Military Training and Operations

Images depict military personnel engaged in training and strategic discussions in various settings, highlighting teamwork, planning, and equipment handling in a military context.

The United Service Organization provides lunch for attendees and the presenters at the Hercules Theater during an Enlisted Summit at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 24, 2022. The Enlisted Summit offered an opportunity to network outside of career fields and engage in leadership discussions.

Col. Richard Ferguson, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade commander, left, and Lt. Col. David Magness, 29th CAB executive officer, both with the Maryland Army National Guard discuss targets for an upcoming air assault mission as part of Northern Strike 22 in Grayling, Mich., on Aug. 11, 2022. The 29th CAB, from the Maryland Army National Guard, provides all domain command and control over the 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion from the Tennessee Army National Guard, the 1-111th General Support Aviation Battalion from the Florida Army National Guard and the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 from Jacksonville, North Carolina during Northern Strike 22 from Aug. 6 to 20, 2022.

These NJARG soldiers from the RSP/RRB(Recruit Sustainment Program) are from Sea Girt, New Jersey. They are at the Fort Dix TSC TADS Warehouse for an issue of required training equipment for their 2022 Survive Module Training during April of 2022. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

Brig. Gen. Daniel Hershkowitz, commander of the 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), jokes with new U.S. Army recruits prior to their swearing the Enlistment Oath at Fort Des Moines , Aug. 6, 2022.

U.S. Army Sergeant (Sgt) Teddy Wade and Private First Class (PFC) Sean Harp talk with the Director of Stage management on Fort Sam Houston located in San Antonio, TX on September 12,2008.

The United States Army's most qualified uniformed interrogation teams met at Fort Bragg, North Carolina to compete in the inaugural Army Interrogation Olympics to determine the Army's Best Interrogation Team of the Year. Military Intelligence Soldiers from Regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard components met and thrived in an austere field environment while refining and improving individual and collective HUMINT, analytical, leader, and Soldier skills. The competition was hosted by the 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade from August 8 to 10, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Roger Brooks IV, right, director of mission support at the Georgia Air National Guard, talks with a local citizen during a recruiting event in Milledgeville, Georgia, Sept. 17, 2022. Georgia Air National Guard leaders, recruiters, and Airmen engaged with the community during the event prior to a Georgia Military College football game.

Tech. Sgt. Matthew Brooks, Detachment 1, 201st Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer selects backpacks for his children, during the Back to School Backpack Brigade event Sunday, August 7, 2022, at Biddle Air National Guard Base. The event, sponsored by the Friends of the Family Readiness Group and Operation Homefront, is a back-to-school supply distribution event for children of members of the 111th Attack Wing.

Members of the Desert Lightning Team share a Thanksgiving meal during a dorm bash celebration at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Nov. 21, 2022. Dorm bashes bring Airmen living in the dorms on base together for a holiday meal.

The United Service Organization provides lunch for attendees and the presenters at the Hercules Theater during an Enlisted Summit at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 24, 2022. The Enlisted Summit offered an opportunity to network outside of career fields and engage in leadership discussions.

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger greets community members and post visitors at the installation's Gate 20 on July 22, 2022, by scanning identification cards at Fort McCoy, Wis. Messenger became the garrison commander July 14. Messenger arrives after serving in his prior assignment as the director of engineering and logistics, J4, Joint Task Force Civil Support, Fort Eustis, Va. Messengers awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Combat Infantrymans Badge, Expert Infantrymans Badge, Army Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.

U.S. Army Spec. Jo England, a Colorado national guard troop assigned to Task Force Alpha, COVID-19 response forces, serves food to guests without homes at the Denver Rescue Mission, Denver, Colo., 9 April, 2020 Members of the Colorado National Guard volunteer to support state and local officials combat the Corona Virus Pandemic by assisting state and local officials by, among other things, setting up emergency operations centers, a joint operations center and assisting local shelters in the Denver area.

U.S. Marines with the Parris Island Marine Band, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, eat sandwiches at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Oct. 7, 2022. Fire Fest hosted the competition for Marines to compete for personal prizes, unit funds and to improve camaraderie between the different commands.

