Military Personnel in Briefings

Groups of soldiers engaged in strategic discussions and briefings, focusing on training and operational readiness in various military contexts.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Task Force Pioneer prepare to receive their certificates of German marksmanship proficiency during a German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship awards ceremony at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 14, 2022. The German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship is awarded to soldiers proficient in marksmanship and is an official military award authorized for wear by enlisted service members.

Brig. Gen. Lori Robinson, Deputy Commanding General of Support with 2nd Infantry Division/ROK Combined Division, conducts a maintenance terrain walkthrough of the 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade footprint on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Sept. 15, 2022. The purpose of the maintenance terrain walkthrough is to ensure a high level of awareness and command interest in field maintenance by ensuring senior Command Groups understand how their maintenance program operates.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Infantry Division Artillery, gather for a convoy brief as part of exercise Knight Swift at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, June 9, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

Brig. Gen. Lori Robinson, Deputy Commanding General of Support with 2nd Infantry Division/ROK Combined Division, conducts a maintenance terrain walkthrough of the 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade footprint on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Sept. 15, 2022. The purpose of the maintenance terrain walkthrough is to ensure a high level of awareness and command interest in field maintenance by ensuring senior Command Groups understand how their maintenance program operates.

U.S. Army Soldiers from Operations Group (OPSGRP), National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., receive a familiarization medical rehearsal from 3d Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Range Operations, and Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) personnel at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Oct. 21, 2022. JPMRC 23-01 brings Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, Sailors, and three additional partner Indo-Pacific nations together to evaluate and provide realistic training in the conditions they will most likely face in a crisis or conflict to strengthen their defense relationships and multinational interoperability.

Maj. Jeffrey Allen, right, 39th Maintenance Squadron commander, briefs Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, center, United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander, on the 39th MXSs mission at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Oct. 3, 2022. During his first visit to the 39th ABW as deputy commander, Lamontagne met with several Airmen and received briefings about the wings mission and readiness capabilities while speaking with members about how their role supports the mission of USAFE-AFAFRICA.

The 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, Corps of Drums, perform while Col. Neil Unsworth OBE, Commander of British Forces, and U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Brandon D. Parker, Chief of Staff for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) observe the various set of songs that are playing at the CJTF-OIR compound March 30, 2022 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The British Army maintains a Corps of Drums in each Foot Guards Battalion. The platoon is made up of Guardsmen trained to play drums and bugles. Multiple Corps of Drums may be 'massed' together on certain occasions. All members of the Corps are called drummers (shortened to 'Dmr') regardless of the instrument they play.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Task Force Pioneer prepare to receive their certificates of German marksmanship proficiency during a German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship awards ceremony at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 14, 2022. The German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship is awarded to soldiers proficient in marksmanship and is an official military award authorized for wear by enlisted service members.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group are addressed by leadership and friends before beginning a weapons load competition at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Oct. 31, 2022. The competition is held quarterly and consists of two teams competing to attach AGM-144 Hellfire missiles as quickly, and effectively, as possible.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Rita Zambrana, operation management technician, 156th Civil Engineer Squadron, speaks as master of ceremony during the contingency response and communications groundbreaking ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, June 8, 2022. These modern facilities are the first congressionally authorized military construction projects the Puerto Rico Air National Guard has executed since 2002, with an estimate cost of $34.6 million and will support the contingency response group and communications flight with office, deployment processing, and warehouse space.

Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony L. Whitehead, the senior enlisted advisor to the chief, National Guard Bureau, visits with Guam National Guard members on the island of Guam May 23, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Gene Jacobus, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, welcomes U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, to Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Nov. 9, 2022. France traveled to RAF Mildenhall to meet with Airmen, learn about the skills and observe how they support 3rd AF, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, and the U.S. European command.

Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, Commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, speaks to members of the 1st Special Operations Wing while awaiting the arrival of President Mario Abdo Benítez, of the Republic of Paraguay, for demonstrations of the AFSOC and 1 SOW missions at Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 31 2023. Paraguay and the United States have been allies under the Rio Treaty, an agreement signed by several countries in the Americas for defense solidarity, since 1947.

