Military Portraits and Competitions

A collection of military personnel in uniform, showcasing diverse roles and settings, with a focus on competition and training environments. Emphatic and determined mood.

Portrait of United States airborne infantry man with gun.

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.

030206-M-5753Q-122. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Coyote Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: 7th Marines

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Eric Knepper poses for a photo at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 3, 2022. Knepper has been a cryptologic Korean linguist for almost 16 years.

Lt. Matt Serio, an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) was selected to attend Naval Postgraduate School to earn a Masters of Science in Space Systems Operations under the WTI Scholars program.

U.S. Army Cpl. Brett Siddle, an intelligence analyst assigned to the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force, poses for a portrait during Project Convergence - Capstone 4 in Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 23, 2024. Army

Studio portrait of a smiling U.S. soldier.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Thomas Coyle, Marine Corps Detachment Goodfellow commander, poses for photo in front of the U.S. and U.S. Marine Corps flags, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, August 1, 2022. As commander of MCD Goodfellow, Coyle oversees 92 permanent party Marines and facilitates the training of multiple military occupational specialties.

051201-A-9419D-041. Base: Lansing State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sgt. David Monk, Maryland Army National Guard HHC 1st BN 175th INF, 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.

Portrait of United States airborne infantry man with gun.

U.S. Army Cpl. Marlon Brown, a combat medic, stands for a portrait on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, May 20, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Travis Turner is an aerospace propulsion journeyman for the 167th Maintenance Squadron and the 167th Airlift Wing Airman Spotlight for September 2022.

Spc. Ian Wysham, a percussionist with the Maryland Army National Guard's 229th Army Band, poses for picture at Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland, June 10, 2022. The 229th Army Band performs for military and civilian functions throughout the year which includes military reviews, ceremonies, and troop support functions.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Nigel P. Huebscher, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot assigned to the Officer Training Branch at the Directorate of Training and Doctrine, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, stands for a photo at Fort Rucker, Alabama, October 17, 2022.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Muniz poses for an environmental portrait at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., Oct. 13, 2022.

Pensacola, FL - NIOC Pensacola held its monthly Awards Ceremony on 15 February 2024.

Maj. Friantzo Saint-Val, from Miami, 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)

Highest Physical Training ScoreLawton Fort Sill, Oklahoma - SPC Matthew Winters was awarded the Highest Physical Training award by Bravo Battery 1-22nd Field Artillery Battalion, 434th Field Artillery Brigade on January 26th, 2024 for scoring the highest in the battery on the Army Combat Fitness Test during Basic Combat Training.In addition to being awarded the highest physical training score, SPC Matthew Winters was also awarded the Highest Rifle Marksmanship Award for scoring the highest in the battery on Rifle Marksmanship during Basic Combat Training.

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division take part in the Combat Water Survival Test for the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, GA, July 27, 2022. The Best Squad Competition tests squads' physical, technical and tactical abilities under stress and fatigue to determine which squad from the XVIII Airborne Corps will advance to the Forces Command Best Squad Competition in the coming months.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (June 10, 2022) Naval Station Great Lakes' Sailor of the Quarter, 2nd Quarter Fiscal Year 2022 Master-at-Arms 1st Class Michael Bowers. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

Command Sgt. Major John E. Dobbins accepted responsibility as Brooke Army Medical Centers command sergeant major April 5, 2023. Dobbins comes to Team BAMC from his previous assignment at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois.

U.S. Army Cpl. Christopher Bass, assigned to the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force, during Project Convergence - Capstone 4 at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Army

Senior Airman Dakota Harmon, 755th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintainer and assistant dedicated crew chief for Cesar, an EC-130H Compass Call, poses for a photo in the doorway of the aircraft at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Aug. 17, 2022. After six months of dedicated hard work, the EC-130 was marked with zero functional discrepancies.

Coast Guard Air Station - Clearwater, Florida - Distinguished Flying Cross - 26-HK-128-27. Hurricane Katrina

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.

