Military Personnel Interactions

Images of military personnel in various situations, focusing on teamwork, recognition, and leadership within military settings.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Patrick Reardon, right, commander assigned to 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, explains the electronic repair system to U.S. Army Col. John B. Mountford, deputy commanding officer for maneuver of the 1st Infantry Division during a tour of the base at Skwierzyna, Poland, August 9, 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, America's forward-deployed corps in Europe.

Lt. Gen. John Kolasheski, commanding general, V Corps, visited with the Soldiers of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade and recognized Staff Sgt. Figueroa and CW2 Goethe for their outstanding commitment to excellence in hangar three on Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany, Nov. 1, 2022. The 12th Combat Aviation Brigade is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

JBLM, Wash. - Brig. Gen. William A. Ryan III, deputy commanding general of I Corps, shakes hands with Lt. Col. Steven Beard, commander of 3-364th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade (CATB) during a visit to the 189th Inf. Bde. operations area at JBLM, Washington June 22, 2022.

U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific Command commander, stands at attention waiting to receive the newly activated U.S. Space Forces Koreas guidon during an activation ceremony for the U.S. Space Forces Korea at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 14, 2022. The newly activated USSFK will be tasked with coordinating space operations and services such as missile warning, position navigation and timing, and satellite communications within the region.

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.

U.S Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bryan Lockhart, 31st Munitions Squadron combat munitions training instructor, receives a coin from Gen. James Hecker, U.S Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Oct. 6, 2022. Lockharts leadership led to the 31st Fighter Wing capturing 2 of 7 events at the Air Force Combat Operations Competition and secured a second-place finish overall.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Patrick Reardon, right, commander assigned to 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, explains the electronic repair system to U.S. Army Col. John B. Mountford, deputy commanding officer for maneuver of the 1st Infantry Division during a tour of the base at Skwierzyna, Poland, August 9, 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, America's forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Army Col. Matthew James assumes command of the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Washington National Guard, from Col. James Perrin during a change of command ceremony on Camp Murray, Wash., December 4, 2022. In 2021, Perrin deployed as commander of Task Force Raven, the last U.S. task force to command a full nine-month rotation in the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Carlo Martínez Ruiz, a tank company motor sergeant assigned to 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, teaches a class on sustainment to Polish soldiers as a part of the Abrams Operations Summit in the motor pool at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, April 26, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to the V Corps that works alongside Allies in the European theater, remaining an integral part of demonstrating alliance readiness, interoperability, and capability.

United States Space Force Gen. John W. Jay” Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, presents United States Space Force Maj. Kyle Rimando, with the 663 Cyberspace Squadron, with a coin to commemorate his dedication and perseverance to the mission at Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., Oct. 12, 2022. Raymond selected and coined nine individuals from the installation personnel, retirees, dependents, and their families for their vital roles in safeguarding the health of more than 148,400 joint total force, coalition.

Brig. Gen. Patrick R. Michaelis, then commanding general, and Col. Ryan Hanson, garrison commander, present Sgt. Charlyn Randle, Moncrief Army Health Clinic, certificates of appreciation and $50 Exchange gift cards on behalf of Staff Sgt. Tavon House, Columbia Recruiting Command, and his wife Cpl. Camille House, Moncrief Army Health Clinic, during a recognition ceremony Aug. 29 at the Fort Jackson Commissary. The Houses completed more than 50 volunteer hours at the Commissary to ensure shelves remained stocked during global shipping issues and employee shortages.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, commanding general of U.S. Army Central (left), accompanied by Col. Scott P. Nicholas, commander of 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, "Task Force Mustang" (right), meets Lt. Col. Matthias E. Greene, commander of 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment, Assault Helicopter Battalion, "Task Force Rough Rider," attached to the 36th CAB (center), at Udairi Landing Zone in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 17, 2022. 36th CAB, mobilized as Task Force Mustang, is deployed in support of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist, and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of Daesh, the common Arabic term for IS or ISIS, within designated areas of Iraq and Syria.

U.S. Army Col. Travis McIntosh, 10th CAB Commander, finishes his final flight in his Army career on Fort Drum, Ny. July 15, 2022. CW5 Rolando Sanchez, 10th CAB Command Chief Warrant Officer, also conducted his last flight with the brigade.

Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead, the SEA for the chief of the National Guard Bureau, listens to Army 1st Sgt. Brett Gentry, first sergeant for the Missouri Army National Guards Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment, as he explains the hangar set-up that houses the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Aug. 30, 2022. Whitehead was touring National Guard facilities at Whiteman, as well as participating as a guest speaker in a panel discussing womens equality.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William "Bill" Green Jr., chief of chaplains, talks with U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hamilton Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Hill, and Chaplain (Maj.) Jonathan Bailey, garrison chaplain on Feb. 2, 2024, at garrison headquarters. During his visit, Green met with garrison leadership and presided over the promotion of Lt. Col. (Chaplain) James Fisher. Hamilton is the only active U.S. Army base in the New York City area, home to the New York City Recruiting Battalion, and New York Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), one of two largest MEPS in the nation. Army

U.S. Army Maj. Brantley Lockhart receives the General Mazniashvili Medal 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.

U.S Air Force Tech. Sgt. David Monroy, 31st Medical Support Squadron resource management NCOIC, receives a coin from Gen. James Hecker, U.S Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Oct. 6, 2022. Monroy forward deployed to assist as the Patient Administration Team Chief for Operation Allied Welcome, where he oversaw 14 missions and administrative management of 7,000 Afghan civilians.

Lt. Col. Benjamin Chapman, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) commander, presents Senior Airman Grayson Jones, 5th AMXS crew chief, with Senior Airman Below The Zone (BTZ) upon return from a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Mach 29, 2023. Jones had been selected to receive BTZ, a one-time advancement consideration to earn the rank of senior airman from the rank of airman first class six months before the standard fixed promotion date, while participating in a BTF mission at Morón Air Base, Spain.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen L. Davis, the Inspector General of the Department of the Air Force, left, listens to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tom James, commander of the Joint Task Force-Space Defense during his visit to the organization at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, Sept. 30, 2022. During the visit, Davis, as well as Lee M. Russ, member of the Senior Executive Service and the executive director for the Office of Special Investigations Office of Special Projects, received a capabilities briefing and a tour of the SMSgt H. Robert Mosley II operations floor.

U.S. Space Force Gen. John W. "Jay" Raymond, left, Chief of Space Operations, shakes hands with U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tom James, right, commander of the Joint Task Force-Space Defense, during his visit to the organization at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, Sept. 6, 2022. During the visit, Raymond and his team learned about the JTF-SD's protect and defend mission and its critical command and control networks. The JTF-SD, and its National Space Defense Center, provide unprecedented unity of effort with the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community and National Reconnaissance Office to protect and defend against threats in the space domain.

Command Sgt. Maj. Francisco Valiente, far right, command sergeant major for the 10th Division Sustainment Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade, and Command Sgt. Maj. Christa Petersen, near right, command sergeant major for 548th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th MDSB, conducts uniform inspections during the oral board of the brigades Best Sustainer Competition, July 20, 2022, on Fort Drum, New York.

Maj. Gen. Curtis A. Buzzard, commanding general of the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Moore, visits Soldiers training at 7th Army Training Commands Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Feb. 6, 2024. During his visit, he interacted with and recognized Soldiers who are part of or supporting the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission. Army National Guard

Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Fifer, right, and Staff Sgt. Trevor Correa, center, 168th Maintenance Group, recognized by Col. Michael Griesbaum, 168th Wing Commander, left, Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Ling, 168th Wing Command Chief, and Senior Master Sgt. Blair Dellaquila, Wing First Sgt., as superior performers during the Wing Unit Effectiveness Inspection for the Quality Assurance program and Aerospace Ground Equipment Hazardous Material Program. The UEI Capstone occurs every four years and measures four areas: executing the mission, managing resources, leading people, and improving the unit.

Headquarters Detachment, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center held an award ceremony for Annual Training 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 5, 2022.

The outgoing 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Command CWO 5 Marcus A. Vanney receives the 'Demon Saber' from the commander of troops on May 17, 2022, on Fort Riley, Kansas. The passing of the Saber signifies the relinquish of responsibility and authority from the outgoing command to the incoming command.