Master Sgt. Anthony S. Alvarez accepted the Blanchfield Army Community Hospital Medical Troop Battalion colors from the BACH Medical troop commander Lt. Col. Les Patterson, during a troop battalion Relinquishment of Responsibility ceremony in the hospital atrium, May 20, 2022 , at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Alvarez assumed BACH Troop Sergeant Major responsibilities from Sgt. Maj. Brian Hawkins. Prior to the Relinquishment of Responsibility, they conducted an awards ceremony and induction into The Order of Military Medical Merit.

FORT MEADE, Md. - Senior Drill Sgt. Christopher Blanton, a visual information operations chief and drill sergeant assigned to the United States Army Signal School Detachment addressed a formation of USASSD Soldiers during a resiliency stand-down here, June 8. Blanton reinforced to the students the necessity of self-care as well as their importance as Soldiers, helping build their foundations of mindfulness and resiliency.

Distinguished guests await the unveiling of the room dedication in honor of retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Janet L. Cobb at the U.S. Army Reserve Deployment Support Command in Birmingham, Al. May 14, 2022. The ceremony was to commemorate her dedicated service for over 40 years as a Soldier in the United States Army.

Lt. Col. Stephen Addington, previous 509th Bomb Wing Security Forces commander, gives a final salute to security forces troops during a change of command at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 29, 2022. Change of commands primary purpose per Air Force Instructions 14.5.1, is for subpordinates to witness the formal change of command from one officer to another.

Brig. Gen. Lori Robinson, Deputy Commanding General of Support with 2nd Infantry Division/ROK Combined Division, conducts a maintenance terrain walkthrough of the 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade footprint on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Sept. 15, 2022. The purpose of the maintenance terrain walkthrough is to ensure a high level of awareness and command interest in field maintenance by ensuring senior Command Groups understand how their maintenance program operates.

Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Ratliff, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief, gets promoted during a ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. He was promoted by Lt. Col. Sylvester dAgrella, 386th ECES commander, on Sept. 17, 2022. Ratliffs family was able to watch his promotion ceremony via cellphone streaming. Nearly 100 firefighters, friends, fellow chiefs and leaders took part in the ceremony. Ratiff, who is deployed from the 132nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Iowa Air National Guard, joined the top 1-percent of enlisted members upon promoting to his new rank.

Airman 1st Class Jeremy Quesada, of the 174th Fighter Wing Security Forces Squadron, glances back to friends and family that are seeing him off at Hancock field in Syracuse N.Y., March 21, 2012. Quesada along with 30, 174th FW security forces airman are deploying to Afghanistan for six months.

Soldiers from Alpha Company, 304th ESB-E Battalion, receive coins for their hard work, and dedication to the mission.

The Civil Engineering Squadron of the 147th Attack Wing on Joint Reserve Base Ellington, TX board onto a C-130 jet for mission-ready airman training in Pennsylvania. The Connecticut National Guard piloted the flight for the unit. (Texas Air National Guard Photo by Airman First Class Asiah Phillips) (Photo enhanced to emphasize the subject.)

040602-F-1424R-018. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 621st Contingency Response Squadron coordinate operations between scheduled events during Exercise Dragon Spark at Travis Air Force Base, California, Oct. 14, 2022. Exercise Dragon Spark provided units from the 60th Air Mobility Wing and the 621st Contingency Response Wing an opportunity to sync operations in preparation for a national disaster.

AUSTIN, Texas Twenty-two Soldiers, Noncommissioned Officers and Leaders of the 36th Infantry Divisions Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion attended a Ruck Out of Darkness event during Annual Training June 16, 2022, at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. Organized by the battalions Unit Ministry Team, Chaplain Angel Newhart and Sgt. Jason Mackey, leaders from the battalion, the division headquarters, the Texas Military Department, and Master Resiliency Trainers, gathered to share new resources, stories, encouragement and show support at every level in order to support suicide prevention awareness and to build stronger teams as part of the divisions mission to promote Soldier resiliency, and mental, physical and spiritual readiness.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) commanding general, speaks to U.S. Army and French Forces in Djibouti service members during a Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercise (CALFEX) near Arta, Djibouti, Aug. 22, 2022. The exercise focused on integration with partner forces, utilizing reconnaissance and surveillance, actions on the objective, sustainment, and medical support with the goal of improving U.S. and French interoperability. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Destani Matheny)

