Soldiers and Competition

Photos of military personnel in uniform, participating in competitions and training, highlighting camaraderie and preparations for airborne jumps and field exercises.

Close-up studio portrait of U.S. Marine in patrol cap.

Soldiers and NCOs from the West Virginia and District of Columbia National Guards compete in their annual Best Warrior Competition, held at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia, April 22, 2022. Best Warrior is an annual event where participants compete in a series of military tasks including weapons proficiency, endurance, physical fitness, medical skills, communications, and professional development activities. Winners of the local Best Warrior will compete at the regional level in May, also at Camp Dawson.

Cpl. Brett Love, with the Force Protection Company, 81st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 81st Brigade Combat Team, Washington Army National Guard, takes a break from training during a visit from Col. Ronald Kapral, the commander of the 81st BCT, and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Sweeney, the command sergeant major of the 81st BCT, Feb. 6 at Contingency Operating Base Q-West, Iraq. About 2,400 Washington National Guardsmen and 900 California National Guardsmen deployed with the 81st BCT based out of Seattle in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in October. They are scheduled to return home this summer.

U.S. Army Maj. Ryan Goulet, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) talks with a fellow officer from the 173rd Airborne Brigade (AB) during preparations for a routine airborne jump in Aviano, Italy, Oct 20, 2022. Soldiers from SETAF-AF and the 173rd AB routinely train and work together to better prepare for any situation in Europe and Africa. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Luke Wilson)

U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Mason Koma with Bravo Company and native to Mars, Pennsylvania, participates in an ROTC field exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap, April 8, 2022. Cadet Koma is a sophomore at Pennsylvania State University and majors in industrial engineering.

Close-up studio portrait of U.S. Marine in patrol cap.

US Marine Corps (USMC) Lance Corporal (LCPL) William E. Bogielski, a Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC) SPECIALIST from Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron Two (MWHS-2), stands guard armed with a 5.56mm M16A2 rifle, during the Stations of the Cross Service, held at the soccer stadium at Al Asad Air Base, located in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Army squads under FORSCOM (Forces Command) compete for the title of Best Squad during a head-to-head competition at the FORSCOM Best Squad Competition 2022 at Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 17, 2022. Spc. Kole Vincent Vigilancia, representing the III Armored Corps squad, medically assesses a tactical dummy by listening for respiratory activity. On Day 3 of the competition Soldiers underwent a medical evacuation simulation at the Fort Hood MSTC (Medical Simulation Training Center). The Army is the best trained, best equipped, and most skilled fighting force in the world.

Master Sgt. Cody A. Schertz, a section chief for the 62d Cyberspace Squadron, poses for a photo on Buckley Space Force Base, April 7, 2022. Buckley SFB features one Airman or Guardian every week on their social media accounts in order to showcase to the base some of the amazing things they do in their job on a day-to-day basis.

U.S. Army Sgt. Clay Kresser, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 134th Field Artillery Regiment, Ohio National Guard, poses for a photo during Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 12, 2022. Northern Strike tests multi component and coalition forces through a challenging, realistic and detailed scenario based on relevant real-world security challenges and future conflicts.

Spc. Jordan Hewitt, of the 850th Engineer Company applaud as the Regional Best Warrior winners are announced. Twelve National Guard Soldiers who competed in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, participated in an awards ceremony. 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)

Soldiers and NCOs from the West Virginia and District of Columbia National Guards compete in their annual Best Warrior Competition, held at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia, April 22, 2022. Best Warrior is an annual event where participants compete in a series of military tasks including weapons proficiency, endurance, physical fitness, medical skills, communications, and professional development activities. Winners of the local Best Warrior will compete at the regional level in May, also at Camp Dawson.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Esteban Escobar, a machine gunner with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), poses for a photo during a live-fire exercise aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), in the Atlantic Ocean, June 28, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Army Spc. Andriano Omerovic, a cavalry scout assigned to 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, looks out the drivers hatch on a Bradley fighting vehicle at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Feb. 15, 2024. In gunnery table V, Bradley crews use a variety of ammunition including 25mm armor piercing, 25mm high explosive rounds and 7.62mm. Army

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cody Stephens, 20th Security Forces Squadron installation entry controller, scans the immediate area while manning an entry/exit point during an active shooter exercise at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Sep. 26, 2022. Stephens ensured the access point was secured and continued with the next phase of the training while awaiting the arrival of the medical team.

