Military Competitions and Training

Showcases soldiers participating in various military competitions such as Best Warrior and Best Medic. Images emphasize skill, determination, and competitive spirit.

Army private in fatigues in the autumn

Soldiers and NCOs from the West Virginia and District of Columbia National Guards compete in their annual Best Warrior Competition, held at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia, April 22, 2022. Best Warrior is an annual event where participants compete in a series of military tasks including weapons proficiency, endurance, physical fitness, medical skills, communications, and professional development activities. Winners of the local Best Warrior will compete at the regional level in May, also at Camp Dawson.

Soldiers and NCOs from the West Virginia and District of Columbia National Guards compete in their annual Best Warrior Competition, held at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia, April 22, 2022. Best Warrior is an annual event where participants compete in a series of military tasks including weapons proficiency, endurance, physical fitness, medical skills, communications, and professional development activities. Winners of the local Best Warrior will compete at the regional level in May, also at Camp Dawson.

Staff Sgt. Caleb Stinson, 68W Combat Medics, 232nd Medical Battalion, conducts damage control during the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. Medics who earn entry into the Best Medic Competition are already among the "best of the best." To be eligible for entry, medics must have received either the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) or the Combat Medical Badge (CMB).2 Both badges require the utmost determination and competence to receive. The overall pass rate for the Expert Field Medical Badge is less than 20%, making it one of the hardest and most respected forms of recognition you can earn in the army.

U.S. Army Maj. Greg Marsh, the commander of Fox Company, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, explains why the unit is participating in the Toys For Tots Donation Foot March in Manhattan, Kansas, Dec. 2, 2022. Marsh led the ruck to the donation point for Toys For Tots.

U.S. Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Jared Mengenhausen, 114th Security Forces Squadron squad leader, protects an F-16 during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 8, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

Senior Airman Shaun Jones, 436th Security Forces Squadron Raven, stands guard at a simulated forward operating base during Liberty Eagle Readiness Exercise 2022 at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July 12, 2022. The 436th and 512th Airlift Wings tested their ability to generate, employ and sustain airpower across the world in a simulated contested and degraded operational environment.

Paratroopers across the 82nd Airborne Division finish the 12 mile road march, complete a weapons test, and recieve their E3B on Fort Bragg, NC, April 7, 2023. 371 Paratroopers and Soldiers across multiple units and locations successfully completed E3B.

Army private in fatigues in the autumn

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Taylor Armstrong, an infantry Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, carries an M320 grenade launcher during a live fire range on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, July 6, 2022. Infantry Marines train with various weapon systems, including machine guns, grenade launchers, and rockets, making them more flexible on a battlefield. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

2nd Lt. Samuel Bowman posed for the camera as a competitor in the 310th ESC's Best Warrior Competition Feb. 7, 2024 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nathan Schmidtke, was nominated warrior of the week aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), the week of May 15, 2022. Schmidtke is a topographic analyst with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, who is tasked with making mission essential maps. Schmidtke joined the Marine Corps to make a difference and feels he is able to do that through his work.

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. Air Force Master Sgt. Arsonio Arthur, left, 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Mobility Air Forces integrated electronic systems specialist and an additional duty first sergeant, poses for a photo at Travis Air Force Base, California, Oct. 19, 2022. November is Native American Heritage Month, providing Travis AFB an opportunity to highlight our Airmen who represent the military and their Native American heritage. Arthur is a member of the Navajo Nation.

Staff Sgt. Justin Davis, a military training leader with the 343rd Training Squadron, created a web-based app that saves several hours each week during the in-processing of students and has saved the Air Force over $15,000 from printing 400,000 pieces of paper annually. It used to take about eight hours a week to prepare, print, scan and upload in-processing documents, considering each student fills out 13 documents. Now, the squadron can in-process 80 to 100 students weekly in under 5 minutes.

A U.S. Army Soldier, with Bravo Company, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, stands for a portrait at the Fort Dix Ranges on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 26, 2023.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Collin Longstreath, a combat engineer, Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), poses for a portrait during Realistic Urban Training (RUT) on Fort Barfoot, Virginia, Jan. 14, 2024. RUT provides the 24th MEU the opportunity to operate in unfamiliar environments, integrate the units of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and train towards being designated as special operations capable.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ronald Swenson, a mobility officer with the 369th Sustainment Brigade of the New York Army National Guard, poses for a photo in front of the Hellfighters mural on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, March 29, 2023. Swenson was promoted from the rank of warrant officer.

