Military Instruction and Training

Images depict military personnel participating in classroom training, focusing on marksmanship, safety, and tactical briefings to enhance skills and readiness.

Oregon Army National Guard Capt. Cody Comerford and Maj. Joshua Reese give an in-brief to fresh Double Creek Fire volunteers of the Oregon National Guard at the La Grande National Guard Armory Sept. 23, 2022. The volunteers will staff road closure points around the perimeter of the Double Creek Megafire in the Wallowa Whitman National Forest area.

Staff Sgt. Bradley Wheeler, combat engineer, with 1st Army Division West teaches preliminary marksmanship instruction to 34th Infantry Division "Red Bulls" soldiers, Fort Cavazos, Texas, February 20, 2024. Practicing PMI ensures proper firearm handling and shooting techniques before attending weapons qualification at the shooting range. (Minnesota National Guard

Senior Airman Ryan Miller, 355th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance metals technician, introduces himself to a class at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 12, 2022. The 355th Security Forces Squadron combat arms training and maintenance team were the first to open their doors to Airmen selected to take part in the Airmen shadowing Airmen program.

U.S. Army Maj. Quin Rogers, Michigan National Guard range operations officer, places a unit placeholder on a training area map before Northern Strike 22-2 at Camp Grayling, Mich., July 28, 2022. Northern Strike is a cost effective way for building responsive, ready and lethal formations through validation of readiness requirements. (Michigan Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Tristan D. Viglianco)

Leaders and staff from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment and 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment conduct a tactical order (TACORD) brief prior to executing a combined arms maneuver live fire exercise (CAMLFX) in Grafenwoehr, Germany on Dec. 5, 2022. The United States commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the United States will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO Allies. (U.S. Army photos by Maj. Brett Sullenger, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Officer)

Master Sgt. Kevin Smith, 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron combat arms, maintenance and training instructor, demonstrates proper firearm safety during Police Week May 16, 2022, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Smith reviewed proper firearm policies and procedures with defenders before they took party in the annual police week shooting competition, an event that tests firearm accuracy on a stationary target.

Oregon Army National Guard Capt. Cody Comerford and Maj. Joshua Reese give an in-brief to fresh Double Creek Fire volunteers of the Oregon National Guard at the La Grande National Guard Armory Sept. 23, 2022. The volunteers will staff road closure points around the perimeter of the Double Creek Megafire in the Wallowa Whitman National Forest area.

Senior Airman Lane Davenport, 7th Comptroller Squadron financial operations technician, left, and Staff Sgt. Matthew Murphy, 7th CPTS NCO in charge of financial operations, right, speak with Col. Joseph Kramer, 7th Bomb Wing commander, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 30 2022. During Kramers Walk-About-Wednesday, he stopped at each section within the 7th CPTS to thank them for their work and ensure the needs of each office were being met. The finance office provides funding for the base and ensures that the correct amount of money goes towards the proper funds.

U.S. Army Maj. John Shay, a chaplain with the 47th Chaplain Detachment, is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal at Camp Ripley, July 10th, 2022. Shay provided religious support to the 1/34th Armored Brigade's 5,200 Soldiers for more than four years, improving long-term readiness and spiritual fitness for the Brigade. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

The U.S. Army Reserves 655th Regional Support Group is conducting a Mobilization Exercise at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, to test the bases viability as a Mobilization Force Generation Installation. MFGIs provide deployment preparation in support of Combatant Command requirements, as well as pre- and post-mobilization training support. If the MFGI were activated on JBMDL, the RSG along with other support and sustainment units, known collectively as the Mobilization Support Force, would be mobilized here to facilitate the mobilization process for activated Army Reserve and National Guard personnel.

The Adjutant General of the U.S Army, BG Gregory Johnson, meets with key leaders of the Integrated Personnel and Pay System - Army program to disucss upcoming release events and issues, Dec. 1, 2022 in Arlington, Virginia.

U.S. Army Soldiers deployed to Karliki, Poland, participate in a week-long Marne Guardian course from Jan. 15-19, 2024. The Marne Guardian program promotes an environment where peers hold each other accountable to follow and uphold the Warrior Ethos and Army Values. These Soldiers are deployed as part of a rotation of forces to Poland to support multinational training and operations and deter adversaries in the European theater.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Donald Bolda, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, gives remarks during an in-processing brief at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Oct. 11, 2022. For a portion of this deployment, Airmen from the 49th AMXS worked on Operation Allies Refuge coverage to support the 324th Expeditionary Reconnaisance Squadron on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy.

