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.

U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, examine the X-ray of an ordnance item during an explosive inerting exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, March 29, 2023. Explosive inerting is a technique that explosive ordnance disposal Marines use to take an ordnance item apart and keep it for later purposes. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Army Sgt. John Hubbart talks to Iraqi children outside of a home in during a routine village visit near Hawijah, Iraq, June 19, 2007. Hubbart is from 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, adjusts his gear during a boat launch rehearsal aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the South China Sea, Sept. 20, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Nicholas Beauchesne, an infantry squad leader with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, signals during a deck shoot aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 10, 2022. The Combat Marksmanship Program is designed to sustain a units lethality. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Sgt. Nathan Wood assembles cables on the TROJAN network in the Deployable Intelligence Support Element's area of operations before the start of Lightning Focus 24, the 207th Military Intelligence Brigade-Theaters annual exercise. The DISE platoon is an expeditionary element that provides critical intelligence and secure communication services to establish a common intelligence picture.Lightning Focus 2024 provides an opportunity for increasing individual & crew weapons proficiency, training on Basic Soldier Skills, junior Soldier and NCO development, improving unit cohesion & team-building, and scenario-based operational intelligence support training to certify intelligence platforms; building readiness in support of SETAF-AF, USAREUR-AF and USAFRICOM.

A U.S. Army Soldier, with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, takes a security position during a field mission at the Fort Dix Ranges on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 25, 2023. The 114th Infantry Regiment had a four day drill weekend to better prepare for JRTC.

U.S. Army, Tentara Nasional Indonesia, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratroopers conduct trilateral airborne operations in support of Super Garuda Shield, Baturaja, Indonesia, on Aug. 3, 2022. Super Garuda Shield, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. military and Indonesia National Armed Forces, reinforces the U.S. commitments to our allies, and regional partners, joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together.

A Dutch Paratrooper walks off the Drop Zone with his assigned parachute, combat equipment, and weapon during Exercise Falcon Leap at Hechtselse Heide Drop Zone, Hechtel-Eksel, Belgium., Sep. 15, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise.

Spc. Nicholas Stagliano, an Infantryman, 1st Squad, 2nd Plantoon, 2-503 Battle Co., out of Vicenza, Italy collects his gear after landing in the Hohenburg Dropzone, Hohenfels Training Area, Germany. Stagliano, from Westchester County, NY, is taking part of Saber Junction 22 which is a two-week multi-national training excercise to assess the 173d Airborne's ability to execute Unified Land Operations in a joint, combined environment. U.S. Army Reserve photo by SSG Jeff Daniel

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Edwin Contreras, a Chicago native and field artillery cannoneer with Echo Battery, 2d Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, fires an M777 howitzer during Exercise Rolling Thunder 22-2 on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, March 30, 2022. This exercise is a 10th Marines-led live fire artillery event that tested the units abilities to operate in a simulated littoral environment against a peer threat in a dynamic and multi-domain scenario.

220507-A-ST150-GR22-Photo 78//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, rolls up a ratchet strap during the disassembling of a decontamination station for a chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear evaluation drill during Guardian Response at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Ind., May 07, 2022. The evaluation drill is a part of Guardian Response, and provides real-world training for Active-Duty Soldiers, National Guardsmen and Army Reservist within the Army Reserves 78th Training Division.

A loadmaster assigned to the 815th Airlift Squadron, prepares a C-130J Super Hercules for take-off in Guatemala City, Guatemala, June 11, 2022. The aircraft are in Guatemala in support of Resolute Sentinel 22, which is a multi-national training opportunity that offers real-world benefits to U.S. and partner nation military personnel and the people of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador by promoting well-being and readiness in addition to building long-term partnerships.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to Bastion Company, 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade conduct a "seize the objective" exercise at the Novo Selo Training Site, Bulgaria, Feb. 3, 2023. During this exercise Soldiers are required to correctly and proficiently react to enemy contact, return live fire, and provide medical care under fire. Spc. Preston Lauscher conducts medical procedures on his fellow soldier. 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.

