Military Personnel Training and Preparation

Scenes of military personnel engaged in training activities, focusing on teamwork, technical skills, and readiness exercises in various environments.

A team of missile maintainers from the 791st Maintenance Squadron, performs an annual load test on a Transporter Erector Emplacement System May 5, 2022 on Minot Air Force Base. The team chief coordinated a team of at least six technicians through an entire day of climbing ladders, hydraulic troubleshooting, sling attachment, and rope inspection, all while operating a complex hydraulic control panel applying more pressure than the weight of 60 compact cars.

U.S. Army, left, Spc. Elijah Philips, 1st Lt. Lauren Miller, and Lt. Col. Jon Knoedler, all assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), read Christmas cards sent to Soldiers from elementary school children at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 4, 2023. Students from Centerville Primary Village North Elementary sent more than 400 cards to Soldiers stationed in Vicenza, Italy.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sol Lee, 51st Security Forces Squadron (SFS) defender, verifies a military identification card during an augmentee recall as part of a base-wide training event at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 13, 2022. Airmen assigned to the 51st SFS train and maintain security forces augmentees to be deployed for training events and real-world base defense operations.

A team of missile maintainers from the 791st Maintenance Squadron, performs an annual load test on a Transporter Erector Emplacement System May 5, 2022 on Minot Air Force Base. The team chief coordinated a team of at least six technicians through an entire day of climbing ladders, hydraulic troubleshooting, sling attachment, and rope inspection, all while operating a complex hydraulic control panel applying more pressure than the weight of 60 compact cars.

Airman First Class, Eric Melendez and Staff Sgt. Ellis Johnson, aircrew flight equipment technicians assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, assist another Gunfighter with the fitting of a flight suit in preparation for an upcoming familiarization fam flight during Coronet Cactus, Mar. 28, 2023, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. A fam flight is a way for the 149th to give back to their members for exceptional work.

Right, Airman 1st Class Kaeli Schiff and Airman 1st Class Rafael Morales, 75th Air Base Wing, practice self-aid and buddy care techniques during an Ability to Survive and Operate rodeo (ATSO) at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Sept. 13, 2022. The training exercise refreshes and instructs Airmen on warfare survival and operational skills.

Romanian Capt. Rares David, operations officer for The Sky Guardians briefs the allied commanders and senior non-commissioned officers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), and The Royal Lancers, Prince of Wales Troop, members of NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland during a combined arms rehearsal and emergency deployment ready exercise in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Nov. 1, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

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

U.S. Army Spc. Jeraldine Smith, 448th Civil Affairs Battalion-Alpha Company administrator, speaks with Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. Raymond Odierno, during breakfast, Sept. 19, 2012, at the Dorie Miller Galley. Smith shared her background and Army highlights with Odierno. Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano

(From left to right) Oklahoma Army National Guardsmen Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Rose, an ammunition specialist assigned to Headquarters Company, 700th Brigade Support Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Sgt. Daniel Jones, a wheeled vehicle mechanic assigned to Golf Company, 700th Brigade Support Battalion, 45th IBCT, and Sgt. Adrian Maddox, an automated logistical specialist assigned to 2120th Engineer Support Company, 120th Engineer Battalion, 90th Troop Command, take a written exam during the Mechanic of the Year competition held at the Combined Support Maintenance Shop in Norman, Oklahoma, Feb. 7, 2024. The Guardsmen gathered to put their mechanic skills to the test in the third annual competition, working in four-man teams to beat out the competition while also getting to network amongst fellow competitors. (Oklahoma National Guard

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Benjamin Soileau, 517th Training Group Russian linguist student, reviews coursework during class at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Presidio of Monterey, Calif., May 12, 2022. The Russian course is a 48-week intensive course which targets a language immersive environment in and outside the classroom.

U.S. Army Soldiers attend the Small Arms Maintenance course at the Combined Arms Training Center in Vilseck, Germany, Jan. 24, 2024. This course trains Soldiers to maintain physical security of weapons and Quick Reaction Force ammunition in an arms room. Graduates of will be qualified to manage arms rooms and to perform unit-level maintenance and repair on a variety of hand-held, shoulder-fire, and crew-served weapons. CATC offers individual training and professional education for U.S. Army Soldiers, Department of the Army and host nation civilians, and multinational partners through the most efficient and effective means available to ensure readiness and interoperability.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 1st Squad, 42nd Military Police Brigade based out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, discuss a strategy during one of the events of FORSCOM Best Squad Competition at the Military Operations in Urban Terrain site, here, at Fort Hood, Texas, August 17, 2022. The Best Squad Competition reinforces fundamental Soldier skills and squad level tactics.

