Military Marksmanship Training

Soldiers and Marines competing in shooting exercises, demonstrating precision in various weapon systems and marksmanship skills.

U.S. Army squads from across III Armored Corps compete for the title of the corps Best Squad during a head-to-head competition at the III Armored Corps Best Squad Competition 2022 at Fort Hood, Texas, Jun. 24, 2022. On day three of the competition, all squads were tested on their marksmanship and enemy awareness by individually firing on a training range with sporadic pop-up targets. Pfc. Jesus Rodriguez, representing the 1st Cavalry Division, listens to the directions being given by the range tower to know which shooting position to assume next. The III Armored Corps pulled only the best from across its divisions and separate brigades to compete in this years inaugural competition. The best squad goes on to compete in the U.S. Army Forces Command competition at Fort Hood in August.

U.S. Army squads from across III Armored Corps compete for the title of the corps Best Squad during a head-to-head competition at the III Armored Corps Best Squad Competition 2022 at Fort Hood, Texas, Jun. 24, 2022. On day three of the competition, all squads were tested on their marksmanship and enemy awareness by individually firing on a training range with sporadic pop-up targets. Pfc. Jesus Rodriguez, representing the 1st Cavalry Division, listens to the directions being given by the range tower to know which shooting position to assume next. The III Armored Corps pulled only the best from across its divisions and separate brigades to compete in this years inaugural competition. The best squad goes on to compete in the U.S. Army Forces Command competition at Fort Hood in August.

A member of the Kentucky Air National Guards 123rd Security Forces Squadron fires his service rifle during an exercise at Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif., May 19, 2022. The event was part of law-and-order training completed by more than 20 unit members over six days in central California.

U.S Marine Corps urban sniper instructor with Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG), II Marine Expeditionary Force, shoots from the standing during the Sniper Sustainment Course (SSC) aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 5, 2023. The SSC provides the opportunity for the Special Tactics Branch of EOTG to restructure the Urban Sniper Course to better suit the needs of the Recon Snipers that will remain in service for the Marine Corps and to conduct advanced marksmanship training to validate the standards for future courses.

Spc. Samuel Herbert, a mortarman from 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fires the M17 Pistol during the 2023 Best Mortar Competition, April 10, 2023, Fort Benning, Georgia. Spc. Herbert's assigned individual weapon is the M4A1 Carbine, but the competition tests participants' ability to shoot multiple weapons systems within the Army's arsenal.

Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, completed a weapons qualification course for the M17 pistol and M4 carbine at Fort Pickett Maneuver Training Center in Blackstone, Virginia, on Aug. 1, 2022. Hokanson experienced firsthand the latest individual weapons qualification standards expected of all Soldiers in the National Guard while simultaneously demonstrating his personal proficiency in marksmanshipa basic and essential Soldier skill.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldier Sgt. Javion Siders, assigned to the 982nd Combat Camera Company (Airborne) conducts M4 Carbine marksmanship qualifications on Fort Jackson, SC, April 9, 2022. Soldiers qualify their marksmanship every year in order to maintain combat readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zachary Posey, an engineer equipment mechanic with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Group (Experimental), 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fires an M16A4 service rifle during a table three through six and combat marksmanship program range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 16, 2022. The purpose of the range was to improve the battalion's organic combat marksmanship capabilities and to train the core position safety officers for subsequent company ranges. 3rd MLG based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Travis Hunt, a tactical air control party specialist and commanding officer of Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, dumps his M4 carbine magazine while clearing a malfunction during small arms live-fire training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 22, 2022. The special warfare Airmen conducted shooting drills that honed reaction time, speed reloading and clearing weapon malfunctions utilizing the M18 Modular Handgun System and the M4 carbine.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Crisdaniel Medina assigned to the 647th Security Forces Squadron, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, participates in a weapons challenge during the Advanced Combat Skills Assessment at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, May 19, 2022. ACSA bolsters defender ethos, strengthens esprit-de-corps amongst participants and reinforces the competitive nature within security forces.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christopher English, a fire team member with the 908th Security Forces Squadron, provides cover fire for the members of his team as they move into position during a shoot move and communicate drill, Sept. 11 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Members of the 908th SFS carried out the training in order to build on their fundamental tactics to prepare for a real-world combat situation.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Donald Couttie, a range safety specialist with Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, fires at targets in an obstacle course during the 9th ESB Shooting Team Competition and Tryouts on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 25, 2022. The 9th ESB Shooting Team Competition and Tryouts was a four-day event that involved firing the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System, M18 service pistol, and the M16A4 Armalite Rifle in timed events to test speed and accuracy. The events top performers will compete in the Far East Shooting Competition scheduled in December.

