Military Training and Operations

Photos depict military personnel engaged in training activities, including discussions and practical exercises in diverse environments.

U.S. Air National Guard Airman assigned to the 178th Wings Security Forces Squadron, observe a member participate in OC spray training, May 15, 2022, in Springfield, Ohio. Members are exposed to the OC spray to understand the effects and how to handle a scenario where they are sprayed themselves.

U.S. Army Maj. James Stanfield, right, and Sgt. 1st Class Horacio Morfin, left, both with the California Army National Guards 185th Military Police Battalion, 49th Military Police Brigade, meet with the battalion commander at the Randall Road Debris Basin, Jan. 13, 2023, in Montecito, California, while the 649th Engineer Company works to reroute the water flow as part of the states storm response. The basin is in the same area where a deadly mudflow hit in 2018. The engineers are supporting the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management through the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services.

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Remus Cristobal represents the U.S. as a participating branch during the closing ceremony of Tradewinds 2022 in Belize City, Belize, on May 20, 2022. Tradewinds is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored, combined, joint, Caribbean-focused exercise held annually since 1984.

U.S. Air National Guard Airman assigned to the 178th Wings Security Forces Squadron, observe a member participate in OC spray training, May 15, 2022, in Springfield, Ohio. Members are exposed to the OC spray to understand the effects and how to handle a scenario where they are sprayed themselves.

Soldiers with the 287th Engineer Company, 168th Engineer Brigade, 184th Sustainment Command, recently conducted field demolition training at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on June 11, 2022. The training allows the engineers to fulfill expected tasks of their profession.

The Joint Base MDL conducted a Postal Warrior Training Mission on 10 August 2022 which was conducted by the 78th Training Division. This training event was on Fort Dix Site IR3C. Multiple Army Reserve Units from the states of New York, Georgia and California were on-site for this training. The U.S. ASA Fort Dix Commander COL Mitchell Wisniewski, Joint Base Commander COL Wes Adams (AF) and the Army Reserve CSM, CSM Andrew Lombardo were in attendance. They all had observed the training from the ground and also in-flight during the soldiers training. The flights were provided by the 773rd Marine Light Attack Helicopter on a UH1 Cobra Helicopter. Postal Warrior is a task-focused exercise for Postal Units to support Postal Operations in a combat area when needed. During this training Units are being prepared for delivering mail during possible small arms or sniper fire from enemy while carrying out their mission. (Images provided by the Fort Dix (TSC) Training Support Center / Dan Amburg /

Brig. Gen. Lori Robinson, Deputy Commanding General of Support with 2nd Infantry Division/ROK Combined Division, conducts a maintenance terrain walkthrough of the 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade footprint on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Sept. 15, 2022. The purpose of the maintenance terrain walkthrough is to ensure a high level of awareness and command interest in field maintenance by ensuring senior Command Groups understand how their maintenance program operates.

Tech Sgt. Joseph L. Quinones, 131st Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) electrical systems craftsman, stands at attention during his promotion ceremony at 14 Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Base in Greenwood, Canada, July 15, 2022. Members with the 131st Bomb Wings 231st CES, 200th REDHORSE Squadron and the 239th Combat Communications Squadron, deployed to Nova Scotia as part of the Construction Engineering Project Exchange Program with the 14 Wing of the RCAF. These Guard members worked in cooperation with the RCAF to complete quality of life improvements to the base, to build on skillsets and to strengthen interoperability with Canadian allies.

Sgt. 1st Class Trevor Ward, senior signal operations noncommissioned officer, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, explains the plan of action during motor pool maintenance on Fort Knox, Kentucky, May 16, 2022. Every Monday, Soldiers gather at their battalion motor pool and conduct maintenance on their vehicles.

U. S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard (MANG), gives Spc. Abubakar Suleiman, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, MANG, The Adjutant Generals Coin, for his outstanding performance during the eXportable Combat Training Capability exercise July 22, 2022, at Ft. Drum, N. Y. More than 2,500 Soldiers are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight and win.

U.S. Air Force Col. John Gustafason, commander of the 386th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, speaks to Airmen and officers of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing during a small aircraft weather shelter ribbon cutting ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, May 29, 2022. The shelter will house aircraft and prevent wear and tear from the harsh conditions of a deployed environment.

