Military Training and Exercises

Images of soldiers engaged in live-fire training and tactical exercises, highlighting military teamwork and readiness, set in varied environments with a focus on action and precision.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Fernando Sulsanvelez, an infantryman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, fires an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 3, 2022. The training allowed infantry companies and the medium missile battery with 3d LCT to rehearse maneuver proficiency and conduct expeditionary advanced base operations while integrated into the 3d MLR.

Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Orzysz, Poland - Spc. Brandon Lopez, a Soldier a part of Bravo Company, 185th Infantry Regiment, California Army National Guard, looks down the sight of his weapon to observe possible enemy movement during the last training day of exercise Thunderbolt Focus 2022, April 27. U.S. Soldiers among others from allied nations worked together in dynamic teams against tactics, techniques, and procedures used by enemy forces that allowed the Battle Groups to practice, refine, and validate all warfighting, interoperability and control skills.

Lance Cpl. Mark Uriarte, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, fires various drills on a live-fire range during a squad competition on Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 13, 2016. The 1st Marine Division hosted their annual Infantry Squad or Super Squad” competition which pits the 1st, 5th, and 7th Marine Regiments and a Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion against each other in tests designed to evaluate their leadership and small unit, infantry skills.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Fernando Sulsanvelez, an infantryman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, fires an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 3, 2022. The training allowed infantry companies and the medium missile battery with 3d LCT to rehearse maneuver proficiency and conduct expeditionary advanced base operations while integrated into the 3d MLR.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Martin Barbosa, NCOIC Lightweight Machine Gun Course instructor evaluates targets hit by U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Blaine Hale, student, during the live firing portion of the qualification course at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Oct. 3, 2022. The course is two-weeks long culminating in three days where students familiarize themselves with weapons by live firing in multiple conditions and is designed to ready students for mission demands on day-one of assignment at their new base where this training is not available.

A U.S. Green Beret assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) covers his sector of fire following a building clearing exercise during training between Albanian and U.S. special operations forces near Tirana, Albania, Feb. 26, 2024. Joint Combined Exchange Training enhances interoperability with partner nations and strengthens military readiness, teamwork, and joint confidence while promoting peace and stability in Europe. Army

111117-A-BZ540-078 U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Greg Byce (left) and Spc. Sean Dobson, both assigned to Security force Platoon, provide security along an embankment at Khoshi Valley, Logar province, Afghanistan, on Nov. 17, 2011.

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade engages targets on an objective during a combined arms live fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 22, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

220706-M-RA094-1028 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 6, 2022) An Australian Defence Force scout sniper with Sniper Platoon, 2nd Royal Australian Regiment and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Timothy Bradley, a chief scout sniper with Weapons Company, Battalion Land Team, 3d Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7 (MAGFT-7), from Swampscott, Massachusetts, sights on targets during a live-fire sniper range in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 6, 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationship among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exe

Florida Army National Guards Warrant Officer Richard Shirley, with the 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, participates in the 2022 Adjutant General (TAG) match, September 10th, 2022, at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Florida. The TAG Match brings together soldiers who wish to test their skills in pistol and rifle drills and firing sequences against skilled peers.

U.S. Marines with Weapons Company 1st Battalion, 5th Marines (BLT 1/5) perform a live-fire manuever on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 4, 2013. BLT 1/5, attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, performs live-fire manuevers to create simulated combat conditions to prepare Marines for future deployments.

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Lance Cpl. Benjamin V. Stout, a Barnsville, Minn. native and machine gunner with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's maritime raid force (MRF), assists machine gunner Lance Cpl. Josh M. Tasior from Dallas, Texas, as they hold security on the outer cordon of a target site during an MRF training course here Jun. 15. The security provided by cordons allows for safe and expedited clearing of buildings.

U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Melissa Sauter, assigned to the 409th Medical Company Area Support, 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support), Madison, Wis., engages a target in the kneeling supported position while attempting to qualify with her individual assigned weapon or a M4 Carbine on the individual qualification tables at Fort McCoy, Wis., April 4, 2022. The Stage One table of 40 targets includes, artificial support, and forces Soldiers to perform positional transitions and magazine changes on their own.

Members of U.S. Army Rangers machine gun crew during a fight in the desert.

