Military Operations and Readiness

Active duty soldiers in training scenarios across diverse environments. Emphasizes tactical preparation, teamwork, and the use of military equipment in operations.

Tech. Sgt. Conner Moon, a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Specialist from the 22nd Training Squadron, prepares to board a C-17 Globemaster for parachute training at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington August 25, 2022. One aspect of SERE training involves being able to properly parachute safely to the ground in case of an emergency.

POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii (July 21, 2022) Airmen with the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron work together to employ live ordnance at Pohakuloa Training Area during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

FORT HOOD, Texas - U.S. Army Sgt. Angelo Canevari, the Team Leader for 1st Squad, representing Army Central, conducts perimeter security at the Medical Simulation Training Center, Hood, Texas, August 18, 2022. The Best Squad Competition promotes esprit de corps and recognizes Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to Army Values and embody the Warrior Ethos.

U.S. Army Reserve soldiers with the 425th Transportation Company receive a brief on the unloading process of equipment at the JP Martinez Army Reserve Center, Denver, Colorado, Feb. 5, 2023. The 425th TC drove seven hours to transport equipment to the 366th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

A U.S. Army Soldier with the 25th Infantry Division, sits in a turret with a M240 machine gun during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Training Center rotation 23-01 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Oct. 31, 2022. JPMRC 23-01 is a regional combat training center (CTC) rotation that builds combat readiness in Americas Pacific Division and is a key way the Army forces engage in a joint environment with our regional allies and partners.

221024-A-NR779-1025 ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 24, 2022) Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Richard Vollmer, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, flies in an MH-60S Sea Hawk during a search and rescue exercise in the Arabian Gulf, Oct. 24. HSC-26 trains pilots and aircrewmen to employ the MH-60S Sea Hawk worldwide in a variety of missions, including fleet logistics support, search and rescue, medical evacuation, special warfare support, anti-surface warfare, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Tech. Sgt. Conner Moon, a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Specialist from the 22nd Training Squadron, prepares to board a C-17 Globemaster for parachute training at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington August 25, 2022. One aspect of SERE training involves being able to properly parachute safely to the ground in case of an emergency.

221108-N-AC117-1245 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 8, 2022) - Sailors with U.S. Naval Special Warfare, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Special Boarding Unit and the Indian Navy Marine Commando Force conduct a visit, board, search, and seizure drill Nov. 8 as part of Malabar 2022. Malabar 2022 is a Japan-led, surface, air, and subsurface multi-lateral field training exercise with the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Navy, and U.S. Navy as participants. Malabar 2022 enhances interoperability between Australian, Indian, Japanese and U.S. maritime forces, strengthening the critical partnerships, and demonstrates U.S. naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Army Soldiers, with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, during a field mission at the Fort Dix Ranges on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 25, 2023. The 114th Infantry Regiment had a four day drill weekend to better prepare for JRTC.

U.S. Soldiers with 30th Medical Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command participate in Best Squad Competition at Local Training Area Oberdachstetten, Ansbach, Germany, Army

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, prepare to board an MV-22B Osprey for a long-range insert of more than 800 miles during an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force Exercise from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma on Okinawa to mainland Japan, June 9, 2022. III Marine Expeditionary Force executed these actions as part of a series of integrated no-notice drills to maintain a high state of readiness and demonstrate the United States resolve to maintain regional security.

Army National Guard soldiers competing in the National Guard Region V Best Warrior Competition sit on their flight heading to Camp Gruber Training Center, near Braggs, Okla., May 16, 2022. The annual competition brings together top-tier soldiers to challenge them on a variety of Army warrior tasks and consists of eight events that promote Soldier readiness and recognizes individuals who embody the Army Values. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Reece Heck)

U.S. Marines with Maritime Special Purpose Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), board a CH-53E Super Stallion prior to conducting a reconnaissance and surveillance mission during Realistic Urban Training (RUT) on Fort Barfoot, Virginia, Jan. 20, 2024. RUT provides the 24th MEU the opportunity to operate in unfamiliar environments, integrate the units of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, and train towards being designated as special operations capable.

