Military Ceremonies and Honors

Images showcase various formal military ceremonies. Soldiers engage in handshakes, awards, and patching events, highlighting camaraderie and recognition.

Gen. Christopher Cavoli, United States Army Europe and Africa commanding general, visits troops from the 16th Sustainment Brigade and presents coins at Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany on April 26, 2022. Gen. Cavoli thanked them for all the hard work the Soldiers have done and sacrifices them and their families have made during the past few months.

Gen. Christopher Cavoli, United States Army Europe and Africa commanding general, visits troops from the 16th Sustainment Brigade and presents coins at Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany on April 26, 2022. Gen. Cavoli thanked them for all the hard work the Soldiers have done and sacrifices them and their families have made during the past few months.

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.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston shakes hands with Sgt. Maj. David Chastain, 1st Infantry Division, operations sergeant major, before beginning the tour of Forward Operation Site Adazi, Latvia, May 2, 2022. Grinston is the Army Chief of Staff's adviser on matters affecting the enlisted force and devotes most of his time traveling to observe training and interacting with Soldiers and their Families.

FORT MEADE, Md. - Capt. Klay R. Maggard, back row, the incoming commander of the United States Army Signal School Detachment, stands in formation with Soldiers assigned to the USASSD during a change of command ceremony here, April 15. The USASSD is dedicated to helping facilitate the training of public affairs and visual information Soldiers as they complete their Advanced Individual Training at the Defense Information School.

Capt. Adam Bolten, an infantry officer assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, pins the expert field medical badge on his wife, Capt. Justine Bolten, an occupational therapist assigned to the 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade, May 26, 2022, during the 10th Mountain Divisions E3B awards ceremony at Fort Drum, New York.

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.

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

U.S. Soldiers with the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, family and friends gather for a change of responsibility ceremony at Muir Army Airfield. During the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Livolsi passed the brigades senior enlisted leader responsibilities to Command Sgt. Maj. Jeff Huttle.

New York Air National Guardsmen enjoy a tour of the USS Little Rock, Buffalo Naval Park, April 28, 2022. Airmen from around New York toured the park as part of the conclusion to a week-long professional development seminar, hosted by the 107th Attack Wing.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jaime Lopez, the senior enlisted advisor for the "Spartan Brigade," 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, speaks with incoming Soldiers to 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.

From left to center, Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Gaskin, senior enlisted advisor of 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and Lt. Col. Thomas Carroll, commander of 2nd Bn., 12th Inf. Reg., 2SBCT, 4th Inf. Div., congratulate one of their newest recipients of the Expert Infantryman Badge May 20 at Fort Carson, Colorado. Candidates attempting to earn the prestigious badges endured two weeks of train up and one week of testing in order to earn them.

290th Military Police Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve, held a change of command ceremony and a change of responsibility ceremony at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, on Friday, August 5, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. John Dunn relinquished command to the incoming commander, Col. Jonathan Bennett. Following the change of command, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Culberson assumed responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Kyle Jenkins.

Brig. Gen. Jake S. Kwon, commanding general of the 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), discuses the importance of knowing logistical movements while attending a combined joint rehearsal during Combat Support Training Exercise (CSTX) at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Aug. 8, 2022. You need to think larger. This exercise is shaping sustainment operations.

Soldiers of the new 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, help each other trade their 25th Infantry Division shoulder patch for that of the historic 11th Airborne Division and will serve in Alaska as the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the Arctic Angels, specializing in operations in extreme cold weather and high-altitude mountainous terrain. (Army photo/John Pennell)

U.S. Army Spc. Mike Dunagan, a Public Affairs Specialist with the 70th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, is advanced to sergeant by Steven Dunagan, his father and U.S. Army Capt. Jeremy Idleman, the commander of the 70th MPAD, at the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City, MO, Aug. 21, 2022. Dunagan was joined by his unit and family for his promotion ceremony.

The 8th Theater Sustainment Command hosted U.S. Army Pacific Commands Commanding General, Gen. Charles A. Flynn on a tour of Stock 3 Fix-Forward (Afloat) (APS-3) area of operation on the U.S. Naval Ship Watson at Honolulu, Hawaii, Nov. 30, 2022. The APS-3 mission demonstrates the 8th Theater Sustainment Commands command and control of the APS-3 operations and assesses the operational flexibility to ensure strategic readiness. As the U.S. Indo-Pacific materiel integrator, the 8th TSC synchronizes capabilities and resources across the theater, enabling both our land forces and those of our allies and partners. Our mission is to plan, integrate, and synchronize theater distribution and sustainment operations with our joint logistics enterprise partners, stabilizing and securing the Indo-Asia Pacific Region. (Photos by Sgt. Kyler L. Chatman, 8th TSC Public Affairs)

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.

