Soldiers in Tactical Operations

Images of soldiers equipped for combat in dynamic environments, demonstrating tactical readiness and engagement during military operations.

United States Army ranger in the mountains.

United States Army ranger in the mountains.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Benjamin Shalz, from Boise, Idaho, a UH-1Y Venom crew chief, assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), participates in a day gun exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22, near Yuma, Arizona, April 1, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assist in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

Armed with 5.56mm M4 Carbines, First Sergeant (1SG) Jimmy Carabello of "A" Company, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), stands alert at the Kandahar Army Airfield, during a search for Taliban fighters in support of ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kandahar Army Air Field Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

A tactical air control party Airman from the 113th Air Support Operations Squadron surveys target options during close air support training at Jefferson Range in Jefferson Proving Ground, Ind., May 17, 2022. TACPs from the 113th ASOS provide joint terminal attack controller capabilities to air assets to execute military ground commanders intent.

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion observes a M119A3 Howitzer descend to the ground with a parachute during a heavy-drop airborne operation onto Bayonet Drop Zone at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 8, 2022 as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22.Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Army's Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely train

Green Berets US Army Special Forces Group soldier. US Army Special Forces Group soldier

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Thomas Schneider, assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, marches to his next task during the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 10, 2022. Teams from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa test their tactical proficiency, communication, and overall cohesion as they compete for the title of Best Squad. Winners of this competition will advance to represent U.S. Army Europe and Africa at the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina later this year.

Artillery soldiers with Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, "Task Force 82", conduct sling-load operations during an elevator drill exercise on Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, Jan. 4, 2024. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from 3rd Attack Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division supported the 101st Airborne Division Artillery Soldiers by moving M101 howitzers by air to increase proficiency in air assault operations.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Tyler Woods, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, fires an M2 50. caliber macihine gun during a static live-fire range in Setermoen, Norway March 23, 2023. Marines are deployed to Norway as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 which focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Zachary Apperson, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) student with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, coordinates close air support for an urban assault at Saylor Creek Range in Grasmere, Idaho during Exercise Garnet Rattler April 21, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint training event between Marines, Soldiers and Airmen to train and qualify JTACs to be more efficient and lethal in a realistic training environment.

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, installs a headlight on their vehicle during Motorpool Monday. Motorpool Monday is conducted weekly to ensure all vehicles are working efficiently.

A U.S. Soldier, assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, prepares belts of 7.62 ammunition in preparation of M240b machine gun training at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 23, 2023. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment provides V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps, with combat-credible forces capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater to defend the NATO alliance.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Patrick Butler, left, human resources technician, and U.S. Army Spc. Alyssa Heft, right, human resources specialist, both assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, maintain security while on a dismounted patrol during an improvised explosive device (IED) training course at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 23, 2022. Overseen by U.S. Army Combat Engineers, the training lane put Soldiers through a realistic training environment, allowing them to find and understand the weapons and technology used by enemy forces, increasing their readiness, lethality, and unit cohesion.

Pfc. Ryder Koons, a combat engineer with the 833rd Engineer Company out of Ottumwa, Iowa, prepares detonation cord for an individual demolition qualification at Orchard Combat Training Center, in Idaho, on June 10, 2022. The 833rd Engineer Company refers to the basic demolition using C4 and detonation cord as a confidence blow,” designed to build confidence and good habits in Soldiers working with increasingly dangerous explosives.

