Military Training and Qualification

Photos capturing military personnel undergoing various training exercises, weapons qualifications, and team-building events.

Army National Guard Soldiers prepare their equipment before participating in the daytime portion of the land navigation course at the National Guard Region V Best Warrior competition at Camp Gruber Training Center on May 17, 2022. The annual competition brings together top-tier soldiers to challenge them on a variety of Army warrior tasks. The contest consists of eight events that promote soldier readiness in their war fighting skills and recognizes individuals who embody the Army Values. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Caleb Stone)

220609-N-EJ241-1223DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (June 9, 2022) - Sailors assigned to U.S. Navy Support facility and tenant commands conduct the M4 service rifle portion of a weapons qualification course for Auxiliary Security Forces (ASF) Academy. ASF personnel are active duty service members that augment base security personnel during contingencies, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, civil disturbances, exercises and special events that require heightened levels of security.

Soldiers from the Florida Army National Guard compete during the 2022 Adjutant General's (TAG) match, Sept. 10th, 2022, at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Florida. The TAG match is an annual marksmanship competition held amongst soldiers of the Florida Army National Guard. The competition consists of both handgun and rifle courses of fire.

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR), prepare to fire a Grenade Rifle Entry Munition (GREM) during a demolition/breaching range at the 7th Army Training Command's (7ATC) Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, June 15, 2022. 2CR provides the 7th ATC with a lethal and agile force capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater in order to assure allies, deter adversaries, and when ordered, defend the NATO alliance.

A U.S. Army Cavalry spur candidate from the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, carries another spur candidate during medical training as part of 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.

Army National Guard Soldiers prepare their equipment before participating in the daytime portion of the land navigation course at the National Guard Region V Best Warrior competition at Camp Gruber Training Center on May 17, 2022. The annual competition brings together top-tier soldiers to challenge them on a variety of Army warrior tasks. The contest consists of eight events that promote soldier readiness in their war fighting skills and recognizes individuals who embody the Army Values. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Caleb Stone)

A soldier swings a grapple to engage a concertina wire obstacle at an engineering competition at training grounds near McCrady Training Center on Feb. 11th, 2024. While engaging the obstacles, the other team members simulated suppressive fire. Soldiers from the 117th competed against one another in a range of physical, mental, and technical events that included a written test, bridge classification, wall construction, squad movement, a 4-mile ruck march, among others. (

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Deric Fresne, a ground radio electronics repair and maintenance specialist assigned to 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, prepares to throw a simulated smoke grenade while conducting urban terrain training during Warfighter Week on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 16, 2022. Warfighter Week provides the opportunity to train to specific objectives that enhances lethality and sustains readiness.

Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School carry simulated casualties during tactical skills training as part of the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) at Camp Mackall, North Carolina January 9, 2023. Soldiers participated in SFQC training that tested their knowledge of small unit tactics and basic urban operations to ensure they possess the combat skills required to successfully operate on a Special Forces Operational Detatchment Alpha.

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

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matthew Miele, a Brick, New Jersey native, and a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, provides security during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 6, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Charles Faison, a landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), briefs Marines during a Helicopter Support Team (HST) training exercise on Okinawa, Japan, April 13, 2022. Marines conduct HST training in order to increase proficiency in logistics tasks and enhance the ability to execute potenitial contigency missions carried out to be the 31st MEU. 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.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines load an M252 81 mm mortar system during combat rehearsals at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 8, 2022. This training improved the Marines' proficiency at the tactical level and developed small-unit leadership. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron (MASS) 2 participate in a M240 Bravo machine gun relay during a field meet at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Jan. 19, 2024. The field meet was held in celebration of MASS-2's 81st Anniversary.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, grapple on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, April. 14, 2022. Marines hiked and competed in Marine Corps Martial Arts Program competitions between companies to increase morale and esprit de corps. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

A group of medical Soldiers lift a training aid over a wall as part of a medical skills evaluation during the Expert Field Medical Badge competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., May 11th, 2022. To qualify for the Expert Field Medical Badge, Soldiers must display a high level of competence in numerous medical tasks and skills.

U.S. Navy sailors with 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, carry a simulated causality to a vehicle extraction during a tactical scalable surgical system (TS3) team training exercise on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 26, 2023. The TS3 team from 2nd Medical Battalion exercised damage control surgery, resuscitation and in route care to validate the readiness of the team and to establish a training pathway for future assets.

