Military Personnel in Combat Training

Images of soldiers and Marines engaged in training exercises, reconnaissance, and patrol activities in various environments and conditions.

Low angle view of U.S. Army Rangers pointing weapons to the camera.

U.S. Marine Corps LCpl. Ty Smith, a rifleman with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division engages a target during a course of fire as part of exercise Intrepid Maven 22.4 in the United Arab Emirates, Sept 22, 2022. Intrepid Maven is a bilateral exercise between U.S. and UAE armed forces to train with and strengthen our relationships with allied nations in the CENTCOM area of operations.

Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Orzysz, Poland - Marine Corps Cpl. Corey, Verplanck (left), and Cpl. Ura Virgilio (right), a Marine and Soldier a part of Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 185th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, Battlegroup Poland, surveys the area during the last training day of exercise Thunderbolt Focus 2022, April 27. U.S. Soldiers among others from allied nations worked together in dynamic teams against tactics, techniques, and procedures used by enemy forces that allowed the Battle Groups to practice, refine, and validate all warfighting, interoperability and control skills.

101001-A-5981G-096 U.S. Army soldiers with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment look for suspicious activity from an observation point during an area reconnaissance mission off Highway 1 in Zabul province, Afghanistan, on Oct. 1, 2010.

U.S. Marine on Patrol in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

Air Force Master Sgt. Jeffery Needham, staff platoon sergeant attached to Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team, clears his MK-48 machine gun while practicing at the off-base firing range near Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam Aug. 6. Members from the PRT and the Security Forces Assistance Team traveled to the range to practice with crew serve, primary and secondary weapons, along with M-203 grenade launchers.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 101st Airborne Division best squad shoot a M249 machine gun during the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, 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.

Sgt. Joshua J. Clark, from Elkhart, Ind., with the 591st Engineer Company (Sappers), provides over watch security for Air Force Explosive Ordinance Disposal personnel outside an Afghan Border Police checkpoint near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border April 1 in Spin Boldak district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

Low angle view of U.S. Army Rangers pointing weapons to the camera.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, pulls security during a situational training exercise at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, August 3, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Army Pfc. Aaron Birmingham, an infantryman with 1st Platoon, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Task Force Duke, from Alpena, Mich., keeps on eye on a wadi in Andar, Afghanistan, April 21. The area is known as a Taliban stronghold and is where the unit received small arms fire earlier in the month.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cameron Touchstone, an infantryman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, fires an M320 grenade launcher during a live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 3, 2022. The training allowed infantry companies and the medium missile battery with 3d LCT to rehearse maneuver proficiency and conduct expeditionary advanced base operations while integrated into the 3d MLR.

Soldiers from Charlie Company, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion, practiced weapons handling, fast loading, and engagement skills during the first week of annual training.The 2022 annual training exercises for the Idaho Army National Guard are the last mass field exercises for the 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team before deploying in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Tyler Foust, a Stoneboro, Pennsylvania, native and rifleman with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, plots a call for a fire mission during the Adversary Force Exercise (AFX) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, April 17, 2022. The purpose of AFX is to create a credible, realistic threat for the exercise forces participating in the Integrated Training Exercise to engage against during the upcoming MAGTF Warfighting Exercise in a force-on-force, unscripted wargame.

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade fires a M240 machine gun during a combined arms live fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 22, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

U.S. Army Trooper Pfc. Jack Kirk, a Squad Automatic Weapon gunner, assigned to Killer Troop, Thunder Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment, eats a snack between pop-up engagements during a live-fire exercise at a remote location of the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, May 27, 2022. The 3d CR and enabling units completed a month-long training exercise at NTC, certifying their ability to deploy to an austere environment and support American partners and allies in international conflicts.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Joe McFadden from Richmond, California, foreground, and Lance Cpl. Diori Cruz Gonzalez from Bronx, New York, machine gunners assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division sight in on targets using a M240B machine gun while participating in a close air support exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23 at Urban Training Complex Yodaville, near Yuma, Arizona, on Oct. 9, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics One, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Joe McFadden from Richmond, California, foreground, and Lance Cpl. Diori Cruz Gonzalez from Bronx, New York, machine gunners assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division sight in on targets using a M240B machine gun while participating in a close air support exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23 at Urban Training Complex Yodaville, near Yuma, Arizona, on Oct. 9, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics One, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Army Sgt. Blake Tedder, Florida Army National Guard, fires downrange during a media day for Tradewinds 2022 in Hattieville, Belize, on May 17, 2022. Tradewinds 2022 focuses on foreign military interaction, maritime interdiction, ground security, and field training exercises supporting U.S. SOUTHCOM's Campaign Plan.