Master Sgt. Donald Siltman speaks to friends and family after his retirement ceremony on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois August 25, 2022. Siltman retired after nearly 40 years of military service. He enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard in 1983 as a Quartermaster and Chemical Repairman with Detachment 1, 3637th Maintenance Company (DS). Throughout his career, Siltman graduated from multiple military courses, including Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course, First Sergeant Course, SAMSE Maintenance Control Operations and NIMS/ Unified Command Course. He has also served in multiple Non-Commissioned Officer positions to include North Artillery Maintenance Support Team Leader, Battalion and Brigade Maintenance Control Sergeant, Headquarters Platoon Sergeant, Unit Movement Officer and First Sergeant. He deployed in 2007-2008 with the 3637th Maintenance Company in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom

National Guard Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead congratulates Chief Warrant Officer Greg Stepp at Stepp's retirement ceremony at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky. on Dec. 4, 2022. Whitehead visited Kentucky to recognize Soldiers for their work throughout the year.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Maurice L. Williams, command chief of the Air National Guard, visits with members of the 149th Fighter Wing at Joint Base Lackland-San Antonio, August 13, 2022. Williams visited with various personnel from all over the wing.

Ohio Air National Guard leadership from around the state attend a change of command ceremony at the Toledo Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Chad Holesko assumed command of the 180th Fighter Wing from Col. Michael DiDio.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Adam Lepley, command sergeant major of the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, greets Soldiers in the 8th Ordnance Company after their guidon casing ceremony at Fort Liberty, N.C., Feb. 27, 2024. The 8th Ordnance Company plays a vital role in supporting the command by helping military contractors with ammunition issue, surveillance, and residue yard operations. Army

USACE Northwest Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Van Epps, visits Portland Districts emergency control center for operation blue roof, a program that provides temporary roof coverage for homeowners in Florida that were affected by hurricane Ian. Volunteers answer phones and field questions from residents affected by hurricane Ian.

Senior Airman Everardo Orellana, assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, receives a coin from Maj. Gen. Andrew Gebara, 8th Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center commander, at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. Oct. 17, 2022. Coinings are traditionally used to reward and recognize service members for their exceptional work inside and outside of the workplace.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Deprey is officially recognized as commander of the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, during the unit's change of command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oct. 14, 2022. During the ceremony, Maj. Bobby Budde relinquished command to Deprey. The primary purpose of a change of command is for subordinates to witness an officer formally assume responsibility, authority and accountability for the unit. These ceremonies preserve the tradition of military service and stimulate unit esprit de corps.

U.S. Army Col. John B. Mountford, right, deputy commanding officer of maneuver for 1st Infantry Division smiles as he explains the division's tactical actions center to Polish army Maj. Gen. Piotr Trytek, commander of 11th Armored Cavalry Division during a tour as part of Defender Europe at Złocieniec, Poland, May 16, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

US Army Maj. Gen. Sheryl Gordon visits airmen of the 117th Air Refueling Wing at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Ala., Sept. 11, 2022.

US Army Maj. Gen. Sheryl Gordon visits airmen of the 117th Air Refueling Wing at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Ala., Sept. 11, 2022.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Winston P. Brooks, right, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, talks to a Polish soldier during a distinguished visitor day at exercise Dynamic Front 22 at the 7th Army Training Commands Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, July 20, 2022. DF22, led by 56th Artillery Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa directed, is the premier U.S. led NATO Allied and Partner integrated fires exercise in the European Theater focusing on fires interoperability and increasing readiness, lethality and interoperability across the human, procedural, and technical domains.

Lt. Gen Theodore D. Martin, Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, visits Soldiers from 1st Air Cavalry Brigade during Combined Resolve 17. Combined Resolve 17 is a United States Army Europe and Africa directed, 7th Army Training Command executed training event at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center to exercise combined arms operations in a multinational environment. The exercise features approximately 4,800 Soldiers from Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Lithuania, Moldova, North Macedonia, Poland, and the United States. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Jason Greaves)

Command Sergeant Major Michael Burns, 7th Infantry Division Operations Sergeant Major for the Yama Sakura 83 Exercise, and Command Sergeant Major Isa Nakamura, Bilateral Training Section Operations Sergeant Major for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces Western Army, are interviewed by Sgt. 1st Class Tom Foster, Mass Communications Supervisor from the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, for a story during Yama Sakura 83 at Camp Kengun, Japan, Dec 10, 2022. The two Sergeants Major epitomize the spirit of Yama Sakura through their friendship built on their shared vision of peace, and prosperity not just for the region but the world.