An Airman from the 633d Security Forces Squadron participates as a simulated deployer in Exercise ARDENT CROSSBOW at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, April 26, 2022. Exercise ARDENT CROSSBOW is the first time the 633d Air Base Wing is conducting agile combat support as an Air Base Squadron as part of Air Combat Commands effort to align into the Air Forces new four-phase Force Generation model (Available to Commit, Reset, Prepare and Ready). Through the stand-up of an Air Base Squadron and a supporting A-Staff, Airmen will be prepared to deploy as task-oriented, high-performing teams who are ready for crisis before crisis emerges.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Noah Jenneman, 133rd Civil Engineer Squadron, left, stands guard while U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Baylee Munce, 133rd Contingency Response Flight, right, provides care for a simulated casualty at Young Landing Zone in Fort McCoy, Wisc., June 14, 2022. Jenneman and Munce are participating in the first-of-its-kind wing-wide Agile Combat Employment (ACE) exercise for the 133rd Airlift Wing. They will be able to project combat power anytime, anywhere, while remaining operationally capable is the competitive edge the wing intends to sharpen over the coming days.

U.S. Army Cpt. Joseph Benning, right, with 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade observes his Soldiers executing urban breach training during exercise Full Tank at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 25, 2022. The 173rd AB 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. Army photo by Gertrud Zach)

U.S. Air Force medical team members assigned to the 10th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight (EAEF) participate in exercise Reliant Rumble on Camp Lemonnier (CLDJ), Djibouti, May, 04, 2022. This earthquake response exercise provides an opportunity for units across the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and CLDJ to properly coordinate and demonstrate their key duties during and directly after an earthquake.

OKINAWA, Japan (Feb. 17, 2017) Construction Mechanic Constructionman Matt Adams, attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, traverses a mud-filled pit while participating in the endurance course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center (JETC) aboard Camp Gonsalves in Okinawa, Japan. JWTC exposes Marines and Sailors to training situations and environments unique to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region which sustain operational readiness and enhance forward deployed capabilities.

Green Berets U.S. Army Special Forces Group soldier.

Pvt. Derek Gotay from the 328th Human Resources Company, 38th Regional Support Group, calls in a situational report to higher command during a react to fire situational training exercise (STX) on Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, July 23, 2022. One of the Army Reserves focus is to continually improve Army Readiness and strengthen Army Warrior Tasks. This years STX focus was on communication, formations, and the principle of patrolling within a tactical environment.

Staff Sgt. Abel Carlos, Combat Medic Specialist, 25th Infantry Division, carry a skid litter during an physical training exercise for the Army's Best Medic Competition. Twenty-two two-Soldier teams from all around the world traveled to Fort Hood, Texas to compete in the finals to be named the Armys Best Medic. The competition is a 72-hour arduous test of the teams physical and mental skills. Competitors must be agile, adaptive leaders who demonstrate mature judgment while testing collective team skills in areas of physical fitness, tactical marksmanship, leadership, warrior skills, land navigation and overall knowledge of medical, technical and tactical proficiencies through a series of hands-on tasks in a simulated operational environment. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Herman)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Alexander Nelson eats a meal, ready-to-eat during the 3d Marine Division Squad Competition on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 23, 2024. Nelson, a native of Ohio, is a mortarman with 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Sierra Capobianco, 423d Security Forces Squadron base defense operations center controller, looks down the sight of an M4 carbine during a field training exercise at Stanford Training Area, England, Aug. 17, 2022. Instructors from the 820th Base Defense Group and 435th Security Forces Squadron Ground Combat Readiness Training Center, conducted the exercise to evaluate and bolster the combat readiness skills of the defenders from the 423d SFS.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, wait for an Airborne operation at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Sept. 10, 2022. The unit conducted non-tactical airborne operations at the Army Aviation Facility in order to maintain mission readiness and proficiency among their paratroopers with the assistance of two CH-47s out of Virginia.The Army Aviation Facility was created through a MILCON effort valued at 11.7 million dollars and made possible by the joint effort of ASA Fort Dix and the U.S. Marine Corps Marine Aircraft Group 49. The 2100 square foot building is host to an Army Ramp Management Area which provides a wide range of capabilities for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft such as the C-130, CH-47S, and UH-60S.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Cook, a rifleman with Lima Company, 3d Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, loads ammo for use on Range 600 during the squad competition at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 14, 2022. The week-long Super Squad Competition incorporates a variety of combat-related tasks designed to evaluate each squads proficiency.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Division conduct M17 and M4 individual weapons qualification ranges at Udairi Ranges, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022.

