Soldier Silhouettes at Dusk

Silhouettes of soldiers aiming rifles against sunset backgrounds, conveying a sense of tension and anticipation during operations.

Silhouette of special forces sniper with large-caliber rifle at sunset.

Silhouette of a United States Marine aiming a rifle during a combat operation in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

Special forces soldier with rifle in the smoke.

Silhouette of special forces sniper with large-caliber rifle at sunset.

Silhouette of two soldiers

Close-up of a soldier at dusk

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

Silhouette of special forces soldier during a river raid in the jungle.

Silhouette of special forces soldiers during a river raid in the jungle.

Black silhouette of soldier in the smoke during battle.

Tech. Sgt. Stephen Upton shoots an M-16 rifle at a firing range near Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 8, 2015. Upton is assigned to the Train, Advise, Assist Command-Air as a personal security detail member.

Silhouette of a soldier patrolling the coastline at sunset.

A U.S. Marine with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines conducts fire team attack drills on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 10, 2022. This training improved the Marines proficiency at the tactical level and developed small-unit leadership. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Silhouette of a U.S. Marine Corps Marsoc raider aiming pistol, orange background.

050224-F-8584G-106. Base: Al Iskandariyah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment wait for nightfall to conduct live-fire exercises on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 24, 2018. The Marines of 1/2 conducted immediate remedial action drills and traversed, searched and engaged targets moving from one to another.

Silhouette of rifleman carrying tactical backpack and service rifle, with background of sunset sky.

011006-F-3961R-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Silhouette of a soldier with light machine gun, standing against the sunset at night.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Patrick Clancy, a squad leader with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command, provides security during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel exercise at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, May 23, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-CC is ready to respond to any crisis response mission in theater to include the employment of a TRAP force.

Black silhouette of soldier in the burning fire during a battle operation.

041201-M-6795S-012. State: Khowst Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

Soldiers and Airmen from Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul return to base after a quality assurance, quality control patrol near the city of Qalat, Zabul Province, Afghanistan, Nov. 1. PRT Zabul is comprised of Air Force, Army, Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development and U.S. Department of Agriculture personnel who work with the government of Afghanistan to improve governance, stability and development throughout the province.

Gunnery Sgt. Todd Leahey, the 81mm mortar platoon sergeant for Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, motions toward impacting rounds while supporting Kilo Company, 3/3, during Exercise Clear, Hold, Build 2 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Sept. 16. The battalions line companies — India, Kilo and Lima — each arrived by helicopters or tracked vehicles to clear enemy activity from the village, establish security and re-build rapport with local nationals. During the Enhanced Mojave Viper training exercise here, the Marines of “Americas Battalion” are training to kill enemy fighters by practicing counterinsurgency operations. Next month, theyll deploy to Afghanistans Helmand province to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Leahey, 34, is from St. Peters, Mo.

061201-N-8977L-021. Base: Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FLTCOMBATCAMGRUPAC

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 274 prepare to perform casualty evacuation drills with support from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167 during a training operation at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., March 9, 2017. MWSS-274 conducted casualty evacuation drills in order to improve unit readiness and maintain interoperability with HMLA-167.

Silhouette of Army soldier with rifle against an orange sunset.

Silhouette of rifleman standing on ocean coastline, patrolling at sunset.

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

040411-F-7823A-008. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Member of Navy SEAL Team with weapons in action.

Silhouettes of S.W.A.T. officers holding their guns

Soldier Holds a Stinger Anti-Aircraft Guided Missile

Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) give a send-off to the AH-64 Apache aircraft, assigned to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, during a live fire range for Exercise Ample Strike 22 in Czech Republic, Sept. 6, 2022. The exercise is a regular Czech Republic JTAC-led exercise focused on advanced air and land training, strengthening U.S. and NATO Allies capabilities, and defending against adversaries in the European Theater.

Silhouette of U.S Marines on a bunker at sunset in Northern Afghanistan.

