Military Obstacle Courses

Action shots of service members navigating challenging obstacle courses, emphasizing physical training and competition in military fitness.

Sergeat 1st Class Jason Pate, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, negotiates obstacles to test his physical capabilities during the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The 72-hour competition included a physical fitness test, obstacle course, combat water survival test, day and night land navigation, combat trauma lanes, a M4 rifle and 9mm pistol stress shoot and a 5K buddy run. Day three concluded with a 12-mile foot march and awards ceremony.

Sergeat 1st Class Jason Pate, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, negotiates obstacles to test his physical capabilities during the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The 72-hour competition included a physical fitness test, obstacle course, combat water survival test, day and night land navigation, combat trauma lanes, a M4 rifle and 9mm pistol stress shoot and a 5K buddy run. Day three concluded with a 12-mile foot march and awards ceremony.

Spc. Fernando Torres, 36th Sustainment Brigade, Texas Army National Guard, navigates the challenges on the obstacle course during the Texas Military Department Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas, May 5, 2022. The three-day competition challenges service members on professional military knowledge, marksmanship, obstacle course and land navigation. The Army winners of this event will move on to represent Texas at the National Guards Region V Best Warrior Competition. (Photo by Warrant Officer 1 Gregory Illich)

Spc. Carly Girardin, a trainer with Company B, 399th Regiment (Cadet Summer Training), stands atop the tough one obstacle on the obstacle course June 9 on Fort Knox, Ky. Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 399th Regiment, will lead thousands of Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets from across the country through the confidence/obstacle course and rappel tower at Fort Knox this summer starting in early June.

Spc. Rodolfo Celaya and Pfc. Summer Williams, assigned to the 7th Transportation Brigade - Expeditionary, build a crossing platform during the Leaders Reaction Course event at XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition for Corps' Separates Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 7, 2022. The competition tested squads physical, technical and tactical abilities under stress and fatigue to determine which squad would partake in the next competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, in July 2022.

U.S. Army Spc. Luis Gallego, assigned to the William Beaumont Army Medical Center, crosses the horizontal ladder during the urban obstacle course of the 2022 Regional Health Command-Central Best Leader Competition in Fort Bliss, Texas, April 10, 2022. The urban obstacle course consisted of 12 obstacles and 2-km run. The competition promotes esprit de corps throughout the Army while recognizing Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and officers who demonstrate commitment to the Army values and embody the warrior ethos. The competition challenges the Armys best leaders in a demanding, continuous, and realistic simulated operational environment.

Staff Sgt. Lorik Ramaj, a Kosovo Security Force member assigned to a civilian affairs company, navigates an obstacle on zero day of an Air Assault course at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Aug. 30, 2022. Over 200 Soldiers and Airmen, along with two members of the KSF, participated in a 12-day U.S. Army Air Assault course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling. The Iowa National Guard is partnered with the KSF as part of the DOD State Partnership Program, which offers unique opportunities for joint training and cooperation.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, conquers the Wall hanger obstacleat the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Oct. 4, 2022. The troop conducted training at the obstacle course for familiarization and to build esprit de corps.

Pfc. Daniel Sorem, a Nevada, Iowa, native and cavalry scout assigned to Troop A, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, rappels down a tower at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on June 8, 2022. The unit had the opportunity to conduct rappelling familiarization on the bases 60-foot tower during their annual training.

U.S. Army Soldiers attending the Advanced Leaders Course at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer Academy - Fort Eustis demonstrate learned leadership knowledge and skills during the Commandant's Challenge May 19, 2022 at Fort Eustis, Virginia. The Commandant's Challenge is focused on developing leaders of character through an emphasis on the warrior ethos and teamwork in a simulated combat environment.

U.S. Army Spc. Garrett McKinney, a mechanic assigned to Apache Troop, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, pulls the chain of a crane to lower cover of an engine as he prepares to conduct maintenance on an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle during annual services at Trzebień, Poland, July 18, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward-deployed corps in Europe.

A U.S. Army Infantry soldier-in-training assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, rappels Eagle Tower November 8, 2022, on Fort Benning.

Sgt. Sebastian Maldonado from the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Texas Army National Guard, maneuvers through the obstacle course at this years Texas Military Departments Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas, March 30, 2023. The friendly, six-day competition challenges service members on professional military knowledge, marksmanship, obstacle course and land navigation. The winners of this event will move on to represent Texas at the National Guards Region V Best Warrior Competition.