Soldiers with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and with the Brazilian army RECON and Sniper teams rehearse tactical movements before utilizing their skills out in the box at the Joint Readiness Training Center August 8, 2022. During this month-long training, our Soldiers will conduct large-scale combat operations against a near-peer threat with multi-domain capabilities. This rotation will provide 3BCT the opportunity to conduct training alongside units from the Brazilian Army in efforts to enhance our professional partnerships and mutual readiness.As a member of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), It is imperative that the Rakkasans maintain the highest level of readiness for the moment we are called to defend our nation's freedoms. America's security depends on units like ours.

Soldiers from the U.S., Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Czech Republic review a NATO medical evacuation report during Exercise Combined Resolve 17 (CbR 17) at Hohenfels Training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany, May 26, 2022. CbR 17 is a United States Army Europe-Africa directed, 7th Army Training Command executed exercise that takes place at JMRC from May 20 to June 19, 2022. The event is designed to evaluate and assess a unit's ability to conduct operations in a complex, multi-domain simulated battle space. The focus of the rotation is to exercise combined arms operations in a multinational environment.

Sgt. Jonah Lamboley from 1st Battlion, 501 Parachute Infantry Regiment (Geronimo), 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division throws a grenade simulator during the basic Soldier lanes June 29 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for the Best Squad Competition. The Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition is a single event used to select the U.S. Army Best Squad of the Year, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Soldier of the Year. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Christopher B. Dennis/11th Airborne Division Public Affairs NCO)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek C. France, Third Air Force commander, pulls a coin from his pocket to present to Airman First Class Kevin J. Dunkleberger, an American Forces Network Incirlik broadcaster, during his visit to Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Jan 27, 2023. Maj. Gen. France traveled to Incirlik AB to meet with Airmen, experience the wings Larger than Life weekend and observe how they support Third Air Force, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, and U.S. European Command objectives. Third Air Force issues directives to subordinate commands and takes action on behalf of the USAFE-AFAFRICA commander as directed. The command takes deliberate actions to develop Airmen and their families, confronts global challenges in support of the National Defense Strategy to defend our country and our allies and utilizes dedicated efforts to deliver peace to our nation and its allies by fostering stability and deterring aggression throughout Europe and Africa.

U. S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard (MANG), talks with Soldiers from the Massachusetts Army National Guard, after the completion of a squad live fire exercise, during the eXportable Combat Training Capability exercise July 22, 2022, at Ft. Drum, N. Y. More than 2,500 Soldiers are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Tyler Donnell, foreground, Senior Fire Support Trainer with 7th Army Training Command, observes German soldiers with 4th Battery, 131st Artillery Battalion during a fire mission with self propelled howitzers as part of exercise Dynamic Front 22 (DF 22) at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, July 18, 2022. DF22, led by 56th Artillery Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa directed, is the premier U.S. led NATO Allied and Partner integrated fires exercise in the European Theater focusing on fires interoperability and increasing readiness, lethality and interoperability across the human, procedural, and technical domains.

More than 600 Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers, joined by Soldiers from the Montana, Oregon, Ohio and South Carolina Army National Guards, have been training in Fort Bliss, Texas, since mobilizing from Gowen Field in early August. The task force, Task Force Rattler, will deploy to Southwest Asia later this month in support of Operation Spartan Shield, where they will rotate out with 250 Soldiers from the Idaho Army National Guard as well as Soldiers from the Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Florida Army National Guards. Each rotation is approximately 12 months. Soldiers from the 118th Infantry Regiment from South Carolina National Guard and the 285th Medical Company from the Ohio National Guard are also part of Task Force Rattler, which provide the task force the ability to execute combined arms maneuvers. The intense training at Fort Bliss consisted of long hours with day and night combined arms maneuver missions with the Idaho Army National Guard shooting 120mm mortar rounds from M113 A

U.S. ARMY JAPAN held a patching ceremony at Yano Field in CAMP ZAMAJAPAN on JUNE 17th, 2022, authorizing both U.S Army Soldiers and JapanSelf-Defense Force members to wear the new patch that symbolizes theirenduring bilateral relationship.

U.S. Army soldiers with the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) conduct a cold load exercise with the 8th Battalion 229th Regiment, during Operation Viking at Joint Base Cape Cod, Mass., July 18, 2022. Operation Viking is an intense joint task force exercise designed to prepare Soldiers with realistic training simulating deployment of civil affairs units in direct support of a contingency operation in Africa.