Soldiers from Charlie Company, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion, practiced weapons handling, fast loading, and engagement skills during the first week of annual training.The 2022 annual training exercises for the Idaho Army National Guard are the last mass field exercises for the 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team before deploying in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, fires down range during the table two course of fire at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 16, 2024. The table two course of fire teaches recruits the fundamentals of safety and marksmanship in combat shooting positions and rifle carries.

Portrait of armed special forces soldier with sniper rifle standing in desert.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, fire the M240B machine gun during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 6, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, sets up a firing position during a company training exercise at Fort Drum, Jun. 30. During the exercise Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, occupied and defended a position against a hostile force. The 69th Regiment is conducting pre-mobilization training at Fort Drum in preparation of an upcoming deployment to the Horn of Africa.

PINJADOO, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Lance Cpl. Justin Livergood, a rifleman with Jump Platoon, Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, holds security while supporting Lima Company Marines who began taking ineffective small-arms fire after an improvised explosive device detonated in Pinjadoo, Afghanistan, Sept. 6, 2010. No Marines or Afghans were injured by the explosion. Jump Platoon investigated the area around the blast for secondary IEDs and to gather information.

U.S. Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, execute platoon attacks at Range 410A during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 4-22 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., on July 20th, 2022. Range 410A challenges platoons to perform a complex fire and maneuver attack requiring communication and coordination between multiple support by fire positions and a maneuver element.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Division conduct M17 and M4 individual weapons qualification ranges at Udairi Ranges, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to "Chaos" Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, gives instructions for a medical evacuation of a simulated injured Soldier during a live-fire exercise at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Aug. 4, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division practice with the M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun to earn the Expert Infantry Badge at Fort Stewart, Georgia, on Jan. 19, 2023. The Expert Infantryman Badge is a silver and enamel rectangular bar shaped badge with a width of 3-inches (76 mm). There is an Infantry Blue field with a Model 1795 Springfield Arsenal Musket superimposed. The Springfield Model 1795 Musket was a .69 caliber flintlock musket invented by Eli Whitney and manufactured in the late 18th century and early 19th century at both the Springfield and Harpers Ferry U.S. Armories. In fact, the Model 1795 was the first musket to be produced in the United States.

100612-A-1619C-223 U.S. Army Spc. Michael Rockwell, a combat infantryman with 1st Platoon, Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army Europe, scans the surrounding mountains for threats during a patrol outside Forward Operating Base Baylough in Zabul province, Afghanistan, on June 12, 2010.

041109-M-2789C-059. Base: Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marines assigned to 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division fire M240B machine guns during a crew-served weapons range as part of Artillery Relocation Training Program 22.1 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Hijudai Training Area, Japan, April 14, 2022. The skills developed at ARTP increase the lethality and proficiency of the only permanently forward-deployed artillery unit in the Marine Corps, providing long-range precision indirect fires throughout the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Keoni Gandalf, a small arms repair technician with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fires an M4 carbine during a table three through six range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 8, 2022. The purpose of the range was to improve Marines combat marksmanship in preparation for future operations. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. Gandalf, a native of Waimea, Hawaii, graduated from Kealakehe High School in 2021 and enlisted out of Recruiting Station Kailua-Kona in 2021.

Soldier in military camouflage uniform, with service rifle in hands.

A Marine with Africa Partnership Station 13 fires his weapon during a battle sight zero range Sept. 8, 2013. Today, APS represents a wide spectrum of engagements throughout Africa, to include conducting a BZO range to ensure the host nations get the most out of the training.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Isaiah Hernandez, a rifleman with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, leads a breach into a house during rehearsals for a Mechanized Raids Course at Camp Pendleton, California, on July 18, 2022. The course prepares Marines for deployment with a Marine Expeditionary Unit as part of a motorized raid force.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Reh Kay, left, and Lance Cpl. Andrew Tracy, students in the Advanced Infantry Marine Course with Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry-West, Hawaii Detachment, open fire on notional enemy targets during a training exercise, Ulupau Crater, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, April 27, 2022. AIMC is advanced training designed to enhance and test the Marines skills and leadership abilities as squad leaders in a rifle platoon.