U.S. Marines assigned to 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines practice squad movement tactics with Soldiers from St. Lucia and Mexico at the National Police Traning Academy in Belmopan, Belize as part of the TRADEWINDS22 exercise May 12, 2022. Tradewinds 2022 is a multinational exercise designed to expand the Caribbean regions capability to mitigate, plan for, and respond to crises; increase regional training capacity and interoperability; develop new and refine existing standard operating procedures; enhance ability to defend exclusive economic zones; and promote human rights and adherence to shared international norms and values; fully integrate women into defense, peace and security missions; and increase maritime domain awareness to deter illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activities.

U.S. Army soldiers representing the 5th Squad White Platoon move a simulated casualty over a barrier during a medical training exercise for the U.S. Army Forces Command Best Squad Competition August 17,, 2022. The Best Squad Competition reinforces fundamental Soldier skills and squad level tactics.

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay post security while patrolling, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, Oct. 14, 2022. The purpose of the training was to enhance land navigation skills, and familiarize Marines with proper procedures.

Members of local, state and military police riot training at Camp Fogarty, East Greenwich, Rhode Island, September 11, 2022. Training for local, state and military police members in simulated riot environment.

Capt. Joshua Moore, the commander of the 24th Ordnance Company, 87th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, demonstrates how to set up a block of C-4 during a demolition leader professional development range at Fort Stewart, Georgia, May 24, 2022. The training event was held to teach leaders throughout the battalion to safely employ C-4 in hasty or deliberate demolitions at an ammunition supply point. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Aaliyah Craven, 50th Public Affairs Detachment)

Lance Cpl. Jesse Watson, left, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Support Company, 1st Tank Battalion, trains with a Bulgarian soldier in using nonlethal ammunition in a Mossberg shotgun at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 2. Bulgarian soldiers and U.S. Marines have been living and training together in peacekeeping operations since June 27.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base S.C., and Joint Base Charleston, S.C., train on weapons manipulation and fundamentals during exercise Iron Hand 22-09 at North Auxiliary Airfield, S.C., Aug. 23, 2022. The agile combat employment-focused exercise required establishing and maintaining a high operations tempo within the North Auxiliary Airfield, and required the entire team to be properly trained and ready to defend the area and assets within it.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Dylan Walsh instructs Soldiers with the 1-114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, on the M136 AT4 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, June 3, 2022. The AT4 is an 84mm unguided anti-armour weapon. It is effective in assaulting tanks and combat vehicles, landing craft, helicopter, aircraft and armoured vehicles.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 172 push a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle during a field meet at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 9, 2024. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 1, MWSS-172, and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 held the field meet to foster a sense of comradery, healthy competition, and esprit de corps between the three squadrons. Marine Corps

Soldiers participate in reflexive fire trainig on Sept. 29 during the 2009 Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition held Sept. 28 - Oct. 2 at Fort Lee, Va.

Sgt. Hunter D. Sackewitz, a Primary Marksmanship Instructor (PMI) with Weapons and Field Training Battalion, teaches technicalities of various shooting positions during grass week on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., July 14, 2022. A PMI is a subject matter expert on the fundamentals of marksmanship and will be assigned to a platoon for the entire duration of their marksmanship training.

U.S. Navy Sailors with Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 12 review medical care procedures during a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) class at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 28, 2022. Hospital Corpsmen with MAG-12 conducted TCCC classes to improve their ability in providing timely and proficient field care in support of mission readiness and response toward 1st Marine Air Wing operations.

U.S. Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists with the New Jersey Air National Guards 177th Fighter Wing conduct tactical training on Warren Grove Gunnery Range, N.J., June 12, 2020.

Soldiers with the 61st Troop Command familiarize themselves with the M-17 pistol in Camp Shelby, Mississippi, May 11, 2022. The M-17 range training is standard for individual marksmanship in a controlled environment.

Vermont Army National Guard Soldiers and Airmen begin running towards the firing line during the 2022 Adjutant General's Combat Marksmenship Competition. The competitors must sprint 100 yards to the firing line to elevate their heart rates before firing at a 12 inch target from 200 yards.

Spc. Claire Droppelman (right), 16th Engineer Brigade, runs with her sponsor during the Ohio Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition (BWC) at the Ohio Army National Guard Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center, Ravenna, Ohio, April 2, 2022. The winners of the BWC will move on to represent the Ohio Army National Guard at the regional level competition this summer. The BWC recognizes Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to the Army values, embody the warrior Ethos, and represent the Force of the future. (Photo by Spc. Benhur Ayettey, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Attachment/RELEASED)

U.S. Air Force Airmen Tyron Bennet and Brianna Ramos, 81st Security Forces Squadron entry controllers, prepare ammunition on range 14 B at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Sept. 23, 2022. Defenders rotate through firing different heavy weapon systems to hone their defense capabilities.

