Military Training and Competitions

Images showcasing military personnel engaged in various training and competition events, emphasizing teamwork, physical endurance, and camaraderie during challenges.

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron (MASS) 2 celebrate a victorious pugil stick battle during a field meet at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Jan. 19, 2024. The field meet was held in celebration of MASS-2's 81st Anniversary.

Readiness Challenge VIII participants from Air Force Reserve Command's 934th Civil Engineer Squadron, Minneapolis Air Reserve Base, Minnesota, take a breath after crossing the finish line of the obstacle course on the final morning of the competition April 22, 2022, at the Silver Flag Exercise 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 DAF civil engineers, is back. This year's Readiness Challenge is the initial operating capability event before the challenge reaches full operational capability in April 2023. Eight teams representing major commands and U.S. Space Force faced off in about 20 events showing a wide variety of CE capabilities from emergency airfield lighting and water purification to building a guard shack from the ground up and firefighting and EOD operations.

U.S. Marines compete in a grappling event during the Security Battalion Field Meet on Sept. 16, 2022. Field meets are held to test Marines on their physical fitness while also bringing the battalion closer together and boosting unit camaraderie. The meet included an ammo can relay race, tire flip challenge, and grappling. Motor Transport Services finished in first place, followed by Marine Corps Base Quantico Food Services and Installation Personnel Administration Center team two.

Staff Sgt. Derrick Jones (left), a counter intelligence agent with the 20th Military Intelligence Company under the 20th Special Forces Group, air out his boots after the 18.6 Mile Norwegian Foot March in the Region 3 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition held at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Fla., on May 13th, 2022. Soldiers in the Army National Guard gather to compete, build esprit de corps, and represent their respective states for the upcoming national competition.

An Arizona National Guard Soldier performs push-ups during training for Operation Copper Cactus at an undisclosed location in Arizona on Aug. 26, 2010. Operation Copper Condor is the Arizona National Guard's contribution to the up to 1,200 National Guard troops being deployed to support the Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the four Southwest border states.

U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), grapple during a safety brief on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 27, 2022. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

Army Spc. Jackie Zheng gets help from other Soldiers after a ruck march for the Kentucky National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky. on Nov. 11, 2022. Zheng and other competitors are required to ruck 12 miles in order to get a chance to represent their state at the regional competition.

U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Larentiu F. Balosjura with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, executes a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program technique during the combat conditioning course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, July 6, 2022. Combat conditioning combined the physical demands of martial arts training with those of traditional physical fitness.

Airmen from the 171st Air Refueling Wing and the 911th Airlift Wing take part in a Combat Lifesaver Course, May 15, 2022, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The students were run through a series of realistic trauma scenarios using tactical maneuvers to approach casualties then provide frontline life-saving medical treatment.

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron (MASS) 2 celebrate a victorious pugil stick battle during a field meet at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Jan. 19, 2024. The field meet was held in celebration of MASS-2's 81st Anniversary.

110401-N-1755G-522CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (April 1, 2011) Fleet Master Chief Bradley LeVault, senior enlisted leader to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, carries Chief Information Systems Technician Joel Ramirez during the Marine Corps combat fitness test at Camp Lemonnier.

U.S. Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructors demonstrate an exercise during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor Course culminating event, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 06, 2022. The purpose of the MCMAIC culminating event was to challenge and test the course participants on both MCMAP techniques and endurance before becoming a Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor.

U.S. Army Sgt. McKenzie Einberger, assigned to 34th Infantry Division "Red Bulls", practices taking a photo during a Unit Public Affairs Representative course while at North Fort Cavazos, Texas, February 18, 2024. The course provided instruction about basic Public Affairs operations to non-Public Affairs soldiers throughout the Division's sections. (Minnesota National Guard

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron (MWHS) 1, Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 172, and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 36, grapple during a field meet at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 9, 2024. Marines with MWHS-1, MWSS-172, and MALS-36 held the field meet to foster a sense of comradery, healthy competition, and esprit de corps between the three squadrons. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kendrick Schumacher, top, competes in a grappling event during the Security Battalion Field Meet on Sept. 16, 2022. Field meets are held to test Marines on their physical fitness while also bringing the battalion closer together and boosting unit camaraderie. The meet included an ammo can relay race, tire flip challenge, and grappling. First place was Motor Transport Services, second place was Marine Corps Base Quantico Food Services, and third place was Installation Personnel Administration Center team two.

