Modern Military Training & Maneuvers

Dynamic scenes of soldiers conducting training exercises and patrols in various environments, emphasizing teamwork and tactical proficiency in modern combat.

An Australian Solider and a U.S. Marine, conducts Individual Movement Techniques with their assigned weapon 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.

Cavalry troopers from Ace Troop, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division conduct water insertion and foot patrols through Bellows Field Beach Park Aug. 24, 2022. The joint amphibious insertion with Marines was part of a two-week multi-echelon exercise designed to validate Brigade Capability Set Integration (CSI), train and certify lethal companies, troops and batteries, and exercise the Warriors sustainment capacity in a dynamic and complex battlefield against a reacting enemy.

U.S. Army Pfc. Hayden Erickson, a 13F Fires Support Specialist assigned to 41st Field Artillery Brigade, pulls security after being treated for a simulated head wound during the field medical lanes portion of the 7ATC/V Corps-level Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, July 13, 2022. Teams from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa test their tactical proficiency, communication, and overall cohesion as they compete for the title of Best Squad. Winning U.S. Army squads will meet at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, to compete for the title of U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) Best Squad from August 8-12.

A U.S. Army Soldier provides overwatch support during a casualty movement lane at the International Sniper Competition 2022, April 5, 2022, on Fort Benning, GA. Organized by the U.S. Army Sniper School, the competition drew 30 three-man teams from both U.S. and foreign militaries, including competitors from the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Israel. This was the first year that the competition tested three-man teams instead of the usual two-man teams.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jaemes Plowman, squad leader, with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, patrols during exercise Bougainville II at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, Nov. 3, 2022. 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 expeditionary advance bases while executing command and control in a dispersed environment. 3d MLRs Bougainville II is integrated into the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training rotation 23-01 that strengthens defense relationships, fosters multinational interoperability, increase readiness, and reinforces the unified land power network of the Joint Force. This rotation of JPMRC includes participants from all U.S. joint services as well as active participants from Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Modern warfare Soldiers Squad Running as Team in Battle Formation

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party Airmen from the New Jersey Air National Guard's 227th Air Support Operations Squadron pull security for the EOD team during an exercise at Warren Grove Gunnery Range, N.J., March 8, 2016. The exercise was a joint mission between the New Jersey Air National Guard's TACP and EOD squadrons and was supported in the air by A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft from the Maryland Air National Guard's 104th Fighter Squadron.

Arkansas National Guard Soldiers from the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team zero on their 249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) June 6, 2022 at Fort Chaffee, Ark. The SAW is an American adaption of the Belgian FN Minimi. It was introducted in 1984 upon being selected as the most effective out of a line of candidate weapons.

U.S. Army paratroopers with 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, conduct platoon live-fire training during exercise Rock Dawn in Latvia, May 16, 2022. 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. (U.S. Army photograph by Staff Sgt. Alexander Skripnichuk)

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An Australian Solider and a U.S. Marine, conducts Individual Movement Techniques with their assigned weapon 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. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat team, 3rd Infantry Division (1/3ID) provide security for a Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear simulation during Exercise Combined Resolve 17 (CbR 17) at Hohenfels Training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany, June 2, 2022. CbR 17 is a United States Army Europe-Africa directed, 7th Army Training Command executed exercise that takes place at JMRC from 20 May to 19 June 2022. The event is designed to evaluate and assess 1/3IDs ability to conduct operations in a complex, multi-domain simulated battle space. The focus of the rotation is to exercise combined arms operations in a multinational environment.

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment runs to cover with a M249 machine gun at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22, Sept. 15, 2022.Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade 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 and partner nations at the U.S. Army's Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022. 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

Soldiers from the 290th Military Police Brigade fire the FN 303 during the nonlethal weapons training as part of Titan Warrior here in Camp Shelby, Mississippi. Titan Warrior is a two-week long exercise that involves units from the 290th Military Police Brigade.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Allison, a fireteam leader with 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Ground Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, engages a target during a live-fire fireteam assault range at Kangaroo Flats Training Area, NT, Australia, July 19, 2022. This range was conducted as part of a basic skills course to refine individual infantry skills.