Members of the Idaho Army National Guards Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st of the 148th Field Artillery Regiment conducted air medical evacuation and casualty treatment, along with members of Detachment 1, Company Golf, 1st of the 168th General Support Aviation Battalion at the Orchard Combat Training Center, May 17.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jonathan B. Cardosobatista, a Brooklyn, New York, native and combat engineer with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, takes notes during a class about proper nutrition in the arctic environment during the NATO Cold Weather Instructor Course in Setermoen, Norway, Nov. 23, 2022. NCWIC is a course designed to develop Marines and other service members to be instructors of cold weather survival training in preparation for future deployments.

U.S. Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, take a written exam on 30 Sep. 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition challenges Soldier's technical and tactical proficiency individually and collectively through various battle-readiness events and scenarios designed to test their capabilities while under stress and fatigue.

Spc. Emberlee McPherson attached to the 495th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Montana Army National Guard, writes notes during the Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) training series, June 17, 2022, at Camp Rapid, South Dakota. The C-UAS class is a three-part training series that includes classroom training, virtual training, and live training with the system.

Staff. Sgt. Yamintina Tejada and Sgt. 1st Class Kimara Guillaume (left to right) of the 126th Cyber Protection Battalion work in the command cell to assist with inprocessing participants for Cyber Shield June 10, 2022 at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Cyber Shield 2022 is the DODs largest unclassified inter-agency and joint national level training cyber defense exercise which includes representation from 20 states plus Guam.

070317-M-4804L-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: RCT-6

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Sebastian Duran, lower right, assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 49, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS, instructs proper CPR techniques to U.S., Brazilian, and Uruguayan marines in the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) while underway in support of exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 13, 2022. The CPR training was conducted to improve interoperability between the multinational force, ensuring emergency medical care can be administered regardless of spoken language. UNITAS develops and sustains relationships that improve the capacity of our remerging and enduring maritime partners to achieve common objectives. Additionally, the military-to-military exchanges foster mutual cooperation and understanding among participating navies and marine corps.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Amanda, left, and Senior Airman Robert, both 1st Maintenance Squadron low observable journeymen, prepares an F-22 Raptor for painting at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Aug. 11, 2022. LO is one of nine flights the 1st MXS is composed of that provide support services for the 1st Fighter Wings fleet of F-22s.

Airmen with the 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron participate in an exercise at Amedee Army Airfield in Herlong, Calif. October 15, 2022. Airmen from the 152nd Airlift Wing participated in the exercise, Ready Roller, to test capabilities in a simulated contested environment, utilizing the Agile Combat Employment concept

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

Soldiers assigned to the 34th Infantry Division "Red Bulls", of the Minnesota National Guard, participate in a tactical communication class, Feb. 10, 2024, Fort Cavazos, Texas. Throughout the class, they practiced procedures for a 9-line medical evacuation, spot report and how to speak using a military radio. (Minnesota National Guard

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

Sgt. 1st Class Gisela Riveraalvarado, Command Paralegal Noncommissioned Officer, United States Army Reserve Legal Command, served as a board member for over 35 award recommendations in a monthly military awards board held on Dec. 13, 2022 at the Maj. Gen. Benjamin L. Hunton Memorial United States Army Reserve Center. The G-1 staff leads these boards and ensures members of the headquarters staff have the opportunity to serve as a board member to provide unbiased assessments of recommended awards from the Headquarters and Headquarters Company and 28 Legal Operations Detachments. This monthly military awards board provides transparency, assists with long-term planning to recognize deserving Soldiers, and increases knowledge in participants for award writing and criteria in accordance with Army Regulation 600-8-22.

Senior Airman Briana Swesey, 355th Wing special actions technician, assists a customer at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., April 5, 2023. The 355th Comptroller Squadron handles all financial operations for military and civilian personnel at DM.

U.S. Army Lt Col. Danielle Brice assigned to 198th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Illinois Army National Guard, writes notes during the transition of authority meeting for the Timber Haul mission, June 15, 2022, at Custer, South Dakota. Timber Haul mission supplied timber, fuel, and water to a local Native American reservation.

