Military Training and Exercises

Dynamic scenes of military personnel engaged in training activities, including shooting competitions, parachute drills, and pistol qualifications, set in diverse natural environments.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade provide a mortar barrage for paratroopers advancing on an objective during a combined arms live fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 23, 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Matt Alderman, a combat engineer with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, sprints toward his targets during the 9th ESB Shooting Team Competition and Tryouts on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 25, 2022. The 9th ESB Shooting Team Competition and Tryouts was a four-day event that involved firing the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System, M18 service pistol, and the M16A4 Armalite Rifle in timed events to test speed and accuracy. The events top performers will compete in the Far East Shooting Competition scheduled in December.

A U.S. Army Paratrooper runs and drags his MC-6 parachute towards the objective on Glen Rock Drop Zone during Leapfest 2022 at Exeter, Rhode Island, August 6, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fires his M17 pistol while walking during pistol qualification at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, July 19, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Army Reserve Spcs. Ashley Carson, left, and William Barrett, both assigned to the 452nd Combat Support Hospital, 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support) based in Milwaukee, hold a collapsible litter holding a "casualty" above a wall as members of their squad Spc. Nicholas Radtke, left and Sgt. Matthew Breitrick steady it during a litter obstacle course on Fort McCoy, Wis., Sept. 16, 2022.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 273, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Combat Logistics Company (CLC) 23, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, conduct a short-range course of fire (table 5) at Ft. Stewart, Georgia, Oct. 31, 2022. Marines with MWSS-273 and CLC-23 improved their combat capability and exercised their ability to engage enemies at short-range. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin)

980625-F-1108F-020. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army paratroopers with 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade conduct urban breach training during exercise Full Tank at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 25, 2022. The 173rd AB is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility. (U.S. Army photo by Gertrud Zach)

These soldiers are from Vermont Army National Guard 572nd BEB (Brigade Engineer Battalion). They are training on the Fort Dix Range Complex at Range 40. They are completing the M2HB and MK19 Qualification training. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

030923-F-6655M-004. Base: USMC Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Eastern Marine Corps Recruiting

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade provide a mortar barrage for paratroopers advancing on an objective during a combined arms live fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 23, 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.

Soldiers from B Co. 3-2 General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade participated in the 2nd Infantry Division ROK-U.S. Combined Division wet gap crossing on September 20-21, 2022 by sling loading sections of a pontoon bridge and lowering them into a river. A crew member coordinates with a Soldier from 11th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade on visual commands before sling loading a section of the pontoon bridge.U.S. Army Photo by Capt. Frank Spatt

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Elijah Prather, a combat engineer with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, maneuvers toward his target during the 9th ESB Shooting Team Competition and Tryouts on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 25, 2022. The 9th ESB Shooting Team Competition and Tryouts was a four-day event that involved firing the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System, M18 service pistol, and the M16A4 Armalite Rifle in timed events to test speed and accuracy. The events top performers will compete in the Far East Shooting Competition scheduled in December.

U.S. Navy Corpsmen with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) participate in a Valkyrie Whole Blood Transfusion Course on July 26, 2022, at Range 18 at Fort McCoy, Wis. Valkyrie is the whole blood transfusion program run by 1st Marine Division aboard Camp Pendleton (Calif.) that teaches all of their Corpsmen how to perform field blood transfusions. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 24th Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division.

Tech. Sgt. Fernando Aguilera, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with the 5th Bomb Wings EOD flight, conducts reconnaissance on unexploded ordnance at the Air Force EOD Team of the Year Grand Finale competition held at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Indiana, July 25-27, 2022. Hosted by the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, the competition seeks to drive innovation, restore readiness, and develop and retain leaders within the EOD career field.

Two Soldiers part of the belay team secure the rappel ropes at base of the rappel tower during Air Assault School on August 10, 2022, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines, work together to become Air Assault qualified

Greywolf Trooper assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, throws a hand grenade during a qualification course, Nov. 10, 2022. This training ensures the unit's readiness in order to provide combat-credible forces in partnership with NATO Allies and regional security partners.