Spc. Brianna Coombs, 237th Military Police Company, New Hampshire Army National Guard, stands in formation during a departure ceremony held Oct. 3, 2022, at the Edward Cross Training Complex in Pembroke, New Hampshire. About 170 Soldiers are mobilizing for a year to the U.S.-Mexico border to assist Customs and Border Protection surveil and detect illegal immigrant crossings.

Spc. Brianna Coombs, 237th Military Police Company, New Hampshire Army National Guard, stands in formation during a departure ceremony held Oct. 3, 2022, at the Edward Cross Training Complex in Pembroke, New Hampshire. About 170 Soldiers are mobilizing for a year to the U.S.-Mexico border to assist Customs and Border Protection surveil and detect illegal immigrant crossings.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, receive a briefing prior to their redeployment ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 18, 2022. The 1st ABCT Soldiers deployed to Germany in support of NATO allies to deter Russian aggression while also supporting a range of other requirements in the area.

Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Robert Bogart, Air Combat Command command surgeon, tours the 4th Medical Groups medical trailer at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, April 6, 2022. The 4th MDG has the second medical trailer in the Air Force which is used for mass-processing of Airmen.

U.S Army Soldiers assigned to the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct an after action review (AAR) following a training exercise near Fort Bliss, Texas, Oct. 8, 2022. After action reviews allow for Soldiers to recognize and understand how the training was effective and what can be improved upon during the next iteration of training to better achieve mission excellence.

Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Gen. Daniel Hokanson, presents military coins to selected soldiers from the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, June 12, 2022. Hokanson, who is touring different areas of operations throughout the european theater, stopped in Grafenwoehr Germany to see soldiers from the Florida National Guard that currently make up the Joint Multinational Training Group Ukraine. (Photo by Sgt. Spencer Rhodes, 53rd Infantry Brigade)

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, acts as a road guard during Railhead Operations in Poland. 3ABCT's vehicles arrived in Poland to aid in maximizing military capabilities.

U.S. Army Paratroopers participate in Initial Manifest Call (IMC) to prepare for an airborne jump from UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters at Fort Bragg, N.C. on Apr. 27, 2022. The purpose of IMC is to gather a manifest of people who will be participating in an airborne jump.

A Soldier with the 77th Sustainment Brigade, speaks at the sand table briefing prior to the start of a joint service and multinational Combat Support Training Exercise on Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, August 08, 2022. The briefing was meant to familiarize the logistical support units with the operations of the exercise.

Lt. Col. Gregory Polk, the Task Force Pioneer commander, shakes hands with a U.S. Soldier during an award ceremony at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 22, 2022. As part of Army tradition, Task Force Pioneer facilitates mass ceremonies to present awards and recognize exemplary accomplishments.

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division attend the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition Welcome Brief on Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 25, 2022. The Best Squad Competition tests squads' physical, technical and tactical abilities under stress and fatigue to determine which squad from the XVIII Airborne Corps will advance to the Forces Command Best Squad Competition in the coming months.

U.S. Air Force Gen. James B. Hecker, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa commander, coins Tech. Sgt. Ryan Wooden, 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron Tactical Air Control Party operator, during an immersion tour at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 31, 2022. The immersion tour allowed leadership to receive mission updates from various units within the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing. The 435th AGOW units rapidly deploy forces to the Forward Edge and conduct Command and Control, execute the kill-chain, and set the theater to project combat airpower.

Staff Sgt. Andrew Dobos assigned to 8th Military Police Brigade walks to his next point July 18 at Lightning Academy, Hawaii during the land navigation for the 2022 U.S. Army Pacific Best Squad Competition. The 2022 U.S. Army Pacific Best Squad Competition consists of multiple 5-Soldier squads from USARPAC units competing for the opportunity to represent USARPAC at the Department of the Armys competition. stations. The non-commissioned officers and junior enlisted will be assessed together in their ability to execute warrior tasks and battle drills, marksmanship and land navigation, and will be challenged to complete a mission as a squad.

Soldiers from the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, Wyoming Army National Guard, demonstrate maintenance procedures to the Tunisian Army in Sheridan, Wyoming, May 17, 2022, during a State Partnership Program visit. The purpose of the SPP is to enhance military ties and strengthen partnerships with countries worldwide. The Wyoming National Guard partnered with the African nation of Tunisia in 2004 and continues to further their relationship with educational exchanges like these.