U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the East Africa Response Force (EARF), Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, (CJTF-HOA), run through several courses of fire at the Djiboutian Range Complex, Djibouti, May 25 2022. The EARF provides support for any contingency, including crisis response, humanitarian assistance, non-combatant evacuation operations, disaster relief operations, support to U.S. embassies, recovery capabilities of aircraft and personnel, and other missions as directed. (U.S. Air Force photos by Staff Sgt. Joel Pfiester)

Pvt. Kewon Washington, an infantryman with 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas, checks his simulated weapon for deficiencies after a malfunction as part of a convoy operation training during Western Strike 22 at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho, June 8, 2022. Western Strike 22 is an eXportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise led by the 65th Field Artillery Brigade, Utah National Guard, that provides National Guard Soldiers immersed training similar to a Combat Training Center and aims to increase participating unit's readiness and lethality.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Justin OBarr, a Pennsylvania native, and rifleman with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), operates his radio during military operations in urban terrain as part of Realistic Urban Training (RUT) on Fort Barfoot, Virginia, Jan. 18, 2024. RUT provides the 24th MEU the opportunity to operate in unfamiliar environments, integrate the units of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and train towards being designated as special operations capable.

POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii (July 21, 2022) U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Lewis, a 25th Air Support Operations Squadron strike team supervisor, aligns the Type-163 LASER designator on target prior to providing guidance for weapons impact at Pohakuloa Training Area during Rim of the Pacific 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

CAMP TITIN, Jordan - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ian Stairwalt, assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command (FASTCENT), conducts a live fire squad attack range during Exercise Eager Lion 22 at Camp Titin, Jordan, September 7, 2022. Eager Lion 22 is a multilateral exercise hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, designed to exchange military expertise, and improve interoperability among partner nations, and considered the capstone of a broader U.S. military relationship with the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF). Jordan is one of U.S. Central Commands (USCENTCOM) strongest and most reliable partners in the Levant sub-region.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Austin Wallace, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 134th Field Artillery Regiment, Ohio National Guard, looks through an M119 Howitzer sighting system to aim at a target during exercise 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.

220507-A-ST150-GR22-Photo 88//U.S. Army Soldier Spc. Matthew Bass, a Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialist assigned to the 48th Chemical Brigade, 2nd Chemical Battalion, 172nd CBRNE Company, scans the environment for remaining equipment after conducting a platoon-level decontamination team evaluation drill at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Ind., May 5, 2022. The simulated nuclear disaster is a part of Guardian Response, a multi-component Homeland Emergency Response Exercise conducted by the Army Reserves 78th Training Division.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Daniel Palmer, a fire team leader from Blairstown, New Jersey, assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, stacks his team along a wall 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.

Staff Sgt. Caleb Stinson and Sergeant 1st Class Jason Pate, 68W Combat Medics, 232nd Medical Battalion, conduct damage control and resuscitation during the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. Medics who earn entry into the Best Medic Competition are already among the "best of the best." To be eligible for entry, medics must have received either the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) or the Combat Medical Badge (CMB).2 Both badges require the utmost determination and competence to receive. The overall pass rate for the Expert Field Medical Badge is less than 20%, making it one of the hardest and most respected forms of recognition you can earn in the army.

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, moves to post security during a field exercise at Range 132 on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 30, 2022. Camp Pendleton provides training support that enables Marines to maintain and enhance their mission capabilities and combat readiness for deployment.

Sgt. Jordan Ford, crew chief with New Hampshire Army National Guard aviation, boards a Black Hawk helicopter Oct. 19, 2022, at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Concord, New Hampshire. Ford and his crew then flew to the Nash Stream in the North Country to remove two rusted metal culverts. The sling load was coordinated through Innovative Readiness Training, a U.S. Department of Defense program that provides training opportunities for guardsmen while supporting local communities.

U.S. Army Pfc. Jack Powley, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade advances on an objective during a combined arms live fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 22, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

Close-up of U.S. Marine with his rifle.

U.S. Army Spc. Joseph Díaz-González, a combat medic assigned to Viper Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), poses for a picture at Rovaniemi, Finland, Aug. 8, 2022.

Pfc. Troy Davis, a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter repairer with 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, awaits instruction before take off Feb. 19, 2019 at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania. 3-1 AHB recently began a rotation in Romania to support Atlantic Resolve, a joint NATO commitment to build readiness and enhance the bond between ally and partner nations through multinational training.

