Modern Military Training and Operations

Images of U.S. soldiers engaged in tactical training and operations, emphasizing their roles and skills in modern warfare scenarios.

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Ryan Meek, the first sergeant of Battle Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fires his weapon during an M4 qualification held at Pabrade, Lithuania, July 13, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT, and Finish and British army units trained in Finland to further strengthen the relations and interoperability between the nations.

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

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jake Augustine, a squad leader, with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, hold security 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.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fire an M240B medium machine gun during a live fire range in the Central Training Area, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 8, 2022. The purpose of the range was to improve the Marines ability to operate the M240B medium machine gun by firing at targets with unknown distances and perform remedial actions. 3rdMLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force's comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

A U.S. Marine Takes Cover And Prepares to Return Fire During a Firefight in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

A U.S. Marine assigned to Alpha Company; 1st Battalion; 1st Marine Regiment; 1st Marine Division; buddy rushes toward an objective while conducting Range 800 during a battalion field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton; California; Sept. 20; 2022. Range 800 improved Alpha Companys efficiency in independent platoon operations and basic fire support team skills during the larger FEX; intended to increase the battalions combat readiness.

U.S. Marines with Combined Anti Armor Team1, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment (1/5) scan the area for enemy combatants during a security patrol through the Nawa district of the Helmand province of Afghanistan Oct. 28, 2009. 1/5 is deployed with Regimental Combat Team 3 to conduct counterinsurgency operations with Afghan National Security Forces in southern Afghanistan.

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Ryan Meek, the first sergeant of Battle Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fires his weapon during an M4 qualification held at Pabrade, Lithuania, July 13, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT, and Finish and British army units trained in Finland to further strengthen the relations and interoperability between the nations.

Staff Sgt. Mitchelle Paquette, a forward observer assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, pulls security as his comrades build a hasty observation post during Ivy Mass at Fort Carson, Colorado, June 8, 2022. Forward observer's role during Ivy Mass was to call for and direct aircraft fire on targeted locations. Ivy Mass was a joint-exercise lead by 4th Inf. Div. designed to converge lethal and non-lethal effects across multi-domain functions on the battlespace.

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)

Spc. Samuel Alverez of Squad 1, representing U.S. Army Forces Command in the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition, takes aim with his M4A1 carbine during the weapon qualification course 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 and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue.

A U.S. Army Soldier, with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, takes a security position with the M249 light machine gun 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.

220630-M-GI936-1085 WAHIAWA, Hawaii (June 30, 2022)- Personnel with the Republic of Korea Navy SEALs conduct live-fire lateral drills 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 world's 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 world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

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 21537992 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Elliot Koy, an infantryman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, sets security during exercise Bougainville II at Dillingham Airfield, Hawaii, Oct. 25, 2022. A company with 3d Littoral Combat team secured an expeditionary advanced base at Dillingham Airfield in order to enable early warning of air and missile threats. Bougainville II is a field exercise that allows the MLR and its subordinate units to conduct expeditionary advanced base operations across the island of Oahu. BVII displays the MLRs ability to rapidly establish and displace EABs while executing command and control in a dispersed environment.

A U.S. Soldier with Task Force Americal from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, trains with an M4 carbine at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sept. 24, 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)

A U.S. Marine with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion (CEB), 2d Marine Division (MARDIV), sets security during the SAPPER Squad Competition on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 10, 2022. During this exercise, Marines from 1st CEB, 1st MARDIV, and 2d CEB conducted urban demolition training during the annual SAPPER Squad Competition. The competition consisted of a wide array of mission essential tasks under a stressful environment and recognized top talent within the Marine Corps combat engineer community.

Sgt. Enrique Ramos a squad member assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division engages targets with his M4 at the Grandstaff range during the Best Squad Competition on May 24, 2022, at Fort Carson, Colorado. The range was named in honor of Sgt. 1st Class Bruce Grandstaff, a Medal of Honor recipient.