Special Operations Surgical Team members from the 24th Special Operations Wing treats a simulated casualty at a mission support site during a joint Special Operations Forces exercise Nov. 1, 2022, at Eglin Air Force Range, Flor. SOST provides a unique expeditionary battlefield surgery capability to support multi-service SOF activities around the world.

U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Shelly Branch interviews Master Sgt. Ken Bergmann, both assigned to 1st Combat Camera Sq., Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., after documenting an airdrop exercise over North Auxiliary Airfield near North, S.C., Dec. 16, 2009. The exercise demonstrates the global projection of U.S. airpower. Airborne Soldiers from the 2-319th Airborne Field Artillery, 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, N.C., were airdropped in the exercise along with cargo pallets to simulate the seizure of a remote airfield, providing a joint training opportunity for the Airmen and Soldiers. The training mission included airdrops over North Auxiliary Airfield, aerial refueling training and simulated aero medical evacuation.

U.S. Marines assigned to Reconnaissance Company, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, scan for targets with an M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System aboard a CH-53E Super Stallion attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 15th MEU, during a live-fire aerial sniper range in the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 10, 2024. The amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) and embarked elements of the 15th MEU are conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Marine Corps

Spc. Trey Williams, an artillery soldier with Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division rigs a piece of artillery equipment during a sling-load and elevator drill exercise on Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, Jan. 4, 2024.

Combat Airmen Skills Training students, transport a simulated casualty to a different Humvee during a dismounting exercise on Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Nov. 18, 2013. CAST was designed by Air Education and Training Command to standardize pre-deployment combat training for Air Force personnel.

U.S. Navy Corpsmen assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct medical readiness drills onboard a Finnish Navy ship in Syndalen, Finland, Aug. 11, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is 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.

Personnel from McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., arrive at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, June 10, 2012, to begin the second half of the units air expeditionary force rotation in country. Members of the 169th Fighter Wing are deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Competitors of the Texas Military Department Best Warrior Competition set off for the 6-mile foot march event at Camp Swift, Texas, May 4, 2022. The contestants. The three-day event challenges service members from both the Texas Army/Air National Guards on their combat readiness skills.

Army Reserve Soldier with the 343rd Medical Company Ground Ambulance transport a wounded animatronic canine to the 422nd Medical Detachment Veterinary Services for treatment during Global Medic Exercise at Fort McCoy WI.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Reed Mederos, a scout sniper with 3d Battalion, 4th Marines conducts an air assault in support of a United Nations Command Honor Guard alert contingency disbursement rehearsal during Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 23.1 at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, Nov. 16, 2022. KMEP is conducted routinely to maintain the trust, proficiency, and readiness of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. 3d Battalion, 4th Marines is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Combat engineers with the 116th Brigade Engineer Battalion participated in their annual training of demolition and explosive breaching through doors and wall structures on May 6, 2022. Combat engineers provide support of mobility, counter mobility and survivability for Soldiers within the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team during combat missions. Our job is to make sure that we proficiently enable our combat personnel to move from point A to point B, said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Smith, platoon sergeant with the 116th BEB. Counter mobility is to keep the enemy from moving forward, so that we can move forward with our mission. We go in and get the good guys if they are trapped or we go in where there are bad guys behind a door, and it is imperative we do this safely with maximum survivability.

Members of Jumpmaster School Class 007-22 prepare for a static line jump from the back of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft over Fort Benning, Georgia, Aug. 17, 2022. The cooperation between the Army and the Air Force is vital to the success of the training curriculum of the Army Airborne School and Jumpmaster School.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Norris Matthews, a motor transportation operator with 3rd Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conducts a tow bar vehicle recovery drill with a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement during a bilateral vehicle recovery training during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