Lt. Gen. John S. Kolasheski, V Corps commanding general, signs a certificate of appreciation for a Turkish ally during his visit to Joint Force Training Center, Bydgoszcz, Poland on Dec. 08, 2022. Loyal Leda is a NATO LANDCOM sponsored, land domain Command Post Exercise that is designed to train and evaluate NATO Rapid Deployable Corps as well as exercise interoperability with our NATO Allies.

Sgt. Dain Petipren, a Health Care Specialist with the Michigan National Guards 1171st Medical Company Area Support Company, takes part in the stress shoot at the Region IV Best Warrior Competition at Camp Ripley, Minnesota on May 12, 2022. 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 Sgt. Bob Brown.)

Airmen from the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, arrive at a forward operating location at Wendover Air Force Base, Utah, May 20, 2022 while participating in the Raging Gunfighter exercise. Raging Gunfighter is an Air Combat Command exercise designed to simulate operating a Lead Wing from an Austere Environment. The purpose of the exercise is to prepare the 366th Fighter Wing and its Airmen for potential future operations in accordance with the National Defense Strategy

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald Place, DefenseHealth Agency director, meets with 6thMedical Group personnel, during a tour atMacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 18,2022. Place visited with personnel assignedto various units within the 6th MDG to discussthe transition to MHS GENESIS and what toexpect from their partnership with DHA.

Gen. Charles A. Flynn, the U.S. Army Pacific Commanding General, visited Soldiers at the Division Sustainment Brigade Sustainment Bistro at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Nov. 3, 2022. The Soldiers were recognized for their hard work and dedication throughout Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center rotation 23-01.

The 45th Medical Groups bioenvironmental team at Patrick Space Force Base, Fla., conducted a training exercise in response to a biological warfare agent on June 10, 2022. The bioenvironmental team conducts practical exercises every quarter to test bioenvironmental engineering technicians response to different scenarios.

Alaska Air and Army National Guardsmen return to Fairbanks, Alaska, Sept. 30 from assisting Nome community residents affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of storm-related debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

U.S. Army and KATUSA Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, USAG Humphreys celebrate winning the annual Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) Inclusion Cup at the BOSS 4th Quarter Awards Ceremony held at Humphreys Family Theater, Sept. 27, 2022. HHC also received an award for the Best BOSS Inclusion Video, Best Brigade BOSS Board, and Best Battalion BOSS Board in the USAG Humphreys BOSS Program for Fiscal Year 22.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Hengstl, an observer coach/trainer for 1st Brigade Engineer Battalion, 310th Infantry Regiment, 181st Multifunctional Training Brigade, center, observes knotted detonation cord tied by Soldiers of the 317th Engineer Company, 863rd Engineer Battalion, 372nd Engineer Brigade, July 26, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. The group conducted a breach-in-stride demolition range as part of strengthening partnership relationships and to build charge familiarization and practice safety procedures while working with C-4 explosive agent.

General Randy George, Chief of Staff of the Army, greets paratroopers from the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division 2nd Battalion, 505th Infantry Regiment during the 2024 NASCAR Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. The Daytona 500 is a 500-mile-long NASCAR Cup Series motor race held annually and is regarded as the most important and prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar.

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

Tough Ombres from the 90th Sustainment Brigade conduct a change of command ceremony on Camp Pike in North Little Rock, Arkansas today. U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler, Commander of the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), is officiating the ceremony.Col. Stephen M. Pazak is relinquishing command to Col. Dixon T. Brockbank from Perry, Utah after serving as the brigade's commander since June 1, 2020.

