← Military & Defence

Military Personnel Portraits

Candid portraits of military personnel in various uniforms, showcasing distinct poses against natural and structured backgrounds. The images convey a sense of pride and readiness.

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division participate in Squad Lanes for the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, GA, July 28, 2022. During the Best Squad Competition, competitors were tested on a wide range of subjects including land navigation, marksmanship, casualty care, physical fitness, small-unit tactics and endurance.

Spc. Adam Marcus, Virginia Army National Guard HHC 229 BEB, poses for a candid portrait during the 2022 National Guard Bureau Region 2 Best Warrior Competition, held May 17-20, 2022, at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia. The Best Warrior Competition is a physically and mentally challenging three-day competition that tests competitors on a wide range of technical and tactical skills relevant to todays combat operating environment. Region 2 consists of competitors from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional winners from across the nation will advance to compete at the national-level competition this summer.

1st Lt. Adam 'Joey' Martin, an operation security officer assigned to the 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", is preparing for a deployment to the Middle East, Fort Cavazos, Texas, Feb. 21, 2024. In his free time, Martin enjoys exercising and he joined the military to continue a tradition of family service. (Minnesota National Guard

Spc. Tyler Dubovich, West Virginia Army National Guard HHT 1st Squadron 150th Cavalry Regiment, poses for a candid portrait during the 2022 National Guard Bureau Region 2 Best Warrior Competition, held May 17-20, 2022, at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia. The Best Warrior Competition is a physically and mentally challenging three-day competition that tests competitors on a wide range of technical and tactical skills relevant to todays combat operating environment. Region 2 consists of competitors from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional winners from across the nation will advance to compete at the national-level competition this summer.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Gabriel Rizo, a fire direction control leader with 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, poses for a photo at Artillery Firing Area 30 on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 6, 2022. Live-fire exercises with High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems are conducted in order to enhance the tactical and operational readiness of 1st MarDiv Marines for exercises and real-world operations.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Marvin Gutierrez, 17th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron physical therapy and optometry flight chief, stands in front of the 17th Medical Group command section. Gurierrez has worked as an Air Force opthomalic for over 15 years.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tyler Chenault, facility operations NCO, U.S. Army Regional Correctional Activity-Europe, stands in front of cell five inside the U.S. Army Regional Correctional Facility-Europe, after giving a demonstration of restraining a combative prisoner at Sembach Kaserne, Germany, Nov. 22, 2022.

Spc. Tyler Watters of the Illinois Army National Guard 445th Chemical Company is awarded the Military Medal of Valor Oct. 14, 2022 at the MidAmerica Readiness Center in Shiloh, Illinois. Watters and two other volunteers helped save the life of a man severely injured in a single-vehicle accident on Interstate 55 in Lincoln March 13. To me, selfless service means that I volunteered to put others above myself," Watters said. "His life matters and the world doesn’t revolve around me or one individual. When things like that happen, someone has to do something. It’s my moral duty to help someone when they need it.” (Illinois National Guard photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Trenton Fouche)

Airman 1st Class Joshua Hill, 437th Operations Support Squadron airfield management shift lead, poses for a photo on the flightline at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, August 19, 2022. The 437th OSS is directly responsible for airfield management, life support services, flight records management, weather and intelligence support, airlift scheduling, tactical employment and aircrew training for approximately 1,400 active and reserve personnel.

U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Paul Hefner, 20th Fighter Wing chaplain, smiles for a photo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 22, 2022. Hefner earned the Edwin R. Chess Award as the outstanding Company Grade Officer Chaplain within the U.S. Air Force for 2021.

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division participate in Squad Lanes for the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, GA, July 28, 2022. During the Best Squad Competition, competitors were tested on a wide range of subjects including land navigation, marksmanship, casualty care, physical fitness, small-unit tactics and endurance.

Boston (July 07, 2022) Logistics Speacialist 2nd Class Meaghan Wise earns basic interpretive historian onboard USS Constitution. USS Constitution, is the worlds oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. During normal operations, the active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people a year as they support the ships mission of promoting the Navys history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Darry Cross, Marine Corps Detachment Goodfellow senior enlisted advisor, poses for photo in front of the U.S. and U.S. Marine Corps flags, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, August 1, 2022. Cross enlisted into the Marine Corps in 2003, graduating later that year from the Naval Technical Training Center as an electronic signals intelligence operator.