Soldiers assigned to Charlie Company, 526th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), 4th Air Support Operations Group Operating Location Alpha and UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopters assigned to the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, conduct medevac training on Nov. 1, 2022, in Romania. 101st units will support V Corps mission to reinforce NATOs eastern flank and engage in multinational exercises with partners across the European continent to reassure our Nations allies.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, wait for instruction during fast rope training aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 5, 2022. Fast roping allows for fast inserts in a contested area. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jared Ennis, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, Tennessee National Guard, instructs Soldiers from the 1171st Medical Company, Michigan National Guard, and the 477th Medical Company, U.S. Army Reserves, Duluth, Minnesota on cold and hot loading medical patients for air evacuations, at Grayling Army Airfield, Mich., during Northern Strike 22-2 Aug. 8, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge over 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, prepare to attach a block to a CH-53E Super Stallion during a helicopter support team training event at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 26, 2022. Landing Support Platoon, with CLB-22, conducted these external lift operations with a helicopter support team to improve their skills and ability to execute potential contingency missions in support of 2nd Marine Division and II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Army Spc. Steve Alvarado and Sgt. Spencer Meadows, assigned to 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), unload bags as 101st arrives at Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, June 28, 2022. 101st units will support V Corps' mission to reinforce NATO's eastern flank and engage in multinational exercises with partners across the European continent to reassure our Nation's Allies and deter further Russian aggression.

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment "First Strike, 2nd Brigade Comat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the 572nd Puma Squadron conduct Aircraft Familiarization and Fast Rope Insertion and Extraction System equipment and inspections on July 14, 2022, at Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania. 101st units will support V Corps mission to reinforce NATOs eastern flank and engage in multinational exercises with partners across the European continent to reassure our Nations allies.

U.S. Navy Hospitalman Seaman Justin Bullard, a Memphis, Tennessee native and a corpsman with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Marines with BLT 2/5, 31st MEU, load a simulated casualty into a Marine Corps UH-1Y Huey during a casualty evacuation exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18), in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 4, 2022. This training establishes confidence and familiarity between the Marines and Sailors for in-flight medical treatment. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

220603-N-BR419-1683 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 3, 2022) Members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, attached to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70, deployed aboard the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), conduct a maritime interdiction exercise with Republic of Korea special forces aboard ROKS Marado (LPH 6112) during Carrier Strike Group Exercise 2022. Carrier Strike Group Exercise is a bilateral exercise between the U.S. Navy and Republic of Korea Navy. This exercise allows our navies to refine operations and engagement to strengthen future cooperation while supporting the alliance that remains vital to the security interests of both nations and to stability in Northeast Asia.

Soldiers from Headquarters Headquarters Detachment, 96th Troop Command watch as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment departs to deliver supplies to units in the field as part of Cascadia Rising on June 4, 2016. Cascadia Rising is a state-wide exercise that will test the response plan of many government agencies in the event of a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami off the coast of Washington State. Delivering supplies by helicopter is just one of the many ways the Washington National Guard can assist during such an event.

An Iowa Army National Guard Soldier holds on to a cable as Soldiers and Airmen prepare to rappel from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 14, 2022. Nearly 30 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a Rappel Master course hosted by a mobile training team from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center based out of Fort Benning, Georgia.

Members from the 153d Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, offload an R-11 Fuel truck during a three-day training event dubbed Triple ACE (Agile Combat Employment) in Cheyenne, Wyo on August 31, 2022. During the three-day training event members proved ACE in three different areas of responsibility: rapid mobile air traffic/landing zone/drop zone control; medium and light package Radar Airfield and Weather System (RAWS) equipment setup/employment; and Non-permissive Environment Security Team (NEST) seizure.

U.S. Marines with 1st Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, assemble the TRV-150 (TRUAS) drone before takeoff during Battalion Field exercise 1-23 on Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 19, 2022. Battalion FX 1-23 is a 1st Transportation Battalion exercise integrated with Project Convergence 22, where Marines and Sailors leverage a series of joint, multi-domain engagements, integrating artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomy to enhance warfighting capabilities and accelerate decision-making timelines.

A critical air transport team from the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 15th Medical Group personnel escort a patient into a Negative Pressure Conex-Lite during an aircraft swap at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Sept. 21, 2022. This was the first instance within the U.S. Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility that an NCPL was moved from one aircraft to another while carrying a patient.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the U.S. Air Force 77th Fighter Generation Squadron (77th FGS) board an aircraft at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 15, 2022. 77th FGS Airmen remain trained and ready to maintain requirements concurrent with operational demands in the Central Command Area of Responsibility.

