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Military Personnel Training in Action

Soldiers in camouflage gear engaging in reconnaissance and battle training in diverse terrains, showcasing tactical operations and military readiness.

Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21538009 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Elijah Allen, 423d Security Forces Squadron flight sergeant, speaks into his radio during a field training exercise at RAF Molesworth England, April 27, 2022. The exercise was designed to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of 423d SFS members' response to various scenarios including domestic disturbances, drunk driving and other base security incidents.

PORT HUENEME, Calif. (Aug. 4, 2022) Builder 1st Class Cleve Waiwaiole measures the diagonal length of a timber bunker during Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 18s Field Training Exercise (FTX). FTX is designed to analyze a battalions construction capability, expeditionary logistics, and combat operations to support major combat operations, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.

U.S. Marine smoking a cigarette, half-turned to the camera.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Chyna Gibbs, a combat marksmanship coach assigned to Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, adjusts a shooters position during an all-female marksmanship subject matter expert exchange between U.S. Marines and Jordanian Soldiers in Zarqa, Jordan, Feb. 21, 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

Staff Sgt. Daemon Walton, assigned to 222nd Chemical Company, conducts a 12- mile ruck march while competing in the 53rd Troop Command Best Warrior Competition (53rd TC BWC) at the Erie Canalway Trail, Lockport, N.Y., Sep. 9-11, 2022. The 53rd TC BWC challenges Soldiers from across the state in events such as physical fitness, land navigation, warrior tasks, and weapon qualification.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Logan Haldopoulos, 104th Fighter Wing crew chief smiles during a readiness exercise June 11, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. The exercise assessed Barnestormers ability to maintain air dominance in a simulated contested, degraded, and operationally limited environment and test their implementation of the Agile Combat Employment deployment concept.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, hold a line during a company formation exercise off the USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 6, 2022. Blackhearts practiced formations on the water to refine infantry tactics. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Expeditionary Strike 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.

SFC David Dodson from 1st Platoon, Bravo Company 1/17th Infantry, 172nd Stryker BDE Ft. Wainwright, AK prepares to head out on patrol June 30, 2006 in Mosul, Iraq.

U.S Air Force Senior Airman Gabe Murnane, a security forces specialist with the 182nd Security Forces Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard, poses for a portrait in Peoria, Illinois, Aug. 13, 2022. Murnane has been a full time member of the Air National Guard for two years.

Specialist Michael Sauders, 72nd Infanty Brigade Combat Team, Texas Army National Guard, competes in a 6 mile foot march during the Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas, May 4, 2022. The friendly, three-day competition challenges service members on professional military knowledge, marksmanship, obstacle course and land navigation. The Army winners of this event will move on to represent Texas at the National Guards Region V Best Warrior Competition.

DA-SC-87-04689. Subject Operation/Series: ORIENT SHIELD '85 Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Fuji State: Honshu Country: Japan (JPN)

030910-M-9023R-042. Subject Operation/Series: CROCODILE 2003 Base: Camp Samuel Hill State: Queensland Country: Australia (AUS) Scene Major Command Shown: 3RD RECONNAISSANCE

Soldiers assigned to 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade work together to complete a leadership reaction course during the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition for Corp Separates on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 7, 2022. The competition tested Soldiers on their physical and mental readiness using a multitude of events requiring leadership, teamwork, grit, and basic Soldier skills.

Today the 10th Mountain Division honored the Soldiers from Task Force 2-14 by participating in the Mogadishu Mile. The original mile was a route taken by Soldiers from a Blackhawk helicopter crash site to a rally point held by the 10th MTN DIV on National Street during the Battle of Mogadishu on October 4, 1993.

Base Camps - 26-HK-66-54. LA Plaquemines Camp--military personnel talking outside on phone-- by Andrea Booher, FEMA. Hurricane Katrina

From left, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Metcalf, a gunnery coach, Staff Sgt. Robert Keith, a Bradley Commander and Spc. Jacob Shipley, a Bradley gunner, all from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, carry out Preventive Maintenance Checks during vehicle draw activities on the second day of the Sullivan Cup, at Fort Benning, Ga., April 26, 2022. During day 2, Sullivan Cup crews have an equipment layout, draw vehicles and conduct PMCS, to ensure that their vehicles will be ready to perform for the competition.