A 33rd Rescue Squadron special mission aviator observes an SMA as he helps guide the pilot to land on a U.S. Naval vessel over the Pacific Ocean, June 17, 2022. SMAs are responsible for the handling of cargo and personnel that may ride on the Pave Hawk, they also act as another pair of eyes for pilots, pointing out objects they may not be able to see.

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

220629-N-KK081-1194 WAIPIO, Hawaii (June 29, 2022) - U.S. and Republic of Korea Special Operations Forces conduct Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The 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.

Pfc. Hudson Mouw, a Sioux Center, Iowa, native and cavalry scout assigned to Troop A, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, prepares to rappel down a tower at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on June 8, 2022. The unit had the opportunity to conduct rappelling familiarization on the bases 60-foot tower during their annual training.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Andres Diaz, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, operates an M240B machine gun during a live-fire training exercise at Fort Bliss, Tx, Aug. 8. Currently the unit is conducting mobilization training for an overseas deployment to the Horn of Africa later this summer.

030320-M-3138H-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Ripper Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: 7th Marines

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. McKenzie Worley, a data administrator with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, poses after clearing a room during Caraibes 22 in Martinique, France, June 10, 2022. Exercise Caraibes 2022 is a French-led, large scale, joint training exercise in the Caribbean involving naval, air, and land assets, from the French, U.S., and regional forces focused on responding to natural disasters.

U.S. Army Spc. Mark Tellgren, assigned to 3rd Psychological Operations Battalion (Airborne), 8th Psycological Operations Group (Airborne), go through soldier skills lanes while competing in the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 19, 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.

040824-A-2703S-026. Base: Camp Delta State: Al Kut Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Utah Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Reade King, representing the 300th Military Intelligence Brigade, calls in an unexploded ordnance report during the Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition, Oct. 17, 2022, at Camp Williams, Utah. The Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition is an annual event that brings together Soldiers and Airmen from the major commands to compete for the title of Soldier/Airman-of-the-Year, Noncommissioned Officer-of-the-Year and Senior NCO-of-the-Year. The Army winners of this competition will represent the Utah Army National Guard at the Region VII Best Warrior Competition next spring.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Hiram Martinez, 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs journeyman, poses for a photo on the flightline at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 26, 2022. Airmen working as public affairs document and share missions of the Department of Defense by managing various media.

U.S. Marine with warpaint on face.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jonathan Simister, 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, adjust a helmet Sept. 29, 2022, during Readiness Exercise Validation Global Griffin 09-22 on Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron individual protective equipment office issued deployment gear to airmen participating in the exercise.

A U.S. Army Soldier tightens the straps on his work gloves before performing preventative maintenance and checks service on military vehicles assigned to 228th Brigade Support Company, 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force, in the motor pool of the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Sept. 1, 2023. The BSC successfully conducted their first trans-border convoy from Mainz-Kastel, DE, to the training area without incident to support Arcane Thunder 23.

Army ROTC Cadets from the University of Louisville had the opportunity to ride in a Black Hawk helicopter on April 1 at Fort Knox, Ky. Brig. Gen. Roger Deon, Commanding General of the Army Reserve Aviation Command, and his team of aviators spearheaded the event and took time to share aviation opportunities offered by the U.S. Army Reserves. The Cadets were at Fort Knox for their spring field training exercise. | Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

A Marine with Military Police Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, griped two dummy grenades as he awaited his turn to throw for practice aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 25, 2010. The Marines participated in the range to ensure that they were familiar with the M67 grenade and to prepare for possible upcoming deployments.