From left: U.S. Air Force Maj. Adam Moiles, junior executive officer to the director of the Air National Guard; Lt. Col. Joe Deeds, director of staff-Air, Kansas National Guard; and Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director, Air National Guard; listen to Maj. Scott Blechle, director of operations, Detachment 1, Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range, as he explains the tactics used during close air support operation at Smoky Hill ANG Range, June 22, 2022. The visitors viewed operations at Exercise Gunslinger, during which military units from across the U.S. practiced maneuvers in a simulated contested environment. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Master Sgt. Matt McCoy)

U.S. Marines with Operations Licensing and 1st Transportation Support Battalion, 1st Combat Logistics Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group (MLG), and Dutch Royal Marines with 2nd Marine Combat Group prepare to drive during a tactical vehicle familiarization course at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Oct. 19, 2022. 1st MLG accepted the Dutch Royal Marines request to train with U.S. Marines tactical vehicles to familiarize themselves with Marine Corps vehicles so they can be equipped to utilize U.S. equipment should the need arise.

1LT Nicholas Kennedy Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment informed visitors from the Department of Defense of the CROWS-J Javelin Weapon System Sept. 20 at Fort Carson. After the brief Soldiers and visitors enjoyed a delicious lunch of MREs.

220524-N-DW158-1190 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 24, 2022) A Sailor assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, attached to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70, fast ropes out of an MH-60S Seahawk attached to the Golden Falcons of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 during fast rope training on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct an immediate company size reinforcement rehearsal aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 29, 2024. Rehearsals are conducted to improve mission response time in preparation for urgent real-world scenarios. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

060227-A-5747J-187. Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION KATRINA/IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Brassfield-Mora State: Salah Al Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Grala, a Security Forces Airman from the 171th Air Refueling Wing, Coraopolis, Penn., provides aircraft security on the flightline during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 13, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

Senior Chief Naval Aircrewman (helicopter) Rabea Shaiboon flies during a gun exercise with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 26, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143; VFA-103; VFA-86; VFA-136; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121; HSC-5; and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

920th Rescue Wing pararescuemen and a Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape specialist, watch for threats as a patient simulating injuries is loaded onto an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, Nov. 18, 2022. Airmen from across the wing worked to ensure pararescuemen and aircrew from HH-60G Pave Hawk and HC-130J Combat King II aircraft enhanced their abilities to treat critically injured patients in austere locations, support ground special operations teams, and conduct extended duration overland movement and in-flight patient care.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6), Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group and Finnish Soldiers with Helicopter Battalion, Utti Jaeger Regiment, set up equipment to conduct a sling load lift during a helicopter support team resupply in preparation for exercise Freezing Winds 22 in Syndalen, Finland, Oct. 18, 2022. Task Force Red Cloud, headquartered by elements of CLB-6, is deployed to Finland in support of Exercises SYD 2022 and Freezing Winds 2022 to enhance U.S. and Finnish select interdependence in the maritime domain; solidify bilateral maritime maneuver within the Finnish littoral environment; and foster strong relationships between U.S. Marine Corps and Finnish Defense Force sustainment units.

Paratroopers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division board a C-17 during Operation Falcon Blitz on Fort Bragg, NC, Jan. 28, 2023. Paratroopers will conduct an airborne operation in order to enhance brigade readiness and lethality.

Aircraft loadmasters assigned to the 103rd Operations Group, 103rd Airlift Wing, Connecticut Air National Guard inform Italian and Spanish paratroopers that it is time to jump during an airdrop mission, as part of Exercise Swift Response 22, May 11, 2022, in Pisa, Italy. Swift Response is a U.S. EUCOM scheduled, U.S. Army Europe and Africa conducted, and SETAF-AF led global exercise, focused on Allied Airborne forces' ability to quickly and effectively respond to crisis situations as an interoperable, multi-national team. Swift Response demonstrates U.S. and Allied force projection and high readiness interoperability in support of NATO Connected Force Initiative (CFI). Swift Response consists of Joint Forcible Entries (JFEs) into the Nordic, Baltics, and Balkans, followed by multinational training, and live-fire exercises.