Spc. Mckinley Patterson IV, a nodal network systems operator-maintainer assigned to the 11th Corps Signal Brigade, takes a qualification test with an M4 Carbine Rifle during the III Armored Corps Best Squad Competition 2022, on Fort Hood, Texas, June 23, 2022. During the qualification test, Soldiers can hit up to 40 targets that pop up. The distance a Soldier must shoot goes from 50 meters to 300 meters. The III Armored Corps pulled its most eligible squads from its divisions and separate brigades to compete in this years inaugural competition. The winning squad will go on to compete at the U.S. Army Forces Command competition on Fort Hood in August.

U.S. Marines with Company F., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire a high-explosive rocket from a shoulder-launched, multipurpose assault weapon during bilateral exercise Raider Dawn. This exercise increases interoperability and mutually benefits the U.S. and Australian armed services by giving them an opportunity to learn from each other. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU, and remains the United States force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Edward Jennings, 628th Security Forces Raven team member, performs a function check during the Excellence in Competition Pistol Shoot at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, July 25, 2022. The competition held over four days was to boost morale, hone Airman's ability in their firearms, and bolster Team Charlestons readiness.

U.S. Army soldier assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducts rifle qualifications with an M4-A1 Carbine during tryouts for the Best Ranger Competition. The Best Ranger Competition is held annually at Fort Benning, Georgia, where for over 60 hours, ranger-qualified soldiers compete in a series of challenges ranging from physical fitness and marksmanship.

Soldiers with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry conduct military operations on urbanized terrain (MOUT) training near Mitrovica, Kosovo July 18, 2022. KFOR and its multinational partners are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in Kosovo in a fair and impartial manner.

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party specialists from the 18th Air Support Operations Group compete in Dragon Challenge 2022 at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina. The annual competition is designed to identify the best Joint Terminal Attack Controller teams within the group by testing the competitors steadfast physical, technical, tactical, and field-knowledge skills under mocked combat conditions.

LA VENTA, Honduras - A soldier shooting their last round for a shooting event for Fuerzas Comando competition June 15, 2022, in La Venta, Honduras. Fuerzas Commando is a multinational SOF skills competition showcasing the SOF community's diversity in the western hemisphere, strengthening our regional partnerships, and demonstrating the readiness and interoperability across regional boundaries.

Day two of the 310th ESC Best Warrior Competition started Feb. 5, 2024 with soldiers qualifying on M17 pistol at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.

Spc. Timothy West, an infantryman assigned to U.S. Army Alaska and a native from Kingwood, Texas, fires a M17 pistol at the multiple weapon scenario-based marksmanship event during the 2022 U.S. Army Pacific's Best Warrior Competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, June 8, 2022. The USARPAC BWC 2022 is an annual week-long competition consisting of competitors from multiple USARPAC units across the Indo-Pacific. The noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted Soldiers are evaluated in several categories such as general military knowledge, basic Soldier skills, and physical fitness.

Two dozen Soldiers from across Europe competed in the Regional Health Command Europe Best Leader competition May 23-26 at Landstuhl, Germany. Six-person teams from each of RHCEs four direct reporting units competed for a chance to represent RHCE at the MEDCOM Best Leader competition in June. The grueling four-day competition consisted of; day and night land navigation, Army Combat Fitness Test, weapons zero and qualification, a rugged terrain course and 12-mile road march, one mystery event, a 50-question written examination and an oral board.