Tough Ombres from the 90th Sustainment Brigade conduct a change of command ceremony on Camp Pike in North Little Rock, Arkansas today. U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler, Commander of the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), is officiating the ceremony.Col. Stephen M. Pazak is relinquishing command to Col. Dixon T. Brockbank from Perry, Utah after serving as the brigade's commander since June 1, 2020.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John Hussey, outgoing 200th Military Police Command commander, relinquishes command to Maj. Gen. Gregory Mosser, U.S. Army Reserve Command deputy commanding general, at a change of command ceremony on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 26, 2022. As commander of the 200th MP Command, Hussey oversaw four brigades, 22 battalions, and 53 companies dispersed across the continental U.S.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Burress, right, Brigade Command Sergeant Major, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, provides a briefing to U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Antonio A. Aguto, Jr., left, Commanding General, First United States Army, during annual training exercise Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 11, 2022. 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. Army Souths commanding general, Maj. Gen. William L. Thigpen (right) and Lt. Gen. Cristobal de la Cerda (left), greet each other at the U.S. Army South headquarters May 30, 2022, to commence staff talks between the two armies. The staff talks are bilateral engagements designed to develop and enhance army-to-army understanding, partner nation modernization and security cooperation within the region.

U.S. Army Soldier, Maj. Sean Buchanan (right), Contingency Command Post (CCP) operations officer in charge, briefs CCP staff during the Army South CCP deployment exercise at Army Support Activity Soto Cano, Honduras, May 12, 2022. During the nine-day forward exercise, over 60 Soldiers from Army South, 470th Military Intelligence Brigade, 410th Contracting Support Brigade (410th CSB), and 56th Signal Battalion set up the CCP tactical operations center, tactical satellite communications, and participated in several operations and intelligence briefs with Army South, U.S. Agency for International Developments (USAID) and 410th CSB to rehearse their staff functions as SOUTHCOMs command and control element during contingency operations.

Brig. Gen. Jean-Pierre Fagué, left, Deputy Commanding General of Readiness, 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart, presents a division coin of excellence to Cpl. Spencer Stanley, right, a human intelligence collector assigned to the military intelligence company in the Gila Battalion, 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd ID, at Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Jun 10, 2022. A human intelligence collector gathers intelligence about an adversarys intentions, strengths, vulnerabilities and capabilities and then shares the critical information to help Army leaders better understand the enemy.

Lt. Col. April Kearney receives the 1st Battalion, 11th Aviation Regiment colors as the incoming commander during a change of command ceremony at Howze Field, June 3, 2022, Fort Rucker, Ala.

(Front left to right) U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Mark L. Daniel, the outgoing 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, command sergeant major, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ryan R. Kroells, the commander of the 1st Bn., 63rd Armor Regt., 2ABCT, 1st Inf. Div., and Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Thacker, the incoming 1st Bn., 63rd Armor Regt., 2ABCT, 1st Inf. Div. command sergeant major, render honors to the Nation during a change of responsibility ceremony at the Fort Riley, Kansas, Cavalry Parade Field, Oct. 27, 2022. Daniel, Kroells and Thacker served as the ceremonys official party.

U.S. Airmen with the 139th Civil Engineer Squadron, Missouri Air National Guard form a line to thank Sgt. Raitis Zeps of the Latvian National Armed Forces after the reconstruction of the Naujenu Orphanage near Daugavpils, Latvia, July 22, 2015. The Airmen were participating in a Humanitarian Civic Assistance project through the United Sates European Command that pairs units training requirements with humanitarian needs.

Col. Mark Steadman (Left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Hao Sun (Right), the leaders of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, begin casing the brigade colors marking the completion of tour during a transfer of authority (TOA) ceremony May 27, 2022, at Erbil Air Base, Iraq. The TOA ceremony represented the transfer of command from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, as part of the ongoing mission of CJTF-OIR. The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division was deployed to CJTF-OIR as Task Force Raider. The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division is deployed to CJTF-OIR as Task Force Warrior.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to V Corps and 1st Infantry Division stand in formation during a Memorial Day ceremony at Poznan, Poland, May 30, 2022. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, dedicated to all those who gave their lives in service of the U.S.

The leadership of NATO allies participating in a wet-gap crossing operation talk during Defender Europe 22 held at Dęblin, Poland, May 13, 2022. Defender Europe 2022 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

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 Capt. Mack Azbell, commander of Ares Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (3-4 ABCT) stands alongside his Soldiers during the closing ceremony of Exercise Iron Wolf 22 at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, Oct. 28, 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, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Soldiers of the 546th Medical Company Area Support run a practice lane for a mass casualty scenario during KFOR 31 in Hohenfels Training Area in Germany on Oct. 15, 2022. KFOR 31 is a multinational training event conducted to prepare units for their deployment to the Kosovo Regional Command East. (U.S. Army video by Staff Sgt. Anna Pongo, 111th Public Affairs Detachment, Nebraska National Guard)

Soldiers of 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry Regiment (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, assemble at sunset to honor the retirement of Headquarters, Headquarters Troop U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Douglas Stewart at Ethan Allen Firing Range, Jericho, Vt., Oct. 15, 2022. This formation marks the last in which Stewart participates before retirement from service.