Guardsmen assigned to the Pennsylvania National Guard check-in and receive registration gifts at the joint Health and Safety Awareness event hosted at the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Coraopolis, Pa. May 24, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Amy Boehle, Senior Air Reserve Component advisor for Ninth Air Force (AFCENT), talks with Airmen assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron, during a visit to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, at Prince Sultan Air Base, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, April 27, 2022. During the visit Boehle briefings across the base where she explained specific processes, benefits and entitlements available to Reserve and Air National Guard members. ARC advisors are responsible for advising commanders and staff on Reserve and Guard related issues and advocating for deployed ARC personnel.

Lt. Gen. Caroline Miller and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas E. Temple, Headquarters Air Force Manpower, Personnel and Services, view items at the Center for Families of the Fallen during their visit to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Nov. 16, 2022. Some of the items available for families include a variety of grief resources as well as comfort shawls and teddy bears. (Air Force photo by Jason Minto)

Soldiers from the 1-102nd Infantry Regiment organize boxes of gloves at the New Britain Armory in New Britain, Connecticut, April 9, 2020. Soldiers from the Connecticut National Guard assisted the Connecticut Department of Public Health in distributing masks, gloves, and face shields to local residential care homes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

U.S. Air Force members and civilians participate during a Major Accident Response Exercise, Mar. 30, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. MAREs demonstrate JBSAs Disaster Response Forces ability to assess and respond to an aircraft mishap. The 502nd Air Base Wing worked alongside the Schertz Fire Department, 12th Flying Training Wing and the 59th Medical Wing validate the necessary support during a simulated accident.

AZUA, Dominican Republic (Dec. 01, 2022) U.S. Army 1st Lt. Luis Sanchez, a field medical assistant, attached to 181th Medical Company Area Support, assists during Continuing Promise 2022 at the medical site in Azua, Dominican Republic, Dec. 01, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

Tech. Sgt. Jennel Edwards, a Defender with the 91st Security Forces Group, salutes a flag placed for Suicide Prevention and Awareness month, Sept. 1, 2022. Each of the flags placed during the ceremony represented a member of the Department of Defense who was lost to suicide in 2021.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Jonah Adler and Lance Cpl. Mckayla Mixon, students assigned to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, hand an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor sticker and a certificate to a newly graduated Devil Pup at the CFT field, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, May 21, 2022. Marine Corps Community Services Cherry Point hosted Devil Pups to allow children of Marines to get a taste of Marine Corps recruit training.

First Lady of Florida, Casey DeSantis, hands out food to the affected citizens of Pine Island, Fla., alongside Florida National Guard (FLNG) soldiers with the 53rd Brigade Support Battalion on Monday, October 3, 2022. As Hurricane Ian left a path of destruction, some of Florida's Southwest islands were left without a proper route to the mainland, enabling specialties of FLNG soldiers to deliver much-need supplies.

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773 Detachment A, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, line up for food provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1432 during exercise Gunslinger 22 at Salina, Kansas on June 17, 2022. The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service.

Arizona National Guard service members delivered personal protection equipment June 29, 2020 to a local distribution center in Globe, Ariz. for Gila County residents. The delivery is part of the Arizona National Guards response to community needs during this COVID19 state of emergency

U.S. Army Sgt. Wesley Tyndal, assigned to Heartbreak Battery, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade, learn about the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) at a demonstration for artillery family members and distinguished guests during Molly Pitcher Day at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Aug. 31, 2022.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Courtney Ford assigned to 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, attends a women empowerment forum on July 22, 2022, on Fort Stewart, Georgia. The class went over Army regulations 670-1 as well as postpartum policies.

Three U.S. Air Force personnel from the 140th Munition Flight, Colorado Air National Guard, 140th Wing, talk with U.S Air Force Chaplin Capt. Brett Campbell (right) assigned to the 140th Chaplin corp, at Miramar Marine Corp Air Station, San Diego, California on Aug 2, 2022. The 140th Wing is performing aerial maneuver training exercises with the F-18 Lightening II fighter jets, stationed at Miramar Marine Corp Air Station, to enhance their wartime readiness capabilities utilizing the latest combat scenarios.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Patrick Henson, from Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, sprays a fire house at a station in Yarmuk, Iraq, Feb. 17, 2008.