Soldiers of squad seven, representing the United States Army Reserves, walk to check their targets at zero range during the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 2, 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 Photo by Staff Sgt. Kyle Castrovinci)

U.S. Army Spc. Patrick Powell, a cavalry scout with the 1st Cavalry Division, puts on his ruck after completing a gear layout prior to the start of the Sullivan Cup at Fort Benning, Ga., April 25, 2022. The Sullivan Cup is a biennial competition that tests the best tank crews from the Armor Branch, the U.S. Marine Corps and international partners.

020810-F-1404F-002. Base: Sembach Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Soldiers of Squad 9, representing the United States Army Medical Command, react to direct fire during the Army's first-ever Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 04, 2022. The week-long competition will assess each squad on their technical and tactical proficiency, as well as their ability to work as a disciplined and cohesive team, featuring a multitude of fitness, knowledge and combat-related events.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Dryden Phelps, the Alpha range Officer in Charge with Weapons Training Battalion, participates in the final stage of the Intramural Marksmanship Competition on Stone Bay, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 7, 2022. The Marine Corps Intramural Marksmanship Competition inspires unit cohesion and mission readiness by allowing Marines to compete and improve lethality with both rifle and pistol weapons.

040502-F-9528H-021. Base: Avon Park Air Range State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Mobility Command

Captains Will Franklin (left) and Hue Bailey (right) 1ST Special Forces Group 2nd Battalion, Fort Lewis, Washington, make sure all the flight gear is functioning properly before a friendship jump with the Thai Royal Army during Exercise COBRA GOLD 2001. COBRA GOLD is a multilateral exercise that includes more than 10,000 participants, 45 aircraft and 9 ships from the United States military, the Royal Thai Armed Forces, and the Singaporean Armed Forces. COBRA GOLD is the largest multilateral military exercise held in Southeast Asia and is designed to improve the armed forces' ability to work together during peace enforcement operations and to conduct humanitarian assistance programs .... Complete Scene Caption: Captains Will Franklin (left) and Hue Bailey (right) 1st Special Forces Group 2nd Battalion, Fort Lewis, Washington, make sure all the flight gear is functioning properly before a friendship jump with the Thai Royal Army during Exercise COBRA GOLD 2001. COBRA GOLD is a multilat

Marines with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit Units Maritime Interception Operation raid force provide security after fast-roping onto their objective from an MH-60S Seahawk with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22 during a Maritime Interception Operation exercise at a training facility in Barnwell, S.C., June 23, 2010. 26th MEU Units Maritime Interception Operation raid force and HSC-22 conducted the three-day exercise in preparation for the MEUs deployment this fall. The exercise hones the MEUs ability to swiftly control the operation of a hostile ship or maritime platform.

Day two of the 310th ESC Best Warrior Competition started Feb. 5, 2024 with soldiers qualifying on M17 pistol at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. A cadre member stabilizes the competitor during the walking portion of the weapon qualification lane.

U.S. Army Soldiers of Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, participate in a stress shooting exercises at the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, Vt., Aug. 13, 2022. Soldiers negotiate obstacles and fire live rounds using M4 carbines and squad automatic weapons. The goal of the training is to build individual Soldier skills and confidence in a scenario replicating movement in combat.

Soldiers assigned to the Virgin Islands Army National Guard attend annual training at Camp Shelby, M.S., May 20-27, 2022.Soldiers participated in various training exercises while on annual training.(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Spc. Keyra Moolenaar)

Various units train at the Fort Dix MSCT (Medical Simulation Training Center) during their Combat Lifesaver Course. Army combat medics play a critical role by applying first aid and trauma care to simulated wounded Soldiers, but in some situations the first person to assist isn't always a certified medic. The course is intended to provide an intermediate step between the buddy aid-style basic life support taught to every soldier, and the advanced life support skills. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

U.S. Army soldiers, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, walk on a small arms range in Poland. Regular range visits allow soldiers to hone their marksmanship and ensure their weapon is functional.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Thomas Sheng, a combat photographer with Marine Corps Installations Pacific, captures a photograph of Marines fixing their targets on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 25, 2022. The range was held as a tryout for III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific Marines to represent their individual units at the upcoming Far East Division Matches shooting competition.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Thomas Sheng, a combat photographer with Marine Corps Installations Pacific, captures a photograph of Marines fixing their targets on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 25, 2022. The range was held as a tryout for III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific Marines to represent their individual units at the upcoming Far East Division Matches shooting competition.