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. - Master Sgt. Mathue B. Snow, 78th Security Forces Squadron, is awarded the Bronze Star Medal at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 9, 2022. Snow was decorated for actions during the Jan. 5th, 2020, complex attack on Manda Bay, Kenya, where one American Soldier and two Department of Defense civilian contractors lost their lives, and six U.S. aircraft and one Kenyan aircraft were destroyed.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Caden Soper, 492nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit avionics technician and one of the 2022 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year, poses for a photo at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 28, 2022. An Air Force selection board at the Air Forces Personnel Center considered 36 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and Headquarters Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Dustin Schwarts, 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron patrolman, supports Medic Rodeo 2022 at Melrose Air Force Range, N.M., Aug. 6, 2022. Security Forces Airmen provided security for a total of 16 Air Force medical teams from around the world during Medic Rodeo. The 27th Special Operations Wing Medic Rodeo 2022 tests the skills of medical professionals from across the Air Force through a series of innovative, high-pressure scenarios.

220413-N-TH560-0196 MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (April 13, 2022) Airman Elijah Huffman, from Paterson, N.J., poses for a photo during a Navy Personnel Command (NPC) Fleet Engagement Team event at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. Huffman enlisted in the Navy in 2020 as part of the Professional Apprenticeship Career Tracks (PACT) program and earned the Yeoman rating at the event, April 13, 2022. The Fleet Engagement Team, consisting of enlisted community managers, rating specialists and detailers from NPC, worked one-on-one with PACT Sailors in Japan to provide career counseling, designate ratings and negotiate orders on site.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman October Christen-Malone, 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron airfield management, explains the best part about coming to a new location to stand up a new airfield during Operation Agile Spartan III at an undisclosed location, September 5, 2022. It's incredibly unique here. The pavement we have to work with hasn't been touched in a while. We get to work with unique infrastructure that is not something we've seen before and its cool to work with. We've got ample parking space for any type of aircraft that we need, and we get to create a new parking plan, new operations and new contingencies for whatever happens. The best part has been to go from seeing this space covered in rocks, and a hangar door stuck open, to a ramp full of fighter jets. We're ready to rock and roll.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman October Christen-Malone, 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron airfield management, explains the best part about coming to a new location to stand up a new airfield during Operation Agile Spartan III at an undisclosed location, September 5, 2022. It's incredibly unique here. The pavement we have to work with hasn't been touched in a while. We get to work with unique infrastructure that is not something we've seen before and its cool to work with. We've got ample parking space for any type of aircraft that we need, and we get to create a new parking plan, new operations and new contingencies for whatever happens. The best part has been to go from seeing this space covered in rocks, and a hangar door stuck open, to a ramp full of fighter jets. We're ready to rock and roll.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Hayden Rife, engineer assistant, Headquarters and Support (H&S) Battalion , Marine Corps Installations East, stands guard at a barricade during Exercise Urgent Response on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2022. H&S Battalion Marines conducted identification checks and established vehicle control points in support of Exercise Urgent Response, an installation-wide exercise that plans for and executes anti-terrorism response procedures.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Emiliano Terrazas, an ordnance technician with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, poses for a photo at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug. 8, 2022. HMLA-167 trained with U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Air National Guard units during joint exercise Northern Strike 22-2. HMLA-167 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

220510-A-ST150-GR22-Photo 176// U.S. Army Reservist Spc. Christian Cote, a public affairs specialist with the 372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, scans the environment before photographing a platoon-level decontamination team responding to a simulated nuclear disaster at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Ind., May 5, 2022. The simulated nuclear disaster is a part of Guardian Response, a multi-component Homeland Emergency Response Exercise conducted by the Army Reserves 78th Training Division.

Illinois Army National Guard Spc. Miguel Valente is shown at a site housing asylum seekers in Chicago. Governor JB Pritzker issued an emergency disaster proclamation on Sept. 14 and activated approximately 75 members of the Illinois National Guard to ensure all state resources are available to support asylum seekers arriving nearly daily to Chicago from the State of Texas. The proclamation enables the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and other state agencies, in close coordination with the City of Chicago, Cook County, and other local governments, to ensure the individuals and families receive the assistance they need. This includes transport, emergency shelter and housing, food, health screenings, medical assessments, treatments, and other necessary care and services.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, command chief, Air National Guard, engages with Airmen of the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri National Guard at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 10, 2022. The all-call focused on readiness, taking care of Airmen and the health of the force.