Soldiers and NCOs from the West Virginia and District of Columbia National Guards compete in their annual Best Warrior Competition, held at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia, April 22, 2022. Best Warrior is an annual event where participants compete in a series of military tasks including weapons proficiency, endurance, physical fitness, medical skills, communications, and professional development activities. Winners of the local Best Warrior will compete at the regional level in May, also at Camp Dawson.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Trevor Nakaahiki, artillery operations chief, 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, smiles during a break between operations at Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands, Hawaii Oct. 31, 2022, in support of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 23-01. JPMRC 23-01 is a regional combat training center rotation that builds combat readiness and continues to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

2nd Lt. Onay Arghandiwal, knowledge management officer, Operations Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 40th Infantry Division, attached from 18th Cavalry Regiment, receives recognition for her outstanding work from III Armored Corps Deputy Commanding General - Maneuver, Maj. Gen Steve Gilland, and British Maj. Gen. Mike Keating, III Armored Corps Deputy Commanding General - Support.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kaleb Karr, 822nd Base Defense Squadron member, poses for a portrait while manning a defensive fighting position at Avon Park Auxiliary Airfield, Florida, July 23, 2022. Karr and the 822nd were participating in Agile Flag 22-2, marking a significant milestone in standardizing the way Air Combat Command organizes, trains, and equips for Agile Combat Employment after a period of experimentation.

This morning, company, battery and troop commanders assigned to 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division compete in teams against each other during morning physical training on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Nov. 17, 2022. Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. -Mahatma Gandhi

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Zane Geiger, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron customer service operator, poses for a photo at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, July 12, 2022. Geiger manages service requests, prioritizes them and tasks the appropriate contractors from across the installation to ensure the mission never stops.

Spc. Wilson from the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, Wyoming Army National Guard, participates in a training exercise in Sheridan, Wyoming, May 17, 2022.

An U.S. Soldier orients his compass before starting the Land Navigation portion of the Army Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept. 29, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue.

An U.S. Soldier orients his compass before starting the Land Navigation portion of the Army Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept. 29, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Guelzow, a Sacramento, California native, service level training instructor with Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group, Marine Air-Ground Task Force Training Command, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, observes Marines with the training unit during an Adversary Force Exercise as part of Service Level Training Exercise 2-24 at Range 220, MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 1, 2024. The purpose of AFX is to create a credible, realistic threat for the exercise forces participating in SLTE 2-24 to engage against during the upcoming MAGTF Warfighting Exercise in a force-on-force, unscripted wargame. Marine Corps

U.S. Airman 1st Class Robert Carswell, 9th Air Refueling Squadron flight engineer, conducts preflight checks prior to a mission at Travis Air Force Base, California, July 4, 2022. The training flight provided an opportunity for aircrew to maintain proficiency and included a fly-over supporting two fourth of July parades.

A U.S. Marine with 3d Marine Division weighs in with their gear in support of an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force (ACM) drill at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 1, 2022. Routine short-notice ACM drills ensure III Marine Expeditionary Force Marines remain ready to rapidly deploy and maintain regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

030226-M-5150A-018. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Coyote Country: Kuwait (KWT)

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division participate in the annual St. Michael Jump on Salerno Drop Zone on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 14, 2022. The jump was conducted in honor of the 82nd Airborne Division patron saint.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Elijah Ledbetter, combat engineer, Combat Logistics Battalion 22, poses for a portrait after the construction of a defensive position during a 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) field exercise on Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina, Aug. 22, 2022. The exercise is running concurrently to CLB-22s Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation, the Marines and sailors are working together to demonstrate proficiency in individual and collective skills prior to the upcoming Marine Air-Ground Task Force composite.

050109-F-9429S-014. Base: Karshni-Khanabad Air Base Country: Uzbekistan (UZB)

Spc. Martin Baker posed for the camera as a competitor during the 310th ESC's Best Warrior Competition Feb. 7, 2024 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.

A U.S. Army Soldier, with Bravo Company, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, stands for a portrait at the Fort Dix Ranges on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 26, 2023.

Competitors participate in a 12-mile Ruck March during the 2022 National Guard Bureau Region 2 Best Warrior Competition, held May 17-20, 2022, at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia. The Best Warrior Competition is a physically and mentally challenging three-day competition that tests competitors on a wide range of technical and tactical skills relevant to todays combat operating environment. Region 2 consists of competitors from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional winners from across the nation will advance to compete at the national-level competition this summer.