JBLM, Wash. - Chief Warrant Officer 4 Adam W. Rickert (left), a UAS/aviation OC/T assigned to Ops Group Charlie, Mission Command Training Program of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, speaks leads a small group discussion with Soldiers from the 189th Infantry Brigade during Division Academics Week at the U.S. Army Reserve Center at JBLM, Washington.

U.S. Airmen attend a military transition resource event hosted by Matthew Langseth, City of Tucson military veteran program coordinator, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb. 1, 2024. During the event, Langseth presented several resources to help support transitioning service members and their families. Air Force

Chief Master Sgt. Jacob C. Simmons, Space Operations Command Senior Enlisted Leader, congratulates Clear Space Force Station Arctic Airmen and Guardian coin recipients. Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command Commander presented challenge coins to Clear SFS Arctic Airmen and Guardian superior performers in their duties to protect and defend the homeland. The Clear SFS members provide strategic missile warning, missile defense, and Upgraded Early Warning Radar as an integral part of deterrence in support of Homeland Defense. Clear SFS is home to Arctic Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 13th and 213th Space Warning Squadrons, providing 24/7 missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness.

U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Filler, right, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, speaks with Brig. Gen. Roy W. Collins, left, Headquarters U.S. Air Force director of security forces and deputy chief of staff for logistics, engineering and force protection, during a visit to Royal Air Force Croughton, England, May 23, 2022. Collins and Chief Master Sgt. Donald S. Gallagher, 20th Security Forces career field manager, visited RAF Croughton to present the 2021 Air Force Best Small Security Forces Squadron to the 422nd Security Forces Squadron.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, command chief, Air National Guard (ANG), addresses Airmen of the Junior Enlisted Council during a unit visit to the 108th Air Refueling Wing, New Jersey National Guard, Joint Base Mcguire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Dec. 3, 2022. During the visit, Williams communicated ANG leadership initiatives, shared his vision for leadership qualities, and gauged the dynamics and unique needs of each unit and its members.

U.S. Army Soldiers attending the Advance Leaders Course at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer Academy - Fort Eustis compete in the Commandant's Inspection at Fort Eustis, Virginia March 30, 2022. They are judged on their attention to detail, wear of the uniform, and performance of drill and ceremony.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 23rd Wing processes through a personnel deployment function line at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Oct. 14, 2022. The PDF line ensures personnel are properly equipped with necessary items required to deploy and ensure they are fully vaccinated for their designated destination. The 23rd Wing deployed A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft and support personnel to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam for a routine Dynamic Force Employment Operation.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, The Adjutant General for South Carolina, and Colombian Army Gen. Luis Navarro led their respective delegations through various South Carolina Military Department locations across the state, June 29, 2022. The events scheduled included visiting the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, McEntire Joint National Guard Base, Combined Support Maintenance Shop, 59th Aviation Troop Command Complex, 169th Fighter Wing, McCrady Training Center, and various components within the South Carolina Military Department. This key leader engagement between the South Carolina National Guard and the Colombian Military will review goals set forth during previous engagements, examine progress, and refine goals for the future.

SSG Maria L. Baez, 25th Division Infantry Artillery (DIVARTY) Brigade, explains the importance of accommodating several beliefs or religions to promote spiritual readiness throughout the force during Exercise Cartwheel, 12-20 September 2022. Opportunities like Exercise Cartwheel provide a platform to deepen understanding and preparedness for potential crises while strengthening U.S. Army, INDOPACOM, and Fijian military capabilities and enhancing critical relationships with partner nations for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. David Herrera (right), 47th Communications Squadron (CS) network control center section chief, Senior Airmen Jerremy Huck (center), 47th CS technician, explains to Col. Robert Moore (left), 47th Mission Support Group (MSG) commander, the installation process of a new switch at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 6, 2024. Air Force

Airmen from the 195th Wing, California Air National Guard, conduct break out sessions at the Front Line Supervisor Summit at Peach Tree Golf and Country Club, Marysville California, August 31, 2022. The summit featured presentations from agencies from across the Wing and State on topics such as; leadership scenarios, Four Lenses, empathy and mindfulness, and finance. In addition to the presentations there were break out sessions to discuss topics as well as team building activities.