U.S Air Force Airman 1st Class Jose Quintero, an air transportation specialist with the 62d Aerial Port Squadron, participates in a Hispanic Heritage Month campaign at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 20, 2022. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices Hispanics have made to the United States in all walks of life.

Maj. Kahli Gorski gives a speech at her assumption of command ceremony, June, 5, 2022, Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. This is Gorskis first command position, where she will serve as commander of the 124th Communications Squadron.

U.S. Navy Senior Chief Hull Maintenance Technician Johnny Brannen, senior enlisted leader assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 1 (MSRON 1) stands on the deck of a Sea Ark patrol boat during Exercise Bull Shark in the Gulf of Aden. Exercise Bull Shark, led by Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, is a joint training between U.S. service members and partner forces to strengthen personnel recovery capabilities and interoperability in support of the Warfighter Recovery Network Initiative throughout Africa.

021120-M-1037T-023. Base: Camp Mu Juk Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: 2ND BN 7TH MARINES

Caucasian soldier in uniform

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Bryanna Deshaies, Joint Task Force Bravo protocol Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge, poses for a photo at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras on 13 Oct, 2022. Deshaies and her team are responsible for the success of events involving JTF-B Headquarters.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joshua Knauber, a recruiter with Recruiting Sub-Station Lake Forest, Recruiting Station Orange County, poses for a photo after conducting an interview at RSS Lake Forest, California on June 16, 2022. The Recruiters of Orange County come from many different backgrounds and situations, but they all enjoy helping young men and women answer their call to serve.

U.S Navy Lt. j.g. Madeline Angeli, USS Porter (DDG 78) assistant operations officer, poses for a photo aboard the USS Porter during African Lion 2022, in Agadir, Morocco, June 28, 2022. AL22 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, combined annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner-nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

Tech. Sgt. John Pela Cruz, 319th Missile Squadron missile alert facility manager, introduces himself at Striker Stripe, May 9, 2022 at Barksdale Air Force Base. Striker Stripe is an event hosted by Air Force Global Strike Command to familiarize Airmen with the complexities of the strategic environment while thinking critically through challenges and providing real-time solutions across the air, land, sea, cyber and information domains.

Airman Fatima Sohail, a security forces apprentice assigned to the 39th Security Forces Squadron, poses for a portrait during a training exercise on Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The 39th SFS provides cutting edge force protection for Incirlik AB and its geographically separated units in Turkey including flightline security, law enforcement services and support for numerous contingency operations in Europe and Asia. Prior to joining their operational flight, new members assigned to the 39th SFS participate in a 5-day field training exercise to assess each Airmans ability to execute baseline security tactics, techniques and procedures needed for securing NATOs Southern Flank. On the final day of the exercise, defenders showcase all of their new training with a ruck run, simulated tactical casualty combat care scenario, active shooter response scenarios, and conclude by securing a protective aircraft structure. Once the Airmen complete this training exercise, theyre given the official 39th

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Nathaniel Hodges, an ordnance technician with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, poses for a photo at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug. 7, 2022. HMLA-167 trained with U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Air National Guard units during joint exercise Northern Strike 22-2. HMLA-167 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Air Force Airman Riley Holland, 60th Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection specialist, stands in front of a fire truck at Travis Air Force Base, California, Sept. 14, 2022. The 60th CES started wearing a morale patch in support of Suicide Prevention Month.

Spc. Caleb Nawman, combat medic, U.S. Army Health Clinic Wiesbaden and native of Dayton, Ohio, competes in Regional Health Command Europe's Best Leader Competition, May 24, for a chance to advance and represent Army Medicine Europe at the U.S. Army Medical Command Best Leader Competition later this summer.

Spc. Nicholas Vespia recently began a Personnel Force Innovation tour at Crane Army, serving as a personnel specialist in CAAAs staff directorate. A Soldier in the Army Reserve, Vespia has never lived on an Army installation but is experiencing life working on a military base at Naval Support Activity, Crane. | Photo by Lindsay Grant, Crane Army Ammunition Activity Public Affairs Office

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. George Kiszlo, 390th Intelligence Squadron flight chief, weapons and tactics from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was selected as the 18th Wings Supervisor of the Month at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Supervisor of the Month program is an opportunity for outstanding non-commissioned officers to be recognized by KAB leadership as well as showcase these leaders to their peers.

