Soldiers in Training and Competition

Depictions of soldiers participating in various military competitions and training exercises, showcasing teamwork and discipline.

Portrait, man and solder with smile at military academy with training for service and war in USA. `Male person, employee and happy or pride in confidence for protecting state as defense force

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

Spc. Wilson from the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, Wyoming Army National Guard, participates in a training exercise in Sheridan, Wyoming, May 17, 2022.

Portrait, man and solder with smile at military academy with training for service and war in USA. `Male person, employee and happy or pride in confidence for protecting state as defense force

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jacob Thompson, instructor, Combat Training Company, 1st Battalion, 164th Regional Training Institute, North Dakota Army National Guard, poses for a photo, Temedja, Togo, Feb. 26, 2024. Thompson was taking part in an instructor knowledge exchange to expand the experience of non-commissioned officer academy instructors from the North Dakota National Guard and Togolese Army under the National Guards State Partnership Program. Army National Guard

Sergeant 1st Class Jason Pate, 68W Combat Medics, 187th Medical Battalion, gathers his medical equipment while transfering a patient to a new location 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.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Ben Marshall, a contracting office representative with the 430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron, poses for a photo at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 8, 2022. Maj. Ben Marshall was recognized by 378th Air Expeditionary Wing leadership, for his ability to lead under pressure as he assisted with a serious medical emergency en route to the Ninth Air Force's area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brian Hardy, 45th Security Forces Squadron supra coder, stands outside the 45th SFS building at Patrick Space Force Base, Fla., April 25, 2022. Supra coders are enhancing the war fighter in an ever-evolving digital domain by creating innovative, cutting-edge software.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christopher Thao, 65th Air Base Squadron network operations technician, poses for a photo at Lajes Field, Portugal, Aug. 19, 2022. Thao was recently selected as one of the Air Forces 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for various accomplishments such as installing a $1.2 million virtual desktop infrastructure system, creating a mock Senior Airman below-the-zone board and contributing to five Airmens promotions, and teaching resilience classes at the Schriever Space Force Base First Term Airmen Course.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Steven Scher, from North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a logistics officer assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, poses for a photo during an airfield damage repair exercise as part of the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) 1-23 course, at Canon Air Defense Complex (P111), near Yuma, Arizona, on Oct. 1, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

Col. Patrick Culpepper, assigned to Futures and Concepts Center in Ft. Eustis, Va. poses for a portrait at Camp Pendleton, Calif. on Feb. 23, 2024. Army

Idaho National Guard 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team's 2nd of the 116th Combined Arms Battalion teamed up with the Idaho Army National Guards 1st of the 183 Assault Helicopter Battalion to conduct medevac training at the Orchard Combat Training Center on March 30, 2022. The training simulated emergency evacuations of sick or wounded Soldiers from a battlefield. Ground medics preformed medical care on the ground before rushing them to the flight medics aboard the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter who continued medical care while they were flown to the nearby medical facility. This training is a portion of combat training the 2nd of the 116th CAB conducted in preparation to deploy to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield later this year.

U.S. Soldiers participating in the Combined Arms Training Center (CATC) hosted Stryker Leader Course at Vilseck, Germany, graduated from their course May 25, 2022. The 7th Army Training Command's CATC coordinates and delivers individual training and professional education for U.S. Army Soldiers, Department of the Army and host nation civilians, and multinational partners through the most efficient and effective means available to ensure readiness and interoperability.

Airmen and Guardians from U.S. Space Force's Space Oparations Command pose for portraits at Headquarters SpOC, on Peterson Space Force Base, CO. SpOC generates, presents, and sustains combat-ready intelligence, cyber, space and combat support forces and serves as the USSF Service Component to U.S. Space Command.

U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Isaiah Galvez with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit training Battalion, faces up range during the table two course of fire at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 16, 2024. The table two course of fire teaches recruits the fundamentals of safety and marksmanship in combat shooting positions and rifle carries. Galvez was recruited out of Norwalk, California.

