Soldiers in Training and Competition

Images depict soldiers engaged in training and competition activities in forested environments, highlighting teamwork, focus, and military skills under challenging conditions.

Bow Hunting in the Appalachian Mountains

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Samuel Whitty, an Orlando, Florida native, and radio operator with 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division communicates via radio during a battalion-level training event at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, Jan. 18, 2023. Marines with 1/12 completed a navigation and patrolling confidence lane to maintain lethality at the squad level.

U.S. Army Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition participate in a land navigation course on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept. 29, 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. (U.S. Army photo Spc. Zachery Frost)

Marines and Navy Corpsmen with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines conduct a contact patrol July 22, 2022, during training on North Post at Fort McCoy. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 23rd Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 is holding annual training at Fort McCoy. (Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

The competition for the selection of the best EOD team among the EODs in the 2nd Infantry Division of the U.S. Forces Korea was held throughout the Republic of Korea for 4 days from January 09, 2023 to January 12, 2023. On the 11th, the third day the conduct a searching the explosion. Camp Humphreys, Pyeongtaek-City, S. Korea.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), pull security around the perimeter during wet gap crossing training on Oct. 11, 2022, near Petrochori Training Area, Greece. 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 photos by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs.)

U.S. Marines with 3rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineering Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics group, descend a steep hillside during Jungle Crab 22 at Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, June 27, 2022. During the training, EOD Marines prepared to support Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations by practicing survival methods in areas where logistical support may not be available. 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.

Airmen from the 820th Base Defense Group, MacDill AFB, Nellis AFB and Langley AFB conduct pre-Ranger Assessment Preparation Course training, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, October 31-November 4, 2022. The candidates executed a variety of tasks that they'll be expected to perform at Ranger School such as an official Ranger Physical Fitness Test, a Combat Water Survival Test, day and night land navigation, weapons firing, and a 9-mile ruck. The course is designed to equip Ranger School candidates for the physical and mental elements of the U.S. Army Ranger Assessment Course.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) participate in a training scenario July 26, 2022, 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 their 2022 annual training at Fort McCoy. (U.S. Army Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Christopher Noche, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, conducts a contact patrol with other Corpsmen and Marines on July 22, 2022, during training 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 23rd Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 is holding annual training at Fort McCoy. (Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

Bow Hunting in the Appalachian Mountains

Cpl. Jason Yadao, a squad member representing U.S. Army South's best squad competition team, demonstrates individual movement techniques during the Army Futures Command 2022 Best Squad Competition on June 8, 2022 at Camp Bullis, Texas. The Best Squad Competition is being used to select the team that will represent their command at the next level of competition with the hope of eventually winning the inaugural U.S. Army level Best Squad Competition

A security forces Airman from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. pauses while searching for opposing forces during the Road Warrior Exercise at Camp Guernsey, Wyo., Oct. 19, 2012. Airmen are taught to stop, look and listen while searching for possible threats.

A German Paratrooper derigs his Polish parachute after landing on the Drop Zone during Exrcise Falcon Leap onto Ginkelse Heide Drop Zone, Arnhem, Netherlands., Sep. 14, 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

A German Paratrooper derigs his Polish parachute after landing on the Drop Zone during Exrcise Falcon Leap onto Ginkelse Heide Drop Zone, Arnhem, Netherlands., Sep. 14, 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

Forward Observers from the Belgium Armed Forces coordinate with joint terminal attack controllers (JTACs) to call for close air support from during Exercise Combined Resolve 17 (CbR 17) at Hohenfels Training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany, May 30, 2022. CbR 17 is a U.S. Army exercise consisting of 5,600 service members, Allies and partners from more than 10 countries, and is designed to assess units' abilities to conduct combat operations in a multi-domain battlespace.

Pfc.Lookadoo Daniel, Palatka , Florida native, automated logistical specialist with1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, carries another Soldier to safety to provide medical care during combat lifesaver training with Battle Group Poland at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland,May 31, 2018. Battle Group Poland is a unique, multinational coalition of U.S., U.K., Croatian and Romanian Soldiers who serve with the Polish 15th Mechanized Brigade as a deterrence force in support of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, patrol Brigade Support Area 1 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, on Nov. 3, 2022. Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) training rotation 23-01 allows Tropic Lightning Soldiers to strengthen defense relationships, fosters multinational interoperability, increases readiness, and reinforces the unified regional land power network of the Joint Force.