U.S. Army Soldiers and U.S. Air Force Airmen huddle after the parachute landing procedures at the Airborne Sustainment Training Area, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 14, 2022, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2. RF-A provides realistic combat training by integrating joint, coalition and multilateral forces into simulated forward operating bases. The Soldiers are assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, and the Airmen are assigned to the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron and 23rd Special Tactics Squadron.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the Combat Sustainment Support Battalions stand in formation with their company guidons during a transfer of authority ceremony between the 336th CSSB and the 382nd CSSB. These battalions are subordinate to the 369th Sustainment Brigade while forward deployed to the CENTCOM area of operations.

Col. Calvin Powell, left, 39th Air Base Wing commander, briefs Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, center, United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Oct. 3, 2022. The wing takes deliberate actions to develop Airmen; confronts global challenges in support of the National Defense Strategy to defend our country and our allies; and utilizes dedicated efforts to deliver peace to our nation and its allies by fostering stability and deterring aggression throughout Europe and Africa.

More than 600 Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers, joined by Soldiers from the Montana, Oregon, Ohio and South Carolina Army National Guards, have been training in Fort Bliss, Texas, since mobilizing from Gowen Field in early August. The task force, Task Force Rattler, will deploy to Southwest Asia later this month in support of Operation Spartan Shield, where they will rotate out with 250 Soldiers from the Idaho Army National Guard as well as Soldiers from the Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Florida Army National Guards. Each rotation is approximately 12 months. Soldiers from the 118th Infantry Regiment from South Carolina National Guard and the 285th Medical Company from the Ohio National Guard are also part of Task Force Rattler, which provide the task force the ability to execute combined arms maneuvers. The intense training at Fort Bliss consisted of long hours with day and night combined arms maneuver missions with the Idaho Army National Guard shooting 120mm mortar rounds from M113 A

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Nathan J. Seering, first sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Infantry Division Artillery, reads off a list of Soldiers about to be promoted at the Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, June 3, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

Lt. Col. Thomas Griffon, the incoming commander of the 107th Attack Wing Operations Group, speaks to the Operations Group during the retirement ceremony for Col. Todd Guay, the former commander of the Operations Group on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Niagara Falls New York, 14 May, 2022. Griffon accepted command of the Ops Group from Guay during the ceremony.Air National Guard Photo by Senior Airman Daniel Meade.

Master Sgt. Anthony S. Alvarez accepted the Blanchfield Army Community Hospital Medical Troop Battalion colors from the BACH Medical troop commander Lt. Col. Les Patterson, during a troop battalion Relinquishment of Responsibility ceremony in the hospital atrium, May 20, 2022 , at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Alvarez assumed BACH Troop Sergeant Major responsibilities from Sgt. Maj. Brian Hawkins. Prior to the Relinquishment of Responsibility, they conducted an awards ceremony and induction into The Order of Military Medical Merit.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 29th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB), 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Hawaii Army National Guard, stand in formation during the 29th BSB change of command ceremony in Kapolei, Hawaii, Jan. 6, 2024. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition within the Army which commemorates the relinquishment of command by passing the unit colors from the outgoing commanding officer to the incoming commanding officer.

U.S Soldiers Assigned to the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, talk to COL. Morris, John A. as they prepare for the transfer of authority ceremony, Poland, Sept. 12, 2022, the 1st Armored Division Assumed Responsibility for the aviation component of Atlantic Resolve under the 1st Infantry Division, Providing Air support capabilities to units deployed in Europe.

