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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.

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

Spc. Devonte Snead, a Soldier with the 1st Platoon Savages”, B Company, 21st Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, provides suppressive fire during Bangalore Breach training on a range at Fort Knox, Kentucky April 26, 2022. The purpose of this training is to execute a decentralized division training density from dispersed field environments in order to enhance readiness, while stressing communications and sustainment systems across extended distances.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kaleb Coleman patrols during the 3d Marine Division Squad Competition on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 23, 2024. The competition tested the Marines across various combat-related tasks to evaluate each squad's tactical proficiency, mental and physical endurance, and decision-making skills to determine the Division's most proficient and capable rifle squad. Coleman, a native of North Carolina, is a rifleman with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment. 2/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Peyton Phillips, a squad leader with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division engage targets 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.

Portuguese soldiers, assigned to the Portuguese Military Contingent, examine the U.S. Army M4 Carbine weapon system during Exercise Justice Eagle, at Smardan Training Area, Romania, on Sept. 17, 2022. As part of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, continues to reinforce NATOs eastern flank and engage in multinational exercises like Justice Eagle with Allies and partners across the European continent to reassure our Nations Allies.

Portuguese soldiers, assigned to the Portuguese Military Contingent, examine the U.S. Army M4 Carbine weapon system during Exercise Justice Eagle, at Smardan Training Area, Romania, on Sept. 17, 2022. Under command and control of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, continues to reinforce NATOs eastern flank and engage in multinational exercises like Justice Eagle with Allies and partners across the European continent to reassure our Nations Allies.

two US marines aim at different directions covering each other

Platoon commander 1st Lt. Patrick O'Shea, from C Co., 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, communicates with battalion headquarters about his squad-sized patrol's location Aug. 25, 2009, while pointing toward where an IED detonated two days earlier critically injuring a 5-year-old boy.

110311-A-TO648-038 U.S. Army Pfc. Franklin Delacruz provides security for an air medical evacuation at Al Asad Airbase, Iraq, on March 11, 2011. Delacruz is assigned to Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. Soldiers of the 4th Advise and Assist Brigade with the assistance of soldiers assigned to Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, Massachusetts National Guard, participated in casualty evacuation training.

USArmy Live fire training at Galloway Range, Fort Benning, GA. C Co 2nd Btn 11 Infantry Regiment.

Green Berets U.S. Army Special Forces Group soldiers.

All of the combat-ready Marines in Co. A, 1ST Bn., 8th Marines, get a chance to fire the M-60A1 machine gun on Range 190 during Operation CAX 1-2-82 at the Marine Corps Air-to-Ground Combat Center. Subject Operation/Series: CAX 1-2-82 Base: Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220715-N-VM474-1658 ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 15, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Seth Wakefield, assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fires an M4 service rifle during a live-fire exercise aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), July 15, 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.

U.S. Navy SEALs during combat operations.

U.S. Marines with 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, participate in rocket training as part of a field exercise on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 1, 2022. Marines conducted the FEX to enhance combat capabilities while maintaining operational readiness throughout the regiment.

U.S. Marines with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, prepare to maneuver while executing Range 400 during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 4-22 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 25, 2022. Active duty units, including Charley Company, 1/7, and Marines from 10th Marine Regiment, are fully integrated with Marine Air-Ground Task Force 23 as the Reserve and Active Components continue to work together to increase proficiency of Total Force operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Owen Spang, a machine gunner with Foxtrot Co., 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, from Green Bay, Wisconsin, establishes security in a field at exercise Gunslinger 22 in Riley, Kansas, June 22, 2022. Exercise Gunslinger 22 is a joint exercise with the Kansas Air National Guard and U.S. Marine Corps designed to increase aircraft control and training for potential real-world contingencies.

040804-F-0365G-007. Base: Novo Selo Training Area Country: Bulgaria (BGR)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Francisco Castillo, from Bellflower, California, a fire support Marine assigned to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force, uses a laser rangefinder during a close air support exercise, part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-23, at Wiss Airfield near Chocolate Mountains, California, March 31, 2023. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 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.

University of Alaska Army ROTC cadets assault their objective during a field training evercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 2, 2022. Following a tactical air insertion, the Seawolf Detachment cadets maneuvered across snow-covered terrain, assaulted opposition forces, secured their objective, and concluded with an air exfiltration. Alaska Army National Guard aviators from the 1-207th Aviation Regiment provided air support for the training. The AKARNGs General Support Aviation Battalion routinely trains with all branches of the military as well as civilian agencies to hone its operational interoperability and maintain readiness for a wide range of state and federal missions.