050806-A-9419D-023. Base: Camp Grayling State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Opposing force and exercise control leads brief leaders on the actions and controls of their elements during brigade's exercise control and opposing force rehearsal at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, on May 14, 2022; the purpose of the exercise control and opposing force rehearsal was to synchronize the actions of the higher command and opposing force during the exercise, providing effective training to the unit. Soldiers from across the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team Ready First, 1st Armored Division (the current 2nd Infantry Division (ROK-US Combined Division) rotational brigade) participated in the Warrior Ready Strike training exercise to increase their proficiency, learn about operating in the Republic of Korea, and re-affirm the commitment to the ROK-US Alliance.

Two soldiers evacuate wounded personnel over obstacles in a timed evolution during the medical E-Vac portion of the Best Sapper Competition. The Best Sapper Competition gives engineers throughout the Army the opportunity to compete in a grueling six phase three day competition to determine who are the best engineers in the Army.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade provide a mortar barrage for paratroopers advancing on an objective during a combined arms live fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 23, 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.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade test their medical skills during the week-long training as part of the Expert Infantryman Badge, Expert Soldier Badge and Expert Field Medical Badge training at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Oct 28, 2022. Soldiers must complete a number of prerequisites and pass a battery of graded tests on basic Infantry skills. The purpose of this training is to build confidence and competence within our formations on basic Soldier skills and tactics, and help sustain the Army's role as an organization of lethal, disciplined and professional soldiers. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps. Staff Sgt. Brian Sanchez, a metal worker, left, Pfc. Andy Galeana, an automotive maintenance technician, and Cpl. Jackson Armstrong, an artillery systems technician, all with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Group (Experimental), 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conduct 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.

Readiness Challenge VIII participants from Air Combat Command's 366th Civil Engineer Squadron, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, tackle the second station on the obstacle course -- running a distance in mission oriented protective posture gear while carrying a steel beam -- 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. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade test their medical skills during the week-long training as part of the Expert Infantryman Badge, Expert Soldier Badge and Expert Field Medical Badge training at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Oct 28, 2022. Soldiers must complete a number of prerequisites and pass a battery of graded tests on basic Infantry skills. The purpose of this training is to build confidence and competence within our formations on basic Soldier skills and tactics, and help sustain the Army's role as an organization of lethal, disciplined and professional soldiers. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

A United States team member pulls a sled as part of Fuerzas Comando 2022 Day 2 during an individual assault course 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. Soldiers assigned to 56th Artillery Command check their targets during the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 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. Winners of this competition will advance to represent U.S. Army Europe and Africa at the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina later this year.

Staff Sgt. Kaleb Marquis, 775th Explosive Ordnance Flight, identifies unexploded ordnance during a Phase 2 exercise at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Sept. 14, 2022. The exercise evaluated Airmen's ability to survive and operate in wartime and contingency environments.

Here at Fort Dix during their Exercise Gotham Justice” training the 352nd Military Police Company is completing the CPQC Automated M17 training on the Fort Dix complex on Range 28A. The reserve unit is here at Fort Dix training and is based out of Rockville, Maryland.

SAAREMAA, Estonia (May 21, 2022) U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment prepare their communication systems during exercise Siil (Hedgehog) 22 while attached to Task Force 61/2 on Saaremaa, Estonia, May 21, 2022. 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.

U.S. Marines with 26th MEUs Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment participate in non-lethal weapons training on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 4, 2022. During the training, Marines used non-lethal weapons and riot shields to perform crowd control, dispersion, and built confidence in de-escalating potential threats.

A Damage Assessment Team performs a Walkdown of the Runway to locate craters and spalls during an Expeditionary Airfield Damage Repair (ExR-ADR) exercise at Marine Corps Outlying Field (MCOLF) Oak Grove in North Carolina, June 23. The purpose of this event was to showcase integration of fleet and NECC forces, and to validate the updated ExR-ADR Tactical Memorandum. (Official Navy photo by Jeffrey Pierce)

U.S. Marines with 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, fire M1014 joint service combat shotguns during a live fire range on Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 30, 2023. 2nd Supply Battalion trained Marines to familiarize themselves with the M1014 shotgun to increase proficiency in rear area security operations.