The 688th RPOE conducted a field training exercise Oct. 3 to 7 at Fort Eustis, Va. The exercise scenario was a notional humanitarian mission and tested movement capabilities, in-transit visibility capabilities, and distribution capabilities while maneuvering around operational injections.

U.S. Air National Guard Senior Airman Cody Berns, security forces, 132nd Security Forces Squadron, Desmoines, Iowa and Senior Airman Bryan Ochoa, 185th SFS, Col. Bud Day Field, Iowa check communications on a personnel recovery mission at Muniz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico Oct. 1, 2017. The Iowa Security Forces is augmenting the 156th SFS, Puerto Rico ANG Base, during Hurricane Maria relief operations.

(CAMP SHELBY, Miss.) Sgt. Dshawn Skinner, Military Policeman with the 128th Military Police (MP) Company, fires a SIG Sauer M17 .9 mm pistol at targets in part of the 142nd Brigade MP Challenge, July 21, 2022. The MP Challenge is designed for Soldiers to compete in numerous events to assess and improve their skills as a military policeman.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 5th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, prepare for a wet-gap crossing operation part of Defender Europe 22 held at Dęblin, Poland, May 17, 2022. Defender Europe 2022 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 supporting NATO.

U.S. Marines with 2d Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conduct a simulated force-on-force training event during warfighter week on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 28, 2022. Warfighter week is a week-long training event to ensure familiarity with ground operations and technical proficiency, providing liaison assets to foreign countries across all domains.

Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School run from building to building as they participate in Basic Urban Combat training during the Tactical Skills portion of the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) at Camp Mackall, North Carolina January 6, 2023. Soldiers participated in SFQC training that tested their knowledge of small unit tactics and basic urban operations to ensure they possess the combat skills required to successfully operate on a Special Forces Operational Detatchment Alpha.

U.S. Airmen from the 202nd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer, or RED HORSE, conduct Force Protection training at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center in Starke, Florida, Aug. 13-14, 2022. Force Protection training provides tactics to respond to threat actions, provide unit security and individual protective measures in a training environment.

Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team board two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters June 19, 2022 as part of an event to promote retention in the brigade and provide Soldiers an opportunity to reenlist while in the skies above Fort Stewart, Ga.

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division conduct an Air Assault and run the "Last 100 Yards" lane for the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, GA, July 28, 2022. During the Best Squad Competition, competitors were tested on a wide range of subjects including land navigation, marksmanship, casualty care, physical fitness, small-unit tactics and endurance.

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

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

Senior Airman Chantel Bass, a 908th Security Forces Squadron defender, fires an M203 grenade launcher while Master Sgt. James Kuehne, 908 SFS combat arms training and maintenance instructor, oversees the firing Aug. 6, 2022, at Fort Rucker, Alabama. The M203 grenade launcher is a single shot, under-barrel grenade launcher that attaches to the M16 or M4 carbine.

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - Captain Steve Hudgins, a training officer assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 189th Regional Training Institute of the Oklahoma Army National Guard, observes a group of officer candidates preparing to depart on a simulated patrol at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, June 4, 2022. Cadets and instructors from the Kansas and Oklahoma ARNG trained together to combine resources and experience.

Civil engineer structures Airmen, including U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Blaine McLaughlin and Senior Airman Kohl Owen, 137th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron, Oklahoma National Guard, use aluminum panels to construct a helicopter landing pad during Silver Flag Sept. 20, 2022, Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The Silver Flag training exercise saw over 200 total force Airmen from mission support functions at Air Force and Space Force bases work together to establish, operate and recover a base in a contingency environment.

Paratroopers across the 82nd Airborne Division finish the 12 mile road march, complete a weapons test, and recieve their E3B on Fort Bragg, NC, April 7, 2023. 371 Paratroopers and Soldiers across multiple units and locations successfully completed E3B.

412th TEC Soldiers pray with Chaplain David T. Stauffer during religious services at the Vicksburg Reserve Center on 15 October 2022. Photo by Maj. William C. Allred, 412th TEC Public Affairs

Senior Airman Steven Scarpelli, 333rd Fighter Generation Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle integrated avionics specialist, and Airman 1st Class Alexandra Dawson, 4th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control specialist, stand guard at their defensive fighting position while participating in a simulated raid during a Multi-Capable Airman field training exercise at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Sept. 20, 2022. Dawson and Scarpelli provided perimeter security to ensure unauthorized personnel could not enter.