Sgt. 1st Class John Angelo, a public affairs chef assigned to Alpha Company, Headquarter and Headquarters Battalion, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bulls", provides immediate feedback on photography to Spc. William Siess, 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

Maj. Gen. Anthony R. Hale, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca commanding general, presents coins July 22, to the Soldiers who ensured the success of Vanguard 22 during the week of July 18-22.

A Mississippi National Guard Soldiers directs traffic at the Hinds Community College-Academic/Technical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, Sept. 2, 2022. Nearly 600 Mississippi National Guardsmen were set up across seven sites through Jackson for people to collect bottled water, hand sanitizer and non-potable water from water buffalo trucks.

CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. (May 8, 2022) Joint Task Force Civil Support Commanding General Maj. Gen. Jeff Van speaks with 1st Sgt. Jovan Maddox, assigned to the 36th Engineering Brigade, during exercise Guardian Response (GR) 22 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, May 8. GR22 is a U.S. Army Forces Command-directed external evaluation and culminating training event for U.S. Northern Commands Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Response Enterprise consequence management entities. The exercise is focused on the Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission sets.

A Soldier newly assigned to 385th Military Battalion, receives a unit patch during a patching ceremony at Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, Georgia, April 19, 2022. During the ceremony, Soldiers learned about the history and role of the 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, from Maj. Gen. Charles D. Costanza, commander of the 3rd ID, Command Sgt. Maj. Quentin V. Fenderson, senior enlisted advisor of the 3rd ID, and various leaders from their respective brigades and battalions, then the Soldiers formally received their unit patch.

Sgt. Andrew Weinzetl (left) and Sgt. Michael Tinsley (right), an Infantry Team Leader, with 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), helps Braheam Murphy, a Cadet with the United States Military Academy on sections of fire at Cadet Leadership Development Training (CLDT) at Camp Buckner in West Point, Ny., May 25, 2022. The purpose of CLDT is to prepare Cadets for tactical leadership positions at the platoon. Graduates will demonstrate confidence and proficiency in leadership attributes by applying the Army's Operation Process in the preparation and execution of missions to prepare cadets for the rank of Lieutenant after commissioning.

Soldiers participating in the Spartan Warrior III exercise conduct training at Fort McCoy, WI.

A group of Michigan National Guard (MING) members participate in a team building exercise during a joint professional development training April 20, 2022, at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan. The event focused on a variety of topics including leadership strategies, professional organizations and some of the MINGs innovative programs.

CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. (May 8, 2022) Joint Task Force Civil Support Commanding General Maj. Gen. Jeff Van speaks with members of the Air Force Radiation Assessment Team during exercise Guardian Response (GR) 22 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, May 8. GR22 is a U.S. Army Forces Command-directed external evaluation and culminating training event for U.S. Northern Commands Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Response Enterprise consequence management entities. The exercise is focused on the Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission sets.

Spc. Tigermichaela Alicea, human resources specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, handles a dummy M249 during patrol base training on Fort Knox, Kentucky on May 12, 2022.

Soldiers assigned to the 233rd Military Police Company plot points on a map in preparation for a land navigation course at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, July 15, 2022. The Soldiers worked together to calculate a total of four points they must find within a three-hour timespan.

Today, Charlie Company, 524th DSSB, celebrated our Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony for 1st Sgt. Sean McGilvrey. This Assumption of Responsibility ceremony marks the next chapter in the renowned history of willing and able soldiers. Your leadership will continue moving us forward as we face new challenges. Congratulations 1st Sgt. McGilvrey, always forward. U.S. Army Photos By: Sgt. Kenyel Jones

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Carson, left, of the 163d Operations Support Squadron, 163d Attack Wing, California Air National Guard, and U.S. Army Cpl. Vincent Bacon, of the California Army National Guards Training Site Detachment, watch and score the unarmed platoon sequence during the California Cadet Corps statewide drill competition, April 23, 2022, at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, California. Carson and Bacon volunteered to serve as judges and evaluate cadets ability to perform 47 specific commands, in order and from memory. California Cadet Corps is a school-based youth leadership development program run by the California Military Departments Task Force Torch which focuses on youth and community programs.

