Military Training and Operations

Photos capturing soldiers engaged in training and patrols in diverse environments, highlighting military readiness and bilateral exercises.

A Dutch Paratrooper walks off the Drop Zone with his assigned parachute, combat equipment, and weapon during Exercise Falcon Leap at Hechtselse Heide Drop Zone, Hechtel-Eksel, Belgium., Sep. 15, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise.

Spc. Kyle Lawson, an Infantryman with the Indiana National Guards C Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 134th Infantry Regiment, takes part in the Army Warrior Tasks lane during the Region IV Best Warrior Competition at Camp Ripley, Minnesota on May 13, 2022. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Bob Brown.)

U.S. Army Pfc. John Anderson, an infantryman assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conducts a patrol at Hungarian Defense Forces Central Training Area, Bakony, Hungary, Sept. 21, 2022. The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is committed to reinforcing NATOs eastern flank with robust and combat-ready forces. Soldiers participation in NATOs battlegroups demonstrates the strength of the transatlantic bond and the Alliances solidarity, determination, and ability to respond to any aggression.

A U.S. Marine with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, participates in bilateral force-on-force training during Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 12, 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.

France, Brittany, Coetquidan, Guer on 2021-09-16. Report on the training of the Inter-Arms Military School in Saint-Cyr Coetquidan in Morbihan. The EMIA recruits its students from among active non-commissioned officers and non-commissioned soldiers selected by competition. The cadets follow a two-year training course. At the end of the first year, they are appointed to the rank of second lieutenant, then lieutenant at the end of the second year. Photograph by Martin Bertrand. France, Bretagne, Coetquidan, Guer le 2021-09-16. Reportage sur la formation de l' Ecole militaire interarmes à Saint-Cyr Coetquidan dans le Morbihan. L'EMIA recrute ses eleves parmi les sous-officiers d'active et les militaires du rang selectionnes par concours. Les eleves-officiers suivent une formation de deux ans. A l'issue de la première annee, ils sont nommés au grade de sous-lieutenant, puis de lieutenant a la fin de la seconde annee. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

An Airman from the 319th Security Forces Squadron responds to a simulated attack Sept. 27, 2022, during the Readiness Exercise Validation Global Griffin 09-22 at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. Members of the 319th SFS were responsible for providing security to the play area throughout the exercise.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Robert Loki, an infantry Marine with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit fires a M27 infantry automatic rifle during small team tactics training for Iron Fist 24 at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 29, 2024. The United States and Japan share common goals in the Indo-Pacific region such as freedom of navigation, economic prosperity within the rules of international law, and deterrence of aggression. Exercises like Iron Fist affirm the U.S. commitment to our allies and our strategic objectives. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the JGSDF, and the JMSDF. Marine Corps

US Marine Corps (USMC) Lance Corporal (LCPL) Bob Grenda, 1ST Marine Division Combat Camera, takes advantage of the natural terrain, while videotaping at Camp Pendleton California (CA), during Exercise KERNEL BLITZ 2001. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ 2001 Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Sgt. Brodie McCaughn, an infantryman and team leader assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), performs battle drills while signaling to another squad to shift fire while McCaughns team maneuvers to attack a notional target, during Hungarian-led exercise Brave Warrior 2022, at Hungarian Defense Forces Central Training Area, Bakony, Hungary, Sept. 21, 2022. Brave Warrior is an annual multinational training event held in Hungary to increase interoperability and readiness between Allied and partner nations.

A Dutch Paratrooper walks off the Drop Zone with his assigned parachute, combat equipment, and weapon during Exercise Falcon Leap at Hechtselse Heide Drop Zone, Hechtel-Eksel, Belgium., Sep. 15, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise.

Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 368th Engineer Battalion, based out of Londonderry, New Hampshire, execute hand and arm signals during a Situational Training Exercise (STX) in support of Warrior Exercise 78-22-02 at the Dyer Training Area, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, July 20, 2022. WAREX 78-22-02 supports the U.S. Army Reserve's mission of providing trained and equipped units and personnel to support the Total Force in a joint, multi-domain operational environment.