U.S. Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, sing the Marines' Hymn during the Eagle Globe and Anchor ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 24, 2022. After completing the 54-hour culminating event, called the Crucible, recruits were given their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, earning them the title United States Marine.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Daryl O. Hood, commanding general, 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives Command, shakes hands with U.S. Army Spc. Jalen Cushinberry, 79th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion, 71st Ordnance Group (EOD), during his motor pool inspection in Fort Riley, Kansas, October 25, 2022. Hood congratulated Cushinberry on his maintenance and upkeep of his assigned equipment.

Maj. Erik Hofmeyer, commander of the 32nd Aerial Port Squadron, addresses Airmen assigned to the 911th Airlift Wing during a post-exercise all call at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Sept. 11, 2022. Hofmeyer took the opportunity to highlight exceptional performers within his squadron who distinguished themselves during the weekend's readiness inspection.

Kosovo Security Forces Capt. Bardhyl Dugolly, center, speaks to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew Gainey, 56th Artillery Comand commander, right, and Command Sgt. Maj. Darrell Walls, during Exercise Dynamic Front 24 at Polatlı Training Area, Türkiye, Feb. 19, 2024. Exercise Dynamic Front 24 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-directed, 56th Artillery Command-led fires-centric exercise in Germany and Türkiye. Artillery Soldiers train in a joint-combined environment, focusing on fire interoperability, command, and control between multinational units and using Artillery Systems Cooperation Activities protocol systems. Army Reserve

Lt. Col. Chad Briggs, commander, 293rd Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron, gives a walking tour of the site that will be home for the 293rd Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron for the members of the Site Activation Task Force (SATAF), Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii, May 23, 2022. A SATAF brings together experts from a multitude of agencies and allows them to convene specific working groups that deal with issues such as maintenance, personnel, operations, facilities and communication.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Infantry Division Artillery congratulate the recently promoted U.S. Army Master Sgt. Chase Howard assigned to the 1st Infantry Division Artillery, at his promotion ceremony at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, June 1, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

Master Sgt. Daryl DeMarzo (second from right), with Bravo Company, Headquarters & Headquarters Battalion, 28th Infantry Division and a member of the division senior trainer team, speaks to a group of logisticians from the Lithuanian military June 25 at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. The Lithuanian soldiers toured the 328th Brigade Support Battalion area and observed a sustainment rehearsal. Also shown, at far right, is Spc. Ahnya Mack of Headquarters Support Company, 628th Aviation Support Battalion, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, who served as a senior trainer team driver.

Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers fly an RQ-11B Raven Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) over drop zone Badger at Fort McCoy, Wis., Sept. 9, 2022. The training is part of a two-week skills course taught by instructors from the Wisconsin Military Academy. U.S. Army photo by Kevin W. Clark

Soldiers with the 411th Civil Affairs Battalion (CAB) stand in formation during a transfer of responsibility ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 15, 2022. In support of U.S. Africa Command and Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, the 411th CAB now has responsibility for two civil affairs companies: Civil Affairs West Africa and Civil Affairs East Africa.

Members of the 509th Communications Squadron render their final salute to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. M. Craig Booth, 509th Communications Squadron outgoing commander, during the 509th CS change of command ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 8, 2022. Change of command ceremonies include many military traditions including the members of the unit rendering a final salute to their outgoing commander and a first salute to the incoming commander.

Maj. Gen. Sean M. Salene, the U.S. Central Command's Director of Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J-5), walks with Colonel Brian T. Hobbins, the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing deputy commander, September 27, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Salene met with key leaders at the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and the 380th AEW. Meetings focused how U.S. Forces in the UAE coordinate with their Emirati Partners to maintain regional security.

U.S. and partner nation service members assigned to the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) man the rails during a Pass and Review demonstration with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force ship JDS Kunisaki (LST 4003), marking the completion of their collaborative efforts with Pacific Partnership 2010, on July 5, 2010. Mercy is conducting the fifth in a series of annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance endeavors to strengthen regional partnerships.

DPS and TXANG participate in an excercise with the Capitol Area Strike Team

The 121st Air Refueling Wing Mission Support Group holds a Change of Responsibility ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, May 15, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Jason Wheeler formally received responsibility of the 121st Mission Support Group from Chief Master Sgt. Chris Combs.

