Modern Military Exercises

Images show U.S. Army and Marine Corps troops in tactical exercises, focusing on teamwork, strategy, and real-time operational scenarios in various environments.

Low angle view of special forces soldiers in field uniforms with weapons.

U.S. Army Sgt. Virgil Hope with Bravo Company, 163rd Infantry Regiment, Montana Army National Guard, pulls security for a down convoy during a reaction to small fire training exercise at West Camp Rapid, South Dakota, June 16, 2022. Reaction to indirect and direct fire was one of the trainings conducted in support of the Golden Coyote Training Exercise.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 25th Division Artillery, 25th Infantry Division, load an M119A3 Light Towed Howitzer 105mm during a combined arms live-fire exercise during Balikatan 22 on Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base, Tarlac province, Philippines, March 31, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan 22 is the 37th and largest-ever iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippine security cooperation and a shared commitment to advancing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Kentucky Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to 2nd Platoon, BravoCompany, 1-149th, Infantry Battalion, Task Force Red Dragon, Combined JointTask Force - Horn of Africa, conducts close-quarters marksmanship trainingat Arta range complex, Djibouti, April 13, 2022. Soldiers utilize smoke to enable a more stressful environment, better preparing them for real-world crisis environments.

On the Fort Dix Range Complex the 411th Engineer Brigade is here on a hot day competing training on the M4 Zero and Grounding live fire. (photographs were taken by the TSC / Daniel Amburg)

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, disembark an MV-22B Osprey at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, June 13, 2022. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 is supporting Fuji Viper Shinka 22 in order to enhance lethality and train with 4th Marine Regiment.

U.S. Soldiers and NATO allies complete a historic wet-gap crossing operation as part of Defender Europe 22 held at Nowogród, Poland, May 19, 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 Helicopter Support Team, 1st Landing Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, run off the air field after recovering a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, armor, artillery and infantry forces and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

Competitors of the 2022 National Best Warrior Competition conducted a fire team exercise for Military Operations in Urban Terrain at the Volunteer Training Site Tullahoma, Tenn., July 28, 2022. Competitors conducted MOUT training, an Air Assault Course, a four-mile Valor Run, a Peer Evaluation, and media interviews for the days events. The National Best Warrior competition consists of the best of the best Soldiers in the Army National Guard.

Norwegian Armed Forces Special Command FSK female soldier.

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR), use a shotgun to breach a door 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.

U.S. Marines with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct a live-fire range aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 12, 2022. Marines need to keep their shooting skills sharp even while out at sea. 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.

U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers participating in the Medical Simulation Training Center's Combat Lifesaver Course train with a New Jersey National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk MEDEVAC helicopter on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, May 25, 2022.

A U.S. Soldier with Task Force Americal from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, loads an M17 handguns magazine at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sept. 22, 2022. The U.S. Air Forces 378th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron facilitate and occasionally conduct Joint Force training with the U.S. Army on PSABs firing range. Soldiers and Airmen must undergo routine weapons qualification training to ensure safety and proficiency standards. (U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Noah J. Tancer)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ethan Purcell, a landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, advances to an objective during a mass casualty rehearsal aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 30, 2024. The rehearsal reinforces the Navy and Marine Corps abilities, while working together, to effectively respond to scenarios with numerous casualties throughout the 31st MEUs area of responsibility. 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 premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Purcell is a native of Florida.

Combat engineers with the 116th Brigade Engineer Battalion participated in their annual training of demolition and explosive breaching through doors and wall structures on May 6, 2022. Combat engineers provide support of mobility, counter mobility and survivability for Soldiers within the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team during combat missions. Our job is to make sure that we proficiently enable our combat personnel to move from point A to point B, said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Smith, platoon sergeant with the 116th BEB. Counter mobility is to keep the enemy from moving forward, so that we can move forward with our mission. We go in and get the good guys if they are trapped or we go in where there are bad guys behind a door, and it is imperative we do this safely with maximum survivability.

