Modern Military Training and Operations

Color images of U.S. military personnel in training environments, highlighting uniforms, equipment, and teamwork during drills and exercises.

Soldier, camouflage and uniform for military, night and duty to protect, service and veteran in army and safety. Hero, professional and person with authority, defence and surveillance for war

Soldiers and Airmen from the Oklahoma National Guard are briefed by Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics agents before assisting OBN to collect and transport illegally grown marijuana plants for destruction in Pawnee County, Oklahoma, Sept. 27, 2022. The Oklahoma National Guard is supporting OBN by providing service members and equipment to collect large amounts of illegally grown marijuana and transport them to an undisclosed location for destruction. (Oklahoma National Guard Photo by Anthony Jones)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Brian Kinner, a KC-135R Stratotanker pilot for the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Alabama Air National Guard, wears the dixie refuelers patch in Savannah, Georgia on May 4, 2022 for Sentry Savannah 22-1. The mission of the 117th is to train and equip combat ready aircrews and support personnel to perform worldwide aerial refueling and airlift missions.

Soldier, camouflage and uniform for military, night and duty to protect, service and veteran in army and safety. Hero, professional and person with authority, defence and surveillance for war

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, United States Strategic Command deputy commander, and U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Charles Baker, United States Strategic Command, Commandant, participate in a tour of the B-2 Spirit and talk to various Airmen across the 509th Bomb Wing Aug. 4, 2022, on Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Bussiere and Baker visited Whiteman Air Force Base to present the 509th Operations Support Squadron with, and congratulate them for winning, the 2021 Omaha Trophy.

Maj. Gen. Kimberly Colloton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division's commanding general, presents a combat patch to Capt. Bradly Williams, the new lead project manager and officer-in-charge of the Transatlantic Expeditionary District team, at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, April 27, 2022. The combat patch, worn on the right sleeve, distinguishes Soldiers who have deployed to a combat zone. (Photos by Richard Bumgardner, Transatlantic Expeditionary District Public Affairs)

A patch for the 909th Air refueling Squadron rests on the sleeve of an Airman during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 6, 2022. The 718th AMXS and 909th ARS are from Kadena Air Base, Japan. RF-A is designed to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Omar Cruz, outgoing mayor of the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area assigned to 191st Regional Support Group of the Puerto Rico Army National Guard speaks with Polish Land Forces Lt. Col. Andrzej Niegmanski, commander of the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area during a meeting at Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, June 29, 2022. The 191st Regional Support Group provides contingency and expeditionary base operations support, with responsibilities for managing facilities, providing administrative and logistical support of soldier services, and ensuring the security of personnel and facilities on a base camp.

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Wayne Baze, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3, and Rear Adm. Jean-Mathieu Rey, Joint Commander of the French Armed Forces in the Asia-Pacific, greets the soldiers participating in Exercise Marara 22 on Huahine, French Polynesia, May 16, 2022. Marara 22 is the foundation for building relationships and increasing engagements with our allies and partners to build a better bilateral relationship.

Meeting, planning or military people in control room, tactical briefing or strategic idea for mission. Army coordination, brainstorming or team with intelligence update, defense scheme or security

This is the unit path worn by Airman First Class Erin Walgren, a Mental Health Technician with the 72nd Air Base Wing Medical Groups Operational Medical Readiness Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base. She answered a call with a distressed service member on the other end and acted quickly to help save the suicidal service members life, just two weeks into her first assignment. (Air Force photo by Gina Anderson)

U.S. Army Soldiers with Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, stand in formation with Iraqi soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 12th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, during the turnover ceremony of Multi-National Force - Iraq, Combat Outpost Power in the Aden District of Mosul, Iraq, June 7. The 3rd Battalion, 12th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division assumes command and control of COP Power from the U.S. Army, Alpha Battery, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Greywolf Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

The 1st Infantry Division Big Red One patch appears over the script for U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Rickey G. relinquishment of responsibility ceremony at the parade field of Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, April 25, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

