Military Training Exercises

Scenes from joint military training exercises, featuring soldiers in diverse scenarios aimed at enhancing operational capabilities and readiness.

U.S. Soldiers, attached to 3rd squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, engage enemy targets during a Live Fire Exercise (LFX) at Vilseck, Germany Feb. 13, 2024. LFX enables soldiers to build cohesion and lethality as teams, squads and platoons to prepare them to be ready, capable and interoperable. Army Reserve

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

An instructor at the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center based out of Fort Benning, Georgia, holds a cable as U.S. Soldiers and Airmen line up to rappel from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 14, 2022. Nearly 30 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a Rappel Master course hosted by a mobile training team from the WTC based out of Fort Benning, Georgia.

The AMC Best Squad prepares navigate an obstacle at the leadership reaction course training area on Fort Rucker August 22, 2022 in preparation for the upcoming Army best squad competition in September. Photo by Jay Mann.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 33rd Rescue Squadron don mission oriented protective posture gear during an exercise at Torii Station, Japan, Dec. 7, 2022. Routine training enhances operational readiness to defend Japan and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific

Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen take part in a combined arms demonstration during their Summer Training Program at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., August 1, 2022. NROTC Midshipmen Summer Training develops and trains Midshipmen in order to provide the Fleet a competent and professional Naval Service Commissioned Officer.

Providers assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division conduct set up and security operations on Fort Bragg, NC, March 28, 2022. The Field Training Exercise ensures Paratroopers stand ready to fight, win, and meet the 18 hour deployment standard.

The 377th Engineer Company is here working an exercise at Bivouac 5 on the Fort Dix Range Complex. This Reserve unit is from Butler, Pennsylvania and they are completing the concrete/masonry work around the new latrine on Bivouac 5. Fort Dix Training Division and the unit work with a local contracted concrete company to complete this mission. Soldiers will then have a new latrine for their use while setting up at a command post during training on the Fort Dix Range Complex. (Images provided by the Fort Dix (TSC) Training Support Center / Dan Amburg / Kevin McDevitt)

U.S. Marines with Sniper Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), inspect targets during a bilateral live-fire exercise in Beignon, France, July 8, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Blade Hone, security forces apprentice course instructor, instructs trainees on the procedure to properly approach and clear a building during the field operations block of training at the U.S. Air Force security forces apprentice course at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Sept. 22, 2022. The field operations course is part of a six-week course designed to teach the basic skills necessary to new security forces Airmen.

U.S. Soldiers, attached to 3rd squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, engage enemy targets during a Live Fire Exercise (LFX) at Vilseck, Germany Feb. 13, 2024. LFX enables soldiers to build cohesion and lethality as teams, squads and platoons to prepare them to be ready, capable and interoperable. Army Reserve

ARE WE THERE YETU.S. Marines with Aircraft Recovery and Fire Fighting, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, plot the coordinates for the next landmark during a land navigation competition at MCAS Beaufort, S.C., June 29, 2022. H&HS held the competition as the first event for the Summer Showdown Challenge to test Marines practical knowledge of Marine Corps basic skills.

Soldiers assigned to 7th Transportation Brigade - Expeditionary work together to complete a leadership reaction course during the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition for Corp Separates on Fort Bragg, N.C., June 7, 2022. The competition was built with the This Is My Squad initiative and U.S. Armys Holistic Health and Fitness System and tested squads on team cohesion, physicality and lethality.

Staff Sgt. Donald Moore, an observer coach/trainer for 1st Training Support Battalion, 383rd Infantry Regiment, 181st Multifunctional Training Brigade, observers Soldiers of the 384th Military Police Battalion, 300th Military Police Brigade, 200th Military Police Command, pull security as part of Spartan Warrior III June 21, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Spartan Warrior III gave the 300th MP Brigade the opportunity to practice multiple levels of military police procedures across two weeks.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, prepare mortars for the combined arms live-fire range as part of the culminating event of Exercise Burmese Chase on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 26, 2022. Exercise Burmese Chase is a longstanding fire support exercise hosted by 2nd ANGLICO focused on improving combat readiness and strengthening relationships with allies and partners.

Tennessee Army National Guardsman Spc. Noah Green (right), from the 194th Engineer Brigade (EB), goes to support his fellow competing Non-commissioned Officer (NCO), Sgt. David Wilson (left), at the Tennessee State Best Warrior Competition, in Tullahoma, Feb. 25, 2024. Green had already completed the ruck march, and wanted to ensure that the representation of the 194th EB had a strong finish for the competition. Army National Guard

Marines and Navy Corpsmen with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines conduct a contact patrol July 22, 2022, during training on North Post at Fort McCoy. 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)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 1-114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, prepare to fire the 120mm mortar weapon system during training on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, June 3, 2022. Mortar Systems provide the maneuver commander rapid, responsive, indirect fires in support of combat operations.