U.S. Army Spc. Daniel Chamberlain, a paratrooper assigned to Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, Arctic Angels, pauses for a photograph after completing airborne training at Malemute Drop Zone, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Nov. 9, 2022. The 2/11 IBCT (A) is the only airborne infantry brigade combat team in the Arctic and Pacific theaters, providing the combatant commander with the unique capability to project an expeditionary force by air.

030427-M-4066S-009. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: MARINE WING SUPPORT SQUADRON 371

With an M-16 across his lap, Lance Corporal K. A. Heaps, USMC, from Alpha Company, 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) rests in his bivouac area at the edge of the Khandahar International Airport, Khandahar, Afghanistan during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kandahar International Airport Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: 26th MEU (SOC)

An Army National Guard Soldier performs hand signals during the Army Warrior Tasks portion of the National Guard Region V Best Warrior Competition at Camp Gruber Training Center, Okla., May 17, 2022. The annual competition brings together top-tier soldiers to challenge them on a variety of Army warrior tasks. The contest consists of eight events that promote soldier readiness in their war fighting skills and recognizes individuals who embody the Army Values. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

020930-M-0175R-002. Base: Prizren Country: Serbia (SER)

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Joseph Wiggins, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, performs tactical combat casualty care during Spanish FLOTEX-22 near Rota, Spain, June 9, 2022. This exercise features tactical level actions ashore, combined with joint training and planning, aimed at increasing overall bilateral interoperability between nations.

180810-M-MY519-1006 OKINAWA, Japan (Aug. 10, 2018) Seaman Cesar Ramirez-Fajardo maneuvers through razor wire at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan. Ramirez-Fajardo, from Orlando, Florida, is a field medical service technician with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group. While going through certain obstacles, Marines and Sailors were required to move through murky water, confined spaces and razor wire.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Denis Hernandez, a platoon sergeant with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, talks to role players during Readiness Exercise 22.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 26, 2022. The purpose of REDEX 22.2 is to validate worldwide crisis-response capabilities and demonstrate deployment readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jacob Rosas, administrative specialist, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 (MALS-13), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, observes Marines running up a hill during a culminating event for a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) gray and green belt course at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, July 26, 2022. MCMAP provides Marines with guidance on how to lead in any situation.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Sandrine Fosatti, a dietitian at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, uses her compass to locate her next point while participating in the Land Navigation Assessment as part of the Regional Health Command-Central Best Leader Competition in Fort Bliss, Texas, on April 11, 2022. The competition promotes esprit de corps throughout the Army while recognizing Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and officers that demonstrate commitment to the Army values and embody the Warrior Ethos.

Radio operator, Private First Class (PFC) Thuam Nguyen with "A" Company, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), in the ADI Ghar mountains during a search for Taliban fighters, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class David Bargamento, a 168th Security Forces Squadron installation entry controller, and Airman 1st Class Jacob King, a 354th SFS patrolman, pose in front of a Royal Air Force C-130J Hercules during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 29, 2022. RF-A serves as an ideal platform for international engagement given its long history of including allies and partners, ultimately enabling all involved to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability.

18th Security Forces Squadron defenders clear a room while Staff Sgt. Aaron Slye, 18th SFS training instructor, observes during an active shooter training exercise on Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 22, 2022. 18th SFS training instructors are responsible for ensuring 18th SFS defenders are proficient in providing proper force protection and asset security in order to support the 18th Wing mission of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

060522-A-0527A-002. Base: Bagram Airfield State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, executes a buddy drag during the combat conditioning course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 7, 2022. The combat conditioning course was designed to increase recruits' stamina and ability to perform Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, executes a buddy drag during the combat conditioning course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 7, 2022. The combat conditioning course was designed to increase recruits' stamina and ability to perform Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques.

American soldier seated with head down on Inauguration Day in Paktika, Afghanistan.