220606-N-PG340-1062 SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND, Calif. (June 6, 2022) Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Johnathan Fearon, with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, reacts to simulated hostile fire during Operation Turning Point, also known as their Field Training Exercise, at San Clemente Island. Operation Turning Point is an around the clock exercise that focuses on constructing advanced bases while maintaining proficiency in tactics and survivability. 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.

April 30, 2013 - A security forces Airman provides cover for his squad during an urban operations training course at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Instructors from the 99th Ground Combat Training Squadron make the training as realistic as possible by throwing ground burst simulators to act as mortars and using simulated munitions such as special cartridges that fire colored paint filled plastic projectiles which are used to mark targets much like paintballs.

United States airborne infantry men with arms, camo uniforms dress.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 7th Army Training Command team carry a squad member during the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 9, 2022. Teams from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa test their tactical proficiency, communication, and overall cohesion as they compete for the title of Best Squad. Winners of this competition will advance to represent U.S. Army Europe and Africa at the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina later this year.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Chaos Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, load their weapons before a live-fire exercise at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, July 6, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

Marines with first platoon, Bravo Company, Marine Barracks Washington, conduct infantry training at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., May 25, 2022. The Marines conducted an air insert via MV-22 Ospreys and honed weapons-handling skills during battle drills utilizing the AT-4 light anti-armor weapon, M203 grenade launcher, M72 light anti-armor weapon, and M16A4 rifle.

U.S. Army Spc. Henry Moore, attached to 3rd squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, engages in a blink iteration of a Live Fire Exercise (LFX) at Vilseck, Germany Feb. 13, 2024. LFX enables soldiers to build cohesion and lethality as teams, squads and platoons to prepare them to be ready, capable and interoperable. Army Reserve

Advisors from 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade practice react to contact battle drill during a live-fire exercise on Fort Bragg, NC, Jan. 05, 2023. Reacting to and breaking contact are fundamental tasks every Soldier must learn, and perfecting them will help Advisors while deployed with our Allies and partners.

Machine gunner of 1st Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment firing from defensive position in trench.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Tyler Cottrell a mortarman with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, clears an M240B machine gun during a live fire deck shoot aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 28, 2022. Marines and Sailors conducted weapons training to further educate their Marines on different weapons platforms. 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 Sgt. Michael Leroy Jr, a squad leader with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, posts security during Exercise Manticore in France, Sept. 17, 2022. Exercise Manticore is a French Army-led large scale exercise that integrated the Marines into a platoon-sized maneuver element to conduct offensive and defensive operations.

U.S. Soldiers with 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, clear a route with AN/PSS-14 mine detectors during a platoon live fire and route clearance training at Trzebien, Poland, Sept. 1, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Soldiers with 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, clear a route with AN/PSS-14 mine detectors during a platoon live fire and route clearance training at Trzebien, Poland, Sept. 1, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division fire an M136 AT4 rocket launcher during Resolute Dragon 22 at Shikaribetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 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.

Norwegian Rapid reaction special forces FSK soldier firing in the forest.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joseph Ford, right, a rifleman assigned to Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), posts security with a Finnish soldier from the Force Protection Brigade during a raid training event in Uppinniemi, Finland, Aug. 17, 2022. The training was part of a bilateral exercise between the Finnish military and 22nd MEU. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Austin Skelton, a landing support specialist with 2nd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, provides security with an M16 rifle as part of a helicopter support team training event during exercise Potomac Restore, at Oak Grove, North Carolina May 11, 2022. Exercise Potomac Restore is a scenario-driven regimental exercise designed to get the regimental staff to operate in tactical support environments and incorporate unique capabilities of subordinate battalions. (U.S. Marine Corps Photos by Lance Cpl. Jackson Kirkiewicz)

Pfc. Nolan Murray, a nodal network systems operator-maintainer assigned to Eighth Army and a native from Walpole, Massachusetts, fires a M240B machine gun 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. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 2d Marine Logistics Group, brace for rotary winds while conducting an external lift during Hide and Seek Field Exercise on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 27, 2022. Hide and Seek is a field exercise hosted by 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division that trains participants on signature management, communication, electronic warfare, cyberspace operations and intelligence collection, processing and dissemination in order to enable future operations in a multi-domain contested environment.

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.