220727-N-N0842-1034 SAN DIEGO (July 27, 2022) Royal Australian Navy clearance divers from Dive Team Three conduct an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Disposal scenario during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 in Southern California. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Photo by Royal Australian Air Force Imagery Specialist Corporal Craig Barrett)

Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team engage in various mission durian Operation Nakoa Fleek in Schofield Barracks, HI. Operation NAKOA FLEEK is a two-week multi-echelon exercise designed to validate the Brigades Capability Set Integration (CSI), train and certify lethal companies, troops, and batteries, and exercise the Warriors sustainment capacity in a dynamic and complex battlefield against a thinking and reacting enemy.

Idaho National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, as well as active duty counterparts joined forces with a one-team, one-fight mentality for joint training during a mass casualty exercise on Feb. 4, 2023, near Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. Medical personnel from Gowen Fields 124th Medical Group and active duty medical personnel with the 366th Medical Group from Mountain Home Air Force Base teamed up for several mass casualty events, which also included the use of medevac Soldiers and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the Idaho Army National Guards 1st of the 168th Aviation Regiment to participate in the medical evacuation scenarios. Combat medics performed treatment and stabilized casualties at a field medical tent in a simulated deployed location. The focus for the combat medics during the mass casualty scenarios was an emphasis on Tactical Combat Casualty Care. The TCCC is the military guideline for trauma life support in pre-hospital combat medicine, designed to reduce preventable deaths while

DS Mason from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, Fort Benning GA led the Hooah Squad demonstration for new Trainees of Alpha Co. Class 23-006 on 21 October 2022. The demonstration included weapons and equipment they will utilize in training and throughout their time in the Army.

Two U.S. Air Force special missions aviators assigned to 56th Rescue Squadron load 7.62 rounds into a GAU-2 on a U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave hawk before take off during exercise Jolly Vihar near Pápa Air Base, Hungary, July 14, 2022. The 56th RQS provides a rapidly-deployable, worldwide combat rescue and reaction force response. During exercise Jolly Vihar the 56th RQS trained alongside Hungarian joint terminal attack controllers to improve integrated combat search and rescue operations.

U.S. Army Spc. Nathan Marsh, assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, mans an M240B machine gun on a Humvee during an anti-terrorism exercise at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 20, 2014. The exercise tested the ability of security forces to respond to a breach of the camp's perimeter.

U.S. Soldiers in the 7th Infantry Regiment conducted section live-fire recently in the Grafenwoehr training area. In its 200-year history, it has participated in 12 wars, and been awarded 78 campaign streamers, and 14 unit decorations, and they remain lethal and ready. U.S. Soldiers in the 7th Infantry Regiment conducted section live fire at Grafenwoehr recently and are part of 1st Infantry Division and V Corps, Americas Forward Deployed Corps in Europe which works alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multination training exercises, and retain command and control for its rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

In the mountains of ADI Ghar, Sergeant (SGT) Victor Zavalza of the 307th Engineers, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), the White Devils, 82nd Airborne Division, primes C4 explosives in order to destroy a cave, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

DA-SC-88-08074. Base: Fort Gordon State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

070324-M-2166H-039. Complete Scene Caption: An Iraqi Army Soldier in the School of Infantry (SOI) cleans his rifle after training at Camp Yasser on Al Asad Air Base, Iraq on March 24, 2007. SOI is a ten day training school that teaches advanced fighting techniques and tactics to new Iraqi Army Soldiers before they report to their battalions. 2nd Battalion 7th Iraqi Army Division Military Transition Team is deployed as a part of MNF-W in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Anbar province of Iraq to develop the Iraqi Security Forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance CPL. Michael L. Haas) (Released) Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: MITT 2-7

Georgian Defense Forces scan their sectors of fire for a defensive position training scenario held during Noble Partner located in the Vaziani Training Area, Georgia. Noble Partner is designed to enhance regional partnerships and increase U.S. force readiness and interoperability in a realistic, multinational training environment. The exercise allows participants to conduct situational training exercises, and combined mechanized maneuvers.