U.S. Army Spc. Jake Gilson, a combat medic assigned to the 1st Infantry Division Artillery, teaches a combat lifesaver course to U.S. Soldiers at the Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, May 31, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice Williams, center, command chief, Air National Guard, addresses Airmen of the 131st Bomb Wing, Missouri National Guard at a Chief's Council meeting, during his visit at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. During the meeting, Williams shared with the leadership what he had learned from Airmen during his visit and discussed leadership strategies.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice Williams, center, command chief, Air National Guard, addresses Airmen of the 131st Bomb Wing, Missouri National Guard at a Chief's Council meeting, during his visit at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. During the meeting, Williams shared with the leadership what he had learned from Airmen during his visit and discussed leadership strategies.

Officer Candidate School Physician Assistant students, with Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, taught a class in Ophthalmology and caring for eye trauma, infection, or injury, July 13, 2022, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The students received classroom instruction and then were able to practice techniques using a variety of equipment and methods of treatment.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston, the Senior Enlisted Leader and Advisor for the Army, visits Soldiers and families in the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, May 19, 2022. "People first equals readiness. When you're not worried about your house, you are a more ready Soldier. If you don't have to worry about child care, you are a more ready Soldier. But it doesn't mean you don't do tough training when it's really cold outside. You build a better, stronger bond with your people when you challenge them with that tough training and you give them tasks and the right equipment to do them," said Grinston.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Holland, Command Sgt. Maj. of XVIII Airborne Corps, discussing barracks plans with senior leaders at the 525th Military Intelligence Brigade barracks, Aug. 30, 2022, Fort Bragg, N.C.. Fort Bragg is in a process of moving Soldiers out of the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks, into other barracks on the installation.

Members of the 117th Air Refueling Wing participate in CBRNE annual training at Sumpter Smith Joint Air National Guard base, April 10, 2022. CBRNE training is designed prepare military members and first responders to effectively respond to a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive (CBRNE) or mass casualty incident.

Alaska Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Michael Cook, front, a rescue intel analyst with 176th Operations Support Squadron, Alaska State Defense Force Col. John James, middle, the 2nd Scout Battalion Commander, and Army National Guard Sgt. Maj. Arturo Baptista, Operations Sgt. Maj. for the 38th Troop Command, receive mission critical information from the Joint Operations Center for Operation Merbok Response in Bethel, Alaska, Sept. 23, 2022. More than 130 members of the Alaska Organized Militia, which includes members of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Airman Emily Batchelor)

U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command commander, receives a mission brief from the 53rd Space Operations Squadron Detachment C staff at the Wideband Satellite Operations Center in Landstuhl, Germany, September 12, 2022.

Col. Charles Wells, commander, 181st Infantry Brigade, briefs Soldiers as they prepare to begin a culminating training exercise at Fort Knox, Kentucky, February 2024.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke A. Pirak, right, deputy director, Air National Guard, speaks with Airmen of the 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard during a luncheon at the unit in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, September 10, 2022. During the luncheon, Pirak discussed contemporary base issues with Airmen and provided mentorship to future leaders of the wing.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice Williams, center, command chief, Air National Guard, addresses Airmen of the 131st Bomb Wing, Missouri National Guard, at a Top 3 meeting, during his visit at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. During the meeting, Williams advised the Airmen on how to enhance the effectiveness of their organization by creating a mission statement, establishing goals and providing professional development opportunities for members.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command commander, greets Guardians, Soldiers and civilians at the Wideband Satellite Communications Operations Center (WSOC) in Landstuhl, Germany, Sep. 12, 2022. On Aug. 15, 2022, the WSOCs mission responsibility transferred from the U.S. Armys 53rd Signal Battalion to the U.S. Space Forces Space Operations Command, under Space Delta 8s 53rd Space Operations Squadron. The transfer marked the first time that all Department of Defense military satellite communication functions were unified under a single military service.

Ready Now! Shaping Tomorrow U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) conduct a Soldier Readiness Process, commonly known to military members as SRP, during their monthly Battle Assembly in September at the 1st Lt. David R. Wilson Armed Forces Reserve Center in Orlando, Florida. SRPs consist of important tasks critical to Soldier readiness and unit preparedness.To conduct an SRP you need to screen Soldiers medical, dental, legal, administrative, and mental readiness.BIG THANKS for the support from, LHI, the 377 Surgeon Cell, 174 Legal Operations Det., the 377th Theater Sustainment Command, and many more.

