Military Training Activities

This cluster features various military training events, including grappling, casualty transport, and physical proficiency tests, showcasing teamwork and physical challenges.

Members with the 90th Security Forces Group perform pushups during the Crow Creek Challenge, July 8th, 2022, at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. The crow creek challenge pushed Airmen to test their physcial and mental readiness.

U.S. Army ROTC Cadets assigned to the U.S. Army Cadet Command 2nd Brigade accept awards for placing first overall during the Ranger Challenge at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Oct. 23, 2022.The competition is conducted over two days on a non-tactical course. The mission is to challenge Cadets' mental and physical toughness and to develop leadership while fostering teamwork and esprit-de-corps. Teams participate in nine graded events, each team is awarded points based on how well they perform in each event. The best team in each event is awarded a trophy for being the first, second, and third place teams. The number one team is The Ranger Challenge Winner for that year.

EFMB Candidates conduct the physical fitness assessment to kick off the start of the Fall, 2022 EFMB Competition at Camp Casey, South Korea on Sept. 13th.

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, completes the sprint, drag, carry event of the Army Combat Fitness Test as the first event of the brigades Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter Board on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Feb. 10, 2023. The winners of the quarter board may advance to represent the brigade in the 3rd Infantry Division's annual Soldier and NCO of the Year Board. Competition events are a test of grit and toughness, foster readiness and esprit de corps, and are a fundamental part of the unit's method of building lethal, cohesive teams and expert leaders.

Day four of the 310th ESC Best Warrior Competition, Feb. 7, 2024 consisted of M4 rifle qualification, an obstacle course and a medical assessment/movement lane. 2nd Lt. Joshua Kersey worked his way over and through the various obstacles at Camp Atterbury's confidence course.

Spc. Emmil Akwei, a fueler with the 372nd Military Police Battalion, District of Columbia National Guard, completes an obstacle during the 2019 Region II Best Warrior Competition, on May, 17, at Camp Dawson, W. Va. Akwei is one of two D.C. Guardsmen selected to compete in the region competition.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. William Mejias, a motor transport operator with 3rd Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, holds a plank during a field meet at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, April 5, 2022. 3rd TB conducted a competitive field meet in order to boost morale amongst their Marines. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

PENSACOLA, Fla. (Aug. 24, 2012) Students at the Center for Information Dominance Unit Corry Station unload a truck of supplies in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaac. The storm is expected to make landfall along the Gulf Coast late Tuesday evening. The last major storm to affect Northwest Florida was Hurricane Dennis, a category three hurricane, which made landfall near Pensacola July 10, 2005.

A candidate vying for their spurs, prepares to throw a medicine ball during the Army Combat Fitness Test portion of the spur ride. The 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team hosted a spur ride, May 5-6, 2022, at Camp Hovey, Republic of Korea; rich in cavalry tradition, a spur ride tests a candidate's physical and mental toughness, those who successfully make it through the trials are awarded silver spurs.

020425-F-8678S-002. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Julio Gomez Jr., left, administrative specialist, Combat Logistics Company (CLC) 23, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, deadlifts 225 lbs as Cpl. Christian Reynaga, administrative specialist, CLC-23, spots him during one of the events at Throwdown at Fightertown, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 5, 2022. Marines were tested not only on their physical strength and endurance, but on their mental strength through memory questions as well.

U.S. Army Sgt. Bryan Taesali (bottom), an infantryman and sniper with 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, submits his opponent with a leg triangle choke on day 1 of the 2022 All Army Combatives Championship, Lacerda Cup, at Fort Benning, Georgia, April 5. The combatives competition is named in honor of the late Staff. Sgt. Pedro Lacerda of the 75th Ranger Regiment, and recognizes outstanding performance in hand-to-hand fighting skills known in the Army as combatives.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Scarlet Jimenez, 354th Force Support Squadron food section chief, completes an equipment check during Raven Beddown 2024 on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Jan. 6, 2023. The Ready Raven program aims to develop Airmens skills at beddown and force support procedures for contingency operations.