Members of Leadership Oklahoma shared a meal with basic trainees during the groups visit June 17, 2022. Basic trainees shared why they decided to serve and more.

Capt. Joseph Whitley, an engineer assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, places a new sign at Warriors Walk during a refurbishment project on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Oct. 5, 2022. Warriors Walk memorializes fallen Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division and attached units who made the ultimate sacrifice during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

The United States Army's most qualified uniformed interrogation teams met at Fort Bragg, North Carolina to compete in the inaugural Army Interrogation Olympics to determine the Army's Best Interrogation Team of the Year. Military Intelligence Soldiers from Regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard components met and thrived in an austere field environment while refining and improving individual and collective HUMINT, analytical, leader, and Soldier skills. The competition was hosted by the 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade from August 8 to 10, 2022.

U.S. Marines participate in the Winning within Suicide Prevention and resiliency fair on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 22, 2022. The fair was used to help equip and connect Marines, Sailors, and Civilians to suicide prevention and resilience resources in a relaxed and interactive environment.

221204-N-LP924-1159 AZUA, Dominican Republic (Dec. 4, 2022) Hospital Corpsman Colton Lippmann, from Sevilla, Spain, right, and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Derik Geringer, from Vacaville California, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), showcase various stretching exercises for a patient at a medical site in Azua, Dominican Republic, Nov. 4, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

New York Army National Guard Spcs. Zi Fang, right, and Rebecca Marte, both assigned to the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery, part of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, provide meal delivery routes to city drivers at the Queens Food Distribution Site May 2, 2020. The meals will be delivered to people who are quarantined and unable to go shopping. They are part of a statewide effort of more than 3,600 members of the New York National Guard responding to community needs to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. National Guard

Spc. To, a U.S. Army air defender of the 13th Missile Defense Battery, serves lunch in Israel on June 25, 2022. The 13th MDB, headquartered outside of Tel Aviv, is part of the strong and enduring mil-to-mil partnership between the IDF and the 10th AAMDC built on trust developed over decades of cooperation. The 10th AAMDC and IDF work together consistently to strengthen the interoperability necessary for maintaining and improving Israel's air and missile defense capacity.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jenna Aguon, 635th Material Maintenance Support Squadron material management journeyman, processes with finance during a pre-deployment function line exercise, at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Sept. 26, 2022. Holloman conducts mission exercises regularly to ensure mission readiness.

Sodexo employees serve U.S. Marines food during the Mess Hall-303 re-opening ceremony on Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 12, 2022. Mess Hall-303 provides support to MCB Camp Lejeune by providing meals with responsive service by a well-trained workforce.

Members of the Idaho National Guard visit a job fair hosted by the Idaho Air National Guard Airmen and Family Readiness Program, June 5, 2022, Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. The AFRP provides a variety of different services for Airmen, military families and civilian employees in need of assistance.

Medal of Honor recipient, Dakota Meyer, left, walks with U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jeffrey R. Kenney, right, commanding officer, 6th Marines, 2d Marine Division, on Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 20, 2022. Meyer, one of three Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipients during the Global War on Terror, toured MCB Camp Lejeune to speak, inspire and educate Marines.

North Carolina Army National Guard Pfc. Alicia Howard, assigned to 2-130 Airfield Operations Battalion, 449th Theater Aviation Brigade, directs a vehicle while helping Action Pathways Second Harvest Food Bank distribute food in Fayetteville, N.C. on May 7, 2020. More than 900 NCNG Soldiers and Airmen have been activated in response to COVID-19 relief efforts to help support NC Emergency Management, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, and their local communities.

Airmen from the 3rd Wing proceed through the pre-deployment function line at the Joint Mobility Complex, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 21, 2022, in preparation to support NATO Air Shielding. Integration with NATO Allies and Partners further demonstrate the Alliances dedication to deter and defend in an increasing complex and changing security environment.

U.S. Army Soldiers deployed to Karliki, Poland, participate in a Martin Luther King Jr. barbecue on Jan. 15, 2024. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday of January each year, marks the birthday of the civil rights leader and activist. In 1994, Congress designated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of service. The event was organized by volunteers of the United Service Organization to support service members currently deployed to Poland that provide support to forward-stationed U.S. and allied forces training and operations to bolster NATOs eastern flank.