U.S. Army Sgt. Summer Keiser, a public affairs mass communications specialist assigned to 3rd Infantry Division, poses for a photo during a promotion ceremony at the main gate static display on Fort Stewart, Georgia, August 9, 2022. The static display holds an OH-58 Kiowa, one of thirty helicopters Keisers uncle, Michael Touchet, oversaw in his time with 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd ID, and Keiser chose the spot to honor his service and continue her family legacy in military service and public affairs. The ceremony recognized and honored Keiser for her hard work and dedication to the Army, as well as celebrating her promotion from specialist to sergeant.

220819-N-AS200-5549 LAGUNA PEAK, Calif. (Aug. 19, 2022) - Air Traffic Controller Petty Officer 2nd Class Telena Jenkins reenlists Aug 19. NBVC is a strategically located Naval installation composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island. NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2C Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

U.S. Army Sgt. Jennifer Johnson, a religious affairs non-commissioned officer assigned to the 34th Infantry Division "Red Bulls" poses for a portrait at Fort Cavazos, Texas Feb. 28, 2024. She is one of the chaplain assistants going to the Middle East to participate in Operation Spartan Shield. (Minnesota National Guard

Congratulations to Tech. Sgt. Nathaniel Green on being Airlifter of the Week!As the 374th Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms NCO in charge, Green is the subject matter expert on weapons training, tactics, and operability for over 12K Yokota personnel. Green also supported 90 Camp Zama personnel on weapons qualifications and managed Camp Fuji heavy-weapons qualifications for 25 defenders, enabling readiness capability for the wing. Were proud to have him as our Airlifter of the Week, Congratulations!

Staff Sgt. Chun Jiang, 15th Operations Support Squadron airfield management operations supervisor, supports a 24-hour mission to ensure flight line operations are safely and successfully accomplished at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 20, 2022. Airfield management Airmen are responsible for reporting discrepancies, enabling the continuation of over 6,000 flights per quarter.

The 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division kicks off their Week of the Warrior competition May 2, 2022 on Camp Casey, Republic of Korea. The first day consisted of an Army Combat Fitness Test, land navigation, Engagement Skills Trainer scenario engagements, and Combat Water Survival Training.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dylan Hudson, 316th Training Squadron apprentice signals collection course noncommissioned officer in charge, poses for a photo at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 27, 2022. Hudson was selected as the 17th Training Wing Member of the Month for the work he did to advance how intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance students learn. (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Zachary Heimbuch)

I joined the Marine Corps to better myself as a person and to create stronger friendships. I really like the mental and physical toughness the Marine Corps provides, because it challenges me to get better and stronger. Ive made brothers and sisters in the time Ive been in and I wouldnt trade them for anything else. Im glad I joined because its given me opportunities I never thought Id get.Private First Class Jefferey Lydickbatesting is a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group stationed out of Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. Pfc. Lydickbatesting is a Caldwell, Idaho native and graduated from Amador High school, 2020.

MARGATE, Fla. (Feb. 8, 2024) Aviation Ordnance 2nd Class Nicole Lamb, attached to Navy Talent Acquisition Talent Group (NTAG) Miami, poses for a photo inside Navy Recruiting Station Margate. Lamb is highlighted as recruiter in the spotlight or her performance within her first year at the command. NTAG Miami, has 38 recruiting locations throughout South Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with the combined mission to recruit the highest caliber Sailors to meet the needs of the Fleet. Navy

Sgt. 1st Class Julissa Artis is serving as a human resources specialist for the 59th Ordnance Brigade based at Fort Lee, Virginia. Reflecting on the importance of celebrating diversity, she observed, "The Army has so many people who belong to so many different cultures. We're all from these different nooks and crannies of the world, and we want to be seen and heard."

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jenna Buckley, a Security Forces Airman from the 171th Air Refueling Wing, Coraopolis, Penn., provides aircraft security on the flightline during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 13, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

U.S. Army Sgt. Shannon Fountain, 92nd Military Police Company, 18th Military Police Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, smiles before reenlisting at the Womens Equality Day ceremony at Sembach Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany, August 26, 2022.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Addison B. Lukfin-Collier, an armor officer assigned to Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, stands in front the squadron headquarters building on Fort Polk, Louisiana, July 1, 2020, after graduating from U.S. Army Ranger school. Lufkin-Collier endured four months of vigorous physical and mental training at Fort Benning, Georgia.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alfred Roman Lozada, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration journeyman, explains the vital role that his familys legacy of service has played in his Air Force career at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, August 23, 2022. "The best part of being in the Air Force is serving, honestly. My brother is in the Navy, and it's just the two of us serving in my family right now. My dad was in the Army, so serving in the military was generational in my family. I wanted to follow my dads footsteps a little bit. I saw his pictures growing up, with all of his ropes and all that stuff. It always looked like something that I would want to do. Now I feel like I'm adding on to my legacy because I have a nephew and a niece."