Airmen from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, conduct medical evacuation drills Aug. 5, 2015, at Baumholder, Germany. More than 20 Airmen from the 435th Contingency Response Support Squadron, 435th Security Forces Squadron and 86th Medical Group participated in the biannual Tactical Combat Casualty Care course Aug. 3-6.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nicholas Guardad, a radio operator with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, builds a tent during exercise Winter Workhorse 24 on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb. 2, 2024. Guardad is a native of Texas. Winter Workhorse is a regularly scheduled training exercise that is designed to enhance warfighting capabilities in contested environments. Marine Corps

U.S Marine Corps Sgt. Jonathan Steed, a section leader assigned to Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, calls out concepts of fire during a live-fire range at Exercise Cobra Gold in Chantaburi province, Thailand, Feb. 27, 2024. Cobra Gold, now in its 43rd year, is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored training event that builds on the long-standing friendship between the two allied nations and brings together a robust multinational force to promote regional peace and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), observe the environment during a boat sustainment enabler integration exercise at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, June 8, 2022. This exercise was to integrate enablers into the BLT and teach them the foundations of using the combat rubber raiding crafts. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. Marine from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Lima Company conducts counter improvised explosive device (IED) training on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, May 4, 2011. Concurrent Technologies Corporation in accordance with Training and Education Command (TECOM)/Training Support Center Counter IED assisted the Marines for an upcoming deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rhoades, an infantry platoon sergeant with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets up a Scout Sniper Observation Telescope during a defense of the amphibious task force live-fire aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 2, 2022. DATF scenarios focus Navy and Marine Corps forces on defending ARG shipping and the drills allowed the ARG-MEU team to improve their proficiency when integrating fires. 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.

Airman 1st Class Christopher Edmundson, a security forces apprentice assigned to the 39th Security Forces Squadron, poses for a portrait with a M240B machine gun during a training exercise on Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The 39th SFS provides cutting edge force protection for Incirlik AB and its geographically separated units in Turkey including flightline security, law enforcement services and support for numerous contingency operations in Europe and Asia. Prior to joining their operational flight, new members assigned to the 39th SFS participate in a 5-day field training exercise to assess each Airmans ability to execute baseline security tactics, techniques and procedures needed for securing NATOs Southern Flank. On the final day of the exercise, defenders showcase all of their new training with a ruck run, simulated tactical casualty combat care scenario, active shooter response scenarios, and conclude by securing a protective aircraft structure. Once the Airmen complete this trainin

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joshua Lauziere, an antitank missile man assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), looks through the javelin guidance system during Composite Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) aboard amphibious docking landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), Jan. 22, 2022. The 22nd MEU is underway for Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for an upcoming deployment. COMPTUEX is the last at-sea period in the MEUs Predeployment Training Program; it aims to test the capabilities of the Navy Marine Corps team and achieve deployment certification. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Marcela Diazdeleon)

110224-N-YR391-003JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2011) Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 6 prepare a Remote Ordnance Neutralization System robot to approach a suspect vehicle during an Exercise Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield 2011 vehicle borne improvised explosive device drill. The weeklong series of anti-terrorism and force protection exercises involves Navy installations and activities.

A U.S. Army Paratrooper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, moves toward an objective during team blank-fire and tactical movement training as part of Eagle Ursa at the training range in Slunj, Croatia, Feb. 24, 2024. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployableforces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployedacross Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships andstrengthen the alliance. Army

The U.S. Armys Medical Command participates in the Pacific Air Forces Master Trainer Conference for Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior-Military at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 29, 2022. This iteration of the regionally-based master trainer conference includes personnel from JBER; Travis Air Force Base, California; Fort Polk, Louisiana; and the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado.