The shoulder patch of U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips, the U.S. European Command's Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Cyber Director (J-6), as he speaks to U.S. Marines with 8th Communications Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Information Group who are participating in exercise Nordic Response at Bardufoss, Norway, Feb. 27, 2024. The J-6 is a joint staff section responsible for command, control, communications and computer systems and provides commanders with the ability to make and communicate timely decisions across their areas of operations. II Marine Expeditionary Force Marines are participating in exercise Nordic Response 24 which is a Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation. This exercise will test military activities ranging from the reception of allied and partner reinforcements and command and control interoperability to combined joint operations, maritime prepositioning f

U.S. Army Paratroopers and International Paratroopers participate in the International Airborne Leapfest Competition in Exeter, Rhode Island, Aug. 1-10, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest-running, 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. Army National Guard photos by Officer Candidate Deirdre Salvas)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Daniel J. Williams, outgoing company commander with Headquarters and Service Battalion, shakes hands with Lt. Col. Jose A. Nicolas, retiring officer, during his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Jan. 5, 2024. The ceremony was held in honor of Williams who honorably served in the Marine Corps for more than 20 years.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips, the U.S. European Command's Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Cyber Director (J-6), presents a coin to U.S. Marines with 8th Communications Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Information Group at Bardufoss, Norway, Feb. 27, 2024. The J-6 is a joint staff section responsible for command, control, communications and computer systems and provides commanders with the ability to make and communicate timely decisions across their areas of operations. II Marine Expeditionary Force Marines are participating in exercise Nordic Response 24 which is a Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation. This exercise will test military activities ranging from the reception of allied and partner reinforcements and command and control interoperability to combined joint operations, maritime prepositioning force logistics, integration under challenging Arctic conditions, in h

U.S. Air Force Col. David Anderson, 307th Bomb Wing commander, tests the Experiential Air Refueling Lightweight Simulator (EARL) at StrikeWerx in Bossier City, Louisiana, Aug. 11, 2022. EARL was created by Specular Theory, a VR software company that earned a contract through AFWERX last year to t develop software that simulates in-air refueling on the B-52 Stratofortress.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Javier Perez, a transmissions system operator assigned to 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, loads a magazine while conducting the table three course of fire during Warfighter Week on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 18, 2022. Warfighter Week provides the opportunity to train to specific objectives that enhance lethality and sustain readiness.

The Civil Engineering Squadron of the 147th Attack Wing on Joint Reserve Base Ellington, TX board onto a C-130 jet for mission-ready airman training in Pennsylvania. The Connecticut National Guard piloted the flight for the unit. (Texas Air National Guard Photo by Airman First Class Asiah Phillips) (Photo enhanced to emphasize the subject.)

A Las Vegas Bomb Squad member displays his organizational patch at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, September 7, 2022. U.S. Air Force Security Forces members from both Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases were working with the Bomb Squad as part of a special training.

U.S. Marine Corps Recruits with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, stand at parade rest during a senior drill instructor inspection at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 8, 2024. The SDI Inspection is the first of several inspections recruits will undergo throughout the duration of their training at MCRD San Diego and aims to ensure the recruits are upholding the uniform orders given to them. Marine Corps

U.S. Air Force patch of the 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Apr. 22, 2022. The Airmen from McGuire performed maintenance on a KC-10 Extender aircraft during a TDY here at RAF Mildenhall.

The former Air Education and Training Command patch is on display during the annual Air Force Ball, at the McNease Convention Center, in San Angelo, Texas, Sept. 17, 2022. Goodfellow Air Force Base has trained the military force for 82 years.

The former Air Education and Training Command patch is on display during the annual Air Force Ball, at the McNease Convention Center, in San Angelo, Texas, Sept. 17, 2022. Goodfellow Air Force Base has trained the military force for 82 years.

354th Logistics Readiness Squadron individual protective equipment technicians ensure the capability to mobilize, provide operational sustainment and receive personnel and cargo to support Eielsons wartime taskings. This section readily provides real world deployment, cold weather, and chemical training gear at any time.