030203-M-4419R-008. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Coyote Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: 5th Marines

020206-M-5834A-014. Base: Camp Schwab Country: Japan (JPN)

Sergeant Raymond Jackson, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AASLT), calls a 9-line medevac as part of the Best Unit Ministry Team Competition, July 27, 2022, on Fort Campbell, KY. The Best Unit Ministry Competition is a multi day challenge including an Army Combat Fitness Test, land navigation, 8-mile foot march, obstacle course, and tactical religious support knowledge board designed to test the mental and physical capabilities of chaplains and religious affairs specialists.

A competitor assigned to the 44th Medical Brigade secures a simulated casualty to a litter for evacuation during the Expert Field Medic Badge competition (EFMB) at Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 26, 2022. The EFMB 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Clayton Cole, a field artillery cannoneer with Sierra Battery, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines, prepares a M1122 High Explosive round during Integrated Training Explosive 4-22 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 27, 2022. Marines from 10th Marines are augmenting 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, as the Active and Reserve Components continue to integrate to increase proficiency of Total Force operations.

FORT STEWART, Ga., June 15, 2017 - Sergeant Mark Yacono, a gunner with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment directs the setup of an M777 Howitzer during a live-fire exercise at Fort Stewart. The 118th FA and other units of the Macon-based 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are conducting an eXportable Combat Training Capability rotation in partnership with the 3rd Infantry Division.Georgia Army National Guard

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Liam Smith, airborne and air delivery specialist with 2nd Distribution Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, communicates with Marines on a C-130 during an air delivery training operation on Marine Corps Outlying Field Oak Grove, in Oak Grove, North Carolina, Feb. 28, 2024. 2nd DSB conducted the training to evaluate their Marines' combat effectiveness, and enhance their air delivery skills in a controlled environment to better prepare the unit for future operations. Marine Corps

Soldiers crouching to ground talking on radio while under enemy fire.

U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Robert Hanshaw of the 1069th Military Police Company, stands in front of a weapons qualification range at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. July 13.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- U.S. Air Force Academy cadets use teamwork to construct a rope bridge in preperation for the 54th annual Sandhurst Military Skills Competition, Oct. 21, 2022. The competition is slated to be held at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 2023. The Sandhurst Club prepares for and competes in the worlds premiere international academy military skills competition that inspires excellence through rigorous physical and mental challenges that reflect the tempo, uncertainty and tasks of combat operations.

Spc. Keyes Nelson with 2nd Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Nebraska Army National Guard, has his parachute checked by another Soldier in preparation for a high performance jump from a C-130 Hercules at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, July 23, 2022. Earlier this year, Spc. Nelson represented the Nebraska National Guard as a competitor at the 2022 Regional Best Warrior Competition. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Pfc. Haden Tolbert)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Valentin Hernandezcastaneda, fixed-wing aircraft mechanic F-35, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, carries an ammo can during the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Lane portion of a Corporals Course culminating event at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Feb. 2, 2024. The IED Lane tested Marines ability to navigate through adverse terrain while avoiding IEDs, transporting gear and performing casualty evacuation. Corporals Course is a month-long professional military education program that develops Marines small unit leadership skills and continues to prepare them to lead Marines. Marine Corps