U.S. Marine Corps recruit Matthew Williams with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, waits to fire during a table two course of fire at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. March 28, 2023. All recruits participated in the table two rifle qualification course during the third phase of recruit training. Williams was recruited out of Recruiting Station San Antonio, Texas.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Oliver Wendland, 355th Logistics Readiness Squadron forward area refueling point operator, hauls cargo onto an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft during Exercise Agile Angel at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Feb. 20, 2024. The 355th LRS were subject matter experts and augmented the 48th Rescue Squadron with FARP capabilities during the exercise. Air Force

Spc. Natan Seal, a Kentucky Army National Guard Soldier assigned to Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, safeties a zero marksmanship range with the Djiboutian Republican Guard (La Garde Républicaine Djiboutienne), at Arta Range Complex, Aug. 11, 2022. The Republican Guard is a section of the Djiboutian Army that provides security missions for the highest Djiboutian state authorities and the public. Kentucky Soldiers continue to build strong relationships with Djibouti as part of the National Guard's State Partnership Program (SPP). (U.S. National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

U.S. Army Soldiers participating in the U.S. Army Forces Command Best Squad Competition ride a boat over Belton Lake, at Fort Hood, Texas, August 16, 2022. The Best Squad Competition promotes esprit de corps and recognizes Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to the Army Values and embody the Warrior ethos.

A soldier with "A" Company, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), at Kandahar Army Airfield, maintains tactical satellite telephone communication, during a search for Taliban fighters, in support of ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kandahar Army Air Field Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Brian Berling, Alpha Company commander with 3rd Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, speaks during a static weapons display during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 4, 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.

Sgt. Benjamin Miller competed in the U.S. Army Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition in Marseilles, Illinois, May 16-20, and is now the 2022 ASC Best Warrior! He will go on and represent ASC at this years U.S. Army Materiel Command Best Warrior Competition.

american marine corps special operations modern warfare soldier with fire arm weapon and protective army tactical gear ready for battle

070104-A-9326H-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Tillman State: Paktika Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers fly an RQ-11B Raven Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) over drop zone Badger at Fort McCoy, Wis., Sept. 9, 2022. The training is part of a two-week skills course taught by instructors from the Wisconsin Military Academy. U.S. Army photo by Kevin W. Clark

Green Berets US Army Special Forces Group soldier studio shot. US Army Special Forces Group soldier

A Marine with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) completes M4 rifle qualification requirements July 26, 2022, on Range 18 on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 24th Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 was holding annual training at Fort McCoy.

Sgt. Christopher Beck, a crew chief for the Wyoming National Guards Company C, 5th Battalion,159th Aviation Regiment, stands outside of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter in Khost province, Afghanistan, Feb. 26. Operating out of Forward Operating Base Salerno in Khost province and Forward Operating Base Orgun-E in Paktika province, the troops of Co. C are responsible for providing the medical-evacuation support in a belt of land across southeastern Afghanistan that covers two and a half provinces—a little smaller than the state of Maryland.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matt Loiselle, Personal Security Advisor for the Air Component Coordination Element Director, discusses transportation information with members from the personal security detail while inside the U.S. Embassy compound, Baghdad, Iraq, March 24, 2010. Sergeant Loiselle has been in charge of three teams consisting of 40 Army personnel, who were deployed from locations such as the Kentucky and Tennessee Army National Guard units and he trained them to be part of this team.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas Durate, a mortarman with 1st Battalion 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, loads an M252 81mm mortar system on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 14, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

051101-F-2828D-010. Base: Ryiad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

101125-A-7125B-156 U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Lucas A. Kammerer, a squad leader assigned to Bushmaster Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, climbs down a hill after searching a cave for weapons during Operation Bulldog Bite in the Pech River valley, Kunar province, Afghanistan, on Nov. 25, 2010.