Airman 1st Class Gabriel Barba, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron pavement and equipment operator, wears a Dirt Boys patch to display his job at Camp Futenma, Japan, April 26, 2022. 18th Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen were able to complete equipment training during a track renovation alongside MWSS-172 Marines.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, stand at parade rest during a senior drill instructor inspection at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 8, 2024. The SDI Inspection is the first of several inspections recruits will undergo throughout the duration of their training at MCRD San Diego and aims to ensure the recruits are upholding the uniform orders given to them. Marine Corps

Soldiers of the German Army with rank insignia Staff Sergeant (front) at the handover roll call of the German Field Army in Nymphenburg Palace, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

A U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Soldier answers board's questions during the unit Best Warrior Competition, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Feb. 28, 2022.

A 911th Air Refueling Squadron patch worn at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Sept. 9, 2022. The squadron is the Air Force's very first active-duty squadron that is under the command of a reserve wing.

110720-N-QD416-050ACAJUTLA, El Salvador (July 20, 2011) A Sailor assigned to Mobile Security Squadron (MSS) 6 receives his Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Specialist device during a pinning ceremony aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) during Continuing Promise 2011.

French commemoration of the armistice day november 11 1918, end of the first world war. French army..

Army Combat Helmets assigned to Soldiers participating in the 2009 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition sit at the ready during the Urban Warfighting Orientation Course phase of the competition. The competition brought 28 Soldiers and non-commissioned officers from Guam to New Hampshire to Fort McCoy to determine the best of the Army Reserve. The Army Reserve winners will then compete in the Department of the Army competition held later this year at Fort Lee, Va.

Kentucky's Holistic Health and Fitness team partners with Bravo Company Recruiters SSG Evan Jones and SSG Angel Martinez to conduct the sprint-drag-carry portion of the ACFT and provide students of Great Crossing High School the opportunity to get their baseline body composition using the InBody Scan.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Amiel D. Roxas, station captain with Crash Fire Rescue 751, Expeditionary Firefighting and Rescue, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, poses for a photo in his office on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, Jacksonville, North Carolina, June 28, 2023. Roxas, the recipient of Junes MCAS New River Go-Getter award, leads section one of his station by facilitating unit training exercises, coordinating with air wing units and leading routine classes designed to instill mission readiness amongst his Marines.

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - A U.S. Army Soldier with the 547th Medical Company (Area Support), 56th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 62nd Medical Brigade, stands outside the units aid station just prior to the start of the companys Crusader Challenge on Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, June 14, 2022. The Crusader Challenge was a day-long event that tested medical Soldiers physical and mental stamina as they competed in multiple events.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sergeant Jamian Carrasquillo, 824th Base Defense Squadron squad leader holds up the 824th BDS patch for a picture Aug. 16, 2022 at Łask Air Base, Poland. The 824th BDS is a part of the 820th Base Defense Group based out of Moody Air Base, Georgia. The 824th BDS forward deployed from Ramstein Air Base, Germany to support the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron executing the NATO Air Shielding mission.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Esperanza Gonzales, a Female Engagements Team member assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), extends a buried command medal detector as part of an explosive ordnance period of instruction during Composite Training Exercise (COMPTUEX), Jan. 26, 2022. COMPTUEX is the final pre-deployment exercise that certifies the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEUs ability to conduct military operations through joint planning, and execute challenging and realistic scenarios. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Marcela Diazdeleon)

Service members assigned to the 163d Attack Wing prepare to be briefed by Wing leadership at March Air Reserve Base in California on April 1st, 2023 before they disembark to Exercise Balikatan in the Philippines. The 163d will lead the way as part of the first large-scale integration of an unmanned platform into Philippine Air Space. They will work shoulder to shoulder with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to provide Intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, maritime domain awareness and simulated offensive air support for the exercise.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Lauren Edwards, commanding officer of Combat Logistic Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, takes part in an interview during a Woman Marine Commanders Assembly, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 5, 2023. The 14 women commanders organized the informal meeting to discuss a variety of topics, ranging from personal experiences, MAGTF operations, readiness, and challenges facing their respective units.