Approximately 80 Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers with the 1st Battalion of the 148th Field Artillery Regiment, along with counterparts from several states to include California, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin are training with the Royal Moroccan Army in the northern Sahara Desert as part of African Lion 22. Idahos battalion, from the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team and headquartered in Pocatello, left the United States June 18 for the two-week exercise overseas with the international partner. Idaho Soldiers spent the first week preparing for the combined arms live-fire multinational mission that is the primary focus of the second week and conducted annual crew certification on the M109A6 Howitzer. During the exercise, the battalion provided ground support with preparatory and destructive fires, as well as obscuration using white smoke fires. At the end of the two-week exercise, the Idaho National Guard and the four counterpart states will conduct the combined arms live-fire mu

smiling US soldier smoking a cigarette

during the 2022 National Guard Bureau Region 2 Best Warrior Competition, held May 17-20, 2022, at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia. The Best Warrior Competition is a physically and mentally challenging three-day competition that tests competitors on a wide range of technical and tactical skills relevant to todays combat operating environment. Region 2 consists of competitors from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional winners from across the nation will advance to compete at the national-level competition this summer.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Matthew Smith, landing support specialist, Landing Support Battalion, 2nd Combat Logistics Regiment, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (MLG), conducts equipment and vehicle checks during railhead operations at the Morehead and South Fork Railroad in Morehead City, North Carolina, Aug. 17, 2022. 2nd MLG Marines partnered with Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Distribution Management Office Marines and civilians for successful embarkation and movement of II Marine Expeditionary Force equipment for an upcoming exercises. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Makayla Elizalde)

Sgt. Dean Santos, an environmental health technician at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and native of San Antonio, competes in Regional Health Command Europe's Best Leader Competition, May 24, for a chance to advance and represent Army Medicine Europe at the U.S. Army Medical Command Best Leader Competition later this summer.

U.S. Navy Lt. Jesus Dominguez, battalion chaplain with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, poses for a photo on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 10, 2022. Lt. Dominguez was awarded the Professional Naval Chaplaincy Excellence Award for outstanding performance that exemplifies professional Navy chaplaincy. We live life humbly as Chaplains, so receiving this award represents the collective support we have from our Religious Program Specialists and Chaplain mentors across the service.A true Marine at heart, Lt. Dominguez embraced the calling to become a U.S. Navy Chaplain and fulfill a duty he had long been searching for. I was a Marine for 15 years and as an jet engine mechanic, so right away at Joint Strike Fighter Wing, I connected with the Marines stationed there in a way that no other Chaplain could, which I believe can be a bit difficult at times, so Im grateful to have had that previous experience that allowed me to develop relationships with the Marines.Lt. Dom

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. James Graves Jr., 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron heavy equipment operator, poses for a photo at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, July 14, 2022. Graves uses the life lessons he's learned from his mother and father to better himself and those around him. Joining the Air Force was in my blood. Both my parents served, my dad did 34 years and retired last year and my mom did 28 years. I was just following in their footsteps. My dad loves and is proud of the career path that Ive chosen. I call back to him almost every week and talk to him about the jobs that Im doing," Graves said. I strive to be better than I was yesterday, which is a lot of what he instilled into me growing up, along with responsibility and integrity. I try to make my dad proud every day.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jaila Cruz, 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron retail sales supply technician, wins Marauder of the Week at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Oct 21, 2022. At first, I didn’t want to go but after speaking to people and changing my mindset, I ended up volunteering to go and it made me feel like I did the right thing."

Walter Reed observed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a special ceremony in Clark Auditorium on Friday, Jan. 12Retired Navy Master Chief Clinton A. Garrett Sr., served as guest speaker for the event. Army Sgt. Ieisha Wright performed the national anthem kicking off the program, and Navy Capt. (Dr.) Kelly Elmore, Walter Reed chief of staff, provided the opening remarks.Also, during the program, Theresa Lavoie, Walter Reeds assistant chief of staff, encouraged those in attendance to remember Dr. Kings legacy, and that MLK Day, which this year falls on his actual birthday, Jan. 15, should be observed as a day of community service and as a day on and not a day off.