Distinguished visitors gather to observe members of joint service components as they provide dental, medical, optometry, physical and mental health, nutrition and pharmaceutical services during a medical mission centered between Meigs, Hamilton and Rhea counties in support of Birchwood Cares, Innovative Readiness Training at the Birchwood Community Center and Rhea County Middle School, Tenn., June 3, 2022. Birchwood Cares, Innovative Readiness Training is a Department of Defense sponsored training event that links community partners with joint force partners to provide medical care for surrounding communities while simultaneously providing hands-on training to joint members.

220603-N-MJ716-1066 NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO (June 3, 2022) Rear Adm. Brad Rosen, Commander, Navy Region Southwest, meets with leadership from Naval Base San Diego and tenant commands at the Waterfront Recreation Center on Naval Base San Diego. Rear Adm. Rosen, who assumed command of Navy Region Southwest in May, visited Naval Base San Diego on June 3, 2022 for an initial meeting with command leadership and to conduct a familiarization tour of the base.

Leadership from Joint Task Force - Bethel and JTF - Aviation conduct a planning meeting in preparation for the following days movement at the Alaska Army National Guard Armory in Bethel, Alaska, Sept. 23, 2022. More than 130 members of the Alaska Organized Militia, which includes members of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda O'Neal)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 133rd Operations Group, 934th Operations Group, and 374th Operations Group attended a briefing about the new M69 Joint Service Aircrew Mask Strategic Aircraft (JSAM-SA) in St. Paul, Minn., June 9, 2022. The purpose of the briefing was to share information and answer questions that aircrew members might have about M69 JSAM-SA.

First sergeants from Kirtland, Holloman, and Cannon Air Force Bases and the New Mexico Air National Guard complete a learning exercise during a first sergeant professional development seminar at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 1, 2024. This exercise taught first sergeants the importance of helping others win and how the success of others will positively affect their own success. Air Force

221003-N-YG104-0003 PEARL HARBOR (October 03, 2022) U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief James Smitty Tocorzic speaks with Chief Petty Officer selectees at U.S. Pacific Fleet headquarters. He spoke to them about the importance of warfighting readiness, resilience, and their role toward that end.

Military and civilian students attend the CFE-DM Humanitarian Assistance Response Training in Conflict Oct. 21, 2022. The purpose of the 5-day training course is to prepare the US joint force and their security partners for supporting, and when necessary, conducting humanitarian assistance before, during, and after combat operations. The Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance provides academic research, civil-military coordination training, and operational insights to support decision making before, during, and after crises.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brian Kruzelnick, Air Mobility Commandcommand chief, addresses 735th Air Mobility Squadron and 515th Air MobilityOperations Wing personnel during AMC All Call at Joint Base PearlHarbor-Hickam, Hawaii June 22, 2022.

Brig. Gen. Leigh Swanson, Air Mobility Command command surgeon, and Chief Master Sgt. Daneen Jeziorske, AMC medical enlisted force, visit physical therapy during a base tour at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Feb. 12, 2024. During the visit, Swanson and Jeziorske had the opportunity to learn about the 19th MDGs daily operations and engage with numerous Airmen across various career fields that contribute to preparing and maintaining medical readiness. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Teagan Law, and Airman First Class Tyler Hughes, both Security Forces Airmen, 183d Wing, Springfield, Illinois, listen to an instructor during a Combat Lifesaver Course (CLC) at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois, on July 12, 2022. Airmen from the 183d Security Forces Squadron (SFS) took part in a combat medic training with soldiers from Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois as part of a training requirement with both classroom instruction and hands on practicals with a training manikin.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Tara Patton, an operations officer with 2nd Marine Logistics group, II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), leads a group discussion during the II MEF Combat Service Support Conference on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 28, 2023. The conference was held to identify Force Design 2030 impacts on service support and build a common understanding across II MEF units of force sustainment needs.

Representatives from units overseeing medical for mobilizing Soldiers calculate unit throughput during the Level 1 Mobilization Tabletop Exercise, July 16-17, 2022, Fort McCoy, Wis. The 88th Readiness Divisions Mobilization Force Generation Installation held the TTX to test the enablers of the Mobilization Support Force units to handle Soldier throughput in administration, medical and training. Every MSF unit brings a diverse and dynamic skill set critical to the success for MFGI as a mobilization platform. The MSF units provide the assets to train, validate and deploy mission-ready Soldiers to a combat theater of operations in the highest state of readiness.