051210-F-2828D-029. Base: Bayji State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Soldier with Task Force Americal from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, trains with an M4 carbine at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sept. 24, 2022. The U.S. Air Forces 378th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron facilitate and occasionally conduct Joint Force training with the U.S. Army on PSABs firing range. Soldiers and Airmen must undergo routine weapons qualification training to ensure safety and proficiency standards. (U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Noah J. Tancer)

Security Forces members from the 151st Air Refueling Wing stand guard at Dugway Proving Ground in support of an unprecedented joint exercise on Sept. 8, 2022. This joint force exercise incorporates This joint force exercise incorporates more than 200 service members across four major commands creating innovative operational concepts to allow quick response to an ever changing war time horizon.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines fire their M203 and M32 grenade launchers with non-lethal rounds down range during a riot control exercise aboard Camp Lejeune , North Carolina, March 24, 2015.

Army Sgt. Samuel Shuler, a cavalry scout with the Georgia Army National Guards Troop A, 1st Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment engages targets with an M240B machine gun during the 2015 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Camp Williams, Utah, Tuesday, June 23, 2015. The competition tests competitors on a variety of tactical and technical skills physically and mentally demanding three days as they vie to earn the title of Best Warrior and become the Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for the Army Guard. The winners of the competition will then represent the Army Guard in the Department of the Army level Best Warrior Competition later this year.

Second Lt. Theodore Hardy, the platoon commander for 2nd platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, leads his platoon during a partnered patrol with the 3rd Tolai, 2nd Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 215th Corps, Afghan National Army, Feb. 20. Hardy and the rest of India Company have been mentoring and training the ANA to take over. The Afghan soldier here, patrolled with the Marines in support, through an area known for insurgent activity.

A U.S. Reserve Marine assigned to the Combined Anti-Armor Team, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, fires a Humvee-mounted M240B machine gun during a mission rehearsal exercise at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, May 20, 2022. Weapons Company convened with other units from 3/23 at Fort Campbell for a mission rehearsal exercise to prepare for the upcoming Integrated Training Exercise 4-22 in the summer of 2022. The Combined Anti-Armor Team Marines conducted machine gun ranges and convoy operations with quick reaction drills.

Finnish soldiers assigned to the Guard Jaeger Regiment and U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division teach each other how to operate their organic weapon systems at Huovinrinne, Finland, July 8, 2022. The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and the Pori Brigade of the Finnish army began summer training in Finland to strengthen relations and help build interoperability between the two nations.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Felipe Bautistamonarrez, a motor transportation operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, reloads an M240B machine gun during a field exercise at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Nikki Nicholson, a light armored vehicle technician with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Group (Experimental), 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fires an M4 carbine during a table three through six and combat marksmanship program range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 15, 2022. The purpose of the range was to improve the battalion's organic combat marksmanship capabilities and to train the core position safety officers for subsequent company ranges. 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.

A Marine with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, puts rounds downrange during a company battle live-fire exercise as part of Realistic Urban Training aboard Fort A.P. Hill, Va., June 8, 2010. During the 18-day training evolution, the MEU will conduct several urban and other small unit training exercises as part of its pre-deployment training. 26th MEU is scheduled to deploy later this fall.

Recruits with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, complete the Crucible aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. on March 31, 2022. The Crucible serves as the culminating event of Recruit Training and is the final obstacle before recruits earn the title United States Marine.

040820-F-5789F-014. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force Airman Thomas Hansford, Combat Camera Apprentice with the 1st Combat Camera Squadron, aims with the dummy rifle during Exercise Scorpion Lens 23, March 23, 2023. Exercise Scorpion Lens is an annual training event held at McCrady Training Center, Eastover, South Carolina, hosted by the 1st Combat Camera Squadron (1CTCS). The exercise provides expeditionary skills and training to Combat Camera professionals from the United States Army, Air Force, and Marines worldwide.

U.S. Army Spc. Tyler Graessle ,left, and Staff Sgt. Thomas Schneider both assigned to the Southern European Task Force (SEATAF) take aim with an M1-36 recoilless rifle during the 2022 U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition on Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany Aug. 9, 2022. Teams from across USAREUR-AF test their tactical proficiency, communication, and overall cohesion as they compete for the title of Best Squad. Winners of this competition will advance to represent USAREUR-AF at the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina later this year.

Marines with first platoon, Bravo Company, Marine Barracks Washington, conduct infantry training at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., May 25, 2022. The Marines conducted an air insert via MV-22 Ospreys and honed weapons-handling skills during battle drills utilizing the AT-4 light anti-armor weapon, M203 grenade launcher, M72 light anti-armor weapon, and M16A4 rifle.