Spc. Keyes Nelson, Nebraska National Guard, runs the final stretch of a 12 mile ruck march, a challenge at the National Guard Region V Best Warrior Competition, Camp Gruber Training Center, Okla., May 19, 2022. The Annual Competition brings together top-tier soldiers to challenge them on a variety of Army warrior tasks. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Reece Heck)

U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadet 2nd. Lt. Kevin Wahl sets up targets during an M4A1 zeroing range with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Reconnaissance) at Grafenwohr Training Area, 31 July 2022.

060405-N-4097B-006. Base: Fort Jackson State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Task Force Marshall

U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsmen with Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, stage simulated casualties for evacuation during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 26, 2022. CLB-22s MCCRE is the battalion's final evaluation to demonstrate combat readiness through proficiency in core mission essential tasks before they begin a change of operational control (CHOP) to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

U.S. Marine Corps Family of Improved Load Bearing Equipment (FILBE) main packs are organized in rows during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 20, 2022. CLB-22s MCCRE is the battalion's final evaluation to demonstrate combat readiness through proficiency in core mission essential tasks before they begin a change of operational control (CHOP) to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Staff Sgt. Kristen Badgley, U.S. Marine Corps Combat Logistic Regiment (CLR) 4, Kansas City, Mo., instructs Marines from Combat Logistic Battalion 453 during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) training how to clear and seal the M40 field protective mask on Aug. 11, 2022 during Northern Strike at the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center in Grayling, Mich. Northern Strike is designated to challenge over 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advances interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Miguel Barragan-Palma, with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) is promoted to Corporal at Naval Support Facility Indian Head, Maryland, Oct. 03, 2022. Marines from CBIRF came to show their support and appreciation for the newly promoted.

A New Zealand soldier looks down his training descent rope during Exercise Cartwheel at Nausori Highlands Training Area, Fiji, September 18, 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.

CAMP SHELBY, Miss. (Jul. 13, 2022) Corporal Damian Rieck from Lincoln, Neb. assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 273 cuts lumber in support of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 in preparation for building projects during Operation Turning Point, also known as their Field Training Exercise. Operation Turning Point is an around-the-clock exercise that focuses on constructing advanced bases while maintaining proficiency in tactics and survivability. NMCB 1 is homeported out of Gulfport, Miss. They are conducting an intense homeport training plan to expand their ability to execute construction, humanitarian assistance, and theater operations.

The class of 2026 began their march out toward Lake Frederick at 5:00 a.m. at West Point, NY, on August 3, 2022. Only five more days until they "March Back" to Academy, which signifies the end of Cadet Basic Training.

U.S. Army personnel provide security while overcoming a ground attack during a joint service field exercise, Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, La., Oct. 18, 2012. Service members at JRTC 13-01 are educated and evaluated in a simulated combat environment.

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, prepare for a patrol during a Field Exercise, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, May 25, 2022. The purpose of the FEX was to increase readiness and proficiency on military operations in urban terrain and increase esprit de corps with friendly competition.

030627-D-0405B-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

General Michael E. Ryan, Air Force CHIEF of STAFF answers questions from the 86th Contigency Response Group personnel during his last visit to Ramstein, Air Base, Germany on 26 Jul 01. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

East-Coast-based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) carry a simulated casualty to a landing zone during hoist operations in Norfolk, Virginia, Nov. 1, 2022. The purpose of this training is to enhance evacuation capabilities of personnel utilizing the MV-22 Osprey in the event of a military or civilian mishap at sea. The ability to hoist stranded individuals from the water with tiltrotor aircraft provides additional life-saving response options for the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (VMM-162) Reinforced, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), integrated with special operations forces (SOF) to strengthen MEU-SOF relationships prior to VMM-162s upcoming deployment as the aviation combat element for the 26th MEU.

U.S. Army Cadet Kailynn Smith with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 337th Engineer Battalion, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, instructs Soldiers in a land navigation course on July 14, 2022 at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. Smith was teaching Soldiers how to plot points and use basic land navigation skills to complete the land navigation course.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, execute a left break fall during Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Oct. 3, 2022. MCMAP is an integrated, weapons-based system that incorporates the full spectrum of the force continuum on the battlefield, and contributes to the mental, character and physical development of Marines.