040308-F-2902B-004. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members work alongside U.S. Army Soldiers as part of Yama Sakura 83 at Camp Asaka, Japan, Dec 6, 2022. The Yama Sakura training event encourages participants to work as dedicated partners in support of the US-Japan security alliance and for the continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Spc. Brittany Tucker assigned to the 730th Area Support Medical Company, South Dakota Army National Guard, demonstrates how to properly apply a tourniquet to a casualty during a Combat Lifesaver (CLS) course at Camp Rapid, South Dakota, June 19, 2022. CLS was one of the many exercises conducted in support of the Golden Coyote Training Exercise.

Second Lt. Dawson W. Yates and Sgt. 1st Class Mary Wates, who works in the materiel management section, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, reassemble an M240B machine gun together during weapons familiarization at Fort Knox, Kentucky, August 10, 2022.

Maj. Shaye Haver, one of the first women to graduate U.S. Army Ranger School, speaks during a Women's Equality Day event at U.S. Army Central's Patton Hall, August 26, 2022. Women's Equality Day marks the passage of the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote.

Louisiana Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jonathan McClellan processes nasal swabs from patients during a drive-through community based COVID-19 testing site located at Louis Armstrong Park, New Orleans, La., March 20, 2020. The number of Guardsmen activated and equipment utilized for the COVID-19 response is anticipated to increase until the situation is stabilized.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Thomas Sherman, Security Forces director, visits Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and the 802nd Security Forces Squadron locations, March 30, 2023, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Sherman and Gallaghers visit to JBSA-Lackland was to brief the current state of security forces from the top and to recognize the top performers within the 802nd SFS.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kennedy Lawson, right, along with Airmen from the 501st Combat Support Wing hold an American flag at Wembley Stadium, in London, England, Oct. 30, 2022. Approximately 70 uniformed personnel represented the U.S. Air Force and nation by unveiling an American flag during the pre-game ceremonies of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos NFL game.

Army National Guard Soldiers from across the country converged on the 129th Regiment Regional Training Institute on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois June 24, 2022. These Soldiers come from various military occupational specialties, but are hoping to convert to (92G) Culinary Specialists. During a practical exercise, they discussed field site set-up and operations.As war fights change, its important that were able to move with our troops, said Sergeant 1st Class Rikk Knowles, a course manager and instructor with the RTI. Even for culinary specialists, logistics are important because we have to be able to move.

Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Spencer Samuel Squires responds to a simulated active shooter during an anti-terrorism drill at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) March 28, 2023. For more than 75 years, CFAS has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services to empower forward-deployed U.S. and Allied Forces while providing superior support to their families and the community.

Lt. Col. Gregory Polk, the Task Force Pioneer commander, salutes a U.S. Soldier during an award ceremony at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 22, 2022. As part of Army tradition, Task Force Pioneer facilitates mass ceremonies to present awards and recognize exemplary accomplishments.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Angel Segovia, left, and Lance Cpl. Richard Cross, both Infantry Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, review sked procedures during a training aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 14, 2024. The training reinforces Marines knowledge and abilities with the sked in order to provide faster and more effective care when transporting injured personnel on the sked. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Segovia is a native of Beaverton, Oregon, and Cross is a native of Cave City, Arkansas. Marine Corps

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

TNI Navy Capt. Laswanto and U.S. Marines Maj. Peter Wagner analyze mission details during exercise Gema Bhakti 2022, Sep. 14. 2022, Jakarta, Indonesia. Gema Bhakti 22 is a U.S. Indo-Pacific Command joint exercise program event, utilizing U.S. joint forces and TNI Armed Forces working together to increase interoperability and enhance regional stability and security through bilateral and multilateral partnerships.

220909-N-XN177-2005 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 9, 2022) - Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Kyle Carmichael, from, Arlington, Texas, prepares a reeves sleeve stretcher in the hangar bay aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Sept. 9, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Lt. Col. Jason Hempstead, 78th Training Division Diamond Saber exercise director, briefs with Capt. Alexander Pace, 78th TD Diamond Saber exercise planner, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix, New Jersey, Aug. 12, 2022. Established in 2004, Diamond Saber is a U.S. Army Reserve-led exercise that trains and evaluates Soldiers and joint partners on warfighting functions such as funding the force, payment support, disbursing operations, accounting, fiscal stewardship, auditability and data analytics.