Army Reserve Spc. Doles Thomas, assigned to the United States Army Civil Affairs and Psycological Operations Command (Airborne), pulls the charging handle to the rear on a M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during the Best Squad Competition at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, on May 16, 2022. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Warrior Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022. The 2022 BWBSC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of NCO of the Year, Soldier of the Year and Best Squad among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

060723-A-1067B-007. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: SOUTHEAST

GREYWOLF Trooper, Spc. Daniel Schlosser assigned to Charlie Company, 1-12 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducts a platoon STX, Oct. 26, 2022. Training events like these promote readiness throughout the unit and help soldiers prepare for situations they may face on the battlefield.

U.S. Army Spc. Geoffery Lovan, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25 Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii fires a M240L Medium Machine Gun Sept. 19, 2012, at Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA), on Hawaii's Big Island. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, are conducting a month-long exercise at PTA which is focused on platoon level collective training with enabler integration. The training will culminate in a combined arms live fire exercise later this month.

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. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nicholas Coughenour-Lee, a heavy equipment operator, left, and Lance Cpl. Ethan Walls, a bulk fuel specialist, both with Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, provide notional suppressive fire during a live demolition range on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 24, 2022. CLB-22s Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation is the battalion's final evaluation to demonstrate combat readiness through proficiency in core mission essential tasks before they begin a change of operational control (CHOP) to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

A group of Australian Soldiers conducts Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUNT) training 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.

Spc. Nathaniel Miska fires a M4 carbine during the day live fire events as part of the National Best Warrior Competition, July 27, 2022, Volunteer Training Site in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Miska and Sgt. Richard Carlson placed first in both the Minnesota and Region IV Best Warrior Competition, securing their spot in this National Competition. Fourteen National Guard Soldiers are competing in the All-Guard National Best Warrior Competition July 24-29, 2022, primarily at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee.(Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Two U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) specialist take part in the marksmanship portion of the TACP Lightning Challenge 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Nov. 4, 2022. Lightning Challenge tests United States Air Force TACP Airmen through competition in agile combat employment, physical ability and marksmanship in order to identify the most outstanding multi-capable Airman in the world, prepared to fight and win on the all-domain battlefields of the future.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kay Reh, a machine gunner with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, fires a M240B machine gun during a live-fire range on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, August 31, 2022. This training improved the Marines proficiency at the tactical level and developed small-unit leadership. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Reh is a native of Atlanta, Georgia.

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 21538064 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

United States Marine aims an M-16 rifle during a combat operation in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

Soldiers from the Alabama National Guard's 31st CBRN Brigade and Romania's 72nd NBC Defense Battalion join forces to crosstrain on tactics, techniques, procedures, and equipment at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, April 24-30, 2022. The troops integrated into combined teams for exercises involving hazardous material reconnaissance, analysis and decontamination; Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) operations; site security; medevac; M4 carbine marksmanship; machine gunnery and more. The force-to-force engagement was the second part of a two-part event, with the first held in Romania in September 2021. Both engagements focused on maintaining readiness and enabling troops from both nations to work together in the same environments to defend against imminent threats from near-peer adversaries in the Black Sea region.

A U.S. Army Soldier with 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division (25th ID), looks up to receive instruction while serving as the opposing force during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center rotation 23-01 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Nov. 2, 2022. JPMRC uses training scenarios specific to certain environments to train the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th ID with joint, allied and partnered forces in conditions in which they would fight.

A Republic of Korea Marine, provides security during a live-fire range, at Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base, Philippines during KAMANDAG 6, Oct. 13, 2022. International armed forces participated in a bilateral amphibious assault focused on increasing interoperability and shared understanding of tactics. 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.

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 21538272 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dakota Stogden, a rifleman with Lima Company, 3d Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (1st MARDIV), holds security at Range 600 during a 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.

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 Staff Sgt. Luther C. Talks)

220715-N-VM474-1734 ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 15, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Isaiah Ute, assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fires an M4 service rifle during a live-fire exercise aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), July 15, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 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.

