Military Training Operations

Images of military personnel conducting training exercises in arid environments, showcasing teamwork and tactical maneuvers with firearms.

Equipped and armed special forces soldiers shooting rifles in the desert.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Shelby Johnson, squad leader, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, observes the area around Forward Operating Base Torkham while wearing the new Capability Set 13 communications suite.

Sgt. Quentin Deckard, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division fires an AT-4, an anti-tank weapon, at the Udairi Range Complex near Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Dec. 20. The AT-4 is a portable, single-shot recoilless smoothbore weapon used to destroy heavily armored vehicles.

Camp Pendleton, California, November 14, 2010 - Sailors assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1, dress in full mission oriented protective posture (MOPP) suits for a mortar and chemical, biological and radiological drill during the ACB-1 annual field training exercise. ACB-1 is conducting its Tactical Warrior 2010 exercise, training its Sailors in basic combat skills.

United States Marine on a combat patrol near the city of Marjah, in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan

Aviators with 2nd Battalion 25th Aviation Regiment 25th Combat Aviation Brigade conduct air support for ground forces during a training exercise held at Contingency Operating Base Speicher. The exercise which simulates battlefield conditions allows aviation and ground forces to work together for future missions.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Division conduct M17 and M4 individual weapons qualification ranges at Udairi Ranges, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022.

A Marine student in the Infantry Officers Course (IOC) and armed with a Colt 5.56 mm M16A2 Rifle, waits on one knee during an assault on the Delta Prospect Range at the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) training area. Base: Mcagcc, Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Division conduct M17 and M4 individual weapons qualification ranges at Udairi Ranges, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 1st Platoon, Regimental Troops Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard participate in a grueling three day live fire course of Advanced Marksmanship Training at Camp Buerhing,Kuwait, Feb.16, in preparation for a security mission prior to deploying to Iraq. During the course, the Soldiers were taught advanced room clearing, mounted and dismounted firing techniques and properly securing VIP's from one location to the next. This is the units second tour to Iraq in five years.

A US Marine is Helped Out of a Helicopter During Medevac Training

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Derek Renaud, 34, of Angola, New York, looks on as an Afghan national army soldier tries zeroing his weapon at Kabul Military Training Center, March 17. Renaud, officer in charge of the range during qualification and zeroing of M16s, mentors ANA recruits as they learn to use their new M16s. He's a member of the Camp Alamo Mentor Group's Basic Warrior Training branch.

United States Marine on a combat patrol near the city of Marjah, in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan

Members of Navy SEAL Team with weapons in action. Navy SEAL Team

030403-M-3692C-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. and U.K. coalition partners with Kabul Security Forces train together on an Aerial Reaction Force exercise utilizing British helicopter assets with the Toral Aviation Detachment, British Royal Air Force at Camp Qargha in Kabul, Afghanistan, January 2018, as part of their Quick Reaction Force mission in support of the NATO-led train, advise and assist mission, Operation Resolute Support. Soldiers for the exercise also included those from Alma Company, 2nd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, British Army, and members of the Oklahoma Army National Guards Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

A member of the 1ST Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, prepares to load a 105mm shell into an M-102 towed howitzer during a heavy artillery barrage demonstration for Saudi Arabian national guardsmen. The demonstration is being conducted during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

U.S. Army Sgt. James Vanveldhulzen of Sioux Center, Iowa, an infantryman with Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, Task force Redhorse, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Task Force Red Bulls, provides security for fellow soldiers as they talk to villagers on a dismounted patrol, Parwan province, Afghanistan, Jan. 13, 2011. A Troop conducts a dismounted patrol to ensure security in surrounding villages.

Security Forces members from the 151st Air Refueling Wing stand guard at Dugway Proving Ground in support of an unprecedented joint exercise on Sept. 8, 2022. This joint force exercise incorporates This joint force exercise incorporates more than 200 service members across four major commands creating innovative operational concepts to allow quick response to an ever changing war time horizon.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Division conduct M17 and M4 individual weapons qualification ranges at Udairi Ranges, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022.