030214-M-0431C-002. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers from Task Force 34, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 244th Assault Helicopter Battalion conduct a routine mission flight around Iraq on March 8.

U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Jonathan Bromley, a temporary officer selection officer with Recruiting Station Phoenix, poses for a portrait on Jan. 25, 2022 on Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Bromley is a native of Peoria, Arizona.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Zane Geiger, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron customer service operator, poses for a photo at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, July 12, 2022. Geiger manages service requests, prioritizes them and tasks the appropriate contractors from across the installation to ensure the mission never stops.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Tim Soeken, an ophthalmologist with the Health Engagements Assistance Response Team (HEART) 2022, poses for a photo in Guatemala City, Sept. 2, 2022. Soeken is deployed from the 59th Medical Wing, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

A Soldier completes the 12-mile ruck march event Tuesday during the Best Warrior Competition hosted by the 80th Training Command this week at Ft. Lee, Va. Soldiers from multiple divisions have gathered here to complete the 2023 Best Warrior Competition and compete for the German Army Fitness Proficiency Badge.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zachary Keller, an airfield operations supervisor with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), walks on the flightline on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, Jacksonville, North Carolina, Nov. 22, 2022. Keller, the recipient of this months MCAS New River Go-Getter award, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2021 from Minonk, Illinois.

Lance Cpl. Bennett T. Richardson, an artillery mechanic with Engineer Ordnance Maintenance Platoon, Maintenance Company, 2nd Supply Battalion Reinforced, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), reports the serial number of a serviceable captured enemy weapon at the Taji National Maintenance Depot aboard Camp Taji, Iraq, July 28. The depot is responsible for destroying unserviceable weapons and turning over serviceable weapons to the Iraqi government to support the Iraqi army.

Specialist Angel Monge, a Paratrooper assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, re-enlists aboard a C-17 aircraft during an airborne operation on August 12, 2022, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The 82nd Airborne Division is constantly training and ensuring the ability to provide the Nations with ground forces who can deploy, fight, and win anywhere within 18 hours of notification.

U.S Air Force Airman 1st Class Jose Quintero, an air transportation specialist with the 62d Aerial Port Squadron, participates in a Hispanic Heritage Month campaign at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 20, 2022. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices Hispanics have made to the United States in all walks of life.

Spc. Wilson from the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, Wyoming Army National Guard, participates in a training exercise in Sheridan, Wyoming, May 17, 2022.

AMC Commander, GEN. Ronald Fogelman, speaks at RODEO 94. He emphasized the importance that these competitions have in this era of change. Subject Operation/Series: RODEO '94 Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Sgt. Agustín Montañez, a public affairs NCO assigned to the 113th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment of the Puerto Rico Army National Guard, poses for a photo at Bolesławiec, Poland, Sept. 15, 2022. The 113th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, and is celebrating Hispanic heritage month, remembering Hispanics that have served throughout U.S. military history.

Maj. Gen. John Richardson IV, 1st Cavalry Division, commanding general, stands in front of the formation at the ceremony in celebration of the 101st birthday of the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, Sept. 16.

Portrait, man and solder on bench at military academy with training for service and war in USA. `Male person, employee and confident or serious with pride for protecting state as defense force

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Robert Goettge from Raleigh, North Carolina, an air support officer assigned to Marine Air Support Squadron 1, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, participates in a defense weapon system (DWS) operation during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23 at Yodaville, near Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 5, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Blake Gonzalez, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) forensic photographer, conducts a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, Feb. 26, 2024. From the approximately 2,000 remaining World War II unknowns in the cemetery, eight caskets were transferred to the DPAA laboratory, where they will undergo further scientific analysis and possible identification. Army

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Alexis N. Ortega, a drill instructor with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, poses for a photo during the crucible on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 5, 2022. Ortega became a drill instructor at Parris Island, S.C. in 2015. After her tour was completed, she returned as a drill instructor once again in 2021 to be a part of recruit training on the west coast. Although the process of civilians transforming into Marines remains equal on both ends of the United States, Ortega has learned to adapt to the geographical differences in both training centers. Ortega takes great pride in being one of the first female drill instructors in 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, however, she expressed that being a key part in molding the future of the Marine Corps is the greatest honor she has been given.

U.S. Army Sgt. Sidney Perry, a visual information specialist assigned to 55th Signal Company, conducts a tactical skill lane while competing in the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, May 20, 2022. The annual multi-day competition tests the tactical and technical proficiency of visual information and public affairs specialists across the DOD and participating international competitors.