BELLOWS AIR FORCE STATION, Hawaii (July 16, 2022) Australian Army Pvt. Andrew Lowe from 2nd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, provides security during a reconnaissance mission during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 16. 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. (Photo by Royal Australian Air Force Cpl. John Solomon)

Twenty-two two-Soldier teams from all around the world traveled to Fort Hood, Texas to compete in the finals to be named the Armys Best Medic. The competition is a 72-hour arduous test of the teams physical and mental skills. Competitors must be agile, adaptive leaders who demonstrate mature judgment while testing collective team skills in areas of physical fitness, tactical marksmanship, leadership, warrior skills, land navigation and overall knowledge of medical, technical and tactical proficiencies through a series of hands-on tasks in a simulated operational environment. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Herman)

A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines patrols to a rally point during a live fire range in Okinawa, Japan, May 12, 2022. This range integrates raiding and demolition tactics to enhance the Marines' ability to breach obstructions and perform combat operations in an urban environment. 3/2 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division.

A U.S. Marine and an Indonesian Service Member, conducts Individual Movement Techniques with their assigned weapon 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.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) participate in a training scenario July 26, 2022, 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 their 2022 annual training at Fort McCoy. (U.S. Army Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fires a Finnish 7.62 KK PKM machine gun at Niinisalo, Finland, July 21, 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.

Pfc. Jaguar Super, a mortarman from 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, inspects his targets before the rifle marksmanship portion of the 2023 Best Mortar Competition, April 10, 2023, Fort Benning, Georgia. The rifle marksmanship portion of the competition determined which team had the best marksmen.

U.S. Army Ohio National Guard Spc. Stuart Lips, an Infantryman assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, pulls security during a training mission as part of Operation Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Michigan Aug. 10, 2022. Soldiers of the 1-148 IN conducted numerous training exercises during this annual training, better preparing themselves to be experts in their field.

Soldiers with 1st Platoon, B Dog” Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct a platoon live fire on a range at Fort Knox, KY, April 27, 2022.The purpose of this training is to execute a decentralized division training density from dispersed field environments in order to enhance readiness, while stressing communications and sustainment systems across extended distances.

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. 23, 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.

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 an M40A6 Sniper Rifle during a bilateral 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 Cpl. Michael Macfarland (left), an anti-tank missile gunner, and Gunnery Sgt. Jason Mullaly, an infantry unit leader with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, fire a TOW missile system during exercise Shinka 22.1 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, July 2, 2022. Shinka exemplifies a shared commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Philippine Marines fire a U.S. Marine Corps M240B medium machine for a combined-arms, live-fire exercise rehearsal during KAMANDAG 6 at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base Philippines, Oct. 12, 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. Stabler, assigned to Joint Multinational Training Command, fires the M249 squad automated weapon during the Expert Infantryman Badge testing Aug. 27, 2012 at Grafenwoehr, Germany Training Area.

U.S. Army 1st lt. Jeffrey Workman, left, attached to 3rd squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment discusses his next plan of action during a Live Fire Exercise (LFX) at Vilseck, Germany Feb. 13, 2024. LFX enables soldiers to build cohesion and lethality as teams, squads and platoons to prepare them to be ready, capable and interoperable. Army Reserve

U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Landon Cari, center, Airman Basic Sydney Cyme, left, and Airman First Class, Calvin Bonet Ruiz, right, security forces trainees, practice the approach to clear a building during the field operations block of training at the U.S. Air Force security forces apprentice course at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Sept. 22, 2022. The field operations course is part of a six-week course designed to teach the basic skills necessary to new security forces Airmen.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines conduct close-quarters battle training during a raid and demolition range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 22, 2022. This training integrates raiding and demolition tactics to enhance the Marines ability to breach obstructions in an urban environment. 3/2 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division.

U.S. Army Spc. Joe Sosa assigned to 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team- Airborne (173rd IBCT ABN) pulls security during a simulated mass casualty event as part of Saber Junction 22 at Hohenfels Training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 12, 2022. Saber Junction 22 is a combat training rotation designed to assess the readiness of the 173rd IBCT (ABN) in executing operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with participating allied and partner nations.

Fire team of U.S. Army Rangers in the desert moving towards the camera.

