of enlistment to Staff Sergeant Ernest Churchwell as part of a small ceremony to recognize Churchwells reenlistment for three more years of service in the Georgia Army National Guard, May 14, 2022, at the Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, Ga.

U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Mark Sample, a drill sergeant assigned to the 95th Infantry Division stands at attention after reaffirming his Oath of Enlistment during the U.S. Armys 15th Military Police Brigade/U.S. Army Reserve Reenlistment/Honor ceremony at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., Sept. 11, 2022. The Speedway hosted a Military Appreciation Day in honor of 9/11 and held a moment of silence where the speedway fell silent.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing bow their heads during the invocation for the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron change of command ceremony, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, July 19, 2022. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that signifies the formal transfer of authority and command responsibility of a unit from one officer to another.

Artillery Soldiers of the Iowa National Guards 1st Batl. - 194ths Field Artillery took part in a change of command ceremony between Lt. Col Steven Hall, outgoing commander and incoming commander, Lt. Col. Neil Daniels May 23, 20222 while on Camp Ripley.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mark Gorzynski, commander of the 119th Field Artillery Regiment, Michigan National Guard, speaks with U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard, at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, May 26, 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.

Brig. Gen Kevin Meisler from 311th Signal Command visits 304th Signal battalion, and recognizes soldiers for their hard work.

The U.S. Army Reserves 200th Military Police Command welcomed Brig. Gen. Cary Cowan Jr. as its new commanding general during a change-of-command ceremony Aug. 26 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Cowan assumed command from Maj. Gen. John Hussey during the ceremony, which was presided over by Maj. Gen. Gregory Mosser, U.S. Army Reserve Command deputy commanding general.

Soldiers from Alpha Company, 777th Aviation Support Battalion, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard, reunite with family and friends after spending nearly a year overseas in the Middle East. The welcome home ceremony took place at the Armed Forces Reserve Center Norman, Oklahoma, April 25, 2017.

3-6 Calvary Squadron, 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade, conduct a spur ride on April 21 & 22 at Fort Bliss, Texas.

U.S. Army soldiers conduct Final Roll Call during a 9-11 Memorial Ceremony at Fort Totten, New York, September 11, 2022. The Final Roll Call honors the six Fort Totten soldiers who died during the terrorist attacks.

U.S. Army Col. Robert L. Kellam (left) incoming commander passes the unit colors to Command Sgt. Maj. AnDanté T. Williams (right) both with the 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command during a change of command ceremony, July 11, 2022, at Daenner Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. The 598th TBDE executes mission command for strategic seaport operations in support of both U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command.

U.S. Army Soldier Sgt. Brown gets promoted to Staff Sgt. He has been an incredible worker and mentor for his soldiers. (

Staff Sgt. Raymond A. DeBusschere, a jumpmaster assigned to 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, reads off the five points of performance during sustained airborne training at Fort Bragg, N.C., June 21, 2011. The parachute riggers jumped onto Holland Drop Zone later in the day.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Latoya M. Manzey, left, commander of the 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stands at attention next to U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy M. Barr, incoming command sergeant major assigned to the 588th BSB during a change of responsibility ceremony at Żagań, Poland, Sept. 12, 2022. The 3/4th 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.

Lt. Gen. Mary K. Izaguirre was sworn in as the 46th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army during a change of command ceremony hosted by Gen. Randy George, Army Chief of Staff, at Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, Jan. 25.

Soldiers from 11th Airborne Division sing the 11th Airborne Division Song on Pershing Field Sept. 30, 2022 after getting awarded their Expert Skills Badges for the Expert Field Medical, Expert Infantry or Expert Soldier Badge testing over the past three weeks. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Christopher B. Dennis/ 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs Office)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Task Force Pioneer stand at the position of parade rest 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.

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.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Lemon, USAG Humphreys senior enlisted advisor, left, and U.S. Army Col. Seth C. Graves, USAG Humphreys commander, observe participants during the Humphreys Unified Special Olympics Track & Field Event May 20, 2022. The event was held at Humphreys Middle School Track and included participants from Humphreys Central Elementary, Humphreys West Elementary, Humphreys Middle School and Humphreys High School.

U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. James C. McConville, Commanding General, U.S. Army Alaska Deputy Commander Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, Sgt. Maj of the Army Michael A. Grinston, and Command Sgt. Maj. Vern B. Daley renders a salute while the 9th Army band plays the national anthem at the activation ceremony of the 11th Airborne Division June 6, 2022, at Pershing Parade Field, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

8th Military Police Brigade Commander, Col. Charles A. Green, discussed training objectives with 58th Military Police Company Commander, Cpt. Benjamin Carruth, during exercise Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 23 (JPMRC-23) on East Range, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii Nov. 8, 2022. As part of Operation Pathways, JPMRC training rotations allow leaders to rehearse strategic maneuvers while integrating with various allies and partners in the Pacific.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Sharon Rimal, a materiel management sergeant is presented with an Army Achievement Medal by Capt. Christian McKernon, commander of the New York Army National Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Company 369th Sustainment Brigade commander, during an awards ceremony at Camp Smith Training Site, N.Y., July 17, 2022. The Army Achievement Medal is awarded for outstanding achievement or meritorious service.