030320-M-5150A-029. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: 7th Marines

A US Marine Corps Marine watches as citizens of Fallujah, Iraq, prepare to vote for the referendum for a constitution during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. The event took place throughout Iraq. Base: Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Mikhail Topal, fuels distribution operator Airman assigned to the 673d Logistics Readiness Squadron, poses in front of a fuels truck during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 18, 2022. Exercises like RF-A broaden opportunities for multilateral cooperation with regional allies and partners, focusing on improving the combat readiness of U.S. and international forces and providing training for units preparing for air and space expeditionary force tasking. We fuel all of the aircraft here at JBER, on the Air Force side at least, and we help to support the Red Flag mission by working together with the joint forces, he said.

Staff Sgt. Ransom Smith a member of the 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment's rifle salute team, salutes the late Staff Sgt. Timothy A. Kay as 'Taps.' The battalion and Fort Jackson remembered Kay as one who 'loves to give himself to make others better.'

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brendan Knight, a crew chief with the 62d Maintenance Squadron, participates in Exercise Rainier War 22B at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Oct. 20, 2022. Rainier War is designed to evaluate and exercise Team McChords ability to generate, employ and sustain Rapid Global Mobility into and in support of the U.S. Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility.

U.S. Marines Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2 Phillip Griffith, a mobility officer, with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conducts an end of the day brief on the United States Naval Ship Dahl (T-AKR 312) during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Kushiro Port, on Oct. 1, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual 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. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Tucker Leigland, a Rush City, Minnesota native, platoon commander with Company F., 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, poses for a photo during a Marine Air-Ground Task Force Distributed Maneuver Exercise as part of Service Level Training Exercise 2-24 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 13, 2024. MDMX prepares Marines for future conflicts by conducting offensive and defensive live-fire and maneuver training scenarios within an austere training environment. Marine Corps

Close-up portrait of a smiling U.S. Marine with dirt on face and ammo belts over soulders.

Senior Airman Fernando Hernandez, a 162nd Force Support Squadron food service shift leader, is being hailed as a hero in his local community for saving the life of a 14-year-old boy this week. Hernandez is a part-time, drill-status Guardsman with the 162nd Wing in Tucson, and he also serves as a full-time police officer with the Nogales Police Department NPD in southern Arizona.

981008-F-5789F-504. Base: Camp Red Cloud State: Gyeonggi-Do Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

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.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. James Justen, a Mooresville, North Carolina native and a scout sniper assigned to Weapons Company, 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, poses for a photo during a reconnaissance and surveillance field exercise on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 5, 2022. The reconnaissance and surveillance exercise was conducted to prepare teams for the Battle Field Exercise Team Leader Evaluation and increase platform interoperability. I joined the Marine Corps in order to seek better opportunities, achieve personal goals and desires,” said Justen. I’ve always wanted to be a Marine. A challenge I faced early on was transitioning from a mortarman to a scout sniper, but now I am a faithful P.I.G to my sniper platoon and sniper community as a whole, P.I.G. meaning professionally instructed gunman.”

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Erik Brown, 86th Materiel Maintenance Squadron, 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, displays his coin as Airlifter of the Week at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 31, 2023. Brown received AOTW for his achievements and contributions to his unit and Ramstein AB, such as quickly teaming with the 86th AW LRS Aircraft Fuels Section where he performed refuel supervisor duties for the teams immersion tour.

Congratulations to Staff Sgt. Joseph Szafranski on being Airlifter of the Week!As a mortuary Technician, he is the liaison between the Yokota and the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Pacific Operating Location, supporting dignified Human Remains transfers from within the Pacific Command Area when needed.Keep up the hard work, and congratulations again, Staff Sgt. Szafranski!

Spc. Bennett Harvey, a wheeled vehicle mechanic assigned to 34th Infantry Division "Red Bulls" poses for a photo at Fort Cavazos, Texas, Feb. 25, 2024. Harvey joined the Army March 7, 2019. (Minnesota National Guard

Army soldier saluting. Isolated on a black background

041122-M-0173F-017. Base: Camp Blue Diamond State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Lancaster, a Field Craft Hostile (FCH) student, puts on a helmet on during FCH at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on Aug 1, 2022. Fieldcraft Hostile is a pre-deployment course provided by the 421 Combat Training Squadron comprised of members across 43 different Air Force Specialty Codes dedicated to its Chief of Staff of the Air Force chartered mission to deliver expeditionary combat support training.