Kentucky National Guard Staff Sgt. Keith Dewolf poses for a photo after firing the opening shot of Thunder Over Louisville in Louisville, Ky. on April 23, 2022. Dewolf and members of the 1/623rd Field Artillery Battalion supported the opening festivities of the Kentucky Derby by firing howizters in the opening fireworks

Master Sgt. Michael Seago, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron heavy repair superintendent, waits for his score after an Excellence-In-Competition M9 Beretta pistol at Yokota Air Base, Japan, April 12, 2022. The four-day competition was held to boost morale and test how accurate active-duty military members can shoot authorized duty pistols of their respective career fields. The top 10% scorers will earn the Air Force Excellence In Competition medal to ear on the Service Dress Uniform.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (August 23, 2022) Naval Station Great Lakes' Bluejacket of the Quarter, 3rd Quarter Fiscal Year 2022 Master-at-Arms 1st Class Austin Klinkhammer. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

Cpl. Evan Anderson of the 35th Infantry Division gets a spotlight interview for the Soldiers family on Camp Arifjan Kuwait, Sept. 29, 2022.

Senior Master Sgt. Aaron Waddy, 4th Logistic Readiness Squadron first sergeant, stands in front of his desk at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Jun. 15, 2022. Juneteenth is a holiday that Waddys father taught him to appreciate long before it became a federal holiday.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Rodriguez, an operations noncommissioned officer assigned to Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, hold the battalion colors during a transfer-of-authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 19. During the ceremony more than 1,100 New York Army National Guard Soldiers began their service in Africa as part of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa.

U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Carter Nichols with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, waits for the next command during close order drill at Marine Recruit Depot San Diego, June 28, 2022. Close order drill is an important means by which a recruit develops a high state of discipline, confidence, respect for authority, teamwork, and instant willingness to obey orders.

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. Army Staff Sgt. Dwayne Calvon, 224th Sustainment Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Company, California National Guard, poses for a photo in a studio at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., July 26, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Riston Mais, 86th Munitions Squadron conventional maintenance technician, poses for an environmental portrait in the ammo bay at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 22, 2022. Mais was selected for Airlifter of the Month for possessing skills and traits beyond his grade.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael Bishop, 177th Maintenance Squadron director of operations, speaks at a podium April 1, 2023, at the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Bishop spoke to the 177MXG during the 177th Maintenance Professional of the Year Banquet.

Portrait of a soldier smiling

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Hunter Doubmajor, a native of Pueblo, Colo., with Medical Battalion, currently assigned to Quebec Battery, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, poses for a photo during exercise Valiant Shield 2022 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 14, 2022. Exercise such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

051124-A-9419D-023. Base: Wyoming State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Col. Brian Reed, from Clearmont, Missouri, 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)

Lt. Col. Brian Reed, from Clearmont, Missouri, 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.

020425-M-0175R-007. Base: Mcas, New River State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 24 MEU

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Dwayne Calvon, 224th Sustainment Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Company, California National Guard, poses for a photo in a studio at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., July 26, 2022.

Portrait of a soldier standing with his arms folded

Silver Spring, Md. (Sept. 28, 2022) - Lt. Brian Williams, deputy department head for undersea medicine at Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC)s Operational and Undersea Medicine Directorate, poses for a photo in the Daniel K Inouye Building. NMRC is engaged in a broad spectrum of activity from basic science in the laboratory to field studies in austere and remote areas of the world to investigations in operational environments. In support of the Navy, Marine Corps, and joint U.S. warfighters, researchers study infectious diseases, biological warfare detection and defense, combat casualty care, environmental health concerns, aerospace and undersea medicine, medical modeling, simulation, operational mission support, epidemiology, and behavioral sciences.

Its all important to me. We have AC-130s and theyre doing their business. We have C-130Js and theyre doing their business. They might even be carrying supplies like blood that someone will need. None of these aircraft are able to fly without the MOC. Its nice to go home at the end of the day and realize that youre a part of the big picture.Tech. Sgt. Wayne Hudson is the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Marauder of the Week. He is a maintenance operations center section chief assigned to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing/A4 at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, August 18, 2022.