120823-N-AW868-370 CAMP SHELBY, Miss. (Aug. 23, 2012) Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14 demonstrate proper detainee search and seizure procedures during a battalion unit training and evaluation exercise conducted with trainers and evaluators from 20th Seabee Readiness Group at Camp Shelby, Miss. NMCB 14, headquartered at Readiness Support Site, Jacksonville, Fla., is in the field preparing for a deployment later this year.

U.S. Reserve Marines assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, participate in a live-fire range during a Mission Rehearsal Exercise at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, May 20, 2022. India Company convened with other units from 3/23 at Fort Campbell for a Mission Rehearsal Exercise to prepare for the upcoming Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 4-22 in the Summer of 2022. The Marines of India Company and Lima Company conducted live-fire maneuver training on a range designed to simulate the training areas at ITX.

Cadets from the University of Virginia race equipment down to the finish line during the Vehicle Push event at 4th Brigades Army ROTC Ranger Challenge on October 15 at Fort A.P. Hill. During this event, Cadet teams had to quickly load equipment into a vehicle, push the vehicle down a 100-meter lane, and then unload the equipment before racing it back to the starting point. The second day of competition saw teams competing in ten different events, before ending their day with a 6-mile ruck. The top two teams go on to represent 4th Brigade in the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition held at West Point Military Academy in April 2023. | Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

Sgt. Austin High, a mortarman with 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, carries a 120mm mortar ammunition can filled with weight as part of the 2023 Best Mortar Competition at Fort Benning, Georgia, on April 11, 2023. Day two of the competition challenged teams' competency with the 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm mortar systems.

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.

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.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing conduct search and rescue operations during a simulated C130-J Super Hercules aircraft crash during exercise Operation Varsity 22-3 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 27, 2022. Airmen appointed by an interim safety review board locate, recover and document human remains and debris from aircraft crashes in order to preserve evidence for future investigations.

U.S. Airmen and Marines from Misawa Air Base, Andersen Air Force Base, Kadena Air Base and Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni gather equipment during a field training exercise at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 19, 2022. These elaborate exercises are significant for all explosive ordnance disposal technicians. The training events provide personnel the ability to respond to any call or situation accurately, safely and effectively, making sure they have the highest possible chance to defuse the situation and get everyone home safely.

Members of the 82 Airborne Divisions Best Squad walk toward a qualification range during the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, Georgia, July, 26, 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.

Soldiers of Squad 6, representing the U.S. Army National Guard, conduct hot load training with a UH-60 Black Hawk during the Army's first-ever Best Squad Competition held on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 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, evaluating their physical endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy sailors with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, move toward an objective during an exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 3, 2022. BLT 2/5 acted as the security element during a forward arming and refueling point exercise. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Soldiers from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team advance during a during a platoon attack drill during the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise at Fort Drum, N.Y. on July 19, 2022.More than 2,500 Soldiers are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win. The Soldiers from the 181st are part of the Massachusetts Army National Guard and the rest of the 44th Infantry Brigade is composed of units from New Jersey.

A Soldier from the 328th Human Resources Company, 38th Regional Support Group, secures a prisoner during a react-to-fire situational training exercise (STX) on Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, July 23, 2022. The Army Reserve focuses on continually improving Army Readiness and strengthening Army Warrior Tasks. This years STX' focus was on communication, formations, and the principle of patrolling within a tactical environment.

040915-M-4213L-012. Base: USMC Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The soldiers from the 104th Engineer Battalion are at the Fort Dix Range Complex on Ranges 29a and 29b during their M4A1 Zero and Grounding training. This is one of the first units to use Range 29b that was just recently transformed and renovated to an Army standard 25-meter rifle range here on Fort Dix. The 104th Engineer Battalions is based in Port Murray, New Jersey. (Images are provided by the Fort Dix (TSC) Training Support Center / Daniel Amburg)

SGT Collin Roberts hands a board to SPC Patrick Chayeb at the leadership reaction course training area on Fort Rucker August 22, 2022 in preparation for the upcoming Army best squad competition in September. Photo by Jay Mann.

A scene of a troop project being worked on by U.S. Army Reserve engineers with the 601st Engineer Detachment of Southfield, Mich., is shown June 23, 2022, at the Central Receiving Shipping Point parking lot at Fort McCoy, Wis. The work was part of the units annual training. The additional lighting will increase visibility, safety, and security at the site. The 601st's efforts on the project saved the installation an estimated $20,000 in labor costs, officials said. Fort McCoy troop projects like this are coordinated through the Fort McCoy Directorate of Public Works.