U.S. Soldiers from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Regiment (Associators), 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, provide security along the perimeter of a Landing Zone used during a joint air assault with Iraqi army near the city of Tarmiyah, Iraq, on April 29.

Green Berets U.S. Army Special Forces Group soldiers.

220718-N-XG173-1210 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 18, 2022) Republic of Korea Marines conduct squad live-fire training during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 18. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Marine Infantrymen with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, provide 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Alonso Guillen (left) and U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Spencer Kirkwood, Low Altitude Air Defense gunners with 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), use a Stinger Field Handling Trainer to practice tracking targets during exercise Steel Knight 23, on San Clemente Island, California, Dec. 6, 2022. 3rd LAAD provided close-in air defense to artillery positions for 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver. Guillen is a Longmont, Colorado, native and Kirkwood is an OFallon, Illinois, native.

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)

Joint Readiness Training Center at Ft. Polk

A U.S. Marine with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, stages behind concealment during a raid near Eagle Mountain, California, as part of Realistic Urban Training exercise, June 12, 2022. The purpose of the raid and of RUT was to enhance the integration and collective capability of the MEUs command, air, ground and logistics elements and prepare the 13th MEU to meet the nations crisis response needs during its upcoming overseas deployment.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ethan Oglesby, a machine gunner assigned to Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and South Carolina native, loads an M240B machine gun during small caliber action team training aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) in the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 1, 2024. Somerset is currently underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet with elements of the 15th MEU. Marine Corps

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, reloads his rifle during table two on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. June 13, 2022. All recruits must participate in the table two rifle qualification course during the 3rd phase of recruit training.

Soldiers from 2-227th General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, zero their weapons during an M4 range in Oberdachstetten Training Area, Germany, March 4, 2022.

U.S. Marines with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, participate in Table 3A course of fire range during ANGLICO Basic Course 1-22 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 5, 2022. This basic training enhances the capabilities of ANGLICO Marines to plan and execute liaison missions in support of joint, interagency, intergovernmental and multinational operations.

New York Army National Guard Spc. Denver DeGroff with the 152nd Engineer Support Company, 204th Engineer Battalion, 153rd Troop Command Brigade, 53rd Troop Command takes aim in the kneeling position during the 26th Annual Marksmanship Advisory Council Region One (MAC1) Combat Championships held at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, August 19-21, 2022. The MAC1 provides a combat focused marksmanship sustainment training event and competition for all the states in New England and New York. These matches are the second priority in the Chief of the National Guard Bureaus guidance for sustainment training events. The matches are operational focused marksmanship sustainment exercises, designed to validate and sustain perishable marksmanship skills essential to mobilization readiness and success.

A U.S. Army Paratrooper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, moves toward an objective during team blank-fire and tactical movement training as part of Eagle Ursa at the training range in Slunj, Croatia, Feb. 24, 2024. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployableforces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployedacross Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships andstrengthen the alliance. Army

041230-M-3988H-016. State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Senior Airman Caleb Roland, a member of the 4th Combat Camera Squadron conducts close-quarter battle (CQB) training July 12, 2022, at the Naval Weapons Station, Joint Base Base Charleston, SC. During this event airmen conducted refresher training on effective room-clearing techniques, designed to ensure team members are capable of integrating with combat teams while providing combat camera capabilities.4th Combat Camera Squadron's mission is to provide senior Department of Defense and joint leaders with a directed imagery capability in support of strategic, operational and planning requirements during wartime operations, worldwide crises, contingencies, joint exercises and humanitarian operations.Photos by Technical Sgt. Christopher S Muncy

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, observe impact zones during a fire support coordination exercise as part of Steel Knight 23 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Nov. 30, 2022. Steel Knight is an annual combined arms live-fire exercise which ensures 1st MARDIV is optimized for naval expeditionary warfare in contested spaces, and is purpose-built to facilitate future operations afloat and ashore.

soldier in bulletproof vest with ak-47 rifle

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fire an M240B medium machine gun during a live fire range in the Central Training Area, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 8, 2022. The purpose of the range was to improve the Marines ability to operate the M240B medium machine gun by firing at targets with unknown distances and perform remedial actions. 3rdMLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force's comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

110428-N-TH989-280FORT DIX, N.J. (April 28, 2011) Sailors fire M4 rifles during the U.S. Navy Individual Augmentee Combat Training course. The four-week training is designed to outfit, equip and prepare Sailors for their upcoming deployments in support of overseas contingency operations.