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) Commanding General, Major General Andrew Rohling cuts the ceremonial cake during the U.S. Army Heritage Month and Birthday Commemoration held on Caserme Del Din, Vicenza, Italy on June 2, 2022. The Army Heritage Month commemorates all who have answered the call to service since the Army's founding in 1775.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Melissa Miller, squad leader with the 116th Security Forces Squadron (SFS), Georgia Air National Guard, and U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Sheila Loftin, right, flight chief with the 116th SFS, Georgia Air National Guard, interacts with a group of students during a recruiting event in Milledgeville, Georgia, Sept. 17, 2022. Georgia Air National Guard leaders, recruiters, and Airmen engaged with the community during the event prior to a Georgia Military College football game.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt Darrin Hunt, 321st Training Squadron military training instructor, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, briefs the Texas 23rd Congressional District, U. S. House of Representative staff as they arrive at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Sep. 27, 2022. The visit helps to provide the congressional staff an overview and understanding of mission operations throughout JBSA.

Florida State Guardsman, Pvt. Lance Rodrigue loads meals-ready-to-eat into a local residents car at the Live Oak, FL point of distribution (POD) that was established following Hurricane Idalia, Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. State Guardsman are on their first activation ever since their organization's recent reinstatement after a 75-year hiatus, where they will continue to provide supplemental support to Florida National Guard operations such as storm relief.

Airmen with the RAF Lakenheath Fire Department hand out candy during the annual Fire Prevention week parade at RAF Lakenheath, England, Oct. 10, 2022. Fire Prevention week was started after the Great Chicago fire in 1922 as a way to call attention to fire safety.

Brig. Gen. Brian T. Cashman, the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Deputy Commanding General, cuts the ceremonial cake during the 12th Annual USAG Italy Retiree Appreciation Day at the Golden Lion in Caserma Ederle, Italy, Oct. 24, 2022. Retiree Appreciation Day was an opportunity for all retirees, spouses, widows and guests to receive updated information about retiree entitlement programs.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Monireach Seng, aircraft intermediate structure mechanic, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 31, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, serves food to servicemembers, during MALS-31's birthday barbecue at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Feb. 1, 2024. MALS-31 hosted the barbecue to celebrate the unit's 81st birthday. Marine Corps

Staff Sgt. Debbieann Nanton-Smith (left), a human resources specialist with the 104th Troop Command, regulates her body temperature with an ice tank during 18.6 Mile Norwegian Foot March in the Region 3 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition held at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Fla., on May 13th, 2022. Soldiers in the Army National Guard gather to compete, build esprit de corps, and represent their respective states for the upcoming national competition.

Service members pile their plates with food during the National Prayer Luncheon at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 23, 2023. For 70 years, the 374th Airlift Wing has held a meal in honor of the original ÒPresidential Prayer Breakfast" in 1953, which was attended by Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States.

Florida National Guard Spc. Matt Dixon, with the 870th Engineer Company, helps prepare donations for those in need while supporting Second Harvest of the Big Bend with food distribution to the residents of Wakulla County, April 30, 2020. The FLNG is assisting food pantries with receiving, sorting and distributing food to those in need.

U.S. Army Spc. Crystal Murray, currently deployed to Karliki, Poland, volunteers to pass out food during a Martin Luther King Jr. barbecue on Jan. 15, 2024. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday of January each year, marks the birthday of the civil rights leader and activist. In 1994, Congress designated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of service. The theme of the day, A Day On, Not a Day Off, encourages individuals to dedicate the day to community service in remembrance of Dr. Kings remarkable legacy and to instill his principles of unity and equity throughout the world.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership greeted dignitaries for a Central American Independence Day Celebration hosted by students at the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 15, 2022. IADC students celebrate the Independence Day of all nations represented by students with a presentation about the country, food and a 5k run.

Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Bayes, second from the right, 436th Airlift Wing command chief, talks with Team Dover members during a Deployed Families Dinner at the Youth Center on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Dec. 8, 2022. The dinner offered a variety of helping agency resources along with holiday-themed activities, such as a visit with Santa and gingerbread house making kits, to the families of deployed Airmen.