The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) official party stands at attention prior to a Transfer of Responsibility ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 5, 2022. During the ceremony, the Illinois Army National Guards 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) relinquished responsibility of the CJTF-HOA headquarters staff mission to the Wisconsin Army National Guards 157th MEB.

As of June 3, 2022, Master Sgt. Justin Crook of the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron is awarded the position of senior non-commissioned officer in charge at a MSgt. Release Party, Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event was in celebration of the momentous accomplishment of the nine newly instated master sergeants making it into the Top 3 and taking on a whole new level of leadership responsibilities.

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets (center) are briefed on C-130J Super Hercules aircraft by Staff Sgt. Malachi Lopez-Dockery (front), 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, as part of Operation Air Force on the flight line at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2022. Operation Air Force is a two week long academy summer program that sends cadets entering their third and fourth years of training to bases around the world to experience what active duty Airmen from all areas of expertise do to support the Department of Defense mission for U.S. Military Forces.

Squads competing in the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Best Squad Competition 2022 gather between events on day 3 of the competition, Sept, 14, 2022, at Fort Benning, Georgia.TRADOCs Best Squad competition highlights 10 squads from across the enterprise. This competition shows each team's ability to complete common Soldier tasks and skills as a cohesive, ready, and resilient team, while facing stiff competition from other TRADOC centers of excellence. The competition is from Sept. 12-16, 2022, at Fort Benning, Georgia.

168th Engineer Brigade Transfer of Authority

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek C. France, Third Air Force commander, right, speaks with Tech. Sgt. Miikeda Bracket, 39th Force Support Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of Mission Support Requirements, 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.

Staff Sgt. Robert Brown, an infantryman with the 1st Armored Division, stretches after completing a 12-mile tactical foot march as part of the 1st Armored Division Iron Squad competition, April 19, 2022 in Fort Bliss, Texas. The tactical foot march is the first of several events within the competition that test each squads physical and mental resilience. The Best Iron Squad Competition is a four-day event designed to test each squad and individual competitors physical stamina, Warrior Tasks and Battle Drill skills and military knowledge. The winning squad will advance to compete in the III Corps Best Squad Competition later this year at Fort Hood.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston speaks to Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 01, 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, evaluating their physical endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Army ROTC Cadets assigned to the U.S. Army Cadet Command 2nd Brigade accept awards for placing first overall during the Ranger Challenge at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Oct. 23, 2022.The competition is conducted over two days on a non-tactical course. The mission is to challenge Cadets' mental and physical toughness and to develop leadership while fostering teamwork and esprit-de-corps. Teams participate in nine graded events, each team is awarded points based on how well they perform in each event. The best team in each event is awarded a trophy for being the first, second, and third place teams. The number one team is The Ranger Challenge Winner for that year.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, applaud during a change of command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, April 10, 2022. Lt. Col. Mark Melin took command of the 908th EARS from Lt. Col. Lindsey Bauer during the ceremony.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Graytock and U.S. Army Sgt. Bryson Kephart, both assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Infantry Division Artillery, go over a log book for vehicle maintenance during preventive maintenance check and services at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, July 13, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division Artillery 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, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Col. Taona Enriquez, installation commander, presents her coin to Massachusetts Army National Guard Soldiers at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Sept.30. The National Guard provided personnel and a refueling vehicle during a power outage that impacted portions of the installation.

Maryland Army National Guard's 291st Digital Liaison Detachment Soldiers salute the official party at their change of command ceremony in Adelphi, Md., August 14, 2022. Col. Kristine Henry relinquished command to Lt. Col. John McDaniel Jr during the ceremony.

U.S. Army Soldiers render a salute for the National Anthem being played at the Air Assault course graduation being conducted at the Romanian Air Base, Mihail Kogalniceanu, Nov. 30, 2022. Soldiers that undergo and complete the air assault certification are examples of the army's ambition to promote effectiveness, readiness and lethality.

CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. (May 7, 2022) Army 1st Lt. Jan Juanites, assigned to 36th Engineering Brigade, conducts media training with Army 1st Sgt. Jovan Maddox and Capt. Isaac Larue as part of exercise Guardian Response (GR) 22 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, May 7. GR22 is a U.S. Army Forces Command-directed external evaluation and culminating training event for U.S. Northern Commands Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Response Enterprise consequence management entities. The exercise is focused on the Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission sets.

A group of U.S. Army Rangers, assigned to 5th Ranger Training Battalion, conducts a retirment ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Joey D. Blacksher on Stringer Drop Zone, Dahlonega, Ga., February 2, 2024. Command Sgt. Maj. Blacksher served 22 years of dedicated serve to the U.S. Army and the United States of America. Army Reserve

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