A U.S. Army infantryman carries his equipment while on a patrol during the joint Thai-U.S. training exercise Cobra Gold '92. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD '92 Base: Korat Country: Thailand (THA)

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. John Wiston, an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, posts security during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 28, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. John Wiston, an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, posts security during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 28, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

Senior Airman Nicholas Farrar, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal apprentice, inspects inert explosives during EOD training at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Dec. 1, 2022. EOD teams are dispatched to neutralize highly dangerous materials after a safe perimeter has been established around a device.

France, Brittany, Coetquidan, Guer on 2021-09-16. Report on the training of the Inter-Arms Military School in Saint-Cyr Coetquidan in Morbihan. The EMIA recruits its students from among active non-commissioned officers and non-commissioned soldiers selected by competition. The cadets follow a two-year training course. At the end of the first year, they are appointed to the rank of second lieutenant, then lieutenant at the end of the second year. Photograph by Martin Bertrand. France, Bretagne, Coetquidan, Guer le 2021-09-16. Reportage sur la formation de l' Ecole militaire interarmes à Saint-Cyr Coetquidan dans le Morbihan. L'EMIA recrute ses eleves parmi les sous-officiers d'active et les militaires du rang selectionnes par concours. Les eleves-officiers suivent une formation de deux ans. A l'issue de la première annee, ils sont nommés au grade de sous-lieutenant, puis de lieutenant a la fin de la seconde annee. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Mark Deal, a company commander with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, patrols during Exercise Shinka 22.1 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, June 30, 2022. Shinka exemplifies a shared commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Deal is a native of Cleveland, Ohio.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion conducts a short halt to scan the terrain for opposing forces during a patrol at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22, Sept. 13, 2022.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 trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partn

Soldiers from the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) are competing in the 2022 U.S. Army Reserve Small Arms Championship from Sept. 11 thru Sept. 17 on Camp Robinson, N. Little Rock, Arkansas.ARROWS FORWARD to 1st Lt. Chance Hernandez, Master Sgt. Jason Lee, and Sgt. Robert Flores from San Antonio, Texas, and Staff Sgt. Cameron L. MacDonnell from Huntsville, Texas.The competition is a live-fire training event that tests Soldiers ability to employ both primary and secondary weapon systems. The program is designed to develop marksmanship skills at the entry and intermediate level.If shooting weapons, building relationships that can last a lifetime, and getting paid sounds good to you, click the link to sign up and learn more.https://armyreservemarksman.info/newsletter/BIG THANKS to the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) for helping with coverage.

010718-F-7203T-110. Base: Fort Dix State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) participate in a training scenario July 26, 2022, 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 their 2022 annual training at Fort McCoy. (U.S. Army Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

040303-F-3587F-003. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Dutch Marine with the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps begins his patrol with 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group during Exercise Burmese Chase at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, July 12, 2022. Exercise Burmese Chase is a longstanding fire support exercise hosted by 2nd ANGLICO focused on improving combat readiness and strengthening relationships with allies and partners.

Pennsylvania Air National Guardsmen, with 171st Air Refueling Wings Emergency Management section and Security Forces Squadron move through thick brush while on a reconnaissance training mission during a large-scale readiness exercise at the base in Pittsburgh, March 11, 2023. The multi-day large-scale readiness exercise involved Guardsmen from multiple sections on base working together to build skills needed to maintain readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Samuel Herbert and Lance Cpl. Sean Whelan, Combat Logistics Regiment 45, Personnel Retrieval and Processing Company (-) teach Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment, Michigan National Guard what to do with a mannequin body during their search and recovery exercise at Northern Strike 22-2 in Grayling, Mich., Aug. 8, 2022. Northern Strike focuses on the Armed Forces ability to train the warfighter in any environment across the continuum so our nation can compete, deter, and win today and tomorrow.