Soldiers competing on the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade team discuss the events of the Polyglot Games at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Feb. 3, 2024. The Utah Army National Guards 300th Military Intelligence Brigade (Linguist) hosted this sixth annual Polyglot Games which brought in over 200 service members from over 80 different units around the world.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Cynthia Tucker at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), visit to the Museum Support Center (MSC), September 6th 2022. Lt. Col. Tucker is discussing working together with key leaders. ( U.S. Army photo by Tyra Breaux/Released)

Bulgarian Land Forces Pvt. Hristo Georgiev, Civil-Military Cooperation Company; U.S. Army Capt. Angela Hansen, Area Support Group - Black Sea; and U.S. Army Capt. Kesa Channoy, 407th Civil Affairs Battalion, brace themselves for an earthquake simulation during a combined Bulgarian Red Cross training between U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 407th Civil Affairs Battalion and Bulgarian Land Forces soldiers assigned to the Civil-Military Cooperation Company, 78th Support Battalion at Lozen, Bulgaria, May 10, 2022. The coordination between U.S. Army Civil Affairs, Bulgarian Civil-Military Cooperation, and local civilian organizations is crucial in supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the region, and is necessary to protect and promote humanitarian principles. Bulgaria is a steadfast and gracious host, and the U.S. is honored to continue its long-term cooperation through engagements such as bilateral exchanges to improve partnership interoperability.

NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO (March 31, 2022) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Alejandrina Kiel receives training on administrative duties as part of the Artemis program. The Artemis program is designed to provide expecting Sailors access to a multitude of helpful resources and teach them Navy administrative skills, allowing them to balance mission-readiness and their roles as mothers.

010920-F-0193C-003. Complete Scene Caption: Left to right: General Sheta, Egyptian training authority and lead Egyptian planner for BRIGHT STAR 01/02; Navy Captain Martin Drake, CHIEF of STAFF for Bright Star; Army Major General James Comstock, Commander; and Army First Lieutenant Zahi Bourjelli, executive officer; discuss various issues affecting the troops participating in the exercise. BRIGHT STAR is a multinational exercise involving more than 74,000 troops from 44 countries that enhances regional stability and military-to-military cooperation among our key allies, and our regional partners. It prepares US Central Command to rapidly deploy and employ the forces needed to deter aggressors and, if necessary, fight and win side-by-side with our allies and regional partners. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR 01/02 Base: Cairo Country: Egypt (EGY)

U.S. Air Force 1st. Lt. Andrea Chaves, clinical nurse with the 175th Medical Group, leads a team-building exercise at Warfield Air National Guard Base at Martin State Airport, Middle River, Maryland, September 11, 2022. Chaves began her career as an enlisted Airman with the 175th Civil Engineering Squadron where she worked in the Emergency Management Flight.

Competitor Squad 1 discuss movement at the shoot house lane as part of the U.S. Army Reserve Best Squad Competition at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin on May 18, 2022. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Warrior Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022. The 2022 BWSC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers and squads from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of Best Warrior 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.

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 12, 2022) - U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, receive a Damage Control Class aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) July 12. The 13th MEU is currently embarked aboard the Anchorage, conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, U.S. Transportation Command commander, receives a pre-flight briefing from the 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, June 3, 2022. Van Ovost toured the Air Forces newest refueling tanker, the KC-46A Pegasus and met with warfighters who project its military power globally.

Members of the 117th participate in a professional development program called Speed Mentoring at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Birmingham, AL, Jan. 6, 2024. Lt.

A soldier at the 10th Mountain Division undergoes training during their Basic Leadership Course(BLC) July 28, 2022, on Fort Drum, New York. The Soldiers conducted various tasks in a three-part test.

The unit will deploy to the U.S. Army Central Command Area of Responsibiltiy to collect the history of the United States Army.

Military and civilian students attend the CFE-DM Humanitarian Assistance Response Training in Conflict Oct. 19, 2022. The purpose of the 5-day training course is to prepare the US joint force and their security partners for supporting, and when necessary, conducting humanitarian assistance before, during, and after combat operations. The Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance provides academic research, civil-military coordination training, and operational insights to support decision making before, during, and after crises.