060314-A-2718K-020. Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Master Sgt. Brendan Y. McDonald, Joint Terminal Attack Controller, and Senior Airman Luke W. Nelson, Radio Operator Maintainer and Driver, 124th Air Support Operations Squadron, direct pilots from the 190th Fighter Squadron flying A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs to their designated training targets during the close air support demonstration (CAS) for the Idaho congressional delegation at the Saylor Creek Bombing Range in Idaho on May 3, 2014.

A U.S. Marine Peers Through the Sight of his M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, or SAW, During a Combat Operation in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

A U.S. Marine with 1st Reconnaisance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, provides ground security during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

Close-up of U.S. Marine with his rifle.

Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. William Eldridge, a rifleman with Battalion Landing Team 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, provide security for an amphibious landing during KAMANDAG 6, Zambales, Philippines, Oct. 7, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Andy Romeromendiata, a rifleman with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conducts a speed reload during a live-fire exercise aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), June 27, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 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.

Croatian Army Special Forces more to secure the base of a tower during tower assult training near Udbina, Croatia during exercise Trojan Foorprint 22, May 2nd 2022. Exercise Trojan Footprint is the premier special operations forces exercise in Europe that focuses on improving the ability of SOF to counter myriad threats, increases integration with conventional forces and enhances interoperability with our NATO allies and European partners.

During a final phase of training, the Idaho Army National Guard Sniper Team was required to move to a location without detection, set up a firing position in a covered facility, identify a target and possible hostage and neutralize the target. After firing the team was then tasked with leaving the secured facility without detection.While commonly known as snipers, the official term used by U.S.Army is designated marksman. The U.S. Army Sniper Course is a seven-week training course at Fort Benning. With most formal training courses, skill training is an ongoing process throughout the year. The snipers of the 2-116th CAB trained for a full week separate from the main body of units in the field during annual training 2022. Their training encompassed individual qualifications, timed shooting exercises and movement to a covered location without being detected, identifying adversaries, engagement and withdrawal without being sighted. U.S.Army, Idaho Army National Guard, Sniper, Infantry, Orc

FORT IRWIN, Calif. - Republic of Korea Special Warfare Command (RoK SWC) service members and Green Berets from 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) pull security after conducting an attack against an objective during an exercise at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. on July 2, 2022. This combined training affords opportunities for Soldiers with RoK SWC and 1st SFG (A) to exchange training tactics and techniques. These exercises continue to strengthen Alliances on the peninsula.

United States Army rangers in the mountains. United States Army rangers

Cpl. Lloyd E. Burton utilizes an AT-4 light anti-armor weapon during platoon-mechanized raid training March 26 at Su Seong-Ri Range in Republic of Korea during exercise Ssang Yong 14. Ssang Yong is an annual combined exercise conducted by Marine and Navy forces with the ROK in order to strengthen our interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations. Burton is a field artillery cannoneer with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

A U.S. Marine assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, aims an M203 grenade launcher during a Mission Rehearsal Exercise at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, May 20, 2022. India Company convened with other units from 3/23 at Fort Campbell for a Mission Rehearsal Exercise to prepare for the upcoming Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 4-22 in the summer of 2022. The Marines of India Company and Lima Company conducted live-fire maneuver training on a range designed to simulate the training areas at ITX.

A U.S. Marine with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, engage targets with a M320 40mm grenade launcher during a course of fire as part of exercise Intrepid Maven 22.4 in the United Arab Emirates, Sept 22, 2022. Intrepid Maven is a bilateral exercise between U.S. and UAE armed forces to train with and strengthen our relationships with allied nations in the CENTCOM area of operations.

U.S. Marines with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, change the barrel on an M240B medium machinegun on Range 800 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 10, 2022. Range 800 is capable of hosting platoon attacks supported by rockets and machine guns, allowing 1st MARDIV units to conduct this type of training without traveling to another installation.

Group of U.S. Army commandos moving through sandy desert terrain during a military reconnaissance mission.

Lance Cpl. William Long, a rifleman assigned to 1st Platoon Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, provides security in front of a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle during a company operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 28, 2014. Patrols are conducted to disrupt enemy operations against Bastion-Leatherneck complex.

AQABA, Jordan - A U.S. Marine assigned to the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command (FASTCENT) prepares for the Eager Lion 22 final exercise at the Royal Jordanian Naval Base, Jordan, September 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, and considered the capstone of a broader U.S. military relationship with the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF). Jordan is one of U.S. Central Commands (USCENTCOM) strongest and most reliable partners in the Levant sub-region.