020808-M-9578B-004. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Fuji State: Honshu Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: Marine Wing Support Squadron 171

Half-length portrait of airsoft game player in army camouflage uniform, tactical helmet, load carrier and face hidden behind mask, posing with firearm replica in hands, cloudy sky on background. Airsoft player soldier in military ammunition replicas

Two equipped and armed special forces soldiers with rifles in the desert.

U.S. Army Sgt. Eric Rothenberger, a native of Phoenix, Ariz., and team leader assigned to 3rd Platoon, Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, checks his sights while pulling security at an alleyway in the village of Kunday July 7, 2012. PFAR's mission was to facilitate members of the female engagement team as they conducted key leader engagements to promote a female health education program.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Raymond Lessig, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, coordinates close air support utilizing inert munitions with F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 during Exercise Fuji Viper 22.5 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Sept. 16, 2022. Exercise Fuji Viper exemplifies a commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Lessig is a native of Auburn, Alabama.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade provide suppressive fire with a M240 Bravo machine gun during a combined arms live fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 21, 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.

A U.S. Marine fires his M4 assault rifle on an Indonesian range during Exercise Super Garuda Shield on Dodiklatpur Rindam V, East Java, Indonesia., September 1, 2023. Super Garuda Shield 2023 is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in scope and size since 2009. SGS2023 is the second consecutive time this exercise has grown into a combined and joint event, highlighting the 6 participating and 12 observing nations' commitment to partnership and a free and open indo-pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. David Jarvis, company gunnery sergeant, Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), poses for a photo during a raid training event with Finnish soldiers from the Force Protection Brigade in Uppinniemi, Finland, Aug. 17, 2022. The training was part of a bilateral exercise between the Finnish military and 22nd MEU. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Scott Prouty, a fireteam member assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, trains with an M4 carbine at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sept. 24, 2022. Prouty is a Reserve Citizen Airmen assigned to the 307th Security Forces Squadron from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. Active-duty members and Reservists within the 378th ESFS work and train with the 1-182nd Infantry Regiments Task Force Americals Massachusetts National Guardsmen completing the trifecta of PSABs Total Force protection.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Derrel Pearcy, a machine gunner with 3d Platoon, Lima Company, 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Ground Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, engages targets during a simulated combat defense as part of exercise Southern Jackaroo 22 at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, May 22, 2022. Southern Jackaroo is a multilateral exercise carried out by Marines with MRF-D, the Australian Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers, focusing on live-fire and combined arms training.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Martavius White, 23rd Security Forces Squadron law enforcement member, guards the flight line during exercise Agile Flag 22-2 at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, July 23, 2022. Agile Flag 22-2 is Air Combat Commands first lead-wing certification event designed to demonstrate the 23rd Wings capability to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the Wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment. (U.S. Airman 1st Class Rachel Coates)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ryker Sachs, a West Jordan, Utah native, infantry Marine with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, left, provides security during a ground assault as part of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force Distributed Maneuver Exercise as part of Service Level Training Exercise 2-24 around Gays Pass training area, at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 14, 2024. MDMX prepares Marines for future conflicts by conducting offensive and defensive live-fire and maneuver training scenarios within an austere training environment. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fire M16A4 service rifles during the zeroing portion of a table three through six range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 7, 2024. The range was part of a battalion field exercise that rehearsed crucial logistical operations executed within an Alert Contingency Air-Ground Task Force, aimed at enhancing the capabilities and readiness of CLB-4. Marine Corps

The U.S. Army Reserves Warrior Exercise 78-22-02 brought units and Soldiers from across the country to build on their readiness levels. Excercises trained and evaluated Soldiers on Army Warrior Skill-level 10 tasks. WAREX serves as an annual training opportunity for U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers

Volunteer Training Site Tullahoma, Tennessee - U.S. Army Sgt. Kyle Burks with the 118th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment prepares his weapon before qualifying with the M-249 at the qualification range on Jan 05, 2024 at Volunteer Training Site Tullahoma, Tennessee. Burks was one of the first qualifiers on the weapon from 30th Troop Command.

060213-N-4124C-001. Base: USS Juneau (LPD 10) Country: Philippine Sea

Spc. Griffin ODonnell and Pvt. Mario Valera of the New Jersey Army National Guards Bravo Co., 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, provide suppressive fire during a live-fire training at the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise on July 12, 2022 at Fort Drum, New York. More than 2,500 Soldiers are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win.

Guns held by a line of army soldiers.

040323-M-9362G-005. Base: Mcagcc, Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

Spc. Madeline Jones, a military policeman with 287th Military Police Company, 97th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Riley, Kansas prepares to provide security during a convoy in Hohenfels Training Area, Germany on Jan. 25, 2018. Roughly 4,100 troops from 10 nations are participating in Allied Spirit VIII, a multinational training exercise designed to test participants' readiness and capabilities.

Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, conduct a combined arms live fire exercise (CALFEX) on Fort Drum, N.Y., Aug. 3-5, 2022. The exercise consisted of a footmarch, breaching obstacles, and a clearing operation with supporting fire from 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th MTN DIV, and 1st Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th MTN DIV.

Army enthousiast wearing desert camouflage combat uniform during open day of the Belgian army at Leopoldsburg, Belgium, Europe

United States Army ranger in the mountains with machine gun.

Close-up shot of US marine shooting his rifle

A U.S. Navy Corpsman with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, renders aid to a simulated casualty during the Super Squad Competition at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 13, 2022. The week-long Super Squad Competition incorporates a variety of combat-related tasks designed to evaluate each squads proficiency.

U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon; 3rd Marine Division; 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit; muster aboard Expeditionary Mobile Base USS Miguel Keith (ESB-5) after a visit board search and seizure exercise in the Philippine Sea; Aug. 17; 2022. The 31st MEU maintains the capability to seize and clear ships while at sea to protect themselves and allies in the Indo-Pacific Region. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the INDOPACOM region.

060723-A-1067B-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: SOUTHEAST

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jason Mullaly, an infantry unit leader with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, fires a TOW missile system during exercise Shinka 22.1 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, July 2, 2022. Shinka exemplifies a shared commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

031204-F-7234P-007. Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: Australian Air Traffic Control D

Sniper team shooting enemy targets with sniper rifle from inside a ruined urban building.

A Marine with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force as part of the Unit Deployment Program, provides suppressive fire with an Infantry Automatic Rifle during a combined arms live-fire exercise April 29 at Suseong-ri Firing Range. The exercise was conducted as one of the final training events of exercise Ssang Yong 13. Ssang Yong, which means "twin dragons," is an annual exercise designed to strengthen the interoperability and increase the capabilities of both Republic of Korea and U.S. forces.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Carlos Velazcorufin, left, and Sgt. Ian Brewer, combat engineers, with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, throws an M67 grenade during a practice grenade throwing event at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, on June 6, 2022. The grenade range was held for the Marines of 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and 3rd Maintenance Bn 3D MLG in order to increase lethality and readiness in a tropical environment.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (Aug. 2) - Pfc. Wesley Wang, an infantryman with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, scans his sector while on patrol in the Mirbazar, Sub District 7 of Kandahar City Aug. 2.

U.S. Army Cpl. John Weber, a UH-60 Blackhawk crew chief, left, and Cpl. Shaun Warman, a UH-60 Blackhawk crew chief assigned to 3rd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, prepares for a M240B Machine Gun live-fire familiarization exercise in Drawsko Pomorski, Poland, Oct. 18, 2022. The 2-501st Conducted a combined aerial gunnery to increase lethality across the brigade.

070324-M-6412C-027. Complete Scene Caption: A U.S. Marine with 2nd Platoon, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines provides security for other Marines as they search the surrounding area for signs of Anti Iraqi Force activity during Operation Zaidon II on March 23, 2007. Task Force 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines is conducting Operation Zaidon II in Zaidon, Iraq to clear the city of Anti Iraqi Forces and deny them further use of the area in the future. Regimental Combat Team 6 is deployed with Multi National Forces-West in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Anbar Province of Iraq to develop Iraqi Security Forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic reforms, and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by CPL. Samuel D. Corum) (Released) Subject Operation/Series: ZAIDON Base: Zaidon State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: RCT-6

U.S. National Guard and Reserve Soldiers get in place to begin a field training exercise in the Camp Dodge training area while attending a combat medic course at the 185th Regional Training Institute in Johnston, Iowa, on May 17, 2022. Four Kosovo Security Force members are also attending the course at the 185th RTI. The Iowa National Guard is partnered with Kosovo as part of the Department of Defenses State Partnership Program, which affords unique opportunities for cross training.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nathan Kessler, a combat engineer with Headquarters and Support Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), provides security during an objective clearing exercise in Ravlunda, Sweden, Aug. 31, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Kentucky Army National Guard Soldiers with Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, conduct a squad live-fire exercise in Djibouti at Arta range complex, Djibouti, June 8, 2022. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, is a dynamic operational headquarters, supporting missions to counter violent extremist organizations, responding to crises and enhancing stability in East Africa.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Koby Syhavong, an Olathe, Kansas native, squad leader with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, gives corrections on performance following a Marine Air-Ground Task Force Distributed Maneuver Exercise as part of Service Level Training Exercise 2-24 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 15, 2024. MDMX is designed to test the MAGTFs operational capabilities in austere, multi-domain, offensive and defensive operations against adversaries at a regimental level. Marine Corps