Spc. Robert Britt, left, and Pfc. Trevor Surico-Pink, assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, move down a walkway while clearing building during urban operations training as part of Exercise Cartwheel near Nadi, Fiji, September 15, 2022. Exercise Cartwheel is a multilateral military-to-military training exercise with the U.S., Republic of Fiji Military, Australian, New Zealand, and British forces that builds expeditionary readiness and interoperability by increasing the capacity to face a crisis and contingencies by developing and stressing units at the highest training levels.

Spc. Tyler Graessle, left, and Spc. Sebastian Poynter, both competing for the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa squad at the U.S. ARmy Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition, operate a M240 machine gun during the weapons range at the event. Teams from across USAREUR-AF test their tactical proficiency, communication and overall cohesion as they compete for the title of Best Squad. Winners of this competition will advance to represent USAREUR-AF at the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina later this year.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a building clearing drill at Military Operations in Urban Terrain Town, Eastern Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, July 19, 2022. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

FORT HOOD, Texas - U.S. Army Spc. Anthony Bernardo, a signals collection analyst assigned to 18th Space Control Company and Sgt. Jalyna Jurich, an advance enhanced early warning systems operator assigned to 22nd Theatre Missile Warning Company, bound to a secured position during the urban obstacle lane of the FORSCOM Best Squad Competition 2022 at Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 17, 2022. The Best Squad Competition promotes esprit de corps and recognizes Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to Army Values and embody the Warrior Ethos.

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. Andrew Webb, an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician with 71st Ordnance Group, fires an M4A1 carbine during the Best Warrior and Best Squad Competition hosted by 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Command at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, July 12, 2022. The 20th CBRNE Commands Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition is a single event used to select the best Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Soldier of the Year from Soldiers within the command and its major subordinate commands.

FORT HOOD, Texas - 2nd Squad, Red Platoon, based out of Fort Hood, Texas, compete in Patrol Lane 2 for the U.S. Army Forces Command Best Squad Competition at Fort Hood, Texas, August 18, 2022. These Soldiers represent the best the in U.S. Army Forces Command.

The United States Army's most qualified uniformed interrogation teams met at Fort Bragg, North Carolina to compete in the inaugural Army Interrogation Olympics to determine the Army's Best Interrogation Team of the Year. Military Intelligence Soldiers from Regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard components met and thrived in an austere field environment while refining and improving individual and collective HUMINT, analytical, leader, and Soldier skills. The competition was hosted by the 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade from August 8 to 10, 2022.

Spc. Jonathan Elizalde and Spc. Chase Whittaker, indirect fire infantrymen with 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, prepare fire missions for the Mountain Peak Exercise, Oct. 17, 2022, on Fort Drum, N.Y. Mountain Peak is an exercise designed to teach Soldiers how to operate in a deployed environments and provide skills needed for future deployments.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade provide supressive fire on an objective during a combined arms live fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 22, 2022. 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.

Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School participate in Basic Urban Combat training during the Tactical Skills portion of the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) at Camp Mackall, North Carolina January 6, 2023. Soldiers participated in SFQC training that tested their knowledge of small unit tactics and basic urban operations to ensure they possess the combat skills required to successfully operate on a Special Forces Operational Detatchment Alpha.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade provide suppressive fire with a M240 Bravo machine gun during a combined arms live fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 21, 2022. 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joseph Jessop, an infantry Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rides in a LAV-25 light armored vehicle during a zone reconnaissance exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 30, 2022. The training event was conducted to improve communication and mission effectiveness between units in preparation for potential real-world scenarios. 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.

Pfc. Colby Thomas and Pfc. Isaac Thompson, infantrymen assigned to 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, set up security during a warfighter exercise, Sept. 24, 2022, at Fort Carson, Colorado. Security is one of the most vital roles in any military operations, because without security, Soldiers would easily get ambushed by enemies.

A U.S. Army Soldier from 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat team, 1st Armored Division, pulls security during the Pre-Ranger course at Novo Selo Training Area (NSTA), Bulgaria, Feb. 15, 2024. Over eight days, the Pre-Ranger course evaluated the Strike Brigade Soldiers' skills that are needed to succeed at Ranger School and to enhance lethality on the battlefield. Army

Sergeant 1st Class Jason E. Pate, 68W Combat Medics, 187th Medical Battalion,adjusts his front sight during the best medic competition M4 rifle stress shoot qualifications, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The event included the Army Combat Fitness Test, obstacle course, M-4 qualification, warrior tasks and battle drills, land navigation, a Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and 12-Mile Ruck March.