Recruits with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion conduct the obstacle course on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., June 1, 2022. This course is used as one of many physical training challenges to prepare recruits to become United States Marines.

Staff Sergeant Yunsung Kim, a 25E Electromagnetic Spectrum Manager of the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), seamlessly navigates the Weaver obstacle at The Sabalauski Air Assault School Obstacle Course, at Fort Campbell, Ky., July 5, 2022. Kim is excited to earn his wings and wear them proudly on his uniform.

Service members from the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina conduct rappelling training at Kasarna Manjaca, Dobrnja, Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 18, 2022. Guard members assigned to the State Medical Detachment and 1-169th Aviation Regiment, Maryland Army National Guard, trained alongside active duty Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina soldiers in tactics, aviation, medical, and non-commissioned officer development. The Maryland National Guard will celebrate 20 years of partnership with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the National Guard Bureaus State Partnership Program next year.

Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Rodriguez, a member of the 101st Airborne Divisions Best Squad, climbs up a rope during an obstacle course for the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, June 27, 2022. During the Best Squad Competition, competitors were tested on a wide range of subjects including land navigation, marksmanship, casualty care, physical fitness, small-unit tactics and endurance.

US Air Force AIRMAN First Class Lawrence Busch, 607th Combat Communications Squadron, Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, digs a ground wire trench for the implementation of a satellite communications package above Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. The 607th's personnel are deployed to the 8th Fighter Wing for their Operational Readiness Inspection. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

040803-F-7875T-001. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

France, Brittany, Coetquidan, Guer on 2021-09-23. Report on the training of the Inter-Arms Military School in Saint-Cyr Coetquidan in Morbihan. The EMIA recruits its students from among active non-commissioned officers and non-commissioned soldiers selected by competition. The cadets follow a two-year training course. At the end of the first year, they are appointed to the rank of second lieutenant, then lieutenant at the end of the second year. Photograph by Martin Bertrand. France, Bretagne, Coetquidan, Guer le 2021-09-23. Reportage sur la formation de l' Ecole militaire interarmes à Saint-Cyr Coetquidan dans le Morbihan. L'EMIA recrute ses eleves parmi les sous-officiers d'active et les militaires du rang selectionnes par concours. Les eleves-officiers suivent une formation de deux ans. A l'issue de la première annee, ils sont nommés au grade de sous-lieutenant, puis de lieutenant a la fin de la seconde annee. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

041205-F-8362B-091. Base: Avon Park Air Force Range State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Aiden Lawson, a bulk fuel specialist, with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and a native of Maypearl, Texas, walks down an obstacle during an obstacle course physical training event at Naval Station Rota, Spain, December 7, 2022. Marines from II Marine Expeditionary Force rapidly deployed to Allied countries in order to foster strategic relationships and interoperability, support transatlantic security, and increase tactical proficiency in maritime environments.

Hawaii Army National Guards Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear and Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) Search and Extraction Team conduct rappelling training during a CERFP training exercise at Kalaeloa, Hawaii, April 28, 2022. The National Guard CERFP is composed of fulltime and traditional National Guard personnel that are trained and equipped to perform the functions of Patient Decontamination, Medical Triage and Treatment, Casualty Search and Extraction, Fatality Search and Recovery and Joint Communications at a catastrophic event.

A Soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, attempts an obstacle during physical training July 21 at Fort Carson, Colo. Soldiers of the Mountain Warrior Brigade maintain physical readiness by conducting physical training every day.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Bryce Rothermel, student, Corporals School, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, completes the obstacle course during the Corporals Course culminating event at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 1, 2023. The culminating event consisted of an improvised explosive device lane, shallow-water grappling and completing the obstacle course with gear. Corporals Course is a month-long professional military education program that develops Marines small unit leadership skills and continues to prepare them to lead Marines.

Sgt. Zachary Kleinfelder, an infantryman with Detachment 1 of the Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, jumps over an obstacle during the confidence course in the Region 3 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition held at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Fla., on May 9th, 2022. Soldiers in the Army National Guard gather to compete, build esprit de corps, and represent their respective states for the upcoming national competition.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cameron Gottschalk, a radio operator with 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, flips over a high bar during a martial arts instructor course physical training session at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 30, 2022. MAI courses certify Marines to instruct and monitor Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training and advance Marines in the program, distinguishing their levels of experience with different colored belts.