Staff Sgt. William Gerhart, 193rd Special Operations Squadron cyber transport technician, stands at his station during a career fair in Middletown, Pa., August 6, 2022. The wing hosted the career fair to allow Airmen to see different career fields and learn about their capabilities in hopes of cultivating a community atmosphere.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Stephen Lutz Jr., the regimental sergeant major of 10th Marine Regiment, prepares to present the furled guidon to the regimental commander during the Fire Support Battery activation ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 7, 2022. This activation will give fire support Marines the opportunity to gain additional capabilities that will increase their ability to produce lethal and non-lethal effects across the battlefield.

U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Christian Stevens, 20th Fighter Wing occupational safety NCOIC, laughs while performing spot inspections during exercise Red Flag-Nellis 23-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 22, 2023. Stevens, originally from Rome, Georgia, ensured the safety of every Airman and coalition partner during RF-N 23-2.

1st Lt. Brian Schwarzkopf, an officer with 20th Engineer Brigade, tells his Army story to students from West Brunswick High School during Meet Your Army Day on Fort Bragg, NC, Sept. 15, 2022. Meet Your Army Day gave potential recruits an opportunity to learn about various career fields and opportunities for personal and professional development in the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army photos by Spc. Jasmalyn Sihakhom.)

U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Maj.) Daniel Wilton, a chaplain with the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, receives the Meritorious Services Medal in Peoria, Illinois, April 30, 2022. Wilton has served in the role for six years.

Bravo Battery Soldiers were awarded the humanitarian service medal on June 30, 2022, for their work helping Afghan travelers evacuated to Germany during Operation Allies Welcome.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Colton Richardson, military police officer, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, is awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 26, 2022. Richardson was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for saving the life of another Marine during a dispatch call on May 19, 2022.

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

U.S. Space Force Spc. 3 Sean Clark, 4th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron space systems operator, poses for a photo at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, Feb. 2, 2024. The Colorado Wildland Wanderers group hosts many events meant to combat loneliness and bring together anyone associated with the military. Space Force

Spc. Daniel Reading, Maryland Army National Guard D Co. 1st BN 175th INF, participates in a stress-shoot event during the 2022 National Guard Bureau Region 2 Best Warrior Competition, held May 17-20, 2022, at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia. The Best Warrior Competition is a physically and mentally challenging three-day competition that tests competitors on a wide range of technical and tactical skills relevant to todays combat operating environment. Region 2 consists of competitors from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional winners from across the nation will advance to compete at the national-level competition this summer.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Liane Zivitski, 315th Training Squadron commander, poses for a photo in front of the 315th TRS building at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, July 25, 2022. Zivitski took command of the 315th TRS on June 10.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Baine Vantilburg, a scout sniper with Sniper Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), participates in a bilateral live-fire exercise in Beignon, France, July 8, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 22, 2022) Australian Army Soldier, Corporal Sonny Huynh, a commmand support clerk from 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Hawaii during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 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 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. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Photo by Royal Australian Air Force Cpl. John Solomon)

2nd Lt. Samuel Bowman posed for the camera as a competitor during the 310th ESC's Best Warrior Competition Feb. 7, 2024 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Robert Farmer, a small arms technician with 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division poses for a photo after being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Nov. 2, 2022. Farmer was awarded for saving a womans life after she was swept off a cliff into the ocean. The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the highest non-combat award for heroism awarded to members of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

Airman 1st Class Mark Orlowski, 8th Security Forces Squadron defender,finishes the Defender Challenge during Police Week 2022 at Kunsan AirBase, Republic of Korea, May 17, 2022. The Defender Challenge was designed to be a test of physical strength, memory, as well as individual and teamwork skills. (U.S. Air Force photo byStaff Sgt. Jesenia Landaverde)

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

U.S. Army Reserve Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jake R. Ostler, a military intelligence officer assigned to Company C, 337th Military Intelligence Battalion prepares to direct operations at a rifle range at the Marseilles Training Center, Marseilles Illinois, July 9. Warrant officers serving to train Soldiers, direct the mission, and provide technical expertise to their respective units. (Official U.S. Army Reserve photo by Pfc. Noah Carlsson)

Tupelo, MS. Staff Sgt. James Holder joined the Army to gain experience and knowledge while serving his country, and his recruiting assignment in Tupelo is the perfect opportunity to fulfill that desire to give back to the community. (