070324-M-6412C-021. Complete Scene Caption: U.S. Marines with 3rd Platoon, C Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion inspect a hasty road block that was used by Anti Iraqi Forces in the Zaidon area during Operation Zaidon II on March 23, 2007. Task Force 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines is conducting Operation Zaidon II in Zaidon, Iraq to clear the city of Anti Iraqi Forces and deny them further use of the area in the future. Regimental Combat Team 6 is deployed with Multi National Forces-West in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Anbar Province of Iraq to develop Iraqi Security Forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic reforms, and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by CPL. Samuel D. Corum) (Released) Subject Operation/Series: ZAIDON Base: Zaidon State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: RCT-6

Kentucky U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), conduct squad live-fire exercise in Djibouti at Arta range complex, Djibouti, June 8, 2022. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, is a dynamic operational headquarters, supporting missions to counter violent extremist organizations, responding to crises and enhancing stability in East Africa.

U.S. Staff Sgt. Aaron Scofield, a firefighter with the quick strike team, covers his ears as a C-130 taxis at a dirt runway near Forward Operating Base Apache, Afghanistan, Aug. 12. The C-130 delivered the last of the firefighter's P-19 fire engines. The firefighters are part of a team, deployed to set up crass, fire and rescue at a bare base.

Paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Divisions 1st Brigade Combat Team conduct a presence patrol May 19, 2012, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. These soldiers are assigned to 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment.

030228-M-5753Q-013. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Ripper Country: Kuwait (KWT)

A soldier with 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, Combined Task Force 4-2 (4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division), leads a foot patrol using a Mine Hound to detect any improvised explosive devices on their path, Jan.29 in Panjwai District, Afghanistan. The soldiers, from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., are currently serving in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

030324-M-3692C-007. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Kuwait (KWT)

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

040513-M-2900S-018. Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

060114-A-5745M-015. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST ABN DIV

030806-F-5435R-014. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE XI Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060404-A-7969G-020. Base: Bayji State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A member of an Afghan-international security force secures the area while in pursuit of militants north of Naglham, Kandahar District, Afghanistan, June 1. (Army photo/Joseph Joynt)

Green Berets U.S. Army Special Forces Group soldier.

Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21538247 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

U.S. Army Sgt. Joseph Kudela, left, and U.S. Army Pfc. Cameron Baron, both assigned to Chaos Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, dismount an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle during a squad live-fire exercise at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, July 13, 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, America's forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Soldiers with the 1-110th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division fire their assigned weapons during an exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap.

U.S. Marines assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division practice immediate action drills on the M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun during a battalion field exercise at Range 800, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, September 29, 2022. Range 800 improved Charlie Companys efficiency in independent platoon operations and basic fire support team skills during the larger FEX, intended to increase the battalions combat readiness.

060105-A-3283V-023. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Diwaniyah State: Qadisiyah Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Channing Bergen, 19, from Waterloo, Wisc., and Sgt. Robert Cronk, 25, from Baroda, Mich., a rifleman and a combat engineer with 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, work to open a door for Afghan National Army soldiers searching shops for illegal drugs and improvised explosive device components during Operation Sandman here, Dec. 28. Safar Bazaar was once a hotbed for insurgents, its shops teeming with illegal drugs and streets laden with improvised explosive devices. Over the last two years, four Marine infantry battalions and their Afghan National Security Forces counterparts have labored to make it safe. Today, the buzzing bazaar is the commercial hub of southern Garmsir district. Thousands of Afghans from around the district travel to the bazaar each week to purchase goods.

Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, cross a field during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Nov. 10, 2013. The operation was conducted to disrupt enemy activity in the area.(Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marines Expeditionary Force Information Group, pull targeting data and catalog for future missions during a live fire close air support exercise at Barry M. Goldwater Range, Gila Bend, Arizona, July 18, 2022. 1st ANGLICO trains with 255 (Somerset Yeomanry) Battery, Royal Artillery, to enhance proficiency in CAS and expand digital communications capabilities.