Members of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 132nd Army Band played at the Lawton farmers market July 12, 2022. The unit is covering for Fort Sill's 77th Army Band while the Pride of Fort Sill is on block leave.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Anthony Miranda, an administrative specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6), Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, adjusts a PEQ-15 before conducting Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear night operations in preparation for exercise Freezing Winds 22 in Syndalen, Finland, Oct. 13, 2022. Task Force Red Cloud, headquartered by elements of CLB-6, is deployed to Finland in support of Exercises SYD 2022 and Freezing Winds 2022 to enhance U.S. and Finnish select interdependence in the maritime domain; solidify bilateral maritime maneuver within the Finnish littoral environment; and foster strong relationships between U.S. Marine Corps and Finnish Defense Force sustainment units.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kyle Allen, 354th Range Squadron (RANS) assistant director of operations, works on his computer at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Oct. 12, 2022. The 354th RANS is in charge of their section of the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, which is called R22-11 or Blair Lakes, and shares the rest of the park with the U.S. Army.

Members of the U.S. Air Force Parachute Team Wings of Blue prepare to jump out an Alabama Army National Guard Ch-47F Chinook helicopter, assigned to Company B 1st Battalion, 169th Aviation Regiment, at Dannelly Field, Alabama, Feb. 9, 2024. The mission of the Wings of Blue is to serve primarily as jumpmasters and instructors, forging leaders of character through this unique training experience. Air Force

A load crew inspector with the 25th Aircraft Maintenance Unit watches as teams compete during the 51st Maintenance Group Weapons Load Crew Competition at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 6, 2022. The Load crews were evaluated on safety, reliability, proficiency, technical order compliance and time.

030526-M-5455N-005. Base: Uss Kearsarge (LHD 3)

U.S. Air Force Col. Bradely Stevens, 375th Operations Group commander, pins the Meritorious Service Medal onto Lt. Col. Brendan Hopkins, 458th Airlift Squadron outgoing commander, during the 458th Airlift Squadron Change of Command at Hangar 3 on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 26, 2022. The ceremony represents a time-honored military tradition providing an opportunity for Airmen to witness the transfer of power to their newly appointed commanding officer. (U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Mark Sulaica)

Mid section view of a navy officer

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Shawndae Wilkins, 36th Contracting Squadron government purchase card program noncommissioned officer in charge and agency organizations program coordinator, tracks GPC transactions on Andersen Air Force Base, Aug. 23, 2022. The 36 CONS oversees purchasing activities for the 36th Wing, which includes approximately 200 accounts in the GPC program, and tenant units such as the U.S. Space Force.

American flag military patch on camouflage uniform of U.S. Armed Forces.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ryan Scott, 2-10 AHB Commander, conducts his last flight as battalion commander on Fort Drum, Ny. July 15, 2022. Lt. Col. Scott was pinned his Master Aviator Wings afterwards, after completing 15 years of service and 2,000 flight hours.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, pack a rifle cleaning brush in their cleaning kits 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.

The Indiana Helocopter Aquatic Rescue Team participated in a multi-agency exercise in College Station, Texas, Wednesday, June 22, 2022. Despite the Texas-summer heat, Indiana HART showcased their aquatic rescue skills alongside other National Guard, law enforcement, fire rescue and first responder agencies from various states.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, stands at attention during close order drill at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 13, 2022. Recruits learned and performed drill movements as a platoon throughout recruit training to eliminate individualism and create discipline.

U.S. Air Force Airmen secure an Airman to a stretcher for second-level Tactical Combat Casualty Care Training during Exercise Iron Hand 22-09 at North Auxiliary Airfield, South Carolina, Aug. 26, 2022. Exercise planners incorporated TCCC training into the exercise to support the multi-capable Airmen initiative to equip Airmen from various career fields with the skills needed to secure, defend, and administer first aid.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Zachary Collins, a decontamination specialist with the Washington National Guards 10th Homeland Response Force, evaluates Soldiers with 153rd Medical Detachment (Blood Support), 56th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 62nd Medical Brigade, using Joint Chemical Agent Detectors (JCAD M4A1) to identify chemical agents during a practical exercise on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Sept. 23, 2022. The practical exercise was the culmination of a 2-day introductory course, taught by 10th HRF subject matter experts, covering chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incident basics.