U.S. Air Force Airman Kenneth Shattwell, 81st Security Forces Squadron entry controller, fires a M249 light machine gun at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Sept. 23, 2022. Defenders rotate through firing different heavy weapon systems to hone their defense capabilities.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jason Sewell, rifleman assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires an M4 service rifle during a live-fire exercise aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), June 27, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

A soldier assigned to the 4th Infantry Division returns fire while demonstrating individual movement techniques during Expert Infantrymen and Soldier badge testing at Ft. Carson, Colo., May 17. The Expert Infantrymen and Soldier Badges demonstrate a Soldiers competence at individual asks and is on the most prestigious badges a Soldier can earn. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Jason Elmore

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Abigail Colvig, a fire support specialist with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines, participates in a combat marksmanship range during Fuji Viper 23.1 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Nov. 22, 2022. Exercise Fuji Viper exemplifies a commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 1/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Colvig is a native of Lakeland, Florida.

U.S. Marines with 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, sight in on a target during a regimental field exercise on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 6, 2022. Marines conducted the FEX to enhance combat capabilities while maintaining operational readiness throughout the regiment.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, teaches operations on an M249 squad automatic weapon to a Finish soldier assigned to the Guard Jaeger Regiment at Huovinrinne, Finland, July 8, 2022. The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and the Pori Brigade of the Finnish army began summer training in Finland to strengthen relations and help build interoperability between the two nations.

U.S. Army ranger sniper

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Michah McLeod, an infantry Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets security for tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise at Snipe Mt. Okinawa, Japan Aug. 16, 2022. TRAP operations are conducted to ensure key assets do not fall into enemy hands, and proper medical care is given to injured personnel. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Donovan Holder, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, fires an M27 infantry automatic rifle during a Combat Marksmanship Program (CMP) range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 26, 2022. CMP allows Marines to maintain weapon proficiency by engaging stationary and moving targets. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Holder is a native to Owingsville, Kentucky.

Staff Sgt. Caleb Stinson, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, fires his weapon during the firing portion of the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. During the competition, two-soldier teams navigate a grueling series of events that push their stress, physical, and emergency medical skills to the limits. Among the many challenges the competitors face are an obstacle course, a physical fitness challenge, land navigation, and stress shoots on a firing range, which test their ability to fight despite difficult conditions. And, competitors medical proficiencies are tested in day and night combat medic lanes that demand effective management of simulated casualties. Competitors progress through all of these exhausting challenges in just 3 days.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Corban Lundborg, assigned to 4th Combat Camera Squadron, 315th Airlift Wing, participate in soldier skill lanes while competing in the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 19, 2022. The annual multi-day competition tests the physical, tactical and technical proficiency of visual information and public affairs specialists across the DOD and participating international competitors.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Gabriel Fortier, a knowledge operations technician with the 260th Air Traffic Control Squadron, fires a rifle during a weapons qualification course at Fort Devens, Mass., Sep 11, 2022. The 260th participated in two days of firearms training as part of an on-going effort to increase mobility readiness.

AL HAMRA, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (June 19, 2022) - A U.S. Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command fires an M-4 Rifle during a small arms range as part of exercise Iron Defender 22 at Al Hamra training camp, UAE, June 19. Iron Defender is an annual bilateral training event between U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and forces from the United Arab Emirates. The exercise focuses on maritime security operations, mine countermeasures and harbor defense.

A U.S. Marine with 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, fires an M240G medium machine gun during a live-fire exercise as part of a squad competition at Range 223B on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 24, 2022. 1st Marines held a week-long regimental squad competition to send the winning infantry squad to compete against squads drawn from other units across the division.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, shoots the Marine Corps table three course of fire at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 27, 2022. This training provided recruits the opportunity to fire at targets at unknown distances.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Nicholas Caplin, 100th Security Forces Squadron defender, scans an area with an M249 light machine gun during a field training exercise (FTX) at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Feb. 28, 2024. The RAF Mildenhall 100th SFS began doing Agile Combat Employment FTXs in January to keep defenders up to standards on ACE. Air Force

U.S. Army Private 1st Class Brandon Benedicks, a Soldier with the New Jersey National Guards Battery C, 3-112th Field Artillery Regiment performs tactical training on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Oct. 4, 2019. This image was captured with a tilt-shift lens.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Carolin Miesesreyes, a food service specialist with Food Service Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fires an M240B medium machine gun at Range 7, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 3, 2022. The purpose of the training was to improve the Marines ability to operate both light and medium machine guns in a combat environment. 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.