U.S. Army Soldiers with 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division (3/4 ABCT), and U.S. Airmen with the 4th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron execute a target working group as a part of the brigade command post exercise, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, April 25, 2022. The targeting working group synchronizes both lethal and non-lethal effects during operations. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's forward-deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces in the European theater.

Lt. Col. Gregory Polk, commander, Task Force Pioneer, hands a U.S. Soldier the citation for an Army Achievement Medal with combat device during a promotion and awards ceremony at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 6, 2022. As part of tradition, Task Force Pioneer facilitates a monthly mass ceremony to promote soldiers, present awards and recognize exemplary accomplishments.

Competitors, including U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jackson Fagan with the Utah Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion, receive the mystery event briefing during the Region VII Best Warrior Competition on the island of Guam, May 26, 2022. This annual competition featured the best noncommissioned officer and Soldier from eight different states and territories including Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. Testing competitors skills and knowledge and pushing them to their limits, the competition graded each participant in key areas such as basic Soldier skills, marksmanship under stress, land-navigation, and physical fitness.

Civilian technicians assist Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, during Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) installation and validation on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Oct. 24, 2022. Utilization of the MILES system enables realistic training for units participating in Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) rotation 23-01. JPMRC strengthens defense relationships, fosters multinational interoperability, increases readiness, and reinforces the unified regional landpower network of the Joint Force.

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. Army Col. John B. Gilliam, commander of 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team passes 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.

The 1st Cavalry Division celebrated its 101st birthday with friendly competitions and ceremonies to build camaraderie amongst First Team Troopers, Sep. 12-16 at Fort Hood, Texas.To conclude the week-long celebration, thousands of Troopers and local community members attended a ceremony that was held to pay respects to the history and tradition of the cavalry.

U.S. Soldiers with Regional Health Command-Europe render honors during a redesignation ceremony on Sep. 30, 2022 in Landstuhl, Germany. RHC-Europe redesignated to Medical Readiness Center-Europe.

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

The command team from 311th Signal Command, which included Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler and Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan DeHart visited the 41st Signal Battalion and had the opportunity to to recognize and give coins to some soldiers there.

Col. Kathryn Roman, 4th Maintenance Group commander, presents Maj. Ryan Hudson, outgoing 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron commander, the Meritorious Service Medal during a change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, June 6, 2022. The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to members who distinguish themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States.

U.S. Air Force Fuels Management Personnel with the 776th EABS brief Air Force Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, deputy commander of United States Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, on day-to-day operations that keep the mission running at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Oct. 31, 2022. Chabelley Airfield supports combined operations and initiatives aimed at advancing strategy-aligned priorities.

Soldiers with the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Florida National Guard, stand in formation in Grafenwoehr, Germany, June 12, 2022.

Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Hjelmstad, senior listed leader of the Iowa National Guard, speaks with members of the Kosovo Security Force after they completed a medical field training exercise at the Camp Dodge training area in Johnston, Iowa, on May 17, 2022. Four KSF members are attending a combat medic course at the 185th Regional Training Institute alongside Iowa Soldiers, as well as other National Guard and U.S. Reserve Soldiers. The Iowa National Guard is partnered with Kosovo as part of the Department of Defenses State Partnership Program, which affords unique opportunities for cross training.

Lt. Col. Gregory Polk, the Task Force Pioneer commander, salutes 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.

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. Soldiers from U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 207th Military Intelligence Brigade, 414th Contracting Support Brigade, 509th Signal Battalion and U.S. Army Garrison Italy stand in formation during the SETAF-AF change of responsibilityat Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, September 1, 2022. Command Sergeant Major Reese W. Teakell assumed responsibility from Command Sergeant Major Charles W. Gregory, Jr., the outgoing Command Sergeant Major.

U.S. Soldiers participating in the Top Intelligence competition (TOPINT) 2024 competition render a salute during the 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 with the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division stand with Polish army soldiers during a Victory Day remembrance ceremony at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 8, 2022. Victory Day, or V - E Day in the United States, recognizes the end of World War II in the European theater, and remembers the sacrifices of service members and civilians lost during the conflict.