"Pax Opus Nostrum", or Peace is our Profession”, is the motto of the 351st Air Refueling Squadron at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Jan. 24, 2022. The 351st ARS routinely participates in exercises, providing air-to-air refueling support to other U.S. Air Force wings and partnered nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Viviam Chiu)

A U.S. Navy Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape specialist participates in exercise Red Flag-Rescue 22-2 at Playas Training Center, New Mexico, Aug. 11, 2022. Red Flag-Rescue is the Department of Defense's premier combat search and rescue exercise, involving various wings and partner nations.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Brian Gill, optometrist, 114th Fighter Wing, South Dakota National Guard, practices using a pulse oximeter during a Medic-X training at Joe Foss Field, South Dakota, June 9, 2022. Subject matter experts with the unit used Medic-X training guides to provide medical training to non-clinical specialties in hopes of increasing the number of Airmen able to provide support in mass casualty and other emergencies.

A cadet from the Basha High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) is given a coin during their visit to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Nov. 30, 2022. Cadets in the Basha High School JROTC were given the opportunity to learn about Marine Corps careers.

060927-N-7088A-003. Base: USS Bataan (LHD 5)

Recruiters from the 330th Recruiting Squadron spectate the Worlds Strongest Operator competition in Allen, TX, Sep. 9, 2022. The event honored U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Elchin, a Combat Controller killed in action Nov. 27, 2018.

The unit patch of a Soldier assigned to the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team as they engage targets during the M4A1 qualification course at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 25, 2022. Soldiers from the 37th IBCT conducted the new M4A1 qualification course of fire, which sees Soldiers challenged by the integration of support barriers, unprompted magazine reloading, and a variety of position changes to better ensure they are prepared and ready to face combat.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Mitchell Johnson, a Warner Robins, Georgia, native and combat photographer, gets pinned to the rank of Sgt. during his promotion ceremony at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Triangle, Virginia, Jan. 9, 2024. Johnson was promoted to the rank of sergeant, a title referred to as the backbone of the Marine Corps, which indicates proficiency in their occupational specialty and leadership capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kierra Murray, a Security Forces Airman from the 127th Wing, Selfridge Air National Guard, Mich., provides aircraft security on the flightline during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 8, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

A Soldier holds his air assault wings during graduation from the U.S. Army Air Assault Course at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 28, 2022. The 7th Army Training Commands Combined Arms Training Center sponsored the ten-day air assault course provided by instructors from the Army National Guards Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia. The course trains Soldiers on air assault operations, sling-load operations, and rappelling to maximize the use of helicopter assets in training and combat. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christian Carrillo)

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 23rd Wing speaks with a first sergeant during a Developmental Special Duty expo at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Aug. 17, 2022. The expo allowed Airmen to speak to current and former DSD Airmen to learn more about the duties of each career field.

A U.S Air Force Airman assigned to the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron listens to a briefing from a Royal Norwegian Air Force flight surgeon at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Feb. 14, 2024. Members from both countries used the training as an opportunity to discuss differences and similarities between their services. Air Force

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. David Condon, an admin clerk with Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1), poses for a photo at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 24, 2022. Condon joined the Marine Corps to honor his relatives who served before him.

Recruits with Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, meet their drill instructors aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, on Dec. 2, 2022. Pick Up day allows drill instructors to teach recruits the rules and expectations of recruit training.

U.S. Marine Corps Warrant Officer William Van Verth, a communications electronics maintenance officer with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, reloads his magazine during the Marine Corps Championships on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, March 30, 2023. Marines who place in the top 10-percent at their respective Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition receive an invitation to participate in the Marine Corps Championships that consists of 10 days of competition in precision rifle, action rifle, precision pistol, action pistol, and multi gun action shooting.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Adam M. Gharati, the command Sergeant Major of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, reads a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal award citation to for Cpl. Jasmin Davila, an administrative specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and Nashville, Tennessee resident, as she is recognized for commendable administrative support to fellow Marines, civilians and other service personnel at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, June 9, 2022. Davila was also named as the Marine Corps Manpower, Personnel, and Administration Awards Program (MCMPAAP) Marine of the Year, and was given an award from the Marine Corps Association in recognition of high endeavor, superior accomplishment and leadership.