Sergeat 1st Class Jason Pate, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, negotiates obstacles to test his physical capabilities during the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The 72-hour competition included a physical fitness test, obstacle course, combat water survival test, day and night land navigation, combat trauma lanes, a M4 rifle and 9mm pistol stress shoot and a 5K buddy run. Day three concluded with a 12-mile foot march and awards ceremony.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brandon Nelson, a public affairs specialist with the 109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 213th Regional Support Group, completes an obstacle course during the units annual training period, July 16, 2022 at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania

U.S. Marines stationed on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point grapple during a Marine Corps Martial Arts belt advancement course on MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, Jan. 22, 2024. MCMAP belt advancement courses assist Marines in developing hand-to-hand combat skills, mental and moral strength, and reinforce leadership and teamwork.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Todd Popovic, Special Warfare Training Wing command chief, leads participants in Memorial pushups during a rededication ceremony in honor of U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William Schroeder and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Scott Sather at the SWTW training compound Joint Base San Antonio, Chapman Training Annex, Apr. 8, 2022. The wing and echelon units hosted a two and one-half mile ruck march followed by Memorial pushups and the unveiling of refitted memorials in coordination with Gold Star families

The squad representing 720th MP Battalion help each other overcome the rope wall obstacle on the obstacle course on the III Corps. parade field on May 24.

120305-N-PB383-376 ARABIAN SEA (March 5, 2012) Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) conduct Marine Corps Martial Arts training aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th MEU are deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Marines with a Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor Course participate in an exercise circuit during a MCMAIC culminating event, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 06, 2022. The purpose of the MCMAIC culminating event was to challenge and test the course participants on both MCMAP techniques and endurance before becoming a Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor.

U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in an obstacle course during a Martial Arts Instructor course. The MAI course is designed to develop a Marines understanding of combative techniques while enduring both mental and physical stressors to establish a warrior's ethos. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 375th Air Mobility Wing push a Humvee during a section of an obstacle course at Warrior Park on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 18, 2022. These Airmen and other first responders from around Scott and the local community competed against each other in various activities during Police Week.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 fire an M240B machine gun during a field exercise at Camp Schwab, Japan, Dec. 4, 2022. MWSS-171 conducted this exercise in order to familiarize themselves with expeditionary advanced base operations, demolition operations, urban operations, and different weapon systems.

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct the Crucible on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., Nov. 21, 2022. The Crucible is the final 54-hour test recruits must pass to become United States Marines.

Soldiers of the Nebraska Army National Guard load magazines with 9mm rounds during the General George Patton combat pistol match, an event within the 2022 Adjutant General's Marksmanship Sustainment Exercise held at the Greenlief Training Site near Hastings, Nebraska, Aug. 6, 2022. This is the first time the event has been held since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the event in 2020 and a lack of funding caused another cancellation in 2021.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, slide down an obstacle during the Iron Mike competition at The Basic School on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 7, 2022. Competitors from across the Marine Corps were given 12 hours to complete the over 20 mile course, which culminated the use of core skills with multiple physical challenges.

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and United Arab Emirates soldiers carry a combat rubber raiding craft as part of a bilateral training mission at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 13, 2022. The training focused on developing the intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance capabilities of the UAE service members.

041104-M-0036Y-015. Base: Camp Korean Village State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Marines with Bravo Company, Marine Barracks Washington, prepare to spar during a squad competition at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., May 11, 2022. During the competition, Marines were evaluated on small-unit tactics and infantry skills.

U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Aaron Naraine, a communications officer with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, left, and Cpl. Justin Delarosa, a military police officer with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, participate in the obstacle course as part of a Martial Arts Instructor course at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, April 22, 2022. The Marines participated in the 15-day MAI course to become instructors and gain the ability to train and advance Marines in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (Jan. 23, 2020) Chief Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) Robert Clenney motivates recruits during an instructional training exercise at Recruit Training Command. More than 35,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp.