Col. Brian Hallberg, USACE Hurricane Ian Recovery Office and Norfolk District commander, listens to a discussion on the Applied Technology Council - 45, or ATC-45, infrastructure assessment mission on Sanibel Island, Florida, Oct. 27. USACE officials, along with local county officials, are supporting the state of Florida and FEMA by assessing buildings to ensure they are safe. The ATC-45 is an industry standard safety evaluation after windstorms and floods. Following the assessments, USACE forwards the information to the local county officials for them to make a final determination. In addition to infrastructure assessments, USACE is actively supporting other Hurricane Ian recovery efforts to include Operation Blue Roof, debris technical monitoring and temporary housing.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Hassey, 801st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental systems journeyman, performs perimeter security around an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft during airfield security operations training led by the 332d Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, April 5, 2022. Each trainee learned about perimeter security as well as defensive positions aboard the aircraft.

Soldiers and Katusa's conduct an M4 range on Camp Yongsan-Casey, September 9th 2022.The M4 carbine is a 5.56×45mm NATO, gas-operated,b magazine-fed, carbine developed in the United States during the 1980s. It is a shortened version of the M16A2 assault rifle.

041115-M-3658J-088. Base: Camp Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CSSB-1

Sgt. Calan Johnson, mortuary affairs specialist, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, provides a safe haven for children. He and his wife have fostered 11 children between January 2019 to January 2021.

A US Marine Corps (USMC) Marine assigned to Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, provides security at a polling site for the upcoming Iraqi elections, in Nasarwasalam, Iraq. The 1ST Marine Division is engaged in Security and Stabilization Operations (SASO), in the Al Anbar Province, Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Nasarwasalam State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joe Stanford, a signal analyst assigned to the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force, poses for a portrait during Project Convergence - Capstone 4 in Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 23, 2024. Army

A paratrooper from the 5th Ranger Training Battalion (RTB) prepares to jump out of a Blackhawk. A cadre member from the 5th RTB prepares to exit the Blackhawk in order perform his quarterly jump to stay current with his jumping qualifications. Paratroopers are required to jump four times a year, the RTB allows jumpers to have multiple jumps in order to be proficient at their craft.

soldier using tablet computer against old brick wall

U.S. Army Maj. Sam Palmer, Joint Force Headquarters, Vermont National Guard, interviews with 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain) Public Affairs at Camp Ethan Allen Firing Range, Jericho, Vt., January 8, 2023. Palmer joins Team U.S.A. as a competitor in Edelweiss Raid 2023. This international, military competition endeavors to test soldier alpine skills, foster camaraderie, and build relations between mountain warfighters across the world.

Spc. Wyatt Walls, representing the U.S. Army National Guard, prepares for a task during the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue.

US Air Force (USAF) Captain (CPT) Russ Shinn, 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (EFS), walks out for his final mission at Incirlik Air Base (AB), Turkey, in support of Operation NORTHERN WATCH. Airmen from Shaw Air Force Base (AFB) South Carolina (SC) and other units are redeploying after 12 successful years of enforcing the no-fly zone over Northern Iraq, in support of Operation NORTHERN WATCH. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

Arizona Army National Guard 1st Lt. Eric Terre, 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, platoon leader, conducts a key leader engagement to assess the threat status of a simulated village during the last day of training at Steppe Eagle 2014, Oct. 12, at the Joint Multinational Readiness Training Center here.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kurtis Geiger, noncommissioned officer in charge of the 6th Maintenance Squadron corrosion control unit, poses in a spray-booth at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 12, 2022. The 6th MXS corrosion control facility ensures that important aircraft components are preserved and protected from the elements.

New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers, with 1-114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, zero fires the M4 carbine before a range qualification on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ, Oct. 23, 2022. Soldiers with Bravo Company, 1-114th Infantry Regiment conducted the zero range for the rest of the regiment before moving on to their weapons qualification.