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

U.S. Marines with 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, load a round in an M777 howitzer during Exercise Rolling Thunder at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 17, 2022. This exercise is a 10th Marines-led live fire artillery event that tested the units abilities to operate in a simulated littoral environment against a peer threat in a dynamic and multi-domain scenario.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrew Christy, a correctional specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, prepares for a deck shoot on the flight deck of the USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) during Caraibes 22 near Martinique, France, June 20, 2022. Exercise Caraibes 2022 is a French-led, large scale, joint training exercise in the Caribbean involving naval, air, and land assets, from the French, U.S., and regional forces focused on responding to natural disasters.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Anlon McGuigan with 2nd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, prepares to be the static man in a helicopter support team training event during exercise Potomac Restore, at Oak Grove, North Carolina May 11, 2022. Exercise Potomac Restore is a scenario-driven regimental exercise designed to get the regimental staff to operate in tactical support environments and incorporate unique capabilities of subordinate battalions. (U.S. Marine Corps Photos by Lance Cpl. Jackson Kirkiewicz)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. William Vanover, 23rd Security Forces first sergeant, awaits instruction for troop movement at Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia, during exercise Agile Flag 22-2, July 21, 2022. AgileFlag 22-2 is Air Combat Command's first lead-wing certification event designed to demonstrate the 23rd Wing's capability to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the Wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment.

A U.S. Marine with 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company, 4th Marine division, drives a Belizean interdiction vessel during exercise Tradewinds 2022 (TW22), at Cocoyal outpost, Mexico, May 11, 2022. TW22 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored Caribbean-focused multi-dimensional exercise conducted in the ground, air, sea, and cyber domains, designed to provide participating nations opportunities to conduct joint, combined, and interagency training focused on increasing regional cooperation and interoperability in complex multinational security operations.

U.S. Air Force Major Grace Gibbens, 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron Pilot, flies the HH-60 Pave Hawk to an undisclosed location August 1, 2022. The Pave Hawk is a twin-turbo shaft engine helicopter in service with the United States Air Force used in search and rescue missions.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Taylor Auen, a Security Forces Airman from the 171 Air Refueling Wing, Coraopolis, Penn., provides aircraft security on the flightline during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 8, 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.

Soldiers aiming machine guns

A Readiness Challenge VIII participant from Air Force Reserve Command takes part in an explosive ordnance event April 18, 2022, at the Silver Flag Training Site, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The Department of the Air Force CE event is hosted by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center. After a 20+ year hiatus, the challenge, a premier event for Department of the Air Force civil engineers, is back. This year's Readiness Challenge is the initial operating capability event before the challenge reaches full operating capability within the next two years. At this year's event, which runs through April 22, eight teams representing major commands and U.S. Space Force are facing off in about 20 events showing myriad of CE capabilities from emergency airfield lighting and water purification to building a guard shack from the ground up and firefighting and EOD operations.

040522-F-2295B-003. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

SAN DIEGO (July 8, 2022) U.S. Navy aircrewmen assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians and U.S. Marines participate in a recovery exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 in Southern California. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.

U.S. Army Sgt. William Brandon assigned to 101st Airborne Division ties up mannequin in a med sled as apart of the mystery event which is an obstacle course at Fort Hood, Texas, January 26, 2022, Twenty-two two-Soldier teams from all around the world traveled to Texas to compete in the finals to be named the Armys Best Medic. The competition is a 72-hour arduous test of the teams physical and mental skills. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Bradley McKinley)

Spc. Samuel E. Alvarez, representing the U.S. Army Forces Command, runs to the finish line of the 12-mile foot march event during the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition, held on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 03, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition succeeds the Army Best Warrior Competition and extends the competing element from the individual level to the squad level, as Soldiers never fight alone; the unbreakable bonds forged through shared hardship and unending support for one another are the hallmark of our most successful small units.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Alegandro Arteaga, assigned to 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, awaits his turn to operate the M2 machine gun on his M1A2 Abrams tank before conducting a live-fire accuracy screening test as part of Defender 22 at Mielno Range, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 11, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises taking place in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

Schofield Barracks, HI Soldiers from across the 25th Infantry Division and U.S. Army Hawaii test their proficiency in basic infantry and Soldier tasks in the hopes of earning the Expert Infantryman Badge or the Expert Soldier Badge. The Expert Infantryman Badge is reserved for Soldiers possessing military occupational specialties of infantryman or special forces while the Expert Soldier Badge is open to the remainder of Soldiers aside from medics.