040615-M-5555L-010. Base: Camp Ali State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Greywolf Brigade, operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division and the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2 ABCT), Black Jack Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (1 CD), operationally controlled by the 4th Infantry Division (4 ID), stand in formation during the Transfer of Authority ceremony in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Feb. 4, 2023. The 2 ABCT, 1 CD is among other units assigned to the 4 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Alfred Flowers Jr., Manpower, Personnel and Resources Director, Office of the Air Force Surgeon General listens to a member of the 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron outside of a fuselage trainer on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, April 1, 2022. Flowers advises the Air Force Surgeon General on all aspects of planning, programming, budgeting, and execution for a $42 billion Defense Health Program portfolio, and a $6.1 billion annual budget supporting 2.6 million patients and 76 military treatment facilities worldwide.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guards 56th Striker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, prepare to board a plane at Harrisburg International Airport on Jan. 1, 2024. The Soldiers are leaving their homes and families for about a year to deploy to Africa to support U.S. Africa Command and partner forces with security objectives in the region. Maj. Gen. Mark McCormack, the commanding general of the 28th Infantry Division, Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, the Deputy Adjutant General-Army, Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Phillips, the State Command Sergeant Major, and other officials greeted Soldiers as they boarded their planes to leave Pennsylvania.

Airmen with the 6th Special Operations apply their new patches at the official 6 SOS activation ceremony, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Oct. 6, 2022. Previously the 27th Special Operations Group Detachment 1, the 6 SOS is an MC-130J Commando II aircraft flying unit that fulfills the 27th Special Operations Wings commitment to the Air Force Special Operations Commands new deployment model.

Soldiers of the 546th Medical Company Area Support run a practice lane for a mass casualty scenario during KFOR 31 in Hohenfels Training Area in Germany on Oct. 15, 2022. KFOR 31 is a multinational training event conducted to prepare units for their deployment to the Kosovo Regional Command East. (U.S. Army video by Staff Sgt. Anna Pongo, 111th Public Affairs Detachment, Nebraska National Guard)

Members from the 23rd Security Forces Squadron coordinate to take up defensive positions around a C-130 at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, July 22, 2022, as part of AGILE FLAG 22-2. The 23rd Wing (Moody Air Force Base, Georgia) as the Lead Wing in Agile Flag 22-2 generated combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment.

U.S. Army Sgt. Joseph Hill, left, a human resources sergeant assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, stands at parade rest while U.S. Army Lt. Col. Scott C. Elias, right, battalion commander of 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, addresses the battalion formation during a promotion and awards ceremony near Fort Bliss, Texas, November 3, 2022. Hill was recognized for his faithful service, hard work and dedication to the battalion during numerous training periods, receiving the battalion coin for his efforts.

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division take part in the Combat Water Survival Test for the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, GA, July 27, 2022. The Best Squad Competition tests squads' physical, technical and tactical abilities under stress and fatigue to determine which squad from the XVIII Airborne Corps will advance to the Forces Command Best Squad Competition in the coming months.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Eckenrode speaks at a change of command ceremony on Sept. 18, 2022 at the Flemington National Guard Armory. Capt. Jennifer Wain replaced Capt. Bradley who was promoted to another assignment in the National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Pfc. Michael Hayes)

U.S. Army Soldiers from Operations Group (OPSGRP), National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., receive a familiarization medical rehearsal from 3d Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Range Operations, and Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) personnel at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Oct. 21, 2022. JPMRC 23-01 brings Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, Sailors, and 3 additional partner Indo-Pacific nations together to evaluate and provide realistic training in the conditions they will most likely face in a crisis or conflict to strengthen their defense relationships and multinational interoperability.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, Adjutant General of Michigan, visits the troops assigned to 119th Field Artillery Regiment of the Michigan Army National Guard participating in Summer Shield at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, May, 26, 2022. Summer Shield is one of U.S. Army Europe and Africas multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe that make up Defender Europe 22. Defender demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Walter Brim, left, acting commander of the 776th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron (EABS), gives a tour of the military working dog area to Col. Jason Chambers, middle, incoming commander of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group (AEG), and Col. Matthew Bartlett, 449th AEG commander, during a base tour at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, May 28, 2022. Chabelley Airfield, operated by the 776th EABS, provides intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance for AFRICOM and CENTCOM.