Staff Sergeant Caleb M. Stinson, 232nd Medical Battalion Combat Medic Specialist Program (CMSTP) Instructor,performs in the Easy Balance obstacle during the best medic competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The event included the Army Combat Fitness Test, obstacle course, M-4 qualification, warrior tasks and battle drills, land navigation, a Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and 12-Mile Ruck March.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade provide UH-60M Black Hawk support to the 10th Mountain Light Fighters School on Fort Drum, NY Aug. 11, 2022. Soldiers from 10th CAB were also in the course to qualify for their Air Assault badge.

010723-M-6537L-019. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST MARDIV

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, participates in the obstacle course on Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, April 8, 2022. The "O-Course" is comprised of various obstacles and is designed to instill confidence in recruits by overcoming physical challenges.

Staff Sgt. Micheal Marchese with 3rd Battalion Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division participate in the 2022 Jumpmaster Competition on May 17th, 2022, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The competition consists of an intense physical fitness session, a board - testing their knowledge, aircraft inspection, jumpmaster personnel inspection (JMPI), and drop zone safety officer duties.

A U.S. Marine Officer Candidate, with 6th Marine Corps District, throws a rope while conducting a problem-solving event during a Mini - Officer Candidate School event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, April 1, 2023. Marine Officer Candidates from across the Southeastern United States attended this event to take part in training to help prepare them for Officer Candidate School.

U.S. Army Cpl. Jack Shaughnessy, assigned to the 103rd Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion, swings his way through the weaver obstacle at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Feb. 8, 2024. The obstacle course physical training event was one part of the weeklong Dagger Leaders Academy. Army

030213-M-2067M-001. Base: Usmc Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Army soldier assigned to the 25th Infantry Division Lightning Academy, demonstrates what is know as an Australian rappel during the May 1, 2013, Lightning Academy Activation Ceremony at Schofield Barracks in Wahiawa, Hawaii. The Lightning Academy is designed to provide a unique, realistic and highly demanding, multilateral, multinational training for 25th Infantry Division soldiers, as well as the other branches of the U.S. Military to include State and Federal agencies, and our international partners in regional security and stability.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. David Gwin, 736th Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of training operations, rappels down a U.S. Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal Tower on Naval Base, Guam, Oct. 21, 2022. The 736 SFS, 554th Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers and 36th Contingency Response Squadron partook in a training exercise that aimed toward updating and refreshing their skills in rappelling.

Sgt. 1st Class Bradley Hutchison, the logistics noncommissioned officer in charge with the Montana Army National Guards Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment, navigates an obstacle while running through the obstacle course event during the 2016 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base Cape Cod, Mass., Wednesday, June 22, 2016. The competition is a mentally and physically challenging three-day event that tests Soldiers on a variety of tactical and technical skills to determine the Army Guards Soldier and noncommissioned of the year. The winners move on to compete in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition, battling it out with Soldiers from throughout the Army to be named the Armys Soldier and NCO of the year.

Airmen assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing assemble a military shelter system during ROCKI 22-03 at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, May 13, 2022. ROCKI 22-03 was the culmination event in a series of exercises designed to refine C-130 Lead Wing concepts, including the Command and Control Force Elements ability to rapidly deploy to a theater main operating base to command and control Mobility Air Forces assets.

Sgt. 1st Class Cody Blackmon from Madigan Army Medical Center, crawls under the Low Wire during the Obstacle Course Test in the 2022 Medical Readiness Command, Pacific Best Medic Competition Wednesday, October 26th 2022 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

U.S. Air Force 51st Maintenance Group maintainers secure an Internal Slingable Unit (ISU-90) during an integrated sling load training at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 13, 2022. The 4,000-pound ISU-90 cargo was secured by a 10,000-pound sling kit and was hauled by a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.

U.S. Army Capt. Justin Lanning, Commander of Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, demonstrates techniques to conquer the weaver obstacle at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 18, 2022. The troop conducted training at the obstacle course for familiarization and to build esprit de corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jeffrey Haskins, an administrative specialist with 1st Marine Logistics Group, and a native of San Bernardino, California, crawls through an obstacle during the 2022 Iron Mike Challenge at The Basic School on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 7, 2022. Competitors from across the Marine Corps covered a distance of 20 miles, completing multiple physical and core skills challenges along the way.