U.S. Army Sgt. Johnny Diggs, assigned to the 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, waits with a patient in a U.S. Army ambulance vehicle during a multinational ambulance exchange point training as a part of Defender 22 at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 26, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe; it demonstrates the ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

U.S. Army Pvt. Darnell Harvey, with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment (Battleking) 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, delivers ammunition to an M109A7 Paladin during Exercise Dynamic Front 24 at Polatlı Training Area, Türkiye, Feb. 19, 2024. Exercise Dynamic Front 24 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-directed, 56th Artillery Command-led fires-centric exercise in Germany and Türkiye. Artillery Soldiers train in a joint-combined environment, focusing on fire interoperability, command, and control between multinational units and using Artillery Systems Cooperation Activities protocol systems. Army Reserve

U.S. Marine Corps special operations command Marsoc raider with weapon.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Caleb White, tank commander from 1st Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, inspects his tank during vehicle draw activities on the second day of the Sullivan Cup, at Fort Benning, Ga., April 26, 2022. During day 2, Sullivan Cup crews have an equipment layout, draw vehicles and conduct PMCS (Preventive Maintenance Checks), to ensure that their vehicles will be ready to perform for the competition.

modern warfare american marines soldier in action while sneaking and aiming on laseer sight optics in combat position and searching for target in battle

U.S. Air Force Capt. Travis Hunt, a tactical air control party specialist and commanding officer of Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, carries climbing rope and gear while preparing for mountaineering training at Sunshine Ridge, Alaska, July 22, 2022. The 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen utilize Alaskas varied and austere training locations to prepare for conditions they may face on deployment.

The U.S. Army Reserves Warrior Exercise 78-22-02 brought units and Soldiers from across the country to build on their readiness levels. Excercises trained and evaluated Soldiers on Army Warrior Skill-level 10 tasks. WAREX serves as an annual training opportunity for U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers

New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jessica Alese from the 107th Military Police Company participated in a react to ambush exercise with the South Africa National Defense Force near Kwambonambi- Mfolozane on July 22, 2022. The U.S. Soldiers are in South Africa as part of Shared Accord, a biannual training event to enhance operational skills and partnership between the United States and South Africa. This year's exercise will include field training and medical readiness exercises. Participants will be stationed at dental, health care, and veterinary clinics with a group of Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard, directly working with senior officers from the South Africa National Defense Force in planning all the exercises and events that will occur in two weeks.

Green Berets US Army Special Forces Group soldier smoking. US Army soldier smoking

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Corban Lundborg, assigned to 4th Combat Camera Squadron, 315th Airlift Wing, participates in a marksmanship qualification range while competing in the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 21, 2022. The annual multi-day competition tests the physical, tactical and technical proficiency of visual information and public affairs specialists across the DOD and participating international competitors.

A U.S. Marine with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, prepares to board an MV-22 Osprey at Landing Zone Falcon, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms and maneuver across multiple domains.

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.

Airman 1st Class Justin Massey, crew chief with the 437th Maintenance Group, and Staff Sgt. Leonard Myers, combat arms instructor with the 628th Security Forces squadron, prepare to continue clearing a small simulated village during a close quarters combat scenario for Exercise Scorpion Lens 23, March 23, 2023. Exercise Scorpion Lens is an annual training event held at McCrady Training Center, Eastover, South Carolina, hosted by the 1st Combat Camera Squadron (1CTCS). The exercise provides expeditionary skills and training to Combat Camera professionals from the United States Army, Air Force, and Marines worldwide.

A soldier assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division learns to operate a PVS-14 Monocular Night Vision Device to earn his Expert Infantry or Soldier Badge on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Jan. 20, 2023. US Army expert skill badges recognize Soldiers who have proven by test that they meet or exceed the highest standards of knowledge and performance in targeted skills. The Army recognizes three expert skill badges: the Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB), the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB), and the Expert Soldier Badge (ESB). Soldiers must meet the exacting standards established by the badge proponents to be awarded the badge.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joshua Dyer, a motor transportation operator with 3rd Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, is transported to a bilateral vehicle recovery training during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 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.