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger greets community members and post visitors at the installation's Gate 20 on July 22, 2022, by scanning identification cards at Fort McCoy, Wis. Messenger became the garrison commander July 14. Messenger arrives after serving in his prior assignment as the director of engineering and logistics, J4, Joint Task Force Civil Support, Fort Eustis, Va. Messengers awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Combat Infantrymans Badge, Expert Infantrymans Badge, Army Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.

Spc. Erik Ojeda, with the Delaware Army National Guards 262nd Component Repair Company, looks down a closed roadway in Washington, D.C., while he and other Soldiers prepare for spectators coming to view and take part in the 58th Presidential Inauguration, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017. Ojeda was one of more than 7,500 National Guard members from 44 states, territories and the District of Columbia, who supported local authorities during the inauguration.

Spc. Anthony Monte along with Soldiers from the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, mobilized for Hurricane Sandy provide assistance to displaced residents at an emergency shelter at the Werblin Recreation Center, Piscataway Township, N.J., Oct. 29, 2012.

Capt. Skyla Guigou, right, a public health officer with the 134th Medical Group, discusses food safety with Senior Airman Natalia McElhaney, a public health technician, 134th MDG, at the the Smoky Mountain Air Show Sept. 9, 2022, McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee. The two-day annual event provided the local community with a rare chance to see modern and historic aircraft up close and to meet military members.

070524-A-7923C-002. Base: Forward Operating Base Speicher Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force 79th Fighter Generation Squadron Airmen weigh their deployment bags at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., July 14, 2022. The 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron worked extended hours to assist in loading Airmen, luggage and supplies onto the aircraft.

A Mississippi National Guard Soldier distributes water at the Metrocenter Mall in Jackson, Mississippi, Sept. 2, 2022. Nearly 20,000 cars received water on the first day of the operation, consisting of seven sites through Jackson for people to collect bottled water, hand sanitizer and non-potable water from water buffalo trucks.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates speaks with Soldiers from the 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne) during a visit to Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 23, 2008. The 4th POG is the U.S. Army's only active-duty psychological operations unit, whose main task is providing psyop support to Army Special Operations Forces.

US Air National Guard airman talks with civilians during the Armed Forces Weekend event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway May 21, 2022.

Local high school students try on an Army advanced combat helmet during the Meet Your Army expo at Fort Bliss, Texas, Aug. 26, 2022. Units from across Team Bliss and beyond set up at the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum for a day long Soldier open house where the general public was invited on post to learn about todays Army and the Soldiers who see its many missions through everyday.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cedric Lawton, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of exterior electrics, operates the grill during the AbilityOne picnic at Memorial Lake on Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 21, 2022. The AbilityOne program supports the 20th Fighter Wings ground maintenance, food services, custodial services and other jobs vital to the missions success.

During The Great Minnesota Get-Together's, Military Appreciation Day, Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke visited various veteran focused booths, August 30, 2022, near Dan Patch Park in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. This years focus was to honor the thousands of employers of members of the Minnesota National Guard, reserves and their families. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves, known as ESGR, is celebrating their 50th year of promoting cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. (Minnesota National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette)

Spc. Zachary Bruha, a Livingston local and member of the 1050th Engineer Firefighter Detachment, cleans his mask after performing Non-Biological and Chemical training at the Fort Harrison Fire Station, January 10, 2009. NBC training is vital to training and if the unit deploys and prepares each soldier about how to handle a situation when dealing with chemicals in the field.

Mrs. Rachel Handke, left, spouse of Lt. Col. Joseph L. Handke, right, the outgoing commander of the BattleKings Battalion," 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, receives a bouquet of red roses at the beginning of the BattleKings" change of command ceremony at Cottrell Field on Fort Stewart, June 14, 2022. The presentation of red roses is a change of command tradition that symbolizes the fruition of the relationship between the outgoing command and its Families and a new chapter with the incoming command.

U.S. Marines with Headquarters Marine Corps, award participants medals for completing the Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run at Long Bridge Park in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 29, 2022. The one mile fun run offered children ages 5-12 the opportunity to run with Marines; finishing at Camp Miles where families were able to enjoy activities, entertainment, and games.