Parachute riggers assigned to 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command exit a mock aircraft door during sustained airborne training at Fort Bragg, N.C., June 21, 2022, ahead of an airborne operation on Holland Drop Zone. Parachute riggers are essential to the mission of the XVIII Airborne Corps as they are responsible for the safety and repair of parachute equipment and of rigging equipment for airdrop operations.

Soldiers with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and with the Brazilian army RECON and Sniper teams rehearse tactical movements before utilizing their skills out in the box at the Joint Readiness Training Center August 8, 2022. During this month-long training, our Soldiers will conduct large-scale combat operations against a near-peer threat with multi-domain capabilities. This rotation will provide 3BCT the opportunity to conduct training alongside units from the Brazilian Army in efforts to enhance our professional partnerships and mutual readiness.As a member of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), It is imperative that the Rakkasans maintain the highest level of readiness for the moment we are called to defend our nation's freedoms. America's security depends on units like ours.

U.S. Army Spc. Daniel Reading, an infantryman with Marylands D Company 1-175th Infantry Regiment, converses with a fellow competitor prior to advancing to the individual weapons zeroing range, July 24, at Tullahoma's Volunteer Training Site. All competitors were set to complete their zeroing at the same time.

Soldiers from Alpha Company, 304th ESB-E Battalion, receive coins for their hard work, and dedication to the mission.

Col. Matt F. Coleman, the deputy wing commander of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, applauds the comments of Brig. Gen. David Shotgun” Lopez during the 380th AEW’s change of command ceremony June 7, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Lopez assumed command from Brig. Gen. Andy Spoo” Clark, the previous commander of the 380th AEW.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Simon Grimes, Civil Engineer Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of training, brief Airmen about the F-35A Lightning II at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, March 28, 2023. Thirty firefighters across both wings participated in this training event, re-enforcing the mutual aid partnership between the RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall.

Competitors of Best Ranger, Best Sapper, and Best Medic assessment begin KIT Run event at Camp Atterbury, IN Nov. 8, 2022. First Army Soldiers participated in a series of events testing their physical capabilities, endurance, and mental fortitude to earn the right to represent First Army at the Best Ranger, Best Sapper, and Best Medic competitions in 2023.

U.S. Air Force Col. Clarence McRae, 355th Maintenance Group commander, addresses a group of airmen during a morale event at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 16, 2022. McRae discussed the importance of being able to rely on one another and talk openly about mental health.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass greets 156th Wing Airmen on the flight line during her visit with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, May 16, 2022. CMSAF Bass spent time with Airmen at the 156th Wing and emphasized the importance of total force integration and overcoming challenges to more effectively accomplish the Air Force mission and be ready for the ever-evolving battlefield that future conflicts may hold.

Cpl. Louis Carbery, assigned to 8/9th Royal Australian Regiment, leads Soldiers from New Zealand, Fiji and the U.S. through warm up drills before urban operations during Exercise Cartwheel at Black Rock Camp, Fiji, September 13, 2022. Exercise Cartwheel is a multilateral military-to-military training exercise with the Republic of Fiji Military, Australian, New Zealand, and British forces that builds expeditionary readiness and interoperability by increasing the capacity to face a crisis and contingencies by developing and stressing units at the highest training levels.

030216-M-4419R-040. Complete Scene Caption: Four US Marine Corps (USMC) Marines of Regimental Combat Team 5, 1ST Marine Division out of Camp Pendleton, California, stand before USMC Lieutenant General (LGEN) James T. Conway, Commanding General, 1ST Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), Camp Pendleton, California (CA), and the regiment as they re-enlist prior to being promoted meritoriously at Camp Coyote in Northern Kuwait during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Standing (left to right) are: USMC Lance Corporal (LCPL) William S. Green, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1ST Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA; USMC LCPL Aaron K. Chapman, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1ST Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA; USMC LCPL Joseph W. Sharpe, 1ST Battalion, 5th Marines, 1ST Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA; USMC LCPL Richard C. Jordan, Delta Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (NC). Base: Camp Coyote Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: 5th Marines

Command Sergeant Major Veronica Knapp, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) senior enlisted adviser, boards a plane alongside elements of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, and 101st Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 101st Abn. Div., June 27 at Campbell Army Airfield, Fort Campbell, Ky., to deploy to Europe. Knapp and her fellow Soldiers will be tasked with assuring NATO allies and deterring Russian aggression in the region.