A competitor with the 82nd Airborne Division, reviews a simulated patient for awareness during an during a Expert Field Medical Badge lane at Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 25, 2022. More than 100 Soldiers are testing on a variety of medical skills in an effort to earn the coveted EFMB. The EFMB is a United States Army decoration first created on June 18, 1965. This badge is the non-combat equivalent of the Combat Medical Badge and consists of a Physical Fitness Assessment , Written Test, Day and Night Land Navigation, Three Combat Testing Lanes, and a 12 Mile Foot March.

A U.S. Marine with III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, maneuver on an Infantry Platoon Battle Course during a live fire range on U.S. Army Garrison Casey, Gyeonggi, South Korea, Feb. 10, 2023. III MSB is conducting Bushido Strike 23, which comprises training events including a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation in South Korea to validate its mission essential tasks of providing combat service, security, and administrative services to III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Sgt. Joseph Kammerer, a cannon crewmember with C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), shouts commands during a direct fire live fire on a range at Fort Knox, KY April 25, 2022. The purpose of this training is to execute a decentralized division training density from dispersed field environments in order to enhance readiness, while stressing communications and sustainment systems across extended distances.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kevin M. Ward, the commander of 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, moves toward an objective after exiting a U.S. Air Force 86th Air Wing C-130 Hercules aircraft during airborne operation at Juliet Drop Zone, Pordenone, Italy, Oct. 5, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Chandler N. Crews, a machine gunner with 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, issues orders to Marines during a live-fire range while deployed with Marine Rotational Forces Europe (MRF-E) 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway, April 2, 2023. MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

U.S. Air Force Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear specialists, assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, inspect a sample of an inert chemical munition during a partner nation CBRN response exercise at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sept. 29, 2022. The exercise was purely simulation, no chemical, explosive or fire hazards were present during the training. The 378th ECESs Emergency Management flight, also known by many as CBRN, is responsible for working with RSAF to build and establish response and recovery actions for a wide variety of scenarios.

During a final phase of training, the Idaho Army National Guard Sniper Team was required to move to a location without detection, set up a firing position in a covered facility, identify a target and possible hostage and neutralize the target. After firing the team was then tasked with leaving the secured facility without detection.While commonly known as snipers, the official term used by U.S.Army is designated marksman. The U.S. Army Sniper Course is a seven-week training course at Fort Benning. With most formal training courses, skill training is an ongoing process throughout the year. The snipers of the 2-116th CAB trained for a full week separate from the main body of units in the field during annual training 2022. Their training encompassed individual qualifications, timed shooting exercises and movement to a covered location without being detected, identifying adversaries, engagement and withdrawal without being sighted. U.S.Army, Idaho Army National Guard, Sniper, I

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. Pfc. Andrew Puente, representing the 32nd AAMDC squad, runs perimeter for his squad. 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.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason Tabor, an Automotive Maintenance Warrant Officer assigned to Alpha Company, 541st Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, inspects components of a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle at the Rotational Unit Field Maintenance Area on Fort Irwin, California, August 14, 2022. 1DSB attended the 22-09 rotation at the National Training Center to support the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division by providing food and water services, fuel, and heavy vehicle recovery.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Juan Ontiveros, an air traffic navigational aids technician with Marine Air Control Squadron 4 prepares to off-load ammunition from a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft during Resolute Dragon 22 on Camp Betsuka, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 8, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains. Ontiveros is a native of Reseda, California.

New Jersey Army National Guard Sgt. Scott Peterson, Medevac Crew Chief, assigned to the 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion, inspects the UH-60 (Blackhawk) helicopter as it is mounted by Soldiers from the Massachusetts Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team on July 16, 2022 at Fort Drum, New York. The Soldiers were participating in a morale flight during their eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise.