LA VENTA, Honduras - A member from Panamas delegation stands ready for the stretcher sleigh drag part of the “Position and Submission” relay, part of the shooting skills competition of Fuerzas Comando 2022 being conducted June 13-23 in La Venta, Honduras. FC22 is a foreign military interaction exercise designed to enhance multinational and regional cooperation, mutual trust and confidence, and to improve the training, readiness, interoperability, and capability of regional Special Operations Forces.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Robert Sutphin, a mountain warfare instructor with Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center (MCMWTC), Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, demonstrates suspension and traverse techniques to Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, during Mountain Exercise (MTX) 1-23 at MCMWTC, Bridgeport, California, Sept. 24, 2022. MTX is a month-long exercise designed to prepare units to survive and operate effectively in austere, mountainous terrain.

U.S. Marines with 9th Communication Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, begin a hike during a company training event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 6, 2022. Marines with 9th COMM conduct monthly hikes to ensure force readiness and physical fitness for future operations.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines conduct a combined amphibious raid with Philippine Marines during KAMANDAG 6, in San Vicente, Philippines, Oct. 10, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military, designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. 1/2 is forward deployed under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Marines assigned to Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, fire a M252A2 81mm mortar system at Range 106 during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 2-17, aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Jan. 13, 2017. ITX is a combined-arms exercise which provides all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force an opportunity to utilize capabilities during large scale missions to become a more ready fighting force. 1/3 is currently participating as the ground combat element for this exercise.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alfredo Delgado (left) and Sgt. Daniel Bertoliatti, explosive ordnance disposal technicians with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, assemble a nunchuck charge as part of an explosive excavation range during exercise Eagle Wrath 22 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, May 14, 2022. Eagle Wrath is an annual Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 exercise at CATC Camp Fuji, Japan, designed to increase squadron proficiency in conducting real-world contingency missions while in a forward operating environment.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. 1st Class Naoki Sumiyoshi with 3d Surface Ship Missile Regiment briefs U.S. Marines from 3d Battalion, 12th Marines on the Type 88 Surface-to-Ship Missile during a demonstration as a part of Resolute Dragon 22 at Camp Shizunai, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 12, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

From left, U.S. Army Sgt. Preston Hinger, U.S. Army Spc. Tyler Azer, and U.S. Army Spc. Rebekah Engle, Cannon Crewmembers assigned to Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 134th Field Artillery Regiment, clear and prepare a M777 Howitzer in order to fire another round during annual training exercise Northern Strike, Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 12, 2022. C Co joined over 2,000 other Ohio and Michigan National Guard Soldiers and troops from the United Kingdom, Latvia, and Hungary to conduct the training exercise, building and maintaining operational cohesion between the U.S. and its allies.

Sgt. 1st Class Connor holds the 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment guidon May 26. The unit performed a joint air land raid live fire exercise with 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron out of Altus Air Force Base.

HAT YAO BEACH, Thailand (June 9, 2013) A U.S. Marine assigned to the 2nd Amphibian Assault Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, conducts amphibious assault training with Royal Thai marines during exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2013. More than 1,200 Sailors and Marines are participating in CARAT Thailand. CARAT is a series of bilateral military exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor Leste.

Joint Terminal Attack Controllers from Spain participated in a two-day JTAC training exercise that included NATO forces from six countries at Camp Adazi, Latvia, on April 6, 2022. The training allowed JTACs from NATO Allied countries to exercise their training calling in airstrikes from U.S. Army AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters assigned to the 1-3rd Attack Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe that works alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retains command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

Marines with Bravo Company, Marine Barracks Washington, improve their rifle skills during a squad competition at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 08, 2022. During the competition, Marines honed their basic infantry knowledge by navigating through an endurance course, overcoming various obstacles, and ground fighting multiple opponents.

KUMAMOTO, Japan (Jan. 19, 2020) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Vincent Padilla, a corpsman with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, shows his rifle barrel all-clear on line before a live fire exercise during Exercise Forest Light Western Army at Camp Oyanohara, Kumamoto, Japan, Jan. 19, 2020. The exercise consists of field training events including basic infantry skills, vertical assaults integrated with MV-22B Osprey flight operations, and combined-arms, and enhances the collective defense capabilities of the U.S.-Japanese alliance. 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 premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christopher Galleaghermorales, a coxswain with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, pulls a Combat Rubber Raiding Craft ashore during a combined amphibious operation with the Philippine Marine Corps alongside the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force as part of KAMANDAG 6 at Zambales, Philippines, Oct. 7, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

Soldier with dirty face smoking a cigarette, wearing ballistic glasses and baseball cap.