A U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party specialist assigned to the 2d Air Support Operations Squadron out of Vilseck, Germany, performs security detail during exercise Cobra Warrior 22 in England, Sept. 21, 2022. Cobra Warrior 22 develops tactical interoperability skills of participating Airmen, Allies and Partners through integrated cross-domain effects against a peer adversary.

040128-M-3843C-104. Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: CSSD 23

Spc. Connor MacDowell, a team leader assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division demonstrates pulling security to New Zealand and Fijian soldiers during a break-contact drill as part of Exercise Cartwheel at Nausori Highlands Training Area, Fiji, September 17, 2022. Exercise Cartwheel is a multilateral military-to-military training exercise with the U.S., Republic of Fiji Military, Australian, New Zealand, and British forces that builds expeditionary readiness and interoperability by increasing the capacity to face a crisis and contingencies by developing and stressing units at the highest training levels.

010718-F-7203T-097. Base: Fort Dix State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Swedish Marine Pvt. Patric Forsgren, Hellfire missile team leader, 2d Swedish Marine Battalion, demonstrates command and control of missile teams from a concealed position in the archipelagos, to U.S. Marines with Littoral Engineer Reconnaissance Team, 2d Marine Logistic Group, during exercise Archipelago Endeavor 22 (AE22) on Berga Naval Base, Sweden, Sept. 21, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

Bravo Battery, 3-7 Field Artillery conducts Table VI's

A Soldier at Fort McCoy for the 78th Training Divisions Warrior Exercise 78-22-02 participates in a training scenario July 20, 2022, at a training area at Fort McCoy, Wis. The exercise, according to the Army Reserve, trained and evaluated Soldiers on Army Warrior Skill-level 10 tasks through various training lanes and situational-training exercises, and more. The exercise took place at Fort McCoy throughout July 2022. (Photo by Amanda Clark, Fort McCoy Multimedia-Visual Information Office)

020821-M-0175R-052. Base: Fort Benning State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 24 MEU

GREYWOLF Trooper, Spc. Daniel Schlosser assigned to Charlie Company, 1-12 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducts a platoon STX, Oct. 26, 2022. Training events like these promote readiness throughout the unit and help soldiers prepare for situations they may face on the battlefield.

Norwegian rapid reaction special forces FSK soldier patrolling in the forest.

A student wearing a gas mask and multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES) gear performs immediate action on his jammed M-60 machine gun during a Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC) assault exercise. PLDC is designed to develop the skills of junior enlisted personnel who are thought to possess non-commissioned officer potential. Base: Fort Lewis State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Troopers assigned 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, practice battle drills in Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, Feb. 20, 2023. 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team Troopers regularly practice warfighting tactics to ensure they are prepared for any situation.

001208-M-6979W-004. Base: Fort Bragg State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and Finnish army soldiers assigned to the Jaeger Brigade take a tactical pause during a company combined arms live-fire exercise as part of joint training between the U.S. Army and Finnish army at Rovaniemi, Finland, Aug. 11, 2022.

125th Fighter Wing Security Forces perform dismounted patrols during a Field Training Exercise in preparation for real world situations, March 29, 2011, Camp Blanding Joint Forces Training Center, Florida.

Marine officers carrying M-16A1 rifles participate in an Infantry Officer course at the Marine Corps Development and Education Command. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Army Infantryman assigned to 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division pulls security after clearing an objective occupied by U.S. Soldiers posing as opposing forces as part of Defender 22 at Bucierz Range, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 6, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

U.S. Army Pvt. Rodrigo Chavez, assigned to Lightning Troop Platoon, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, reacts to direct fire during a training exercise at Hohenfels, Germany, on Dec. 2, 2022. The training was conducted during Operation Dark Wolf.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 30, 2022) Republic of Korea Marines debark Korean assault amphibious vehicles and post security at Pyramid Rock Beach during an amphibious raid for a multinational littoral operations exercise as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 30. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three 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 world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 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 world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

020821-M-0175R-087. Base: Fort Benning State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 24 MEU

Airmen from the 366th Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, take cover during a simulated inbound missel during exercise Raging Gunfighter 22-2 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 21, 2022. Raging Gunfighter tests Lead Wing concepts in order to build readiness and sustainability for the joint force and further refine Agile Combat Employment and multi-capable Airmen.