U.S Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit speaks with a local during a Trunk or Treat hosted by Cape Carteret Baptist Church at Cape Carteret, North Carolina, Oct. 31, 2022. The Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit displayed a joint light tactical vehicle and handed candy out to children during the event to celebrate Halloween, while building a relationship with the community outside of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

A KATUSA high-fives a child at a booth detailing the history of the KATUSA Program at Downtown Plaza on Camp Humphreys during KATUSA & U.S. Soldier Friendship Week, June 7, 2022. Friendship week is held to promote friendship and cross-cultural understanding between KATUSA and U.S. Soldiers and celebrate the anniversary of the KATUSA Program which was developed during the Korean War.

An Airman from the 423d Security Forces Squadron, right, demonstrates a baton block during a non-lethal combatives qualification course at RAF Alconbury, England, Feb. 7, 2023. The course provided Defenders with the skills and knowledge to properly detain a suspect using non-lethal combative methods.

LOS ANGELES (May 26, 2022) - Sailors, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), volunteer at the Veterans Affairs hospital during LA Fleet Week 22, May 26. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.

US Army cooks, Sergeant Percy Smith, 114th Combat Support Hospital, Fort Snelling, Minnesota, left, and Sergeant Leonor Lopez, right, stir gravy, for pork chops, at Parks Reserve Forces Training Area in Dublin, California during Operation GOLDEN MEDIC 2001. Reserve forces from all over the nation are participating in GOLDEN MEDIC, a multi-unit, medical, field exercise in which the Army transports simulated casualties from the frontline through various staging areas to a main tent. Subject Operation/Series: GOLDEN MEDIC 2001 Base: Camp Dublin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A member of Team Misawa carries a folded fire hose during the annual 9/11 Tower Run at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 9, 2022. Team Misawa and local firefighters joined together to pay tribute and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the terrorist attacks in New York City, Sept. 11, 2001.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, celebrate their warriors night with hamburgers and hotdogs during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 4-22 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 3, 2022. As the Marine Corps Reserves premier annual training event, ITX provides opportunities to mobilize geographically dispersed forces for a deployment; increase combat readiness and lethality; and exercise MAGTF command and control of battalions and squadrons across the full spectrum of warfare. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by. Cpl. Ryan Schmid)

U.S. Air Force Col. Allison Black, 1st Special Operations Wing commander, speaks with operators from the 24th Special Operations Wing in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Sept. 30, 2022. Black and other Hurlburt Field military personnel were attending the Military Appreciation Night football game hosted by Fort Walton Beach High School.

U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence Command Sgt. Maj. Victor Laragione serves a Thanksgiving meal to a Solider at the Rocco Dinning Facility on Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, Texas on November 24, 2022. Laragione and his family were among several dozens of leaders who served lunch to Servicemembers on base, a time-honored tradition on Thanksgiving.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 28, 2022)Construction Electrician Constructionman Carlos Dominguez Guzman, assigned to Public Works Department Souda Bay, helps move items donated for the 2022 Food Drive community relations project at the Chapel onboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay on Nov. 28, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 31, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, celebrate MALS-31's birthday with a barbecue at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Feb. 1, 2024. MALS-31 hosted the barbecue to celebrate the unit's 81st birthday. Marine Corps

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Harp, an officer with the 97th Military Police Battalion, shows off a military police truck to a child September 11, 2022, at the city park in Manhattan, Kansas. Harp was part of a static display put together by Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry Division at Manhattan's Day of Remembrance ceremony.

Marine Sgt. Calle Bennet and the Pentagon Team, feed Soldiers as part of the field competition of the U.S. Army Culinary Arts Competition on March 8.

Staff Sgt. Seth Lanham, 9th Airlift Squadron flight engineer, spins a trivia wheel at the Drug Demand Reduction Program booth at the Human Performance and Wellness Event on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 8, 2022. Hosted by the 436th OMRS human performance flight, the event featured walk-in physical therapy appointments, glucose tests, a running clinic and booths from agencies around base.

Families and friends of the South Carolina Air National Guard's 169th Fighter Wing greet their loved ones at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., as they return from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 19, 2016. Approximately 300 U.S. Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcon jets from the 169th Fighter Wing deployed to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, as the 157th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron in support of the U.S. Pacific Command Theater Security Package.