The 8th Force Support Squadron career development team submits a simulated death notification at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 19, 2022. The career development team was trained on entering the simulated notifications while still maintaining day-to-day operations.

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command held a remembrance ceremony to honor the 81st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7. The ceremony honored the Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and Airmen who gave their lives that day in defense of the United States, and marked their sacrifice with a bell ringing. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command directs and oversees more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions faster than the adversary, April 11, 2022.

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Joseph W. Toomey, right, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1-102nd Cavalry, hands Senior Airman Alex Potts, 21st Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team, his land navigation packet during the New Jersey National Guards Best Warrior Competition, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 19, 2022. Competitors are tested on physical fitness, marksmanship, land navigation, and other soldiering tasks. Five Soldiers, one Airman, and seven noncommissioned officers are competing, April 18-21, 2022. The top Soldier and NCO will go on to compete against seven other states of Region I in Niantic, Connecticut, May 10-13, 2022. The Best Warrior Competition recognizes Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to the Army Values, embody the Warrior Ethos, and represent the Force of the Future. (New Jersey National Guard photo by Mark C. Olsen)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Daniel Incorvaia, 23rd Maintenance Squadron director of operations, goes through the pre-departure line for exercise Jaded Thunder 22-1, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, April 29, 2022. This will be the first iteration of exercise Jaded Thunder in 2022. Jaded Thunder 22-1 is a two-week training exercise designed to enhance integration of joint force military assets and enhance combat effectiveness.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, middle, and U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Bailey, 31st Fighter Wing commander, left, discuss different topics with leadership from the 606th Air Control Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 21, 2022. During his visit, Harrigian toured different facilities and recognized Airmen for their accomplishments though coining and awards ceremonies.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Janey, readiness non-commissioned officer with Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 174th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, assists a Soldier during the admin review portion of a Guard Your Future event at Defense Supply Center Columbus in Whitehall, Ohio, May 15, 2022. The purpose of the Guard Your Future event is to ensure Soldiers complete required health and administrative checks as well as to educate them on potential options for their future in the Guard.

New Mexico first sergeants complete a learning exercise during a first sergeant professional development seminar at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 1, 2024. This exercise taught first sergeants the importance of helping others win and how the success of others will positively affect their own success. Air Force

1st Sgt. Charles L. Johnson Retirement Ceremony, 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Air Defense Artillery Commandant's Office, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. 1st Sgt. Charles L. Johnson retired today after 20 over years serving in the U.S. Army. His presence as a senior enlisted Soldier as part of the Air Defense community is one that will not soon be forgotten. Johnson spent over 8 years stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and contributed immensely to the Air Defense mission by serving as a 1st Sgt. for 30th Air Defense Artillery and by leading troops towards careers of excellence while serving in the Commandant's office as the Operations NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer).Johnson served two tours overseas, one to Kuwait and one to Bahrain. His time there was well noted by the various military awards he received and prestigious accolades. Since gearing towards retirement Charles began studies in the hopes of becoming a teacher, but says that he would "still like to work close with Air Defense, just

U.S. Army Col. Anthony T. Murtha, Commander, Operations Group, Joint Multinational Readiness Center, conducts a Rehearsal Of Concept drill in preparation for Exercise Combined Resolve 17 (CBR17) at Hohenfels, Germany, May 18, 2022. CBR17 is a United States Army Europe and Africa directed rotation that certifies a units Mission Essential Training proficiency in Unified Land Operations within a Decisive Action Training Environment and involves approximately 5,000 soldiers from the U.S., Allied, and Partnered nations.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Miller, 355th Communications Squadron Radio Frequency Transmissions supervisor, shows Airmen radio equipment that is used at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 13, 2022. The Dirty Jobs initiative allows Airmen from around base to see what other shops do and how they operate on a day-to-day basis.

220901-N-FB203-0008 MANAMA, Bahrain (September 1, 2022) Naval Support Activity Bahrain Executive Officer Cmdr. Ernesto Rivera explains the importance of learning the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) as part of base-wide FVAP training. NSA Bahrain enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. and allied forces in support of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia's mission to provide services to the fleet, warfighter and family.

Arizona Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Lonnie J. Branum, land component commander, visits with Soldiers from the human resources section of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 198th Regional Support Group, July 28, 2022, at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Mississippi. The 198th RSG HHC is at CSJFTC for annual training to provide mission command to Mobilization Support Units that participated in mobilization exercise Pershing Strike 2022. (Arizona Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Brian A. Barbour)

Sgt. 1st Class Jeffery Williams, an instructor and sexual assault response coordinator for the 42nd Military Police Brigade, left, fields questions during a discussion about reporting sexual assault, as part of the newly-established Sexual Harassment Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Protection Liaison Team training, on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., May 11, 2022.