060331-A-4980V-088. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHEAST

060104-M-7403H-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Hurricane Point State: Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 40609

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, commanding general of U.S. Army Central (center), accompanied by Lt. Col. Erika A. Besser, commander of 449th Aviation Support Battalion, assigned as "Task Force Dark Horse" to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade (left), receives an introduction to Capt. Casey J. Voss, company commander of Bravo Company, Task Force Dark Horse, at Udairi Landing Zone 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.

Maj. Dennis LeMaster, U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) Commanding General, awards Cpt. Maggie Schad, a medical company commander and 72C audiologist at Irwin Army Community Hospital, the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB). Schad was one of 14 officer and enlisted Soldiers assigned to various Army medicine commands to earn the coveted badge during a grueling two week testing event conducted by the MEDCoE at Camp Bullis. The culminating event, a 12 mile road march, was followed by an award and graduation ceremony hosted by LeMaster.

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mitchell O. Brush (left), the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the National Guard Bureau, and Army Gen. Frank J. Grass, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, visits with Guardsmen assigned to the 35th Engineer Brigade in Festus, Mo., Jan. 5, 2016. Soldiers and Airmen with the Missouri National Guard, volunteered to support the Missouri Department of Transportation in flood relief efforts in south central Missouri. The focus of the aid is to ensure traffic control, water purification and levee reinforcement in affected areas. (Missouri Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, U.S. Transportation Command commander, passes the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command flag to U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Gavin Lawrence, incoming SDDC commanding general, during the passing of colors at a change of command ceremony July 20, 2022, at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Lawrence is the commands 23rd commanding general.

U.S. Army Cpl. Daniel Nash, center, a combat medic specialist assigned to 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, demonstrates carrying a casualty during a combat lifesaver (CLS) training exercise near Fort Bliss, Texas, Oct. 8, 2022. Through constant, continuous and frequent training, Soldiers stand ready and able to conduct any mission and engage any enemy at any time.

Airmen from the 134th Air Refueling Wing prepare to depart to assist with natural disaster relief operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The Cat 4 storm devastated the region as it moved across the state of Florida, leaving many without power, water and shelter.

Airmen from the 134th Air Refueling Wing prepare to depart to assist with natural disaster relief operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The Cat 4 storm devastated the region as it moved across the state of Florida, leaving many without power, water and shelter.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael P. Meissel, 160th FRSD outgoing commander (right) passes the unit guidon to Col. Werner J. Barden, 519th Hospital Center commander (left), 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 Meissel.

Under Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy speaks at the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade ranger graduation at Victory Pond on Fort Benning, Georgia, Oct. 26, 2018. McCarthy, who served five years in the Army, was involved in combat operations in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 75th Ranger Regiment, U.S. Special Operations Command.

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.

Maj. Gen. Milford H. Beagle Jr., center, commanding general for the 10th Mountain Division (LI), serves as the reviewing officer for the 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade change of command ceremony, May 31, 2022, at Memorial Park on Fort Drum, New York. (U.S. Army Photos by Spc. Anastasia Rakowsky)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct casualty triage and support training near Fort Bliss, Texas, Oct. 8, 2022. Through constant, continuous and frequent training, Soldiers stand ready and able to conduct any mission and engage any enemy at any time.

Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presents awards to service members at FOB Sharana, Afghanistan, Apr. 7, 2013.

From left, U.S. Army Sgt. Roy Price, tank gunner, Spc. Diego Santiago, tank driver, and 1st Lt. Samuel Burke, tank commander, from 1st Battalion, 252nd Armored Regiment, prepare for a Gunnery Skills Test (GST) station during day 4 Sullivan Cup Competition, at Fort Benning, Ga., April 28, 2022. GST is designed to develop and test the proficiency of Abrams and Bradley crews, and individual armor crewmen on their ability to properly use and maintain their weapon systems and execute gunnery techniques.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Levi Thompson, commander of 6-9 Cavalry Regiment assumes command at a change of command 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.

Airmen with the 255th Air Control Squadron, Mississippi Air National Guard, pose for a photo at a tactical operations center in Lehigh Acres, Florida, October 4, 2022. The 255th is deployed to south Florida to respond to the devastation of Hurricane Ian.