On October 4, 2022, the physical preparation of the soldiers of the 1st Signal Brigade was put to the test with an Army Combat Fitness Test, confirming once again that such testing is necessary and that the Mercury team goes to great lengths to keep its members in top shape. (Photo by Sgt. Alex Estrada/1st Signal Brigade Public Affairs Office)

220927-N-YR675-9622 VIRGINIA BEACH (Sep. 27, 2022) - Brigadier General Marcus Annibale, Director of Expeditionary Warfare (OPNAV N95) speaks with Kyle Morris, EOD STRIKE strength coach, about the STRIKE program and training facility during a visit to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two (EODGRU 2). EOD STRIKE is a holistic wellness program that protects individuals and teams in the Navy EOD force from debilitating stress through adaptability, recovery, and growth across the personal, social, cognitive, and physical wellness domains.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Christian Reynaga, left, and Cpl. Julio Gomez Jr., administrative specialists, Combat Logistics Company 23, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, work together during the endurance phase of Throwdown at Fightertown, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 5, 2022. The endurance phase of the competition challenged Marines to complete a timed relay, and timed rowing and biking machines for distance.

Paratroopers from across the 82nd Airborne Division participated in the third day of the Divisions Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, N.C. on June 9, 2022. Today they participated in the 82nd Airborne Divisions Unbeatable LGOP Range and a mystery physical training event.

A Poolee with Recruiting Sub-Station Hampton, Recruiting Station Richmond, 4th Marine Corps District conducts ammo can lifts during the annual Statewide Pool Function at U.S. Army Garrison Fort Lee, Virginia, April 23, 2022. The purpose of a Statewide Pool Function is to prepare and sustain the Poolees for recruit training, build morale, and answer any questions families may have about the Marine Corps.

Sgt. Richard Carlson, a health care specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Battalion, 94th Cavalry Regiment competes in a fitness assessment at Middle Tennessee University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, July 25, 2022 as part of the National Best Warrior Competition. 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)

Staff Sgt. Jesus Tapia, assigned to 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, completes the Army Combat Fitness Test for the Best Soldier/ Noncommissioned Officer competition at Fort Carson, Colorado, July 20, 2022. The Best Soldier competition consisted of a variety of events which tested the competitors on their abilities to perform Army warrior tasks.

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico and Chemical Biological Incident Response Force from Indian Head, Maryland participate in the Bucket Brigade Race for the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighter Rodeo at MCAF on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Sep. 2, 2022. The ARFF Rodeo is a competition for Marines to showcase their operational knowledge of firefighting tactics, techniques, and procedures.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines prepare for the Trinity Games at Camp Hansen, Japan, June 30, 2022. The Trinity Games were held to foster the spirit of competition and comradery within the unit. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

On October 4, 2022, the physical preparation of the soldiers of the 1st Signal Brigade was put to the test with an Army Combat Fitness Test, confirming once again that such testing is necessary and that the Mercury team goes to great lengths to keep its members in top shape. (Photo by Sgt. Alex Estrada/1st Signal Brigade Public Affairs Office)

Staff Sgt. Vinood Premnauth, 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division Artillery conducts hand release push-ups July 19 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, during the Army Combat Fitness Test for the 2022 U.S. Army Pacific Best Squad Competition. The 2022 U.S. Army Pacific Best Squad Competition consists of multiple 5-Soldier squads from USARPAC units competing for the opportunity to represent USARPAC at the Department of the Armys competition. stations. The non-commissioned officers and junior enlisted will be assessed together in their ability to execute warrior tasks and battle drills, marksmanship and land navigation, and will be challenged to complete a mission as a squad.