Lt. Col. Brian Austin, the director of the Smoky Mountain Air Show Emergency Operations Center, 134th Air Refueling Wing, briefs his team on EOC protocol Sept. 8, 2022 at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee. The two-day annual event provided the local community with a rare chance to see modern and historic aircraft up close and to meet military members. (Blur applied to map and data for security)

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Carlos H. Terrones, 12th Ordnance chief warrant Officer, U.S. Army Ordnance School, speaks with Soldiers attending military occupational specialty training at the Regional Training Site-Maintenance (RTS-M), 177th Regiment, Regional Training Institute, Fort Custer Training Center, Augusta, Michigan, July 25, 2022. Terrones visited the schoolhouse to discuss the direction and vision of the Ordnance Corps, career progression in leadership roles, and how the Ordnance Corps is modernizing to sustain the force in the future.

Senior Master Sgt. Jared Shuman, an executive officer assigned to the 910th Communications Squadron, and Karen Hazle-Johnson, 910th Airlift Wing violence prevention integrator, discuss managing fragile moments during a senior non-commissioned officer enlisted symposium, Aug. 9, 2022, at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio. The symposium focused on professional and personal development, building relationships, learning new leadership skills and developing new relationships with other leaders across YARS.

U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Sheets, 23rd Wing commander, speaks to Airmen during an all call at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Jan. 3, 2024. Sheets hosted his first wing all call of2024.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Davidson (left), 47th Flying Training Wing commander, and Senior Airman Leland Green (middle), 47th Operation Support Squadron radar airfield weather systems (RAWS) technician, discuss radio maintenance and daily operations of the RAWS flight at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 12, 2024. RAWS personnel repair and maintain weather and communication systems both on and off the airfield.

Advanced Cavalry Leader's Course (ACLC) students conducts a sand table mission brief for fellow classmates during ACLC at Fort Rucker, Alabama, June 23, 2022.

Pennsylvania Air National Guardsmen with the 171st Air Refueling Wings Medical Group train on medication administration techniques at the base in Pittsburgh, March 10, 2023. The training was part of a multi-day large-scale readiness exercise that involved Guardsmen from multiple sections on base working together to build skills needed to maintain readiness.

Military and civilian students attend the CFE-DM Humanitarian Assistance Response Training in Conflict Oct. 19, 2022. The purpose of the 5-day training course is to prepare the US joint force and their security partners for supporting, and when necessary, conducting humanitarian assistance before, during, and after combat operations. The Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance provides academic research, civil-military coordination training, and operational insights to support decision making before, during, and after crises.

Students from the 336th Training Squadron attend an Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) program briefing inside Holbrook Manor at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, June 7, 2022. The AFW2 program provides concentrated non-medical care and support for combat wounded, ill and injured Airmen and their families as they recover and transition back to duty or into civilian life.

Lt. Gen. John S. Kolasheski, V Corps commanding general, speaks with V Corps personnel 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.

U.S. Army Central commanding general, Lt. Gen. Patrick Frank, speaks to members of the Theater Army Staff Course August 22, 2022 at Patton Hall on Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. Members of the course had the opportunity to learn more about the theater army through their course capstone which was led by Gen. (Ret.) Votel, who fielded questions from the group.

Members of the Michigan House Fiscal Agency visit the 110th Wing, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan and surrounding military installations, Oct. 27, 2022, in Battle Creek, Mich. The visit included a briefing and tour of the ANG facility by Wing Commander Col. Daniel Kramer II, tour and lunch with the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy, and concluded at the Michigan Army National Guards Fort Custer Training Center . The House Fiscal Agency is a nonpartisan agency within the Michigan House of Representatives. Agency personnel provide confidential, nonpartisan expertise to the House Appropriations Committee and all other members of the House on all legislative fiscal matters. (Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Sonia Pawloski)

Tom Cook, 21st Communications Squadron chief of testing and integration, left, gives a briefing to U.S. Space Force Capt. Amy Chronister, 21st CS flight commander and Capt. Corde May, 21st CS crew commander, on Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, Colorado, Feb. 15, 2024. A pivotal mission in CMSFSs history occurred in the 1990s: providing missile warning during Operation Desert Storm. Space Force

Master Sgt. Jayson Lyons, 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron section chief, teaches a first-term Airmen center class June 8, 2022, at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Lyons became a Master Resilience Trainer to help younger service members learn the skills and tools to overcome challenges.