Senior Airman Kyle Wink, an explosives ordnance dispoal team member assigned to the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron, briefs U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. during a tour at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 1, 2022. Gen. Brown visited the base to meet with Airmen and experience first-hand the innovative ways they're advancing the mission.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. William Russell III, senior enlisted advisor to the adjutant general, Michigan National Guard, exchanges coins with Latvian National Armed Forces Command Sgt. Maj. Arvis Mucenieks, Brigade command sergeant major, during exercise Summer Shield at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, May 25, 2022. Summer Shield, led by Latvian Mechanized Infantry Brigade is one of multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe that make up Defender Europe 22 exercise, led by U.S Army Europe and Africa. Defender demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

Col. Matthew J. Grieser (right), the commander of 1st Area Medical Laboratory, said the 1st AML open house enabled his Soldiers to highlight Force Design Update plans to expand capabilities. The 1st AML Mad Scientists opened their headquarters on Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, May 3 - 5. U.S. Army photo by Andrew D. Monath.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, attends a deployment ceremony honoring the Soldiers and families of the Pennsylvania National Guards 28th Infantry Division as they prepare for a deployment to the Middle East. Schindler was joined by other PA NG senior leaders, as well as partners from the Lithuanian army, Pennsylvanias partner in the National Guard Bureaus State Partnership Program.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, United States Strategic Command deputy commander, and U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Charles Baker, United States Strategic Command, Commandant, participate in a tour of the B-2 Spirit and talk to various Airmen across the 509th Bomb Wing Aug. 4, 2022, on Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Bussiere and Baker visited Whiteman Air Force Base to present the 509th Operations Support Squadron with, and congratulate them for winning, the 2021 Omaha Trophy.

U.S. Army Col. Scott P. Nicholas, commander of Task Force Mustang - 36th Combat Aviation Brigade (right), receives greetings from Lt. Col. Anthony L. Marston, commander of Task Force No Mercy (1-101st Attack Helicopter Battalion) at Erbil International Airport in Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, on Sept. 14, 2022. The command team of Task Force Mustang conducted an office visit with Task Force No Mercy to align leadership intent and values required as an aviation task force supporting Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

FORT HOOD, Texas - British Army Maj. Gen. Michael Keating, the deputy commander for support of III Corps and Fort Hood, awards a challenge coin to U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Amanda Hoover, the People First Center deputy commandant, during the ribbon cutting event at the People First Center in Fort Hood, Texas, May 13, 2022. The centers command team were awarded for their hard work and dedication to establishing first People First Center.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William Kale III, Air Force Director of Civil Engineers, talks with Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Group commander. Kale coordinated with Maguinness to see firsthand the training of Air Force firefighters at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy.

U.S. Army Col. Brandon Smith, 1st Infantry Division chief of staff, greets U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mark Lichak, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division as he arrives in Poznan, Poland, July 26, 2022. The 3/1 ABCT, and Finish and British army units trained in Finland to further strengthen the relations and interoperability between the nations.

U.S. Army Maj. Joshua Martin, executive officer assigned to the 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, discusses operations with U.S. Army Col. John B. Mountford, deputy commanding officer for maneuver of the 1st Infantry Division at Skwierzyna, Poland, August 9, 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, America's forward-deployed corps in Europe.

Airmen and community members stand at the position of attention during the 9/11 ceremony Sept. 9, 2022, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The ceremony was held to honor and remember first responders who lost their lives 21 years ago in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Robert W. Hartzog (right) command sergeant major of Task Force Mustang - 36th Combat Aviation Brigade (36th CAB), meets Task Force Rough Rider Soldiers of the 3-142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, stationed with Task Force No Mercy of the 1-101st Attack Helicopter Battalion, at Erbil International Airport, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, on Sept. 14, 2022. The command team of Task Force Mustang conducted an office visit with Task Force No Mercy to align leadership intent and values required as an aviation task force supporting Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Tyler Kelly (Left), a CH-47 helicopter pilot with Company B, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, talks to U.S. Air Force Major General James O. Eight, the adjutant general of Florida, at the Southwest Florida International Airport, Lee County, Florida, October 4, 2022. The 111th is deployed to south Florida to respond to the devastation of Hurricane Ian.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, 7th Army Training Command commander, presents a gift to Irish Defense Force Brig. Gen. Tony Cudmore and Brig. Gen. Brendan Mc Guinness during a visit to Grafenwoehr Training Area Oct. 26, 2022. The Irish Defence Forces visited the United States Army Europe & Africa and 7th Army Training Command from to discuss possible support to the modernization plan for the Irish Defence Forces and Irish Reserve Defence Force. (US Army photo by SSG Ashley Low)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacorey Grimes, 860th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief, salutes Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Nov. 21, 2022. In one of the biggest DFC ceremonies in history, 51 members were awarded the highest aerial achievement in the DoD for their acts of heroism during Operations Allies Refuge.