070324-M-6412C-017. Complete Scene Caption: A U.S. Marine with 2nd Platoon, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines searches the area for signs of Anti Iraqi Force activity during Operation Zaidon II on March 23, 2007. Task Force 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines is conducting Operation Zaidon II in Zaidon, Iraq to clear the city of Anti Iraqi Forces and deny them further use of the area in the future. Regimental Combat Team 6 is deployed with Multi National Forces-West in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Anbar Province of Iraq to develop Iraqi Security Forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic reforms, and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by CPL. Samuel D. Corum) (Released) Subject Operation/Series: ZAIDON Base: Zaidon State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: RCT-6

A U.S. Army Soldier from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team advances during a during a platoon attack drill during the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise at Fort Drum, N.Y. on July 19, 2022. More than 2,500 Soldiers are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win. The Soldiers from the 181st are part of the Massachusetts Army National Guard and the rest of the 44th Infantry Brigade is composed of units from New Jersey.

A hospital Corpsman with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, conducts a contact patrol with other Corpsmen and Marines on July 22, 2022, during training 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 23rd Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 is holding annual training at Fort McCoy. (Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

A hospital Corpsman with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, conducts a contact patrol with other Corpsmen and Marines on July 22, 2022, during training 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 23rd Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 is holding annual training at Fort McCoy. (Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

An ammunition technician Marine with Ammunition Company, 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group carries ammunition cans filled with obsolete ordnance destined for demolition aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 4, 2012. Thirty-one Marines from the company joined with explosive ordnance disposal technicians to conduct the demolition, which was a rare opportunity for the company.

A Soldier assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School approaches a position of observation during reconnaissance training as part of the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) at Camp Mackall, North Carolina January 9, 2023. Soldiers participated in SFQC training that tested their knowledge of small unit tactics and basic urban operations to ensure they possess the combat skills required to successfully operate on a Special Forces Operational Detatchment Alpha.

North Macedonian soldiers with the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 11th Infantry Brigade engage opposing forces at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22, Sept. 15, 2022.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 trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the all

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jazen Bartee, a radio operator with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, patrols during Counter Assault Exercise on Okinawa, Japan, May 11, 2022. During this force-on-force exercise, an infantry company with 3/2 rapidly deployed into the double-canopy jungles of the Northern Training Area to defend against an assault from another infantry company with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines. This exercise was designed to increase 3d Marine Divisions ability to seize and defend key maritime terrain, such as islands or coastal areas, and conduct Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations in the western Pacific. 3/2 is deployed under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Joel Walker, an explosive ordnance technician with 3rd EOD Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, diffuses a simulated explosive threat during Jungle Crab 22 at Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, June 24, 2022. During Jungle Crab 22 EOD Marines prepared to support Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations by practicing survival methods in areas where logistical support may not be available. 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 Sgt. Joel Walker, an explosive ordnance technician with 3rd EOD Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, hikes through the jungle to a simulated explosive threat during Jungle Crab 22 at Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, June 24, 2022. During Jungle Crab 22 EOD Marines prepared to support Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations by practicing survival methods in areas where logistical support may not be available. 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. Army Cpl. Joseph K. Withers, right, and Pfc. Owen J. Rife, both infantrymen assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord prepare to counter attack Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team out of Alaska as opposing forces during Exportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) program at Camp Roberts, California, July 20, 2022. XCTC focuses on fully instrumental and realistic collective training to certify platoon and company level training proficiency.

US Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jay B. Gearheard, Expeditionary Air Field specialist from Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 172, places a prism pole down on the deck at a certain location to be recorded by a Geodimeter. He was one of several Marines from MWSS-172 that conducted a sight survey aboard the island of Tinian to discuss the possibility of making the airfield more active in the future. Base: Tinian Island Country: Northern Mariana Islands (MNP)

Joint training exercise with Det 2. 6 Co. 3/238th AVN MEDEVAC, Cox Health and Missouri State Highway Patrol at Hercules Glade Wilderness, Bradleyville, Mo., Oct. 06, 2022. Multiple Missouri departments teamed up to practice life-saving MEDEVAC scenarios. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the U.S. Army 58th Troop Command set up a water filtration unit at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Oct. 17, 2022. Shower, Laundry, and Clothing Repair Specialists are primarily responsible for supervising and performing laundry, shower, personnel and clothing decontamination functions. These capabilities are essential to the health and welfare of soldiers in training or deployed environments. Good hygiene is required by all who are subject to the laws and regulations defined by the UCMJ in order to prevent the spread of disease that may compromise mission success.