A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines provides security during exercise Typhoon Crossbow on Iwo To, Japan, Jan. 25, 2023. Typhoon Crossbow is a unit-level exercise rehearsing the rapid deployment of a small but lethal element of Marines, from Okinawa to Iwo To, capable of coordinating and prosecuting long-range precision fires from austere terrain.

U.S. Army Trooper Spc. Andy Chau, a Squad Automatic Weapon gunner assigned to Killer Troop, Thunder Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment, scans the horizon for enemy targets during a live-fire exercise in a remote location of the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, May 27, 2022. The 3d CR and enabling units completed a month-long training exercise at NTC, certifying their ability to deploy to an austere environment and support American partners and allies in international conflicts.

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, bounds to set security during a boat raid training exercise on Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, June 29, 2022.The exercise was conducted to improve communication between the ground combat element and additional supporting units that may assist them in potential rea-world situations fostering a more efficient and cohesive unit.The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tyler Zimbro, 633d Security Forces Squadron response force leader, gets down to cover during a field day training exercise at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Nov. 1, 2022. Airmen participating in the exercise are required to be at their sharpest in order to have their teammates back and simulate proper formations and procedures when under attack.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jacob Lee, a machine gunner with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, fires an M240B medium machine gun from a Utility Task Vehicle during a Tactical Small Unit Leader Course, on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, July 28, 2022. This training improved the Marines proficiency at the tactical level and developed small-unit leadership. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Lee is a native of Point Pleasant, West Virginia.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Terrence Hammond, a Houston native, and combat engineer with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, carries an M240B machine gun during the Sapper Leaders Course on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 11, 2022. The Sapper Leaders Course provides combat engineer squad leaders with the technical and tactical proficiency required to provide mobility, counter mobility and survivability to infantry company commanders.

Kentucky Army National Guard Spc. Evan Sugg with Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), conducts a 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.

A U.S. Marine with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, participates in Range 400, a company-level combined arms training event, during Marine Littoral Regiment Training Exercise (MLR-TE) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 9, 2023. MLR-TE 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Patrick Holcomb, an infantry Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sights in on an M240B machine gun during a Defense of the Amphibious Task Force drill aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 9, 2022. DATF is a task force designed to defend naval ships from water and airborne threats while transiting open waters. 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 Soldiers attending the Infantry Advanced Leader Course 19-002, hosted by the New Jersey National Guard's 1st Battalion, 254th Regiment (Combat Arms), fire the M240B machine gun on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., May 2, 2019. The Soldiers rotate running range operations and mentoring shooters as part of their leadership training.

A U.S. Army soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 84th Field Artillery Regiment, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team scans his sector during a security patrol Sept. 23. Soldiers with 1-84 Field Artillery provided security during the construction of a bridge and detour near the village of Ghormach.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Hayden Sutton fires an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during Korea Viper 24.1 at Camp Mujuk, Republic of Korea, Feb. 6, 2024. The live-fire training enhances Marines combat readiness by enhancing marksmanship, building confidence, and testing tactics and strategies to prepare Marines to execute their missions effectively and safely in any operational environment. In its first iteration, Korea Viper demonstrates the ROK-US Marine Corps ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust between the two allies. Sutton, a native of Texas, is a rifleman with 2d Battalion, 7th Marines. 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

Recruits with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, execute the day movement course during Basic Warrior Training (BWT) on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., July 13, 2022. BWT is a week long training event that teaches recruits the basics of combat survival, field skills, and rifle maneuvers.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment takes a security position during a squad live fire exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Oct. 15, 2022. 2nd Cavalry Regiment provides V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe, with combat-credible forces capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater to defend the NATO alliance.