Soldiers with B company 1/189th General Support Aviation Battalion, Nevada National Guard, head to Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, from Reno to prepare for an aerial gunnery lane on June 24, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Isaac Escobar, an assaultman with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conducts a firing drill while a reconnaissance Marine with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit refines his technique aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7), in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 24, 2022. The fast rope, shooting drill combo prepares Marines for inserting to a contested area. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Army Spc. Kaleb Steffens, gunner, Delta Company, 4th Platoon, 1st Battalion 141st Infantry Regiment, Task Force Alamo, Texas National Guard, deployed to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), Djibouti, fires a .50-caliber Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station on top of a Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicle during training at a military range in Djibouti, Dec. 15, 2018. Task Force Alamo is responsible for rapidly deploying in response to any crisis threatening U.S. personnel or property throughout CJTF-HOA, an area nearly half the size of the continental United States.

U.S. Marines with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, cut open a simulated CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 22, 2022. This training evolution tested the Marines' ability to provide timely aid to isolated personnel in potential search and rescue situations.

621st Contingency Response Wing Airmen rally around recent offloaded cargo in eastern Europe, April 11, 2022. The 621st CRW recently deployed Airmen as a Contingency Response Element to move resources in support of U.S. European Command operations.

Recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, tackle the rappel tower at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Jan. 9, 2023.The 47-foot-tall rappel tower helps recruits overcome their fear of heights and to trust their gear.

U.S. Army soldiers with 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, Focused Targeting Force, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, prepare to board a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, in the city of Gardez, Paktiya province, Afghanistan, April 27, 2011

U.S. Army Cpl. John Weber, a UH-60 helicopter maintainer and crew chief assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division (1AD CAB), fires an M240H machine gun from the door of a UH-60 Black Hawk during a live-fire exercise at Drawsko Pomorski, Poland, Oct. 19, 2022. The 1AD CAB 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. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fireman carries a simulated casualty during a Defense of the Amphibious Task Force drill aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 9, 2022. DATF is a task force designed to defend naval ships from water and airborne threats while transiting open waters. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 14, 2022) Members from the Australian Army disembark from a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165, aboard Royal Australian Navy landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra (L02) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Photo by Royal Australian Navy Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall)

U.S. Navy Corpsmen with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, relay instructions during a night casualty evacuation exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 11, 2022. This integrated training establishes confidence and familiarity between the Marines and Sailors for in-flight medical treatment. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, load a simulated casualty onto a UH-1Y Huey helicopter during a casualty evacuation exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 12, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Soldiers from the Utah Army National Guard, 19th Special Forces Group depart an HH-60 Pave Hawk from 34th Weapons Squadron, United States Air Force Weapons School, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. during training at Orchard Training Ranges, Idaho on Sept. 16, 2009. The 34th Weapons Squadron is conducting the terminal employment phase of the Nellis Weapons School syllabus. The T.E. mission objective is to demonstrate and instruct HH-60 weapons employment and landing zone options to maximize weapons effectiveness and quickly recover survivors.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the Pennsylvania National Guard walk towards a UH-60 Black Hawk during their Annual Training at Ft. Indiantown Gap, July 20, 2022. Flights are a common occurrence at the Gap and help crews and pilots maintain critical skills needed for missions both domestic and abroad.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the East Africa Response Force (EARF) in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participate in close quarters battle (CQB) training with members of the Spanish Special Operations Forces, Djibouti, June 16, 2022. The EARF serves as part of U.S. Africa Commands crisis response capability, and is tasked with responding to emergency situations at U.S. Embassies in the East African region or in countries around the CJTF-HOA area of interest.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Daniel Haack, 1st Marine Division Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Program Manager, prepares and coaches JTAC students before a recovery mission at Saylor Creek Range in Grasmere, Idaho during exercise Garnet Rattler April 20, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint training event between Marines, Soldiers and Airmen to train and qualify JTACs to be more efficient and lethal in a realistic training environment.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, set up a .50 caliber machine gun during a defense of the amphibious task force exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18), in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 2, 2022. DATF senarios focus Navy and Marine Corps forces on defending ARG shipping and the drills allowed the ARG-MEU team to improve their proficiency when integrating fires. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Tolar, an infantry Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, relays a radio check during a Defense of the Amphibious Task Force drill aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 9, 2022. DATF is a task force designed to defend naval ships from water and airborne threats while transiting open waters. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division load onto a C-17 Globermaster III during Large Package Week that happens in conjunction with Joint Operational Access Exercise, Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 11, 2012. LPW is an exercise that utilizes several Air Force aircraft to strategically airdrop troops and cargo.

