← Military & Defence

Military Personnel and Operations

Images of military personnel in various operational settings, including pilots preparing gear, aircrew in flight, mechanics at work, and soldiers in action, highlighting duty and readiness.

Army, flare and battlefield with a soldier in uniform at war for service, duty or patriotism on double exposure. Military, training or war with a man in camouflage in a fight for freedom as a hero

060801-N-7498L-011. Base: Mv Kellie Chouest Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-SC-86-04743. Base: San Jacinto State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220827-N-VJ326-1086 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Aug. 27, 2022) - Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Christopher Carlson, from Tacoma, Washington, sings during a talent contest aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 27, 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.

U.S. Marines participating in the Annual Rifle Qualification use ammunition during the ARQ on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 2, 2022. The Marine Corps implemented the new ARQ 10 months ago to replace the Annual Rifle Training. During the new ARQ, Marines use the standing, kneeling, and prone positions with artificial support to simulate realistic shooting positions in combat, improving proficiency as riflemen.

A firefighter wears an oxygen mask during efforts to extinguish a fire that started in a Naval Supply Center building at Pier 4 of the naval station. The fire eventually spread to the converted Raleigh class command ship USS LA SALLE (AGF 3). Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) simulate detecting and identifying contaminants at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Nov. 22, 2022. CBIRF conducted a certification exercise using an Initial Rescue Force (IRF) Focused, battalion driven exercise designed to test IRF leadership in task organization and command, and control.

Search and Rescue Operations - Helicopter - 26-HK-261-114. Hurricane Katrina

DF-ST-85-03179. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers Marching off to Battle

220421-N-SS350-1021 SAN DIEGO (April 21, 2022) Navy EOD technicians exit the back of a C-2A Greyhound, assigned to the Providers of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30, during a training jump run by Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit (EODTEU) 1, April 21, 2022. EODTEU-1 develops and provides realistic training to Navy EOD, and mobile diving and salvage forces to prepare them to support the fleet and joint force in accomplishing national objectives.

Underground bunker from cold war. Ukraine, Sevastopol Underground bunker from cold war. Ukraine, Sevastopol Copyright: xZoonar.com/StanislavxRishnyakx 17021288

A Soldier of Squad 2, representing the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, attempts to assemble an M240L machine gun during the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct 4, 2022. The Soldiers within the competition are provided the tools and information to succeed but it is down to them to use the tools correctly.

020424-F-1663P-001. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

041018-F-9429S-002. Base: Alpena State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Soldier and engineer from the 409th Engineer Company, based in Aurora, Colorado, stands on a pile of rubble and directs his fellow Soldiers where to look for possible survivors of a building collapse at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Butlerville, Indiana, during exercise Guardian Response 21. Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers, Engineers, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) specialists, as well as medical units are conducting Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) training at the multi-million dollar facility to help prepare them to respond to a CBRN catastrophe at home or abroad.

031227-F-9629J-005. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

051205-N-9866B-033. Base: Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Close-up of a mannequin wearing a crash helmet

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jared Mattson, 801st Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer Training Squadron water and fuels system contingency training instructor, is dressed in a costume and mask at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 14, 2022. The 801st RHTS hosts a Silver Flag Haunted Trail each year where Airmen from across the installation volunteer to dress up and participate in the seasonal event open to both Tyndall personnel and local civilians.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, conduct a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Infiltration (HIRAIN) during exercise Typhoon Crossbow 23.1 on Iwo To, Japan, Aug. 4, 2022. This exercise demonstrated 3d Marine Divisions ability to quickly deploy long-range precision fires capability to key maritime terrain across the Indo-Pacific region.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 25, 2023) Naval Air Crewman (Mechanical) 2nd Class Christopher Koo, from Woodside, N.Y., conducts lookout duties in the cabin of a CMV-22B Osprey assigned to Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30. VRM 30, assigned to Carrier Air Wing 9, is currently based out of Naval Air Station North Island in support of routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

An AN/TSC-85 Ground Mobile Forces Tactical SHF Satellite Terminal extends outside the camouflage netting of The Joint Communication Support Element (JCSE) compound. The JCSE, of MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., is providing communication support for this exercise. Subject Operation/Series: UNIFIED ENDEAVOR '95 Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

THULE AIR BASE, Greenland - U.S. Space Force Sgt. Maxwell Schute, 23rd Space Operations Squadron, Detachment 1 contract officer representative, is responsible for verifying all data captured at Thule Tracking Station on Thule Air Base, Greenland, Aug. 11, 2022. The station's primary duty is to provide telemetry, tracking and commanding operations to the United States and allied government satellite programs.