U.S. Army Soldiers stack up and prepare to breach on a mock door during Subject Matter Expert exchanges training in support of Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023 on Dodiklatpur Rindam V, East Java, Indonesia., Sept. 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 7 participating and 12 observing nations' commitment to partnership and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jessica McWain, the command chief of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, fires an M249 light machine gun at Prince Sultan Air Bases firing range, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, July 8, 2022. The 378th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron invited the 378th AEW leadership out to see some of the squadrons equipment and feel its capabilities firsthand.

A group of U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, conducts Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUNT) training 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.

A U.S. Soldier with Task Force Americal from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, trains with an M4 carbine at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sept. 24, 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. Air Force Airman First Class Blaine Hale, student, sends bullets down the target range from a M240 B medium machine gun during the live firing portion of the Lightweight Machine Gun Qualification course at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Oct. 3, 2022. The course is two-weeks long culminating in three days where students familiarize themselves with weapons by live firing in multiple conditions and is designed to ready students for mission demands on day-one of assignment at their new base where this training is not available.

A soldier with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, fires his rifle during the stress shoot event of the Top Tomahawk competition March 29 at Forward Operating Base Spin Boldak, Afghanistan.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, and members of the 3d Rapid Deployment Regiment, Northern Army, Japan Self-Defense Force, fire M40A6 and M24 Sniper Rifles during a live-fire sniper range as a part of Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 3, 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.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 273, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), and Combat Logistics Company (CLC) 23, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, reload an M240B machine gun at Ft. Stewart, Georgia, Nov. 4 2022. Marines with MWSS-273 and CLC-23 exercised deploying the machine guns in pairs to create fields of overlapping fire. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin)

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Kenneth Hale (left) and Lance Cpl. Thomas Ketterle, (right) Machine Gunners with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, prepare to conduct gun drills during an Air Assault Course at Camp Pendleton, California, on July 11, 2022. The Air Assault Course creates a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of successfully operating as part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Webb, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, conducts fire team attack drills on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, August 9, 2022. This training improved the Marines proficiency at the tactical level and developed small-unit leadership. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Garcia is a native of Brooklyn, New York.

Staff Sgt. Valsin Anders performs a functions check on a M240B machine gun during Expert Soldier Badge testing at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin on May 10, 2022.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fire an M240B medium machine gun during a live fire range in the Central Training Area, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 8, 2022. The purpose of the range was to improve the Marines ability to operate the M240B medium machine gun by firing at targets with unknown distances and perform remedial actions. 3rdMLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force's comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Trinity Wilson-Irwin, a field artillery cannoneer with India Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, observes down range during a direct fire training exercise as part of Steel Knight 23 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 5, 2022. Steel Knight is an annual combined arms live-fire exercise which ensures 1st MARDIV is optimized for naval expeditionary warfare in contested spaces, and is purpose-built to facilitate future operations afloat and ashore.

U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in 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.

U.S. Army Spc. James Romberger, a rifleman, Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, Michigan National Guard, conducts a simulated training exercise at the Ben Ghilouf Training Area in Tunisia, June 24, 2022. African Lion 2022 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL22 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic ac

U.S. Marines engage a notional enemy during a live-fire and maneuver range as part of Reconnaissance Certification Exercise at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb 1, 2024. Live-fire and maneuver ranges give Marines the opportunity to engage and destroy targets in a dynamic environment. RCERT is a battalion level exercise that evaluates Marines on all ground reconnaissance warfighting skills and tactics. The Marines are with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division. Marine Corps

US Army soldiers from 554th Military Police Company perform weapons drills with M4 rifles in the Panzer MOUT site in Boeblingen Germany, March 14, 2012

U.S. Army Spc. Franklin Smith ,Task Force Wolfhound infantryman, fires an M320 grenade launcher at Arta Range, Djibouti, March 30, 2023. As the United States largest tactical unit on the continent of Africa, TFWH makes up more than two-thirds of the CJTF-HOA force and is critical to providing security and building partnerships throughout East Africa in support of U.S. Africa Command.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, conduct a team live-fire exercise, with M4 rifle, as part of exercise Repel Resolve II at Monte Romano Italian training area, Italy, Jan. 22, 2024. The Repel Resolve exercise series develops small-team lethality and experience, increasing the battalion's ability to operate across the Brigade Support Area of operation. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