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the Hellenic XXV Armored Brigade discuss troop leading procedures on Oct. 10, 2022, at Petrochori Training Area, Greece. The United States commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the United States will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO Allies. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs.)

U.S. Air Force Col. Charles Goad, the commander of the 181st Intelligence Wing, visits with service members participating in an external evaluation sustainment year collective training event exercise at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Ind., Aug. 11, 2022. The EXEVAL-SYCTE is an evaluation the 19th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosives Enhanced Response Force Package undergoes every other year to measure efficiency, identify limitations and share best practices.

U.S. Army soldiers from the 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion Enhanced report their findings during Exercise Light Rain at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 21, 2022. Light Rain is a week-long exercise beginning with three days of classroom learning for radio frequency theory and transmission systems and spending the remaining two days practicing in the field.

Lt. Col. Nick Stout, battalion commander 2-1 Infantry regiment, speaks about readiness during the Future Leaders Intensive Program at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. on Feb. 12, 2024. Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force lieutenants shadow Army lieutenants where they display leadership roles in the motorpool. Army

Soldiers assigned to 4th Cavalry, Multifunction Training Brigade, 1st Army Division East, earn their spurs during a Spur Ride, culminating June 2nd, 2022 ar Fort Knox, Kentucky.The Order of the Spur is a Cavalry tradition within the United StatesArmy. Soldiers serving in Cavalry units are inducted into the Order ofthe Spur after successfully completing a series of evaluations set by thecommand, culminating in the final test; the "Spur Ride". Induction into the Order of the Spur is for life, and the status travelswith the soldier from unit to unit.By going through the Spur Ride, and earning their Spurs, Soldiers strengthen cohesion and build resilience by overcoming adverse circumstances,” said Maj. Matthew Swim, the executive officer for 4th Battalion, 410th Infantry Regiment, 4th Cavalry, Saber Brigade. We are very proud of the Soldiers for carrying on the tradition, and earning the Order of the Spur.”(U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Jacob Wachob, 4th CAV MFTB.)

Arizona Army National Guardsman Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Taylor, a recruiting and retention noncommissioned officer and U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Sarah Painter with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 492nd Civil Affairs Battalion, take part in the Marche Internationale de Diekirch (MID) event in Buckeye, Arizona on September 18, 2022. The 492nd CAB conducted the MID event in order to build camaraderie and foster unit cohesion, and incentivizing completion with the MID award.

Service members assigned to the Hawaii National Guards Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosives Enhanced Response Force Package perform search and extraction, medical assessment, command and control, field feeding and first aid to victims in a simulated disaster site during a external evaluation training event at Kalaeloa, Hawaii, September 21, 2022.

Service members assigned to the Hawaii National Guards Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosives Enhanced Response Force Package perform search and extraction, medical assessment, command and control, field feeding and first aid to victims in a simulated disaster site during a external evaluation training event at Kalaeloa, Hawaii, September 21, 2022. (US Air National Guard Photo by Master Sgt Andrew Lee Jackson)

Lt. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, the commanding general of U.S. Army Central, meets with the 4-3 Air Defense Artillery Regiment July 28,2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The 4-3 ADA's mission is to neutralize aerial threats, in partnership with their host nation counterparts, and provide air and missile defense for critical assets.

U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Joshua Ray, 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support) Headquarter and Headquarters Company Training Noncommissioned Officer, directs soldiers at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho on Oct. 13, 2022. The headquarters company conducted their annual weapons qualification to maintain unit readiness.

Oyaol Ngirairikl from the Guam Daily Post interviews Soldiers from Charlie 1-1 ADA BN following the Patriot live-fire exercise that occurred as part of Valiant Shield 22.

Rear Adm. Nancy Lacore, commandant, Naval District Washington (center) during a tour of the Naval Support Activity Bethesda utilities plant.

U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Robinson, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander and his spouse, Stephanie Robinson, listen to remarks during the final guard mount ceremony for Police Week on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 20, 2022. Robinson and others came out to show support and solidarity with the 375th Security Forces members as they comorated the memory of security forces members who paid the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in defending others from the Vietnam War to present.