U.S. Army Sgt. Corey Harrity, a Soldier attached to 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery, prepares to unload a vehicle during a logistics operation in support of Exercise Orient Shield 22 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, August 24, 2022. Orient Shield is the largest annual bilateral field training exercise in Japan between the U.S. Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. With both its air and sea facilities, MCAS Iwakuni is uniquely positioned to support the dynamic employment of forces across the Indo-Pacific area of operations.

A US Marine Practices Rock Climbing

Paratroopers across the 82nd Airborne Division finish the 12 mile road march, complete a weapons test, and recieve their E3B on Fort Bragg, NC, April 7, 2023. 371 Paratroopers and Soldiers across multiple units and locations successfully completed E3B.

050117-A-6713J-005. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Mchenry State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 156th Contingency Response Group, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, sweep an area during a simulated combat readiness training during the February Regularly Scheduled Drill at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Feb. 24, 2024. The training prepared the Airmen to respond and control potential hostile environments during deployment scenarios. Air National Guard

Portrait of two soldiers in military uniforms

Staff Sgt. Anthony Rangel, tank gunner for Badger Troop, 3-116 Combined Arms Battalion Cavalry Regiment of the Oregon National Guard, performs a communications check prior to situational training exercise (STX) during Exercise Eager Lion 2022, Sept. 11, 2022. Eager Lion 22 is a multilateral exercise hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, designed to exchange military expertise, and improve interoperability among partner nations.

american marine corps special operations soldier preparing tactical and commpunication gear for action battle closeup studio portrait isolated on white background

Country artist, Lindsay Ell, tries on U.S. Marine Corps flak and kevlar during a tour of Robertson Barracks, NT, Australia, Sept. 27, 2022. Lindsay and her band performed for members of the Australian Defence Force and Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22 as part of a United Service Organizations event.

SAN DIEGO (July 8, 2022) U.S. Navy aircrewmen assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians and U.S. Marines participate in a recovery exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 in Southern California. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Lucas Balcarce, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, delivers fuel to a 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-1B Lancer during a flight over the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 19, 2022. The U.S. remains committed to ensuring peace and prosperity throughout the region in order to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Trenten Collins, a tactical air control party specialist assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, carries climbing rope and gear while preparing for mountaineering training at Sunshine Ridge, Alaska, July 22, 2022. The 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen utilize Alaskas varied and austere training locations to prepare for conditions they may face on deployment.

Sgt. Lucas Miller, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, takes a moment for an interview with Combat Camera while assembling TA-50 during the 2009 Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition on Sept. 22. The first task of the day for the warriors was the issuing of combat gear. The competitors spread out on the floor of the Post Field House as they collected, inventoried and assembled their Kevlar helmets, body armor and rucksack. Afterward, the competitors engaged in reflexive fire training.

Portrait of US Army soldier saluting

A U.S. Army infantryman with Blackfoot Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, carries the M3 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System while setting up a fighting position during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, April 1, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 is a display of the 11th Airborne Divisions ability to survive and thrive in the Arctic, and its soldiers ability to fight and win our nations wars anywhere.

United States Marine wearing helmet on riding in a LAV-25, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

France, Brittany, Morbihan, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon on 2022-03-30. Students from the Ecole Militaire Interarmes (EMIA), the military academy responsible for training army officers recruited internally, i.e. from the ranks of non-commissioned officers and other ranks, take part in a training course at Fort de Penthievre, a fortified structure on the Quiberon peninsula that has become a training base. Photograph by Martin Bertrand.France, Bretagne, Morbihan, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon le 2022-03-30. Les eleves de l' ecole militaire interarmes ( EMIA ), l' ecole militaire chargee de la formation des officiers de l' armee de Terre issus du recrutement interne, c'est-a-dire issus des rangs des sous-officiers et des militaires du rang, participe a un stage d'aguerrissment au Fort de Penthievre, un ouvrage fortifie sur la presqu'ile de Quiberon devenu une base d'entrainement. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

A U.S. Marine with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, conducts a kettlebell carry before firing a M4 rifle during Exercise Tres Kolos in Savaneta, Aruba, Oct. 21, 2022. This exercise promotes partnerships, shares knowledge, and enhances interoperability between the forces in order to strengthen our common defense, foster stability and defeat threats.