U.S. Army Soldiers of Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, participate in a stress shooting exercises at the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, Vt., Aug. 13, 2022. Soldiers negotiate obstacles and fire live rounds using M4 carbines and squad automatic weapons. The goal of the training is to build individual Soldier skills and confidence in a scenario replicating movement in combat.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 10th Mountain Division (LI) show their might during a live demonstration in front of the local community on Fort Drum, Ny. Aug 31, 2022. 10th Combat Aviation Brigade conducted aerial manuevers with UH-60M Black Hawks and AH-64D Apache helicopters.

221014-N-PI330-1022 Gulfport, Mississippi (October 14, 2022) Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 (NMCB 133) assemble a tent on Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, October 14, 2022. NMCB 133 is at homeport in Gulfport, Mississippi conducting training cycles.

$US Air Force AIRMAN First Class Ryan Ormberg and STAFF Sergeant Charles Davidson, Pacific Air Force competitors, fire M60 Machine Guns downrange and engage pop-up targets as an evaluator ensures there are no safety infractions at the Combat Weapons event during DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 at US Army post, Camp Bullis, Texas, on October 31st, 2000. DEFENDER CHALLENGE is the annual Air Force wide competition sponsored by Air Force Security Forces. This competition showcases the talents and capabilities of 13 international Security Forces teams in seven physical fitness, base defense and policing skills over six days. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 Base: Camp Bullis State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)$

A team from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team assaults through smoke towards the objective while the other team provides cover fire during squad movement and room clearing drills on Aug. 3, 2021, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. Each squad had to conquer a series of challenges like navigating under barbed wire, moving to cover, deploying smoke, reacting to indirect fire, and more

PORT HUENEME, Calif. (Aug. 10, 2022) Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Elise Smith performs emergency destruction procedures during Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 18s Field Training Exercise (FTX). FTX is designed to analyze a battalions construction capability, expeditionary logistics, and combat operations to support major combat operations, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.

U.S. Marines with 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, assemble M240B medium machine guns during an annual Saint Barbaras Day celebration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 11, 2024. Artillery units throughout the Marine Corps celebrate St. Barbara, the patron saint of artillerymen, with camaraderie-building events such as a regimental run, tug of war, relay races and Humvee pulls.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Infantry Division Artillery, place floor tiles inside a tactical action center at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, July 13, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division Artillery is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, 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. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Miguel Barragan-Palma, with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) is promoted to Corporal at Naval Support Facility Indian Head, Maryland, Oct. 03, 2022. Marines from CBIRF came to show their support and appreciation for the newly promoted.

Members of the British Royal Air Force Regiment fire upon targets on the firing range at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in support of DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 on October 31st, 2000. US Air Force observers stand behind the British Forces. DEFENDER CHALLENGE is the annual Air Force wide competition sponsored by Air Force Security Forces. This competition showcases the talents and capabilities of 13 international Security Forces teams in seven physical fitness events, base defense, and policing skills over six days. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 Base: Lackland Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (September 27, 2022) - Command Master Chief Richard Mengel, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) senior enlisted leader, talks to sailors outside the USS North Caroline Transient Barracks on Naval Station Great Lakes here, Sept. 27. Mengel was on hand to observe the presentation of end of tour Navy and Marine Corps Achievement and Navy Commendation Medals to several Reserve Sailors for successfully completing their annual active duty time leading, mentoring and taking care of transient Sailors waiting for their next duty assignment orders.

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (September 27, 2022) - Command Master Chief Richard Mengel, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) senior enlisted leader, talks to sailors outside the USS North Caroline Transient Barracks on Naval Station Great Lakes here, Sept. 27. Mengel was on hand to observe the presentation of end of tour Navy and Marine Corps Achievement and Navy Commendation Medals to several Reserve Sailors for successfully completing their annual active duty time leading, mentoring and taking care of transient Sailors waiting for their next duty assignment orders. (U. S. Navy photo by Scott A. Thornbloom/Released)

060219-N-5067K-086. Base: Saint Bernard State: Leyte Country: Philippines (PHL)

Combat engineers with the 116th Brigade Engineer Battalion participated in their annual training of demolition and explosive breaching through doors and wall structures on May 6, 2022. Combat engineers provide support of mobility, counter mobility and survivability for Soldiers within the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team during combat missions. Our job is to make sure that we proficiently enable our combat personnel to move from point A to point B, said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Smith, platoon sergeant with the 116th BEB. Counter mobility is to keep the enemy from moving forward, so that we can move forward with our mission. We go in and get the good guys if they are trapped or we go in where there are bad guys behind a door, and it is imperative we do this safely with maximum survivability.