Col. Estee Pinchasin, Baltimore District commander, and Maj. Gen. Richard Heitkamp, the USACE Deputy Commanding General, speak with partners during a Mid-Bay ecosystem restoration project event at Fort McHenry on October 6, 2022.

Maj. Gen. Todd Wasmund (left), commanding general, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, discusses aspects of the intelligence mission with Soldiers of the 207th Military Intelligence Brigade Aug. 31, 2022, on Caserma Del Din.

94th Security Forces Squadron members load cargo to be hauled off to the simulated deployment environment during an exercise February 3, 2024, at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. The purpose of the exercise, named FALCON STRIKE 24-01, is to test the wings ability to prepare equipment each unit would need while setting up in a deployed location. Air Force

U.S. Air Force, Tech. Sgt. Vincent E. Eata, a resource advisor with the 36th Mission Support Group signs the official Linebacker of the Week jersey, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 22, 2022. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens Mission, Vision and Priorities.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st. Lt. Angel Ramirez, a platoon commander with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, sets up communications during an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force drill at the Innovation Lab on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 3, 2024. The ACM drill was part of a battalion field exercise that rehearsed crucial logistical operations executed within an ACM, aimed at enhancing the capabilities and readiness of CLB-4. Ramirez is a native of Arizona. Marine Corps

Staff Sgt. Aaron Butler, U.S. Army Reserve Command, performs a uniform inspection during the Mystery Event at the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition at Fort Lee, Va. on Friday, Oct. 2, 2009. (Timothy L. Hale/Army Reserve Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Spc. Johnna Slider, a petroleum supply specialist, assigned to Echo Troop, 3-6 Air Cavalry Squadron, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, annotates readings from a recent fuel test during a combined fuel test exercise in Wroclaw, Poland, Dec. 8, 2022. The squadron conducted fuel training in order to compare quality assurance methods with our Polish partners

Soldiers assigned to the 446th Movement Control Battalion, 510th Regional Support Group, 7th Mission Support Group, Americas Army Reserve, stand at attention during a ceremony recognizing the unit ahead of their mobilization in support of U.S. Army Europe - Africa's Operation European Assure, Deter, and Reinforce, Wednesday, November 23, at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Kaiserslautern, Germany. This is the first mobilization of a European-based, Army Reserve unit in a decade. U.S. Army Reserve units mobilize and deploy in support of missions across the globe, augmenting active-duty counterparts and bridging gaps in capabilities.

Soldiers assigned to the 34th Infantry Division "Red Bulls, of the Minnesota National Guard, participate in a tactical communication class, Feb. 10, 2024, Fort Cavazos, Texas. Throughout the class, they practiced procedures for a 9-line medical evacuation, spot report and how to speak using a military radio. (Minnesota National Guard

Staff Sergeant Archer, Staff Sgt Corbett and Sergeant First Class Klipell gather competitors information during the physical fitness portion of the competition, Sep 28 ,2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Tx. During the competition, two-soldier teams navigate a grueling series of events that push their stress and physical fitness. Competitors progress through all of these exhausting challenges in just 3 days.

US Military deliver aid and relief supplies to the Maldives following tsunami

139th Force Support Squadrons mortuary affairs, Missouri Air National Guard, practice moving simulated casualties during an active shooter dill at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, June 4, 2022. The active shooter drill was one of many training exercises performed during the wings Large Scale Readiness Exercise.

U.S. service members conduct medical training during a Joint Emergency Medicine Exercise at Fort Hood , TX on June 6th, 2022. The training was accomplished from 6-10th June 2022 at the Fort Hood Medical Training Simulation Center for all graduating Tri-Service Emergency and Family Medicine residents and multiple medical occupational specialists within Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, U.S. Army Regional Health Command-Central, U.S. Army Medical Command, and III Armored Corps.

Senior Airman Monica Figueroa Santos, 341st Missile Wing Command Post senior nuclear command and control emergency actions controller, answers a phone call July 26, 2022 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Figueroa Santos was selected as one of the Air Forces 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year. Command Post specialists to ensure operations and communications run effectively under any circumstance.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. George Henry, 355th Security Forces Squadron combat arms training and maintenance instructor, presents Senior Airman Ryan Miller, 355th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance metals technician, and Airman 1st Class Michah Dunn, 355th Communications Squadron cyber network operations technician, red ball caps at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 12, 2022. DMs 5/6 Council came up with the idea for Airmen to shadow other Airmen in different Air Force specialty codes to give them the opportunity to have a better understanding of how everyone contributes to the mission.