U.S. Marines with Maritime Special Purpose Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fire an M3E1 Multi-purpose Anti-armor Anti-personnel Weapon System (MAAWS) during a small arms and MAAWS range on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 14, 2024. The 24th MEU is a premier crisis response force capable of deploying and landing at a moments notice. The skilled 24th MEU Marines and Sailors who comprise the flexible sea-based Marine Air Ground Task Force are ready to answer the nations call to crisis, no matter the climate or place. Marine Corps

BOWEN, Australia (July 22, 2019) U.S. Marines conduct a simulated amphibious assault of exercise during Talisman Sabre 19 in Bowen, Australia, July 22, 2019. Talisman Sabre provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase participating countries' abilities to plan and execute contingency responses, from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts.

A U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force litter team offloads a simulated casualty from a Type 96 Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier, an improvised ambulance, during a mass casualty drill during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 6, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

PORT HUENEME, Calif. (Aug. 4, 2022) Construction Electrician Constructionman Johnathon Earle cleans a M16 rifle during Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 18s Field Training Exercise (FTX). FTX is designed to analyze a battalions construction capability, expeditionary logistics, and combat operations to support major combat operations, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.

Hunting in Oregon.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Division, 2d Marine Division, conduct a gear check during Spanish FLOTEX-22 near Rota, Spain, June 20, 2022. This exercise features tactical level actions ashore, combined with joint training and planning, aimed at increasing overall bilateral interoperability between nations.

A U.S. Army Soldier with the 1-114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, yells instructions while crews work on a 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.

U.S. Marine Corps CWO2 Keran Morrison (left), an explosive ordnance disposal officer, and Sgt. Alfredo Delgado, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, both with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, prepare to use a compact metal detector to sweep for a simulated improvised explosive device during exercise Eagle Wrath 22 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, May 14, 2022. Eagle Wrath is an annual Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 exercise at CATC Camp Fuji, Japan, designed to increase squadron proficiency in conducting real-world contingency missions while in a forward operating environment.

The 1st Cavalry Division celebrated its 101st birthday with friendly competitions and ceremonies to build camaraderie amongst First Team Troopers, Sep. 12-16 at Fort Hood, Texas.To conclude the week-long celebration, thousands of Troopers and local community members attended a ceremony that was held to pay respects to the history and tradition of the cavalry.

U.S Army Pfc. Gustavo A. Solis with Shadow Troop, 1-33 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, conducts area security during a Situational Training Exercise in Murfatlar, Romania, Jan. 17, 2024. The unit conducted the STX to reinforce core skills like, react-to-contact, infil and exfil drills, movement techniques as well as casualty evacuation to remain combat-effective and rapidly surge forces to support the NATO alliance across the European theater.

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

Soldiers with 290th Military Police Brigade conduct base security operations training as part of Exercise Pershing Strike 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 1, 2022.

Army National Guard Soldiers check a target after a weapons qualifications 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)

Staff Sgt. Adam Craft, 88th Security Forces Squadron, covers his partner while clearing a room during an active-shooter exercise Aug. 10, 2022 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The exercise was conducted to test the skills of first responders in a potential real-world scenario.

U.S. Soldiers with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team prepare for combat in a situational training exercise at Camp McGregor, New Mexico, Jan. 24, 2024. They are training at Camp McGregor as they prepare for a deployment to the Horn of Africa.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ryan Cimbal (right) a joint terminal attack controller and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Anthony Mercedes, a fire support Marine both with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marines Expeditionary Force Information Group, pass targeting data to an aircraft during a live-fire, close-air support exercise at Barry M. Goldwater Range, Gila Bend, Arizona, July 26, 2022. 1st ANGLICO trains to enhance proficiency in CAS and expand digital communications capabilities.