Sergeant 1st Class Jason E. Pate, 68W Combat Medics, 187th Medical Battalion,adjusts his front sight during the best medic competition M4 rifle stress shoot qualifications, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The event included the Army Combat Fitness Test, obstacle course, M-4 qualification, warrior tasks and battle drills, land navigation, a Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and 12-Mile Ruck March.

A member of the Kosovo Security Force embedded with Company B, 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regiment, Iowa Army National Guard, bounds forward during a live-fire exercise at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, on May 19, 2022. Approximately 15 KSF troops embedded with companies in the 1-133rd Infantry during a two-week annual training exercise. Two KSF troops conducted the live-fire exercise with two other U.S. infantrymen. Senior leaders in the IANG and KSF visited each company near the end of the exercise to observe the full integration of KSF troops and recognize Soldiers who demonstrated excellence throughout their training. The tour was also an opportunity for KSF leaders to gain a more comprehensive understanding of IANG training requirements, equipment and logistics.

Ukraine soldier in full uniform

Special forces soldier standing in a green field with sniper rifle.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Chaos Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), fires on a simulated targets during a platoon live fire exercise in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Dec. 8, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Ace Troop, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, set base security with the 3rd Radio Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force recon team to recon the objective on Bellows Air Force Base at Waimanalo, Hawaii, on Aug. 24, 2022. Conducting these joint training exercises enhances combined interoperability between the U.S. military forces. The training advances partners abilities to address complex and future contingencies throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in the tropical forest area, Assault infantry battle training. Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in the tropical forest area, Assault infantry battle training. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21542009 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brett Gaydos, a squad leader assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, waits in the grass during a situational training exercise at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 16, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners.

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team prepares to emplace a 60mm mortar system during a combined arms blank fire exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 21, 2022. 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.

The New Jersey Army National Guard 114th Infantry Regiment and 150th Aviation Regiment conduct air assault insertion and company attack at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Feb. 10, 2023. This exercise trained on warrior tasks and demonstrated combat capabilities in preparation for Joint Regional Training Center Rotation May 2023.

An Australian Army Sapper with 1st troop, 1st Combat Engineer Regiment, 1st Field Squadron, inspects a distraction shot to be detonated by U.S. Marine Corps engineers attached to Combat Logistics Battalion 5, Logistics Combat Element , Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, during a demolitions range at Kangaroo Flats Training Area, NT, Australia, May 5, 2022. MRF-D engineers and Australian Army sappers trained together to learn from each other, develop relationships, and to enhance their shared military capabilities.

A U.S. Army Soldier, with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, fires 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.

A U.S. Army Soldier with 2nd Brigade Infantry Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, moves with a convoy towards an objective during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Training Center rotation 23-01 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Oct. 31, 2022. JPMRC 23-01 is a regional combat training center (CTC) rotation that builds combat readiness in Americas Pacific Division and is a key way the Army forces engage in a joint environment with our regional allies and partners.

The Week of the Warrior is in full swing, as competitors from the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division complete the challenges presented to them on the second day of the competition, May 3, 2022, on Camp Casey, Republic of Korea. The Soldiers participated in a combat run, confidence course, stress shoot, and a M4 familiarization qualification.

U.S. Army Spc. Matt Cecil, assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, pulls security while conducting dismounted reconnaissance movements during Exercise Arrow 22 at Niinisalo Training Area, Finland May 4th, 2022. Exercise Arrow is an annual, pre-planned, multinational exercise taking place in Finland, where visiting forces to include the U.S., U.K., Latvia, and Estonia, train together with the Finnish Defense Forces in high intensity force-on-force engagements and a live fire exercise with the purpose of increasing military readiness and developing interoperability among participating partner nations.