Security Forces competitors from the 11th Wing of Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, DC, concentrate on target acquisition with an M16A2 rifle and M60 machine gun, during the Combat Weapons portion of DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Defender Challenge is the annual Air Force wide competition sponsored by Air Force Security Forces. This competition showcases the talents and capabilities of 13 international Security Forces teams in 24 events over six days. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE '00 Base: Lackland Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Pfc. Austin Puckett from the Effingham-based Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard, pulls security during movement training prior to the start of Exercise Southern Vanguard 23 in Tolemaida Military Base, Colombia, Nov. 5, 2022. Exercise Southern Vanguard is U.S. Army Souths premier training exercise taking place at the operational and tactical levels intended to increase interoperability between the United States and Western Hemisphere forces. This years iteration, Exercise Southern Vanguard 23, involves Soldiers from U.S. Army South and the U.S. Army National Guard training alongside Colombian Army soldiers in varying terrain while conducting weapon familiarization lanes culminating in a bilateral military training operation.

A Danish Sniper zeros his Mark 12 Sniper Rifle on Burroughs Range, Fort Benning Ga., April 3, 2022. These snipers are the best from their home Units and have come to prove they are the best. (U.S. Army Reserve photos by Staff Sgt Austin Berner)

Pfc. Ryder Koon, a combat engineer from the 833rd Engineer Company, Iowa National Guard, fires a .50-caliber machine gun while Spc. Shawn Swanson spots targets during Western Strike 22, June 5, 2022, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. Western Strike 22 is an eXportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise led by the Utah National Guards 65th Field Artillery Brigade, that provides National Guard Soldiers immersed training similar to a Combat Training Center and aims to increase participating unit's readiness and lethality.

U.S. Army Pfc. Cameron Baron, assigned to Chaos Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, holds his position 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.

A Czech Special Forces member conduct small-arms proficiency training during Emerald Warrior 22.1 at Eglin Range, Florida, May 5, 2022. Pararescumen with the 38th Rescue Squadron, U.S. Army and Czech Special Forces members integrated with and executed special operations, sharpening U.S. forces abilities to operate around the globe.

Croatian Army Special Forces clear a stairwell during tower assult training near Udbina, Croatia during exercise Trojan Foorprint 22, May 2nd 2022. Exercise Trojan Footprint is the premier special operations forces exercise in Europe that focuses on improving the ability of SOF to counter myriad threats, increases integration with conventional forces and enhances interoperability with our NATO allies and European partners.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fires his M4A1 carbine at targets down range Huovinrinne, Finland, July 8, 2022. The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and the Pori Brigade of the Finnish army began summer training in Finland to strengthen relations and help build interoperability between the two nations.

STAFF SGT. David Potter, 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY, assumes a fighting position with his M-60 machine gun after his brigade and Canadian paratroopers seized the airfield during a joint US/Canadian operation. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Base: Belet Uen Country: Somalia (SOM)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kyle Rustick, an infantry Marine with Battalion Landing Team 1/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, uses a radio during a platoon size reinforcement training in Kin, Okinawa, Feb. 8, 2023. The training was conducted to supplement forces in a wide range of military operations from direct action to reconnaissance. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America 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.

220428-N-MQ841-1047 PORT HUENEME, Calif. (April 28, 2022) Utilitiesman 1st Class Dylan Richardson (left) and Equipment Operator Construction Recruit Chase Allen, both assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, man an M2A1 machine gun during the live fire portion of the crew served weapons course at U.S. Garrison Fort Hunter Liggett, Jolon, California. NMCB-5 is homeported out of Port Hueneme, California. They train on high-quality construction, expeditionary logistics, and combat operations to execute construction and engineering projects for major combat operations, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.