Cpl. Oscar Cantu poses next to an AH-64 Apache aircraft at Storck Barracks, Germany, April 14, 2022. Cpl. Cantu has been selected to receive the CW4 Bob Wylie Award for AH64 Apache Aircraft maintenance excellence.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Thomas Feuerborn, a cyberspace warfare operator with I Marine Expeditionary Forces Defensive Cyber Operations Internal Defensive Measures (DCO-IDM) team, poses for a photo at 9th Communication Battalion on Camp Pendleton, California June 29, 2022. I MEFs DCO-IDM team won the Deputy Commandant for Information (DC I), Marine Corps Capture the Flag Cyber Games 2022.

Capt. Christopher Anumata, from Ibo, Nigeria, a chaplain at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), poses for a photo in the chapel at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Oct. 6, 2022. WRNMMCs clergy were being celebrated in honor of Clergy Appreciation Day. Clergy Appreciation Day is a National holiday to recognize the work of ministers, pastors, and priests. (DOD photo by Ricardo J. Reyes)

Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Smith laughs with Soldiers before the start of land navigation, an event part of Best Warrior 2022 on Fort McCoy, Wisconsin on May 15, 2022. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation travelled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Warrior Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022. The 2022 BWBSC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of NCO of the Year, Soldier of the Year and Best Squad among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jonathan E. Goad, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit poses for a photo on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan July 22, 2022. Goad is a native of Cookeville, Tennessee. 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.

NORFOLK, Va. (Sep. 30, 2022) U.S. Fleet Forces Fleet Master Chief John Perryman wears the Navy's new two-piece organizational clothing. The two-piece organizational clothing will begin roll out later this year.

U.S. Army Paratrooper assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, waits to be inspected before an Airborne operation during "Devil Strike" at Fort Bragg, N.C., Sep. 14, 2022. Operation "Devil Strike" is a field training exercise meant to validate the tactical readiness of the brigade and ensure efficiency in combat operations.

Georgia Air National Guardsman, Tech. Sgt. Dan MacPherson, a flight engineer from the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, exits the flight line from on September 11, 2022 in Savannah, Georgia after a large scale formation sortie. Over the last 18 months, the entire 165th AW fleet of C-130H aircraft was modernized with NP-2000 eight blade propellers and T-56 3.5 engines. The wing showcased the modernization during a 6-ship syrchronization and flight.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Desirae Williams assigned to Headquarters Company, Division Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division poses for the camera during a vehicle inventory at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Sept. 26, 2022. Williams has served in the U.S. Army for 13 years.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Dominique Craig, a combat marksmanship coach assigned to 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, poses for a photo during an all-female marksmanship subject matter expert exchange between U.S. Marines and Jordanian Soldiers in Zarqa, Jordan, Feb. 22, 2024. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command and the Jordanian Armed Forces developed the exchange to highlight the similarities in marksmanship training and the impacts that inclusivity has within our militaries. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Bruce Jones, an inspections chief with Marine Corps Installations Pacific, poses for a portrait on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, April 11, 2022. Jones shares his story on the establishment of his trekking group, the challenges and tragedies he faced, and the perseverance and dedication it took for him to continue his adventurous lifestyle with his group and son.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Yanni Rosario Gonzalez, 77th Fighter Generation Squadron (77th FGS) weapons load crew member, operates a MJ- 1 standard lift truck while loading a F-16C Fighting Falcon on the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 12, 2022. Rosario Gonzales, along with other Airmen from the 77th FGS, executed multiple munitions loads in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Morrell, 8th Maintenance Group quality assurance inspector, stands in front of her flights patch at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 23, 2022. Every week, Wolf Pack leaders recognize Airmen for their outstanding contributions to the 8th Fighter Wing.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard Swank, 325th Security Forces Squadron senior enlisted leader, holds a conversation during Chief Chat at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 14, 2022. Chief Chat serves as an opportunity for not just the command chief to connect with Airmen, but an opportunity for chiefs, first sergeants and other leaders to provide and foster mentorship.