Colombian team members aim during the sniper section for Fuerzas Comando 2022 Day 2 in La Venta, Honduras, June 14, 2022. Fuerzas Comando is a Special Operation skills competition and a senior leader seminar supported by SOCSOUTH. The competition enhances SOF regional cooperation and exchanges best practices to combat transnational crime and counter illicit activities.

U.S. Special Forces on patrol in a special operation vehicle.

Security Forces trainees at the 343rd Training Squadron move through a series of obstacles during the Individual Tactics and Techniques basic course at Joint Base San Antonio - Camp Bullis on Sept. 20, 2022. The exercise is designed to teach the trainees how to shoot, move, and communicate through tactical environments. The 37th Training Wing and 343rd Training Squadron provide the initial training for all Air Force security forces.

Security Forces trainees at the 343rd Training Squadron move through a series of obstacles during the Individual Tactics and Techniques basic course at Joint Base San Antonio - Camp Bullis on Sept. 20, 2022. The exercise is designed to teach the trainees how to shoot, move, and communicate through tactical environments. The 37th Training Wing and 343rd Training Squadron provide the initial training for all Air Force security forces.

A group of U.S. Marines fires their M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle on an Indonesian range during Exercise Super Garuda Shield on Dodiklatpur Rindam V, East Java, Indonesia., September 1, 2023. Super Garuda Shield 2023 is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in scope and size since 2009. SGS2023 is the second consecutive time this exercise has grown into a combined and joint event, highlighting the 6 participating and 12 observing nations' commitment to partnership and a free and open indo-pacific.

Specialist Nathan Goodlet and Cpl. Jacob Kehler, snipers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, search for a simulated enemy high-value target, Jan 29. 2018, during Inferno Creek 2018 near Thumrait, Oman. Inferno Creek 2018 is an annual Omani-U.S. exercise focused on building bilateral ties between the two militaries. This is the first time the exercise was held at the company level.

United States airborne infantry machine gunner in action.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Levi McCall, a rifleman assigned to Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, reloads an M4 carbine during a Combat Marksmanship Program range as part of Exercise Cobra Gold in Chanthaburi province, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 29, 2024. Cobra Gold, now in its 43rd year, is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored training event that builds on the longstanding friendship between the two allied nations and brings together a robust multinational force to promote regional peace and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Marine Corps

Special forces soldier walking across a yellow field with sniper rifle.

A U.S Marine Corps recruit with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, writes down his marker while shooting the first course of fire on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. April 12, 2022. Recruits shoot at a variety of distances on several targets as part of their marksmanship assessment during Recruit Training.

Black silhouette of soldier in the smoke during a battle operation.

A U.S. Marine with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, sights in on his target at Range 410A during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 4-22 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., on July 20th, 2022. Range 410A challenges platoons to perform a complex fire and maneuver attack requiring communication and coordination between multiple support by fire positions and a maneuver element.

Young male sniper in camouflage with gun in the desert.

A U.S. Marine Corps Recruit with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, fires his rifle during table two on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. April 12, 2022. All recruits must participate in the table two rifle qualification course during the 3rd phase of recruit training.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Austin Lumetta, a radio operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6), Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, fires a M4A1 rifle during a table 5 range in preparation for exercise Freezing Winds 22 in Syndalen, Finland, Oct. 10, 2022. Task Force Red Cloud, headquartered by elements of CLB-6, is deployed to Finland in support of Exercises SYD 2022 and Freezing Winds 2022 to enhance U.S. and Finnish select interdependence in the maritime domain; solidify bilateral maritime maneuver within the Finnish littoral environment; and foster strong relationships between U.S. Marine Corps and Finnish Defense Force sustainment units.

Staff Sgt. Shawn Coleman, assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts a Table 3 live-fire exercise on the flight deck of the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), at sea, July 25, 2013. The 26th MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force forward-deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility aboard the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group serving as a sea-based, expeditionary crisis response force capable of conducting amphibious operations across the full range of military operations.