"Battle buddy, cover me while I move," A Soldier with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, conducts Buddy Team Tactics at a Fort Benning Range on 28 September 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Cody R. Nelson, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force combat shooting team, fires at 300 meter targets during the first day of competition at the 2012 Australian Army Skills at the Arms Meeting (AASAM) May 7 in Puckapunyal, Australia. AASAM is an international marksmanship competition consisting of 16 different countries. This year is the fifth iteration of AASAM and the third consecutive year that United States forces have been invited to participate.

U.S. Marines, stationed aboard Parris Island, participate in a M18 pistol range on Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., Dec. 6, 2022. The routine training enables Marines to maintain proficiency in marksmanship and close combat.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jordan Simeon, security forces evaluator with the 627th Security Forces Squadron, fires a pistol one-handed during a shooting competition in honor of National Police Week at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, May 18, 2022. Police Week consisted of various events such as an opening ceremony, a shooting competition and a five-mile ruck for military police and defenders.

A soldier from 3rd Platoon, Blackhorse Company, 2-3 Infantry Regiment, 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team wears upgraded Integrated Visual Augmentation System goggles while pulling security during a movement-to-contact urban raid exercise on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., August 24, 2022. The exercise was part of a two-day demonstration event hosted by the Program Executive Office of Ground Combat Systems with the aim of integrating soldier feedback into the development of new military combat technology.

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. - U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Tack, 633d Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor, makes iron-sight adjustments for an Airman during the practice rounds of the firing portion of the M-4 carbine rifle qualifications during a Combat Arms Training and Maintenance qualification course at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Nov. 30, 2022. The red combat arms cap is an easy way to quickly identify who is an instructor and be able to receive help quickly if needed.

Col. Grant T. Thimsen, 21st Special Troops Battalion commander, and Cpt. Vanessa N. Misola, 21st Headquarters and Headquarters Company commander, wait for clearance from range safeties to begin qualifications on July 28, 2022 in Landstuhl, Germany. Soldiers are required to qualify with their weapons annually in order to maintain individual proficiency and mission readiness. (U.S. Army photos by Pfc. Samuel Signor)

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment (1/2CR) fires a German G36 rifle during a Schuetzenschnur (German weapons proficiency test) event with the German partner unit of 1/2CR, the Panzergrenadierbataillon 112, at Regen, Germany, Sept. 29, 2022. 1/2CR provided an opportunity for exemplary Soldiers to earn a foreign award and to build camaraderie with German Army counterparts in order to strengthen NATO and multinational partnerships.

Army Spc. Bailey Booth waits to fire his weapon during individual weapons qualification for the Kentucky National Guard Best Warrior Competition at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky. on Nov. 10, 2022. Bailey will be tested for four days for a chance to represent their state in the regional competition later in the year.

Airmen from the 8th Fighter Wing participate in the Excellence in Competition Rifle Event during Police Week 2022 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 17, 2022. This event not only showcased the skills of the CATM team, but offered competitors the chance to earn the Air Force Excellence in Competition medal, authorized for wear in service dress.

Airmen from the 423d Security Forces Squadron fire their M18 handguns during a proficiency course at RAF Molesworth, England, Aug. 19, 2022. During the course instructors from the 820th Base Defense Group and 435th Contingency Response Group provided oversight and guidance to help critique and advance the combat arms skills of the defenders from the 423d SFS.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Wiggins fires an M-9 pistol at a target during the qualifying portion of the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance class, Hurlburt Field, Fla., Jan. 24, 2011. CATM instructors train Airmen on a variety of weapons to include pistols, submachine guns, shotguns, grenade launchers and rifles.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, changes magazines during an M4A1 carbine qualification at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, July 19, 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, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jessica McWain, the command chief of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, Master Sgt. Kourtney Haggins, the first sergeant of the 378th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, and Brig. Gen. Willian Betts, the commander of the 378th AEW, fire M18 pistols at Prince Sultan Air Bases firing range, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, July 8, 2022. The 378th ESFS invited the 378th AEW leadership out to see some of the squadrons equipment and feel its capabilities firsthand.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joseph Morris, a member of the Marine Corps Shooting Team, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, loads a single round on a slow fire stage during the long range training portion of the Marine Corps Marksmanship Championship at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, April 5, 2022. The Marine Corps Championship held, April 6-11, allows competitors to participate in a variety of matches while receiving advanced marksmanship training. Shooters from around the Marine Corps were selected for the championship during five regional matches, coordinated by the Marine Corps Shooting Team, October 2021 through March 2022.