221017-N-GK686-1022 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Oct. 17, 2022) Hospitalman Matthew Maas, from Hannibal, Mo., administers an influenza vaccine to Electronics Technician 2nd Class Alex Turpin during a seasonal shot exercise on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Oct. 17, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

Participants compete in the 2nd annual challenge of the feathers contest during the Bazaar of Falcons event, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 26, 2022. The 81st Training Wing challenged participants to crack a series of ciphers to demonstrate the challenges faced by Airmen operating within the cyber enterprise.

U.S. Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition take a written exam on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept. 29, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

A Royal Saudi Air Force service member and U.S. Air Force Gabriel Sanders, a water and fuel systems maintenance specialist with the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, explain to Senior Airman Anh Nguyen, a pest management specialist with the 378th ECES, the parts of the Bird-Aircraft-Strike-Hazard air pressurized rifles at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 22, 2022. The 378th Air Expeditionary Wings BASH team monitors and helps mitigate wildlife activity around USAF assets. Since USAF aircraft are integrated into RSAFs PSAB airfield, BASH and their Saudi counterparts are working to further develop and strengthen a unified wildlife hazard partnership.

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)

Staff. Sgt. Dominique McCreary, 8th Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of supply, watches Staff. Sgt. Trenton Collins, 8th SFS base defense operations center controller, tried on a ballistic helmet on Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 29, 2022. McCreary reminded the Wolf Pack to take every opportunity to learn more about what Pride month stands for and not look at it as just another month that we have to celebrate. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Akeem K. Campbell)

Airmen from across the 159th Fighter Wing process through a personnel mobility line to ensure members records are in order during a pre-deployment readiness exercise at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Nov. 4, 2022. This exercise tested the abilities of units to complete deployment of Airmen in 72 hours from notification.

U.S. Navy Hospital Nurse Joseph Heintz, a corpsman with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines exchanges Tactical Combat Casualty Care skills and equipment with Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force members during Keen Sword 23, aboard the USS New Orleans LPD-18, Pacific Ocean, Nov. 14, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and the JGSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan alliance. Heintz is a native of Portland, OR.

Brooke Geigenmiller and U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Phillip Mott, 81st Contracting Squadron members, examine a contract during the 81st CONS roadshow at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 20, 2022. Members of the 81st CONS created the roadshow to improve processes and address an information gap between their staff and Keeslers various units.

U.S. Navy Fleet Master Chief Donald O. Myrick, command senior enlisted leader for U.S. Transportation Command, coins U.S. Army Soldiers at the Naval Weapons Station, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Sept. 13, 2022. During his visit, Myrick toured various JB Charleston units.

U.S. Soldiers with 39th Strategic Signal Battalion familiarize with the German Heckler and Koch P8 pistol before they compete for the Schuetzenschnur, the German marksmanship badge, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Sept. 08, 2022. Members of the support element to the German National Military Representation at SHAPE provided the opportunity to compete for the coveted medal.

Fort McCoy community leaders participate in a proclamation signing ceremony April 5, 2022, declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month at McCoys Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. The installation held the special proclamation signing ceremony at the center that was organized by the Fort McCoy Army Community Service office and the Fort McCoy Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program office. Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss; Command Sgt. Maj. Raquel DiDomenico, garrison command sergeant major; and other unit leaders were on hand for the presentation.

Senior Master Sgt. Janay James, the 911th Aeromedical Staging Squadron functional manager, performs wellness checks with 911th ASTS Steel Airmen at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station clinic, Pennsylvania, Feb. 3, 2024. As functional manager, James oversees operations within the squadron, including the well-being of each of her team members. Air Force