Silhouette of special forces operators with weapons. Silhouette of soldier

990316-M-6514O-002. Base: Udari Range State: Al Jahrah Country: Kuwait (KWT)

Providers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division conduct a UH-60 jump on Fort Bragg, NC, March 30, 2022. The jump serves to bring awareness to the Army's SHARP program.

U.S. Army Soldier Aiming His Weapon at Sunrise

Afghanistan. 04/30/2013. Sunset on the Lapis route.

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

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Dominick Kirk, MV-22 Osprey crew chief assigned to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163, sits on the ramp during a training sortie over the Gulf of Aden, July 13, 2022. VMM 163 deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, in support of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa by providing capabilities for personnel recovery and casualty evacuation of U.S. forces throughout East Africa.

Recruits with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, learn and apply rappelling techniques on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., October 31, 2022. The rappel tower is the tallest height recruits on Parris Island will overcome in their journey to become Marines.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, participate in a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, October 17, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

Silhouette of a soldier standing with assault rifle in hand against a sunset sky.

U.S. Marines in action on a smoke filled battlefield.

DM-SN-88-07920. Subject Operation/Series: BEAR HUNT Base: Uncheon Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 27, 2016) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) man the phones and distance line on the focsle during an evening underway-replenishment with the Military Sealift Command (MSC) dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14). Barry is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.

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

U.S. Marines Pfc. Layne Evens and Lance Cpl. John Hoffner, both mortarmen with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, prepare an M252 81 mm mortar position during a field exercise at Range 800 on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 20, 2022. The FEX was designed to improve the battalions combat and contingency capabilities in preparation for future deployments.

Silhoutte of a sniper standing against the setting sun.

041108-F-0207D-006. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dakota Dennis, a special missions aviator assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, looks out an HH-60 Pave Hawk gunners window during a combat search and rescue exercise at an undisclosed location, July 5, 2022. Air Force Central Commands ERQSs are organized, trained, equipped and postured to conduct full spectrum personnel recovery to include both conventional and unconventional combat rescue operations within the Central Command theater of operations. Special warfare operators assigned throughout the combined joint operational area conduct operations in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division conduct a simulated raid during exercise Cold Response (CR) 2010 Feb. 26, 2010, in Norway. CR 2010 is a Norwegian-sponsored exercise with the Norwegian armed forces focused on cold weather maritime/amphibious operations, interoperability of expeditionary forces, special and ground operations. Participants include forces from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Austria and other NATO partners.

Low angle view of a soldier holding a gun

A U.S. Air Force survival, evasion, resistance and escape (SERE) instructor looks on as other instructors parachute down in Cheongju, South Korea, on Sept. 15. The U.S. Air Force and ROKAF performed jumps together helping improve relationships with one another in South Korea. Conducting aerial training missions keeps them mission ready and able to keep special operations forces members up to date with their training requirements.

U.S. Navy Sailors with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Five, conduct bomb disposal robot training during Valiant Shield 2022, at Naval Base Guam, June 13, 2022. The Sailors removed physical, manmade, and explosive threats impeding the force's ability to maneuver on land and sea, enabling freedom of movement for the fleet and joint force. In doing so, they refined expeditionary warfare skills and enhanced their integration ability with the fleet and joint force.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. JC Astle from Lovelock, Nevada, a rifleman assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division observes infantrymen participating in a close air support exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23 at Urban Training Complex Yodaville, near Yuma, Arizona, on Oct. 9, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics One, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division take part in the Machine Gun Event for the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, GA, July 27, 2022. The Best Squad Competition tests squads physical, technical and tactical abilities under stress and fatigue to determine which squad from the XVIII Airborne Corps will advance to the Forces Command Best Squad Competition in the coming months.

New Jersey National Guard Soldiers and Airmen practice prior to the 2022 New Jersey National Guard Military Review at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, New Jersey, Oct. 16, 2022. The Military Review is a 130-year-old tradition that allows the governor as commander-in-chief to review the Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard.