Spc. Cipriano Spier with the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade engages targets during the Army rifle qualification as part of the Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Camp Williams, Utah, Oct. 17, 2022. The Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition is an annual event that brings together Soldiers and Airmen from the major commands to compete for the title of Soldier/Airman-of-the-Year, Noncommissioned Officer-of-the-Year and Senior NCO-of-the-Year. The Army winners of this competition will represent the Utah Army National Guard at the Region VII Best Warrior Competition next spring.

U.S. Army Spc. Zachary Earles, a machine gunner assigned to Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, Michigan National Guard, conducts an alternate-course qualification with an M4A2 carbine rifle at the Ben Ghilouf Training Area in Tunisia, June 23, 2022. African Lion 2022 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

A U.S. Soldier with Task Force Americal from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, provides cover fire for Senior Airman Scott Prouty, a fireteam member assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Security Force Squadron, during a Joint Force combat arms training at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sept. 24, 2022. Soldiers and Airmen must undergo routine weapons qualification training to ensure safety and proficiency standards, which they meet together at PSAB.

DF-ST-88-05639. Subject Operation/Series: CORNET PHASER Base: Canadian Forces Base, Lahr Country: West Germany (FRG)

U.S. Army Pfc. Gabriella Lopez, assigned to Eighth Army's Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, shoots an M-320 grenade launcher during the Eighth Army 2022 Best Warrior and Squad Competition at Rodriguez Live-Fire Range, South Korea, May 10, 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. Ryan Lauritsen (right) and Cpl. Jack Secrest (left), scout snipers with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division conduct a live-fire range during Resolute Dragon 22 on Shikaribetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 6, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains. Lauritsen is a native of Dwight, Illinois and Secrest is native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

As teams, candidates maneuver an obstacle course during the Special Warfare Training Wing Assessment & Selection Course at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on March 14, 2023. The Special Warfare Training Wing prepares candidates physically, mentally, emotionally and cognitively for demanding careers as special warfare operators.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Phoenix Gordin, a motor transport operator with Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, receives a class on close-quarter battle drills, Pyramid Rock Training Area, MCBH, Jan. 10, 2024. The class was held during the battalions first field training exercise of 2024 in order to increase combat readiness, unit morale and camaraderie.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 273, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), and Combat Logistics Company (CLC) 23, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, fire an M240B machine gun at Ft. Stewart, Georgia, Nov. 4 2022. Marines with MWSS-273 and CLC-23 exercised their proficiency with the M240B machine gun and practiced remedial actions, enhancing 2nd MAWs overall combat capability. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin)

U.S. Army Spc. Braden Blair and Spc. Benaim Clark, assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment work together to provide support by fire with a M240b machine gun during a live fire exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Oct. 16, 2022. 2nd Cavalry Regiment provides V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe, with combat-credible forces capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater to defend the NATO alliance.

220711-M-WC972-1034 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 11, 2022) A U.S. Marine assigned to Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, sights in on a targets during a squad live-fire range in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 11, on Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

soldier in bulletproof vest with ak-47 rifle

U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Keenan Baxter, representing the Georgia Army National Guard, performs a functions check on a weapon as part of an event for the Region III Best Warrior Competition on Camp Blanding, Fla., May 11, 2022. The Region III Best Warrior Competition highlights the lethality, readiness and capabilities of Army National Guardsman throughout the southeastern region.

U.S. Marine in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Collin Strubel, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania, native and a mortarman with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, aims at targets during an unknown distance range at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 13, 2022. Marine Corps Scout Snipers are experts in enemy surveillance, marksmanship, as well as stealth and concealment and can engage individual targets without collateral damage while using precise weapons to deny the enemy freedom of movement or disrupt operations by targeting high-valued individuals.

A US Marine Corps (USMC) Marine with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1ST Marine Regiment, 1ST Marine Division, mans a 7.62mm M240G machine gun from a defensive position at the cloverleaf outside Highway One, near the city of Fallujah, Iraq. The Marines cut off traffic to the city in an operation to isolate and root out terrorists responsible for recent attacks on Coalition Forces during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Marcos Vandalen, a squad leader with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, fires an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 3, 2022. The training allowed infantry companies and the medium missile battery with 3d LCT to rehearse maneuver proficiency and conduct expeditionary advanced base operations while integrated into the 3d MLR.