Specialist Liam Lee from 2nd Brigade Combat Team Strike”, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 18th Airborne Corps moves through the water during a water insertion during the FORSCOM Best Squad Competition on Fort Hood, Texas, August 16, 2022. Each of these events are designed to test the physical and mental toughness along with the lethality of each squad to see which squad will represent FORSCOM at the Best Squad of the Army competition that will take place at Ft. Bragg, NC.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire an M2 .50-caliber machine gun during a defense of the amphibious task force live-fire aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 2, 2022. DATF scenarios focus Navy and Marine Corps forces on defending ARG shipping and the drills allowed the ARG-MEU team to improve their proficiency when integrating fires. 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.

U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers participating in the Medical Simulation Training Center's Combat Lifesaver Course train with a New Jersey National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk MEDEVAC helicopter on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, May 25, 2022.

U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers participating in the Medical Simulation Training Center's Combat Lifesaver Course train with a New Jersey National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk MEDEVAC helicopter on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, May 25, 2022.

220715-M-WC972-1303 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 15, 2022) U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, begin clearing procedures during urban operations in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 15. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, sign paperwork for their rifles during an M16A4 service rifle issue at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Oct. 24, 2022. Recruits were issued rifles and briefed on their responsibilities regarding rifle security, safety and handling.

U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, prepare an M889A1 mortar round during a live-fire mortar range near Setermoen, Norway, March 30, 2023. Marines are deployed to Norway as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 which focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

A U.S. Air Force Airman with the 409th Air Expeditionary Group's explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) flight conducts a hostage rescue exercise at Nigerien Air Base 201, Agadez, Niger, April 27, 2022. This training develops and enhances the 409th EODs ability to professionally and competently mitigate explosive threats in the area. Strengthening defense capabilities works to reassure both U.S. service members and their local partners, enhancing the long-standing military-to-military U.S. and Niger partnership.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Aaron Capolupo, with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, takes a security position during a field mission at the Fort Dix Ranges on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 25, 2023. The 114th Infantry Regiment had a four day drill weekend to better prepare for JRTC.

U.S. Marine Corps water support technicians with Combat Logistics Battalion 22 provided a demonstration using the Lightweight Water Purification System during Caraibes 22, Guadeloupe, France June 16, 2022. Exercise Caraibes 2022 is a French-led, large scale, joint training exercise in the Caribbean involving naval, air and land assets, from the French, U.S., and regional forces focused on responding to natural disasters.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Kenneth Swarts, the range safety officer, supervises U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Donald Couttie, a Formal Marksmanship Training Center instructor, both with Marine Corps Installations Pacific, while he fires an M110 semi-automatic sniper system on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 24, 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.

A U.S. Marine assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, watches as his team provides suppression while conducting a live-fire raid on Range 226 during a battalion field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 21, 2022. Range 226 improved the Marines ability to operate their rifles at close quarters and in low-visibility environments during the larger FEX, intended to increase the battalions combat readiness.

Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, remove barbed wire around their area of operation as they prepare to relocate to a new training site during a major training exercise on Fort Drum, NY, April 5, 2022. The training exercise, also known as CPX III, is a major training event that happens nearly every year at Fort Drum.

U.S. Marines with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, pose for a portrait during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 22, 2022. This training evolution tested the Marines' ability to provide timely aid to isolated personnel in potential search and rescue situations.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Makenna Glotfelty, a Security Forces C-sUAS training manager, flies a drone during a C-sUAS training at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 2, 2024. Security Forces Airmen use C-sUAS to provide installation security and protect assets from potential drone threats. The U.S. maintains a highly agile fighting force, which leverages the most advanced training and platforms to dominate the warfighting landscape for the long-term security and stability of the region.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kevin Santos, left, 18th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, and Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), apprehend a simulated active shooter during a training exercise on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 13, 2022. During the exercise, joint forces were able to increase efficiency with their communication skills, weapons handling, performance under pressure and room-clearing procedures.