U.S. Air Force Airman Thomas Hansford, Combat Camera Apprentice with the 1st Combat Camera Squadron, shows his personal tactical gear setup at the end of 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Rene Ebarguen, an assistant air officer with 3d Marine Division carries out joint close air support training during exercise Vigilant Storm at Hongcheon-gun, Republic of Korea, Nov. 3, 2022. Vigilant Storm is a bilateral exercise that strengthens interoperability and capabilities with the Republic of Korea, and reaffirms the shared commitment to regional security in the Indo-Pacific. Ebarguen is a native of El Paso, Texas.

CAPT. John Cottrell, a helicopter pilot from the 38th Air Rescue squadron instructs members of the 377th Medical Company in escape and evasion techniques during a joint Combat Search and Rescue training exercise. Base: Seoul Country: Korea

Hospital Corpsmen with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, conducts a contact patrol with other Corpsmen and Marines on July 22, 2022, during training 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 23rd Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 is holding annual training at Fort McCoy. (Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) participate in a training scenario July 26, 2022, 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 their 2022 annual training at Fort McCoy. (U.S. Army Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) participate in a training scenario July 26, 2022, 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 their 2022 annual training at Fort McCoy. (U.S. Army Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

Two U.S. Marines, conducts Individual Movement Techniques with their M4 assault rifles during Exercise Super Garuda Shield on Dodiklatpur Rindam V, East Java, Indonesia., September 1, 2023. Super Garuda Shield 2023 is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in scope and size since 2009. SGS2023 is the second consecutive time this exercise has grown into a combined and joint event, highlighting the 6 participating and 12 observing nations' commitment to partnership and a free and open indo-pacific.

Marines with Bravo Company, Marine Barracks Washington D.C.maneuver for cover and concealment during military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) training at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Feb. 27, 2024. MOUT training provides the organization, planning, and knowledge needed to be successful when conducting operations in an urban environment. Marine Corps

U.S. Air Force Airmen of the 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron assemble a natural shelter Feb. 9, 2023, at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan. The Airmen are attending a class led by Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape(SERE) specialists to teach them basic survival techniques in a cold weather environment.

U.S. Army Reserve Pfc. Kyle Bowens, assigned to the 395th Ordnance Company, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) based in Appleton, Wis., right, pushes a branch out of the way as he and Pfc. Dalton Zellner walk alongside a hill during land navigation familiarization training on Fort McCoy, Wis., Oct. 21, 2022.

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.

Senior Airman Nicholas Farrar, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal apprentice, prepares to move inert explosives to a safe area during EOD training, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Dec. 1, 2022. EOD Airmen identify and assess ordnance conditions and advise commanders on recommended safe withdrawal distances.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kyle Swink, 6th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician performs an improvised explosive device sweep during training Sept. 15, 2022, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Swink was instrumental in advocating for the Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare System, (JCREW) a backpack system used by EOD teams to counter and block radio signals to (RCIEDs) Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices. Through MacDill's Innovation Cell, Swink helped secure funding for the mechanical vertical stabilization system, (MVSS) for the JCREW system backpack.

U.S. Marine Corps combat engineers with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 273, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conduct a tactical pause during a reconnaissance patrol training at Ft. Stewart, Georgia, Nov. 4, 2022. Combat engineers with MWSS-273 conducted training missions during the field exercise to enhance their ability to provide forward support for 2nd MAWs aviation elements in a field environment.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Information Group, receive a mission brief on basic convoy and communication operations conducted as part of Warfighter Week aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 20, 2022. Warfighter Week provides II MEF Marines the opportunity to train to specific objectives that enhance lethality and set conditions for more complex training evolutions in the future.

Rear view of hunter standing at grassy field

A U.S. Crash Fire Rescue Marine with the Aviation Combat Element, MRF-D 22, carries a chainsaw during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel rehearsal as part of exercise Darrandarra 22, at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia, June 15, 2022. Exercise Darrandarra 22 increases MRF-D 22s readiness to respond to realistic crises throughout a range of military operations within the region.