Soldier in desert uniform aiming his rifle.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Eli Smith, a squad leader with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, aims while moving during a range training event with Brazilian marines during exercise UNITAS LXIII in Marambaia, Brazil, Sept. 9, 2022. The training event consisted of several squad tactics including maneuver under fire and machine gun suppression drills. UNITAS is the worlds longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility. Smith is a native of Toledo, Ohio.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christian Montemayor, a fire support Marine, with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, fires an M4 carbine during a Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Program range as part of 2nd Brigade Platoons field exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 14, 2024. This CMP allows Marines to maintain weapon proficiency by engaging targets in a stress-induced environment with primary and secondary weapon systems. 5th ANGLICO Marines refined their marksmanship fundamentals that enhanced their lethality through advanced marksmanship training. Montemayor is a native of San Diego. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Richard Castro, with the Marine Corps Shooting Team, prepares to shoot his rifle during the 2022 National Matches on Camp Perry, Ohio, Aug. 3, 2022. Participants compete in six-man-teams, each shooter firing a timed 100-point aggregate using national match M-16 A4 service rifles. Rifles are fired from the 200, 300 and 600 yard lines in both sitting and standing positions. The National Matches, also called the World Series of Shooting Sports, have been a tradition on Camp Perry since 1907; more than 4,500 participants compete annually.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2D Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), direct the landing of a CH-53 helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, while conducting a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) operation during a field exercise at Ft. Stewart, Georgia, Nov. 1, 2022. A FARP is a temporary site where aircraft can be refueled, allowing for sustained operations closer to the area of operation. The field exercise consisted of FARP operations, ranges, Base Recovery After Attack exercise and many other elements that prepare and allow 2nd MAW to forward deploy and engage anytime and anywhere, at a moments notice.

A U.S. Marine assigned to Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve secures a position during a simulated-fire raid during exercise Raven 22-5 in Lacombe, Louisiana, May 13, 2022. Exercise Raven is Marine Forces Special Operations Commands pre-deployment exercise designed to evaluate the readiness of MARSOC companies and teams. To assist this mission, Marine Forces Reserve regularly collaborates with MARSOC to integrate specific Reserve force capabilities like civil affairs, law enforcement, cyber, intelligence, and Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) into MARSOC training, exercises and operational deployments. This collaboration strengthens Reserve force capabilities and informs MARSOC's efforts to enhance and operationalize their Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) Detachment to retain and employ Reserve Marines with these critical skill sets.

Navy SEALs crossing the river with weapons.

120322-A-HE359-125 U.S. Army Pvt. Ryan Slade (left) fires an M240 machine gun as Spc. Cody Branam fires his M4 carbine during a situational training exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Grafenwoehr, Germany, on March 22, 2012. Both soldiers are assigned to India Company, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Keenan Baxter, representing the Georgia Army National Guard, takes apart a weapon as part of an event for the Region III Best Warrior Competition on Camp Blanding, Fla., May 11, 2022. The Region III Best Warrior Competition highlights the lethality, readiness and capabilities of Army National Guardsman throughout the southeastern region.

A U.S. Marine with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines adjusts the sight on an MK19 grenade launcher 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.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 12th Combat Aviation Brigade conducted M240 weapons familiarization for a CH-47 Chinook aerial gunnery evaluation at Grafenwoehr, Germany, July 26, 2022. The 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) prepares for full-spectrum combat aviation operations in support of the United States Army, the United States Army-Europe and other designated combined joint task force headquarters.

CAMP FUJI, Japan (Feb. 25, 2021) Marine Corps Lance Cpl. James Seaver, left, a rifleman, and U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Bryan Salinas, right, both assigned to 3d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, carry a simulated casualty during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel mission as a part of exercise Fuji Viper 21-2.2 at combined arms training center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb. 25, 2021. During this exercise, Marines honed tactics, techniques and procedures to support Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations at the platoon and company level. 3/8 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division. Seaver is a native of Plainwell, Michigan and Salinas is a native of city, state.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Seth Hense, an infantry Marine with Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), sets security 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.

Competitors during the European Best Sniper Team Competition at the Hohenfeis Training.Area, Germany, Aug. 6, 2022. The annual European Best Sniper Team Competition is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa competition that tests marksmanship skills, physical prowess, and mental agility while developing relationships andsharing skills between sniper teams across Europe.

A Cadet from 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, waits in line for his turn to practice different firing positions with his M4-A1 Carbine for preliminary marksmanship instruction (PMI) at Fort Knox, Ky., on June 3, 2022. | Photo by Nathan Abbott, CST Public Affairs Office.

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