Staff Sgt. Jeremy Householder, Arkansas Army National Guard, 1037 Mobility Augmentation Company (MAC), shoots an M240B machine gun, from a gunner hatch, at the enemy while supporting the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, Idaho Army National Guard, during the first day of simulated combat operations at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., Aug. 22. This 12-day field training exercise is the first force-on-force training cycle the National Guard has participated in since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom, and is composed of more than 5,200 Soldiers with National Guard units from 10 states as well as U.S. Army Reserve and active duty U.S. Army Soldiers.

Soldiers assigned to 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, load an M240 machine gun firing range Jan. 26 at Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site, Colorado. Maintaining skills and training, such as firing the M240 machine gun, ensures that WarHorse Soldiers are ready to fight at a moment's notice. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gabrielle Pena)

Army Pfc. James Sneed, B Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment, fires at a downrange target during nuclear, biological, and chemical training at the Small Arms Complex, June 17, 2013. Qualifying with their assigned weapons while wearing a M40A1 protective mask was the first in a group of tasks the Soldiers completed, including personal and warning equipment use, decontamination procedures, mask maintenance, and completion of the mask confidence course.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Richard Sheppard, a Plymouth, Massachusetts native and rifleman with Fox Company, 2d Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, provides simulated fire suppression during a Annual Field Exercise (AFX) at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 5, 2024. AFX incorporates a range of realistic urban warfare training created to challenge the unit's combat capabilities in an urban environment in both offensive and defensive operations. Marine Corps

U.S. Army Spc. Farouk Capalbo ,Task Force Wolfhound infantryman, fires an M320 grenade launcher at Arta Range, Djibouti, March 30, 2023. TFWH, who manages the East Africa Response Force, stand ready to rapidly deploy to provide crisis response operations throughout East Africa and safeguard U.S. interests.

Soldiers from the United Arab Emirates 11th Mountain Battalion pause during a live fire rehearsal while participating in Joint Readiness Training Center Rotation 23-04, Feb. 21, 2023. United Arab Emirate soldiers from the 11th Mountain Battalion are participating in the training rotation alongside U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade. UAE soldiers will train alongside a U.S. Army brigade throughout this JRTC rotation to increase tactical interoperability and readiness.

Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Tumey, a combat medic from the 8th Medical Command at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, qualifies on his assigned weapon, an M4 carbine rifle Sept. 21, 2020 at the qualification training range 2, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii for the Army Best Warrior Competition.Toomey is competing for the prestigious title of Noncommissioned Officer of the Year against ten other NCOs and has mastered a series of benchmarks throughout the year to qualify for this Department of the Army Competition. Due to the coronavirus, this years competition is being held virtually with competitors competing at their home stations, and the competition will culminate with a virtual knowledge board presided over by the Sergeant Major of the Army.

FORT IRWIN, Calif. - Republic of Korea Special Warfare Command (RoK SWC) service members and Green Berets from 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) pull security after conducting an attack against an objective during an exercise at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. on July 2, 2022. This combined training affords opportunities for Soldiers with RoK SWC and 1st SFG (A) to exchange training tactics and techniques. These exercises continue to strengthen Alliances on the peninsula.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Mason Dalphonse (left), a native of Bristol, New Hampshire, and Lance Cpl. Tucker Smith, a native of Atlanta, both machine gunners with 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division (MARDIV), fire an M2 machine gun during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 on U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, Yuma, Arizona, April 10, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event, hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, which emphasizes the development of small task-organized unit experimentation across all warfighting functions, as well as enhance the battalion's ability to conduct command and control, fire-support planning, intelligence functions, and logistical support to distributed company level operations. This exercise continues support of 2d MARDIV's experimental battalion's assessment and mission essential task list-based pre-deployment training progression.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment (CLR) 37 conduct a live fire training sequence using the M240 Bravo Machine Gun on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug 21, 2014. The purpose of this training was to become familiar with different types of weapon systems.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Division conduct M17 and M4 individual weapons qualification ranges at Udairi Ranges, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022.