Ein Soldat mit Helm, aufgenommen im Rahmen der Militaeruebung Wettiner Schwert mit deutschen und tschechischen Soldaten bei Tangermuende, 26.03.2024. Wettiner Schwert ist Teil der Quadriga-Uebung der NATO. Tangermuende Deutschland *** A soldier with helmet, taken during the military exercise Wettiner Schwert with German and Czech soldiers near Tangermuende, 26 03 2024 Wettiner Schwert is part of the Quadriga Exercise of NATO Tangermuende Germany Copyright: xFlorianxGaertnerxphotothek.dex

Group of security forces in combat uniforms with rifles, lined in the face of danger.

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, and U.S. Airmen with 40th Helicopter Squadron from Malmstrom Air Force Base Great Falls, Montana, control aviation fires during Exercise Garnet Rattler at Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Idaho, May 4, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint training exercise between elements of the 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, 3d MLR, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force to conduct simulated sea control operations and joint time on target strikes.

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

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 1st Platoon, Regimental Troops Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard participate in a grueling three day live fire course of Advanced Marksmanship Training at Camp Buerhing,Kuwait, Feb.14, in preparation for a security mission prior to deploying to Iraq. During the course, the Soldiers were taught advanced room clearing, mounted and dismounted firing techniques and properly securing VIP's from one location to the next. This is the units second tour to Iraq in five years.

An explosive ordnance disposal technician with Marine Forces Special Operations Command patrols alongside EOD technicians with Air Force Special Operations Command and critical skills operators during a training event June 24, 2022. The EOD primer tests all aspects of a technicians knowledge and expertise needed to perform as the only tech on a Marine Special Operations Team while operating in austere, politically sensitive, or hostile environments. EOD technicians assigned to MARSOC have completed Marine Special Operations Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal Level 1, which trains Fleet Marine Force EOD technicians in the knowledge and skills required to support the core tasks assigned to MARSOC as a special operations capability specialist.

050423-N-6501M-003. Base: Fob Hotel, Najaf Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 240th MP

Vector illustration of an american soldier in military helmet

U.S. Army Soldiers prepare for a live-fire training exercise during Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2008 at the Rodriguez Live Fire Range in South Korea Feb. 24, 2008. The annual joint exercise between U.S. forces and Republic of Korea forces provides training to enhance interoperability and combat readiness.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, stage for night operations at Sicily Drop Zone on Fort Liberty, North Carolina, Jan. 22, 2024.The night airborne operation marked the start of Operation Devil Strike. 1st BCT conducted Devil Strike to validate their preparedness for their upcoming ration at the Joint Readiness Training Center on Fort Johnson, Louisiana, and test their readiness to deploy, fight and win anywhere in the world within 18 hours.

Silhouette of a US Marine manning an M2 .50 caliber machine gun and a US Marine Corps UH-1N Iroquois Utility Helicopter

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Mathew Colley (left) and Cpl. Toby Callaway (right), radar technicians with Marine Air Control Squadron 24 (MACS-24), Marine Air Control Squadron 48, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, finish setting up an AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) in preparation of Exercise ARCTIC EDGE 2024 at Fort Greely, Alaska, Feb. 10, 2024. The G/ATOR offers real-time information on-air threats, enabling air control squadrons to effectively manage airspace and ensure the safety and efficiency of joint air operations in any environment, including harsh arctic conditions. ARCTIC EDGE 2024 (AE24) is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. militarys capabilities in extreme cold weather, joint force readiness, and U.S. military commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the arctic region. Marine Corps

070120-F-8535W-158. Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A soldier of the German Armed Forces with a mission dog, taken during the Bundeswehr exercise 'Fast Eagle' in Barth, 05.05.2022. The exercise 'Fast Eagle' simulates an evacuation of German citizens from a fictitious crisis country within a short time, Barth, Germany, Europe

Silhouettes of three workers

Military members participate in the 6th Annual Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Paul Airey Memorial Ruck at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 1, 2022. More than 150 participants and 85 volunteers attended the event to honor Aireys legacy.