A U.S. Army Green Beret from 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) conducts close quarter battle training at Grafenwöhr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 22, 2022. This Special Forces-led exercise is designed to improve their ability to work with the United Kingdoms Commando Forces in a time of crisis.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ruben Flores Jr., an Othello, Washington native, service level training instructor with Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group, Marine Air-Ground Task Force Training Command, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, instructs Marines with the training unit during an Adversary Force Exercise as part of Service Level Training Exercise 2-24 at Range 220, MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 1, 2024. The purpose of AFX is to create a credible, realistic threat for the exercise forces participating in SLTE 2-24 to engage against during the upcoming MAGTF Warfighting Exercise in a force-on-force, unscripted wargame. Marine Corps

US Air Forces in Europe, Security Policeman, AIRMAN First Class Louis Figueroa administers first aid to simulated accident victim USAF SENIOR AIRMAN Angelic Biehl of the 820th Security Forces Group during the Base Response portion of Exercise DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000, at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Defender Challenge is the annual Air Force wide competition sponsored by Air Force Security Forces and showcases the talents and capabilities of 13 international Security Forces teams in seven physical fitness events, base defense, and policing skills over a period of 6 days. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 Base: Lackland Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marines with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) complete M4 rifle qualification requirements July 26, 2022, on Range 18 on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 24th Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 was holding annual training at Fort McCoy.

Marines with Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, practice grenade throwing for security forces training, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 22, 2022. The Marines sharpened their security forces proficiency by conducting riot-control training, grenade throwing, and breaching tactics.

Cpl. Andrew Mills, Marine Air Group 41, Marine Air Wing Support Squadron 471 Detachment Bravo puts together a water filtration system at Exercise Northern Strike 22 in Grayling, Mich. on Aug. 4, 2022. Northern Strike is serving as a testing ground for the Marine Corp expeditionary readiness. Concepts proven here will be documented and implemented across the force.

Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. Nathan J. Schad completes a rappel off a 60-foot tower at Camp Rilea, June 12, 2018. Schad was one of nine Oregon Soldiers who completed the week-long Rappel Master course held at the Oregon coast and attended by National Guard Soldiers from across the country.

Delaware Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 160th Engineer Company conduct training at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. July 13, 2022. Squads moved through lanes in an urban environment while detecting improvised explosive devices and rehearsing squad movement tactics in order to hone their proficiency of warrior tasks and battle drills.

Infantrymen with Company B. 1st Battalion 151st Infantry Regiment alongside mortarmen conduct urban training at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Ind., Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022. A Guardsmen signals to a Black Hawk with smoke grenade during a medical training exercise. Participating in realistic training scenarios is how the Indiana National Guard maintains a lethal fighting force.

Tech Sgt. Adam Vieth, a cyber transport specialist with the 128th Air Control Squadron, assists with assembling an antenna during the squadron's annual training at Volk Field, Wis., July 18, 2022. (Wisconsin National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Peck)

Joint training exercise with Det 2. 6 Co. 3/238th AVN MEDEVAC, Cox Health and Missouri State Highway Patrol at Hercules Glade Wilderness, Bradleyville, Mo., Oct. 06, 2022. Multiple Missouri departments teamed up to practice life-saving MEDEVAC scenarios. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, take shelter behind a breachers blanket during a breach charge demonstration on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 5, 2024. Combat engineers attached to BLT 1/1 taught Marines proper procedures for making and employing breaching charges. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

060412-A-2756F-002. Base: Fort Polk State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division observe members of the 3d Rapid Deployment Regiment, Northern Army, Japan Self-Defense Force conduct live-fire box drills during Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 3, 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.