US Marine Corps (USMC) personnel with the 1ST Battalion, 8th Marines, searches for insurgents and weapons through his scope during Operation Al Fajr, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class, Jon McDowell, a hospital corpsman with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment and native of Salcha, Alaska, scans the surrounding area for activity while providing security for Marines and members of the Afghan National Interdiction Unit as they conduct a counternarcotics raid in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 4.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jesus Campos-Gaona, a squad automatic rifleman with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, from De Queen, Arizona, marks his target while executing Range 400 during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 4-22 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 23, 2022. Range 400 is used to conduct company-level live-fire training in a deliberate assault against prepared defensive positions. ITX is designed to provide large forces the opportunity to command and control their Marines through a live-fire program incorporating every element of the MAGTF.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alessandro Castillo, an infantry Marine with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires an M4 service rifle during a motorized raid exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 5, 2024. The Marines of BLT 1/1 refined their tactical skills through the use of coordinating with multiple vehicles and inserting from critical strategic positions. 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. Marine Corps

The 2nd BN 113th IN from the New Jersey Army National Guard are on the Fort Dix Range Complex on RG 40 completing the M2HB, Firing Table II on 14 OCT 2022. (Images are provided by the Fort Dix (TSC) Training Support Center / Daniel Amburg)

A U.S. Army 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade Soldier gives instructions to a United Arab Emirates 11th Mountain Battalion soldier during Joint Readiness Training Center Rotation 23-04, Fort Polk, LA, Feb., 21, 2023. UAE soldiers from the 11th Mountain Battalion are participating in the training rotation alongside U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and 3rd SFAB. UAE soldiers will train next to a U.S. Army brigade throughout this JRTC rotation to increase tactical interoperability and readiness.

Twenty-two two-Soldier teams from all around the world traveled to Fort Hood, Texas to compete in the finals to be named the Armys Best Medic. The competition is a 72-hour arduous test of the teams physical and mental skills. Competitors must be agile, adaptive leaders who demonstrate mature judgment while testing collective team skills in areas of physical fitness, tactical marksmanship, leadership, warrior skills, land navigation and overall knowledge of medical, technical and tactical proficiencies through a series of hands-on tasks in a simulated operational environment. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Herman)

Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21538257 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (1st MARDIV), prepare to fire a light anti-tank weapon during the Super Squad Competition at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 14, 2022. The week-long Super Squad Competition incorporates a variety of combat-related tasks designed to evaluate each squads proficiency.

A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, sets security whileperforming dry-fire training during exercise Intrepid Maven 22.4 in the United Arab Emirates, Sept.25, 2022. Intrepid Maven 22.4 is a U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command engagement seriesdesigned for bilateral and multilateral training engagements with partner nations and Marine Corpsforces.

Cpl. Kristine Tejada, from Oakland, Calif., a truck commander for 1st Platoon, Higher Headquarters Battery, Task Force 2-82 Field Artillery Regiment, provides security at the ancient Ziggurat of Ur, Iraq, Sept. 24, 2011. TF 2-82 is one of the last units that provides security for U.S. forces visiting the site, a mission that is dwindling with the reposturing of U.S. forces in Iraq.

U.S. Army Soldiers engage simulated opposition forces while participating in Atlantic Strike V at the air-ground training complex in Avon Park, Fla., April 17, 2007. Atlantic Strike is a U.S. Central Command Air Forces initiative and the only joint, tactical-level, urban, close air support training event dedicated to supporting the war on terror. The Soldiers are from Scout Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Hyatt Duncan, a machine gunner with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, fires an M240B medium machine gun while conducting squad attack drills during a Tactical Small Unit Leader Course on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, July 27, 2022. This training improved the Marines proficiency at the tactical level and developed small-unit leadership. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Duncan is a native of Atlanta, Georgia.

Green Berets US Army Special Forces Group soldiers. US Army Special Forces Group soldier

modern warfare american marines soldier in action while sneaking and aiming on laseer sight optics in combat position and searching for target in battle

220427-N-TP544-1088 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 27, 2022) - Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire M4 rifles during a live-fire exercise on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) April 27, 2022. Kearsarge, flagship of the Kearsarge ARG/MEU team, is on a scheduled deployment under the command and control of Task Force 61/2 while operating in U.S. Sixth Fleet in support of U.S., Allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.

1st Lt. Thomas Tee” Tompkins with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, scans a possible enemy position with his rifle combat optic Aug. 10. The Marines of Co. E have been operating in this area and heavily engaged with insurgents since the beginning of Operation Khanjar July 2.