Staff Sgt. Monique Dingle, District of Columbia Army National Guard 104th Maintenance Company, participates in a stress-shoot event during the 2022 National Guard Bureau Region 2 Best Warrior Competition, held May 17-20, 2022, at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia. The Best Warrior Competition is a physically and mentally challenging three-day competition that tests competitors on a wide range of technical and tactical skills relevant to todays combat operating environment. Region 2 consists of competitors from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional winners from across the nation will advance to compete at the national-level competition this summer.

Airmen and Guardians from U.S. Space Force's Space Oparations Command pose for portraits at Headquarters SpOC, on Peterson Space Force Base, CO. SpOC generates, presents, and sustains combat-ready intelligence, cyber, space and combat support forces and serves as the USSF Service Component to U.S. Space Command.

A Soldier completes the 12-mile ruck march event Tuesday during the Best Warrior Competition hosted by the 80th Training Command this week at Ft. Lee, Va. Soldiers from multiple divisions have gathered here to complete the 2023 Best Warrior Competition and compete for the German Army Fitness Proficiency Badge.

040814-M-3658J-006. Base: Mcb Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division take part in the Combat Water Survival Test for the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, GA, July 27, 2022. The Best Squad Competition tests squads' physical, technical and tactical abilities under stress and fatigue to determine which squad from the XVIII Airborne Corps will advance to the Forces Command Best Squad Competition in the coming months.

A U.S. Army Soldier from the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade listens to instructions as he ties down a humvee to a C-17 Globemaster III at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2022. Airmen from the 16th Airlift Squadron and Soldiers from the 108th ADA Brigade worked together during an iteration of Joint Base Charlestons Mission Oriented Trainer program.

Capt. Mike Addis, the director of operations for the 442d Logistics Readiness Squadron, practices laying out a forward area refeuling point May 19, 2022, on Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. FARP is a key component of agile combat employment, allowing untis to quickly set up operations and conduct missions in austere environments.

Staff Sgt. Caleb Stinson, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, checks his weapon during the firing portion of the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The event included the Army Combat Fitness Test, warrior training, obstacle course, M-16 qualification, warrior tasks and battle drills, day and night land navigation, a Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and 20-kilometer foot march.

Members of the West Virginia National Guard CBRN Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) participate in a semi-annual Collective Training Exercise (CTE) evolution at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia, August 17, 2022. Approximately 193 personnel spent three days in the field learning and refining CERFP capabilities including Command and Control, Mass Casualty Decontamination, Search and Rescue, Communications, Medical Operations, and Fatality Search and Rescue Team functions. (U.S. Army National Guard photograph by Edwin L. Wriston)

U.S. Army Spc. Erick Muniz, 216th Engineer Battalion Mobility Augmentation Company, 578th Engineer Battalion, California National Guard, holds a ceremonial rifle at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif. July 26, 2022.

U.S. Army Sgt. Albert Satcher, an infantryman with the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, poses for a portrait photo at Fort Carson, Colorado, Feb. 1, 2024. Satcher is an Infantryman and has been serving for almost five years and recently reenlisted to continue his career. Army

030214-M-3856H-003. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: H&HS

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Padraic Condon, 821st Contingency Response Squadron boom operator, poses for a portrait at Avon Park Auxiliary Airfield, July 22, 2022. Condon and the 821st were supporting Agile Flag 22-2 by setting up tents to house and support over 100 Airmen and offered a team of wide ranging skillsets to receive and launch different airframes.

Warrant Officer 1 Rusty Johnston, the brigade network technician, assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division (3/4th ABCT) determines the direction to position the satellite transportable terminal by locating a satellite band with his phone as part of establishing the brigade tactical operations center, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, April 13, 2022. The 3/4th 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.

Lt. Col. Anthony Williams, the outgoing 3rd Battalion, 345th Regiment Training Support Battalion commander, smiles with excitment after receiving the Meritorious Service Medal before conducting a Change of Command ceremony at the Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart June 28, 2023.

Lt. Col. Keith A. Haskin, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence G-5 director, stands for a photo at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Aug. 24, 2022.

Airman 1st Class Eric Johnson, a 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons team member, poses on top of an F-15E Strike Eagle at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 19, 2022. Noticing the fire as it started, Johnson alerted leadership to the danger and made it possible to quickly engage the fire, which resulted in an Air Combat Command safety award.