The Princeton Army ROTC is shown here on Range 20 on the Fort Dix Range Complex. This ROTC program includes cadets from The College of New Jersey, Rider University and Rowan University. These cadets are here at Fort Dix completing their Zero and Grounding training. (Images are provided by the Fort Dix (TSC) Training Support Center / Daniel Amburg)

A Soldier prepares to throw a practice grenade during the Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., April 9, 2022. The State Best Warrior Competition tested the 16 competing Soldiers on their basic Soldier skills to determine who will represent Wisconsin at the Regional Best Warrior Competition in May. (112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment photo by Spc. Alexandra Behne)

040717-M-3717S-010. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Fuji State: Honshu Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: 4th Marines

Cpl. Valerie Marquez, U.S. Army Rader Health Clinic, conducts hoist operations during the Fort Meade Medical Department Activity third quarter Best Leader Competition at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, July 7. Eight candidates competed in a wide variety of events that covered Army Warrior Tasks in the Shoot, move, communicate and medicate areas that included: M4 Engagement Skills Trainer range, the Army Combat Fitness Test, an obstacle course, day land navigation, a 6-mile ruck march and combat water survival training. The Fort Meade MEDDAC is headquartered on Fort Meade and includes a number of U.S. Army health clinics at several other locations in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

981116-A-8954A-014. Base: Fort Campbell State: Kentucky (KY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040809-F-2706S-010. Base: Minot Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

PULON RANGE, Thailand A 60 mm high-explosive round fires from the tube of an M-224 Company Mortar System as the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment gun team readies the next shot Feb. 11 during Exercise Cobra Gold 2011. (By Staff Sgt. Matthew E. Winstead/4-25th ABCT PAO)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jhonny Batistaparra, a combat engineer with Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, throws a hook during a live demolition range on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 24, 2022. CLB-22s Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation is the battalion's final evaluation to demonstrate combat readiness through proficiency in core mission essential tasks before they begin a change of operational control (CHOP) to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to assigned to 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team- Airborne (173rd IBCT ABN) recovers a parachute from a heavy-drop airborne operation during Exercise Saber Junction 22 at Hohenfels Training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 8, 2022. Saber Junction 22 is a combat training rotation designed to assess the readiness of the 173rd IBCT (ABN) in executing operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with participating allied and partner nations.

030818-M-0646L-003. Base: USMC Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MCRD PI

LA VENTA, Honduras - U.S. Army member pulls a 150-pound sled during the Assaulter Stress event of the Fuerzas Comando competition June 16, 2022, in La Venta, Honduras. This year's host is Honduras. FC alternates between participating nations every year. The Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) moderates the Senior Leader Seminar designed for leaders, both military and police of the SOF units, and the civilian leadership/policymakers to collaborate to counter emerging crises.

U.S. Marines with various units across Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, participate in the Intramural Marksmanship Competition at Stone Bay on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 6, 2022. The Marine Corps Intramural Marksmanship Competition inspires unit cohesion and mission readiness by allowing Marines to compete and improve lethality with both rifle and pistol weapons.

Citizens-Soldiers of the Puerto Rico National Guard 191st Regional Support Group 191, 714th Water Purification and Distribution Co., while supplying water in the municipalities of Aibonito, Bayamón, Caguas, Maunabo and Santa Isabel, Sept. 30. Early in the morning, military tactical vehicles known as "Hippos", each with 2000-gallon capacity, are filled with water at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan and then distributed to different distribution locations and oasis.

U.S. Marines assigned to Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire M18 service pistols during a live-fire training event 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

On 29 April 2022 the 77th Sustainment Brigade had a Change of Command” on Sharp Field located on Fort Dix, NJ. The 77th SUS BDE headquarters is located on Fort Dix, NJ. The outgoing Commander COL Matthew M. Cain is passing the colors to the new incoming Commander COL Thomas J. Kim on the parade grounds. Also in attendance was BG Jake S. Kwon to celebrate this event. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix [TSC Training Support Center)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Nicholas Walewski, an air support officer with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, 1st Marine Air Wing, fires an M16A4 service rifle during a live fire range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 25, 2022. The range was held as a tryout for III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific Marines to represent their individual units at the upcoming Far East Division Matches shooting competition.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Nicholas Walewski, an air support officer with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, 1st Marine Air Wing, fires an M16A4 service rifle during a live fire range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 25, 2022. The range was held as a tryout for III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific Marines to represent their individual units at the upcoming Far East Division Matches shooting competition.

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