A Soldier assigned to 2nd Infantry Division shoots at the Bayonet Blitz range during the 7ID Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 21, 2022. The three-day competition was held to recognize the best Soldier and noncommissioned officer in the division through various tests including a ruck march, obstacle course, land navigation, R2 performance test and a board.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 117th Engineer Brigade, South Carolina National Guard, participate in the Best Engineer Competition held at McCrady Training Center in Eastover, South Carolina, Feb. 10-11, 2024. Soldiers from the 117th competed against one another in a range of physical, mental, and technical events that included a written test, bridge classification, wall construction, squad movement, a 4-mile ruck march, among others. The culminating event was a demonstration of sheer force with a door breaching. Army National Guard

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kevin Gallardo, a water support technician with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Group (Experimental), 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fires an M16A4 service rifle during a table three through six and combat marksmanship program range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 15, 2022. The purpose of the range was to improve the battalion's organic combat marksmanship capabilities and to train the core position safety officers for subsequent company ranges. 3rd MLG based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 10th Special Forces Group train on the M136 AT4 light anti-tank weapon during a live-fire exercise at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 16, 2022.

U.S. service members fire at targets during the pistol shooting assessment for the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) July 5, 2022.Fifty-seven Soldiers and Airmen assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa earned the GAFPB July 4-5, 2022, at Camp Simba, Kenya. The badge is a test of physical fitness and shooting proficiency with three levels of the award that can be earned: gold, silver, and bronze. It is a decoration of the Bundeswehr, the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Sgt. William Brandon, 101st Airborne Division, conducts small arms fire Jan. 25 during the CSM Jack L. Clark Jr., Army Best Medic Competition at Fort Hood, Texas.

A competitor from Squad 11, representing the U.S. Army Materiel Command during the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition, fires his M4A1 carbine at the weapon qualification range on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt-to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events; evaluating their physical and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue.

Staff Sgt. Indrek Etverk with the Estonian Defense League, takes instructions from an Indiana Guardsmen with the 776th Engineer Battalion, while practicing urban breaching procedures at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, Aug. 19, 2022. Army engineers are experts in mobility, counter-mobility, engineering and survival.

U.S. Army Reserve Pfc. Matthew Blankenheim, assigned to the 409th Medical Company Area Support, 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support), Madison, Wis., engages a target in the supported prone position while attempting to qualify with his individual assigned weapon or a M4 Carbine on the individual qualification tables at Fort McCoy, Wis., April 4, 2022 The Stage One table of 40 targets includes, artificial support, and forces Soldiers to perform positional transitions and magazine changes on their own.

A U.S. Soldier, assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR), fires a shotgun to breach a door during a demolition/breaching range at the 7th Army Training Command's (7ATC) Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, June 15, 2022. 2CR provides the 7th ATC with a lethal and agile force capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater in order to assure allies, deter adversaries, and when ordered, defend the NATO alliance.

U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Jerry Sexton 1-118 Alpha Battalion, Springfield Georgia fires the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during reflex shooting, which is the ability to react quickly and accurately to an immediate enemy threat, on Fort McCoy Wis. during Patriot 2008. Patriot, the largest National Guard exercise held across the United States, increases the warfighting capabilities of the National Guard, reserve and active components of the United States Air Force and Army. Additionally, the participation of Canadian, British and Dutch forces increases combined effectiveness. July 16 2008.