Cpl. Andres Chajud, a field artillery cannoneer with Alpha Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 4th Marines, carries an M795 high explosive round for an M777 Howitzer during Exercise Alligator Dagger, Dec. 18. Chajud was assisting in the preparation for the live-fire range where the battery conducted both day and night fire missions. The unilateral exercise provides an opportunity for the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit to train in amphibious operations within the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Landing and Recovery Equipment) Third Class Cody Harris takes a break on the LSO Platform in between flight cycles on the flight deck of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Aviation Boatswain Mates often spend 16-18 hours a day working in the hazordous conditions of the carrier flight deck, sometimes without a single break. TRUMAN is on station in the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. SOUTHERN WATCH establishes a southern no fly zone over Iraq and extends to the borders to just south of Baghdad, capital city of Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

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

U.S. Marine Cpl. Richard McCarty and U.S. Marine Cpl. Dijon Washington, low altitude air defense gunners assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), carry a stinger missile during Composite Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) aboard amphibious docking landing ship USS Gusnton Hall (LSD 44), Jan. 24, 2022. COMPTUEX is the final pre-deployment exercise that certifies the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and the 22nd MEUs ability to conduct military operations through joint planning, and execute challenging and realistic scenarios. (Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Marcela Diazdeleon)

FORT HOOD, Texas - U.S. Army Spc. Jacob Vervisch, 8th Squad, representing Army Central, conducts Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) at the Medical Simulation Training Center, Fort Hood, Texas, August 18, 2022. The Army is the best trained, best equipped and most skilled fighting force in the world.

United States paratrooper airborne infantry, studio shot.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Makayla Tranilla, 375th Security Forces Squadron flight chief, speaks into a radio during a suspicious package exercise on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Aug. 25, 2022. The exercise was a joint effort between Scott AFB agencies to increase efficiency in disposing of suspicious packages and ensuring personnel safety.

Staff Sgt. Billy McCoy (Left) and Sgt. Micah Miller (right), explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians assigned to 722nd Ordnance Company Airborne (EOD), 192nd Ordnance Battalion (EOD) based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, conduct render safe procedures (RSP) during the EOD Team of the Year (ToY) competition 15-19 May on Fort Carson, Colorado.The Team of the Year competition is where explosive ordnance disposal technicians face off in challenging scenarios and are assessed on fitness, technical and tactical skills and response capabilities.

U.S. Army ROTC Cadets assigned to the U.S. Army Cadet Command 2nd Brigade accept awards for placing first overall during the Ranger Challenge at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Oct. 23, 2022.The competition is conducted over two days on a non-tactical course. The mission is to challenge Cadets' mental and physical toughness and to develop leadership while fostering teamwork and esprit-de-corps. Teams participate in nine graded events, each team is awarded points based on how well they perform in each event. The best team in each event is awarded a trophy for being the first, second, and third place teams. The number one team is The Ranger Challenge Winner for that year.

Second Lt. Tally Darsonval, Military Intelligence Basic Officer Leader Course student, maneuvers through Urban Ops Site-South during Operation Crucible Sandstorm at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Sept. 21.

220708-N-PI330-1160 NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (July 5, 2022) Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Dylan Nosekabel, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, removes a joint service lightweight integrated suit from Builder 3rd Class Jared Alfred during a chemical, biological and radiological decontamination exercise on Naval Station Rota, Spain, July 8, 2022. NMCB 133 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 Jumpmaster, performs Jumpmaster Personal Inspection (JMPI) on U.S. Army and International Paratroopers during Leapfest 2022 at the Quonset Army Aviation Support Facility in Washington County, Rhode Island, August 6, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest-standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard, to promote high-level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community.