U.S. Army Cpt. Caleb Pittman, with Maneuver Company Advisor Team, teaches Senegalese Armed Forces (SAF) soldiers nighttime movement during African Lion 22 in Dodji, Senegal, June 23, 2022. African Lion 22 is U.S. Africa Commands largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, June 6-30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christan Pletcher, a gunner with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Division, 2d Marine Division, partakes in a religious field service during Adversary Force Exercise (AFX) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, April 26, 2022. The purpose of AFX is to create a credible, realistic threat for the exercise forces participating in the Integrated Training Exercise to engage against during the upcoming MAGTF Warfighting Exercise in a force-on-force, unscripted wargame.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Stephen Bordwell, 20th Security Forces Squadron flight sergeant, works at the Base Defense Operations Center to ensure the safety of service members at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Sep. 22, 2022. Security Forces specialists go through extensive training in law enforcement and combat tactics to protect bases both stateside and overseas.

On Day 2 of Installation Management Command - Europe Best Warrior Competition, the 12 Soldiers completed the Army Combat Fitness Test; practice hand grenade throw; day and night land navigations; weapons assembly and disassembly; and, a surprise, hilly four-mile run. Photo by Sandra Roemer, IMCOM-E Enterprise Multimedia Center

U.S. ARMY Soldiers and South Korean Katusa's Conduct a Ruck march and MEDEVAC training on Camp Casey South Korea, NOV 17th 2022. MEDEVAC is the evacuation of military or other casualties to the hospital in a helicopter or airplane." (U.S. ARMY photos by SPC. Christopher Cameron)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crew chief with the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, poses for a photo on the flightline May 11, 2022, at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Exercises like Sentry Savannah held at the Air Dominance Center not only train and test the counter air capabilities of the next generation of fighter pilots, but they also provide critical experience and training to 10 different units of maintenance Airmen in the rapid employment and recovery of aircraft.

Paratroopers across the 82nd Airborne Division finish the 12 mile road march, complete a weapons test, and recieve their E3B on Fort Bragg, NC, April 7, 2023. 371 Paratroopers and Soldiers across multiple units and locations successfully completed E3B.

Soldiers Stationed at Camp Casey conduct a Ruck, Run and Walk in Remembrance of 9-11, Sep 11 2022 Camp Casey South Korea. During the September 11, 2001 attacks, 2,977 people were killed and more than 25,000 others were injured. Of the 2,977 fatal victims, 2,753 were killed in the World Trade Center and the surrounding area, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 in Pennsylvania.

Pfc. Jesus Arteaga, a water treatment specialist with the 1387th Quartermaster Company, 184th Sustainment Command, Mississippi Army National Guard, poses for a photo at Davis Road Park near Jackson, Mississippi, Sept. 7, 2022. "I serve because I wanted to do something different with my life. I also wanted to be able to help my parents attain citizenship here. And I wanted to be able to pay for college." Arteaga is a native of Lake Village, Arkansas.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Evan Jones, a combat videographer with American Forces Network Pacific, poses for a photo before liftoff at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 19, 2022. Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Forces largest and most complex Large Force Employment exercise. Pitch Black 2022 is being conducted at RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley from 19 August to 8 September 2022. This Years exercise will host up to 2500 personnel and around 100 aircraft from 17 participating nations from around the globe.Activities such as Exercise Pitch Black recognize Australias strong relationships and the high value we place on regional security and fostering closer ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region.Exercise Pitch Black features a range of realistic, simulated threats which can be found in a modern battle-space environment and is an opportunity to test and improve our force integration utilizing one of the largest training air space areas in the worl

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Faaborg, 755th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hydraulics craftsman, is the dedicated crew chief for Cesar, an EC-130H Compass Call assigned to the 55th Electronic Combat Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Aug. 17, 2022. After six months of dedicated hard work, the EC-130 was marked with zero functional discrepancies.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. David Vera, 6th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance craftsman, poses for a photo in the corrosion unit spray room at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 10, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass recognized Vera at an all-call on base, Aug. 4, for establishing a proper corrosion process which identifies requirements to help ensure a safe transition to MacDills KC-46 renovation project. For his sound judgement and dedication to process improvement, Vera was selected as the 6th MXS Noncommissioned Officer of the Year 2021.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Najwan Alobaidi, 33rd Cyberspace Operations Squadron, Client System Supervisor, poses for a photo at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Aug. 17, 2022. Alobaidi supervises six Airmen in his shop, who ensure 16th Air Force personnel protect, defend and leverage information advantages in the operational environment enabling the Air Forces ability to generate rapid airpower.