Staff Sgt. Andrei Ciont, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, fires 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.

SANTA RITA, Guam (June 24, 2022) A Sailor from Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 1, Detachment Guam, fires a 9 mm to complete their annual category III small arms qualification at Naval Base Guam.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Noah Pugh, a bulk fuel specialist with Energy Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3d Marine Logistics Group, fires an M18 pistol on Trackless Mobile Infantry Targets during a pistol range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 23, 2022.The purpose of the demonstration was to show how TMITs targets are used and how they improve lethality within the Marine Corps. 3d MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Travis Ferriell, a team leader with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, fires his rifle during the Intramural Marksmanship Competition at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 6, 2022. The Marine Corps Intramural Marksmanship Competition inspires unit cohesion and mission readiness by allowing Marines to compete and improve lethality with both rifle and pistol weapons.

LA VENTA, Honduras - A member of the Belize Army shoots at the range for the "Almost back on 5.56" shooting event of the Fuerzas Comando competition June 15, 2022, in La Venta, Honduras. Fuerzas Commando is a multinational SOF skills competition showcases the diversity of the SOF community in the western hemisphere, strengthens our regional partnerships, and demonstrates the readiness and interoperability across regional boundaries.

Gen. Duke K. Richardson, Air Force Materiel Command commander, fires the M4A1 weapon system for a live-fire demonstration during an official visit to Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center headquarters at Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland, July 6, 2022. Richardsons visit to AFIMSC in San Antonio was part of an immersion to Air Force Materiel Command missions after recently taking the reins of AFMC.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Trevor Hancock, a team leader with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2ndMarine Division, fires his rifle during an Urban Sniper Course on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 25, 2022. The Urban Sniper Course was led by Marines with the Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, to enhance sniper skills in urban environments through precision fire, engaging targets through glass, urban tactical movement, marksmanship during the day and the night, planning, and stalking in urban terrain.

U.S. Army Soldiers qualify with the M4 carbine during a Infantry Advanced Leaders Course on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 5, 2022. The Advanced Leaders Course, hosted by the 254th Regional Training Institute, New Jersey Army National Guard, is a branch-specific course that provides Soldiers selected for promotion to Staff Sgt. an opportunity to enhance leadership, technical skill, tactical expertise and experience needed to lead squad-size units. Class 22-02 has Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division, 82nd Airborne Division, and the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Soldiers from across the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) took part in a stress shoot during the Best Squad Competition at Fort Campbell, Ky. on June 6, 2022. The winners of the competition will compete at the Forces Command "FORSCOM" level of competition later in the year. (U.S. Army photos by Spc Kendall Lewis, 40th Public Affairs Detachment)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ty Krotz, a range coach with Task Force Koa Moana 22, I Marine Expeditionary Force, instructs a Palauan police officer during a live fire training exercise in Ngatpang, Republic of Palau, July 13, 2022. U.S. Marine subject matter experts, along with local law enforcement, sharpened marksmanship skills using the newly renovated Joint Range Complex. Exercises such as Task Force Koa Moana demonstrate U.S. commitment through routine operations that foster peace and security and develop relations with partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines Lance Cpl. Gerald Olmstead, a combat marksmanship coach with 1st Supply Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, fires his weapon during a training range on Camp Pendleton, California, March 2, 2023. This range was conducted to train range coaches in the safe use and firing of the Benelli M4 shotgun so they may become range safety officers for future Shotgun ranges.