Staff Sgt. Jasmonet Holmes, 1st Combat Camera Squadron combat camera craftsman, prepares for Exercise Green Goblin at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Dec. 5, 2022. This four-day exercise provides relevant and essential night-vision training to prepare combat camera Airmen with enhanced photographic and video capabilities required to capture imagery in low-light and no-light environments. (U.S. Air Force illustration by Tech. Sgt. Michael Cossaboom)

U.S. Airmen with the 627th Security Forces Squadron participate in a five-mile ruck in honor of National Police Week at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, May 19, 2022. Police Week consisted of various events such as an opening ceremony, a shooting competition and a five-mile ruck for military police and defenders.

Crew chiefs with the 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, service and launch an A-10 Thunderbolt II from the Combat Readiness Training Center, Alpena, Michigan, June 13, 2022. The 124th FW, along with a number of other guard units, is participating in Agile Rage 22, a National Guard Bureau-led effort to train on the Air Forces agile combat employment mission.

Equipment Operator 2nd Class Frederick Cox, a member of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 (NMCB-1), takes a break from pouring concrete floors for a local school. NMCB-1 is improving the school as part of a civic action project during the multinational relief effort OPERATION RESTORE HOPE. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Country: Somalia (SOM)

120203-N-DR144-251ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 3, 2012) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Jason Querido, assigned to the air department aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), coordinates the response to a simulated fire on a helicopter while acting as a scene leader during aircraft firefighting drills on the flight deck. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Green Berets from 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), conduct deliberate planning for a counter-terroism training mission with Royal Saudi Special Security Forces (SSF/SOF 6) at Fort Campbell, Ky, December 9, 2022. Both units are united in their commitment towards protecting people from the worldwide threat of violent extremists.

Army Reserve 2022 Best Squad Competitors Spc. Isaiah Gutierrez, representing the 492nd Engineer Command, and Pfc. Jordan Watson, representing the 332nd Medical Brigade, rest after completing the 12 mile ruck march, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, May 17, 2022. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022. The 2022 BSC 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 and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue. (Army Reserve photo by Spc. Brandon Levy)

Military officer saluting while sitting on wheelchair against truck

U.S. Army CW2 Donjdan Brown, a Soldier assigned to the 48th CBRNE brigade, participates in the obstacle course event of the 2022 20th CBRNE Best Warrior Competition, at Fort Indiantown Gap Pa., July 11, 2022.The 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Commands Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition is a single event used to select the best Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Soldier of the Year from Soldiers within the command and its major subordinate commands.

050910-A-9419D-004. Subject Operation/Series: KATRINA RELIEF State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 1776th MP Co

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Bryce Sanders, left, from Sioux City, Iowa, a M1 armor crewman and tank commander assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, offers a tour of his M1A2 Abrams tank to a Polish senior military office during the 30th annual International Defense Industry Exhibition at Kielce, Poland, Sept. 8, 2022. Poland agreed to purchase more than 250 of Americas M1A2 Abrams System Enhancement Program version 3 in a deal that was formally signed in April 2022.

Staff Sgt. Caleb Stinson, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, checks his weapon during the firing portion of the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The event included the Army Combat Fitness Test, warrior training, obstacle course, M-16 qualification, warrior tasks and battle drills, day and night land navigation, a Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and 20-kilometer foot march.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Isaiah Tafoya-Montano, a distribution management specialist with 1st Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, poses for a photo during exercise Native Fury 22 at Yanbu Commercial Port, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aug. 24, 2022. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enables the U.S. Marine Corps Central Command and U.S. Central Command to receive and employ forces and resources rapidly in the region through a growing network of western geographic access and staging points.