U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Eric Swieca from 127th Wing, Selfridge Air National Guard, Fire Department arrives at Hanley Air Field, Michigan, with his crew to support touch-and-go maneuvers, June 28, 2022. These maneuvers were a part of the multi-component exercise to build readiness and enhance the ability to operate in austere environments.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Sarah Culbertson, commanding officer of 7th Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, gives opening remarks for a Thanksgiving potluck for 7th ESB on Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 23, 2022. 7th ESB deployment readiness coordinator hosted a potluck for Marines that live in the barracks in order to build camaraderie and unit cohesion during the holiday season.

Master Sgt. Yolanda L. Richardson, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence's new G-4 noncommissioned officer in charge, stands for a photo at Fort Rucker, Alabama, September 27, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tyler Tanzi, 58th Rescue Squadron pararescueman, receives applause during a Bronze Star ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 23, 2024. Tanzi was awarded for his actions during the evacuation of Afghanistan. His work in Afghanistan enabled the overall evacuation of 122,000 civilians and final retrograde of 6,000 military personnel by repositioning to Pakistan as an alert recovery force. Air Force

PERTH, Australia (April 30, 2022) - Gunners Mate Seaman Nathaniel Winters, from Peru, Indiana, assigned to the Emory S. Land-class submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), stands watch as the ship departs Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Stirling on Garden Island off the coast of Perth, Australia, April 30, 2022. Frank Cable is currently on patrol conducting expeditionary maintenance and logistics in support of national security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Maj. Kori Johnson, 15th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron director of operations, poses for a photo at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Aug. 23, 2022. Johnson has served for nearly ten years in the Air Force and manages sortie production for Hickams C-17 Globemaster IIIs.

Tech. Sgt. James Pollard, 28th Bomb Squadron NCO in charge of aviation resource management, reflects on one year since Operation Allies Refuge and Allies Welcome at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 23, 2022. Pollard arrived at the 86th Aeromedical Evacuations Squadron in 2021 where he supported OAR and OAW by building medical kits for in-flight treatments at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The total force operation involved more than 500 active duty, Reserve and National Guard aircrews flying missions around the clock to evacuate more than 124,000 people.

NIGERIEN AIR BASE 201, Niger - U.S. Marine Corps Michael Langley, U.S. Africa Command commander visits with Airmen and Soldiers at Nigerien Air Base 201, Niger, Sept. 18, 2022. The visit here was one stop on a three-day trip to Niger and Chad from Sept. 18-21, Langley's second trip to Africa since taking command of U.S. Africa Command on Aug. 9.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brandon Camacho, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management journeyman from Queen Creek, Arizona was selected as the 18th Wings Airman of the Week at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Airman of the Week program is an opportunity for outstanding Airmen to be recognized by KAB leadership as well as showcase these young leaders to their peers.

Airman 1st Class Christof Abban, 628th Force Support Squadron services specialist, poses for a photo on the basketball court at the Air Base Fitness and Sports Center on Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, August 19, 2022. The squadron deploys worldwide to support military operations and provides support to more than 80,000 active duty personnel and their families, as well as retirees, DoD civilians, and reservists.

AIRMAN First Class Michael Garnsey of the 319th Security Forces Squadron, Grand Forks Air Force Base, defends a remote airfield during the Phoenix Readiness Course at Fort Dix, New Jersey. The course is designed to train Air Force personnel in Air Mobility contingency operations. This includes setting up defensive positions in remote locations worldwide. The mission of the 421st Ground Combat Readiness Squadron (GCRS), Air Mobility Warfare Center, Fort Dix, is to formulate doctrine and develop tactics. The 421 GCRS standardizes training to enhance Air Mobility Command's ability to support National Command Authority taskings during war, crisis, and worldwide contingency operations.... Complete Scene Caption: Airman First Class Michael Garnsey of the 319th Security Forces Squadron, Grand Forks Air Force Base, defends a remote airfield during the Phoenix Readiness Course at Fort Dix, New Jersey. The course is designed to train Air Force personnel in Air Mobility contingency operations.

Soldiers and NCOs from the West Virginia and District of Columbia National Guards compete in their annual Best Warrior Competition, held at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia, April 22, 2022. Best Warrior is an annual event where participants compete in a series of military tasks including weapons proficiency, endurance, physical fitness, medical skills, communications, and professional development activities. Winners of the local Best Warrior will compete at the regional level in May, also at Camp Dawson.