PEARL HARBOR (July 14, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Nolan Ebert, a Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team Officer in Command (OIC) with Air Traffic Control Mike Company, Marine Air Control Squadron 4, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, prepares for the arrival of participants conducting a mass casualty response as a part of the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) scenario during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, at Ford Island, Hawaii, July 14, 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28t

Artillery soldiers with Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, "Task Force 82", conduct sling-load operations during an elevator drill exercise on Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, Jan. 4, 2024. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from 3rd Attack Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division supported the 101st Airborne Division Artillery Soldiers by moving M101 howitzers by air to increase proficiency in air assault operations.

Airmen with the 914th Aeromedical Staging Squadron construct a tent to maintain readiness June 5, 2022 on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York. In deployed environments, these tents are constructed and used as staging facilities to triage patients before being airlifted to a medical facility.

U.S. Army Spc. Abdullah Payen, assigned to Anvil Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, waits for further instruction after completing on-and-off drills for North and West Africa Response Force (NARF) training at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 21, 2024. U.S. service members assigned to U.S. Africa Command's NARF provide crisis and contingency response capabilities in North and West Africa. The NARF is on call and ready to provide the U.S. Africa Command commander the capability to quickly respond to protect U.S. personnel and interests in the region. The NARF is under the command and control of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Army

U.S. Airmen and Marines conduct tactics training during Scorpion Lens 23, at McCrady Training Center, Eastover, South Carolina, Mar. 22, 2023. Scorpion Lens is an annual training event held at McCrady Training Center, hosted by the 1st Combat Camera Squadron (1CTCS). The exercise provides expeditionary skills and training to Combat Camera professionals from the United States Army, Air Force, and Marines worldwide.

Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division file aboard a C-130 Hercules aircraft at the Camp Davis airfield, near Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, at the conclusion of the joint services exercise SOLID SHIELD '89. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD '89 Base: Camp Davis State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard standby and gather gear before boarding UH-60 Blackhawks at the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise at Fort Drum, New York. More than 2,500 Soldiers are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Daniel W. Chow, company commander, Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion (HQSVCBN), U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC), conducts a maneuver under fire drill during the French Armed Forces Pentathlon course in Arue, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Aug. 29, 2022. The event provided a bilateral training opportunity between the French Armed Forces and Marines with MARFORPAC. The nine Marines and Sailor from HQSVCBN participated in the bilateral training with the French Armed Forces in order to strengthen relationships with the region.

Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Regional Support Group, New Jersey National Guard, conduct simulated weapons training at an Engagement Skills Trainer 2000 facility at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., May 16, 2022. The EST 2000 is an indoor, multipurpose, multilane, small arms training simulator and it is used to simulate weapon training events which lead to live-fire individual/crew weapon qualification and training events.

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 13, 2022) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Brice Bailey, left, a machine gunner and Cpl. Jacob Tetzloff, an anti-tank missile gunner, both with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, spot a simulated enemy ship during a Defense of the Amphibious Task Force exercise aboard amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), July 13. The 13th MEU is currently embarked aboard the USS Makin Island conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Martin Barbosa, NCOIC Lightweight Machine Gun Course instructor briefs students on safety and learning objectives at the start the live firing portion of the qualification course at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Oct. 3, 2022. The course is two-weeks long culminating in three days where students familiarize themselves with weapons by live firing in multiple conditions and is designed to ready students for mission demands on day-one of assignment at their new base where this training is not available.

U.S. Army paratroopers with the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, exit a CH-47F Chinook while conducting an air assault mission during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 over Fort Wainwright, Alaska, March 28, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 helps Soldiers and leaders develop and refine the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to successfully operate in remote and extreme Arctic winter conditions and overcome environmental and military challenges. Army aviators with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment provided air support for the operation.

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment FIRST STRIKE, 2nd Brigade Combat Team STRIKE, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct deadlifts as part of the Talon Blitz II Competition on July 22, 2022, at Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania. As we have for the last 80 years, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) stands ready to deploy anywhere to support and defend the Nation and our Allies. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team STRIKE Public Affairs.)