U.S. Army Col. Geoffrey A. Norman, right, deputy commanding officer - support of the 1st Infantry Division pins the rank of captain on U.S. Army Capt. Daizjah Morris executive officer to the deputy commanding officer - support, assigned to the 1st Infantry Division during her promotion ceremony at Poznan, Poland, May 3, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Quentin Hadan, an administrative specialist with 12th Marine Corps District, gives instructions to a candidate with Officer Selection Team San Diego, during the leadership reaction course at an Officer Candidates School preparation weekend, Camp Pendleton, California on April 30, 2022. The OCS preparation weekend is designed to prepare aspiring Marine Corps officers mentally and physically for the rigors of OCS.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kayla Martin, 116th Medical Group, Detachment 1, Georgia Air National Guard, checks the blood pressure of an Airman with the Georgia National Guard, during the pre-EXEVAL Exercise Operation Nuclear Tide Hazard at Fort McClellan, Ala., April 18, 2016. The 116th Medical Group, Detachment 1, is a part of the Region 4 Homeland Response Force whose mission is to provide a ready, responsive and reliable team of military service members who provide a response capability to assist civil authorities in saving lives and mitigating suffering in response to a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incident. The 116th Medical Group is one of the top rated National Guard medical teams in the nation.

Sgt. Amanda McGowan, a licensed practical nurse assigned to 402nd Forward Resuscitative Surgical Team, U.S. Army Reserve, demonstrates tourniquet placement during Tactical Combat Casualty Care instruction as part of Exercise Cartwheel at Blackrock Training Camp, September 14, 2022. Exercise Cartwheel is a multilateral military-to-military training exercise with the U.S., Republic of Fiji Military, Australian, New Zealand, and British forces that builds expeditionary readiness and interoperability by increasing the capacity to face a crisis and contingencies by developing and stressing units at the highest training levels.

Soldiers conduct equipment inspection during the Master Rappel Course at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. During the inspection, the rappel seat and equipment are inspected for deficiencies that could potentially cause serious injury or death to a rappeler. Soldiers with Task Force Spartan, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, and other units attended the class.

Sailors take the Navy-wide chief petty officer advancement exam aboard amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Jan. 18, 2024. Essex is homeported in San Diego, conducting a maintenance period to upgrade and refurbish many key systems aboard.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ramon Garcia Flores, 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron cyber security liaison, records inventory data at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 16, 2022. Garcia Flores is an active participant in Tyndall's Hispanic Heritage Association, an organization that is dedicated to providing Airmen a safe space to share their Hispanic cultural experiences and network amongst each other.

Army Chief of Staff, Gen. George W. Casey pins Spc. Rossina Marshall, an awards noncomissioned officer with the 335th Signal Command, with the rank of sergeant during his visit to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait Dec. 24th. Gen. Casey visited Camp Arifjan to speak with Third Army Soldiers, thanking them for their hard work in the Drawdown of Iraq and the importance of their contributions to the war on terror.

221203-A-IA376-2150 SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (Dec. 3, 2022) Chilean navy Lt. Cmdr. Vania Roa, left, and Cmdr. Stephanie Clapper, assigned to hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), create a nutrition plan for a disabled Dominican Republic resident during subject matter expert exchange panel, Dec. 3, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, study their Marine Corps knowledge outside the barber shop at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 7, 2022. While waiting for their haircuts, recruits took the opportunity to review their knowledge.

(Right to left) Airman 1st Class Joseph Weltz and Staff Sgt. Antonio Rios, both with the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron cargo deployment function team, checks paper works for a processing cargo during Samurai Readiness Inspection at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 13, 2022. The Cargo Deployment Function (CDF) ensures pallets of cargo are measured, weighed, labeled and organized for load transport. The SRI tested Yokotas Airmen to ensure they were ready to respond to any type of contingency that may happen in the real world.

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.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Lacey Miller, with the 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron instructs a class Feb. 11, 2023, at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan. Miller is teaching a class on Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) training as part of the 290ths annual training.

Senior Airman Sofia Villanueva, 4th Component Maintenance Squadron avionics maintainer, gives out food to Airmen during a food festival event in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, October 14, 2022. The Seymour Johnson Hispanic Heritage Committee celebrated the month by hosting various events for Airmen and their families that included contests, games, dancing, painting and a food festival.

Two students at the 364th Training Squadron's Cable and Antenna Systems apprentice course use the confined space simulator Feb. 23, 2024 at Sheppard Air Force Base. The simulator was designed and built by instructor staff and students are encouraged to practice cable techniques to improve skills and build muscle memory. Air Force

Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Division and members from the Kuwait Fire Force conduct a subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Training focused on personnel recovery operations and combat life saving skills followed by a simulated medical evacuation with airlift support from the 7-158th Aviation Regiment - GSAB.

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