Staff Sgt. Brittany Kiselich watches her fire team leader while performing dismounted patrols during a Field Training Exercise in preparation for real world situations, March 29, 2011, Camp Blanding Joint Forces Training Center, Florida.

Group of soldiers in oposit sides celebrating peace after battle by showing blind mute and deaf symbols.. Group of soldiers in oposit sides celebrating peace after battle by showing blind mute and deaf symbols

Two U.S. Marines talks to an Australian Infantry Soldier about Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUNT) during Exercise Super Garuda Shield on Dodiklatpur Rindam V, East Java, Indonesia., September 1, 2023. Super Garuda Shield 2023 is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in scope and size since 2009. SGS2023 is the second consecutive time this exercise has grown into a combined and joint event, highlighting the 6 participating and 12 observing nations' commitment to partnership and a free and open indo-pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Brandon McAlister from Anderson, South Carolina, a low altitude air defense gunner assigned to 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, scouts for aircraft in support of a low altitude air defense exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at Tacts Airfield, near Wellton, Arizona, Oct. 13, 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.

A 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron patch is affixed to traffic management specialists uniform, April 21 at Al Dhafra Air Bases TMO. The 380th TMO is responsible for the accurate accountability of all inbound and outbound cargo from tires and hazardous materials to a General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper engine. (U.S. Air Force Photo / Technical Sgt. Jeffrey Grossi)

A Swedish Marine with 4th Marine Regiment, Swedish Amphibious Corps scans the area during a visit, board, search, and seizure for exercise TYR 22 at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre (NMIOTC) in Souda bay, Greece, July 14, 2022. TYR 22 is a maritime interdiction operations exercise held at NMIOTC, bringing together Swedish Marines, U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy Special warfare combatant-craft crewmen to improve US and NATO Partner operational capacity, capability, and interoperability.

220711-M-TN173-1044 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 11, 2022) U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, hike to an urban operations area while participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), July 11, 2022 on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Hawaii. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Duane O'Keefe, an infantry platoon sergeant assigned to Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, looks into a valley for signs of insurgent activity near Combat Outpost Bowri Tana in Khost province, Afghanistan, Nov. 30, 2012. The Soldiers conducted a security patrol in search of the site where a rocket was fired during a recent attack on their outpost.

ROTA, Spain (Dec. 15, 2019) A Seabee assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 guides a medium tactical vehicle replacement cargo truck off the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Yuma (T-EPF 8) prior to beginning their field training exercise (FTX). An FTX is an around the clock exercise which tests a battalions capability to perform scheduled tasking in the midst of extreme adversity. NMCB-11 is currently forward deployed to Rota, Spain in support of Commander, Task Force (CTF) 68, to provide expeditionary construction and engineering capabilities, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and exercise related construction for the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

Sgt. Matthew Suson, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24), conducts a contact patrol with other Navy Corpsmen on July 22, 2022, during training on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 23rd Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 is holding annual training at Fort McCoy. (Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Donovan Tapp, a radio transmissions operator with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division tests communications equipment at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Jan. 27, 2023. Marine Littoral Regiment Training Exercise is a large-scale, service-level exercise designed to train, develop, and experiment with the 3d MLR as part of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force, led by 3d Marine Division, operating as a Stand-in Force across a contested and distributed maritime environment. Pfc. Tapp is a native from Tampa, Florida.

Master Sgt. John Rizzo, a port dawg with the 46th Aerial Port Squadron, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, chains a Humvee down in the cargo bay of a C-130H Hercules aircraft stationed at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, on Jan. 6, 2024. Members of the 46th and 32nd Aerial Port Squadron from Dover AFB and Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station, respectively, traveled to Youngstown ARS to practice with the 76th Aerial Port Squadron for the upcoming 2024 Port Dawg Challenge.

