Night Operations in Combat Zones

Photos feature armed forces conducting night missions with night vision gear, illustrating tactical operations in low-light conditions.

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, posts security during Exercise Bold Quest on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 10, 2022. Bold Quest is an annual collaborative joint and multinational enterprise in which nations, services, and programs pool their resources in a recurring cycle of capability development to demonstrate a joint capability to link sensors to shooters across air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace.

060103-A-6365W-090. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Loyalty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

230901-N-OX430-1112Republic of Korea and U.S. Navy SEALs rehearse a direct-action raid during a bilateral training exercise in Euijeongbu, South Korea, September 1, 2023. Naval Special Warfare is the nation's elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet's reach, gain and maintain access for the Joint Force in competition and conflict, and collaboratively train toward an effective state of combined readiness with Allies and Partners around the world.

060219-A-7603W-299. Subject Operation/Series: VAULTED RAMPART Base: Grafenwoehr State: Bayern Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Night vision view of 1LT Adam L. Zaret, a C-130 Hercules pilot assigned to the 40th Airlift Squadron, Pope AFB, North Carolina flies an airdrop mission to Bosnia. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE PROMISE Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

060115-A-1211S-022. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Loyalty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: A

Military members from the Republic of Georgia's 16th Mountain Battalion receive instruction on night time tactics from US Marine Corps (USMC) members assigned to the Joint Task Force Georgia Train and Equip Program (GTEP), at the Vasiani Training Area. Base: Vasiani Country: Georgia (The Country) (GEO)

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, posts security during Exercise Bold Quest on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 10, 2022. Bold Quest is an annual collaborative joint and multinational enterprise in which nations, services, and programs pool their resources in a recurring cycle of capability development to demonstrate a joint capability to link sensors to shooters across air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace.

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

U.S. Navy Sailors with Bravo Surgical Company, 3d Medical Battalion, 3d Marine Logistics Group, move across a field during a nighttime medical treatment training event, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 19, 2022. The training was conducted in order to familiarize members of Bravo Surgical Company with patrolling, resuscitation, surgical treatment, and evacuation of injured service members in a nighttime environment.

060321-A-7969G-046. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Bayji State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines conduct squad attacks during Fuji Viper 22.5 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Sept. 8, 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.

U.S. Soldiers competing in the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition prepare to enter a room on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 4, 2022. Each squad competing in the Army's Best Squad Competition consists of five soldiers; a squad leader, which is a sergeant first class or staff sergeant; a team leader, which is a sergeant or corporal; and three squad members in the ranks of specialist or below.

Idaho National Guard 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team's 2nd of the 116th Combined Arms Battalion teamed up with the Idaho Army National Guards 1st of the 183 Assault Helicopter Battalion in the dark hours of the early morning on March 31, 2022, to conduct tactical air insertion missions. By using the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to provide movement of ground-based Soldiers, it allowed the Soldiers to seize and secure terrain on a simulated village located within the Orchard Combat Training Center. Soldiers used night vision goggles to maneuver through the darkness. This training is a portion of combat training the 2nd of the 116th CAB conducted in preparation to deploy to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield later this year.

U.S. Soldiers competing in the Army's first-ever Best Squad Competition stack next to a doorway on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 04, 2022. Each squad competing in the Army Best Squad Competition consists of five Soldiers; a squad leader, which is a sergeant first class or staff sergeant; a team leader, which is a sergeant or corporal; and three squad members in the ranks of specialist or below.

060206-A-6311S-077. Subject Operation/Series: SAFE PASSAGE Base: Southern Mamadia Country: Iraq (IRQ)

As seen in the green glow of the night scope, Technical Sergeant Manuel Trejo, a videographer from the 1ST Combat Camera Squadron, Charleston AFB, South Carolina documents the loadmaster of a 16th Special Operations Wing (SOW) MC-130E during a nighttime operational mission. The 16th SOW is deployed to the Joint Special Operations Aviation Component South at a classified location in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush initiated Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: AFSOC

040730-F-1279W-019. Country: Unknown

A group of Army Reserve Best Warrior Candidates participate in the 10km road march at the 2010 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., July 28, 2010.

060306-A-1211S-149. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Normandy State: Diyala Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: A

041012-M-0173F-007. Base: Ar Ramadi State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires during a deck shoot aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 3, 2022. The Combat Marksmanship Program is designed to sustain a unit's lethality. 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. Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, conduct a leader's reconnaissance during a nighttime live-fire exercise during the Adversary Force Exercise (AFX) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, April 15, 2022. The purpose of AFX is to create a credible, realistic threat for the exercise forces participating in the Integrated Training Exercise to engage against during the upcoming MAGTF Warfighting Exercise in a force-on-force, unscripted wargame.