An informal portrait of Brig. GEN. Anthony Charles Zinni, USMC, J3 for the Combined Unified Task Force (CUTF) Somalia. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Base: Modadishu Country: Somalia (SOM)

Airman 1st Class Justin Nystrom, 45th Logistics Readiness Squadron fleet management analysis technician, poses for a portrait at Patrick Space Force Base, Fla., Nov. 30, 2022. Nystrom provided medical aid to a citizen involved in a car crash on Sep. 5, 2022.

Army Reserve Spc. Joshua Thompson exits the Conditioning Course event covered in sweat, but in good spirits, during the 2022 Best Squad Competition at Fort McCoy, WI, on May 15, 2022. Approximately 50 Soldiers from across the nation travelled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022. The 2022 BSC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers and squads from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of "Best Warrior" and "Best Squad" among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

Military, uniform and man getting ready at navy, bedroom or officer quarters for war training, fight or USA combat. Veteran, hero or soldier in army clothes with courage for draft or conscription

Senior Airman Dylan Mancini, 333rd Fighter Generation Squadron aircraft integrated avionics technician, poses for a photo for Wingman Wednesday to celebrate Pride Month at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, June 16, 2022. Mancini was nominated as this weeks Wingman Wednesday for his exceptional work ethic and positive attitude. Additionally, Mancini identifies as gay and celebrates Pride Month.

Capt. Casey Noble, quality control officer with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, conducts pre-flight checks on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in Meridian, Mississippi, Sept. 29, 2022. The flight team ensured the helicopter was in full working order prior to its flight to Florida in response to Hurricane Ian's effects across the state.

031107-M-8049T-177. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Alaska Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Paul Wilbanks, AKARNG recruiter, judges Junior ROTC cadets during a Feb. 17, 2024, Alaska statewide JROTC drill competition at Anchorage's Service High School. Alaska National Guard members volunteered as drill judges with their active duty counterparts. (Alaska Air National Guard

040712-M-8851A-003. Base: Mcagcc, Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Hale coordinates with Captain Eric Menin and other staff mentors of the land component command as part of the Caribbean Task Force in preparation for Exercise TRADEWINDS in Belize City, Belize on 4 May, 2022.Photo: Corporal Mitchell Paquette

070308-M-4314O-010. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Taqaddum State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CLB-2

030326-F-2813A-016. Country: Unknown

A Cadet from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hills Army ROTC Ranger Challenge Team completes the Cognitive Skills Challenge event on Oct. 15, at Fort AP Hill, Va. During the Ranger Challenge, 38 teams competed in a round robin style event attempting to earn a spot in the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition hosted by West Point Military Academy. | Photo by Amy Turner, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Matthew Fields, a satellite transitions systems operator with 8th Communication Battalion (8th Comm), II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Information Group, poses for a photo during a mission rehearsal exercise (MRX) aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 12, 2022. Marines from 8th Comm conducted MRX to demonstrate the capability to support MEF-level exercises in the future.

020503-F-7232C-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Vincent Gardone, the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron senior enlisted leader, poses for a photo during Agile Combat Employment training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 1, 2022. Exercising ACE elements enables U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific to operate from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen and aircrews are postured to respond across the spectrum of military operations.

Studio contour backlight shot of special forces soldier in uniform with weapon.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Andrew Baer, 9th Air Refueling Squadron commander, takes a photo of a KC-10 Extender prior to performing pre-flight checks on the flight line at Travis Air Force Base, California, Jan. 11, 2024. The 9th ARS leaders designated this specific aircraft as the squadron flagship based off historical records and documentation. The term flagship traditionally referred to the ship that carried the commander of a naval fleet, deeming it most important.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Austin Wollenberg, 60th Aerial Port Squadron air transportation specialist, poses for a photo on a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, at Travis Air Force Base, California, March 8, 2022. Wollenberg served as the team chief lead overseeing the cargo transportation in support of an F-35C Lighting II recovery mission.

Highest Rifle Marksmanship ScoreLawton Fort Sill, Oklahoma - SPC Jordan Allen was awarded the Highest Rifle Marksmanship award by Charlie Battery 1-22nd Field Artillery Battalion, 434th Field Artillery Brigade on February 23, 2024, for scoring the highest in the battery on Rifle Marksmanship during Basic Combat Training.