U.S. Army Soldiers from 1st Infantry Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, conducts tactical assaults on Pohakuloa Training Grounds, Nov. 2, 2022. Realistic training exercises, like JPMRC 23-01, strengthen defense relationships, foster multinational interoperability, increase U.S. readiness, and reinforce the unified regional land power network that supports a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Brian Sbertoli, from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, provides security during a patrol in the Baladiat area of East Baghdad, Iraq, Feb. 13, 2007.

030401-F-8362B-033. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 621st Tanker Airlift Control Ele

Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21538089 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

US marines in the desert near the blockpost

Soldier in camouflage uniform aiming service rifle while moving in sand.

U.S. Marines Capt. Robert A. Schillaci, center, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, an MV-22B Osprey aircraft pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Cpl. Bailey S. Guess, from Jacksonville, Florida, an MV-22B Osprey aircraft crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing participate in a ground threat reaction drill during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-23 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, March 30, 2023. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Marines with Headquarters Company, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and United Arab Emirates soldiers wait to board LAV-25 Light Armored Vehicles at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Oct. 3, 2022. The training focused on developing the intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance capabilities of the UAE service members.

041213-F-1740G-001. Base: Clark Airfield Country: Philippines (PHL)

030821-M-7837W-040. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Kut State: Wasit Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, low crawl through a trench on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 4, 2022. This event was a segment of the crucible - the culminating event of recruit training. After completing the crucibles physically and mentally demanding challenges over the course of 54-hours with limited food and sleep, the recruits will finally have the privilege to call themselves United States Marines.

030327-A-4835R-014. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: ADI Ghar Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Tyler Cutinella, a squad leader with 3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, directs his squad during the Super Squad Competition at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 14, 2022. The week-long Super Squad Competition incorporates a variety of combat-related tasks designed to evaluate each squads proficiency.

030217-M-4419R-008. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Coyote Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: 5th Marines

111216-M-HW830-026SANGIN, Afghanistan (Dec. 16, 2011) Hospitalman Jack P. Harris, assigned to Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, scans the area during a security patrol.

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 shield their faces as sand is stirred up after the take-off of a CH-53E Super Stallion Helicopter at Range 800 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Sept. 17, 2013. The Marines are practicing proper onload and offload procedures to ensure safety while boarding.

050913-A-0527A-013. Base: Camp Kackeran Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: Northeast

U.S. Combat Engineer Soldiers in Alpha and Bravo Company, 236th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina Army National Guard, conduct engineer qualification table VI, which incudes M2 Bradley live fire and breaching an obstacle, on a training range in the vicinity of Fort Bliss, Texas, Sept. 26, 2019.

030408-M-4419R-079. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 5th Marines

Staff Sgt. Adam King, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal team leader, inspects inert explosives during EOD training at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Dec. 1, 2022. EOD Airmen identified explosives through measurements, inspections and evaluations through software in order to render the explosive safe for disposal.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Division conduct M17 and M4 individual weapons qualification ranges at Udairi Ranges, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) sight in on a simulated FIM-92 Stinger surface-to-air missile while on a Forward Arming and Refueling Point at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds, Yuma, Arizona, May 23, 2022. The weapons configuration consists of six inert guided bombs, four mounted onto the wings and two loaded into the weapons bay, as well as an Air Intercept Missile 9X. Marine Aircraft Group 13 forces are capable of conducting offensive air support, anti-aircraft warfare, and aviation reconnaissance from expeditionary sites in any clime and place.

060313-A-5043I-093. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Ramadi Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 109TH INFANTRY

U.S. Marines with Regional Command (Southwest) (RC(SW)) exit a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter aboard Kandahar Airfield (KAF), Afghanistan, Oct. 27, 2014. The Marines transitioned to KAF following the end of RC(SW) operations in Helmand province.