060321-A-7969G-009. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Bayji State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

As seen through a night vision lens, the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) begins its transit through the Suez Canal. The nuclear powered aircraft carrier is scheduled to arrive in the Persian Gulf in January to support Operaton SOUTHERN WATCH. Truman is on a scheduled six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

Special warfare tactical air control party Airmen from the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron conduct a night fire shooting exercise south of Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Nov. 1, 2019. The training included not only special warfare Airmen, but also support Airmen from the 124th ASOS and the 366th Fighter Wings explosive ordnance disposal.

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

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

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

A Squad of Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), prepare to board a CH-47 Chinook for transportation during an Air Assault Exercise on Fort Campbell, Ky,. July 14, 2022. The use of Night Vision gives soldiers the means to operate under better concealment conditions.

A Soldier from Squad 4, representing the U.S. Army Pacific Command during the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition, assembles an M249 light machine gun as part of a timed nighttime challenge, on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 4, 2022. The week-long competition assessed 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.

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division participate in the 10k Presidents Day Ruck, February 19, 2024. The ruck was hosted by Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and celebrated all 46 of the United States' current and former Presidents. Army

040822-F-1545M-055. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

As seen through a night vision lens, Sgt. Ben Behringer, of Lake City, Pa., Company B, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, scans the Iraqi countryside north of Camp Taji in the early morning hours, May 31. Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers from Co. B use artillery illumination rounds fired from Camp Taji to light up the night to deter insurgents from placing weapon caches in the area.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Julian Larsen, a scout sniper with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to fire during a night aerial live fire exercise in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 24, 2022. The scout snipers conducted the live fire to hone their skills and maintain proficiency in any environment. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli ARG 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.

US Air Force (USAF) STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Matthew Osborn, with the 384th Expeditionary Communications Squadron (ECS), Visual Information (VI), documents the launch of a KC-135R Stratotanker in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, learn and practice Basic Warrior Training techniques, at Page Field on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Nov. 2, 2022. Recruits learn how to care for casualties, how to move through obstacles and practice teamwork through smoke and artillery simulations.

030524-M-8683D-043. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD 2003 Base: Pong Nam Ran Country: Thailand (THA)

Palletized cargo exits the rear door of a US Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft during an airdrop which is part of Exercise NORTHERN EDGE. The image is photographed using a night vision lens. Palletized cargo exits the rear door of a US Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft during an airdrop which is part of Exercise NORTHERN EDGE. The image is photographed using a night vision lens.

041028-F-0524H-007. Base: Alzab Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Logan Clark, a water support technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fires his M16A4 service rifle during a table five and six range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug 28, 2022. Clark, a native of Longville, Louisiana, graduated from South Beauregard High School in 2020 and enlisted out of Recruiting Substation Lake Charles in 2020. The purpose of the training was to improve the Marines ability to operate their rifles at close quarters and in low-visibility environments more effectively. 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.

In the Attack Position (AP) two US Marine Corps (USMC) M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks (MBT) and various other combat vehicles from the 1ST Tank Battalion, Charlie Company, wait in the in the Dispersal Area (DA) near the Iraqi border in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. (Substandard image). Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Kuwait (KWT)

Members of the 16th Special Operations Wing (SOW) offload a MH-53J Pave Low helicopter from a C-17 Globemaster III, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: AFSOC

060306-A-1211S-030. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Normandy State: Diyala Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: A

060125-A-1211S-071. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Loyalty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, conduct a live-fire exercise with a M2A1 machine gun during the Adversary Force Exercise (AFX) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, April 15, 2022. The purpose of AFX is to create a credible, realistic threat for the exercise forces participating in the Integrated Training Exercise to engage against during the upcoming MAGTF Warfighting Exercise in a force-on-force, unscripted wargame.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, receive a brief during a night-driving course on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. During the course, Marines conducted black-out driving which allows for the tactical movements of vehicles to remain concealed in darkness. 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.

010717-M-5834A-010. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense specialists from units across the III Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Army 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, and U.S. Air Force 18th Civil Engineer Group conduct a casualty decontamination after returning from a search for hazardous material during exercise Toxic Bayou at Kadena Air base, Okinawa, Japan, Aug.15, 2022. The Marines conducted exercise Toxic Bayou to refine their skills in Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction operations across unique and challenging environments. 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.