010716-M-5834A-025. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

United States Navy Seabee Britt deployed from Headquarters, United States Central Command (U.S. CENTCOM) ensures the safe delivery of equipment into the base camp and training area near Almaty, Kazakhstan, for the start of CENTRASBAT 2000. The Central Asian Peacekeeping Battalion exercise CENTRASBAT 2000 is a multi-national peacekeeping and humanitarian relief exercise sponsored by U.S. CENTCOM and hosted by the former the Soviet Republic Kazakhstan in Central Asia. Exercise participants include approximately 300 U.S. troops including personnel from U.S. CENTCOM, from the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and 5th Special Forces Group, Fort Campbell, Kentucky,.... Complete Scene Caption: United States Navy Seabee Britt deployed from Headquarters, United States Central Command (U.S. CENTCOM) ensures the safe delivery of equipment into the base camp and training area near Almaty, Kazakhstan, for the start of CENTRASBAT 2000. The Central Asian Peacekeeping B

U.S. Army Spc. Aaron Leonard, a patriot launching operator-maintainer assigned to Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, sets up the electrical power plant system of a MIM-104 Patriot during Ryukyu Vice 23.1 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 12, 2022. Ryukyu Vice is a joint, fixed-wing aviation command and control exercise that provides critical training to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing tactical air control personnel through offensive, defensive and counter-air live-flight scenarios. 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment supported Ryukyu Vice by providing Surface to Air Missile and Sensor Coverage, enabling freedom of maneuver for the exercise scenario and track correlation on the joint network.

Sgt. David Perry, of the D.C. National Guard, climbs up the rope of the tough one” obstacle during the obstacle confidence course May 17, 2019, at the Region II Best Warrior Competition at Camp Dawson, West Virginia. This four-day event is designed to measure the physical abilities, leadership skills, teamwork and critical thinking of Soldiers from the West Virginia, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Army National Guards while completing basic and advanced warrior tasks to crown the region’s best warrior.

Staff Sgt. Jesse Ginestar negotiates the "weaver" obstacle during the Oregon National Guards 2009 Soldier of the Year/NCO of the Year competition, Feb. 27-March 1, at Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Ore. Ginestar, of Klamath Falls, Ore., who is a platoon sergeant with Charlie Troop, 1st Battalion, 82nd Cavalry, won the title of the Oregon National Guard's 2009 NCO of the year.

220909-N-XN177-2139 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 9, 2022) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Robert Doern, assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) participates in a fast rope training evolution aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Sept. 9, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Staff Sergeant Bennett R. Dannemiller, 264th Medical Battalion Radiology Specialist Instructor,climbs The Wall obstacle during the best medic competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The event included the Army Combat Fitness Test, obstacle course, M-4 qualification, warrior tasks and battle drills, land navigation, a Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and 12-Mile Ruck March.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Carter, a combat engineer with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, sets up a demolition range during exercise Eagle Wrath 22 at Combined Arms Training Center (CATC) Camp Fuji, Japan, May 13, 2022. Eagle Wrath is an annual MWSS-171 exercise at CATC Camp Fuji, Japan, designed to increase squadron proficiency in conducting real-world contingency missions while in a forward operating environment.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jordan St. Clair, a pararescueman with the 106th Rescue Wing on Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, rappels onto the ice before the New York Islanders Veterans Day game Nov. 10, 2022. St. Clair was one of four pararescuemen invited to deliver the ceremonial first puck of the game.

Army Reserve Spc. Ethan Allen climbs a rope net obstacle during the 2022 Best Squad Competition's Conditioning Course event at Fort McCoy, WI on May 5, 2022. Approximately 50 Soldiers from across the nation travelled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022. The 2022 BSC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers and squads from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of "Best Warrior" and "Best Squad" among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Ashley Carson, assigned to the 452nd Combat Support Hospital, 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support) based in Milwaukee, front left, the litter team squad leader Spc. Nicholas Radtke, Sgt. Matthew Breitrick and Spc. William Barrett team up to drag a collapsible litter carrying a "casualty" under a wire obstacle during a litter obstacle course on Fort McCoy, Wis., Sept. 16, 2022.

Staff Sgt. Caleb Stinson, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, negotiates obstacles to test his physical capabilities during 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.