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Roger Newton and Maj. Nicholas Mossbarger, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade, perform an initial link-up with replicated partner forces during Operation Combined Victory on Camp Atterbury, Indiana, Feb. 17, 2024. During this initial link up, Advisors evaluate the requirements and capacities of partner forces, while also building professional rapport. Army

Command Sgt. Maj. Jeremy Lile (left) and Brig. Gen. Nick Ducich (right) and other event participants listen to a discussion about joint operations and enhanced intelligence collaboration between members of the Iraqi Security Forces and a delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government Ministry of the Peshmerga June 23, 2022, in Baghdad, Iraq. The meeting brought together representatives from the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, the KRG MOPE, members of ISFs Joint Operations Command - Iraq as well as leaders and military advisors from Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. Participants discussed joint operations in areas of mutual security interest and joint counterterrorism operations in areas where ISIS remnants remain. Lile is the command sergeant major for CJTF-OIR. Ducich is the Director of CJTF-OIRs Military Advisory Group.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director, Air National Guard, presents a coin of excellence to Capt. Tracy Pumford for her outstanding work as the Wing executive assistant while serving as a KC-135 pilot, 168th Wing, Alaska National Guard, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, August 9, 2022. During Lohs visit to the 168th Wing, he had the opportunity to speak with Guardsmen who serve in the Arctic and recognize them for their work.

Members from Idahos Joint Forces Headquarters and the 124th Fighter Wing tour the Idaho Youth Challenge Academy, Oct. 21, 2022 in Pierce, Idaho. IDYCA is a state-run, quasi-military, in-residence, alternative highschool program focused on rehabilitating at-risk youth.

Vice-Admiral Erik Czerniak, Head of the Operations Division; US Army Colonel Ross A. Witters, US Army Europe and Africa Command Surgeon; and Col Paul E Carsen, Commanding Officer of the Deployed Warrior Medical Management Center, visit Landstuhl Regional Medical Center on June 27, 2023. The visit aims to refresh the enduring interoperable capability between U.S. and French medical forces and engage in discussions on mutual areas of interest.

U.S. Air Force Col. Steven L. Campbell, outgoing commander of the 156th Operations Group renders his last salute as commander in a at Punta Salinas Air Guard Station, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, Jan. 22, 2023. Command of the group passed from Col. Steven Campbell, outgoing commander, to Col. Juan García, incoming commander.

Col. Michael A. Cooper, commander of the 123rd Medical Group, retires from military service during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 11, 2022. Cooper served for 30 years in the Kentucky Army National Guard, Air Force Reserve and Kentucky Air National Guard.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander coins Nebraska Air National Guard members for exceptional performance at the Tunisia International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition 2022 in Hammamet, Tunisia, Oct. 12, 2022. Support to the Tunisia IADE is the embodiment of U.S. Africa Command's dedication to its African partners.

220429-N-SU685-0024 KADENA AIR BASE, Japan - Commander, United States Forces, Japan, Lt. Gen. Ricky N. Rupp discusses the capabilities of the P-8A Poseidon with Lt. Cmdr. Jacob Clark, Patrol Squadron (VP) 5s Operations Officer at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan Apr. 29, 2022. The Mad Foxes of VP-5 are based out of Jacksonville, Florida, and currently operating out of Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and security cooperation operations throughout the C7F AOR. The advanced capabilities of the P-8A Poseidon enable the Mad Foxes to perform anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and search and rescue (SAR) missions.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes General William Arnulfo López Chay, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of National Defense of Guatemala and other dignitaries to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 28, 2022. During the visit, General López attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, spoke with Class 62 students and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

COL. Morris, John A. Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Stands at parade rest after uncasing their colors at Powidz, 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. Air Force Gen. James Hecker, U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, meets with Col. Norbert Chojnacki deputy commander of 2nd tactical wing (left), Gen. Jarosław Mika, Commander of Polands Armed Forces General Command, Commander Mika (middle) and Maj Gen Jacek Pszczoła, Inspector of the Polish Air Force, after landing at Łask Air Base, Poland, Aug. 5, 2022. U.S. Air Force Gen. James Hecker, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, visited the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask, Poland, to welcome 12 U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors forward deploying from the 90th Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The Raptor is a critical component of the global strike Task Force, and is designed to project air dominance, rapidly and at great distances to defeat threats.