220912-N-GF955-1902BALTIC SEA (Sept. 12, 2022) U.S. Navy Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Matthew Psota, from Boyertown, Pennsylvania, welds aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117), Sept. 12, 2022. Paul Ignatius is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Two special forces soldiers in a military kayak under cover of darkness.

Germany Berlin, East German border guard looking through crack in the Wall in 1989.

050902-F-4563N-006. Base: Rickenbacker Ang Base State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A soldier from the Army's 4th Aviation Company, Fort Carson, Colorado are shown boarding the Military Sealift Command chartered vessel S.S. MEDITERRANEAN SKY. The MEDITERRANEAN SKY, is docked at New Port, Mogadishu, and is to transport U.S. soldiers back to the United States via Mombassa, Kenya. Country: Somalia (SOM)

A Marine with Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) enjoys a hot cup of coffee inside his bivouac site at the Kandahar International Airport, Kandahar, Afghanistan, during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Note that the coffee was heated using a locally procured "PakIran" propane heater and a native tea kettle. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kandahar International Airport Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: 26 MEU

Japan, Samurai, Kendo, Two Opponents In Bogu Armour Facing Each Other Over Crossed Shinai Bamboo Swords. The Samurai Art Of Kenjutsu Was Transformed Into The Sport Of Kendo Using Swords Of Bamboo And Protective Face Guards.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Bryan Molina, a mortarman with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, applies camouflage paint during Jungle Warfare Exercise 23 in the Central Training Area on Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 16, 2023. JWX 23 is a large-scale field training exercise focused on leveraging the integrated capabilities of joint and allied partners to strengthen all-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. Molina is a native of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

A U.S. Soldier with the 58th Military Police Company holds security during a training exercise, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Sept. 28, 2022. The purpose of the exercise was to increase readiness when operating as a platoon sized element in populated urban terrain.

220516-N-DO281-1066 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 16, 2022) Fire Controlman 1st Class Riley Wynne overseas watch standers in the combat information center aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117), May 16, 2022. Paul Ignatius is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S., Allied and partner interest in Europe and Africa.

An Airman assigned to the 305th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron operates a 10K All-terrain Forklift during a Multi-Capable Airman course on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 20, 2022. The MCA course was designed to train crew chiefs on aerial port hard skills, enabling them to minimize manning and equipment deficiencies within a deployed environment.

War album 40, Figure 10954B.

LIMASSOL, Cyprus (Feb. 1, 2024) East Coast-based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) and Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC) conduct over the beach training with Cypriot Underwater Demolition Command (MYK) forces near Limassol, Cyprus on Feb. 1, 2024. This training strengthens the relationship between U.S. Special Operations Command Europe and its Allies and partners throughout Europe, reinforcing the United States commitment to the region. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO produces, supports, and deploys the worlds premier maritime special operations forces to conduct full-spectrum operations and integrated deterrence in support of U.S. national objectives. Navy

U.S. Army soldiers of the 3rd Bn., 87th Inf., 4th Inf. Div., are guided from the rear of a C-130 Hercules aircraft by U.S. Air Force reserve personnel during an engine running offload (ERO) exercise at the Red Devil drop zone. Base: Colorado Springs State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-88-00119. Country: Unknown

3d illustration of earth globe, ballistic missile, tank, war concept

DF-ST-87-09547. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '86 Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Marching band at reenactment of Paul Revere's ride, Somerville, Massachusetts , Historical reenactments, Clothing & dress, Holidays, Patriots' Day. Edmund L. Mitchell Collection

Nuclear post-apocalypse. Survivors in tatters and gas mask on the ruins of the destroyed city. Nuclear post-apocalypse survivors

DF-ST-88-04940. Base: Berlin Country: West Germany (FRG)

Military helicopters are wrapped for transport as they line a pier in preparation for loading aboard Military Sealift Command vehicle cargo ships. The helicopters will be redeployed to the United States in the aftermath of Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Ad Damman Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

U.S. Coast Guard Seaman Jacob Craig, a member of USCGC Bears (WMEC 901) deck department, looks into a smoke filled room during a simulated fire on board, North Atlantic Ocean, Aug. 18, 2022. The Bear is on the second half of its North Atlantic patrol and is working in tandem with the Northern Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO).