Zaragoza, 03/13/2023. San Gregorio Training Center. Presentation to the media of training Ukrainian soldiers in the use of Leopard 2A4 battle tanks. Photo: Jaime García. ARCHDC.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard talk to Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen after Univision interviews at the Illinois Army National Guard's North Riverside armory. Governor JB Pritzker issued an emergency disaster proclamation on Sept. 14 and activated approximately 75 members of the Illinois National Guard to ensure all state resources are available to support asylum seekers arriving nearly daily to Chicago. More than 60 percent of the Soldiers and Airmen activated are Spanish speakers. The proclamation enables the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and other state agencies, in close coordination with the City of Chicago, Cook County, and other local governments, to ensure the individuals and families receive the assistance they need. This includes transport, emergency shelter and housing, food, health screenings, medical assessments, treatments, and other necessary care and services.

Air Force Master Sgt. James Swanson (right), security forces operations superintendent for the 161st Security Forces Squadron, shows a delegation of Kazakh military officers law enforcement gear during a tour of Goldwater Air National Guard Base. The Arizona Air National Guard hosted the officers, March 31, as part of the National Guard's State Partnership Program.

Special Warfare Trainees participate in the Special Warfare Training Wing 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 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.

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), and the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, participate in the MDW Best Squad Competition at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. and Fort McNair, Washington, D.C., July 31 to Aug. 5, 2022. Soldiers were tested on patrol lanes, weapons lanes, medical lanes, and a board over the course of the five-day competition.

Col. Terry R. Tillis, right, commander of the "Spartan Brigade," 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, inducts Col. Brian T. Looney, left, outgoing commander of the "Gila Battalion," 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, to the Order of St. George during a change of command ceremony on Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart, Georgia, May 19, 2022. A Soldier must demonstrate outstanding leadership, tactical and tactical competence and exceptional teamwork while serving specifically in armor and cavalry units to be inducted into the prestigious order.( U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Benjamin Wilkie)

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

U.S. Air Force Col. Eric Erickson, commander of the 177th Fighter Wing Medical Group and the New Jersey National Guard Joint Surgeon, observes Albanian Armed Forces conducting a combat medic tactical combat casualty care demonstration, April 5, 2022, at Zall-Herr garrison, Albania. The demo was reviewed by medical personnel with U. S. Air Forces in Europe and the New Jersey National Guard, part of a workshop designed to determine future means to increase medical familiarity, interoperability and safety between the U.S. and AAF military personnel. The more than 20 year New Jersey-Albania Partnership is one of 22 European partnerships that make up the U.S. European Command State Partnership Program and one of 65 worldwide partnerships that make up the National Guard State Partnership Program.

U.S. Air Force offical party for the change of command salute as U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Precious Elam sings the National Anthem during the 233rd Communication Squardon change of command, Greeley Air National Guard Station, Greeley, Colorado, Oct 15, 2022. The 233rd provides immediate, worldwide missile warning, space launch and detection in the event of an attack against the United States.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Kendrick, senior enlisted advisor, Florida National Guard (left), and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Angella Beckom, state command chief, Florida Air National Guard (right), speak with U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kari Peebles, fatality search and recovery team, 125th Force Support Squadron (middle), at the Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Florida, Dec. 3, 2022. Kendrick learned about the missions of the 125th Fighter Wing and visited with the Airmen assigned to various units across the base.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 355th Maintenance Group attend an event led by members from the 355th Wing Chapel at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 16, 2022. The purpose of this event was to boost morale by bringing a burger bash out to the Airmens shops and to talk about morale injury, one of the leading causes of suicide at DM.

Spc. Michael Puccio shows the direction of travel during a route reconnaissance mission for the Soldiers of the New Jersey Army National Guards 143rd Transportation Company, 117th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, at Fort Drum, N.Y., on July 8 prior to the launch of the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise. The three-week exercise runs from July 10 to July 30 and enables brigade combat teams to achieve the readiness necessary to deploy, fight and win battles throughout the world.

Col. Douglas LeVien (left), 21st TSC Deputy Commanding Officer met with Col. Stefan Weber (center), Commander of the Bundeswehr State Command of Rheinland-Pfalz, at the Rheinland-Pfalz State Fair May 20th to promote partnership and positive relations with host nation elected officials and local populace in a safe environment. The RLP-Tag has been the annual State Fair since 1984 and takes place at a different location each year. The event was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. The 37th RLP-Tag took place in Mainz as part of the 75th Anniversary of the state of Rheinland-Pfalz.