In preparation for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Technical Sergeant Jason McAfferty, USAF, (with hands up) of the 138th Communication Flight, follows the orders of STAFF Sergeant Scott Elliott, USAF, (left) of the 138th Mission Support Flight. During a Security Force augmentee training class with the 138th Fighter Wing, Tulsa Air National Guard, Tulsa Oklahoma. ENDURING FREEDOM is in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Tulsa State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Jared A. Hoversten, the Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic (FMFLANT), Marine Forces Command (MARFORCOM), Marine Forces Northern Command (MARFOR NORTHCOM), Headquarters and Service Battalion (HQSVCBN) Sergeant Major, explains the sequence of the events during a field meet at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia, Sept. 22, 2022. Marines with FMFLANT, MARFORCOM, MARFOR NORTHCOM, and their respective HQSVCBN, competed in a dessert bake off, polyvinyl chloride pipe construction contest, musical chairs, football throwing competition and tug-of-war in order to win the unit trophy. FMFLANT, MARFORCOM, MARFOR NORTHCOM, and their respective HQSVCBN, hold quarterly field meets to sustain camaraderie and boost morale within the unit through friendly competitions.

Military personnel carry a crate of supplies during disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. Subject Operation/Series: HURRICANE ANDREW Base: Homestead Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Alejandro Quiros assigned with B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, completes the hammer hold event during the Viking games at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Jan. 12, 2024. The games, which was hosted by the Norwegian Telemark Battalion "Task Force Viking", included a variety of team-based events that tested competitors' stamina, speed, strength, and endurance.

Col. Brent Lindeman, commander of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), salutes a memoral wreath during the annual Gold Star ceremony on Gabriel Field at Fort Campbell, Ky., May 21, 2022. The remembrance ceremony honors the families of fallen Special Operations heroes.

During the Site Exploitation event, competitors must quickly gather, analyze, and identify material with potential value during the 2024 Polyglot Games at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah on Feb. 3, 2024. As a team, competitors clear a designated room and search through papers, materials, and technology in various languages, showcasing their ability to translate and decipher intelligence and information in their respective languages and identify critical intelligence materials. Army National Guard

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Garrett Rookstool, a drill instructor with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, encourages recruits during log drills at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 23, 2022. Recruits carried a 250 pound log, executing various exercises to strengthen their bodies, minds, and team work.

A German army reserve soldier, left, and U.S. Soldier with the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion sprint to the finish line during a 12 km ruck march nearby the 7th Army Training Commands Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, April 1, 2023.

Senior Airman Timmy Nguyen, left, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations departures specialist, Senior Airman Osborne Barnard, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations departures specialist, Airman 1st Class Dean Tagalan, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations dress and restoration specialist and Staff Sgt. Alyssa Day, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations public affairs specialist, compete in the Defenders Challenge at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware May 12, 2022. The event was hosted by the 436th Security Forces Squadron which consists of four events to test mental and physical abilities.

A U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, supervises recruits during a confidence course event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 7, 2023. Recruits became physically and mentally stronger by overcoming obstacles that require strength, balance, and determination.

NAVAL BASE GUAM, Guam - Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman Keilon Davis, right, and Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Justin Sosa, left, assigned to the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), demonstrate baton handling strikes during the oleoresin capsicum portion of the security reaction force basic training, July 22. Land is tasked to provide expeditionary intermediate level maintenance and repairs, as well as provide hotel service and logistics support to deployed guided-missile and fast-attack submarines deployed to U.S. 5th and U.S. 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Staff Sgt. Monique Dingle, District of Columbia Army National Guard 104th Maintenance Company, participates in the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) participates in the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)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.

Potential Army recruits attend "Meet your Army Day" at Fort Bragg, NC on Thursday, September 15, 2022. A Drill Sergeant observes prospects performing T-Push-ups during the ACFT fun competition.

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 25, 2013) Lance Cpl. Jay Fisher, left, and Lance Cpl. Thomas LaPointe, right, assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Pacific (FAST PAC) 1st Platoon Marine Security Forces, practice martial arts with pugil sticks on the main deck aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19).

U.S. Marines with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group and U.S. Army Soldiers with 10th Support Group conduct a sprint-drag-carry during an Army Combat Fitness Test on Torii Station, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 17, 2024. The Marines and Soldiers conducted the joint ACFT in an effort to foster relationships between the two units. The ACFT is composed of six events, including a three repetition maximum deadlift, a standing power throw, timed hand release push-ups, a sprint-drag-carry, a plank and a two-mile run.