Sgt. Colten Simcheck, from Lockbuie, Colorado, a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System crew chief assigned to A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 300th Field Artillery rolls out during a convoy movement at Camp Guernsey. More than 1000 Wyoming Army National Guard soldiers are converging on Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center this month for their two-week annual training commitment and the Public Affairs Office will feature daily social media posts of our soldiers honing their skills throughout June.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Thomas Porter, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, fires an M27 infantry automatic rifle while conducting fire team attacks during a Tactical Small Unit Leader Course on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, July 26, 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. Porter is a native of Memphis, Tennessee.

A U.S. Air Force tactical air control party specialist, assigned to the 13th Air Ground Operations Squadron, fires his M-4 Carbine during a stress shoot as part of Wraith Challenge 22 in Burnet, Texas, Oct. 5, 2022. The event started with a workout and then consisted of two different courses where the TACPs had to shoot with both weapons while wearing a gas mask. Wraith Challenge 22 brought seven teams of tactical air control party Airmen from the 3rd ASOG together to compete in tests of physical and mental challenges.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, post security during a field exercise at Range 132 on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 30, 2022. Camp Pendleton provides training support that enables Marines to maintain and enhance their mission capabilities and combat readiness for deployment.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jarrod Proe, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, fires an M27 infantry automatic rifle 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. Proe is a native of Strongsville, Ohio.

A U.S. Army Ranger from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, keeps his sight on a target with an M249B Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) during a company live fire training at Camp Roberts, Calif., Jan. 30, 2014.

Machine gunner shooting out of a window in a ruined building during a firefight

A Soldier from the Pennsylvania National Guard engages a target with the support of his spotter during Squad Designated Marksmanship training May 23, 2022, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. (U.S. Army photo Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Keeler)

U.S. FIFTH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (August 15, 2022) - U.S. Marines assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command (FASTCENT) conduct advanced marksmanship live-fire drills at a training facility in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Aug. 15. FASTCENT provides expeditionary antiterrorism and security forces to embassies, consulates and other vital national assets throughout the region.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Allen Rodriguez, fire team leader, with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, sights in, while conducting a tactical exercise during exercise Archipelago Endeavor 22 (AE22), at Berga Naval Base, Sweden, Sept. 21, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

Staff Sgt. Kevin Gonzalez, small arms team observer, coach, trainer with the 5th Armored Brigade, sets his sights on a target during a marksmanship range at McGregor Range Complex, New Mexico Dec. 2 to enhance fundamental Soldier skills.

A U.S. Marine fires his M4 assault rifle on an Indonesian range during Exercise Super Garuda Shield on Dodiklatpur Rindam V, East Java, Indonesia., September 1, 2023. Super Garuda Shield 2023 is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in scope and size since 2009. SGS2023 is the second consecutive time this exercise has grown into a combined and joint event, highlighting the 6 participating and 12 observing nations' commitment to partnership and a free and open indo-pacific.

U.S. Air Force security forces trainees inspect their issued weapons prior to beginning the field operations block of training during the U.S. Air Force security forces apprentice course at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Sept. 22, 2022. The field operations course is part of a six-week course designed to teach the basic skills necessary to new security forces Airmen.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 1st Platoon, Regimental Troops Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard participate in a grueling three day live fire course of Advanced Marksmanship Training at Camp Buerhing,Kuwait, Feb.15, in preparation for a security mission prior to deploying to Iraq. During the course, the Soldiers were taught advanced room clearing, mounted and dismounted firing techniques and properly securing VIP's from one location to the next. This is the units second tour to Iraq in five years.

Spc. Reynaldo Arroyo, a rifleman assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Regiment clears a stairwell during urban operations training as part of Exercise Cartwheel near Nadi, Fiji, September 15, 2022. Exercise Cartwheel is a multilateral military-to-military training exercise with the U.S., 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.

Recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, complete Basic Warrior Training (BWT) aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., May 12, 2022.During BWT recruits complete a practical application exam where they must demonstrate correct hand and arm signals, fireteam formations, and other field skills they were taught over the week long event.

A soldier basic training provides rear security during close quarters combat training.

U.S. Army Cpl. Terry Rutledge, assigned to Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 134th Field Artillery Regiment, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Ohio U.S. Army National Guard, supporting Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, receives radio traffic during an operational rehearsal exercise of the M777 howitzer at Mission Support Site Conoco, Syria, Dec. 4, 2022.

Special forces operators in the military kayak. Spec ops in the military kayak

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