Col. Jess Curry, Hawaiʻi Wildfires Recovery Field Office commander, detailed debris removal operations to leaders of the FEMA and the Small Business Association during a tour near the historic Lahainaluna Road Lahaina, Hawaii, Feb. 7, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is overseeing the debris removal mission under a Federal Emergency Management Agency mission assignment, which is part of a coordinated effort with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the County of Maui and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to clean up areas of the island affected by the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires. (USACE

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Daniel Downs, a combat engineer with Logistics Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), participates in demolition training in Syndalen, Finland, Aug. 11, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Alberto F. Boy with Headquarters and Service Battalion, holds the colors during his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Jan. 5, 2024. The ceremony was held in honor of Boy who honorably served in the Marine Corps for 20 years.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Keith Wolf, a cyberspace warfare operator with I Marine Expeditionary Forces Defensive Cyber Operations Internal Defensive Measures (DCO-IDM) team, poses for a photo at 9th Communication Battalion on Camp Pendleton, California June 29, 2022. I MEFs DCO-IDM team won the Deputy Commandant for Information (DC I), Marine Corps Capture the Flag Cyber Games 2022.

U.S. Army Col. Jon Brierton, Army Support Activity Dix commander, poses for a photo on 13 July, 2022, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. Brierton completed basic combat training at ASA Fort Dix in 1990 and returned 30 years later as Garrison and Joint Base Deputy Commander. Under his leadership, Briertons team assisted with COVID-19 pandemic relief and supported 13,000 Afghan refugees during Operations Allies Welcome/Refuge.

NORFOLK, Va. (Sep. 30, 2022) U.S. Fleet Forces Fleet Master Chief John Perryman wears the Navy's new two-piece organizational clothing. The two-piece organizational clothing will begin roll out later this year.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ryan Ulibarri, a native of Peoria, Az., and combat videographer with American Forces Network Iwakuni documents Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) soldiers on Camp Yamaguchi, Japan, Oct. 20, 2022. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Provost Marshal's Office Special Reaction Team observed room clearing and close-quarters combat training by JGSDF soldiers to prepare for future operational cooperation.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brenden Barber, 77th Fighter Generation Squadron phase crew chief, poses for a photo at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Jan. 16, 2023. Barker and his team perform interval inspections on U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons to increase their lifespan and maintain the operational readiness of the 20th Fighter Wings combat fleet.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Heather Rushfeldt, a religious affairs non-commissioned officer assigned to the 34th Infantry Division "Red Bulls" poses for a portrait at Fort Cavazos, Texas Feb. 28, 2024. She is one of the chaplain assistants going to the Middle East to participate in Operation Spartan Shield. (Minnesota National Guard

Maj. Nathi Kijpatanasilp, 88th RD Headquarters Detachment Commander addresses the audience in the 88th RD command classroom at Fort McCoy, WI during his promotion to Maj. on 19 Jan, 2024

Soldiers in Headquarters Company participate in a ruck march for their physical training in the morning.

Maj. Vincent McLean, 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron incoming commander, smiles during opening remarks at the squadrons assumption of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 22, 2022. The change of command ceremony is deeply rooted in military tradition that dates back to the reign of King Frederick of Prussia and has persisted into modern day.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. James Case, an infantry officer with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, practices setting up a radio during the Division Leader Assessment Program on Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, June 20, 2022. This assessment program also provides Marines with learning and mentorship opportunities, which helps train and develop Marines that demonstrate an apex level of lethality, endurance and comprehensive warfighting ability.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey P. Gaines, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence director of the G-1/G-4 office, stands for a photo at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Aug. 30, 2022.

220505-N-AS200-5520 POINT MUGU, Calif. (May 5, 2022) - Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Command Master Chief Andre Brown, receives a Meritorious Service Medal during his farewell celebration onboard Point Mugu, May 5, 2022. NBVC is a strategically located Naval installation composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island. NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2C Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division participate in Squad Lanes for the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, GA, July 28, 2022. During the Best Squad Competition, competitors were tested on a wide range of subjects including land navigation, marksmanship, casualty care, physical fitness, small-unit tactics and endurance.