U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct a hike during patrol base operations as part of Realistic Urban Training (RUT) on Fort Barfoot, Virginia, Jan. 10, 2024. RUT provides the 24th MEU the opportunity to operate in unfamiliar environments, integrate the units of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and train towards being designated as special operations capable.

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 18, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen are participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about use of snowshoes and moving as a squad over terrain pulling an ahkio sled in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

A scene of a troop project being worked on by U.S. Army Reserve engineers with the 601st Engineer Detachment of Southfield, Mich., is shown June 23, 2022, at the Central Receiving Shipping Point parking lot at Fort McCoy, Wis. The work was part of the units annual training. The additional lighting will increase visibility, safety, and security at the site. The 601st's efforts on the project saved the installation an estimated $20,000 in labor costs, officials said. Fort McCoy troop projects like this are coordinated through the Fort McCoy Directorate of Public Works.

Army National Guard Soldiers shoot targets during a weapons skills challenge at the National Guard Region V Best Warrior Competition, Camp Gruber Training Center, Okla., May 18, 2022. The annual competition brings together top-tier soldiers to challenge them on a variety of Army warrior tasks. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

040723-M-3717S-019. Subject Operation/Series: FUJI INCREMENTAL TRAINING PROGRAM (FITP) 2004 Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Fuji State: Honshu Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Soldiers with 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and Polish soldiers from the 4th Chemical Regiment take a group photo following a joint chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear decontamination at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 10, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

Soldiers of Squad 2, US Army Training and Doctrine Command, inspect their targets at a zero range during the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 2, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan L. Sims, a range safety officer of the 757th Expeditionary Railway Center, uses a range rod to clear a rifle during an individual weapons qualification course at Fort Pickett, Virginia, May 14, 2022. Clearing a weapon is a safety procedure to ensure no ammunition remains in the chamber or barrel.

011129-A-0051B-015. Base: Fort Polk State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 18, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen are participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about use of snowshoes and moving as a squad over terrain pulling an ahkio sled in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

U.S. Army soldiers partake in various tests to earn their expert infantry badge on May 23, 2022, on Fort Drum, New York.

U.S. Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition participate in a night land navigation test 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 under stress and extreme fatigue.

Marines and sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit compete in a 880-meter race during a field meet at Camp Lejeune, N.C. June 29, 2022. The field meet was hosted to build unit cohesion and camaraderie. Other events included a tug of war, vehicle push, combat fitness test relay, kayak race, and volleyball. The physical activities were followed by a family day.

040915-M-4213L-011. Base: USMC Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 18, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen are participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about use of snowshoes and moving as a squad over terrain pulling an ahkio sled in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

Twelve National Guard Soldiers fire a M240B machine gun during the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022 at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. 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. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort run to the next event 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.

Competitors walk to the stress shooting range as a group during the Army Futures Commands Best Squad Competition, held at Camp Bullis, Texas, June 6, 2022. The Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition is a single event used to select the U.S. Army Best Squad of the Year, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Soldier of the Year. The Armys Best Squad is a loyal group of professionals who treat each other with dignity and respect, have the highest esprit de corps and are trained and proficient in their warrior tasks and battle drills.

A U.S. Soldier with 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, straightens out the cord during Claymore mine training at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., on Aug. 4, 2022. The Soldiers worked together to safely and accurately deploy the weapon system

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

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Houston Claiborne, 1st Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment aircraft electrician instructor, teaches Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment how to conduct proper land navigation, during an Advanced Individual Training Field Training Exercise at Fort Eustis, Virginia, September 15, 2021.

Army ROTC cadets with the University of Wisconsin-Madison hold training Oct. 14, 2022, at the ropes bridge on the cantonment area at Fort McCoy, Wis. According to Army ROTC, training in Army ROTC prepares a cadet for a lifetime of challenges in the military and in the civilian world. The training cadets receive includes time management, stress management, military skills, land navigation, and battle drills. You do not have to make a commitment to Army ROTC to gain from its training program. We offer courses at the freshman and sophomore level that are available to all students. ... The first two years are referred to as the Basic Course and is designed to provide you with the fundamentals of leadership, military history, practical experience, and a foundation in ethics and self-discipline. Fort McCoy regularly hosts ROTC training.

U.S. Army Spc. Jameson Harris, left, a visual information specialist assigned to 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 18th Airborne Corps, participates in a stress shoot event while competing in the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, May 21, 2022. The annual multi-day competition tests the tactical and technical proficiency of visual information and public affairs specialists across the DOD and participating international competitors.