Community members enjoy a free lunch June 14, 2022, at McCoys Community Center as part of the Army Birthday Celebration at Fort McCoy, Wis. The breakfast was part of many events coordinated by the Fort McCoy Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to commemorate the 247th birthday of the U.S. Army at Fort McCoy. The day also included a birthday breakfast, free car washes, and more.

U.S. Navy Cmrd. Thomas Shu, a critical care flight nurse with Navy Medical Readiness and Training Battalion Portsmouth, provides a volunteer with a newly made pair of eyewear during Appalachian Care Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) 2022 at Wise, Va., Aug. 18, 2022. IRT is a Department of Defense (DoD) military training opportunity, exclusive to the United States and its territories, that delivers joint training opportunities to increase deployment readiness. Simultaneously, IRT provides key services (health care, construction, transportation, and cybersecurity) with lasting benefits for our American communities.

050225-F-0201C-027. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

174th Security Forces Squadron hosted the annual Fallen Defenders Ruck March held at Hancock Air National Guard Base on August 17,2022. 174th Attack Wing members, family and friends participated in the opening ceremony and the 2.8 mile march. The event was held to honor the 14 Security Forces members who were killed in action since September 11, 2001.

051117-A-9419D-022. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Lansing State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050912-A-6004S-046. Base: Pass Christian State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Spc. Sofia Rivera Figueroa, an intelligence analyst assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Evangelista, a staff weather officer assigned to the 1st Weather Squadron, Detachment 2, smile for a photo with members of the crowd during a community outreach performance by the 25th Infantry Division Tropic Lightning Brass Band as part of Super Garuda Shield 2022 on Aug. 6, 2022 at Taman Tani Merdeka Park, Martapura, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Super Garuda Shield 2022, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. Military and Indonesian National Armed Forces, reinforces U.S. commitments to our allies and regional partners, joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together.

050718-A-9039F-073. Subject Operation/Series: SWARMER Base: Samarra State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION (AA)

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense receive a demonstration of tools and equipment used for detecting and identifying Radiological Dispersal Devices and Improvised Nuclear Devices at Pyramid Rock Training Area, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, February 26, 2024. Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel visited EOD to familiarize Marines with X-ray interpretation effects in the vicinity of a radiological source. Marine Corps

Airmen from the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, lay sandbags to protect against possible flooding of the Missouri River June 10, 2011. Combined with the help of volunteers from local communities, Airmen helped lay 24,000 sandbags.

The children of Col. Daniel Dobbels, 15th Wing commander, are instructed on how to marshal an aircraft during their fathers fini-flight ceremony on Hickam Field at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 15, 2022. The fini-flight began as an aviators tradition in World War II, signifying a pilots retirement, departure, or final flight of a specified aircraft.

Members of the New Jersey Governors cabinet, the New Jersey Economic Development Alliance, the 177th Fighter Wing and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs participate in a tour of the New Jersey Air National Guard base, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Sept. 28, 2022. The cabinet members, members of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and leaders from NJ DMAVA received a briefing from the Wing commander and then toured the 177th FW, viewing several operational demonstrations, and trying out one of the units F-16 Fighting Falcon flight simulators.

Senior Airman Stardust S. Santiago holds the door open for Staff Sgt. Ryan A. Osmola, both with 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, as they check a home to ensure no one inside is in distress as part of a operation on Long Beach Island, N.J., to assist communities stricken by Hurricane Sandy Nov. 1, 2012. Airmen with the 108th Wing and 177th assigned to Task Force South, New Jersey National Guard, work with civilian authorities in the wake of Hurricane Sandy Nov. 1, 2012.

MOORE, Okla. (June 3, 2013) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Michael D. Stevens looks into the tornado shelter that held a Navy wife, right, her family, and 15 other people during recent severe weather in Moore, Okla. Stevens spent the day visiting with Sailors and their families living in or near Moore. Rebuilding was well under way following a category EF5 tornado that struck May 20 when another severe storm hit the area May 31.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership, students and staff participate in a 9/11 Never Forget Challenge on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 9, 2022. The event included a 2,200 steps per teams in relay mode activity to remember the fallen, the injured and everyone who was impacted by the events of 9/11. The steps challenge was designed simulate the equivalent steps of the World Trade Center Tower.

Soldiers from 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment assist Community Box Tour guests as they open their Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) during a tour February 2, 2024, at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. Army

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