Twenty Minnesota National Guard, four Croatian, and three Canadian Soldiers are competing in Minnesotas Best Warrior Competition March 29 - April 1, 2023, at Camp Ripley, near Little Falls, Minnesota. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers nominated by units across the state. This year two of Minnesotas longstanding partner nations, Croatia and Canada, have sent competitors to participate. Minnesotas winners will move on to compete against the best Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from multiple states at the Region IV Best Warrior Competition hosted by the Ohio National Guard in May.

U.S. Army Spc. Zachary C. Smith, an assistant gunner with Headquarters and Headquarters Hazard Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment Panther Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, looks at his map during the Croatian Winter Challenge at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, Jan. 5, 2024. The Croatian Winter Challenge had four different countries competing: the 3rd Infantry Division representing the U.S., the 12th Croatian Contingent Iron Boars representing Croatia, the Romanian Air Defense Transylvanian Gepards representing Romania, and the 15th Mechanized Brigade representing Poland. The 3rd Infantry Divisions mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, 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 Airmen from the 20th Medical Group take part in establishing a safe perimeter for a helicopter to leave the Shaw Air and Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 3, 2022. Participation in air shows allow the 20th Fighter Wing to showcase their capabilities to the public, while simultaneously building community relations.

U.S. Marine Corps recruit Raymond Okyere with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, stands at attention at the base of the Reaper during the crucible at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 27, 2022. The crucible was a 54- hour long culminating event at recruit training which finalized the transformation from recruit to Marine.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman David Parmiter, left, 100th Security Forces Squadron armorer, issues Airman 1st Class Delia Valerino, right, 100th SFS defender, a handheld radio at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Jan. 9, 2024. Defenders are issued the necessary equipment such as communication devices, ammunition, and firearms at the start of their shifts to provide security to the installation.

Spc. Nathaniel Miska relaxes between events during the day live fire events as part of the National Best Warrior Competition, July 27, 2022, Volunteer Training Site in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Miska and Sgt. Richard Carlson placed first in both the Minnesota and Region IV Best Warrior Competition, securing their spot in this National Competition. Fourteen National Guard Soldiers are competing in the All-Guard National Best Warrior Competition July 24-29, 2022, primarily at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee.(Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Enrique Reynoso, 6th Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 boom operator, waits for take off during Exercise Agile Tiger on April 6, 2022, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Exercise Agile Tiger promotes resilience, innovation, competitiveness and process improvement, all talents required to address todays complex challenges.

DN-ST-87-02593. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A SAW (M249 Squad Automatic Weapon) gunner from Charlie Company, 1ST Battalion, 6th Marines, patrols the streets at the MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) facility during LOE 1 (Limited Objective Experiment 1) Urban Warrior is the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory's series of limited objective experiments examining new urban tactics and experimental technologies. Subject Operation/Series: URBAN WARRIOR Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Jason Delgadosalmeron, Raleigh, North Carolina native, distribution management specialist, Headquarters and Support (H&S) Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST) - Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, stands guard at a barricade during Exercise Urgent Response on MCB 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. Air Force Staff Sgt. Benjamin Hogan, Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning journeyman, 729th Air Control Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, sits against equipment Sept. 7, 2022, Hill AFB. The 729th Air Control Squadron supports in-theater commanders by providing rapid deployment of mobile Air control systems.

Readiness Challenge VIII participants from the Air National Guard are wearing yellow tape throughout the competition April 18-22, 2022, at the Silver Flag Training Site, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The Department of the Air Force CE event is hosted by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center. After a 20+ year hiatus, the challenge, a premier event for Department of the Air Force civil engineers, is back. This year's Readiness Challenge is the initial operating capability event before the challenge reaches full operating capability within the next two years. At this year's event, which runs through April 22, eight teams representing major commands and U.S. Space Force are facing off in about 20 events showing myriad of CE capabilities from emergency airfield lighting and water purification to building a guard shack from the ground up and firefighting and EOD operations.

Sgt. Bohannon from the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, Wyoming Army National Guard, participates in a training exercise in Sheridan, Wyoming, May 17, 2022.

Soldiers with 290th Military Police Brigade conduct base security operations training as part of Exercise Pershing Strike 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 1, 2022.