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 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 Officer Colonel Reece J. Lutz, outgoing commander of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division solutes the color guard during their Change of Command and Change of Responsibility Ceremonies at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville Pennsylvania, June 19, 2022.

Staff Sgt. Jacqueline Joyce, 107th Attack Wing, re-enlists aboard the USS Little Rock, Buffalo Naval Park, April 28, 2022. Airmen from around New York toured the park as part of the conclusion to a week-long professional development seminar, hosted by the 107th Attack Wing.

1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment "First Strike, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Command Team, Lt. Col. David Williams, Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Michaud and the Battalion S3 Maj. Joel Marbut met with the 9th Mechanized Brigade Command Team, Col. Adrian Costaru and Command Sgt. Maj. Cristi Cazacu to discuss joint interoperability and training on July 15, 2022, near Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania. 101st units will support V Corps mission to reinforce NATOs eastern flank and engage in multinational exercises with partners across the European continent to reassure our Nations allies. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs.)

Sgt. Laeric Clark - Automated Logistical Noncommissioned Officer, 410th Medical Company Logistics Support from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, stands before the company formation after being promoted from specialist to sergeant at Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin April 2, 2022. Sgt. Clark has been in the Army for 8 years. Promotions are a way to recognize soldiers based on merit, leadership qualities and professional development.

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)

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.

On the morning of May 9, 2022 soldiers from Charlie Company, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion mustered to formation in the midst of a late season snowfall.Idaho Army National Guard soldiers from the 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion in the field for annual training and final preparations in for deployment support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Lt. Col. William Gumabon (left), bulk branch chief, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, awards Chief Warrant Officer 4 Scott Harned, senior petroleum technician, 1st TSC, the meritorious service during an award ceremony on Fort Knox, Kentucky, June 9, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Julie Jansen, 603rd Air Operations Center director of operations (left) and 1st Lt. Heather Veldhouse, 603rd AOC Major Command influence operation chief (right) race to the finish line in the 6th Annual Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Paul Airey Memorial Ruck at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 1, 2022. Ramstein hosted the event to remember Airey and his 30 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Air Force.

Command Sgt. Maj. Rocky Kunkel, center, the incoming senior enlisted advisor for the "Hound Battalion," 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, stands at attention during a change of responsibility ceremony on Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart, Georgia, June 22, 2022. A change of responsibility ceremony is rich in symbolism and heritage within the military and reinforces the role of the noncommissioned officer in the Army, highlighting their role as a bridge between the commander and the formation's enlisted Soldiers.

U.S. Marines with 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force bow their heads in prayer during the unit's change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 2, 2022. The ceremony was held to relinquish the command from Col. James W. Lively to Col. Thomas M. Siverts.

U.S. Army Col. Kenneth Spicer (right), Public Health Command Europe commander passes the colors to Lt. Col. Parker M. Hahn (left), incoming Public Health Activity Rheinland-Pfalz commander during a change of command ceremony, May 20, 2022 at Landstuhl, Germany. Hahn assumed command of the unit from Lt. Col. Nicole K. Charbonneau.

WORCESTER, Mass -During a large ceremony at the DCU Center, here Families, Friends, and leaders gathered on January 23, 2024, to send off the 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment before their deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Speakers at the ceremony included Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, and Lt. Col. Alex Hampton, commander of the 1-181st Infantry Battalion. During the ceremony, Hampton and Command Sgt. Maj. Sean P. Fitzgerald, Command Sergeant Major of the 1-181st Infantry Battalion cased the battalion colors while they are deployed under the command of U.S. Central Command, upon returning home, the unit will uncase their colors.

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.

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Cruz, the commanding officer of Marine Air Support Squadron 3, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, discusses the wings multifunction aviation operations center with Marine and Navy leaders during a tour as part of Steel Knight 23 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 8, 2022. Steel Knight is an annual combined arms live-fire exercise involving the major subordinate commands of I Marine Expeditionary Force and the U.S. Navy's Expeditionary Strike Group 3. Steel Knight ensures 1st Marine Division is optimized for naval expeditionary warfare in contested spaces, and is purpose-built to facilitate future operations afloat and ashore.

Lt. Gen. Maria Barrett, U.S. Army Cyber Command commanding general, awards Col. John Popiak, outgoing commander of the Cyber Protection Brigade, with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious service as the CPB commander, prior to a change of command ceremony at Fort Gordon, Georgia, Oct. 27, 2022. (Photo by Shatara Riis)

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