040902-M-3658J-003. Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army soldiers and Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) service members conduct a class on field artillery as part of exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023, at the 5th Marine Training Center (Puslatpur), Situbondo Regency, East Java, Indonesia, September 2, 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 7 participating and 12 observing nations' commitment to partnership and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Demarion Davis, 48th Fighter Wing Communications Squadron cybersecurity manager, poses for a photo after being selected to be one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the year at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, July 26, 2022. This award recognises 12 outstanding enlisted personnel for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements.

Maj. Robert Fry, from Kingsport, Tennessee, a chaplain at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), poses for a photo in the chapel at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Oct. 6, 2022. WRNMMCs clergy were being celebrated in honor of Clergy Appreciation Day. Clergy Appreciation Day is a National holiday to recognize the work of ministers, pastors, and priests. (DOD photo by Ricardo J. Reyes)

U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Leo Phillips, a water treatment specialist assigned to the 968th Quartermaster Company based in Tustin, California, shares his story as a transgender Soldier during the Quartermaster Liquid Logistics Exercise at Camp Pendleton June 20.

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

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

U.S. ARMY Soldiers and South Korean Katusa's Conduct a Ruck march and MEDEVAC training on Camp Casey South Korea, NOV 17th 2022. MEDEVAC is the evacuation of military or other casualties to the hospital in a helicopter or airplane." (U.S. ARMY photos by SPC. Christopher Cameron)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Vladimir J. Estrella, a prior service recruiter with 1st Marine Corps District, poses for a photo at 1st Marine Corps District, Garden City, New York, Dec. 7, 2022.

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

2nd Lt. Christopher Brown, 317th Maintenance Squadron maintenance officer, renders the final salute to Maj. Andrew Brock as the 317th MXS commander during a change of command ceremony at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, 17 Jun 2022. Changes of command in the military are a tradition that formally represent the transfer of authority from one leader to another.

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

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

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii (July 15, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Terrance Burns, rifleman, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division poses for a photo while conducting simulated Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 15. 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. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, right, and Senior Airman Austin Sondergard, 305th Air Mobility Wing crew chief, left, pose for a photo at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Nov. 1, 2022. Sondergard received brain surgery to remove an arteriovenous malformation, and later suffered losses to both memory, speech, and motor skills due to a stroke. Recovered, Sondergard returned to his duties as a crew chief and hobby as an avid powerlifter.

Senior Airman Raymond Gonzalez, 911th Security Forces Squadron flight armorer, poses for a photo at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Feb. 3, 2024. Gonzalez won the Air Force Reserve Command's Outstanding Security Forces Flight-Level Airman Award. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Maj. Tim Soeken, an ophthalmologist with the Health Engagements Assistance Response Team (HEART) 2022, poses for a photo in Guatemala City, Sept. 2, 2022. Soeken is deployed from the 59th Medical Wing, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

Spc. Anthony Santos is a religious affairs specialist currently stationed at Fort Leavenworth.

The Joint Base MDL conducted a Postal Warrior Training Mission on 10 August 2022 which was conducted by the 78th Training Division. This training event was on Fort Dix Site IR3C. Multiple Army Reserve Units from the states of New York, Georgia and California were on-site for this training. The U.S. ASA Fort Dix Commander COL Mitchell Wisniewski, Joint Base Commander COL Wes Adams (AF) and the Army Reserve CSM, CSM Andrew Lombardo were in attendance. They all had observed the training from the ground and also in-flight during the soldiers training. The flights were provided by the 773rd Marine Light Attack Helicopter on a UH1 Cobra Helicopter. Postal Warrior is a task-focused exercise for Postal Units to support Postal Operations in a combat area when needed. During this training Units are being prepared for delivering mail during possible small arms or sniper fire from enemy while carrying out their mission. (Images provided by the Fort Dix (TSC) Training Support Center / Dan Amburg /

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Nathanial Cunningham, meteorology and oceanography analyst forecaster (METOC), Marine Corps Air Facilities, studies the atmosphere and forecasts the weather at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Jan. 26, 2022. Data gathered by METOC analysts assists commanders and air facilities in making tactical decisions, directly impacting base training and operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Ashley L. Boster)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Timothy Horan, an aircraft powertrain repairer assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 169th Aviation Regiment, Connecticut Army National Guard, poses for a portrait at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, April 10, 2022. Horan won the 2022 Connecticut Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition and was named Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.