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

Miles Byass, a member of the All Star Soccer Tour, receives instruction on the M240B light machine gun by a 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Airman at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, on November 3, 2022. The All Star Soccer Tour, sponsored by Armed Forces Entertainment, visited different bases in U.S. Central Command for an opportunity for service members to meet, greet, and play with the players before the 2022 World Cup.

Members of the United States team run alongside the Costa Rican Soldiers to finish their 2-mile assessment for the Fuerzas Commando competition in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, June 13, 2022. Fuerzas Commando (FC) is a Foreign Military Interaction exercise designed to enhance multinational and regional cooperation, mutual trust and confidence, and to improve the training, readiness, interoperability, and capability of regional Special Operations Forces (SOF).

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, rush to reunite with their families and friends during a redeployment ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 18, 2022. During their deployment, the 1st ABCT trained at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, and completed Combined Resolve XVII at Joint Multinational Readiness Center with 11 other NATO allies and partners to enhance interoperability and readiness.

230331-N-OG286-1228 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (Mar. 31, 2023) Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Ethan Hurley, from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, performs strikes with a baton in an Auxiliary Security Force Academy Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray training course provided by the Security Department onboard Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi. NAF Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW 5), Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron FIVE ONE (HSM-51) and 30 other tenant commands and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, perform leg lifts during a martial arts instructor course physical training session at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 9, 2022. MAI courses certify Marines to instruct and monitor Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training and advance Marines in the program, distinguishing their levels of experience with different colored belts.

Soldiers assigned to 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, lift weights during a physical training competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Jan. 24, 2024. Competitive events help motivate Soldiers to improve their overall physical readiness.

2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division host the Week of the Warrior Competition, Camp Casey, Republic of Korea, May 2, 2022. The competition began with the Army Combat Fitness Test, measuring the fitness and mental rigor of the soldiers.

Soldiers assigned to 16th Combat Aviation Brigade competed in the unit's 2022 Best Warrior Competiton at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 6-7, 2022. 16th CAB conducted the competition to identify the best Soldier and NCO to represent the unit at the 7th Infantry Division Best Warrior Competition April 20-22, 2022.

Troopers, assigned to 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, participate in a ruck march to celebrate Buffalo Soldier Day on Fort Hood, Texas, July, 29, 2022. Buffalo Soldier was the nickname given to the first African American cavalry Troopers.

The 110th Wing Enlisted Advisory Council (EAC) hosted a 9/11 Remembrance Challenge at the 110th Wing, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Battle Creek, Michigan, Sept. 11, 2022. Contestants participated in a relay race, tire flip challenge, M4 rifle break-down and assembly, Self-Aid and Buddy Care scenario, and Enlisted Force Development resource related questions.

Sgt. Maj. Matthew J. Welker, chief culinary management sergeant major for XVIII Airborne Corps, talks to Soldiers from 593rd Field Feeding Company, 10th Division Sustainment Troops Battalion,10th Mountain Division, during a group physical training session, March 30, 2022, on Fort Drum, New York. The U.S. Army Forces Command and XVIII Airborne Corps chief culinary management sergeants major along with other senior leads visited Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division.

U.S. Marines and Sailors compete in a tug-of-war competition on the Today Show, New York, May 26, 2022. As a part of Fleet Week New York 22, the Marines of Special Purpose Marine-Air Ground Task Force New York engage in special events throughout New York City and the tristate area showcasing sea service technologies, future innovation, and connecting with citizens. Fleet Week New York brings together more than 2,000 service members from the Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard offering live band performances, military vehicle and equipment displays, and other community relations projects.

070315-M-8717K-155. Base: USS Bataan (LHD 5) Scene Major Command Shown: 26TH MEU CE

A lifeguard and 1st Lt. Jessica Salas, 394th Field Hospital oversee a Soldier performing the swim event as part of the German Armed Forces Badge competition at the Aquatic Center on Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas on April 22, 2022.

U.S. Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition take a physical fitness assessment 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.