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (March 30, 2023) Personnel Specialist 1st Class Clinton Long from Montgomery, Ala., assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, fire from the kneeling position during the kneeling course of night fire onboard Naval Station Rota, March 30, 2023. NMCB 1 operates as a part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 68 for deployment across the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Many Cadet teams ended the round robin event on October 15 at the M17 Pistol Range during 4th Brigades Army ROTC Ranger Challenge on October 15 at Fort A.P. Hill. At the completion of this event, Cadets had two hours to rest and eat before finishing their evening with a 6-mile ruck march. The top two teams from 4th Brigades Ranger Challenge will go on to compete in the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition held at West Point Military Academy in April 2023. | Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl Salvador Ortiz, an engineer equipment operator with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, sights in with his M16A4 at Military Operations in Urban Terrain Town, Eastern Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, July 19, 2022. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Harrison Driggers, a combat engineer with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines, participates in a combat marksmanship range during Fuji Viper 23.1 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Nov. 22, 2022. Exercise Fuji Viper exemplifies a commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 1/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Driggers is a native of Hartselle, Alabama.

TSgt. Justin Gachett, 343rd Training Squadron instructor, illustrates principles of weapon management while moving through different tactical environments as part of the Individual Tactics and Techniques basic course at Joint Base San Antonio - Camp Bullis on Sept. 20, 2022. The course is designed to teach the trainees how to shoot, move, and communicate through tactical environments. The 37th Training Wing and 343rd Training Squadron provide the initial training for all Air Force security forces.

Armed and ready with their Colt 5.56 mm M16A2 rifles several members at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base carry out necessary procedures to ensure the safety and security of the installation and its personnel, in compliance with National Command Authority directives. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Zamudio fires an M17 during AMC's Best Warrior Competition at Fort Benning, Ga., August 14-17.

Spc. Martin Hestrin, an Army multichannel transmission systems operator-maintainer assigned to the 11th Corps Signal Brigade, survey the area for enemies during the III Armored Corps Best Squad Competition 2022, on Fort Hood, Texas, June 23, 2022. While a group is moving on foot in a tactical formation, they are unable to talk and will have to use only hand signals to communicate during this event. The III Armored Corps pulled only the best from across its divisions and separate brigades to compete in this years inaugural competition. The best squad goes on to compete at the U.S. Army Forces Command competition at Fort hood in August.

Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conclude their multi-day qualifications with the firing of AT4, recoilless smoothbore anti-tank weapon, at Fort Campbell, KY, March 31, 2022.The AT4 Anti-Armor System is an indispensable asset for infantry units, allowing the Iron Rakkasans the ability to stay highly mobile and agile while still allowing effective incapacitation of larger target.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Sean Ryan, a machine gunner with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, demonstrates how to operate an M240B machine gun during exercise Eagle Wrath 22 at Combined Arms Training Center (CATC) Camp Fuji, Japan, May 6, 2022. Eagle Wrath is an annual MWSS-171 exercise at CATC Camp Fuji designed to increase squadron proficiency in conducting real-world contingency missions in a forward operating environment.

A British Royal Marine conducts shooting drills with the Marine Corps Shooting Team during Operation Longshot at the pistol range on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Feb. 28, 2024. Operation Longshot exchanges service members from the two countries to share shooting techniques, evaluate each members skillset, and builds rapport amongst the two services. Marine Corps

U.S. Air Force Capt. Travis Hunt, a tactical air control party specialist and commanding officer of Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, turns to engage his target during small arms live-fire training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 22, 2022. The special warfare Airmen conducted shooting drills that honed reaction time, speed reloading and clearing weapon malfunctions utilizing the M18 Modular Handgun System and the M4 carbine.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Dino Fruciano (left), an infantry unit leader, and Lance Cpl. Matthew Djekich (right), a mortarman, both with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, engage targets during a Combat Marksmanship Program range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 8, 2022. This training sharpened Marines critical combat arms skills by executing transition drills and increasing their proficiency in switching between primary and secondary weapons. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Andrew Jones, a native of Mount Airy, North Carolina, and a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division (MARDIV), covers a position during a Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain town exercise as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 on U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, Yuma, Arizona, April 11, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event, hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, which emphasizes the development of small task-organized unit experimentation across all warfighting functions, as well as enhance the battalion's ability to conduct command and control, fire-support planning, intelligence functions, and logistical support to distributed company level operations. This exercise continues support of 2d MARDIV's experimental battalion's assessment and mission essential task list-based pre-deployment training progression.