U.S Soldiers Assigned to the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Prepare for the transfer of authority ceremony, Poland, Sept. 12, 2022, the 1st Armored Division Assumed Responsibility for the aviation component of Atlantic Resolve under the 1st Infantry Division, Providing Air support capabilities to units deployed in Europe.

U.S Soldiers Assigned to the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Prepare for the transfer of authority ceremony, Poland, Sept. 12, 2022, the 1st Armored Division Assumed Responsibility for the aviation component of Atlantic Resolve under the 1st Infantry Division, Providing Air support capabilities to units deployed in Europe.

Lt. Gen. Gangsoo Heo, the commanding general of the Republic of Korea Army 7th Corps, and the command group of the ROKA Capital Mechanized Infantry Division visit the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division May 10, 2022. The visit consisted of discussions to further bolster and strengthen relationships between the organizations.

Kentucky National Guard senior leadership welcomed home Soldiers from the 1-149th Infantry Battalion at the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Ky. The 1-149th spent 9 months in Kosovo in support of Task Force Red Dragon. (US Army photo by 1st Lt. Kaitlin Baudendistel)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to V Corps and 1st Infantry Division salute during a Memorial Day ceremony at Poznan, Poland, May 30, 2022. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, dedicated to all those who gave their lives in service of the U.S.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the Georgia Army National Guard stand in a multinational formation during the closing ceremony of Noble Partner at the Vaziani Training Area, Georgia Sep. 9,2022. Exercise Noble Partner is designed to enhance regional partnerships and increase U.S. force readiness and interoperability in a realistic, multinational training environment. The exercise allows participants to conduct situational training exercises, live-fire exercises, and combined mechanized maneuvers.

A U.S. Air Force special missions aviator, assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, conducts joint service hoist training with U.S. Army Medical Evacuation aircrew members assigned to the 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, on July 6, 2022 at an undisclosed location. Joint service training allows for the sharing of best practices for patient and medic extraction and infiltration.

Second Lt. Adam Pontrich, a Platoon Leader for 8th Engineer Battalion, reenlists his older brother Sgt. 1st Class Alan Thomas, intelligence noncommissioned officer, for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Forward Operating Base Apache, Afghanistan, Oct. 17, 2013.

020601-F-5542C-004. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

New Armed Forces Seserve Center & 63rd Regional Support Command Headquarters, Moffett Field, CA ribbon cutting ceremonies.

102nd Intelligence Wing Airmen attend an all-council social on Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, June 9, 2022. The Rising Six Council, Top Three Council and Company Grade Officer Councils at the 102nd IW are devoted to making the 102nd a better place for all Airmen, and this morale event allowed Airmen to socialize, learn and take an active role in shaping how these councils support and give back to them.

Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty, the Adjutant General of the Washington National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. Bruce Ecclestone, Senior Enlisted Leader, attend a change of command ceremony for 741st Ordnance Battalion (EOD), 96th Troop Command, on Camp Murray, Wash., April 3, 2022. The outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Amanda E.G. Doyle, relinquished command to Lt. Col. Horace Allen IIIafter nearly two years.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3d Marine Logistics Group, share Forward Arming and Refueling Point knowledge with members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during Marine Aviation Support Activity 22.1 in Luzon, Philippines, June 7, 2022. MASA 22 is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at increasing interoperability and improving aviation-related capabilities in support of U.S.-Philippine mutual defense.

Col. Jason Holcomb, 436th Mission Support Group commander, receives a first salute from Airmen with the 436th MSG during a change of command ceremony held at the base fire station on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 27, 2022. Holcomb began his military career at Dover AFB and has returned after more than 20 years.