III raid tactico Coprino- Bravo, Andratx, mallorca, islas baleares, spain, europa.

Soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division, Air Assault trains to recieve her Expert Infantry Badge (EIB) or Expert Soldier Badge (ESB) March 13, 2023 at Ft. Campbell, Ky. To recieve EIB/ESB Soldiers must expertly perform individual Soldier skills and apply principles of basic medical care in a field environment.

A Dutch Paratrooper walks off the Drop Zone with his assigned parachute, combat equipment, and weapon during Exercise Falcon Leap at Hechtselse Heide Drop Zone, Hechtel-Eksel, Belgium., Sep. 15, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise.

FORT CARSON, Colo. (Oct. 10, 2012) Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Samantha Hughes, a reserve Sailor assigned to Operational Support Unit (OSU) 1914, takes a firing position during a simulated ambush. OSU Sailors are getting training in various combat tactical skills from members of the U.S. Army's 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Operational Detachments 0221/0220, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion. Americas Sailors are Warfighters, a fast and flexible force deployed worldwide. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting.

U.S. Navy Corpsmen 3d Marine Division and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members conduct a mass casualty evacuation drill 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.

U.S. Marine officers of Co. H, Basic School, cool down the barrel of an M-60 machine gun during a live fire exercise at Range 11. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A view looking down range from behind a Polish Army Soldier as he fires an USA M16A2 assault rifle at range L-5 during the live fire portion of Situational Training Exercise-3 (STX-3), held at Camp Lejeune, NC during Operation COOPERATIVE OSPREY 96. A view looking down range from behind a Polish Army Soldier as he fires an USA M16A2 assault rifle at range L-5 during the live fire portion of Situational Training Exercise-3 (STX-3), held at Camp Lejeune, NC during Operation COOPERATIVE OSPREY Õ96.

Members of the United Nations Command Security Battalion/Joint Security Area (UNCSB/JSA), Scout Platoon, patrols the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Oct. 20, 1998. Scout Platoon conducts patrols of the DMZ on a regular basis. Subject Operation/Series: KOREA CD Base: Panmunjom State: Demilitarized Zone Country: Korea

U.S. Marine Corps recruit Lucy Lindstrom, a recruit with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, suppresses a simulated ambush during the John Basilone Challenge on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 5, 2022. The event was part of the crucible - a 54-hour event that challenges all the skills a recruit has learned throughout recruit training. Recruits will go through physically and mentally demanding challenges with limited food and sleep during the crucible. The crucible is one of the final stepping stones in completing recruit training. Once a recruit completes the crucible, they will have earned the title United States Marine. Lindstrom was recruited out of Milwaukee, Wis. with Recruiting Station Green Bay.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jared Earp (left), a combat engineer, and Lance Cpl. Ricardo GodinezMejia, an engineer equipment operator, both with Bravo Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, set up an ambush as part of a force-on-force training iteration during exercise Eagle Wrath 22 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, May 17, 2022. Eagle Wrath is an annual MWSS-171 exercise at CATC Camp Fuji, Japan, designed to increase squadron proficiency in conducting real-world contingency missions while in a forward operating environment.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division (1/3ID) carries a Soldier to safety during a Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear simulation during Exercise Combined Resolve 17 (CbR 17) at Hohenfels Training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany, June 2, 2022. CbR 17 is a United States Army Europe- Africa directed, 7th Army Training Command executed exercise that takes place at JMRC from 20 May to 19 June 2022. The event is designed to evaluate and assess 1/3IDs 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.

U.S. Marines 1st Lt. Nathanael Gockenbach, a fire support officer, with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6), Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group prepares to head to the Finnish mortar range in Syndalen, Finland Nov. 1 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl Jackson Kirkiewicz)

030523-M-6857S-001. Base: USMC Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Tennessee Army National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Daniel Vasquez, from the 30th Troop Command, retrieves a practice claymore during the Tennessee State Best Warrior Competition in Tullahoma, Feb. 23, 2024. The claymore is a command-detonated fragmentation weapon designed primarily for use against personnel. Army National Guard

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of Korea (March. 29, 2023) -A Republic of Korea Marine provides security at a beach during Ssang Young 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Young 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROKs combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance.