030201-M-9578B-007. Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Iwakuni Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: H & HS

221024-N-PI330-1072 Gulfport, Mississippi (October 24, 2022) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jabiel Cruz, right, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 (NMCB 133), demonstrates how to wrap hemoraging in the shoulder during medical training as part of a command post exercise on Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, October 24, 2022. NMCB 133 is at homeport in Gulfport, Mississippi conducting training cycles.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Justin Ferro, marksmanship coach, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, and Cpl. Michael Story Jr., air traffic control navigational aids technician, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, grapple during a culminating event at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Feb. 2, 2024. Corporals Course is a month-long professional military education program that develops Marines small unit leadership skills and continues to prepare them to lead Marines. The culminating event consisted of land navigation, an improvised explosive device lane, tug-of-war, grappling and completing the obstacle course with gear. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines participate in a tug of war competition 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.

A team of Airmen carry an instructor with a stretcher made from duct tape during a Striker Stripe team-building exercise May 11, 2022 at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. The Striker Stripe attendees worked in groups to build stretchers using limited resources as part of a team-building competition.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Mardia A. Timoney, the musical technical assistant of 6th Marine Corps District, has her next insignia pinned on by Maj. Scott A. Furlong, the assistant for enlisted recruiting at 6MCD, left, and Maj. Sean T. McCarragher, the training team officer at 6MCD, held at 6MCD Headquarters, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Aug. 1, 2022. This ceremony serves to publicly recognize those who have proven themselves worthy of the next enlisted rank in the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Marines with 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, execute combat conditioning during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) course aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), Pacific Ocean, June 15, 2022. Marines advance their MCMAP qualification through a series of physically demanding courses designed to test their stamina as they learn new techniques.

Soldiers of the 181st Multifunctional Training Brigade navigate the rope bridge obstacle of the Leadership Reaction Course Sept. 27, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. The Soldiers hosted teachers and staff of D.C. Everest Area School District as part of the districts leadership training program.

U.S. Marines and Sailors with 1st Supply Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, participate in a relay event during a battalion field meet on Camp Pendleton, California, June 10, 2022. The field meet was held to boost morale and camaraderie throughout the battalion.

030916-M-3843B-007. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct team over head presses during a log drill exercise at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 26, 2022. Recruits carried a 250-pound log, executing various exercises to strengthen their bodies, minds, and teamwork.

U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in an obstacle course during a Martial Arts Instructor course. The MAI course is designed to develop a Marines understanding of combative techniques while enduring both mental and physical stressors to establish a warrior's ethos. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct a movement-while-under-fire drill near Fort Bliss, Texas, Oct. 8, 2022. Through constant, continuous and frequent training, Soldiers stand ready and able to conduct any mission and engage any enemy at any time.

The Interior Alaska Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps visits 168th Wing as part of summer camp and learns about the 168th Wing, pilot, boom operator, aircraft maintenance, security forces, and civil engineering missions. The Interior JROTC cadets are students at West Valley High School Marine Corps JROTC, Lathrop High School Army JROTC, Eielson Air Force Base High School Air Force JROTC, and North Pole High School Air Force JROTC.

U.S. Army Soldiers compete in the Best Medic Competition for Medical Readiness Command, East on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Nov. 6, 2022. The competition included the Army Combat Fitness Test, M4 Qualifications, Combat Water Survival Training, and a written exam on the first day.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron (MWHS) 1, Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 172, and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 36, grapple during a field meet at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 9, 2024. Marines with MWHS-1, MWSS-172, and MALS-36 held the field meet to foster a sense of comradery, healthy competition, and esprit de corps between the three squadrons. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines Corps Cpl. Timothy Hart, a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, demonstrates the proper adjustment and fitting of a gas mask at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sep. 8, 2022. Realistic CBRN training teaches Marines about proper protective measures, which increase their chances of survival during a CBRN attack, provides information about various contamination threats, and instills confidence in their equipment.

Students of Martial Arts Instructor Course 2-14 grapple against each other during their final exercise on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., April 17, 2014. The three-week course trained Marines to become Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructors.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Network Enterprise Center Belgium, 39th Strategic Signal Battalion, perform the Tactical Combat Casualty Care lane of Army Warrior Training, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, May 25, 2022. This training tested the proficiency of Soldiers based on the unit Mission Essential Tasks List.

U.S. Marines grapple with U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen during a field meet on Camp Pendleton, California, July 22, 2022. Midshipmen spend a week of their summer participating in professional training to educate them on a wide array of opportunities for Marine Corps officers.