U.S. Army Capt. Walker Wood, executive officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Infantry Division Artillery, re-enlists U.S. Army Spc. Damien Cochran, assigned to HHB, 1st DIVARTY, at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, July 1, 2022. The 1st DIVARTY is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Justin Apticar (left), 19th Air Force command chief, and Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart (center), 19th Air Force commander, listens as Maj. Trevor Johnson (right), 85th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, talks about flight simulators at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Oct. 4, 2022. Johnson explained the tools the 47th Operations Group utilizes to produce combat-ready pilots.

Maj. Gen. Tod Hunt, The Adjutant General of North Carolina hands the brigade colors to Col. Benny Collins during the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade change of command ceremony on Dec. 4, 2022 in Morrisville, NC. (Photo by US Army Sgt. Hannah Tarkelly)

Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of the Staff for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, speaks to reporters during a U.S. Army Pacific and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force press conference at Camp Amami, Kagoshima, Japan, Sept. 8. The JGSDF chief of staff and Gen. Charles A. Flynn, the commander of U.S. Army Pacific, discussed the U.S.-Japan alliance, the partnership and interoperability between the JGSDF and the U.S. Army, and regional security.

U.S. Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew Lombardo, the 14th Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Reserve, speaks with Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Bowen at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait May 11, 2022. CSM Lombardo visits Kuwait as the USAR Command Sergeant Major to speak with his troops abroad.

Throughout the days and nights of Oct. 24th through Oct. 26th, 2022, four planes full of National Guard Soldiers arrived at Fort Bliss, Texas, after a yearlong deployment overseas. Leadership from Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Florida, shook the hands of more than 1,000 Soldiers to welcome them home upon their arrival. The majority of the Soldiers are from the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team headquartered in Boise, Idaho, with components in Montana, Nevada and Oregon. Soldiers from the Florida National Guard joined the deployment as an augmentation. The Soldiers returned home from Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield and were part of Task Force Griz, which deployed last November.

Family and friends congratulate Lt. Col. Todd Hudson, 152nd Airlift Wing Chief of Safety and Nevada Air National Guard C-130 navigator, as Hudson finishes his final flight at the Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nev., June 25, 2022. Hudson is set to become the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) commander at North Valleys High School in Reno.

The 2022 Minnesota National Guard Women's Leadership Forum was held at General Mills headquarters in Golden Valley, Sept. 17, 2022. Throughout the day, Minnesota National Guard service members participated in professional development, education and mentorship."A priority for the Minnesota National Guard is partnerships," said Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard. "And General Mills' support demonstrates our shared partnership and the depth of our shared partnership and common goal of diversity and inclusion and the desire to really lift women up." (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

(From Left to Right) U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark A. Milley, U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli and U.S. Air Force Gen. Tod D. Wolters stand at attention for the playing of the Armed Forces Medley during a change of command ceremony for U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, on July 1, 2022. Upon taking command from Wolters, Cavoli assumed responsibility for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. USEUCOM is comprised of more than 64,000 permanently assigned military and civilian personnel and works closely with NATO Allies and Partners.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Justin Seals, smiles during a chief master sergeant release ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dec. 9,2022. Air Force officials selected 514 senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant, out of 2,526 eligible, for a selection rate of 20.34 percent in the 22E9 promotion cycle.

Hungarian Ground Forces Brig. Gen. János Somogyi, left, and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John C. Harris, Jr., right, Adjutant General, Ohio National Guard, take a moment to chat during joint-training exercise Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 14, 2022. Harris toured Camp Grayling with Somogyi to observe the massive exercise, which fielded over 2,000 Ohio and Michigan National Guard Soldiers, building interoperability and cohesion between the two allied forces.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, commanding general of U.S. Army Central (center), meets with Soldiers from 449th Aviation Support Battalion, "Task Force Dark Horse," and 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Brigade, General Support Aviation Battalion, "Task Force Roosevelt," both assigned to the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, 36th Infantry Division, during a visit at an aircraft maintenance facility on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 17, 2022. 36th CAB, mobilized as Task Force Mustang, is deployed in support of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist, and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of Daesh, the common Arabic term for IS or ISIS, within designated areas of Iraq and Syria.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Bryan Meraz, 23rd Security Forces Squadron standardization and evaluation section chief, left, issues an M-4 Carbine training weapon to Senior Airman Cody Holmes, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron electrical systems journeyman, during exercise Agile Flag 22-2 at Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia, July 21, 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.