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

Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Kepner, the sergeant major of the Army National Guard, pushes through the ruck march event in the 2016 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition in Concord, Mass., Thursday, June 23, 2016. Kepner joined competitors on the 14-mile ruck march, which followed the Battle Road between Lexington and Concord ending at the North Bridge, where in April 1775 the shot heard ‘round the world” was fired leading to the American Revolution. The competition is a mentally and physically challenging three-day event that tests Soldiers on a variety of tactical and technical skills to determine the Army Guard’s Soldier and noncommissioned of the year. The winners move on to compete in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition, battling it out with Soldiers from throughout the Army to be named the Army’s Soldier and NCO of the year.

DF-ST-89-07163. Country: Unknown

040127-M-3843C-009. Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: CSSD 23

Various University and Colleges ROTC Units were here at Fort Dix, New Jersey competing in the 2022 ROTC Ranger Challenge. There were various competitions and challenges to compete in during the 3-day event held in various locations on Fort Dix. (Images are provided by the Fort Dix (TSC) Training Support Center / Daniel Amburg)

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 18, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen are participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about use of snowshoes and moving as a squad over terrain pulling an ahkio sled in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

A competitor in the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition nears the end of the 12-mile foot march event on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. The week-long competition assessed 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.

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 18, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen were participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about use of snowshoes and moving as a squad over terrain pulling an ahkio sled in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

Airmen from the 19th Security Forces squadron participate in a training exercise during an Advanced Designated Marksman course at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, April 8, 2022. The Advanced Designated Marksman course is a field training exercise that builds understanding of sniper tactics, techniques, and procedures to prepare for contingency operations.

Soldiers and NCOs from the West Virginia and District of Columbia National Guards compete in their annual Best Warrior Competition, held at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia, April 22, 2022. Best Warrior is an annual event where participants compete in a series of military tasks including weapons proficiency, endurance, physical fitness, medical skills, communications, and professional development activities. Winners of the local Best Warrior will compete at the regional level in May, also at Camp Dawson.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 101st Airborne Divisions Best Squad, zero their M4 Carbines in preparation for the M4 qualification portion of the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 26, 2022. The M4 Carbine range was one of several events during the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition that tested each competitors weapon proficiency and technical expertise.

Paratroopers participate in the first day of patrols and ambush training as a part of the Small Unit Range Tactics (SURT) course on Fort Bragg, NC, Aug. 26, 2022. The patrols and ambush training tests the paratrooper's ability to react to contact, work as a team and step into a leadership role before continuing on to Ranger School.

The Vermont Army National Guards 186th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) completed their annual training at the Army National Guard Sustainment Training Center (STC) at Camp Dodge, Iowa, August 31- July 13. The Sustainment Training Center provides training for more than the medics of the 186th. Theres training for all the elements of the BSB, supply and distribution, forward support, maintenance, and other technical training.

DA-SD-05-00681. Base: Fort A. P. Hill State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

061024-A-0497K-015. Base: Grafenwoehr Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: EUROPE

Members of 45 Commando Royal Marines, prepare to walk down range to look at their shot grouping for Close Quarter Battle (CQB) training at Grafenwöhr, Germany, Sept. 15, 2022. This special operations forces led exercise is designed to offer advanced combined tactics training in coordination with strengthening NATO Allies capabilities, information sharing, and defending against adversaries in the European Theater.

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 18, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen are participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about use of snowshoes and moving as a squad over terrain pulling an ahkio sled in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

Airmen assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing reach the end of the defender challenge at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, May 17, 2022. National Police week honors the men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to keep local communities safe.

Students a part of Fieldcraft Hostile walk around Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey to complete the land navigation course Aug. 3, 2022. FCH is a pre-deployment course provided by the 421 Combat Training Squadron comprised of members across 43 different Air Force Specialty Codes dedicated to its Chief of Staff of the Air Force chartered mission to deliver expeditionary combat support training.

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 Pfc. Ebony Neal)

A system of tents was set up for 2nd Marine Logistics Group command post exercise (CPX) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 26, 2022. Marines were familiarized in the setup and usage of a combat operations center while certifying all gear was accounted for and functional.

After a morning ruck march, the cadet cadre for the first phase of Cadet Basic Training spent a few hours at the Leader Reaction Course on June 14. There, the company teams rehearsed each obstacle so they will be able to train the more than 1,200 new cadet candidates from the Class of 2015. Presentation was also a factor, as cadets discussed how they would command their troops to stack their weapons, proper wear of uniform on the course and other nuances at this site. The cadet cadre will continue their training which will culminate with a Reception Day rehearsal before the cadet candidates arrive to West Point on June 27.