U.S. Army Soldiers from Delta Company, 837th Brigade Engineer Battalion and the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct a Versatile Radio Observation and Direction (VROD) equipment training exercise at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 14, 2022. The Soldiers used the VROD equipment in a variety of environments and over multiple iterations, ensuring they became proficient and subject-matter-experts with this equipment.

Members of the Chilean Armed Forces motivate eachother at the Obstacle Course portion of the Texas Military Department Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas May 29, 2023. The TMD invites service members from its partner nations to participate in the friendly, six-day challenge. The partnership is part of the National Guard Bureaus State Partnership Program, which pairs National Guards from every state and U.S. territories with partner nations to increase regional security and advance U.S. interests. The program has been successfully building relations for 30 years and now includes 88 partnerships with 100 nations around the globe.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Casey Barron, 375th Force Support Squadron services, fixes the roof line of a Single Pallet Expeditionary Kitchen during Ballistic Badger 2022, Oct. 19, 2022, on Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin. BB22 is a training opportunity for airmen at the Showcase Wing to rehearse the ability to execute rapid global mobility.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Lateef Green, platoon sergeant and lane evaluator assigned to 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, provides feedback to his Soldiers after a situational training exercise at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 16, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners.

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.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Christopher Teague, 509th Bomb Wing Chaplain, delivers an invocation during a 9/11 memorial ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Sept. 9, 2022. Whiteman commemorates the events of 9/11 by remembering those who were lost during the attack.

A group of U.S. Army Rangers, assigned to 5th Ranger Training Battalion, conducts a retirment ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Joey D. Blacksher on Stringer Drop Zone, Dahlonega, Ga., February 2, 2024. Command Sgt. Maj. Blacksher served 22 years of dedicated serve to the U.S. Army and the United States of America. Army Reserve

Maj. Gen. Bret Larson, commander of the 22nd Air Force, receives a safety briefing from Chief Master Sgt. Josh Devine, 908th Security Forces Squadron senior enlisted leader at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, May 15, 2022. Following rules and utilizing protective equipment are some of the ways members can practice safety on the range.

Members of the Ohio National Guard and Hungarian Defence Forces discuss weapons systems and capabilities during an infantry brigade presentation and showcase event June 9, 2022, in Tata, Hungary. The presentation was part of the annual State Partnership Program capstone event to highlight the pairing between Ohio and Hungary, which began in 1993.

Zachary Wyley, a terrestrial communications division engineer, shows Soldiers how to set up radio equipment oat Fort Stewart, Georgia, Jan. 8, 2024. Training on modern radio systems helps Soldiers stay competent in their mission area in the ever-evolving field of military intelligence.

Fifteen Minnesota National Guard and two Croatian Soldiers are competing in Minnesotas Best Warrior Competition April 7-10, 2022, at Camp Ripley. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers nominated by units across the state. Croatia and Minnesota have worked together for 25 years as part of the National Guards State Partnership Program. Minnesotas winners will move on to compete against the best Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from states across the region at Camp Ripley in May. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Luther C. Talks)

The U.S. ASA Fort Dix Headquarters hosted a VIP Lift on 15 June 2022. The event hosted MGs, BGs, COLs, CSMs, and Chief of Staffs. These VIPs were various leaders from the units of the 99th Readiness Division, 3 d MDSC DCG, 200th Military Police Command, 79th Theater Sustainment Command, 310th ESC, 377th TSC, 81st Readiness Division, 200th Military Police Command, 108th Training Command, 807th MCDS, 416th TEC, 63d Readiness Division, 84th Training Command, 76th ORC, ASA Dix, 377th TSC CG, MIRC, 75th Innovation Command, 85th USARCSC and the Fort Dix in-bound Commander COL Mitchell. The five The UH-60's a lift off located at the Command Pad Area by the Fort Dix Headquarters Wurman Hall. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

SALEM, Mass. -- Members of the 215th Army Band, Massachusetts National Guard perform at the 385th Annual Salem Muster on Salem Commons, April 9, 2022.(Massachusetts National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Laura Berry)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Daniel S. Allen, a motor sergeant assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, explains his role in the upcoming Abrams Operation Summit with the Polish Land Forces taking place at Bucierz Range, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, April 25, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's forward-deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces and execute joint, bilateral, and multinational training exercises.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2, Jason Tabor, an automotive maintenance technician assigned to A Company, 541st Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 1st Infantry Division leads maintenance training at Fort Irwin, California, on August 14th, 2022. 541st DSSB provided support to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division during their NTC rotation by supplying fuel, food and water services, and heavy vehicle recovery.