Spc. Theresa Haskin, a Story City, Iowa, native and avionic and survivability equipment repairer with Company B, 248th Aviation Support Battalion, Iowa Army National Guard, rappels down a 60-foot tower during an Air Assault course hosted at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 6, 2022. Over 200 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a 12-day U.S. Army Air Assault course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling. The students practiced rappelling and belaying on the tower. Cadre from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia, traveled as a mobile training team to teach the course.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matt Canon, a machine gunner with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, lays on a combat rubber raiding craft during a welldeck operations ship verification aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 1, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jordan White, an expeditionary communications team lead, sets up a radio at a Mission Sustainment Team field exercise at Austere Field #6, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. Communication systems play an integral role in mission success.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Josue, Riverareyes, a Fountain Inn, South Carolina native and an engineer equipment mechanic with III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, maneuvers 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Codejames Sommerkamp, a transmissions system operator with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conducts a data check over the radio during a communications field exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022.The communication field exercise was conducted to raise baseline military occupation specialty knowledge and training in preparation to deploy with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Smith, 786th Civil Engineer Squadron power production supervisor, uses a hammer to take apart the old Barrier Arresting Kit-12 during the necessary system overhaul at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 20, 2022. The arresting system acts as a mechanical barrier capable of rapidly decelerating a landing aircraft and must be replaced after ten years in service.

U.S. Army Sgt. Toldeo Sharp, military police assigned to the 643rd Military Police Company, Connecticut Army National Guard, poses for a photo at Joint Base Cape Cod, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, May 11, 2022. Sharp is one of many 643rd Military Police Company soldiers who acted as cadre during the stress shoot portion of the 2022 Army National Guard Region One Best Warrior Competition.

Members of the El Escuadrón de Zapadores Paracaidistas (Spanish Parachute Squadron) prepare to execute a military free fall a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing, near Cazaux Air Base, France, May 10, 2022. The MFF was part of exercise Athena, a French-led joint and combined Special Operation Forces exercise that validates the full spectrum of integrated component and partner capabilities. Exercises like Athena allow U.S. service members to train at the operational and tactical echelon as a combined, joint force with SOF setting the conditions for larger operations.

Staff Sgt. Steven Shives, an M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams tank commander assigned to 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, raises his arms out of an arm immersion tank after he and his crew finished table VI during the Sullivan Cup on Fort Benning, Georgia, May 3, 2022. The Sullivan Cup demonstrates the autonomy and empowerment the Army places on junior leaders, especially our NCOs, to train and act decisively while operating the most lethal mechanized team of Abrams tanks and M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles.

A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, sets security whileperforming dry-fire training during exercise Intrepid Maven 22.4 in the United Arab Emirates, Sept.25, 2022. Intrepid Maven 22.4 is a U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command engagement seriesdesigned for bilateral and multilateral training engagements with partner nations and Marine Corpsforces.

British Royal Commando in desert uniform holding his rifle.

Modern warfare combatant talking into tactical radio headset during a mission.

Wounded Army ranger machine gunner in the mountains.

Belgian military with rifles, pistols, weapons and protective vests during an exercise in Brussels Belgian military with rifles, pistols, weapons and protective vests during an exercise in Brussels Copyright: xZoonar.com/ThomasxFuhrmannx 21653310

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

Dagger Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and 280th Romanian Mechanized Battalion conduct sling load and air assault operations with CH-47s from the 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade during Exercise Justice Sword in Romania from Oct. 23 to Nov. 10, 2022. Justice Sword, a joint training exercise at the Romanian Joint National Training Center, builds and enhances the interoperability and lethality of the Strike Brigade and our Romanian counterparts. The United States commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the United States will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO Allies.

U.S. Army Sgt. Antwon Monroe searches homes for weapons and insurgents during an operation in Arab Jabbar, Iraq, March 16, 2007. Monroe is from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas.

Climbing ropes and gear hang from the belt of a U.S. Air Force tactical air control party specialist assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, during mountaineering training at Sunshine Ridge, Alaska, Aug. 25, 2022. The 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen utilize Alaskas varied and austere training locations to prepare for conditions they may face on deployment.

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