Specialist Philip Charles VanDerHeyden IV is a human resources specialist working at the U.S. Army Sustainment Command headquarters in G1 (Human Resources). VanDerHeyden said he credits the Army for allowing him to turn his life around and build a solid future. (Photo by Jon Micheal Connor, ASC Public Affairs)

Tech Sgt. Craig Irvine, 343rd Training Squadron Military Training Flight Military Training Leader, poses in front a building on Oct. 4, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Military Training Leaders go through a four-week course at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, for their initial training. The course teaches the role of the MTL in conducting military training and counseling of non-prior service Airmen and Guardians attending technical training schools.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ian Chryst, Charlotte, North Carolina native, air traffic controller, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, posing from the control tower on MCAS New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Sept. 14, 2022. Chryst was selected for this month's MCAS New River Go-Getter award due to his professionalism and for filling a staff noncommissioned officers role as a sergeant.

Commander Chad Koenig speaks at Army birthday ceremony

220414-N-TH560-0249 SASEBO, Japan (April 14, 2022) Airman Nicky KruegaRochabrun, from Lima, Peru, poses for a photo during a Navy Personnel Command (NPC) Fleet Engagement Team event onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo. KruegaRochabrun enlisted in the Navy in 2019 as part of the Professional Apprenticeship Career Tracks (PACT) program and earned the Personnel Specialist (PS) rating at the event, April 14, 2022.I liked the program because it lets you see and choose from the rates, KruegaRochabrun said. I got to do OJT on-the-job training and thats how I learned that I actually like being a PS.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. Army Spc. Erick Muniz, 216th Engineer Battalion Mobility Augmentation Company, 578th Engineer Battalion, California National Guard, inspects his gloves at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif. July 26, 2022.

Army private in fatigues in the autumn

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Caleb McConihay, 366th Munitions Squadron administrative journeyman, poses for a photo on Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 28, 2022. McConihay received Gunfight of the Week for his numerous accomplishments within his unit.

U.S. Army Cpl. Jared Kiner, assigned to U.S. Army Forces Command, participates in a board while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

U.S. Army Capt. Brian Robinette, a native of Catlettsburg, Kentucky, at his desk inside the headquarters of the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity, Fort Detrick, Md., Oct. 20, 2022. Robinette, currently an Assistant Product Manager with USAMMDAs Medical Devices Assemblage Management Office here, rose through the ranks of U.S. Army Infantry before earning a commission and entering the medical logistics field. Deployed three times to both Iraq and Afghanistan, Robinette credits his wife, Cristie, four kids, family, fellow Soldiers, and his approach of servant leadership for his success. USAMMDA, the U.S. Armys premier developer of new drugs, vaccines, devices and medical support equipment, routinely partners with both U.S. Department of Defense units and non-DOD organizations to provide Warfighters high-quality medical capabilities. (Official U.S. Army Photo by T. T. Parish/Released)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Preston Hough, assigned to the U.S. Army Reserve, prepares to engage the board panel while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

Portrait photo Lieutenant-Colonel of Harskamp. © Henry Westendorp / Royal Navy

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Austin Zak, 509th Security Forces Squadron security forces evaluator, stands at attention during a 9/11 ceremony on Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Sept. 19, 2022. Whiteman commemorates the events of 9/11 by remembering those who were lost during the attack.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ernest Brunelle, an Oakham, Mass., native and a fixed wing aircraft safety equipment mechanic with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, poses for a photo prior to an incentive flight on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. Incentive flights are periodically awarded to Marines and Sailors for meritorious actions and service.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer 1st Class Benjamin J. Gomez, stationed with at the Naval Special Warfare Group Eight Logistics and Support Unit on Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam (JBPHH), poses for a photo on JBPHH, July 12, 2022. Petty Officer 1st Class Benjamin J. Gomez was awarded Sailor of the Year while conducting his duties as a Deep Sea Diving Independent Unit Corpsman.

U.S. Army Pfc. Aaron Shank, a member of the 16th Military Police Brigade Best Squad, loads rounds into an M4 Carbine magazine in preparation for the M4 qualification portion of the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 26, 2022. The M4 Carbine range was one of several events during the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition that tested each competitors weapon proficiency and technical expertise.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Division conduct M17 and M4 individual weapons qualification ranges at Udairi Ranges, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022.

U.S. Airman 1st Class Cameron Teate, 378th Expeditionary Security Forces counter small unmanned aircraft systems operator, stands in front of a T-Wall at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, March 15, 2023. Teate has spent more time deployed than at his first duty station and currently operates a variety of systems with detect and defeat capabilities.