A U.S. Air Force Pararescue Airman assigned to the 52nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, observes the drop zone before jumping from a HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, during an agile combat employment exercise within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 3, 2023. The exercise consisted of rapid special warfare Airmen and heavy equipment infiltration and exfiltration scenarios, military free-fall and static line jumps, and drop zone operations, sharpening key rescue capabilities within the CENTCOM AOR.

U.S. Army Green Berets from 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) fire a .50 caliber machine gun during routine training on the Nevada Test and Training Range at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 13, 2022. The 1st SPF (A) is designed to deploy and execute nine doctrinal missions throughout the Indo-Pacific Command area of operations.

220614-N-PG340-1256 SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND, Calif. (June 14, 2022) U.S. Navy Seabees with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 and Marines with 7th Engineer Support Battalion react to simulated 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.

Silhouette of a soldier sitting on a military land vehicle

050823-A-3240S-003. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Victory, Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

USA, New Mexico, Albuquerque, Old Town, Museum of Art and History

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division walk out to a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft prior to a parachute drop during a joint forcible entry exercise (JFEX) at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., Sept. 14, 2010. A JFEX training event is held six times a year in order to enhance cohesiveness between the Air Force and the Army.

100303-A-6458I-008 A U.S. Army soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division provides security at a construction building in Ebnkathwer, Iraq, on Mar. 3, 2010. The mission was part of a pre-election battlefield circulation to give a survey on how the sector is functioning prior to the elections.

marconista con fucile, 1930-1940

Studio portrait of modern soldier armed with silencer equipped service rifle.

Paratroopers across the 82nd Airborne Division execute the 12 mile road march as part of one of the last events in the road to earning their E3B on Fort Bragg, NC, April 8, 2023. 371 Paratroopers and Soldiers across multiple units and locations successfully completed E3B.

Communications Lineman Silhouette

Marines on a SPIE RIG. a rope device that will extracate Marines very quickly without the helicopter having to land.

Paratroopers across the 82nd Airborne Division finish the 12 mile road march, complete a weapons test, and recieve their E3B on Fort Bragg, NC, April 7, 2023. 371 Paratroopers and Soldiers across multiple units and locations successfully completed E3B.

Paratroopers across the 82nd Airborne Division execute the 12 mile road march as part of one of the last events in the road to earning their E3B on Fort Bragg, NC, April 8, 2023. 371 Paratroopers and Soldiers across multiple units and locations successfully completed E3B.

20140610-A-SB930-0127

August 6, 2008 - An Airman performs a foreign object disposal walk on the flight line at a simulated air base in Southeast Asia. FOD walks are essential to ensure the safety of the pilots and their aircraft.

DM-SN-89-05501. State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

Engineer Soldiers form the 84th Engineer Battalion, 130th Engineer Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, conducted escort missions and engaged the opposing force during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 23, Nov. 7, 2022, Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 4th Marines patrol through a training area during Stand-in Force Exercise on Okinawa, Japan, Dec 10, 2022. SiF-EX is a Division-level exercise involving all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. This exercise serves as a rehearsal for rapidly projecting combat power in defense of allies and partners in the region.

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

An operator participating in joint training between U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) special operations forces, awaits parachutists at Kunsan Air Base, ROK, Sept. 26, 2022. During the joint training opportunity, operators focused on honing the skills necessary to ensure the stability of the Korean peninsula.

Jagdkommando soldiers of the Austrian special forces and a battle tank in the fog.

Spc. John Takacs and Sgt. Blake Parsons, infantrymen with Company C, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, train with the M320 grenade launcher at night Nov. 15, 2010, at Fort Bragg, N.C.

060903-F-1644L-032. Base: Ar Ramadi State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

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