020215-F-9186F-031. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

220910-F-LN908-1183ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 10, 2022) Operations Specialist Seaman Dustin Bettice, from San Antonio, loads a magazine during an M4 rifle shoot aboard the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4), Sept. 10, 2022. Hershel "Woody" Williams is rotationally deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Marine Corps recruit Connor Cherry with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, shoots the table one course of fire at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton California, July 12, 2022. Table one covers the basic fundamentals of marksmanship and rifle safety in all shooting positions sitting, kneeling, standing, and prone. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jacob Hutchinson)

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (March 30, 2023) Utilitiesman 1st Class Jemol Gresham from College Park, Ga., assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, fire from the kneeling position during the kneeling course of night fire onboard Naval Station Rota, March 30, 2023. NMCB 1 operates as a part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 68 for deployment across the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Sgt. 1st Class Alan Alcaraz fires an M4 during AMCs Best Warrior Competition at Fort Benning, Ga., August 14-17.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ryan Brousseau, right, from Tuscaloosa, Alabama assigned to Task Force 61/2, engages targets with the Hellenic Special Forces during exercise Alexander the Great 22, Greece, May 10, 2022. Alexander the Great 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Greece, and Allied nations, enhancing strategic defense and partnership while promoting security and stability in the region.

Soldier Soldier in camouflage aiming with his rifle outdoor ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/tudorxantonelxadrianx 2097827 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

Competitors participate 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Donavan Bailey, a basic metal worker with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3d Marine Logistics Group, fires an M18 pistol during a live fire range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 24, 2022. The range was held as a tryout for III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific Marines to represent their individual units at the upcoming Far East Division Matches shooting competition. 3d MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

060408-N-2296G-004. Base: Fort Lewis State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

New York Army National Guard Sgt. Corey Goodman from Seneca Falls, NY, a Soldier with the 827th Engineer Company, fires his 9 mm pistol during the Sgt. Thomas Baker Individual Combat Pistol Match on the second day of the TAG Match at Camp Smith New York on June 4, 2016. The New York Army National Guards TAG Match is an annual, 3-day competition that allows units and individual Soldiers and Airmen the opportunity to improve their level of marksmanship training, engage in healthy competition, and pick top contenders to represent the state in national competitions. (New York Army National Guard

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Carlos Claudio, vehicle maintenance specialist, assigned to the 156th Contingency Response Group, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, sweeps an area during a simulated combat readiness training during the February Regularly Scheduled Drill at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Feb. 24, 2024. The training prepared the Airmen to respond and control potential hostile environments during deployment scenarios. Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Russell Molnar, technical training instructor engages security forces trainees during the field operations block of training as part of the U.S. Air Force security forces apprentice course at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Sept. 22, 2022. The field operations course is part of a six-week course designed to teach the basic skills necessary to new security forces Airmen.

Sgt. Joshua Kleinhans of Kiel, Wisconsin, a Fire Control Specialist with the Wisconsin National Guards B Battery, 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery Regiment shoots his weapon in the stress shoot event during the Region IV Best Warrior Competition on May 12, 2022. He is one of twelve National Guard Soldiers competing in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette.)

A Jamaican sniper aims down range during the sniper skills competition of Fuerzas Comando 2022 in La Venta, Honduras on June 15, 2022. Fuerzas Commando is a multinational SOF skills competition showcases the diversity of the SOF community in the western hemisphere, strengthens our regional partnerships, and demonstrates the readiness and interoperability across regional boundaries.

A reservist from Company D, 464th Engineer Battalion, East Palmra, New York, fires an M16A1 rifle on the firing range at the Seneca Army Depot. Base: Romulus State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. military forces compete to earn the German Shutzenschner at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo August 27, 2022. The Shutzenschner, or German Armed Forces Badge for Weapons Proficiency, is a decoration of the Bundeswehr, the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany worn by enlisted Soldiers.