Pfc. Stephen Claghorn, a wheeled vehicle mechanic for the 231st Inland Cargo Truck Company, 377th Sustainment Command, maintains security in the prone position during Army Warrior Tasks training as part of Warrior Exercise 78-22-02 July 19, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 78th Training Division will conduct WAREX 78-22-02 from July 16-30 at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, in order to build Warfighter collective readiness and prepare units to execute mission in support of Unified Land Operations.

Soldiers assigned to 3rd Infantry Division low crawl under barbed wire with a casualty in preparation for earning their Expert Field Medical Badge at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Jan. 18, 2023. In order to earn the badge candidates must complete a written test, a physical fitness assessment, a land navigation course at both day and night, various warrior skills, tactical combat casualty care, and evacuation lanes, a 12-mile foot march, and disassemble, reassemble and perform a functions check on their M4; validating themselves as Army medical professionals and distinguishing themselves amongst their peers.

U.S. Army Pfc. Matthew Vazquez, assigned to 2nd Theater Signal Brigade, returns fire while conducting patrol lanes during day two of the U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 9, 2022. Teams 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.

Sniper and spotter of Green Berets U.S. Army Special Forces Group in action.

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort climb a bank during the Corporals Course culminating event at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 1, 2023. The culminating event consisted of an improvised explosive device lane, shallow-water grappling and completing the obstacle course with gear. Corporals Course is a month-long professional military education program that develops Marines small unit leadership skills and continues to prepare them to lead Marines.

modern warfare soldier in action combat

U.S. Army Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and Malaysian Armed Forces conduct an assault somewhere in the jungle during Keris Strike 22, Malaysia, June 16, 2022. Keris Strike is a bilateral Army-to-Army military exercise between the Malaysian Army and United States Army Pacific that increases interoperability operations that reassure shared security commitments in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Army soldiers, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, observe M109 Paladin rounds impact during training and table 6 certifications. A Fire Support Team is responsible for forward observations on the battlefield and activities such as target processing for artillery units and brigade maneuvers.

Marine officer candidates from Arizona and New Mexico Marine Officer programs, and local Naval Reserve Training Corps units prepare for Officer Candidate School on April 16, 2022, at Camp Navajo, Flagstaff, Arizona. The training included practical application in land navigation, small unit leadership exercises and hiking.

Airmen perform Self-Aid Buddy Care, during a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense exercise Sept. 14, 2022, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. SABC provides life-sustaining care to wounded people, stabilizing them while awaiting the arrival of medical evacuation.

DM-SC-86-11888. State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

030910-M-9023R-029. Subject Operation/Series: CROCODILE 2003 Base: Camp Samuel Hill State: Queensland Country: Australia (AUS) Scene Major Command Shown: 3RD RECONNAISSANCE

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, conduct a patrol during their Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, June 7, 2022. This type of training evolution is the culminating event aimed at validating the units readiness to conduct combat operations.

1st Lt. Sven Pärand, a company commander in the Estonian Defense League, participates in the Military Reserve Exchange Program (MREP) at Camp Grayling, July 19-23, 2022, during 3-126th Infantry Regiment of Wyoming Armorys annual training. 1st Lt. Sven Pärand spent his time in Michigan taking note of the way American army tactics differ from Estonian during hands-on demonstrations with mortar live-fire and sniper marksmanship training, to observing Army medical practices and touring the Tactical Action Center.

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii (July 15, 2022) Mexican Naval Infantry storm the shoreline after launching a combat rubber raiding craft during a simulated amphibious exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 15. 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 world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 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 world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Lance Cpl. Jordan D. Taylor, right, and Cpl. Miguel A. Ruelas provide security during an endurance course Jan. 12 at the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Camp Gonsalves. Both Marines are riflemen with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

U.S. Marines post security during Reconnaissance Certification Exercise at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Jan 18, 2024. RCERT is a battalion level exercise that evaluates Marines on all ground reconnaissance war fighting skills. The Marines are with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division.