U.S. Army soldier Spc. Aiden Gallo-Murphy with the 412th Alpha Company qualifies with his m4 at the qualification course, during Operation Viking at Joint Base Cape Cod, Mass., July 23, 2022. Operation Viking is an intense joint task force exercise designed to prepare Soliders with realistic training simulating deployment of civil affairs units in direct support of a contingency operation in Africa.

Pfc. Nolan Murray, a nodal network systems operator-maintainer assigned to Eighth Army and a native from Walpole, Massachusetts, fires a M17 pistol squad automatic weapon at the multiple weapon scenario-based marksmanship event during the 2022 U.S. Army Pacific's Best Warrior Competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, June 8, 2022. The USARPAC BWC 2022 is an annual week-long competition consisting of competitors from multiple USARPAC units across the Indo-Pacific. The noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted Soldiers are evaluated in several categories such as general military knowledge, basic Soldier skills, and physical fitness.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Raymond Lessig, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, coordinates close air support utilizing inert munitions with F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 during Exercise Fuji Viper 22.5 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Sept. 16, 2022. Exercise Fuji Viper exemplifies a commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Lessig is a native of Auburn, Alabama.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Branden Plowman, a combat engineer with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 172, posts security around a construction site during a squadron field exercise (FEX) at Camp Schwab training grounds, Okinawa, Japan, October 2, 2022. MWSS-172 conducted the squadron FEX to emphasize tactics, techniques and procedures in an Expeditionary Advanced Base Operation (EABO) environment in preparation for the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE).

A U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Airman with the New Jersey Air National Guards 227th Air Support Operations Squadron moves tactically during a live-fire training mission with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Oct. 24, 2019.

U.S. Army Reserve Master Sgt. Veronica Badillo, 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support) Headquarter and Headquarters Company, qualifies on her assigned M4 at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho on Oct. 15, 2022. The headquarters company conducted their annual weapons qualification to maintain unit readiness.

Arizona Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team prepare the mortar to support a live-fire mission during Exportable Combat Training Capability program at Camp Roberts, California, July 18, 2022. The mortar live-fire range provided support for the units conducting a live-fire mission on lane 16.

U.S. Army Pvt. Alex Hernandez (front) and Spc. Justin Huser, both from Ghost Company, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany, fire their M240 machine gun during a Fire Team and Squad level Situational Training Exercise focused on react to contact, attack, and break contact in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Feb. 23, 2012.

A Marine with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) completes M4 rifle qualification requirements July 26, 2022, on Range 18 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 24th Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 was holding annual training at Fort McCoy.

French Soldiers with French Forces in Djibouti and U.S. Soldiers with Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, conduct close-quarters marksmanship training at Arta Range, Djibouti, April 13, 2022. U.S and French Forces regularly train to enhance their partnership and build proficiency.

A Soviet Spetsnaz special operations group on a mission. Soviet Spetsnaz in Afghanistan

U.S. Marines with 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, practice vaulting a wall while conducting urban terrain training during Warfighter Week, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina Aug. 15, 2022. Warfighter Week provides the opportunity to train to specific objectives that enhance lethality and sustain readiness.

Soldier in desert uniform aiming his rifle.

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (ABN), scan their sectors of fire during Exercise Saber Junction 22 at Hohenfels Training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 15, 2022. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotation exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Armys 173rd IBCT (ABN) to execute unified land operations in a joint combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied partner nations at the U.S. Armys Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. John Steele, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, fires an M27 infantry automatic rifle while conducting fire team attacks during a Tactical Small Unit Leader Course on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, July 26, 2022. This training improved the Marines proficiency at the tactical level and developed small-unit leadership. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Steele is a native of Martin, Tennessee.

A Taliban soldier stands with a machine gun, Surrender to the allied soldiers, In the desert mountain terrain battlefield A Taliban soldier stands with a machine gun, Surrender to the allied soldiers, In the desert mountain terrain battlefield ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21538240 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

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