050106-F-7552L-005. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

Staff Sgt. Jeff Cooper, a Glenwood, Iowa, native and infantryman assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment, Iowa Army National Guard, high fives Sgt. Drake Latham, a Clarinda, Iowa, native and infantryman assigned to Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 1-168th Infantry, during rappelling practice at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 14, 2022. Nearly 30 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a Master Rappel course hosted by a mobile training team from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center based out of Fort Benning, Georgia.

A U.S. Navy Sailor with 2d Marine Division participates in a combat fitness test during the Doc Kent Competition on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 2, 2022. The competition showcases the capabilities of executing tactical combat casualty care in austere environments by utilizing various evacuation platforms to move from point of injury to higher echelons of care.

030203-M-2796K-021. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Hansen State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

Soldiers from the California National Guard 95th Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction), complete the the belly roll during joint operations with Soldiers from the 95th Chemical Company, 2d Engineer Brigade, at LZ Ranger on JBER-Richardson July 19. Like Alaska's own 103rd CST (WMD), the California team is composed of Army and Air Force National Guardsmen, trained in NBC and HAZMAT identification, assessment, and sampling. Their primary mission is to provide first responder support to civil authorities in matters of NBC, HAZMAT, and other major incidents. The week's training included a joint operations and casualty evacuation; suspected HAZMAT lab clearing; NBC training; and weapons familiarization.

U.S. Air Force security specialists with the 182nd Security Forces Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard, hone their skills during combative training over drill weekend at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois on April 2, 2022. This training is organized to teach Airmen how to safely engage with combative suspects.

U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct buddy squats during a Martial Arts Instructor course culminating event at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 11, 2023. This multiphase event challenged the endurance, martial prowess, strength, and squad cohesion of the students of the MAI course. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Soldiers with Company A, 10th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division work together as a team to master an obstacle at the Leaders Reaction Course at the 7th Army Training Commands Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, May 24, 2022. 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division is part of the 1st Infantry Division and V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe that works alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat ready forces, executes joint and multinational training exercises, and retains command and control for its rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Josh Bradbury, 103rd Airlift Wing aircrew flight equipment, renders aid to a teammate during the tactical combat casualty care lane at Fieldcraft Hostile (FCH) on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 5, 2022. FCH is a pre-deployment course provided by the 421st Combat Training Squadron comprised of members across 43 different Air Force Specialty Codes dedicated to its Chief of Staff of the Air Force chartered mission to deliver expeditionary combat support training.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade negotiates the weaver obstacle at the obstacle course during Bayonet Week at Grafenwoehr, Germany, June 27, 2023. Bayonet Week is a series of competitive events within the 173rd Airborne Brigade that inspire all Sky Soldiers to honor their heritage during the last week of June. These events take place in both Germany and Italy and consist of tournament-style competitions that test strength, endurance, speed, knowledge and indomitable spirit as individuals and teams.

U.S. Army Pfc. Nolan Murray, vaults over an obstacle during the Eighth Army 2022 Best Warrior and Squad Competition at Camp Casey, South Korea, May 11, 2022. The Eighth Army Best Warrior and Squad Competition is a week-long competition consisting of several events to test the participants general Army knowledge and skills.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Adam Spradau, a squad leader, carries Cpl. Kihun Baek, a fire team leader, both assigned to Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Company, Europe, during a competition as part of exercise Lisa Azul in San Fernando, Spain, Sept 16, 2022. Lisa Azul is an annual bilateral training exercise that takes place aboard Naval Station Rota and Sierra del Retin and focuses on critical skills such as live-fire, helicopter rope suspension techniques, non-lethal combatives, and physical fitness to foster camaraderie and sustain interoperability amongst U.S. and partner forces and improve lethality in security and infantry operations.

U.S. Marines with Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic (FMFLANT), Marine Forces Command (MARFORCOM), Marine Forces Northern Command (MARFOR NORTHCOM), and their respective Headquarters and Service Battalion (HQSVCBN), compete in musical chairs 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Carlos Salvaza, left, a drill instructor, instructs Recruit Xavier Iverson, both with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, during log drills at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 27, 2022. Recruits carried a 250 pound log, executing various exercises to strengthen their bodies, minds, and team work.