A member of the U.S. Air Force 22nd Special Tactics Squadron tapes a flipper to his leg in preparation for a high altitude low opening jump during Exercise Cobra Gold in the Kingdom of Thailand Mar. 1, 2023.Cobra Gold, now in its 42nd year, is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored training event that builds on the longstanding 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.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Krista St. John, 6th Aerial Refueling Squadron pilot, writes her name on a tape attached to her mobility bag during an exercise at Travis Air Force Base, California, April 8, 2022. Airmen from multiple squadrons participated in exercise Roundel Perun 22-01, testing Travis AFBs rapid mobility capabilities during possible real-world scenarios.

U.S. Soldiers with 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and Finnish army soldiers with the Pori Brigade brief a 7-minute drill to Maj. Gen. John Meyer, the commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division, at Niinisalo, Finland, July 28, 2022. The 3/4th 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.

Airmen from the 305th Rescue Squadron prepared for their annual marksmanship qualification May 20, 2022 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Annual qualification consists of long- and short-range tactical shooting to mimic real-life scenarios and ensure combat readiness.

Detail shot of trophy Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Wagner, assigned to the 32 Aerial Port Squadron, holds an Outstanding Airman of the Year award during a commanders call on April 2, 2023 at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station. The award was designed by Senior Master Sgt. Jeremy Simmons, assigned to the 911th Maintenance Squadron, and assembled by the fabrication flight.

A U.S. Air Force Airman holds luggage tags during an operational readiness exercise at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 9, 2022. This ORE is intended for Airmen to practice and enhance the skills needed to conduct various base functions in a high risk environment.

A U.S. Marine Corps Small Arms Repair Technician with Service Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, assists an M16A4 service rifle issue at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Sept. 26, 2022. While working at the armory, a small arms repair technician carries a weapon to ensure maximum safety.

A view of the shoulder patch worn by one of the units participating in the air-to-air combat training exercise WILLIAM TELL '82. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '82 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

2d Lt. Stephanie Richey, 31st Contracting Squadron, Contracts Manager, poses for a photo at Aviano Air Base September 27, 2022. During the end of the fiscal year, contracting and finance personnel strive to spend all allocated Wing funds before midnight on September 30, the official end of fiscal year. During this process, they execute any last-minute contract actions and get money spent on behalf of our squadrons so they can get what they need in time to make their part in the mission happen.

Candidates stand in order of squad and number and listen to opening comments to help motivate them at the 30th Medical Brigade Best Squad Competition on Franken Kaserne military base, Ansbach, Germany on Feb. 26, 2024. Each candidate is required to wear a black patch that identifies their assigned squad. Events like these are used as a test of grit and toughness, foster readiness and esprit de corps, and are a fundamental part of the Brigade's method of building lethal, cohesive teams and expert leaders. Army

A patch is worn on the sleeve of a Spanish Marine assigned to Marine Infantry Brigade, Third Armada, First Landing Battalion, during exercise Lisa Azul in Sierra del Retin, Spain, Sept. 13, 2022. Lisa Azul is an annual bilateral training exercise that takes place aboard Naval Station Rota and Sierra del Retin and focuses on critical skills such as live-fire, helicopter rope suspension techniques, non-lethal combatives, and physical fitness to foster camaraderie and sustain interoperability amongst U.S. and partner forces and improve lethality in security and infantry operations.

An Airman assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron secures luggage after arriving at Bangor Air National Guard Base, Maine, Aug. 22, 2022. Airmen from different career fields travel alongside the 91st ARS in order to participate in the Agile Combat Employment programs capstone.

A Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Specialist from the 22nd Training Squadron, prepares a parachute for training at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington August 25, 2022. One aspect of SERE training involves being able to properly parachute safely to the ground in case of an emergency.

Col. Shanon Anderson, 436th Airlift Wing vice commander, signs the Sexual Assault Awareness Month proclamation at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, April 1, 2022. Anderson, along with other Dover AFB senior leaders, signed the proclamation to support SAAM in April.

U.S. Army Soldiers receive new shoulder sleeve insignia during the reflagging ceremony of the 11th Airborne Division, June 6, 2022, at Pershing Parade Field, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The activation returns the historic 11th Airborne Division to an active Army role, with a focus on operations in extreme cold weather and mountainous high-altitude environments. The ceremonies at Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson reflagged the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, into the 1st and 2nd brigade combat teams, 11th Airborne Division, respectively.

U.S. Army Capt. Anna Page, battalion chaplain assigned to 330th Movement Control Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Support Command, wears the cross patch on her uniform to show Soldiers that she is a chaplain at Żagań, Poland, July 26, 2022. The 21st Theater Support Command proudly works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide logistics support, transportation, combat sustainment, human resources, finance, contracting and all other areas in the field of sustainment. .

Readiness Challenge VIII participants from Air Force Reserve Command are designated the red team during the event April 18-22, 2022, at the Silver Flag Training Site, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The Department of the Air Force CE event is hosted by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center. After a 20+ year hiatus, the challenge, a premier event for Department of the Air Force civil engineers, is back. This year's Readiness Challenge is the initial operating capability event before the challenge reaches full operating capability within the next two years. At this year's event, which runs through April 22, eight teams representing major commands and U.S. Space Force are facing off in about 20 events showing myriad of CE capabilities from emergency airfield lighting and water purification to building a guard shack from the ground up and firefighting and EOD operations.

Soldiers pass the 4-mile marker during a 12-mile ruck march on Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Nov. 9, 2022. The ruck march was part of qualification for the Expert Infantry, Soldiers or Field Medical badge in a combined event called, "E3B." This is the first E3B hosted at SETAF-AF with competitors from SETAF-AF, 173rd Airborne Brigade, 509th Strategic Signal Battalion, U.S. Special Operations Command Africa, units from U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command and service members from Spain, Croatia and Italy. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Luke Wilson)

U.S. Air Force loadmasters assigned to the 317th Airlift Squadron supporting the 315th Contingency Response Flight, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, offload a C-17A Globemaster III in support of exercise El Swampo at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, March 25, 2023. The Exercise was designed to provide various training scenarios to maintain operational currencies, validate Agile Combat Employment doctrine and employ tactics training and procedures to foster sister service and federal department interoperability.

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Debbie Jacobsmeier, Commander of the 185th Air Refueling Wings Medical Group, applies simulated blood to an Airman as part of a mass casualty exercise at the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center in Savannah, Georgia, on June 24, 2022. Medical Group Airmen are at the CRTC as a part of their annual training period.

Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Brown, senior enlisted adviser of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and a Greenwood resident, was awarded the Legion of Merit in a ceremony at the IU Health Cancer Pavilion, May 12, 2022.

Cadets from the Citadels alpha team work together to plot routes to different map points at the Land Navigation event during 1st Brigades Army ROTC Challenge on October 28, 2022 at Fort Knox, Ky. The Ranger Challenge runs October 26-29, and the top two teams go on to compete in the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at West Point Military Academy in April 2023. | Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Dereck J. Black, a spectrum manager with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, loads his Beretta M9 magazine on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California May 5, 2022. Pistol qualification enables Marines to enhance their shooting skills and maintain proficiency with a sidearm.

ST. LOUIS (Aug. 19, 2022) Cmdr. Benjamin Fischer, the outgoing commanding officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Mid America, receives his end-of-tour award during a change of command ceremony at Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, Aug. 19, 2022. After the ceremony, Fischer retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of naval service. NTAG Mid America, part of Navy Recruiting Command, recruits the next generation of Navy Sailors throughout areas encompassing Missouri, Kansas, central and southern Illinois, and a portion of Kentucky.

of 4