Col. Barry Little, vice commander of the 20th Air Force, passes down a captain rank that he received when he promoted to captain to Capt. Cory Sylvester, squadron command post commander with the 320th Missile Squadron, June 12, 2022, at the Bravo-01 missile alert facility near Harrisburg, Nebraska. After passing down the rank, Little asked Sylvester to pass the rank down again in the future.

Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle, the U.S. Army Surgeon General and Commanding General of U.S. Army Medical Command, recently visited Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sept. 23, 2022, during a battlefield circulation. He also met with Soldiers of 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and the 531st Hospital Center, to discuss operational readiness and partnerships with surrounding medical centers.

1st Sgt. Jaime Natividad, First Sergeant of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry hands the unit colors to a Soldier during a change of responsibility ceremony at Ft. Carson, Colo., May 16. During the ceremony, 1st Sgt. Christopher Price relinquished responsibility of the company to 1st Sgt. Jaime Natividad. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Jason Elmore.

220330-N-KB401-1031 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (March 30, 2022) -- SEAC Ramón Colón-López, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, meets with Capt. Melvin Smith, commodore, Submarine Squadron 1 prior to a tour of the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) on the pier during a visit to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. SEAC Colón-López is visiting multiple commands to speak with Sailors that support maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command Commander and Chief Master Sgt. Jacob C. Simmons, Space Operations Command Senior Enlisted Leader, visit the Clear Space Force Station Fire Department to hear from the Clear Team members on their operations and wellbeing. The Clear Space Force members provide strategic missile warning, missile defense, and Upgraded Early Warning Radar as an integral part of deterrence in support of Homeland Defense. Clear SFS is home to Arctic Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 13th and 213th Space Warning Squadrons and 268th Security Forces, providing 24/7 missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness.

Leaders of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Nighthawk, meet with leaders of their ally and partner coalition forces in preparation for KFOR 31 in Hohenfels Training Area in Germany on Oct. 4, 2022. KFOR 31 is a multinational training event conducted to prepare units for their deployment to the Kosovo Regional Command East.

United Arab Emirates troops from the 11th Mountain Battalion are greeted by U.S. Army Security Force Assistance Brigade Soldiers upon arriving at Fort Johnson, Louisiana, Jan. 6, 2024, to participate in Joint Readiness Training Center rotation 24-03. JRTC and Fort Johnson train Brigade Combat Teams to conduct large scale operations on a decisive action battlefield against a near-peer threat with multi-domain capabilities. JRTC and the Combat Training Center platform continue to evolve in order to challenge Soldiers, Leaders, and IBCTs in the most realistic, demanding, rigorous battlefield environment. Last year, UAE became the first partner from the CENTCOM region to have a company level unit participate in a training rotation. This year, UAE returned to conduct air-assault operations alongside the 101st Airborne Division, premier air-assault force in the world.

Lt. Col. Jarrod Knapp, 694th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group deputy commander, gives the outgoing commander his final salute during a change of command at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, 8 July, 2022. The change of command ceremony is deeply rooted in military tradition that dates back to the reign of King Frederick of Prussia and has persisted into modern day.

From left, Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) Master Sgt. Mandaa Bayarsukh, Air Force Command translator, and MAF Sgt. Maj. Namjildorj Battumur, Air Force Command, speak with U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. David Wolfe, Pacific Air Forces command chief, at the Senior Enlisted Leader International Summit 2022 in Washington, D.C., on August 1, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass hosted SELIS to reaffirm the USAFs enduring commitment to work alongside Allies and partners throughout the international community to overcome shared challenges.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tom James, left, commander of the Joint Task Force-Space Defense, removes the Army patches from the uniform of U.S. Space Force Master Sgt. Maurice Erickson, right, 1st Sgt. for the JTF-SD, during an interservice transfer ceremony at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, Sept. 21, 2022. James presided over the ceremony and administered the oath of enlistment to Erickson as he transferred into the U.S. Space Force

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III (right) is greeted by (right to left) U.S. Air Force Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, Brig. Gen. Joshua Olson, 86th Airlift Wing commander and 86 AW Command Chief Master Sgt. Charmaine Kelley, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 25, 2022. Secretary Austin invited Ministers of Defense and senior military officials to Ramstein this week to discuss the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and various issues facing U.S. allies and partners.