011213-A-0051B-223. Base: Fort Polk State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

A Brazilian marine aims at his target while executing a range training event during exercise UNITAS LXIII in Marambaia, Brazil, Sept. 9, 2022. The training event consisted of several squad tactics including maneuver under fire and machine gun suppression drills. UNITAS develops and sustains relationships that improve the capacity of our reemerging and enduring maritime partners to achieve common objectives. Additionally, the military-to-military exchanges foster mutual cooperation and understanding among participating navies and marine corps.

Marines from 1ST Battalion, 7th Marines, in the field aiming in on their targets with M-16 rifles during Exercise COBRA GOLD '98 in Thailand. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD '98 Country: Thailand (THA)

Members of the Japan Self-Defense Force Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade set defensive positions during Keen Sword 23 at Tsutara, Japan, Nov. 16, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self-Defense Force. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

Boise State University Cadets from the Bronco Battalion form a security perimeter for their squad.Following the previous weeks field lab cancellation midway through the exercise, the Bronco Battalion returns to the foothills above the City of Boise for an exercise in reconnaissance tactics. The weather, unlike the previous week, is mild, with clear skies and tolerable temperatures. The Office of Visual Information for Idaho Army National Guard will follow the Boise State University Bronco Battalion for the Spring 2022 Semester through graduation. The program trains young men and women to serve as officers and leaders. Graduates will serve as officers in the U.S. Army, the Army National Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserves. Several seniors scheduled to graduate will eventually serve in the Idaho Army National Guard, while some cadets are already currently serving in the Idaho Army National Guard while attending BSU. Many officers currently serving in the Idaho Army National Guard are

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Adam Pawlicki, an aircraft armaments systems specialist assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, takes a defensive position on a hilltop during an Agile Combat Employment training event at the 180FW in Swanton, Ohio, March 30, 2023. Agile Combat Employment allows Airmen to widen capabilities by training in adjacent career fields, creating Multi-Capable Airmen that can operate in a contested, degraded and operationally limited environment.

The Norwegian Home Defense Youth throw simulated hand grenades at Camp Ripley Training Center in Little Falls, Minnesota, on February 6th, 2024. The 51st NOREX consists of multiple training events between the Minnesota National Guard and the Norwegian Home Guard Rapid Response Force and Youth teams where the two forces train together and experience each others cultures to better promote cooperation and troop readiness in any future joint-operations (Minnesota Army National Guard

An Air National Guard Security Forces specialist assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, helps build and arctic tent shelter in subzero temperatures at Camp Ripley Training Center, Minnesota as part of the Air National Guard's Security Forces Cold Weather Operations Course (CWOC) on January 17, 2024. The two-week CWOC course combined classroom instruction, outdoor skills development, and a 3-day, field training event that required students to build and sleep in arctic tent systems, subsisting on cold weather Meals Ready to Eat and incorporated land navigation, live saving skills, and cold water immersion events. 50 students from Air National Guard wings from across the U.S. participated in the advanced, cold weather survival course planned by personnel assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard.

A German Soldier surveys the area while providing security during Allied Spirit 22 in Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Jan. 23, 2022. Allied Spirit is a United States Army Europe-Africa directed, 7th Army Training Command conducted, Joint Multinational Readiness Center hosted training exercise for the Latvian 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade from Jan. 11, 2022 to Feb. 5, 2022. The exercise will develop and enhance NATO and key partner interoperability and readiness across specified warfighting functions. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Nathaniel Gayle)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Shawn Smith Jr., air traffic controller, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, rushes during a simulated firefight during a Corporals Course culminating event at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Feb. 2, 2024. Corporals Course is a month-long professional military education program that develops Marines small unit leadership skills and continues to prepare them to lead Marines. The culminating event consisted of land navigation, an improvised explosive device lane, tug-of-war, grappling and completing the obstacle course with gear. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines assigned to the Ground Combat Element of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct a reconnaissance patrol in the woods of Saaremaa, Estonia during exercise Hedgehog 22, May 20, 2022. The 22nd MEU is participating in the Estonian-led exercise Siil 22 (Hedgehog 22 in English). Siil 22 brings together members of the Estonian Defense Force and U.S. Sailors and Marines under Task Force 61/2 to enhance Allied interoperability and preserve security and stability in the Baltic region.