US Marine Corps (USMC) Major (MAJ) Scott Campbell (foreground), Commanding Officer, Task Force Georgia Train and Equip Program (GTEP), reviews his notes prior to the start of a Certification Ceremony, held at Rock City, Georgia. The ceremony marks the completion of the third tactical training phase, for Republic of Georgia Army Soldier from the 16th Mountain Battalion, participating in the program. GETEP is a phased training initiative that enhances operational capabilities of select Georgian units to increase security of Georgia's borders and promote stability within the region. Subject Operation/Series: GTEP Base: Rock City Country: Georgia (The Country) (GEO)

A U.S. Army spur candidate assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, goes over the checklist during an equipment inspection during a spur ride at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 25, 2022. Soldiers from various units participated in a Spur Ride, a challenging event where physical fitness and teamwork are needed to emerge and earn their spurs.

U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force cargo specialists review cargo forms during Cope North 24 at Northwest Field, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 16, 2024. Training and exchanging techniques and practices between international partners enables the joint forces increased interoperability and promotes long-term relationships. Air Force

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Phillip Cain, 1-10 Attack Battalion commander, conducts his final flight in an AH-64D Apache helicopter on Fort Drum, NY Jun. 14, 2022. Lt. Col. Cain received a 'shower of affection' from Fort Drum Fire Rescue as he came back.

Soldiers from 11th Airborne Division arrive at Black Rapids Training Site for Basic and and start in-processing for the Advanced Military Mountaineering Course taught by Northern Warfare Training Center cadre at Black Rapids Training Site 7 July. The purpose of the 14-day course is to train Soldiers to go back to their units and provide the techniques and procedures to get across mountainous terrain. (Photo provided by Staff Sgt. Christopher Dennis/ 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs NCO)

U.S. Army Col. Seth Morgulas, the commanding officer of the 369th Sustainment Brigade, poses for a picture at the Shuaiba Port in Al-Shuʿaybah, Kuwait, Nov. 4, 2022.

The 106th Army Band entertained the crowd and welcomed Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders as the states 47th governor during the Arkansas Governor's Inauguration on the steps of the State Capitol in Little Rock, Arkansas, January 10, 2023.

SAFER Challenge participants took part in a full day of Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) activities promoting the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP); Family Advocacy Program (FAP); Financial Readiness Program; and the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) on April 21, 2022 at Chievres Air Base, Chievres, Belgium.

Spc. Nathaniel Miska listens to a briefing about the claymore lane during the day live fire events as part of the National Best Warrior Competition, July 27, 2022, Volunteer Training Site in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Miska and Sgt. Richard Carlson placed first in both the Minnesota and Region IV Best Warrior Competition, securing their spot in this National Competition. Fourteen National Guard Soldiers are competing in the All-Guard National Best Warrior Competition July 24-29, 2022, primarily at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee.(Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ryan Campbell, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division speaks about the achievements of his Soldiers at Zagan, Poland, April 1, 2022. 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team leadership acknowledged Soldiers for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the mission during Atlantic Resolve.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Roger Sicard, the state Command Sergeant Major, Connecticut Army National Guard, speaks to U.S. Army soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment, Connecticut Army National Guard, at the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site, Jericho, Vermont, July 16, 2022. As the state Command Sergeant Major, Sicard regularly visits units while they are in the field to oversee their training.

U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. Maj. Brandon Cook, commander of the 78th Troop Command, stands at the position of attention during his reenlistment ceremony held at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Marietta, GA, August 7, 2022. Cook took command of the 78th Troop command in December 2021. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Kayden Bedwell.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. James R. Holmes III, commandant of the 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy, awards the Army Commendation Medal to the winning squad from Iron Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment for their accomplishment of winning the V Corps Best Squad Competition in a ceremony on Grafenwoehr Parade Field, Germany, July 14, 2022. The U.S. Army Soldiers from the Wolfpack Squadron demonstrated they are a highly-trained, fit and cohesive team. They will advance as V Corps representative to the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition in August.

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