Using a CH-53 Sea Stallion on a small island off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, US Marine Corps (USMC) pilots of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-367 (HMLA-367) and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-466 (HMH-466), conduct a joint training exercise in order to enhance day and night proficiency in the tactic of inserting and extracting fire teams from a hostile and aggressive landing zone. Country: Japan (JPN)

040409-A-1581H-016. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Kut State: Wasit Country: Iraq (IRQ)

This image was shot through a Starlight System out of the boom operator's location on a KC-135 Stratotanker. An F-15C gets an in-flight fillup from a KC-135 during a combat air patrol. This F-15 was credited with a MIG-29 (not shown) kill tonight. He and several others are providing fighter cover for tankers and strike aircraft (not shown) during the first night of NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Country: Unknown

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

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, patrol during a G-36 live-fire attack as a part of their Marine Corps Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 14, 2022. This type of training evolution is the culminating event aimed at validating the units readiness to conduct combat operations.

France, Brittany, Morbihan, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon on 2022-03-30. Students from the Ecole Militaire Interarmes (EMIA), the military academy responsible for training army officers recruited internally, i.e. from the ranks of non-commissioned officers and other ranks, take part in a training course at Fort de Penthievre, a fortified structure on the Quiberon peninsula that has become a training base. Photograph by Martin Bertrand.France, Bretagne, Morbihan, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon le 2022-03-30. Les eleves de l' ecole militaire interarmes ( EMIA ), l' ecole militaire chargee de la formation des officiers de l' armee de Terre issus du recrutement interne, c'est-a-dire issus des rangs des sous-officiers et des militaires du rang, participe a un stage d'aguerrissment au Fort de Penthievre, un ouvrage fortifie sur la presqu'ile de Quiberon devenu une base d'entrainement. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, suppress a simulated enemy force while conducting a tactical exercise during exercise Archipelago Endeavor 22 (AE22), at Berga Naval Base, Sweden, Sept. 21, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

060125-A-1211S-037. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Loyalty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Special Operations Forces assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), participate in a combat marksmanship exercise at Panzer Range, in Boeblingen, Germany, Feb. 15, 2024. Combat marksmanship training increases team lethality, builds cohesion, and provides integrated training to new members of the unit. Army

Recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, learn and practice Basic Warrior Training techniques, at Page Field on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Nov. 2, 2022. Recruits learn how to care for casualties, how to move through obstacles and practice teamwork through smoke and artillery simulations.

Capt. Mathew K. Lesnowicz, commander, Maritime Raid Force, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to conduct a raid in the Chocolate Mountains, Calif., May 15. The mission was to capture a high-value individual who was reported to be a key leader of a local terrorist organization during the ground portion of Realistic Urban Training.

U.S. Air Force weather Airmen simulate a compound infiltration during the bi-annual Nightstalker Weather Field Skills course at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Sept. 22, 2022. This course allows participants to familiarize themselves with firing weapons, engaging in land navigation and conducting weather operations.

A U.S. Air Force Airman with the 352d Special Operations Wing runs a fuel hose during a Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) capabilities demonstration in Croatia, May 11, 2022. FARP enables the MC-130J Commando II to refuel other aircraft in austere locations where traditional refueling is not possible. This demonstration was part of Trojan Footprint, 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 NATO allies and European partners.

020601-A-6771R-010. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Airfield State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a night-driving course on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. During the course, Marines conducted black-out driving which allows for the tactical movements of vehicles to remain concealed in darkness. 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.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 1-118th Infantry, 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard sniper team train on known distance targets at Ft. Stewart, Georgia during annual training July 17, 2019.

The KC-135R Stratotanker Boom Airman 1st Class Brandon Molder, from the 191st Air Refueling Squadron, 151st Air Refueling Wing, refuels A-10 Thunderbolts from the 124th Operations Support Flight out of Gowen Field in Idaho, June 19, 2012. The 151st Air Refueling Wing routinely supports air operations across the western United States.

020126-F-1851B-009. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides security during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel mission during realistic urban training aboard Camp Roberts, California, Dec. 7, 2014. RUT prepares the 15th MEU's Marines for their upcoming deployment, enhancing their combat skills in environments similar to those they may find in future missions.

U.S. Soldiers of Squad 3, representing the United States Army Europe and Africa, perform Tactical Field Care on a casualty during the Army's first-ever Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 04, 2022. The Squad extends beyond a traditional infantry squad to any small-unit group of Soldiers, connected by a squad leader, who has the most direct impact on their lives. Soldiers never fight alone, the unbreakable bonds forged through shared hardship and unending support for one another are the hallmark of our most successful small units.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Luis Amesty, 2nd Infantry Division, plots points on a map while participating in the night land navigation course event held during the 2022 Eighth Army Best Warrior and Squad Competition at Camp Casey, South Korea, May 8, 2022. The Eighth Army Best Warrior and Squad Competition is a week-long event consisting of several tests of the participants general Army knowledge and skills.