A U.S. Marine with 3d Marine Division rappels down a cliff during a squad competition at the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Okinawa, Japan, May 24, 2022. The week-long competition was held to test squads from across the Marine Corps in their mastery of warfighting skills. (U.S. Marine Corps photo Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart)

U.S. Marines with Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, provide security during a patrol as part of a HQBN field exercise (FEX) at MCBH, Jan. 10, 2024. The FEX, spanning from Jan. 8 to 12, gave Marines the opportunity to enhance basic combat skills in a field environment.

Hunting in Oregon.

A rifleman assigned to 7th Battalion, The Rifles, British Army Reserves, engages targets during a live-fire squad training exercise at Northern Strike in Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 10, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

030923-F-6655M-003. Base: USMC Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Eastern Marine Corps Recruiting

Staff Sgt. Rogerito Miravete-Disantis, an EOD technician from the 434th Air Refueling Wing, Grissom ARB, Ind., uses a hook and line to check for potential explosives during a training exercise May 18, 2022 at Fort McCoy, Wis. Audacious Warrior is an explosive ordnance disposal exercise with participation from Airmen, Marines, and Soldiers from a range of units and career fields.

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to Chaos Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID) identifies the target through the woodlands mists during an extended combined situational training exercise in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Oct. 27, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division conduct a military operations on urban terrain during a field exercise (FEX) at Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 24, 2016. FEX is a routine exercise designed to sharpen the battalions combat and contingency construction capabilities.

Sgt. Aaron Lalko assigns sectors of fire to Spc. Ethan Patz, both members of 2nd Squad, 3rd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, while conducting training on squad lanes during annual training at Fort McCoy, Wis. Wisconsin National Guard

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, complete the land navigation course on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., March 28, 2023. Land navigation is part of Basic Warrior Training, designed to teach recruits proficiency in non-technical navigation.

DF-ST-87-07067. Subject Operation/Series: BRAVE DEFENDER '85 Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

070822-A-6849A-684 -- Maj. Christopher Milstead, attached to Task Force Bayonet, watches as a 500-pound bomb lands on a Taliban position after a small fire fight during Operation Destined Strike in Chowkay Valley, Afghanistan Aug. 22.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) participate in a training scenario July 26, 2022, 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 their 2022 annual training at Fort McCoy. (U.S. Army Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

081204-A-5406P-031Paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, search through hay for a weapons cache hidden inside a barn as part of a situational training exercise at Fort Bragg Dec. 4.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Shawon Burgess, a surveillance sensor operator assigned to Maritime Surveillance Platoon, 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, demonstrates the assembly of a commercial maritime radar system at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Camp Gonsalvez, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 13, 2022. MSP is an experimental unit whose mission is to decrease the commanders' uncertainty of the maritime domain through the employment of radars and other sensors. MSP provides the Marine Corps with its only organic maritime sensor surveillance capability in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and Navy commanders' intelligence collection efforts.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital held the 2024 Best Leader Competition for its leaders Feb. 26-29. Soldiers competed against their peers to test their skills, knowledge, and fieldcraft in various events and realistic scenarios which included were one captain, three sergeant first class, one staff sergeant, two sergeants, three specialists, and one private first class.

OKINAWA, Japan (April 8, 2012) Marines and Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 40 conduct a repelling exercise during a week-long jungle warfare training course at Jungle Warfare Training Center. The center occupies 17,500 acres of jungle in northern Okinawa and provides instruction to prepare Marine and Joint Forces for combat in a dense jungle environment.

Sgt. Matthew Suson, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24), conducts a contact patrol with other Navy Corpsmen on July 22, 2022, during training 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 23rd Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 is holding annual training at Fort McCoy. (Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School talk to each other during reconnaissance training as part of the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) at Camp Mackall, North Carolina January 9, 2023. Soldiers participated in SFQC training that tested their knowledge of small unit tactics and basic urban operations to ensure they possess the combat skills required to successfully operate on a Special Forces Operational Detatchment Alpha.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), Massachusetts Army National Guard, conduct combat training exercises during the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise on July 19, 2022 at Ft. Drum, N.Y. More than 2,500 Soldiers are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Pfc. Seth Cohen)

A U.S. service member supporting Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, tends to a simulated casualty during a mass casualty exercise at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, April 21, 2022. The exercise focused on coordination and communication between different units and mission partners in order to provide effective medical evacuation support for joint operations in the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photos by Staff Sgt. Joel Pfiester)

U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Ricardo Ontivaros (right), a platoon commander assigned to the Ground Combat Element of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducts a reconnaissance patrol during exercise Hedgehog 22 in Saaremaa, Estonia, May 19, 2022. The 22nd ARG/MEU team is participating in the Estonian-led exercise Siil 22 (Hedgehog 22 in English). Siil 22 brings together members of the Estonian Defense Force and U.S. Sailors and Marines under Task Force 61/2 to enhance allied interoperability and preserve security and stability in the Baltic region.