More than 600 personnel from the Idaho National Guards largest unit deployed August 9 and 10 in support of Operation Spartan Shield in Southwest Asia. The 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Teams Task Force Rattler trained for more than two years in anticipation of this mobilization. Idaho Soldiers will comprise nearly 65 percent of the task force during this rotation, and will include other Soldiers from Montana, Ohio, Oregon and South Carolina. OSS is a joint mission under the United States Central Command and is part of Operation Enduring Freedom. OSS is an ongoing operation and supported primarily by Army National Guard combat units from across the country. The deployment is anticipated to last approximately 12 months and is the second rotation the 116th CBCT is supporting. The first task force deployed in November 2021 and will return in October. The Soldiers mobilizing Wednesday will receive 45 days of additional training stateside before deploying overseas.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart, 19th Air Force commander, greets Airmen at the 54th Operations Support Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Sep. 28, 2022. Aircrew flight equipment Airmen supported Stewart by preparing and fitting his flight gear for an F-16 Viper familiarization flight

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. engages with Airmen during a tour at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 1, 2022. Gen. Brown visited the base to meet with Airmen and experience first-hand the innovative ways they're advancing the mission.

U.S. Air Force Col. Evaristo Orengo III., 156th Wing commander, presents the guidon to U.S. Air Force Col. Juan Garcia, the incoming commander of the 156th Operations Group, during a change of command ceremony at Punta Salinas, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, Jan. 22, 2023. Command of the group passed from Col. Steven Campbell, outgoing commander, to Col. Juan García, incoming commander, during the January regularly scheduled drill.

Major General Stephen Maranian of the 56th Artillery Command was the guest speaker during a HIMARS procurement ceremony at the Tapa military base in Estonia. MG Maranian highlighted the importance of the United States-Estonia security partnership during the event and praised Estonia for its commitment to NATOs collective defense.Estonia is a tremendous ally that is demonstrating, once again, a clear commitment to our collective defense. Estonias leadership in providing military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine is laudable. The United States is proud to partner with Estonia as it acquires this advanced artillery system. It will make the Estonian Defense Forces more capable, more lethal, and better able to defend Estonia and the entire NATO Alliance.https://ee.usembassy.gov/2023-01-06/

Master Sgt. Erik Larson, boom operator assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing, explains the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft boom simulator to the Lithuanian Air Force senior leadership during their visit to the 171st ARW March 22, 2023, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania National Guard and Lithuania have partnered through the National Guards State Partnership Program since 1993.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Dean Schulz, commanding officer for Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, speaks to army personnel during exercise Vista Forge in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 2, 2022. Exercise Vista Forge was a joint annual exercise in which Army forces directed a series of exercises that brought together local, State, and Department of Defense, capabilities across the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear response enterprise across the U.S. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo SSgt. Jacqueline Clifford)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke A. Pirak, right, deputy director of the Air National Guard (ANG) is introduced to Austrian Maj. Gen. Norbert Huber, center, defense, military, naval, and air attaché, by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight, left, adjutant general of Vermont, at the Vermont ANG Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 11, 2022. Pirak, who assists the ANG director in managing the 108,300 members in the ANG, made the visit during a Vermont National Guard open house, which was also attended by representatives from Austria who have recently signed a State Partnership Program agreement with Vermont.

Col. David Chauvin, Chief of Staff, Nevada Air National Guard, and Col. Evan J. Kirkwood, incoming 152 AW commander, stand at attention during an assumption of command ceremony at the Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nevada, October 15, 2022. Kirkwood has been with the Nevada Air National Guard since enlisting as an Airman Basic in 1994 and has progressed through various career fields and command positions.

A Swedish soldier listens during a brief by U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID) during Winter Strike 22, a command post exercise held in Bolesławiec, Poland, Dec. 12, 2022. The 1 ID is working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek C. France, Third Air Force commander, speaks with Airmen from the 39th Air Base Wing during his visit to Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Jan 27, 2023. Maj. Gen. France traveled to Incirlik AB to meet with Airmen, experience the wings Larger than Life weekend and observe how they support Third Air Force, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, and U.S. European Command objectives. Third Air Force issues directives to subordinate commands and takes action on behalf of the USAFE-AFAFRICA commander as directed. The command takes deliberate actions to develop Airmen and their families, 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.

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