Spc. Anthony Santos is a religious affairs specialist currently stationed at Fort Leavenworth.

DENZEL WASHINGTON in COURAGE UNDER FIRE (1996), directed by EDWARD ZWICK.

Senior Airman Charles Saulsbury 185th Air Refueling Wing Medical Group, was selected as the 185th ARW 2022 Airmen of the year in the Airmen category.U.S. Air Force photo SMSgt. Vincent De Groot

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Johnathan BloodWorth, a native from Alma, Ga., and a field artillery cannoneer with Quebec Battery, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, poses for a photo with a High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System during exercise Valiant Shield 2022 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 14, 2022. Exercise such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Senior Airman Ken Cockrell, 127th Security Forces Squadron, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Sept. 11, 2022.

Sgt. Weslyn Peterson is a combat medic specialist serving with the Medical Department Activity at Fort Lee, Virginia. Confirming that she is a career Soldier, she said, I love the Army. I think the most amazing part is what we stand for; our mission and our intent. As a military branch we support not only the government, but the populace of the United States, so as Soldiers we serve the people. To that end, I find it very inspiring, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Staff Sgt. Bryce Gryder, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency communication center dispatcher, poses in front of a fire truck at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, April 5, 2022. Gryder was highlighted as a positive representative of the U.S. Air Force.

030611-M-5882G-008. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Hillah Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Army Spc. Robert Buck rehydrates after completing the confidence course for the Kentucky National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training in Greenville, Ky. on Nov. 10, 2022. The winners of the competition will go on to the regional competition later in the year.

Spc. Garrett Wright, 371st Sustainment Brigade, participates in the Ohio Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition(BWC)at the Ohio Army National Guard Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center, Ravenna, Ohio, April 3, 2022. The winners of the BWC will move on to represent the Ohio Army National Guard at the regional levelcompetitionthis summer. The BWCrecognizes Soldiers who demonstratecommitment to the Army values, embody the warrior Ethos, and represent the Force of the future. (Photo by Spc. Benhur Ayettey, 196thMobile Public Affairs Attachment/RELEASED)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Faaborg, 755th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hydraulics craftsman, is the dedicated crew chief for Cesar, an EC-130H Compass Call assigned to the 55th Electronic Combat Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Aug. 17, 2022. After six months of dedicated hard work, the EC-130 was marked with zero functional discrepancies.

Fire Controlman 1st Class Arvin David, assigned to NTAG Golden Gate, is featured as this week's Recruiter in the Spotlight.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. John Everette, born in Okinawa, Japan and raised in Stafford, Virginia, a communications officer, space plans officer and assistant operations officer 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. 8, 2024. Maj. Everette has been a Marine for 10 years and enjoys the adventure the Marine Corps provides.I most enjoy the travel and adventure that the Marine Corps affords. Everyday brings a new adventure and challenge, whether we are in garrison or field environment. I enjoy the multifaceted aspects of leadership because at any moment I can serve as a counselor, financial advisor, life coach, and mentor.The Marine Corps has allowed me to provide financially for my family, purchase a home using the VA Loan, and travel to 10 different countries. Ive been afforded the opportunity to lead Marines at the platoon and company level during my 10 years. I was able

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Damarco B. Wyatt, senior enlisted advisor to the commander of the 407th AFSB, poses for a photo at Poznan, Poland, Aug. 14, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Landon Lingle, a resident of North Carolina and combat videographer with Headquarters and headquarters squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Jan. 16, 2024. The Combat Pistol Program teaches Marines how to effectively use the M18 from a variety of distances in a combat situation.

U.S. Army Spc. Nathan Wallen, assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, prepares to engage the board panel while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

The commune of Amfreville honors the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment and 82nd Airborne Division at the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment Memorial in Picauville, France, June 1, 2022. U.S. Army Col. Richard Taylor of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div., Battalion S3 Maj. Craig Barnhill of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and members of Amfrevilles local legislation provided remarks and laid wreaths in remembrance of the 507ths heroic actions in 1944.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 David P. Wyman, 128th Aviation Brigade, Fort Huachuca, Ariz., the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Warrant Officer Academic Instructor of the Quarter, Jan. 17, 2024.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jakob A. Olson, a Cadillac, Michigan native and a transmissions systems chief with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, shares his story during exercise Freedom Shield 23 on Marine Corps Base Camp Mujuk, South Korea, March 14, 2023. The Cadillac High School graduate participated in Freedom Shield on his second rotation in the Republic of Korea. Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula.