021111-F-3873G-007. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Dagger Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and 280th Romanian Mechanized Battalion conduct military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) situational training exercises (STXs) during Exercise Justice Sword in Romania from Oct. 23 to Nov. 10, 2022. Justice Sword, a joint training exercise at the Romanian Joint National Training Center, builds and enhances the interoperability and lethality of the Strike Brigade and our Romanian counterparts. The United States commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the United States will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO Allies.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cory Tepatti, 375 Operational Medical Readiness Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of Warrior Medicine Patient Administration, participates in a Tactical Combat Casualty Care training on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, April 25, 2022. The Secretary of Defense has directed all servicemembers to be trained and proficient in basic life saving skills.

Modern warfare combatant talking into tactical radio headset during a mission.

smiling US soldier in the desert smoking a cigarette

LIAM HEMSWORTH in THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2012), directed by SIMON WEST.

030314-M-0367H-013. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Ripper Country: Kuwait (KWT)

020924-F-2164A-004. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

BRADLEY COOPER in AMERICAN SNIPER (2014), directed by CLINT EASTWOOD.

Soldiers complete their final 12-mile ruck march during the U.S. Army Air Assault Course at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 28, 2022. The 7th Army Training Commands Combined Arms Training Center sponsored the ten-day air assault course provided by instructors from the Army National Guards Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia. The course trains Soldiers on air assault operations, sling-load operations, and rappelling to maximize the use of helicopter assets in training and combat. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christian Carrillo)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Tony L. Whitehead, senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau, inspects the different aspects of the military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) building that is being constructed on Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz, Guam, May 25, 2022. MCB Camp Blaz is currently being constructed and will consist of multiple ranges, MOUT towns, and other training areas to support the Marines and other military branches operating in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jesus Camacho, a rifleman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, pauses for a photo while preparing his gear for a Joint Air-Ground Task Force Demonstration as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity to showcase the aircraft, equipment and capabilities of the armed forces to the local community. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to celebrate MCBHs longstanding relationship with the local community.

SGT. Joe M. Austin, combat cameraman from Detachment 8, 1365th Audiovisual Squadron, takes a break from videotaping Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

A U.S. Army Soldier uses his down time to practice playing his guitar on Combat Outpost Cherkatah, Khowst province, Afghanistan, Nov. 27, 2009. The Soldier is deployed with Company D, 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment.

The 870th Military Police Company perform detainee operations at Camp Roberts during annual training July 24, 2022. Detainee operations broadly encompass the capture, initial detention and screening, transportation, treatment and protection, housing, transfer, and release of the wide-range of persons who could be categorized as detainees."

030416-F-5712B-022. Base: Tallil Air Base State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 340th Military Police company simulates the in-processing of a detainee as part of a simulated exercise on Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst, N.J., July 30, 2022. Soldiers from the 333rd MP Brigade, 340th MP Battalion gathered here for Gotham Justice, a four-week exercise that trained, challenged and improved Soldiers primary skill sets and core MP competencies required in detention operations and security and mobility support operations.

Jacob Ballani, a street crimes officer with the Anderson City Police Department, wears a blindfold while practicing tourniquet application during a tactical medical care course Sept. 26, 2022, at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in Columbia. The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy hosted a weeklong Federal Bureaus of Investigation Special Weapons and Tactics summit to train law enforcement officers in firearms, close quarters combat, tactical medical care, patrolling tactics and familiarize officers with improvised explosive devices.

An inspector with the Air Force Reserve Commands Headquarters Inspector General Inspection Team sits in a meeting, September 10, 2022, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. The IGI Team conducted a Unit Effectiveness Inspection across the 908th Airlift Wing, grading units on how well they have been leading people, improving the unit, managing resources and executing the mission.

070220-A-8962K-023. Base: Fort Pickett State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

FORT HOOD, Texas - U.S. Army Spc. Kyle Union, an infantryman assigned to 153rd Cavalry Regiment, prepares his boots prior to the 12-mile foot march portion of the FORSCOM Best Squad Competition 2022 at Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 19, 2022. The Best Squad Competition reinforces fundamental Soldier skills and squad level tactics.

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