A soldier with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force rides a Type 96 Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier, serving as an improvised ambulance, during a mass casualty drill during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 6, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

220711-M-WC972-1048 Hawaii (July 11, 2022) U.S. Marines, assigned to Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, sight in on a targets during a squad live-fire range in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 11, on Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Medical personnel from the Indiana Air National Guard observe continued construction of medical facilities during an Indiana National Guard State Partnership Program mission, June 17-24, 2022, in Niamey, Niger. The Republic of Niger is twice the size of Texas and faces external threats along most of its borders. The State Partnership program is administered by the National Guard Bureau, guided by State Department foreign policy goals.

Partner nation member pulls a 150-pound sled during the Assaulter Stress course as part of the Fuerzas Comando 2022 Day 4 on June 15, 2022, in La Venta, Honduras. Fuerzas Comando is a Special Operation skills competition and a senior leader seminar supported by SOCSOUTH. The competition enhances SOF regional cooperation and exchanges best practices to combat transnational crime and counter illicit activities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Lionel Castellano)

A British Paratrooper runs and drags his MC-6 parachute towards the objective on Glen Rock Drop Zone during Leapfest 2022 at Exeter, Rhode Island, August 6, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Avery Luengo, left, a martial arts instructor trainer with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alexis Flippo, an imagery analysis specialist with 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conduct weapon-free sparring during a martial arts instructor course physical training session at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 8, 2022. MAI courses certify Marines to instruct and monitor Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training and advance Marines in the program, distinguishing their levels of experience with different colored belts.

NORFOLK (Feb. 14, 2024) Ensign Henry Streater, Assigned to Naval Public Affairs East (NPASE), receives new command patch while attached to Amphibious Squadron Four (PHIBRON 4) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), Feb. 14, 2023. (US Navy Photo By Mass Communication Specialist Troy Davis)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jorge CaraballTorres, a combat engineer, with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, speaks with his Marines during exercise Winter Workhorse, at Central Training Area, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 6, 2022. Winter Workhorse is an annual exercise for CLR-3 to train to carry out mission essential tasks in forward-deployed, austere environments.

220711-M-TN173-1058 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 11, 2022) U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, Chilean Marines and Mexican Naval Infantry Marines conduct urban operations training during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare for a MV-22B Osprey to arrive during a helicopter raid exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 03, 2022. The exercise trained Marines on securing an objective, defending it, and creating a forward arming and refueling point. 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jose Raynund-Hamoy, an infantry Marine with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, talks to Mexican Marines and U.S. Marines before conducting their culminating event during exercise Tradewinds 2022 (TW22) at Belmopan, Belize, on May 19, 2022. The culminating event took place at the National Police Training Academy which consisted of various events occurring: riot control, close quarter combat and tactical field care. TW22 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored Caribbean-focused multi-dimensional exercise conducted in the ground, air, sea, and cyber domains, designed to provide participating nations opportunities to conduct joint, combined, and interagency training focused on increasing regional cooperation and interoperability in complex multinational security operations.

U.S. Marine Corps infantrymen with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, provide security outside a landing zone during a Noncombatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) exercise as part of Assault Support Tactics 3 (AST-3), Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23, at Twentynine Palms, California, Oct. 21, 2022. AST-3 is a multi-mission evolution consisting of a NEO as well as Foreign Humanitarian Assistance operations. This evolution allows the prospective WTIs to plan, brief and execute both missions while shifting their focus towards an in-depth review and dissection of rules of engagement, military authorities and civil considerations.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Karol Casey, a surveyor with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, loads magazines during a machine gun range in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 21, 2024. CLB-6 is in Norway apart of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 24.1 which focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners. Marine Corps

220720-M-RA094-1080 MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii (July 20, 2022) Australian Army Soldiers get on a CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, during onload and offload drills in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 20. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Marines dismount from joint light tactical vehicles in preparation for an ambush at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 14, 2024. The training was used to familiarize Marines with basic demolition and ambush tactics, enhancing their ability to safely employ explosives and fight effectively in a jungle environment. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Regiment. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Marine Corps

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