U.S. Army Sgt. Jonathan Warren, assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, prepares to engage a board panel while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

U.S. Army Pfc. Austin Dassler, assigned to Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), cleans part of the recoil system of a M119 105mm howitzer in preparation for an upcoming situational training exercise at Sodankyla, Finland, July 19, 2022. The 2nd BCT, 101st (AASLT) and the Jaeger Brigade began combined training in Finland to strengthen relations and help build interoperability between the two partner nations.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Richard G. Moler, from Clarksville, Tennessee, an expeditionary firefighting and rescue specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, currently supporting the Weapons and Tactics Instructor 1-23 course, hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons Squadron One, is photographed for a feature story highlighting his recent pistol marksmanship accomplishment at Auxiliary Airfield II near Yuma, Arizona, Sept. 26, 2022. Sgt. Moler shot a perfect 400 score on his first time ever qualifying on a U.S. Marine Corps pistol range.

Master Sgt. Tyler Hone, a power productions supervisor with 124th Civil Engineering Squadron, participates in the Cherokee Nation Civil Engineering Innovative Readiness Training June 7, 2022 in Tahlequah, OK. The Air and Army National Guardsmen work in two-week rotations from April to August, building seven homes each year for low-income or homeless military veterans of Cherokee Nation.

060127-N-4374S-007. Base: USS Carter Hall (LSD 50)

2nd Lt. Justin Johnson, an Aviation Officer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-126th Aviation Regiment, stands for a portrait, March 10, 2023, Quonset, RI. Johnson was nominated for a Soldier Spotlight for recently finishing flight school and taking on the role as Assistant S4 and Battalion Unit Movement Officer.

DA-SD-03-08266. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Army Reserve drill sergeant Sgt. Allyson Nordin folds the American flag during a retirement ceremony at the General George Patton Leadership Museum July 1, Fort Knox, Ky. The 104th Training Division hosted a ceremony to honor the retirement of four Soldiers with more than 100 years of combined service July 1 at the General George Patton Museum of Leadership, Fort Knox Kentucky - Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Mattingly, 1st Sgt. James S. Ward, 1st Sgt. William J. Henderson, and Sfc. James Greco.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of the Air Expeditionary Wing, pulls communication cable, during a Roll Up Sleeves visit to Airmen of the 378th Expeditionary Communication Squadron, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, April 22, 2022. Leadership from the 378th AEW, regularly visit Airmen under their command, to experience first-hand their job and to share recognition of how each one of them is essential to the mission of the Wing.

Spc. Michael Lopez, a mechanic with Bravo Company, 1-185th Armor (Combined Arms Battalion), 81st Brigade Combat Team, California Army National Guard, takes a break from fixing vehicles Feb. 5 at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. About 900 California National Guardsmen deployed with the 81st BCT based out of Seattle in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in August. They are scheduled to return home this summer.

A member of the 82nd Airborne Division, his arm in a sling, waits for the arrival of a helicopter during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

030306-M-5753Q-004. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Ripper Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: 7TH MARINES

A U.S. Army Joint Fire Support Specialist with the Fire Support Detachment, 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery Regiment, stands for a portrait on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, May 20, 2022.

A U.S. Marine hikes off of Range 218 during the 13th Annual Recon Challenge on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 29, 2022. The Recon Challenge consists of a 25-mile hike on Camp Pendleton that involves a kilometer open-ocean swim, underwater knot tying, casualty evacuation drills, and live-fire marksmanship drills. Participants in the Recon Challenge wear the names of fallen Reconnaissance Marines on their packs to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. (U.S. Marine Corps photo Cpl. Andrew Cortez)

031016-M-5916B-019. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Senior Airman Corey McDonald, 51st Civil Engineer Squadron driver operator, and 1 Lt. Kyle Lunde, 51st Security Forces Squadron member, stand in formation during a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 10, 2022. SFS members joined firefighters, medics and other personnel to pay their respects.