1st. Lt. James Infanger of the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 163rd Cavalry Regiment, conducts pre-mission briefings during Exercise Eager Lion in Jordan, Sept. 11, 2022. Eager Lion 22 is a multilateral exercise hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, designed to exchange military expertise, and improve interoperability among partner nations.

Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, Jr., Virginia Army National Guard State Command Sergeant Major, addresses U.S. service members assigned to Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), after a French Desert Commando Course graduation ceremony at the 5th Overseas Interarms Regiment, Djibouti, June 1, 2022. Members of the CJTF-HOA regularly train and work alongside allies, partners, and government organizations to achieve a unified effort to improve safety, security and prosperity in East Africa.

U.S. Air Force Col. Henry Schantz, 18th Operations Group commander, addresses the 5th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron during a inactivation ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. The 5th EACCS was formed in 1985 by the consolidation of the 25th Antisubmarine Squadron and the 25th Special Operations Squadron; it remained inactive until it was converted into expeditionary status in July 2015.

Lt. Col. Christopher Jones (center), Exercise Dragons Den deployed combatantcommander, is accompanied by fellow exercise players, and Senior AirmanGundogdu (far right), acting as a host-nation commander, arriving at a deployedexercise location at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas Feb. 6, 2024.Exercise Dragons Den is a multi-day exercise where Reserve Citizen Airmenparticipated in a wing-wide readiness exercise to train and test warfighting skills. Air Force

Gen. James J. Mingus, U.S Army Vice Chief of Staff, listens to a brief from Sgt. Maj. Mathew Gonzalez, assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps, during Project Convergence - Capstone 4 at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 28, 2024. Mingus met with XVIII Airborne Corps Soldiers to discuss their experimentation efforts as part of PC-C4. Army

Gen. Michael X. Garrett talks to soldiers about the importance of safety and recognizing good leadership during FORSCOM Safety Award ceremony Fort Hood, Texas, 11 May, 2022. The FORSCOM Safety Awards are presented by Gen. Michael X. Garrett to individuals and organizations with the most significant contributions to risk mitigation, accident prevention and safety program success.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John Dreska, Commanding General, 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, presents a coin to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Shea Estep, 560th Movement Control Team, for his support during African Lion 22 at Tan Tan, Morocco, June 23, 2022. African Lion 22 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

Marines from Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, move away from a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (Reinforced), 22nd MEU, as it prepares to depart from a landing zone in Leogane, Haiti, Jan. 25. The Marines flew into the area the previous day, establishing a new humanitarian aid receiving area for Haitian earthquake victims at a missionary compound.

Georgia National Guardsman Maj. Gen. Thomas Carden, the Adjutant General of the Georgia Department of Defense and Maj. Gen. John King, commander of Task Force-51, Army Norths contingency command post, welcome Army Lt. Gen. Laura J. Richardson, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) Commanding General to Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, Georgia, Sept. 4, 2019. Given Hurricane Dorian's changing path, key leader engagements remain essential to interoperability and assessing the agility and responsiveness of troops on the ground.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team Rakkasans,” 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), complete their helocast mission at West Point, Ny., June 24, 2022. Helocasting is an airborne technique used by light infantry units to insert into a military area of operations.(U.S. Army video by Spc. Kelvin Johnson Jr. 40th Public Affairs Detachment)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Blaylock, Task Force Spartan and 35th Infantry Division Commanding General, watches the culminating event during Exercise Eager Lion in Jordan, Sept. 14, 2022. Eager Lion 22 is a multilateral exercise hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, designed to exchange military expertise, and improve interoperability among partner nations.

MOTCO Installation CDR LTC Luke Clover (center) shares details about MOTCO's recently finished Wharf 2 with (from left) SPD Commander COL (P) Antoinette Gant; SPK Commander James Handura; and USACE Commander Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon on June 14, 2022.

Paratroopers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division discuss troop movement and mission execution in preparation for Operation Falcon Blitz on Fort Bragg, NC, Jan. 27, 2023. Paratroopers will conduct an airborne operation in order to enhance brigade readiness and lethality.

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