Cadet Sgt. Mason Bay, U.S. Military Academy, completes a two-week Academic Individual Advanced Development internship at U.S. Space and Missile Defense Command in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The AIAD program places cadets into commands for internship and research. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Rognstad/RELEASED)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kyle Dye, 49th Force Support Squadron First Term Enlisted Course noncommissioned officer in charge, poses for a photo in the Professional Development Center at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Jan. 8, 2024. FTEC helps junior enlisted Airmen transition from their previous technical training environment to a mission-oriented mindset at their first duty station.

Lt. Col. Jamie Nasi, the in-commanding commander of HHBN III Corps, salutes the formation as he assumes command during a change of command ceremony on Fort Hood Tx on June 28, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a formal passing of authority and accountability of command from one leader to another.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Emiliano Terrazas, an ordnance technician with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, poses for a photo at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug. 8, 2022. HMLA-167 trained with U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Air National Guard units during joint exercise Northern Strike 22-2. HMLA-167 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Navy Hospitalman Jason Toro, with 3d Medical Battalion, 3d Marine Logistics Group is one of several U.S. Marines and Sailors that provided emergency medical aid to locals involved in a traffic accident Oct. 7, 2022 in Luzon, Philippines. These service members are deployed in support of KAMANDAG, 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Michelle Lescano, military police officer, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, is awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 26, 2022. Richardson was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for saving the life of another Marine during a dispatch call on May 19, 2022.

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

A Soldier completes the 12-mile ruck march event Tuesday during the Best Warrior Competition hosted by the 80th Training Command this week at Ft. Lee, Va. Soldiers from multiple divisions have gathered here to complete the 2023 Best Warrior Competition and compete for the German Army Fitness Proficiency Badge.

Sergeant Nolan Svoboda, a paratrooper assigned the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division 2nd Battalion, 505th Infantry Regiment prepares for a news media interview during the 2024 NASCAR Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. The Daytona 500 is a 500-mile-long NASCAR Cup Series motor race held annually and is regarded as the most important and prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar.

Private First Class Colton Messick, a Motor Transportation Specialist for the 2-382 Logistic Support Battalion (LSBN) was named the Best Warrior Soldier of the Quarter and took 2nd place overall during the Best Warrior Competition for the 120th Infantry Brigade during a competition held at Fort Hood, Texas from June 21-23, 2022. The competition is specifically designed to identify the Soldier who can best thrive in adversity, display physical and mental toughness, demonstrate an expertise across the entire spectrum of military ranks, and can apply their knowledge in fast-paced, combat-like scenarios.

1st Signal Brigade hosts Light Up the Night on Wednesday, Sept. 7, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Downtown Plaza on Camp Humphreys. The event is open to all members of the USAG Humphreys community to learn about suicide, including risk factors, warning signs, statistics, treatment, and how to report about it responsibly.

Private 1st. Class Dewald Ekron, Company B, 1st Battalion, 179 Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma National Guard, stands after passing his naturalization test 09 April, 2023. Ekron, a South Africa native, moved to the United States in 2017 to pursue farming. More than 1,000 Oklahoma Army National Guardsmen, including a company each from Nebraska and Indiana, will deploy overseas as Task Force Tomahawk in support of operations within U.S. Africa Commands area of responsibility. While there, they will provide security support at multiple installations across three East African countries. (Oklahoma National Guard by Sgt. 1st Class Mireille Merilice-Roberts)

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

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

Highest Physical Training ScoreLawton Fort Sill, Oklahoma - PFC Jaeden Ingram was awarded the Highest Physical Training award by Echo Battery 1-79th Field Artillery Battalion, 434th Field Artillery Brigade on February 23, 2024, for scoring the highest in the battery on the Army Combat Fitness Test during Basic Combat Training.

Spc. Ashraf Fanidi, an intelligence analyst assigned to 2-158th Attack Helicopter Battalion, poses for a portrait during the 7ID Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 22, 2022. The three-day competition was held to recognize the best Soldier and noncommissioned officer in the division through various tests including a ruck march, obstacle course, land navigation, R2 performance test and a board.