040505-F-6665C-013. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

France, Brittany, Coetquidan, Guer on 2021-09-23. Report on the training of the Inter-Arms Military School in Saint-Cyr Coetquidan in Morbihan. The EMIA recruits its students from among active non-commissioned officers and non-commissioned soldiers selected by competition. The cadets follow a two-year training course. At the end of the first year, they are appointed to the rank of second lieutenant, then lieutenant at the end of the second year. Photograph by Martin Bertrand. France, Bretagne, Coetquidan, Guer le 2021-09-23. Reportage sur la formation de l' Ecole militaire interarmes à Saint-Cyr Coetquidan dans le Morbihan. L'EMIA recrute ses eleves parmi les sous-officiers d'active et les militaires du rang selectionnes par concours. Les eleves-officiers suivent une formation de deux ans. A l'issue de la première annee, ils sont nommés au grade de sous-lieutenant, puis de lieutenant a la fin de la seconde annee. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to units from 7th Army Training Command (7ATC) and V Corps participate in team building exercises at the Leader Reaction Course during the 7ATC/V Corps-level Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, July 12, 2022. Teams from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa test their tactical proficiency, communication, and overall cohesion as they compete for the title of Best Squad. Winning U.S. Army squads will meet at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, to compete for the title of U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) Best Squad from August 8-12.

U.S. Army Soldiers attending the Small Unit Ranger Tactics (SURT) course demonstrate their physical capabilities at the 25th Infantry Divisions Lightning Academy obstacle course, Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii, August 22nd, 2022. SURT attendees are evaluated and prepped to ensure they have all the knowledge and physical abilities to be successful at Ranger School.

A U.S. Marine with 2d Marine Division pulls a sled litter during a leader's reaction course as part of the Division Leader Assessment Program 4-22 on Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, Sept. 13, 2022. The assessment program provides Marines with learning and mentorship opportunities, which helps train and develop Marines that demonstrate an apex level of lethality, endurance and comprehensive warfighting ability.

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

U.S. Air Force Capt. Travis Hunt, a tactical air control party specialist and commanding officer of Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, surveys his climbing route during mountaineering training at Sunshine Ridge, Alaska, July 22, 2022. The 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen utilize Alaskas varied and austere training locations to prepare for conditions they may face on deployment.

A cadet climbs the rope of the tough one obstacle on the obstacle course on Fort Knox, Ky, June 18. Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 399th Regiment, will lead thousands of Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets from across the country through the confidence/obstacle course and rappel tower at Fort Knox this summer starting in early June.

US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Patrick Spencer, Air Force Materiel Command, hurdles the Low Crawl obstacle during the CHIEF's Challenge portion of DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Defender Challenge is the annual Air Force wide competition sponsored by Air Force Security Forces. This competition showcases the talents and capabilities of 13 international Security Forces teams in seven physical fitness, base defense and policing skills over six days. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 Base: Lackland Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chief Master Sgt. James Kirklin, security forces manager, low crawls through a sand pit under suspended wire during a nine-part obstacle course at Camp Dawson, West Virginia, June 8. The senior enlisted leader of the 445th Security Forces Squadron joined a four-person fire team to participate in the training event, which occurred just one day after the squadron completed a nearly 10-mile land navigation course through the West Virginia mountains.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. James Hartwig, S4 Alpha supply officer, 23rd Marine Regiment a native of Paulding, Ohio, completes an obstacle during the 2022 Iron Mike Challenge on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 7, 2022. The competitors were given 12 hours to complete the over 20 mile course. Competitors from across the Marine Corps were given 12 hours to complete the over 20 mile course, which culminated the use of core skills with multiple physical challenges.

Spc. Aaron Thomas, a squad member representing U.S. Army South's best squad competition team, navigates the weaver obstacle during the Army Futures Command 2022 Best Squad Competition on June 8, 2022 at Camp Bullis, Texas. The Best Squad Competition is being used to select the team that will represent their command at the next level of competition with the hope of eventually winning the inaugural U.S. Army level Best Squad Competition

Staff Sgt. Andrew Barnett, 2nd Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), competes in the obstacle course as part of the 98th Training Divisions 2022 Best Warrior Competition at Fort Benning, Ga., on Jan. 28, 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. (U.S. Army Reserve Photo by Sgt. Jeffery Harris)

U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Martin A. Hernandez with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, navigates the monkey bridge obstacle during the confidence course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Oct. 31, 2022. The confidence course is composed of a series of obstacles built to test recruits' physical and mental endurance and strength. Hernandez was recruited out of Arlington, Texas, with Recruiting Substation Fort Worth.

The 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division kicks off their Week of the Warrior competition May 2, 2022 on Camp Casey, Republic of Korea. The first day consisted of an Army Combat Fitness Test, land navigation, Engagement Skills Trainer scenario engagements, and Combat Water Survival Training.