Attendees listen to Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall make remarks during the Senior Leader Orientation Course at Joint Base Andrews, Md., April 11, 2022. The course provides training for newly selected brigadier generals and senior executive service members.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Seth Gilmore, 334th Training Squadron instructor, briefs 81st Training Wing leadership during the 81st Training Group Immersion Tour at Cody Hall on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 4, 2023. The 334th TRS teaches air traffic control, which uses multiple technologies to instruct Airmen, such as an ATC simulator, virtual reality and static models.

Capt. Andrew L. Bethea, U.S. Army liaison team officer in charge, briefs Brig. Gen. Gregory S. Johnson, Adjutant General of the U.S. Army, on how Army uniforms are prepared at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations during his orientation of AFMAO at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 15, 2022.

Capt. Andrew L. Bethea, U.S. Army liaison team officer in charge, briefs Brig. Gen. Gregory S. Johnson, Adjutant General of the U.S. Army, on how Army uniforms are prepared at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations during his orientation of AFMAO at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 15, 2022.

U.S. Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition complete a written essay at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on Sept. 30, 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.

Shown here are Army Officers from various units completing their 2022 ILE Class in Building 5506 at the Fort Dix Schoolhouse. ILE (Intermediate Level Education) is a curriculum which includes instruction on leadership philosophy, military history, and the military planning and decision-making processes. Once a soldier reaches the rank of Major, you must attend and graduate the Army ILE Course, before you will become eligible for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

U.S. Soldiers from America's permanently forward deployed corps, V Corps, gather to officially welcome their incoming deputy commanding general for maneuver, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David B. Womack, at the Victory Honors Ceremony at Camp Kosciuszko, Poznan, Poland, Sept. 30, 2022. Womack becomes the first deputy commanding general to join V Corpsthe American command and control army element in the European Theaterin Poland since the base renaming to Camp Kosciuszko. V Corps works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, executes joint and multinational training exercises, while building local community relationships.

Soldiers from Army Space Support Team 22 with the 1158th Space Company, 117th Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, conduct a Table VIII certification at the 117th Readiness Facility on Fort Carson, Colorado, Nov. 4, 2022. From left are: Spc. Andy Hernandez-Solorio, Spc. Ryan Jenkins, Capt. Adam Smiley, Maj. Christopher Kremer, and Staff Sgt. Donovan Olson. Soldiers from the 1st Space Brigade provided space capabilities during the Army's Project Convergence 2022, which took place across the Western United States from September to November. (U.S. Army photo)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. William Hunter, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, attends the Defense Support to Civil Authorities Phase II Course on Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, Texas, April 6, 2022. The Defense Support of Civil Authorities Phase II Course, taught by training instructors from U.S. Army North, is a training workshop that provides both federal and military personnel the opportunity to learn more about how the Department of Defense conducts disaster response in support of civil authorities.

U.S. Soldiers representing U.S Army Special Operations Command receive instruction on requesting a medical evacuation during the Army Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 1, 2022. Each squad competing in the Army Best Squad Competition consists of five Soldiers; a squad leader, which is a sergeant first class or staff sergeant; a team leader, which is a sergeant or corporal; and three squad members in the ranks of specialist or below.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Thomas F. Spencer, commanding general of the 42nd Infantry Division, New York Army National Guard (left), presents a 42nd ID challenge coin as a token of appreciation to Spc. Stephen Tang, combat medic for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment, Assault Helicopter Battalion, attached to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade (center), during an office visit at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Nov. 23, 2022. Accompanying Tang and presenting remarks on Tang's deployment achievements to Spencer is 1st Sgt. Fitzgerald Drummond, first sergeant of HHC, 3-142nd AHB. 36th CAB, mobilized as Task Force Mustang, provides full-spectrum Army aviation operations for the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist, and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of ISIS.