U.S. Marine Corps PFC Aimal Taraki poses for a photo at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, April 3, 2023. Taraki is a former translator who used to coordinate between U.S. and Afghan forces during the war in Afghanistan. Taraki emigrated to the U.S. in 2018 with the hopes of joining the Marine Corps.

Distinguished Honor Graduate Lawton Fort Sill, Oklahoma - PFC Rachel Creswell was awarded the Distinguished Honor Graduate award by Alpha Battery 1-79th Field Artillery Battalion, 434th Field Artillery Brigade on February 16, 2024, for excelling above her peers during Basic Combat Training. In addition to being awarded Distinguished Honor Graduate, she also earned the Rifle Marksmanship Award for scoring the highest in her class during Rifle Marksmanship.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Bukowiecki from 127th Wing, Selfridge Air National Guard, Fire Department arrives at Hanley Air Field, Michigan with his crew to support touch-and-go maneuvers, June 28, 2022. These maneuvers were a part of the multi-component exercise to build readiness and enhance the ability to operate in austere environments.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, speaks with Marines at Recruiting Station Jacksonville headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida, Nov. 2, 2022. The sergeant major of the Marine Corps visited the recruiting station to speak about Marine Corps recruiting practices and recognize Marines who have been excelling on the special duty assignment.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Lakeetha Johnson, a Louisville, Kentucky native, and administrative chief with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), poses for a photo aboard the Wasp class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, Feb. 6, 2024. I have been in the Marine Corps for 17 years and it has provided me the opportunity to continuously challenge myself, make my city and family proud and be an example to my beautiful children. I enjoy being able to converse and work with a diverse community of individuals that come together and unite with a common goal of welfare and mission accomplishment.The best part of this deployment has been seeing my Marines work as a team, promote, retain and build their leadership skills. I enjoy being of a support to the Marines and Sailors of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force; it has been amazing to witness all of these incredible talents come together to be a collective success.The 26th MEU(SOC), embarked with the Bataan

030628-N-1512S-502. Base: USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bobby Brodeur, a Gilford, New Hampshire, native and machine gunner with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, poses for a photo on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 13, 2022. One of my recruiters I admired and looked up to, he was in the infantry, and he was passionate about it and couldn't wait to get back to the fleet. I just wanted to have that same passion.Brodeur is currently serving as a machine gunner with 3/6 and is one of three female infantry Marines in Kilo Co. She has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to 3/6 through her high physical fitness scores and leading by example within the platoon.

U.S. Army Sgt. Stephanie Gomez, a non-commissioned officer in current operations for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3-142nd Aviation Helicopter Battalion, attached to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, shares her remembrance of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center of New York City, at a flight hangar in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 5, 2022. (U.S. Army video still by Staff Sgt. Samuel De Leon, 36th CAB Public Affairs)

Sgt. 1st Class Jacob S. Dorner is from Sterling, Illinois. He joined the Army in 2002 as an14E (Patriot Fire Control Enhanced Operator Maintainer). He joined the Army out of patriotism in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. He continues to serve because he loves his profession and enjoys teaching and mentoring future leaders. Dorner serves as the 14E senior leader course small group leader. He is responsible for the education and development of all 14Es attending their respective PME. Dorner was an accomplished instructor at the Advanced Leader Course when he was hand selected to instruct the Senior Leader Course. He has ensured his student success dedicating any available time during the midst of a winter storm. His students graduated with a average GPA of 3.54.

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Parrish, 21st Contracting Squadron contracting officer, is Space Base Delta 1s Outstanding Performer for the month of December at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, Dec. 8, 2022. Parrish hails from Greenville, Texas, and has served in the Air Force for nine years. He arrived at Peterson SFB two and a half years ago and is focused on becoming an expert in his field. (U.S. Space Force photos by Airman 1st Class Kaitlin Castillo)

Staff Sgt. Patty Gardiner, who grew up in Palau, represents the rich tapestry of diversity in todays Army. She is a drill sergeant assigned to Bravo Company, 16th Ordnance Battalion, at Fort Lee, Virginia.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac, 18th Wing Staff Agency public affairs specialist from Moreno Vally, California was selected as the 18th Wings Airman of the Week at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Airman of the Week program is an opportunity for outstanding Airmen to be recognized by KAB leadership as well as showcase these young leaders to their peers.

Boatswains Mate 2nd Class Rebecca Brook, Port Operations, NATO Marathi Pier Complex, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, poses for a portrait outside of the air terminal. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

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