U.S. Army Medics from Medical Readiness Command, Europe, on a footrace at Minnick Sports field on February 5, 2024. during the MRC, EUR Best Leader Competition, held at the Baumholder Local Training Area, February 5-9, 2024. The rigorous competition is designed to select the best leader (squad) who will represent MRC, EUR at the 2024 United States Army Medical Command Best Leader Competition in June 2024. Army

220726-N-PW480-0090 220726-N-PW480-0155 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (July 26, 2022) Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) New Student Indoctrination (NSI) 2022 Cycle 3 midshipman candidates perform push-ups during an inventory physical readiness test at Recruit Training Command (RTC), July 26. Upon completion of NSI, the candidates will start their freshman year of the NROTC program at colleges and universities nationwide this fall. NSI is an indoctrination program hosted at RTC, and provides midshipmen with a common military training orientation. NSI provides basic training in five warfighting fundamentals - firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding and small arms handling and marksmanship - to begin creating basically trained and smartly disciplined future Navy and Marine Corps officers. NROTC is overseen by Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer S. Couture, which supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and

220625-N-PW480-0252 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (June 25, 2022) - Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) New Student Indoctrination (NSI) midshipman candidates participate in cool-down exercises during a physical readiness test at Recruit Training Command (RTC), June 25. Upon completion of NSI, the candidates will start their freshman year of the NROTC program at colleges and universities nationwide this fall. NSI is an indoctrination program hosted at RTC, and provides midshipmen with a common military training orientation. NSI provides basic training in five warfighting fundamentals - firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding and small arms handling and marksmanship - to begin creating basically trained and smartly disciplined future Navy and Marine Corps officers. NROTC is overseen by Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer S. Couture, which supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and enlisted Sailors.

Jamaica team members perform the pullup portion of the Physical Training Test as part of the first event for Fuerzas Comando 2022, on June 13, 2022, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Fuerzas Comando 2022 is a military exercise consisting of a skills competition between military and police Special Operations teams from the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Lionel Castellano)

Staff Sgt. Jamal Walker, a musician assigned to U.S. Army Japan and a native from Augusta, Georgia, conducts the deadlifts June 5 during the Army Combat Fitness at Lightning Academy, Schofield Barracks East Range, Hawaii, at the 2022 USARPACs Best Warrior Competition. The USARPAC BWC 2022 is an annual week-long competition consisting of competitors from multiple USARPAC units across the Indo-Pacific. The noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted Soldiers are evaluated in several categories such as general military knowledge, basic Soldier skills, and physical fitness. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. 1st Class Monik Phan)

Performing the Army Combat Fitness Test plank exercise, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Ricketts, 266th Quartermaster Battalion CSM, competes with Taylor Anne Boyd, a civilian visitor from Chester, Virginia, during the Meet Your Army open house Aug. 27 at Fort Lee, Virginia. The youngster won the event and was presented a battalion coin.

Fuerzas Comando participants share a prayer before beginning their physical training test for the Fuerzas Comando competition in Tegucigalpa, Honduras on June 13, 2022. Fuerzas Comando multinational SOF skills competition showcases the diversity of the SOF community in the western hemisphere, strengthens our regional partnerships, and demonstrates the readiness and interoperability across regional boundaries.

U.S. Navy Sailors, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), play dodgeball during a Morale, Welfare and Recreation dodgeball tournament, a part of the Stennis 2022 Captains Cup competition, on the floating accommodation facility, in Newport News, Virginia, June 29, 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. Marine Corps Capt. Aaron Webster, national partnership engagement officer for Marine Corps Recruiting Command, and Capt. Zachery D. Shelton, a Officer Selection Officer with Recruiting Station Oklahoma City, speak with a coach at the National Junior College Athletic Association Mens and Womens Track and Field Championships on Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson, Kan., May 19-21. The Marine Corps began partnering with NJCAA in 2021, to build trust and to share career opportunities with athletes and coaches.