Rear Adm. Nancy Lacore, commandant, Naval District Washington (left), and Capt. Eric Hawn, commanding officer, NAVFAC Washington (right), are led on a tour of the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bethesda utilities plant by Cmdr. Rick Buechel (center), public works officer, NSA Bethesda.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cedrick Neal, 81st Security Forces Squadron police services, and Col. Chad Gemeinhardt, 81st Mission Support Group commander, provides Col. Billy Pope, 81st Training Wing commander, with a tour inside the 81st SFS building and an overview of the squadron's mission and capabilities during the 81st MSG Immersion Tour at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 7, 2023. The 81st SFS is responsible for providing law enforcement, investigative, and force protection support for the installation and its three geographically separated family housing areas. Additionally, the 81st Security Forces Squadron provides mission-ready security forces defenders to fulfill combatant commander wartime taskings.

U.S. Army Maj. Mostafa Ahmed, Medical Effects of Ionizing Radiation Course instructor assigned to the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, teaches a lesson during the MEIR Course at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Dec. 7, 2022. The course curriculum included hands-on exercises with radiation detectors and lessons covering topics such as diagnosing and treating radiation injuries, psychological effects of radiation exposure, and radioprotection. Students in attendance included Airmen, Soldiers and civilians assigned to units across the country.

220531-N-ZS023-1009 NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO (May 31, 2022) Yeoman 1st Class Jerdonte Williams, a Sailor assigned to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE (COMLCSRON) speaks during a presentation celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.

Maj. Dezi King, intelligence officer assigned to 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade, briefs during an advisor integrated rehearsal, Dec. 5, at Ft. Benning, Ga. The advisor integrated rehearsal is designed to ensure advisors understand how they will assist and advise foreign military partners during large scale combat operations. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Jason Elmore.

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger gives the oath of federal service to new employees Dec. 5, 2022, during an onboarding session at Fort McCoy, Wis. The session was coordinated by the Fort McCoy Directorate of Human Resources and is part of renewed onboarding process at the installation to better welcome new installation team members that reflects with Army Installation Management Command's Service Culture Campaign.

Right, Airman Samuel Andrews and Tech. Sgt. Kraig Fender, 75th Air Base Wing, practice self-aid and buddy care techniques during an Ability to Survive and Operate rodeo (ATSO) at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Sept. 13, 2022. The training exercise refreshes and instructs Airmen on warfare survival and operational skills.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Scott H. Stalker, U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) command senior enlisted leader, joins the 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2 SOPS) for a patching ceremony during a visit at Schriever SFB, CO, 29, June 2023. MGYST Stalker spoke on the role of space superiority which includes defending cababilities that the 2 SOPS provides to the warfighter as well as presented the new USSPACECOM PVC patches and patched members of the crew. The force crew is "presented" to the combatant command, U.S. Space Command, while they perform operations in accordance with the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Force Generation (SPAFORGEN) Model. While presented it is appropriate to wear the United States SPACECOM (USSPACECOM) patch on the left should in lieu of the OT&E Delta patch. The 2 SOPS Team will now be representing the USSPACECOM PVC patches. ( U.S. Space Force Photo by Tiana Williams)

On 5 October 2022, during their culminating training event, 131As in Warrant Officer Basic Course, Class #004-22 facilitated a target decision board for Col. Victor Scharstein, the 428th Field Artillery Brigade Commander.Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC) is 30 weeks long ending with a two-week culminating training exercise where they will receive a brigade OPORD, conduct MDMP, FS planning and lead a target working group and target decision board chaired by brigade and battalion commanders.

General Daniel R. Hokanson, 29th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, addresses service members at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Aug. 6, 2022. Hokanson lauded several outstanding Soldiers and Airmen during his visit .

U.S. Army Spc. Juan Justiniao, a New York National Guard Military Police from the 222nd Military Police Company, performs a simulated detainee escort during a detainee operations cumulative exercise on Jan. 22, 2024, Exercise Guardian Sphinx at Landforce Training Center in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland. Enabled by U.S. Army V Corps, approximately 23 U.S. teams, and nine NATO allies, Exercise Guardian Sphinx provides vital training for all participants by demonstrating professional detention operations, legal interrogation methods, and logistical support operations to inform theater-level planning for NATO's Eastern flank.

Alaska Air National Guard Maj. Tracy Pumford, 168th Wing KC-135 pilot, wing plans, and executive officer, is recognized as a star performer with a commander's coin from U.S. Air Force Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, commander, U.S. Transportation Command

U.S. Air Force Col. Russ Cook, 23rd Wing commander, speaks to Airmen at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, July 8, 2022. Cook spoke to Airmen about the upcoming exercise Agile Flag. This exercise marks a significant milestone in standardizing the way Air Combat Command organizes, trains and equips for agile combat employment.

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