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct a land navigation exercise on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., March 28, 2023. Land navigation is part of Basic Warrior Training and teaches recruits how to use a compass and topological map to find landmarks within a course.

U.S. Army Spc. John Nicastro, assigned to Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont National Guard, prepares to throw a smoke grenade at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site, Jericho, Vt., June 15, 2016. Nicastro is running through an assault lane as part of a buddy-team exercise, during his two-week annual training.

Spc. Brandon Negrete, a medic assigned to the 1-120th Field Artillery Regiment forward observers, responds to a simulated attack during Northern Strike 23-1, Jan. 24, 2023, at Camp Grayling, Mich. Units that participate in Northern Strikes winter iteration build readiness by conducting joint, cold-weather training designed to meet objectives of the Department of Defenses Arctic Strategy.

Basic Tactical Skills Combat Course Jim Creek Naval Station Everett Washington, USA

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Alfred Orozco, 1ST Security Forces Squadron (SFS) dog handler and assistant team leader for the 1ST SFS Contending Warrior team, stays alert for enemy forces while other team members (not shown) take defensive positions for tactical training at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. The Langley Contending Warrior team has been preparing for months for a competition that takes place in the Nevada desert. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Marine Corps (USMC) Lance Corporal (LCPL) DeHoya, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, armed with a 5.56mm M16A2 assault rifle, moves to a defensive position, while training at Camp Pendleton California (CA), during Exercise KERNEL BLITZ 2001. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ 2001 Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Recruits with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, complete the Crucible aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. on March 31, 2022. The Crucible serves as the culminating event of Recruit Training and is the final obstacle before recruits earn the title United States Marine.

U.S. Army Sgt 1st Class Jaime Jimenez, Staff Sgt Nathan McGowan, and Staff Sgt Benjamin Holley, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, 39th Brigade, Arkansas National Guard, move to their next objective during the "Know Your Limits" event on Maertens Range, Fort Benning Ga., April 4, 2022. These snipers are the best from their home Units and have come to prove they are the best.

060404-A-7969G-012. Base: Bayji State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Ashley Carson, right, assigned to the 452nd Combat Support Hospital, 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support) based in Milwaukee, steadies herself using a guard shack's wall as she carefully slides a collapsible litter holding a "casualty" to another guard shack during a litter obstacle course on Fort McCoy, Wis., Sept. 16, 2022.

A blindfolded and handcuffed airman is led down a road during Nueva Rampa, an exercise designed to familiarize personnel with the techniques of interrogation and methods of resistance. Subject Operation/Series: NUEVA RAMPA Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines conduct training July 26, 2022, during on North Post at Fort McCoy. 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 is holding their 2022 annual training at Fort McCoy.

MIHAIL KOGĂLNICEANU, Romania-- A Soldier with the Romanian 9th Mechanized Brigade moves across the landing zone during air assault training with the 3-227 Assault Helicopter Battalion. Regular interoperability training with NATO partners and allies builds trust and readiness, increasing the capacity for deterrence and defense.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Adam Pawlicki, an aircraft armaments systems specialist, assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, takes a defensive position on a hilltop during an Agile Combat Employment training event at the 180FW in Swanton, Ohio, March 30, 2023. Agile Combat Employment allows Airmen to widen capabilities by training in adjacent career fields, creating Multi-Capable Airmen that can operate in a contested, degraded and operationally limited environment.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division, conceal their hide site on Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 27, 2022. The training demonstrates the joint forces ability to integrate command and control, expand battlefield awareness, and conduct long-range precision strikes as an enduring, stand-in-force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lorenzo Ducato)

of 3