Two American soldiers in army combat uniform

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cy Snyder III, C-130 Loadmaster from the 169th Airlift Squadron, Peoria Air National Guard Base, Illinois, supports Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 9, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

Spc. Alexander Posar, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, participates in the Ohio Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition(BWC)at the Ohio Army National Guard Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center, Ravenna, Ohio, April 3, 2022. The winners of the BWC will move on to represent the Ohio Army National Guard at the regional levelcompetitionthis summer. The BWCrecognizes Soldiers who demonstratecommitment to the Army values, embody the warrior Ethos, and represent the Force of the future. (Photo by Spc. Benhur Ayettey, 196thMobile Public Affairs Attachment/RELEASED)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kade Jones, a marine patrolman assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron, protects over seven miles of coastline surrounding MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, July 10, 2022. On June 12, marine patrolmen Airman 1st Class Samari Rivera-Rodriguez, Kade Jones, and Sabin Venable, along with Staff Sgt. William Au rescued eight victims who were stranded on top of a capsized vessel in Tampa Bay while on patrol. The 6th SFS Marine Patrol unit is the only fully operational, 24/7 unit in the Air Force, and is responsible for protecting one of the largest coastal restricted areas in the Department of Defense.

U.S. Army Spc. Erick Muniz, 216th Engineer Battalion Mobility Augmentation Company, 578th Engineer Battalion, California National Guard, holds a ceremonial rifle at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif. July 26, 2022. The Honor Guard in the United States Army is a special unit that provides ceremonial support.

030128-A-3996M-050. Base: Fort Gordon State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Capt. Tyler Clarke, a civil affairs team lead with the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade, observes members from the Tanzanian Marine Special Forces respond practice fundamentals of Tactical Combat Casualty Care to during a Joint Combined Exchange Training in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Nov. 10, 2022. JCETS enhance U.S. relationships with partner nations by developing and maintaining critical military-to-military connections and improving joint and allied readiness and interoperability.

MAJ. GEN. James Starling, director of logistics and security assistance, U.S. Central Command, poses for a photograph at an air base in the aftermath of Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

Soldier Saluting

U.S. Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Sam Doolittle, emergency manager with the 105th Airlift Wings Civil Engineer Squadron, poses for a portrait in front of a HAZMAT mural at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York, Feb. 3, 2024. Doolittle was selected as the Air National Guard Noncommissioned Officer Emergency Manager of the Year after competing with Airmen from across the nation. Air National Guard

Official Imagery from the ceremony honoring the life of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams, Medal of Honor recipient, held at the World War II Memorial, Washington D.C., July 14, 2022. Born in Quiet Dell, West Virginia in 1923, Williams, 98, was awarded the Medal of Honor for "conspicious gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his live above and beyond the call of duty" while he served as a demolition sergeant sewrving with the 21st Marines, third Marine Division while fighting Japanese forces on Iwo Jima on Feb. 23, 1945. At the time of his death on June 29, 2022, he was the last living World War II Medal of honor recipient.

Spc. Benjamine Wallace (left) from the 111th Engineer Battalion and Spc. Dylan Waite from the 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, stand ready for the professional military board at this years Texas Military Departments Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas, March 28, 2023. The friendly, six-day competition challenges service members on professional military knowledge, marksmanship, obstacle course and land navigation. The winners of this event will move on to represent Texas at the National Guards Region V Best Warrior Competition.

1st Lt. Matthew Griffin assigned to Bravo Company, 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a tactical pause at an M2 machinegun day qualification event at Skwierzyna, Poland, Aug. 18, 2022. The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces. (U.S. Army photos by 2nd Lt. Kimberly Blair)

Cmdr. Joseph Blair, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, a chaplain at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), poses for a photo in the chapel at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Oct. 6, 2022. WRNMMCs clergy were being celebrated in honor of Clergy Appreciation Day. Clergy Appreciation Day is a National holiday to recognize the work of ministers, pastors, and priests.

A member of the 204th Army Band sings a song June 14, 2022, at McCoys Community Center as part of the Army Birthday Celebration at Fort McCoy, Wis. The breakfast was part of many events coordinated by the Fort McCoy Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to commemorate the 247th birthday of the U.S. Army at Fort McCoy. The day also included a birthday breakfast, a 5k run and walk, free car washes, and more.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ivan Morffi, a Cape Coral, Florida, native and a antitank missile gunner with 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, retrieves grid coordinates prior to firing a TOW missile system on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. In order to enhance the Marine Corps capability to control littoral areas with a reduced footprint, 2d LAR facilitated the employment of a TOW missile fired from a LAV-AT utilizing an radio frequency signal between the launch tube and missile.

war, army and people concept - close up of young soldier in military uniform

of 2