020723-A-3497H-011. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Narizah Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

030419-M-3692C-024. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

021023-A-4385T-010. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

Lance Cpl. Tyler Carroll fires an AT-4 during a live-fire movement course Jan. 18 at the Udairi Range Complex in Kuwait. Marines with Company C, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Camp Pendleton, Calif., are attending sustainment training as part of their current deployment to the Pacific and Arabian Gulf.

BAHRAIN (May 10, 2022) - U.S. Marines assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command (FASTCENT) and Royal Bahrain Naval Force Marines participate in a simulated medical evacuation as part of exercise Neon Defender 22 in Bahrain, May 10. Neon Defender is an annual bilateral training event between U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and Bahrain. The exercise focuses on maritime security operations, installation defense and medical response.

A U.S. Army Soldier attached to 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and an Iraqi army soldier prepare to clear a building in Arab Jabour, Iraq, June 25, 2007. The Soldiers are conducting a joint sweeping operation through Arab Jabour as part of an effort to halt the movement of weapons and explosives into the capita

The soldiers from the 104th Engineering Battalion are on the Fort Dix Range Complex, Range 10 completing the units 10 Meter Zero targeting. (photos taken by the Fort Dix Training Support Center / Daniel Amburg)

A U.S. Marine assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit signals to an aircraft for extraction during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise in support of Northern Viking 2022 on Keflavik Airbase, Iceland, April 8, 2022. Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and Sea Lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap.

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 273 stand together at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 28, 2022. MWSS-273 and other squadrons assigned to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) trained to integrate with and support Marine ground units during Service Level Training Exercise (SLTE) 3-22. SLTE is a series of exercises designed to prepare Marines for operations around the globe. 2nd MAW is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Detachment 1, Combat Logistics Battalion 13, 1st Marine Logistics Group, practice "combat gliding" during Integrated Training Exercise 2-15 at Camp Wilson on Twentynine Palms, California, Jan. 31, 2015. ITX 2-15, executed by Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 4, is conducted to enhance the integration and warfighting capability of all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force.

KAKINADA BEACH, India (Nov. 19, 2019) U.S. Marines currently under 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, and members of the Indian military wade to shore during exercise Tiger TRIUMPH on Kakinada Beach, India, Nov. 19, 2019. During Tiger TRIUMPH, U.S. and Indian forces conducted valuable training in humanitarian assistance disaster relief operations by inserting a joint and combined Indian and U.S. force from ship-to-shore in response to a hypothetical natural disaster. While on shore, the forces conducted limited patrolling, moved simulated victims to medical care and produced and distributed drinking water. Military exercises like Tiger TRIUMPH improve partnership, readiness and cooperation.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jackson Dukes, a combat graphics specialist from Fairfax, Virginia, assigned to Communication Strategy and Operations, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, video records U.S. Marines aboard a UH-1Y Venom aircraft while conducting battle drills during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at K9 Village training complex, Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

Army Reserve Spc. Levi Dixson, a water treatment specialist assigned to the 651st Quartermaster Company based in Casper, Wyoming, tightens a valve on a purified water bag during Combat Support Training Exercise 91-22-01 at Fort Hunter Liggett, California, June 15. Using gravity and a specialized water pump loaded on the truck, the water is transferred into a larger storage bag used for providing fresh water to portable showers.

The soldiers from the 104th Engineering Battalion are on the Fort Dix Range Complex, Range 10 completing the units 10 Meter Zero targeting. (photos taken by the Fort Dix Training Support Center / Daniel Amburg)

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to the 1st Armored Division, board the chinook in preparation for the M4 weapon qualification range during the Iron Squad Competition at Fort Bliss, Texas, April 20, 2022.The Iron Squad Competition is a four-day event designed to test each squad and individual competitors physical stamina, Warrior Tasks and Battle Drill skills and military knowledge. The winning squad will advance to compete in the III Corps Best Squad Competition later this year at Fort Hood.