U.S. Army Capt. William Manke, a brigade dentist with 1st Battalion, 25th Brigade Support Battalion, reacts to fire on the survival lane during the expert infantryman badge competition at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Aug. 1, 2007.

U.S. Air Force Airmen participating in Advanced Ready Training - Outside the Wire return to base after land navigation at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Feb. 9, 2024. The ART-OTW course is a pre-deployment requirement to gain experience in specialized tactics and techniques through strenuous training scenarios. Air Force

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Benjamin Bechard, an infantry officer with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, conducts land navigation during the Division Leader Assessment Program on Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, June 20, 2022. This assessment program also provides Marines with learning and mentorship opportunities, which helps train and develop Marines that demonstrate an apex level of lethality, endurance and comprehensive warfighting ability.

Spc. Griffin Shields, a Soldier from Alpha Company of the 3rd Battalion, 304th Regiment (USMA), 104th Training Division (Leader Training), crosses through a rope bridge during the confidence course of the Best Warrior Competition (BWC) at Devens Reserve Forces Training Area, Massachusetts, Oct. 23, 2022. The BWC consists of multiple events demonstrating skills in various Soldier tasks including an obstacle course, a foot march, tactical combat casualty care, 9-Line MEDEVAC, and M249 weapon assembly and disassembly. Competitors also completed advanced land navigation and an Army Combat Fitness Test. The BWC gives these Soldiers an opportunity to enhance and test their skills and prepare for training Cadets at the United States Military Academy during their annual training.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Zachery Phillips, a squad leader with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, tightens the rope during a demonstration of how to place a single rope bridge at Exercise Cartwheel, Nadi, Fiji, September 18, 2022. Exercise Cartwheel provides tough, realistic training, strengthening RFMF and U.S. Army capacity as regional leaders, increasing security cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. Robert Krause, a team leader with Charlie Co., 2 Battalion, 162 Infantry Regiment, drags a simulated wounded Soldier during one of the competitions at the regional Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year competition held in Fort Greely, Alaska. Krause, who is from Milwaukie, Ore., won the overall regional event, and will go on to compete at the national-level competition at Fort Benning, Ga., July 27-Aug. 2.

Spc. Patrick D. Forsthoefel, Alpha Company, Special Troops Battalion, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Ohio National Guard, fires blank rounds to cover a fellow Soldier crossing through barbed wire and a smoke grenade during individual movement techniques training at the Camp Ravenna Joint Maneuver Training Center, Ravenna, Ohio, April 17,2011. The IMT is one of more than 200 common training tasks that Forsthoefel, as well as about 3,600 other Soldiers of the 37th brigade, must complete before they are scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan in fall 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Ohio National Guard

paintball field, Paintball Aventura Marratxi, Marratxi, Majorca, Spain.

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. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, act as a simulated oppositional force attacking a position during a motorized raid exercise on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, June 27, 2022. Motorized raids are one of the ways the Marine Corps practices quickly moving units closer to the fight. 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.

A Guatemalan sniper team worked together during the Sniper Skill Event as part of the Fuerzas Comando 2022 Day 3 team assault course on June 15, 2022, in La Venta, Honduras. 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. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Lionel Castellano)

A Marine with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) participates in a training scenario July 26, 2022, 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 their 2022 annual training at Fort McCoy. (U.S. Army Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Marco Castaneda, 346th Theater Aerial Delivery Company parachute rigger, from the Joint Force Training Base Los Alamitos, Calif., picks up his parachute after jumping from a U.S. Air Force Super Hercules C-130J aircraft at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Jan. 6, 2024. The 346th TADC utilizes Vandenbergs vast landscape as landing zone for reserve training operations.