040525-M-4260B-028. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220815-N-OA516-1075SAN DIEGO (Aug. 15, 2022) Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Josh Watts, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59), participates in the marksmanship competition during Surface Line Week. Surface Line Week is a two-week competition that highlights professional and athletic skills of members from the Surface Warfare community in San Diego while enhancing comaraderie and team building.

U.S. Cmdr. Corey Millis, Commanding Officer of the Guided-Missel Destroyer U.S.S. Hopper (DDG 70), and 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Soldiers fire M9 pistols near Oahu, Hawaii, Oct. 26, 2022. U.S.S. Hopper and crew are participating in Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) rotation 23-01, alongside the 25th Infantry Division, and elements from the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). JPMRC rotations allow Army forces to rehearse strategic movements and maneuvers, integrate with allies and partners, and increase the readiness of the Joint Force in the Indo-Pacific region.

Baltic Sea (Aug. 19, 2022) U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to the Beach Master Unit 2, fire M4 Carbines in a live-fire exercise aboard the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), Aug. 19, 2022. Gunston Hall (LSD 44) is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S. allied and partner interests.

U.S. Army Sgt. Jordon Robbins, a horizontal construction engineer assigned to the 185th Engineer Support Company, Maine Army National Guard, prepares to engage targets with an M17 service pistol at Joint Base Cape Cod, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, May 11, 2022. Robbins would engage multiple sets of targets at a time then forward down range.

A U.S. Marine with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, sights in on a target during a regimental field exercise on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 6, 2022. Marines conducted the FEX to enhance combat capabilities while maintaining operational readiness throughout the regiment.

Fifteen Pennsylvania Army National Guard Soldiers compete in the weapons zero and qualification portion of the 2022 state Best Warrior Competition April 11, 2022, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. The Soldiers competed in nine events designed to test their physical and mental endurance: night land navigation, a medical event, Army Combat Fitness Test, a written exam, a mystery event, the obstacle course, a 12-mile ruck march, and finally, a leadership/appearance board.

A member of the McConnel Air Force Base, Kansas Security Force Defender Challenge Team, fires an M-9 handgun at targets during the M-9 competition during Air Mobility Commands DEFENDER CHALLENGE. Defender Challenge is an exercise, which determines the best security, forces squadron in Air Mobility Command with the winner of AMCs competition will go on to the Air Forces wide Defender Challenge. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Soldiers from the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) are competing in the 2022 U.S. Army Reserve Small Arms Championship from Sept. 11 thru Sept. 17 on Camp Robinson, N. Little Rock, Arkansas.ARROWS FORWARD to 1st Lt. Chance Hernandez, Master Sgt. Jason Lee, and Sgt. Robert Flores from San Antonio, Texas, and Staff Sgt. Cameron L. MacDonnell from Huntsville, Texas.The competition is a live-fire training event that tests Soldiers ability to employ both primary and secondary weapon systems. The program is designed to develop marksmanship skills at the entry and intermediate level.If shooting weapons, building relationships that can last a lifetime, and getting paid sounds good to you, click the link to sign up and learn more.https://armyreservemarksman.info/newsletter/BIG THANKS to the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) for helping with coverage.

010508-F-3717R-007. Complete Scene Caption: SENIOR AIRMAN Douglas James, USAF, Security Forces member representing 310th Space Group "Bombardiers," Schreiver Air Force Base, Colorado, evaluated on firearm marksmanship. He and his teammates are competing for the best Security Forces Team in GUARDIAN CHALLENGE 2001. GUARDIAN CHALLENGE, the world's premier space and missile competition, is a four-day event hosted annually at Vandenberg AFB, CA "to recognize the best and demonstrate the commands warfighting skills. GUARDIAN CHALLENGE creates competition-tough crews; improves readiness and combat capabilities through preparation, innovation and sharing; enhances esprit de corps and strengthens teamwork across all mission areas in the command." Subject Operation/Series: GUARDIAN CHALLENGE Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

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