The Norwegian Home Defense Youth complete a land navigation course and outdoor cultural events at Camp Ripley Training Center in Little Falls, Minnesota, on February 6th, 2024. The Norwegians are training with the Minnesota National Guard as a part of the 51st annual Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange and are learning about military skills and cultural Minnesotan experiences, like smores over a campfire (Minnesota Army National Guard

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight, the Vermont National Guard Adjutant General, addresses the crowd for the 2022 Vermont Remembers Run at Camp Johnson, Colchester, Vermont, September 11, 2022. The Vermont Remembers Run is an 11k Run/Ruck March, a 5k Fun Run/Walk and a Youth 1 Mile Fun Run to benefit the VTNG Charitable Foundation Fallen Heroes Memorial and is a memorial for the events of September 11, 2001. This image was electronically cropped and ethically enhanced to emphasize the subject and does not misrepresent the subject or the original image in any way.

Soldiers with the 461st Engineer Company, 367th Engineer Battalion, 372nd Engineer Brigade, 416th Theater Engineer Command, work on a troop project Oct. 20, 2022, to build office buildings at Logistical Support Area Liberty on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 461st, an Army Reserve unit, is among many Army engineer units to work on the troop project in 2022 at Fort McCoy. Fort McCoy Troop Projects Coordinator Larry Morrow said having troop projects completed helps engineer units get the training they need and in turn the installation receives base and quality of life improvements through the completion of the projects.

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 18, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen are participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about use of snowshoes and moving as a squad over terrain pulling an ahkio sled in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

Staff Sgt. Debbieann Nanton-Smith(left), a human resources specialist with the 104th Troop Command, runs with her sponsor to complete a land navigation course in the Region 3 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition held at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Fla., on May 12th, 2022. Soldiers in the Army National Guard gather to compete, build esprit de corps, and represent their respective states for the upcoming national competition.

Brazilian Marines demonstrate patrolling tactics to U.S. Marines during a bilateral jungle training event in Manaus, Brazil, Sept. 25, 2022. The U.S. Marine Corps continues to seek opportunities to train alongside Brazilian partners in deliberate and dynamic training events. Bilateral training events, such as jungle training, offer both forces a chance to increase interoperability, exchange best practices, and set conditions for future events to continue to grow a long tradition of friendship and cooperation.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital held the 2024 Best Leader Competition for its leaders Feb. 26-29. Soldiers competed against their peers to test their skills, knowledge, and fieldcraft in various events and realistic scenarios which included were one captain, three sergeant first class, one staff sergeant, two sergeants, three specialists, and one private first class.

Spc. Aaron Fiscelli, a Health Care Specialist with the Michigan National Guards 1171st Medical Company Area Support Company, 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.)

Virginia National Guard Soldiers from G Company, 429th Brigade Support Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct reconnaissance patrols in support of Hurricane Sandy operations Oct. 29, 2012 in Norfolk, Va. The Virginia National Guard has been authorized to bring up to 750 personnel on state active duty, and the Virginia Army Guard and Virginia Defense Force are staging throughout Virginia with personnel and equipment capable of performing high water transport, debris reduction and reconnaissance patrols. (Sgt. 1st Class A.J. Coyne, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 19, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen were participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about use of snowshoes and moving as a squad over terrain pulling an ahkio sled in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

Marines and Navy Corpsmen with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines conduct a contact patrol July 22, 2022, during training on North Post at Fort McCoy. 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)

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

A 2nd Military Police Detachment military working dog, subdues a volunteer during a demonstration April 15, 2022, at the Fort George G. Meade Exchange. The demonstration was part of a Month of the Military Child celebration.

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

040616-F-4350W-004. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: Suffolk Country: United Kingdom (GBR)

Tennessee Army National Guardsmen Spc. Joshua Seder from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment runs to the finish line upon completion of the land navigation event during the Tennessee State Best Warrior Competition in Tullahoma, Feb. 23, 2024. Competitors had to find all points within the given time frame in order to complete the graded event. Army National Guard

Service members at the installation for training cross a street on post June 8, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Annually, tens of thousands of troops complete institutional and transient troop training operations at Fort McCoy. During June 2022, thousands of troops also trained at Fort McCoy, including troops from the Wisconsin National Guard and Iowa National Guard.

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 18, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen are participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about use of snowshoes and moving as a squad over terrain pulling an ahkio sled in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

040928-M-7404B-005. Base: Mcas Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (UNITED

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