U.S. Soldiers from squad eight, representing the U.S. Army Cyber Command and competing in the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition, zero weapons on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 2, 2022. The week-long competition will assess each squad on their technical and tactical proficiency, as well as their ability to work as a disciplined and cohesive team, featuring a multitude of fitness, knowledge and combat-related events.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, lead their platoon during a hike for a Persistence Exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 15, 2022. BLT 2/5 practiced signature management by camouflaging, information collection, and movement in the harsh environment of the jungle. 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.

U.S. Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition participate in land navigation course on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept. 29, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army photo Spc. Zachery Frost)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Luis Alvarezmaceo, a refrigeration and air conditioning technician, with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, throws an M67 grenade during a practice grenade throwing event at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, on June 6, 2022. The grenade range was held for the Marines of 9th ESB, and 3rd Maintenance Bn, 3D MLG in order to increase lethality and readiness in a tropical environment.

Soldiers assigned to the 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, review plot points on their map during the land navigation segment of the patrol lane event at Jaeck Stage Field during 3rd IDs 2022 Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, Georgia, May 25, 2022. Patrol lanes challenge Soldiers on their movement and communication skills to achieve proficiency and superiority in any condition.

Staff. Sgt. Joseph Dunn, Arkansas National Guard, runs the final stretch of a 12 mile ruck march, a challenge at the National Guard Region V Best Warrior Competition, Camp Gruber Training Center, Okla., May 19, 2022. The Annual Competition brings together top-tier soldiers to challenge them on a variety of Army warrior tasks. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Reece Heck)

Senior leaders from the Brazilian Army and U.S. Army South observe a blank fire rehearsal as a Brazilian soldier assigned to 5th Light Infantry Battalion (Air Mobile) conducts security. The leaders were at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk as part of a Distinguished Visitors Day to observe bilateral training between the Brazilian and U.S. armies. (Photo by Donald Sparks)

U.S Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jacob Geigle, a ropes and recovery instructor with II Marine Expeditionary Force, Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG), briefs Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) for the Fast Ropes Master Course (FRMC) aboard Marine Corps Base Stone Bay North Carolina, March 30, 2023. FRMC is an opportunity for the EOTG to train and certify the 26th MEU as fast rope masters, giving them the ability to expediently descend a rope into restrictive terrain where landing an aircraft is not possible. The EOTG staff consists of close-knit professionals, dedicated to ensuring that deploying MEUs are ready and capable to support geographic combatant commanders and respond to crises events around the globe.

Recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, march to chow on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Aug. 13, 2022. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Ryan Hageali)

Airmen assigned to the 512th Airlift Wing perform chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense survival skills training Jun. 5, 2022, at the Tactics and Leadership Nexus on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. In preparation for a base-wide readiness exercise, Airmen participated in a two day training event to hone their skills.

U.S. military forces compete to earn the German Shutzenschner at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo August 27, 2022. The Shutzenschner, or German Armed Forces Badge for Weapons Proficiency, is a decoration of the Bundeswehr, the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany worn by enlisted Soldiers.

U.S. Army Pfc. Hugo Zarate, 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion enhanced nodal systems operator maintainer and integrator, at Sembach Army Base, Germany, Sept. 14, 2022. The 1st Combat Communication Squadron annual exercise Heavy Rain tests participants' ability to establish and maintain communication in a simulated contested environment.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Julian C. Taruc, a combat engineer officer with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, delivers a safety brief during exercise Atlantic Dragon on Camp Blanding, Florida, United States, March 31, 2022. Atlantic Dragon is a force generation exercise pushing Combat Logistics Regiment 37 as an arrival assembly operations group to provide tactical logistics support to III Marine Expeditionary Force. The exercise consists of an experimental maritime prepositioned force's offload tactics of military equipment that will support the field exercise training to increase combat readiness and efficiency. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Troopers from all over the 1st Cavalry Division competed in a stress shoot for Cav Week Sep. 14 at Fort Hood. The stress shoot was one of many competitions throughout the week, the division also held soccer, basketball, football, and dodgeball competitions to celebrate the division's 101st birthday.

Cpl. Ashley Kearns, 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Texas Army National Guard, competes in a 6 mile foot march during the Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas, May 4, 2022. The friendly, three-day competition challenges service members on professional military knowledge, marksmanship, obstacle course and land navigation. The Army winners of this event will move on to represent Texas at the National Guards Region V Best Warrior Competition.