120716-N-FV216-056ODESSA, Ukraine (July 14, 2012) Sailors from the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason DunhamÕs (DDG 109) boarding team, speak to Ukrainian media during Exercise Sea Breeze 2012 (SB12). SB12, co-hosted by the Ukrainian and U.S. Navies, aims to improve maritime safety, security and stability engagements in the Black Sea by enhancing the capabilities of Partnership for Peace and Black Sea regional maritime security forces.

Soldiers assigned to the 4th Infantry Division help thrust each another over a container wall to complete the Utah Beach event on Fort Carson, Colorado, May 23, 2022. This event is to bring esprit-de-corps and comradery through competition, navigating eight obstacles designed to encourage Soldiers to work together. (U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Lumagui)

Soldiers from different divisions across the III Armored Corps conduct an after-action review of the events they've been through so far to discuss what they have learned during their time competing in the III Armored Corps Best Squad Competition 2022, June 24, 2022 at Fort Hood, Texas. 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.

Paratroopers assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division take fire from opposing enemy forces during the Joint Readiness Training Command (JRTC) on Fort Polk, Louisiana, Nov. 2, 2022. JRTC Rotation 23-01 serves to enhance brigade and supporting unit's deployment readiness.

Airmen from the 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron move a simulated wounded Airman for medical evacuation at Camp Guersney, Wyoming, on Aug. 10, 2022. Airmen participated in Road Warrior 2022 to hone skills and improve readiness.

Trainees with 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment waits to move to the field to participate in half time activities of the University of South Carolina's salute to service football game against the University of Tennessee, Nov. 19 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C.

U.S. Air Force Airmen decontaminates a simulated casualty during a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear exercise at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Sept. 14, 2022. Airmen train on how to treat CBRN related casualties to ensure mission readiness.

U.S. reconnaissance Marines with Amphibious Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to board an MV-22B Osprey during freefall training on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 25, 2022. The Marines conducted jump rehearsals and refresher training for upcoming freefall Jumps. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, grab practice rifles for the bayonet assault course at Marine Corps at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 30, 2022. The bayonet assault course instilled a combat mindset and basic knowledge of the M16A4 service rifle with a bayonet through repetitive training.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, wait to launch combat rubber raiding craft from the well deck of the amphibious docking ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) during a boat raid exercise on Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 3, 2024. Marines with BLT 1/1 conducted a raid exercise on Kin Blue training area to strengthen and refine company tactics and procedures when conducting ship to shore raids. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Marine Corps

Senior Airman Cameron Moots, a loadmaster assigned to the 517th Airlift Squadron, helps secure a simulated container delivery system on a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, April 14, 2022. Various aircrews attended the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Centers Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, from April 11-15, 2022 including the U.S. Air Force Reserve Commands 302nd Airlift Wing, Rhode Island Air National Guards 143rd Airlift Wing, New York ANGs 105th Airlift Wing, the Royal Danish Air Forces 721 Squadron, and the U.S. Air Forces 517th Airlift Squadron. During ATAC, students spend their first week at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base in St. Joseph, Missouri, and their second week at Fort Huachuca.

060219-N-0237L-057. Base: USS Essex (LHD 2)

Marines and Sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepare for a defense of the amphibious task force (DATF) drill aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, Jan. 28 2023. The DATF drill is conducted to provide full security to a ship during strait transit or when the ship is bound by land on both port and starboard sides.

050713-F-0193C-006. Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

070309-M-9389C-135. Subject Operation/Series: EDGED MALLET Base: USS Bataan (LHD 5) Country: Kenya (KEN) Scene Major Command Shown: 26TH MEU

Defenders from the 5th Security Forces Squadron sweep of the flight line during a purge in support of Exercise Prairie Vigilance/Bayou Vigilance 24-2 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Jan. 5, 2024. A purge consists of a team of defenders sweeping the flightline for any hazardous material and securing the area.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cristian Ramirez, a bulk fuel specialist with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides security during a forward arming and refueling point exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 04, 2022. A FARP is a point of operation used for fueling and rearming an aircraft outside of a forward operating base. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

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