040130-M-7837W-028. Base: Marine Base Parera, Curacao Country: Netherlands Antilles (ANT)

220407-N-LR905-1005SAN DIEGO (April 7, 2022) - Culinary Specialist 1st Class Jim Barnes leads warmup stretching during a Naval Security Forces Sentry qualification course for Sailors assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) April 7. Sailors participate in NSFS courses to qualify as armed watch standers. Makin Island is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego.

The 179th Airlift Wing SAPR Office held a tug-of-war competition in Mansfield, Ohio on Apr. 10, 2022. April is Sexual Assault Awarness and Prevention Month.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 172 push a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle during a field meet at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 9, 2024. Marines with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, MWSS-172, and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 held the field meet to foster a sense of comradery, healthy competition, and esprit de corps between the three squadrons. Marine Corps

Special Operation Forces Soldiers from the 10th Special Forces Group provide the cadets assigned to the UCCS Army ROTC Program with life-saving techniques and strategies for trauma care on the battlefield during a tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) training on April 21, 2022. The training included skills to assess and manage a combat casualty from injury to a higher level.

The 124th Medical Group hosts an All Service Member level Tactical Combat Casualty Care course, inviting Airmen from around the base to become some of the wings first TCCC instructors, Gowen Field, Idaho, Oct. 16, 2022. TCCC is replacing Self Aid Buddy Care as the Air Force looks to create more agile, combat-ready Airmen.

U.S. Army Sgt. Kevin Izquierdo, assigned to the 14th Field Hospital, completes the push-up event of an Army Combat Fitness Test as the first event of the 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade's 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.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to units from 7th Army Training Command (7ATC) and V Corps perform the Army Combat Fitness Test portion of the 7ATC/V Corps-level Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, July 11, 2022. Teams from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa test their tactical proficiency, communication, and overall cohesion as they compete for the title of Best Squad. Winning U.S. Army squads will meet at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, to compete for the title of U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) Best Squad from August 8-12.

U.S. Marines from various units conduct a physical fitness circuit during a Martial Arts Instructor Course (MAIC) at Naval Base Dam Neck, Virginia, Jan. 25, 2023. The MAIC is designed to develop the individual Marines understanding of combative techniques while enduring both mental and physical stressors in order to establish a warrior's ethos. Marines graduating from the course become certified instructors and are able to teach Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques to their individual units across the Marine Corps.

Recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, employ gas masks at the gas chamber on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., November 14, 2022. Gas chamber training teaches recruits how to don and clear a gas mask quickly, simulating the event of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear warfare hazards being present.

U.S. Army Capt. Dustin Lee, assigned to the Brooke Army Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston pins down 2nd Lt. Daniel Hargrove, assigned to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, Texas, during the bracket-style combatives tournament of the 2022 Regional Health Command-Central Best Leader Competition in Fort Bliss, Texas, April 10, 2022. The competition promotes esprit de corps throughout the Army while recognizing soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and officers who demonstrate commitment to the Army values and embody the warrior ethos. The competition challenges the Armys best leaders in a demanding, continuous, and realistic simulated operational environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Terrence Hammond, a drill instructor with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, motivates recruits during the combat conditioning course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 15, 2023. The combat conditioning course was designed to increase recruits' stamina and ability to perform Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques.

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.

Tech. Sgt. Kelley Sessions from the Utah Air National Guard shows part of her required gear as part of the pre-combat checks and pre-combat inspections event of the annual Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Camp Williams, Utah, Oct. 16, 2022. The Best Warrior Competition is held to recognize the best Soldiers and Airmen of the Utah National Guard through various tests including a weapons qualification, land navigation, and ruck march.

A U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor with Hotel Company, 2nd recruit Training Battalion, instructs recruits how to properly conduct the Bayonet Assault Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 1, 2022. The Bayonet assault Course develops recruits combat fitness, mental toughness and confidence, while maneuvering various obstacles and employing bayonet techniques against training dummies and tires.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, low crawls under the crawl wire obstacle at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Oct. 4, 2022. The troop conducted training at the obstacle course for familiarization and to build esprit de corps.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, low crawls under barbed wire during the bayonet assault course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 13, 2022. The course consisted of different obstacles that simulated the type of terrain Marines may come across in combat.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, compete in a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program tournament during a field meet on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, May 13, 2022. Marines from across CLR-37 competed in a competitive field meet to increase morale and foster esprit de corps. 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.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- ROTC cadets and U.S. Air Force Academy cadets participate in a Special Warfare Orientation Course (SWOC) exercise at the Academy, June 9, 2022. The course trains cadets in water and land fitness, mission planning, and tactical combat casualty care. (U.S. Air Force photo/Joshua Armstrong)

040605-M-5555L-072. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Hurricane Point State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Recruits with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, meet their Drill Instructors for the first time on Parris Island, S.C., Nov. 4, 2022. This training cycle marked the first time every company to be integrated on Parris Island.