A Mission Support Radio airman anchors a line of sight antenna to withstand the elements at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 18, 2022. 23rd Special Tactics Squadron Mission Support Radio installs, maintains, and sustains radio frequency communications ensuring mission success in deployed and home environments.

Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division participate in an airborne operation on August 12, 2022, at Sicily Drop Zone on Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The 82nd Airborne Division is constantly training and ensuring the ability to provide the Nations with ground forces who can deploy, fight, and win anywhere within 18 hours of notification.

A U.S. Soldier competing in the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition tests his medical proficiency while wearing MOPP (Mission Oriented Protective Posture) Gear during medical testing lanes at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on September 30, 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 endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Joey Cruz, a first sergeant with 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, participates in a combined amphibious operation with the Philippine Marine Corps alongside the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force as part of KAMANDAG 6 at Zambales, Philippines, Oct. 7, 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.

US Marine Corps (USMC) Lance Corporal (LCPL) Mark D. Haught, Rifleman, Echo Company (E CO), 2nd Battalion (BN), 2nd Marine Regiment (MAR REGT), stands guard on the roof of his unit's forward operating base (FOB) in Zaidon, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Base: Zaidon State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

modern warfare american marines soldier in action while sneaking and aiming on laseer sight optics in combat position and searching for target in battle

041001-M-0374B-026. Base: Kin Red Port State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Robert Powell assigned to the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team-Airborne (173rd IBCT ABN) communicates over radio during Exercise Saber Junction 22 at Hohenfels Training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 9, 2022. Saber Junction 22 is a combat training rotation designed to asses the readiness of the 173rd IBCT (ABN) in executing operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with participating allied and partner nations.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Robert Powell assigned to the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team-Airborne (173rd IBCT ABN) communicates over radio during Exercise Saber Junction 22 at Hohenfels Training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 9, 2022. Saber Junction 22 is a combat training rotation designed to asses the readiness of the 173rd IBCT (ABN) in executing operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with participating allied and partner nations.

U.S. Army Spc. Andres Chavez, an Army Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Infantry Division poses for a photo at Boleslawiec, Poland, Sept. 9, 2022. National Hispanic Heritage Month is annually celebrated from September 15 to October 15 in the United States for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements for the United States.

modern warfare american marines soldier in action while sneaking and aiming on laseer sight optics in combat position and searching for target in battle

A U.S. Army Soldier takes notes during the 1-254th Regional Training Institute's Infantry Advanced Leaders Course 22-02 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 9, 2022. The Infantry Advanced Leaders Course is a branch-specific course that provides Soldiers selected for promotion to Staff Sgt. an opportunity to enhance leadership, technical skill, tactical expertise and experience needed to lead squad-size units.

South Carolina Army National Guard (SCARNG) 1Lt. Benjamin Thornton, 1st Platoon leader, A Co. 1-118th Combined Arms Battalion (CAB), redirect fire-teams during platoon-movement training on Ojojibara Maneuver Area, Sendai, Japan, on February 13, 2010. The training was part of FTX North Wind 2010, a joint exercise involving elements of the South Carolina National Guard and elements of the 44th Infantry Regiment of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF).

Sergeant Elisha Mueller and Specialist Aaron Yang of the 149th Chemical Company participate in grenade qualification at Camp Roberts, California on 20 July 2022. The qualification consists of 6 lanes of thrown grenades and a final exam on naming several commonly used grenades.

A U.S. Army paratrooper, assigned to the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team- Airborne (173rd IBCT ABN), walks to the rally point after a Joint Forceable Entry mission into the Hohenfels Training Area during Exercise Saber Junction 22 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 7, 2022. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Armys 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Armys Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022.

041213-F-1740G-004. Base: Clark Airfield Country: Philippines (PHL)

U.S. Army Pfc. David Choi and Cpl. Rico Boyd check a blank fire adapter after a simulated convoy attack during mobilization training given by 1st Army Public Affairs at Fort Dix, N.J., May 3, 2007. Choi and Boyd are both assigned to the 131st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment from Montgomery, Ala.

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