US Air Force (USAF) STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) James Lee McKenzie of the 366th Operation Support Squadron (OSS), 366th Fighter Wing (FW), Mountain Home Air Force Base (AFB), Idaho (ID), checks weather information on a TMQ-53 Tactical Meteorlogical Observing System (T-MOS) during Exercise Coronet White, the wing's Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI). Base: Mountain Home Air Force Base State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to fire during a deck shoot aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 3, 2022. Combat Marksmanship Program is designed to sustain a units lethality. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the 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.

A U.S. Marine with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Units (Special Operations Capable) (26 MEU(SOC)) Ground Combat Element, fires at a target during a night range aboard harpers ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD-50), Feb. 5, 2024. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26 MEU(SOC) 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. Marine Corps

A night vision photo of a US Marine Corps (USMC) member from the Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF) providing security while the rest of the force withdraws from their objective in downtown Macon, Georgia, during Situation Training Exercise 2 (STX-2).

Competitors navigate to a mystery night event during the Army's first-ever Best Squad Competition held on Salerno Drop Zone on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 5, 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 endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

050926-A-0527A-005. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Shir Zai State: Kandahar Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

040303-M-3980Y-004. Subject Operation/Series: BALIKATAN 2004 Base: Crow Valley Country: Philippines (PHL)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Tyler Holiday, a Water Support Technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6), Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, performs a littoral reconnaissance with telescopic fishing poles during Freezing Winds 22 in Syndalen, Finland, Nov. 27, 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.

031227-F-9629J-010. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

980425-F-7910D-007. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

1st Sgt. Reade King, representing the 300th Military Intelligence Brigade, assesses a simulated casualty in a gas chamber as part of the Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition, Oct. 18, 2022, at Camp Williams, Utah. The Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition is an annual event that brings together Soldiers and Airmen from the major commands to compete for the title of Soldier/Airman-of-the-Year, Noncommissioned Officer-of-the-Year and Senior NCO-of-the-Year. The Army winners of this competition will represent the Utah Army National Guard at the Region VII Best Warrior Competition next spring.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines fire a Mk 153 shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon during Fuji Viper 22.5 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Sept. 15, 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.

A U.S. Army Soldier, with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, fires the M4 carbine during a night training mission at the Fort Dix Ranges on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 25, 2023. The 1-114th Infantry Regiment had a four day drill weekend in preparation for the units rotation to the Joint Regional Training Center.

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires during a deck shoot aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 3, 2022. The Combat Marksmanship Program is designed to sustain a unit's lethality. 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.

DF-ST-87-07440. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '86 Base: Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060502-A-1067B-002. Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crewmen release a bundle of materiel from an airborne MC-130 Hercules aircraft during Exercise Solid Shield '87. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD '87 Country: Unknown

040610-F-3963C-013. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

060131-A-6365W-015. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Loyalty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

Night vision, military and soldiers of army outdoor with security at war with green light. Search, surveillance and teamwork with scope and mission with agency working of spy job and sniper target

050625-A-9039F-033. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Orgun-E State: Paktika Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

110812-N-DG226-255AZUSA, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2011) Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Denise Martin, right, assigned to Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific, inspects a target during a night weapons shoot as part of the Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific Summer Quick Shot 2011. Quick Shot is a semi-annual field training exercise intended to train combat camera personnel to operate in a combat environment.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a night-driving course on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. During the course, Marines conducted black-out driving which allows for the tactical movements of vehicles to remain concealed in darkness. 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.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Gary Paige, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician does a post-blast assessment and looks for explosive components alongside his team during an exercise at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, October 19, 2022. The night exercise tested each squadron on their contingency response to a simulated drone strike on an unoccupied building.

U.S. Marine Corps infantrymen assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, move to an objective area during a long-range night assault exercise as part of Assault Support Tactics 4 (AST-4), during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at Twentynine Palms, California, Oct. 25, 2022. AST-4 provides the prospective WTIs the opportunity to plan, brief, and execute a night, long range battalion air assault to multiple objectives simultaneously in a medium threat environment while conducting five of six functions of Marine Aviation.

Tech. Sgt. Donald Urqhart and Airman 1st Class Michael Pincheira look over a grid map before calling in a simulated airstrike Aug. 14, 2011, at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., during a Green Flag-West 11-9 training exercise. Urqhart and Pincheira are joint terminal attack controllers assigned to the 5th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Lewis, Wash.

Chaos Troop, 1st Squadron - Airborne, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Diviion takes cover from the icy propeller wash of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter on Yukon Training Area, April 3rd, 2023, as they prepare to air assault an objective in support of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center - Alaska 23-02.JPMRC-AK 23-02 is a display of the 11th Airborne Divisions ability to survive and thrive in the Arctic, and its soldiers ability to fight and win our nations wars anywhere.

DF-ST-89-10281. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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