Lance Cpl. Ian Kastet, assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, participates in a training event in Ventspil, Latvia, during exercise BALTOPS 22, June 12, 2022. BALTOPS 22 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. John Hay, right, and Sgt. Angel Delao, left, both Joint Terminal Attack Controllers with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, access the target after a simulated attack during a close air support exercise at Barry M. Goldwater Range, Gila Bend, Arizona, March 29, 2023. 1st ANGLICO uses the training to enhance their technical proficiency in close air support techniques in conjunction with pilot currency training.

U.S. Army Soldiers from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division practice combat maneuvers and weapon drills before the start of a mission during a mission readiness exercise at Fort Stewart, Ga., Feb. 26, 2007. The 3rd ID is conducting training with the assistance from observer controller teams from the National Training Center in preparation for a future deployment.

A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 4 prepares to attach a sling load to an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft at Kin Blue, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 25, 2022. The purpose of the training was to increase Helicopter Support Team proficiency and to practice expeditionary advanced base concepts in preparation for future operations.

AL HAMRA, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (June 21, 2022) - U.S. Marines assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command provide security during exercise Iron Defender 22 at Al Hamra training camp, UAE, June 21. Iron Defender is an annual bilateral training event between U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and forces from the United Arab Emirates. The exercise focuses on maritime security operations, mine countermeasures and harbor defense.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Luke McGettrick, a machine gunner with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, takes cover during Marine Warfighting Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, May 3, 2022. This exercise is the culminating event of the Service Level Training Exercise, challenging the MAGTF to fight against a free thinking adversary with similar capabilities in a force-on-force environment.

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - Staff Sergeant Robert Converse, a member of the 106th Rescue Wing Security Forces Squadron fires the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during a training event at the Suffolk County Range in Westhampton Beach, NY on August 24, 2016.Security Forces members regularly train on the use and upkeep of these weapons, in addition to the M4 carbine and M9 pistol.(US Air National Guard / Staff Sergeant Christopher S. Muncy / released)

United States paratrooper airborne infantry in the smoke.

CAMP TITIN, Jordan - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ian Stairwalt, assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command (FASTCENT) conducts a close quarters marksmanship range during Exercise Eager Lion 22 at Camp Titin, Jordan, September 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, and considered the capstone of a broader U.S. military relationship with the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF). Jordan is one of U.S. Central Commands (USCENTCOM) strongest and most reliable partners in the Levant sub-region.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, fire an MK 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon during a live-fire training event at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Aug. 3, 2022. The Marines conducted a squad attack at Range 410, which provides close proximity to targets, obstacles to breach, and a variety of weapon assets including mortars, rockets, and machine guns.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 6th Squad, White Platoon, based out of Fort Irwin California, move down a set of strairs to the next area of the Urban Training exercise of U.S. Army Forscom Best Squad Competition, at Military Operations Urban Terrain site, here, at Fort Hood, Texas, August 18, 2022. The Army is the best trained, best equipped and most skilled fighting force in the world.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 conduct maintenance on a wheel saw during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Camp Betsuka, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 1, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral 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.

A U.S. Marine lays in the prone position during a mock amphibious assault conducted by the Marine and Naval forces of the Republic of Korea, Thailand and the US, at Hat Yao, Feb. 4. The event was part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2010. Cobra Gold 2010 marks the 29th anniversary of the annual, joint and coalition multinational exercise, hosted by the Kingdom of Thailand. The exercise consists of a Global Peacekeeping Operations Initiative Exercise, Command Post Exercise, HCA projects and field training exercises. The goal of the exercise is to enhance military interoperability and improves communities through humanitarian assistance and civil action projects. An amphibious assault demonstrates the use of naval firepower, logistics and strategy to project military power ashore. An amphibious landing of infantry troops on a beach a complex military maneuvers. The undertaking requires coordination of numerous military specialties, including air power, naval gunfire, naval transport, logistical

U.S. Army Pfc. Jason Denson pulls security during a security halt during a foot patrol in Arab Jabour, Southern Baghdad, Iraq, during a combat operation June 17, 2007. The operation is a joint sweeping operation through Arab Jabour as part of an effort to halt the movement of weapons and explosives into the capital. Denson is from Alpha Company 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Ga.

Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers from Charlie Company, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion train with the AT4 anti-tank weapon in the field during annual training. This years exercises are taking place before the 2-116th CAB deploys in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Squad of U.S. Marines in ruined building.

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