A convention attendee plays "Battle Position", a Marine Corps virtual reality pugil stick game, at FanX Comic Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sept. 24, 2022. U.S. Marine Corps recruiters with Recruiting Station Salt Lake City attended FanX and challenged people to a pull-up competition and virtual reality pugil stick game

U.S. Marines with 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, tour The Great War Museum in Meaux, France, May 25, 2022. This visit is to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their respective countries during World War I.

Soldiers from the 368th Transportation Company, Fort Story, Virginia, unload military vehicles from the USNS CAPE DECISION (T-AKR-5054) at the Shuaiba Port in Kuwait. Subject Operation/Series: VIGILANT WARRIOR Base: Kuwait City Country: Kuwait (KWT)

Washington National Guard Soldiers with the 506th Military Police Company, 420th Chemical Battalion, 96th Troop Command, train for high risk traffic stops on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Dec. 4, 2022. Each traffic stop scenario was unique, challenging Soldiers to think and respond as military police officers while reenforcing fundamental skills and tactics.

Russian helicopters

May 31, 2010 The skies opened up on Memorial Day outside of Chicago. When the lightning began, the Secret Service told the President that it was too dangerous to proceed. He took the stage by himself and informed the audience that his speech was canceled and that for everyone's safety, they should return to their busses. Later, he boarded a few of the busses to thank them for attending and apologized for not being able to speak.

031029-F-0629H-009. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A crew member boards an E-3 Sentry aircraft for deployment to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

DN-ST-88-00193. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

The Royal Navy, November 1943 A naval gunner holding a shell.

Music band. Spanish Army. Spain.

Anefo photo collection. Lelystad (East Flevopolder); activities. September 28, 1967. Flevoland, Lelystad

Military Lockheed Martin Jets Fixed Wing Aviat Airplanes F-117 Stealth Fighter detail front cockpit head on

DF-ST-89-00220. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two workers examine cracks in the faces at Mt. Rushmore.

DF-ST-85-12626. Subject Operation/Series: NIGHT TRAIN/GLOBAL SHIELD '84 Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Nuclear post-apocalypse survivors in tatters and gas mask on the ruins of a destroyed city.

DF-ST-88-04935. Base: Berlin Country: West Germany (FRG)

U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF), conduct proper decontamination procedures after extracting notional casualties from a simulated nuclear detonation training area during Scarlet Response 2022 at Guardian Centers of Georgia, Georgia, May 19, 2022. CBIRF Marines will bring casualties to decontamination tents, decontaminate and move them into a clean area for advanced medical care. Scarlet Response 2022 is designed to physically and mentally test CBIRF personnel and the units joint partners, the 911th Technical Rescue Engineer Company, in a simulated joint disaster response.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Garrett Gibson, left, a motor transportation mechanic with 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division, and Lance Cpl. Michael McDougall, a motor transportation mechanic with Truck Company, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, tighten a part under a trailer during Integrated Training Exercise 4-22 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 26, 2022. Truck Company, 23rd Marine Regiment assisted active duty Marines with 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, with vehicle maintenance, increasing 3/11's vehicle readiness and giving Reserve Marines additional hours performing maintenance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by. Cpl. Ryan Schmid)

Two MV-22 Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltorotor Squadron 365 filled with Marines and sailors from India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, make their way to Range 210 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. March 3 so India Company can conduct the Clear, Hold, Build Exercise 2H.

220503-N-XK462-1071 NAVAL BASE KITSAP-Bremerton, Wash., (May. 3, 2022) Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), practice hose handling techniques during Tailored Ship's Training Availability/Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP). TSTA/FEP is a multi-phase training evolution designed to give the crew a solid foundation of unit-level operating proficiency and to enhance the ship's ability to self-train. Nimitz is in port preparing for future operations.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 13, 2014) Sailors participate in a swim call aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). Peleliu is underway conducting a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific region after successfully completing Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2014.

A High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) drives onto an Assault Craft Unit 5 (ACU-5) air cushioned landing craft (LCAC) as others wait. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ '97 Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PEARL HARBOR (March 13, 2013) Builder 2nd Class Kyle Neuman, left, and Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Danial Nichols, from Construction Dive Detachment Alpha of Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 2, based in Port Hueneme, Calif., restore a structural pile at the Hotel Pier at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The underwater construction team provides a capability for construction, inspection, repair, and maintenance of ocean facilities in support of Naval and Marine Corps operations.