(FORT BENNING, GA) ROTC Cadets Timothy Dudley and Nicholas Calderon move into position to rappel out of a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter during the last phase of the Air Assault Course at Dickman Field, July 23, 2013 at Fort Benning, Georgia. Dudley is attending Clarkson University and Calderon is attending the University of New Mexico.

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division participate in Squad Lanes for the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, GA, July 28, 2022. During the Best Squad Competition, competitors were tested on a wide range of subjects including land navigation, marksmanship, casualty care, physical fitness, small-unit tactics and endurance.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade tackles the crawl wire obstacle at the obstacle course during Bayonet Week at Grafenwoehr, Germany, June 27, 2023. Bayonet Week is a series of competitive events within the 173rd Airborne Brigade that inspire all Sky Soldiers to honor their heritage during the last week of June. These events take place in both Germany and Italy and consist of tournament-style competitions that test strength, endurance, speed, knowledge and indomitable spirit as individuals and teams.

Sgt. Ricardo Morales, a military police Soldier assigned to Company A, 49th Missile Defense Battalion finishes the obstacle course with a low crawl under barbed wire during the Best Warrior Competition held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska May 11. Competitors are evaluated on their individual abilities to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, which test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and heavy fatigue. (Alaska National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Katie Mazos-Vega)

Tennessee Army National Guardsman Spc. Joshua Seder, from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, jumps over the inclining wall portion of an air assault course during the Tennessee State Best Warrior Competition in Tullahoma, Feb. 24, 2024. Seder made great strides throughout the obstacle course making the best time of the Soldiers competing. Army National Guard

Lightning Challenge 2022 competitor rope climbs during an obstacle course Nov. 3, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. In addition to the obstacle course, competitors participated in 1,500-meter swim, road marches, marksmanship and other events that tested their mettle and acumen.

031002-M-6515T-025. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, conquers the balance beam Tarzan obstacle at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Oct. 4, 2022. The troop conducted training at the obstacle course for familiarization and to build esprit de corps.

Sgt. Sebastian Maldonado from the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Texas Army National Guard, maneuvers through the obstacle course at this years Texas Military Departments Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas, March 30, 2023. The friendly, six-day competition challenges service members on professional military knowledge, marksmanship, obstacle course and land navigation. The winners of this event will move on to represent Texas at the National Guards Region V Best Warrior Competition.

U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Keng Yang with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, rappels down the tower at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 30, 2022. Rappel training was conducted to build confidence in Marines and prepare them for possible circumstances they may encounter. Yang was recruited out of Recruiting Station Sacramento, California

A British paratrooper lunges for a target during Leapfest 2022 at Exeter, Rhode Island, August 6, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Russell, platoon sergeant, crosses the Tarnek River in Qalat City, Afghanistan, July 9. Russell is a member of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul's security force. PRT Zabul is comprised of Air Force, Army, Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development of Agriculture and U.S. Army Corps of Engineer personnel who work with the government of Afghanistan to improve governance, stability, and development throughout the province.

soldier jump Military physical training, making jump s with weapon in his hands ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/tudorxantonelxadrianx 2097850 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

A Reserve Citizen Airman from the 304th Rescue Squadron receives a helping hand from one of his teammates during maritime training on the Columbia River in Portland, Ore., September 13, 2022. The Airmen of the 304th are trained to conduct combat search and rescue in any location or climate. The squadron is housed at Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore. and is a geographically separated unit of the 943rd Rescue Group out of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

Illinois National Guardsman Spc. William D. Ailey, a MK19 gunner with Alpha Troop, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry, completes an obstacle during the confidence course portion of the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 9 at Fort McCoy, Wis. The Best Warrior Competition is a grueling three-day test of a Soldiers endurance, mental toughness and military skills through a series of events including an Army Physical Fitness Test, M-4 rifle and M-9 pistol qualification, stress fire exercise, day and night land navigation, written test, essay, appearance board, Army Warrior Tasks, call for fire scenario and a 12-mile ruck march. Winners will advance to compete against their peers from across the country at the National Guard Bureau competition July 23-27 at Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Basic cadets from the Class of 2026 complete the obstacle course at the U.S. Air Force Academy's Jacks Valley in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 13, 2022. Basic Cadet Training is a six-week indoctrination program to guide the transformation of new cadets from being civilians to military academy cadets prepared to enter a four-year officer commissioning program. (U.S. Air Force photo/Joshua Armstrong)