US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Edward Locus, 1ST Security Forces Squadron (SFS) junior patrolman and rear security for the 1ST SFS Contending Warrior team, braves mosquito and tick-infested water during tactical training at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. The Langley Contending Warrior team has been preparing for months for a competition that takes place in the Nevada desert. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CPL. T. Carson, 8th Tank Battalion, aims an M-16A1 rifle equipped with the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) during a field exercise. Base: Fort Pickett State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nicolle Llein Bartels, a network administrator with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6), Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, provides security during a land navigation exercise in preparation for exercise Freezing Winds 22 in Syndalen, Finland, Oct. 12, 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jonah Deleon, a combat engineer with Bravo Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, gives a class on combat patrols during exercise Eagle Wrath 22 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, May 16, 2022. Eagle Wrath is an annual MWSS-171 exercise at CATC Camp Fuji, Japan, designed to increase squadron proficiency in conducting real-world contingency missions while in a forward operating environment.

France, Brittany, Coetquidan, Guer on 2021-09-16. Report on the training of the Inter-Arms Military School in Saint-Cyr Coetquidan in Morbihan. The EMIA recruits its students from among active non-commissioned officers and non-commissioned soldiers selected by competition. The cadets follow a two-year training course. At the end of the first year, they are appointed to the rank of second lieutenant, then lieutenant at the end of the second year. Photograph by Martin Bertrand. France, Bretagne, Coetquidan, Guer le 2021-09-16. Reportage sur la formation de l' Ecole militaire interarmes à Saint-Cyr Coetquidan dans le Morbihan. L'EMIA recrute ses eleves parmi les sous-officiers d'active et les militaires du rang selectionnes par concours. Les eleves-officiers suivent une formation de deux ans. A l'issue de la première annee, ils sont nommés au grade de sous-lieutenant, puis de lieutenant a la fin de la seconde annee. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

A U.S. Soldier with 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) fires an M249 squad automatic weapon during a company situational training exercise as part of joint training between the U.S. Army and Finnish army at Rovaniemi, Finland, Aug. 10, 2022.

Sgt. Tyler Holloway of the 115th Field Artillery Brigade in the Wyoming Army National Guard and Spc. Wyatt Walls of the 218th Field Artillery Regiment in the Oregon Army National Guard load a casualty onto a UH-60 Black Hawk at the National Best Warrior Competition held at the Milan Volunteer Training Site, Tenn., July 26, 2022. The day consisted of a round-robin set of events that included combat casualty care, a call for fire, and improvised explosive device lanes. The National Best Warrior Competition has the best of the best Soldiers in the Army National Guard.

U.S. Marine Corps 81mm mortermen with 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Ground Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, fire an 81mm mortar system while supporting a company live-fire event as part of exercise Koolendong 22 at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia, July 13, 2022. Exercise Koolendong 22 is a combined and joint force exercise focused on expeditionary advanced base operations conducted by U.S. Marines, U.S. Soldiers, U.S. Airmen, and Australian Defence Force personnel.

CPL. Dai Tran gives medical assistance to Lance CPL. Richard Smith who has received a sucking chest wound. These Marines are with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division. Subject Operation/Series: Combined Joint Training Field Exercise (CJTFEX) 96 Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines execute a hasty displacement during Artillery Relocation Training Program 22.3 at Ojojihara Maneuver Area, Japan, Dec. 6, 2022. The skills developed at ARTP increase the proficiency and readiness of the only permanently forward-deployed artillery unit in the Marine Corps, enabling them to provide precision indirect fires.

A hospital Corpsman with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, conducts a contact patrol with other Corpsmen and Marines on July 22, 2022, during training 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 23rd Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 is holding annual training at Fort McCoy. (Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

Special Forces candidates assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School hike through a wooded area during the final phase of field training known as Robin Sage in central North Carolina, January 23, 2022. Robin Sage is the culmination exercise for Soldiers in the Special Forces Qualification Course and has been the litmus test for Soldiers striving to earn the Green Beret for more than 50 years. (U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Luke Pinney, an engineer equipment operator with Bravo Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, ground guides a High-Mobility Engineer Excavator at Camp Rodriguez, Republic of Korea, July 11, 2022. Marines with 9th ESB are participating in a large-scale field training exercise focused on leveraging the integrated capabilities of joint and allied partners to strengthen all-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed mountainous environment.

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