U.S. Army Spc. Carlos Santos surveys the streets of Jamia, Iraq, for insurgent activity July 29, 2007. Santos is assigned to 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division out of Camp Liberty, Iraq.

A U.S. Marine Sends a Text Message on a Cellular Smartphone Before a Combat Operation in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

U.S. Army Pfc. James Martin, from Weatherford, Texas, of Echo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment takes measurements of a bridge while Staff Sgt. Bowman McArthur, from Fairmont, N.C., and an Iraqi army official take notes in Maysan province, Iraq, June 30. Martin's unit conducted route clearance and reconnaissance of several bridges in the area to assess their load bearing and traffic capacity.

011025-A-1581H-014. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR 01/02 Base: Mubarak Military City Country: Egypt (EGY)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Alexander Craig, left, and Lance Cpl. Marcus Condie, both from India company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, work security during a patrol of a small village south of Golestan, Afghanistan, Oct. 29, 2009.

U.S. Soldiers from the Chemical, Biological, Radiation, Nuclear/ Weapons Intelligence Team Platoon, Brigade Troops Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division make their way to a weapons cache south of Baqubah, Iraq, Jan. 3, 2009. The cache was discovered by fellow Soldiers during a patrol.

Pfc. William Drikell, scans the valley walls for suspicious activity during a combat patrol near the village of Walo Tangi, in Konar province, Afghanistan, April 6. Driskell is a member of 2nd Platoon, C. Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division.

U.S. Marines assigned to Aviation Ground Support, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), secure Mobi-Mats by hammering stakes into the ground for an expeditionary airfield system practical application exercise, during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at Auxiliary Airfield II, near Yuma, Arizona, Sept. 20, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

Maj. James Eriksen (left), commander of Operational Mentor and Liasion Team (OMLT) 9.1, talks with a Hungarian army counterpart while on duty in Afghanistan, circa 2010. The ONG and Hungarian military partnered for several rotations in the early 2010s to train the Afghanistan National Army. (Ohio National Guard photo)

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, climbs down a cargo net during an event on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 4, 2022. This event was a segment of the crucible - the culminating event of recruit training. After completing the crucibles physically and mentally demanding challenges over the course of 54-hours with limited food and sleep, the recruits will finally have the privilege to call themselves United States Marines.

040318-M-8683D-010. Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

040602-M-8096M-087. Base: Zabol Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: 22ND MEU (SOC)

041023-A-2912C-014. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Daychopan District State: Zabol Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Army Pfc. Jason Dore looks for any possible enemy contact in western Baghdad, Iraq, on Feb. 22, 2007. Dore is assigned as a forward observer with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.

Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Camp Lejeune, NC, struggle to break ground for the M198 howitzer supports. The 24th MEU is deployed to Somalia in support of UNOSOM II. Subject Operation/Series: UNOSOM II Base: Mogadishu Country: Somalia (SOM)

Sgt. Victor Faggiano, a native of Manchester, N.H., patrols through a field of trash using a medal detector to search for possible enemy caches in northern Ghazaliyah July 10. Faggiano serves with 1st Platoon, Company C, 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Multi-National Division - Baghdad.

030315-M-4419R-009. Base: Camp Coyote Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: 40548

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Aleksandar Kurtov, right, 2nd Platoon Commander, Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, from Washington, D.C., receives instruction after executing 410A during Integrated Training Exercise 4-22 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 27, 2022. ITX is a live-fire and maneuver combined arms exercise designed to train battalion and squadron-sized units in tactics, techniques, and procedures. This provides a sustainable and ready operational Reserve force for employment across the full spectrum of crisis and global engagement.

U.S. Marines with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, simulate firing a M224 60mm mortar system during a Mechanized Raid course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 11, 2022. The raid course was a one week program designed to improve the Marines ability to plan and conduct limited scale raids utilizing ground movement while forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific region.

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