Sgt. Joshua Cardinal, a Lebanon, Connecticut, native and UH-60 helicopter repairer assigned to Company A, 1109th Theater Aviation Support Maintenance Group, Connecticut Army National Guard, and Sgt. Blaik Swailes, a motor transport operator assigned to Company E, 334th Brigade Support Battalion, Iowa Army National Guard, rappel down a 60-foot tower during an Air Assault course hosted at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 6, 2022. Over 200 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a 12-day U.S. Army Air Assault course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling. The students practiced rappelling and belaying on the tower. Cadre from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia, traveled as a mobile training team to teach the course.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 17, 2016) A plebe crawls through a trench during the class of 2019 Sea Trials event at the U.S. Naval Academy. Sea Trials is a capstone event for the freshman midshipmen, modeled after the Marine Corps' Crucible and the Navy's Battle Stations recruit programs.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Hunter Pratt, a rifleman with Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG) instructs Marines on a combat rubber raiding craft during a helocasting masters course conducted by EOTG at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 7, 2022. Helocasting is an airborne technique used by small unit special operations forces to insert into hard to reach areas via bodies of water.

U.S. Soldiers rappel down a 60-foot tower during an Air Assault course hosted at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 6, 2022. Over 200 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a 12-day U.S. Army Air Assault course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling. The students practiced rappelling and belaying on a 60-foot rappel tower. Cadre from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia, traveled as a mobile training team to teach the course.

Sgt. Richard Carlson completes an obstacle during the National Best Warrior Competition, July 26, 2022, Volunteer Training Site Milan, Tennessee. Carlson and Miska placed first in both the Minnesota and Region IV Best Warrior Competition, securing their spot in this National Competition. Fourteen National Guard Soldiers are competing in the All-Guard National Best Warrior Competition July 24-29, 2022, primarily at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee.(Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Left side rear view medium shot as two US Air Force members of the 130th Security Forces Squadron team scale the high wall on the obstacle course at Rodeo 2000. Competitors had to maneuver 17 obstacles and complete a mile and a half run (17 obstacles and run not shown) in this competition. Members shown are: left to right, SENIOR AIRMAN David Miller and SENIOR AIRMAN Ronald Dean. They are members of the 130th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard, Charleston, West Virginia. Subject Operation/Series: AIR MOBILITY COMMAND RODEO 2000 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

BOSTON (Aug 25, 2022) U.S. Navy sailors participate in a line handling evolution aboard USS Constitution. USS Constitution, is the worlds oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. During normal operations, the active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people a year as they support the ships mission of promoting the Navys history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents. The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ships wooden hull.

Spc. Blaine Lawler, an infantryman assigned to 25th Infantry Division stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, climbs a wooden log June 7 at Lightning Academy, Schofield Barracks East Range, Hawaii, during the obstacle course for the 2022 USARPACs Best Warrior Competition. 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.

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Zamudio navigates the obstacle course during AMC's Best Warrior Competition at Fort Benning, Ga., August 14-17.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Asher Gallegos, Corporals Course instructor, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, demonstrates the J-hook technique of rope climbing, at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 26, 2022. Corporals Course is a month-long professional military education program that develops Marines small unit leadership skills and continues to prepare them to lead Marines.

U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Artur Potas, representing the 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support), slides on his back at the conditioning course as part of the U.S. Army Reserve Best Squad Competition at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin on May 15, 2022. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Warrior Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022. The 2022 BWSC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers and squads from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of Best Warrior and Best Squad among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Robert Krumplitsch, assigned to the 736th Security Forces Squadron, rappels down a U.S. Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal Tower on Naval Base, Guam, Oct. 21, 2022. The 736 SFS, 554th Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers and 36th Contingency Response Squadron partook in a training exercise that aimed toward updating and refreshing their skills in rappelling.

U.S. Marine Pvt. Brent Platukus, a bulk fuel specialist from Exeter, Pa., with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Continuing Promise 2010 (CP10), embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD7), paints a Nicaraguan swing set at an engineer site in Bluefields, Nicaragua, Sept. 21, 2010. Service members and civilians are deployed in support of Operation Continuing Promise 2010 providing medical, dental, veterinary, engineering assistance and subject-matter exchanges to the Caribbean, Central and South America.

DA-SD-05-00679. Base: Fort A. P. Hill State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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