Boy in camouflage suit holding a gun during a fight

030721-F-6701P-003. Base: Lungi Country: Sierra Leone (SLE) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A close up view of an Arges Type HG-84 fragmentation grenade found by U.S. Army Soldiers during a Sensitive Site Exploration mission conducted in a local village located outside Khowst, Afghanistan, during Exercise Alamo Sweep.

A U.S. Marine teaches local New Yorkers about Marine Corps aviation during a ship tour aboard the USS Bataan (LHD 5) on May 28, 2022. As a part of Fleet Week New York 22, the Marine-Air Ground Task Force Fleet Week New York engages in special events throughout New York City and the Tri-State area showcasing sea service technologies, future innovation and connecting with citizens. Fleet Week New York brings more than 2,000 service members from the Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard offering live band performances, military vehicle and equipment displays, and other community relations projects.

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Airman 1st Class Paul Madriles, 730th Air Mobility Squadron, unloads a pallet of bottled water onto a C-130 Hercules at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 26. A native of Yuma, Arizona, Airman Madriles works as a cargo processor here in support of Operation Tomodachi.

U.S. Navy Sailors and medical specialists with the amphibious dock landing ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) carry a simulated casualty across the well deck aboard the USS Green Bay during a mass casualty exercise in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 10, 2024. The mass casualty exercise tested the responsiveness of medical personnel to treat casualties upon arrival. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navys 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

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Yaroslav Painter, a lab technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, takes a fuel sample during Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) training at Pohang Airport, South Korea, July 19, 2022. The FARP was conducted with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps to promote multinational training and preparedness as part of the Korean Marine Exercise Program.

Onboard US Navy aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) Electronics Technician Mate PETTY Officer 3rd Class (PO3) Lynda Day, performs required maintenance on the ship's AN/SPS-67 Surface Search Radar. The KITTY HAWK is on a six-month deployment in the Arabian Gulf. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

A technician monitors a radar scope in the Combat Recording Center Headquarters at Duke Field during exercise GALLANT EAGLE '79. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '79 Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220930-N-ZQ263-1121 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 30, 2022) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), USS John Finn (DDG 113), USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) sail in formation as part of a strait transit exercise during scheduled operations with Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG). The NIMCSG is enhancing mission readiness through simulated real-world scenarios and demonstrating their ability to perform as an integrated unit. Chung-Hoon is operating with NIMCSG in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

021024-N-5555F-002. Base: Naval Station, Bremerton State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zane Kirkpatrick, an expeditionary fighting and rescue specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, signals to other firefighters during a live fire training event on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Feb. 4, 2024. This training is organized quarterly for Marine firefighters to respond to real life firefighting scenarios. MWSS-172 was accompanied by Crash Fire Rescue Marines with Headquarters and Headquarters Support Squadron and bulk fuel specialists. Kirkpatrick is a native of Tennessee. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Recruits with Hotel Company, Second Recruit Training Battalion, climbs the tower during the first day of swim training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 13, 2022. The basic swim qualification consists of a 25-meter swim, tower jump into the water, four-minute tread, 25-meter pack swim, and an underwater gear shed.

011006-F-5114B-082. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR 01-02 Base: Port Of Dekheila Country: Egypt (EGY) Scene Major Command Shown: Army

DN-ST-88-00537. Country: Unknown

230329-N-EH898-1001 ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 29, 2023) Damage Controlman 3rd Class Steven Wall, from Chicago, trains as scene leader during a general quarters drill aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). IKE is underway conducting routine operations in the Atlantic Ocean.

111128-N-BT887-056ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 28, 2011) Airman Christopher Hotella watches flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

The burning wreckage of a German Heinkel He 111.

Joint Readiness Training Center at Ft. Polk

La Pirámide de Keops sirvió como tumba para el faraón Jufu, conocido también por su nombre en griego, Keops, en la dinastía IV. Guiza, Egipto.

Dutch Marines with Netherlands Marine Corps fire from a mountain during a raid as part of Exercise Tres Kolos in Savaneta, Aruba, Oct. 26, 2022. This exercise promotes partnerships, shares knowledge, and enhances interoperability between the forces in order to strengthen our common defense, foster stability and defeat threats.

DN-ST-89-09748. Country: Viet Nam (VNM)

U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, parachutist collects his parachute after landing at San Antonio Country Club Fiesta Reception in San Antonio, Texas, April 3, 2022. Fiesta is an 11-day annual celebration featuring paraders, exhibits, music, entertainment, and family-friendly fun -- all benefiting local non-profit causes.

Vintage Photograph. Firefighters in action: bravery at the scene of a building fire

of 3