U.S. Army Spc. Tyler McGinnis, Staff Sgt. Julian Gaitor and Pfc. Patrick Sullivan, an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle crew assigned to 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, pose for a photo after completing the Starry Physical Proficiency Test during the Sullivan Cup on Fort Benning, Georgia, May 5, 2022. The Sullivan Cup requires mastery of individual tasks, technical and tactical competence, and the ability to demonstrate an array of maneuver, sustainment and gunnery skills.

Staff Sergeant Andrei M. Ciont, 264th Medical Battalion Drill Instructor, performs the Pullups during the best medic 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.

Staff Sergeant Andrei M. Ciont, 264th Medical Battalion Drill Instructor, performs the Pullups during the best medic 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.

AUSTIN, Texas Texas Army National Guard Soldiers with the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 36th Infantry Division, practiced the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT 4.0) May 13, 2022, at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. The new ACFT 4.0 is scheduled to start for record testing in Spring 2023 for Texas Army National Guard Soldiers. The newest changes to the test are the gender and age specific scoring, and replacing the leg tuck with the plank. After several years of testing, analyzing and adjusting, the ACFT 4.0 is a more comprehensive test of a Soldiers fitness and capabilities to perform their duties to the Army standard. (Photo by Sgt. Christina Clardy)

Private First Class Alejandro Borrego Corral, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), participates in a safety exercise focused on drunk driving June 10 at Spates Field on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Sgt. Demer Wilder, an indirect fire infantryman assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, picks up Staff Sgt. Deandre Jackson, assigned to 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, May 25, 2022, during the Ivy Week Hand-to-Hand Combat Competition, at Fort Carson, Colorado. This one event during Ivy Week, which is a three day long event where over 70 competitors compete to win points toward the Commander's Cup.

Sandra Lerma, a military spouse, participates in a modified Combat Fitness Test during a Spouse Warrior Day at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 16, 2022. The purpose of the event was to allow military families to form relationships with one another as well as give back to those who support the unit. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Spc. Ashraf Fanidi, an intelligence analyst assigned to 2-158th Attack Helicopter Battalion, conducts the Army Combat Fitness Test during the 7ID Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 20, 2022. The three-day competition was held to recognize the best Soldier and noncommissioned officer in the division through various tests including a ruck march, obstacle course, land navigation, R2 performance test and a board.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Steven Bielawski, right, a student with Headquarters and Support Battalion's Corporals Course 4-22, low crawls with his squad during a physical training exercise at Del Mar Beach on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 16, 2022. Corporals Course provides Marines with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful small-unit leaders.

2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Commander Col. Andrew Kiser gives a speech after he administers Sgt. David Luna with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion 41st Infantry Regiment reenlistment ceremony Aug. 22 on Fort Carson. Sgt. Luna is a member of the 1,000 pound club and has been named the strongest Soldier in the Brigade.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Mary Krueger gives the rowing machine a workout during the U.S. Army Trials at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, May 4. Nearly 40 wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and veterans are at Fort Bragg May 3 - 9 to compete in a series of athletic events including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, powerlifting, track, field, rowing, and wheelchair basketball. The Army holds qualifying trials for active duty Soldiers and veterans to assess and select athletes for competition in the DoD Warrior Games. Active Duty athletes compete in person at Army Trials to beassessed for selection, while veterans compete virtually and submit their results to the Army Recovery Care Program for assessment. This year, the DoD WarriorGames will take place in Orlando, Florida August 16 - 29, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Matthew Maloney with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), instructs Marines on ground fighting during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) green belt class on Camp Lejeune, September 28, 2022. MCMAP teaches Marines on the standards for hand-to-hand combat.

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment hosted Fight Night as the culminating event to its modern Army combatives training program, May 24, 2022, at Rose Barracks, Germany. 2CR Fight Night is an annual combatives event that enables Soldiers to challenge each other physically and mentally, while receiving recognition among their peers.

Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead recognizes Army University of Kentucky Reserve Officer Training Corp Cadet Hayden Roshong for outstanding service at the University of Kentucky's Seaton Center in Lexington, Ky. on Dec. 5, 2022. Whitehead is visiting Kentucky to recognize soldiers and airmen for their accomplishments throughout the year and meet with local ROTC cadets.

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