U.S. Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Josh Groeneweg, 114th Security Forces Squadron squad leader, patrols the flight line on Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 8, 2022. Groeneweg was part of a dedicated patrol team that maintained security of assets and personnel from the 114th Fighter Wing during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Barret Tallant, an AH-64E Apache Guardian pilot assigned to the 1-229 Attack Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, stands with their aircraft during Singapore Airshow 2024 preparations at the Changi Airbase East, Republic of Singapore, Feb. 19, 2024. The airshow showcased various U.S. military aircraft, allowing them to demonstrate flexible aircraft capability, enable engagement with foreign partners, and expand power projection capabilities. Air Force

Airmen and Guardians from U.S. Space Force's Space Oparations Command pose for portraits at Headquarters SpOC, on Peterson Space Force Base, CO. SpOC generates, presents, and sustains combat-ready intelligence, cyber, space and combat support forces and serves as the USSF Service Component to U.S. Space Command.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- U.S. Air Force Reserves Master Sergeant Jermaine Griffin, 310th Mission Support Group Senior Enlisted Leader, poses for a studio photo at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, during a monthly Unit Training Assembly (UTA) 30 April 2022.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Juan Ramirez Ceballos, a boom operator assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron poses for a photo near the flightline MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 9, 2022. Ramirez was a young child in Columbia when the events of 9/11 unfolded. He shared that early in the morning, while he watched the television preparing to leave for school, he didnt truly understand what had happened until he noticed his mother and grandmother crying. Ramirez went on to say that in pursuit of the American dream, he found himself looking to do something greater than himself. Ramirez wanted to serve to carry on the legacy of those who have fought in the past for our Nations future.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Juan Ramirez Ceballos, a boom operator assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron poses for a photo near the flightline MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 9, 2022. Ramirez was a young child in Columbia when the events of 9/11 unfolded. He shared that early in the morning, while he watched the television preparing to leave for school, he didnt truly understand what had happened until he noticed his mother and grandmother crying. Ramirez went on to say that in pursuit of the American dream, he found himself looking to do something greater than himself. Ramirez wanted to serve to carry on the legacy of those who have fought in the past for our Nations future.

Sgt. Jhoshua Alfaro, behavioral health specialist, U.S. Army Health Clinic Baumholder and native of Temecula, California, competes in Regional Health Command Europe's Best Leader Competition, May 24, for a chance to advance and represent Army Medicine Europe at the U.S. Army Medical Command Best Leader Competition later this summer.

040217-M-9656F-002. Country: Unknown

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. John Shirley, a native of New York and a musician with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, sets up concertina wire in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 20, 2024. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Marine Corps

U.S. Army Sgt. Connor Clark, 3rd Brigade Combat Team , 82nd Airborne Division, poses for a portrait photo outside of the IHG Army Hotel, Sept. 14, 2022, Fort Bragg, N.C. Over 450 Soldiers are getting CNAs to move into their own houses or apartments off base. However when the Soldiers are in the process of finding places to live, they are staying on base in the IHG Army Hotels. The inadequate conditions experienced by some of our Soldiers living in the barracks on Fort Bragg is deeply concerning. This is unacceptable and we are taking deliberate actions to correct the situation.

030408-F-0613W-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Sgt. Roger Litton, an allied trade specialist (welder), assigned with the 92nd Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, based at Fort Stewart, Ga., poses for a photo after receiving an Army Meritorious Service Medal at the Capital Factory in Austin, Texas, Aug. 16, 2022. Litton used his training as an allied trade specialist to fabricate a pile driver attachment for a Hydraulic excavator, ultimately winning over the Dragons Lair 7 panel.

U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Tanner Lane, utilities technician, assigned to Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, during Project Convergence - Capstone 4 at Camp Pendleton, Calif. on February 12, 2024. Army

U.S. Army Sgt. Javier Hernandez, infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, Maryland National Guard, poses for a photo Sept. 22, 2022, at the Fifth Regiment Armory, Baltimore, Maryland. Hernandez has taken advantage of the education benefits offered by the MDARNG including Federal Tuition Assistance, State Tuition Assistance Reimbursement (STAR), and the post 9/11 GI Bill to help him achieve his goal of attending dental school. (National Guard photo by Enjoli Saunders)

U.S. Army Capt. Melissa Parmenter and therapy dog Ace sit for a portrait in front of the New Jersey National Guards Joint Force Headquarters on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 12, 2019. Parmenter and Ace are both part of the New Jersey Army National Guards a Behavioral Health Office.

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