Louisiana Civil Air Patrol cadets participate in an obstacle course at Harrison Central High School at Gulfport, Mississippi, July 22, 2022. More than 50 cadets attended the Louisiana Wing Encampment at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, from July 14-24.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Julio Gomez Jr., left, and Cpl. Christian Reynaga, administrative specialists, Combat Logistics Company 23, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, take turns flipping a 200 pound training tire during a relay at Throwdown at Fightertown, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 5, 2022. Throwdown at Fightertown challenged Marines power, strength, and endurance in 12 different events.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. William Bentley, a bulk fuel specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, 1st Marine Aircraft, and a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, left, and Air Force Senior Airmen Frank Xu, a MQ-9A reaper specialist with 163d Attack Wing, California Air National Guard, and a native of San Diego, California, refuel a MQ-9A Reaper with 163d Attack Wing, California Air National Guard during Balikatan 23 at the Subic Bay International Airport, Philippines, April 7, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, low crawl during a combat conditioning course (CCX) at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 14, 2022. The CCX was designed to increase recruits' stamina and ability to perform Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques.

Air Assault candidates rappel off the rappel towers on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, February 20, 2024. After successfully rappeling from the towers, candidates will rappel out of rotary wing aircraft. Army

Pfc. Christopher Loeffler, U.S. Army Materiel Command, is in control of his push-up count in the Army Physical Fitness Test Oct. 1 during the 2008 Department of the Army NCO/Soldier of the Year Competition.

Scenes from Day 2 of the Tripler Army Medical Center Best Medic Competition! Tripler Army Medical Center Desmond T. Doss Health Clinic- Schofield Barracks.

Spc. Dakota Van Brocklin, a health care specialist with the Iowa Army National Guards 134th Medical Ground Ambulance Company, plots points on a map while gearing up to go through the land navigation course while competing in the 2016 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base Cape Cod, Mass., Wednesday, June 22, 2016. The competition is a mentally and physically challenging three-day event that tests Soldiers on a variety of tactical and technical skills to determine the Army Guards Soldier and noncommissioned of the year. The winners move on to compete in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition, battling it out with Soldiers from throughout the Army to be named the Armys Soldier and NCO of the year.

U.S. Marines with Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic (FMFLANT), Marine Forces Command (MARFORCOM), Marine Forces Northern Command (MARFOR NORTHCOM), and their respective Headquarters and Service Battalion (HQSVCBN), Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, Center for Naval Air Technical Training Unit Oceana, Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Northwest Annex, Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck, Marine Corps Intelligence School Dam Neck, participate in a regional field meet at Captain Slade Cutter Park, Virginia, August 5, 2022. Marines across various units competed head-to-head in pugil sticks, ground fighting, PVC pipe construction, flag football, resupply runs, rowing, kickball, and tug-o-war in order to win the command trophy. FMFLANT, MARFORCOM, MARFOR NORTHCOM holds field meets regularly to sustain camaraderie and healthy work relations.

221015-N-IL330-1021 PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 15, 2022) - U.S. Marines participate in the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Savage Games in the hanger bay aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Oct. 15, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), 21st Signal Brigade, conduct Modern Army Combatives training at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, July 22, 2022. Combatives is the term for hand-to-hand combat training and techniques within the Army branch of the United States military.

Cadet Trevor Corso, from George Mason University, runs toward the final event of the Beaudoin Obstacle Course as his teammates cheer him on during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 24, 2022. Corso was the final member of his squad to go through the course and secured the win for his team. | Photo by Julia Galli, CST Public Affairs Office

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ricklin B. Harmening, 714th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron tactical combat casualty care trainer, demonstrates how to check for bleeding in voids of downed member during a TCCC training class at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., May 17, 2022.

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