060802-N-6827R-081. Base: USS Mason (DDG 87)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Ken Kealey, 386th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron force support operations manager, and his team worked around the clock to provide quality meals and lodging for Airmen during Operation Agile Spartan III at an undisclosed location, September 11, 2022. A lot of our brothers and sisters that are here are coming from bases where they are sleeping in tents. When they fully realized that they were going to be able to operate in a contingency environment with a better quality of life within hours of them being here and being able to see that realization, I think that was the best part. We say that the best support the rest. And that's what we do. We give them what they need to sustain the fight out there, and that's our contribution. To know that we nailed that on the head within hours of their arrival, thats been very rewarding for myself and the team out here.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jacob Thompson, instructor, Combat Training Company, 1st Battalion, 164th Regional Training Institute, North Dakota Army National Guard, poses for a photo, Temedja, Togo, Feb. 26, 2024. Thompson was taking part in an instructor knowledge exchange to expand the experience of non-commissioned officer academy instructors from the North Dakota National Guard and Togolese Army under the National Guards State Partnership Program. Army National Guard

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.

U.S. Army Spc. Erick Muniz, 216th Engineer Battalion Mobility Augmentation Company, 578th Engineer Battalion, California National Guard, poses for a photo in a studio at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., July 26, 2022.

U.S. forces and French soldiers participate in the closing ceremony that commemorates the end of Exercise Marara 22 on Bora Bora, French Polynesia, May 18, 2022. Exercise Marara 22 reinforces U.S. commitments to our allies and partners in Oceania and raises our collective readiness to address crises and contingencies in the 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.

Coast Guard Air Station - Clearwater, Florida - Distinguished Flying Cross - 26-HK-128-26. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Faaborg, 755th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hydraulics craftsman, is the dedicated crew chief for Cesar, an EC-130H Compass Call assigned to the 55th Electronic Combat Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Aug. 17, 2022. After six months of dedicated hard work, the EC-130 was marked with zero functional discrepancies.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Sean H. Jeon with the Regional Health Command Europe sings the German and American National Anthem during the 160th FRSD change of command ceremony, Aug 4, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Lt. Col. Mark A. Black assumed command of the unit from Lt. Col. Michael P. Meissel.

021010-M-0175R-028. Base: Prizren Country: Serbia (SER) Scene Major Command Shown: 24th MEU (SOC)

U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Corbin Caccia, from Washington, Illinois, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), presents a space during zone inspections, aboard the ship, in Newport News, Virginia, April 6, 2022. The John C. Stennis is in Newport News Shipyard working alongside NNS, NAVSEA and contractors conducting Refueling and Complex Overhaul as part of the mission to deliver the warship back in the fight, on time and on budget, to resume its duty of defending the United States.

U.S. Army Jumpmaster, performs Jumpmaster Personal Inspection (JMPI) on U.S. Army and International Paratroopers during Leapfest 2022 at the Quonset Army Aviation Support Facility in Washington County, Rhode Island, August 6, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest-standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard, to promote high-level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Sylvester Payne is the 167th Security Forces Squadron superintendent. He served three years in the Navy prior to joining the West Virginia Air National Guard. In honor of Armed Forces Day the 167th Airlift Wing Heritage and Diversity Council recognizes the diverse backgrounds of the 167th Airlift Wing Airmen and highlight their prior service.

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 Capt. Gary Raymundo, a mission commander assigned to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), participates in a repatriation ceremony as part of an underwater recovery mission to locate missing service members at Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Oct. 14, 2022. DPAA personnel arrived to conduct an underwater excavation operation in an effort to find a U.S. aircraft crew lost over Papua New Guinea during World War II. DPAA's mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

Maj. Christopher Skresvig, from the 406th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, talks with Soldiers at his table during the CATCH Night of Champions event at The Henry hotel in Dearborn, Mich., on October 13, 2022

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