A US Marine Fires His M-4

U.S Marine Corps urban sniper instructor with Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG), II Marine Expeditionary Force, prepares to fire during the Sniper Sustainment Course (SSC) aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 5, 2023. The SSC provides the opportunity for the Special Tactics Branch of EOTG to restructure the Urban Sniper Course to better suit the needs of the Recon Snipers that will remain in service for the Marine Corps and to conduct advanced marksmanship training to validate the standards for future courses.

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

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christian Cameron, a Covington, Tennessee, native and rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, posts security on a force-on-force exercise during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 17, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

A U.S. Marine with Maritime Special Purpose Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fires an M4 Carbine during a live-fire exercise while a part of a security element and enablers course (SEEC) at Stone Bay, North Carolina, Oct. 24, 2022. SEEC trains Marines and sailors in several combat-oriented skills that support the assault element of the 26th MEU during deployments.

Recruits with Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, aim at a practice target during Grass Week aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., March 29, 2023. Recruits practice the fundamentals of marksmanship for the entire week in preparation for live fire exercises.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Daniel Melendez Baez, a Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico native and student at The Marine Corps School of Music, currently conducting on the job training with 2d Marine Division Band, sets security at an Infantry Immersion Trainer (IIT) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 19, 2024. The IIT is used to fully immerse Marines in various scenarios in order to teach them to effectively adapt to complete combat, security, and humanitarian missions.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members fire an M240B machine gun alongside U.S. Marines assigned to 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division during Artillery Relocation Training Program 22.1 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Hijudai Training Area, Japan, April 14, 2022. The skills developed at ARTP increase the lethality and proficiency of the only permanently forward-deployed artillery unit in the Marine Corps, providing long-range precision indirect fires throughout the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, engage targets ate Range 400 during Integrated Training Exercise 4-22 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 23, 2022. Range 400 is used to conduct company-level live-fire training in a deliberate assault against prepared defensive positions. MAGTF-23 aggregated at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center from 55 Home Training Centers, further preparing Marine Forces Reserve for potential future mobilizations and deployments.

Army Reserve Master Sgt. Grant Smith, brigade operations sergeant for the 290th Military Police Brigade fires non-lethal rounds from the M26-MASS (Modular Accessory Shotgun System) during non-lethal weapons training, July 26, 2022, at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Mississippi. The 290th MP Brigade was at CSJFTC for annual training where they participated in Pershing Strike 2022. (Arizona Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian A. Barbour)

U.S. Army Spc. Noa J. Brutsch, an infantry machine-gunner assigned to Chaos Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1ABCT), operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), conduct combat tactics during a live fire exercise rehearsal at Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Nov. 18, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Army Spc. Hannah Denning, assigned to Headquarters Support Company, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), dissembles a M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during an Expert Soldier Badge practice lane on Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Oct. 14, 2022. The U.S. Army ESB measures a soldiers proficiency in physical fitness, marksmanship, land navigation and other critical warfighting tasks. The ESB was implemented in the 2020 fiscal year.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Seth Smith, automatic rifleman, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, engages targets with his M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle, during a live fire and movement range during exercise Archipelago Endeavor 22 (AE22) on Berga Naval Base, Sweden, Sept. 14, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

U.S. Army sniper during a military operation.

Soldiers from Charlie Company, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion, practiced weapons handling, fast loading, and engagement skills during the first week of annual training.The 2022 annual training exercises for the Idaho Army National Guard are the last mass field exercises for the 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team before deploying in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

A Marine with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides cover fire during a raid training scenario at the Operations in Urban Terrain training facility aboard Camp Lejeune, Dec. 18. The Marines were inserted on Camp Lejeune from amphibious ships of Amphibious Squadron 8 positioned 3-5 miles off the coast of North Carolina with the task of assaulting an enemy position inland. The training was a culminating event as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise, a three-week exercise with 24th MEU embarked at sea to develop cohesion with PHIBRON 8 in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

U.S. Army Spc. Alexandro Del Torro assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, trains on an M240b machine gun at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 23, 2023. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment provides V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps, with combat-credible forces capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater to defend the NATO alliance.

A U.S. Army Soldier qualifies with the M4 carbine during a Infantry Advanced Leaders Course on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 5, 2022. The Advanced Leaders Course, hosted by the 254th Regional Training Institute, New Jersey Army National Guard, is a branch-specific course that provides Soldiers selected for promotion to Staff Sgt. an opportunity to enhance leadership, technical skill, tactical expertise and experience needed to lead squad-size units. Class 22-02 has Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division, 82nd Airborne Division, and the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

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