Spc. Jonathan Cardona serves as a Signal Support Systems Specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, XVIII Airborne Corps based out of Fort Bragg, N.C. The Columbia, S.C. native plays a vital role in setting up and maintaining radio-based communications and provides communications-based assistance to commanders in order to help America's Contingency Corps relay information across various operational environments.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. George Russo, a Manchester Township, New Jersey, native and a rifleman with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, poses for a photo during an awards ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 16, 2022. Russo was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his heroic actions on June 11, 2022. While on liberty in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Russo witnessed a car accident involving five cars. With the tactical first aid kit in his glove box, Russo provided first aid to multiple injured people until first responders arrived. All riflemen are trained with lifesaving skills but it was my superiors who really provided me the opportunity to get better and know what to do in any situation, said Russo.

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. - U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Pedro Jimenez, Air Combat Command Public Affairs chief enlisted manager, chosen as a feature spotlight for Hispanic Heritage Month, poses by the ACC shield at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 26, 2022. Hispanic Heritage Month occurs every year to recognize and celebrate the contributions, diverse cultures, customs and history of the Hispanic American communities.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Dwayne Calvon, 224th Sustainment Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Company, California National Guard, salutes at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., July 26, 2022.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael P. Meissel, 160th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment, outgoing commander provides his remarks during a change of command ceremony, Aug 4, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Lt. Col. Mark A. Black assumed command of the unit from Meissel.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Douglas Urban, assigned to 194th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, stays engage with a conversation during an interview at American Forces Network, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, July 20, 2022. Urban provides advice and leadership to cadets from the Cadet Troop Leader Training program.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Thomas Galoff, stands for a photo near Camp Ripley, June 4, 2022. Galoff will retire this summer with more than 40 years of service. He began his career in 1980 with the Wisconsin National Guards 724th Engineer Battalion as a combat engineer and heavy equipment operator. (Minnesota National Guard Photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Kabiru Labaran, the outgoing sergeant major of 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, speaks to Marines during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 23, 2022. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Kabiru Labaran, the outgoing sergeant major, relinquished his role of battalion sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Hugo Dubon.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Christopher Lima-Gibbons, 60th Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection specialist, stands in front of a fire truck at Travis Air Force Base, California, Sept. 14, 2022. The 60th CES started wearing a morale patch in support of Suicide Prevention Month.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Isaac Ross, Marine Detachment Goodfellow fire instructor, rings the last alarm at the 312th Training Squadrons 9/11 memorial ceremony at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy high bay, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 9, 2022. The last alarm is a tradition that started in the 1800s when a fire department would ring the bell when a responder fell in the line of duty.

As part of military medicine's "Pivot to Readiness", the U.S. Army Medical Command is reorganizing and re-designating its Regional Health Commands to Medical Readiness Commands. During four ceremonies the Regional Health Commands will reflag and become Medical Readiness Commands.We are building the future of Army Medicine. Medical reform and restructuring will enhance the ability to recruit, organize, train, and equip medical Soldiers and leaders capable of supporting the current and future force.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ian Bergman, a cyberspace warfare operator with I Marine Expeditionary Forces Defensive Cyber Operations Internal Defensive Measures (DCO-IDM) team, poses for a photo at 9th Communication Battalion on Camp Pendleton, California June 29, 2022. I MEFs DCO-IDM team won the Deputy Commandant for Information (DC I), Marine Corps Capture the Flag Cyber Games 2022.

Soldiers Stationed at Camp Casey conduct a Ruck, Run and Walk in Remembrance of 9-11, Sep 11 2022 Camp Casey South Korea. During the September 11, 2001 attacks, 2,977 people were killed and more than 25,000 others were injured. Of the 2,977 fatal victims, 2,753 were killed in the World Trade Center and the surrounding area, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 in Pennsylvania.

U.S. Marine Corps, Sgt. Jonathan T. Howard, a legal services specialist with Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, conducts a Marine Corps Martial Art Program course at Camp Elmore, Virginia, April 7, 2022. Legal services specialists generate general legal correspondence, including wills and powers of attorney and documents related to quasi-legal matters that impact the welfare of all enlisted personnel such as guidance on performance, training, counseling, morale and discipline.

of 2