Army ROTC Cadet Brown throws a practice hand grenade while training with 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp, at Fort Knox, Ky., June 18, 2022. Each Cadet threw five practice hand grenades, three in the standing position and two in the kneeling position. | Photo by Kyle Crawford, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

030923-M-3856H-014. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jefferey Harrison (right), participates in "9-line" medical evacuation training during the 2022 Eighth Army 2022 Best Warrior and Squad Competition at Camp Casey, South Korea, May 7, 2022. The competition is a week-long competition consisting of several events to test the participants general Army knowledge and skills.

U.S. Army Pacific Best Warrior competitors conducted Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction Systems training June 7 during the 2022 USARPAC Best Warrior Competition at the 25th Infantry Division's Lightning Academy, Schofield Barracks East Range, Hawaii. The USARPAC BWC 2022 is an annual week-long competition consisting of competitors from multiple USARPAC units across the Indo-Pacific. The noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted Soldiers are evaluated in several categories such as general military knowledge, basic Soldier skills, and physical fitness.

Sergeants Rob Erickson (holding legs) and Gary Wilkerson, of the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department, teach 35th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) troops from Misawa Air Base, Japan, how to carry an injured hostage. The Los Angeles Sheriffs Department's special enforcement bureau sent its special weapons and tactics, or SWAT, team to Misawa to train the 35th SFS' emergency services team (EST). Misawa's EST is a team of security force members specially trained to handle high risk situations. Base: Naval Air Facility, Misawa State: Aomori Country: Japan (JPN)

HALTDALEN, Norway (June 21, 2020) A U.S. Navy Corpsman with Marine Rotational Force-Europe (MRF-E ) 20.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, provides tactical combat casualty care on a notionally wounded Marine during a squad fire and movement range at the Haltdalen Training Facility in Haltdalen, Norway, June 21, 2020. MRF-E conducts various exercises including arctic cold-weather and mountain-warfare training, as well as military-to-military engagements throughout Europe that enhance cooperation among partners and allies.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Seth Travis, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, ground guides a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 20, 2022. CLB-22s MCCRE is the battalion's final evaluation to demonstrate combat readiness through proficiency in core mission essential tasks before they begin a change of operational control (CHOP) to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Florida Army National Guards Sgt. Joshua Kirby, with the 870th Engineer Company, changes his magazine while participating in the 2022 Adjutant General (TAG) match, September 10th, 2022, at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Florida. The TAG Match brings together soldiers who wish to test their skills in pistol and rifle drills and firing sequences against skilled peers.

U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 1109th Theater Aviation Support Maintenance Group, Connecticut Army National Guard, motion for a vehicle to stop at an entry control point, or ECP, outside a simulated forward operating base, or FOB, at Stones Ranch Military Reservation, East Lyme, Connecticut, June 22, 2022. ECPs are a system of checkpoints that control entry to a FOB.

Soldiers listen to their instructors while sitting on the side of a dirt road during a field training exercise.

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Oct. 24, 2012) Sailors participating in the Riverine Combat Skills course (RCS) prepare for a field training exercise. This class is the first RCS training group composed of Coastal Riverine Force (CORIVFOR) Sailors and the first to incorporate women into the course.

Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, ruck march during the 3rd IDs Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, May 26, 2022. The 3rd ID trains crews, squads, and platoons with a focus on fundamentals to build holistic physical and mental resilience and then test those teams in competitions like the Best Squad Competition, ensuring Dogface Soldiers are ready to deploy anywhere in the world and win against any threat.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a simulated mass casualty chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) training event during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 25, 2022. CLB-22s MCCRE is the battalion's final evaluation to demonstrate combat readiness through proficiency in core mission essential tasks before they begin a change of operational control (CHOP) to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Artillerymen move out of the way after hooking up their howitzer to a UH60 Black Hawk helicopter during air assault training Feb. 8, 2013, Fort Bragg, N.C. The helicopter is also carrying artillerymen who will fire the cannon once it is transported to another position.

U.S. Army Reserve Staff Spc. Chidiebere Ugwu, left, points to his target as he discusses with range safety Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Shurpit his shot group while zeroing with his individual assigned weapon as Spc. Sie Kam walks off a zero range at Fort McCoy, Wis., April 4, 2022.

Competitors representing U.S. Army Medical Command low crawl with a casualty during the Army's first-ever Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 1, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition succeeds the Army Best Warrior Competition and extends the competing element from the individual level to the squad level, as Soldiers never fight alone; the unbreakable bonds forged through shared hardship and unending support for one another are the hallmark of our most successful small units.

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