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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

Distinguished Honor Graduate Lawton Fort Sill, Oklahoma - SPC Tristan Ayoubi was awarded the Distinguished Honor Graduate award by Charlie Battery 1-22nd Field Artillery Battalion, 434th Field Artillery Brigade on February 23, 2024, for excelling above his peers during Basic Combat Training.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Omar Salih, Safety Manager, 726th Air Mobility Squadron, poses for a photo at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, September 6, 2022. Salih recently won the National Safety Council Rising Stars of Safety Award. The award is given to safety professionals with a proven track record of workplace safety, leadership and dedication to continuous improvement.

220415-N-TH560-0208 SASEBO, Japan (April 15, 2022) - Operations Specialist Seaman Joshua Dilone, from Bronx, New York, holds up a photo of his brother, Boatswains Mate 3rd Class Richard Dilone. Joshua Dilone enlisted in the Navy as part of the Professional Apprenticeship Career Tracks (PACT) program and earned the Operations Specialist rating during a Navy Personnel Command (NPC) Fleet Engagement Team event onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, April 14, 2022. Because of the event, detailers were able to work-on-one with Dilone to give him duty station orders to the same command as his brother, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111).It feels pretty cool following in his footsteps, because hes the older brother, Dilone said. Its nice to know that he got the rate that he wanted and I was also able to get the rate that I wanted.The Fleet Engagement Team, consisting of enlisted community managers, rating specialists and detailers from NPC, worked one-

U.S. Army Spc. Nicholas Belluomini is the Soldier of the Year nominee from Charlie Company, 1-112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The Soldier of the Year competition recognizes select Soldiers for their professionalism and excellence. Winners at the brigade level go on to compete in the Pennsylvania National Guard Best Warrior Competition.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher Crawley, 628th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) combat arms instructor, prepares to check targets during a class, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Aug. 31, 2022. The 628th SFS CATM instructors regularly conduct classes to ensure mission readiness and combat effectiveness for base personnel.

A soldier with the Netherlands Marine Corps, delivers a period of instruction on casualty evacuation procedures during cold weather training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Nov. 30, 2022. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, conducted this training to enhance the units combat effectiveness in extreme cold weather as they prepare for an upcoming deployment to Marine Corps Forces Europe-Africa theater of operations.

221021-N-FP878-0006LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. (OCT. 21, 2022) - Boatswain's Mate Chief Quinten Panteloukas receives his anchors during Navy Talent Acquisition Group Ohio River Valley's (NTAG ORV) chief pinning ceremony, Friday. NTAG ORV covers Ohio, West Virginia Kentucky and parts of Indiana for recruiting and Navy outreach for non-fleet concentration areas.

Tennessee Army National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Christopher Thomas, from the 117th Regional Training Institute, receives instruction before completing the 'react to IED event' during the Tennessee State Best Warrior Competition, in Tullahoma, Feb. 23, 2024. This event provides foundational knowledge about IEDs and proper safety precautions and procedures for reacting and responding to unattended and suspicious items. Army National Guard

Senior Airman Kristofer May, 8th Maintenance Squadron electronic warfare technician, pauses while working on an electronic countermeasure pod at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 15, 2022. May is entrusted to meet periodic maintenance inspection deadlines, repair pilot reported discrepancies and replace components when needed.

Recruits with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, receive a tactical combat casualty care class on Parris Island, S.C., Oct. 12, 2022. Recruits receive 58 formal classes covering topics from administrative issues to combat care and Marine Corps history.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Austin Reichel, a radio non-commissioned officer with Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, poses for a photo, MCBH, Sep. 26, 2022. Reichel will receive the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his actions at Waimano Falls, July 5, 2021. Reichel assisted a woman who had sustained injuries while hiking, until she was airlifted by paramedics.

1s Lt. Sheldon Lee, 169th Air Defense Squadron air battle manager, is recognized Oct. 1, 2022, for placing first in a career-field-wide training competition at Wheeler Army Air Field, Hawaii. The first Top Scope competition was conducted through an artificial intelligence-based training platform, testing each operators ability to support command and control inside a virtual environment. The platform, called Battle Management Training NEXT, simulates the activities of an air-to-air engagement and serves as a cost-effective means for users to develop their skills.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Aldo Zamora, a mail clerk with Headquarters Service Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, stands at attention during a change of command ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 15, 2022. During the ceremony, Capt. Cristobal Lara, the outgoing company commander of HQSVC, relinquished command to Maj. Lance Donald, the incoming company commander of HQSVC. Zamora is a native of San Fernando Valley, California.

040223-N-5576W-004. Base: Naval Station, Great Lakes State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Damani Baptiste-Wood, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron unit training manager, poses for a photo at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Dec. 12, 2022. The program trains Airmen to identify colleagues in distress and assist in finding them the appropriate support to promote psychological health and safety in the workplace.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan West, 31st Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor, supervises individuals participating in the 2022 Excellence in Competition Pistol match at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 17, 2022. Participants were graded on accuracy during the competition held in honor of Police Week. In 1962, President Kennedy declared Peace Officers Memorial Day to be observed on May 15 and recognized May 15 as National Police Week.

U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Soldiers and Airmen with the 424th Air Base Squadron partake in a joint C-130J Super Hercules orientation flight Aug. 2, 2022 at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Bruce Jones, an inspections chief with Marine Corps Installations Pacific, poses for a portrait on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, April 11, 2022. Jones shares his story on the establishment of his trekking group, the challenges and tragedies he faced, and the perseverance and dedication it took for him to continue his adventurous lifestyle with his group and son.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. David N. Miller Jr., Space Operations Command commander, tours the 21st Security Forces training center at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, Feb. 29, 2024. Miller asked the security forces trainers about the training photos on the wall. Space Force

Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Pelchar, a health services technician at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., is awarded Enlisted Person of the Quarter by Capt. Kathy Felger, commanding officer of the training center, July 15, 2022. U.S. Coast Guard service readiness starts with investing in our greatest asset - our people.

Staff Sgt. Alexander Baney, 509th Maintenance Squadron avionics technician, stands in front of unit wall artwork at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, August 15, 2022. The avionics backshop specializes in B-2 Spirit computer systems and its repairs.

Paratroopers across the 82nd Airborne Division finish the 12 mile road march, complete a weapons test, and recieve their E3B on Fort Bragg, NC, April 7, 2023. 371 Paratroopers and Soldiers across multiple units and locations successfully completed E3B.

220913-N-AS200-4500 SAN NICOLAS ISLAND, Calif. (Sept. 13, 2022 - Culinary Specialist (CS) 2nd Class Johnpaul Pedero, from Salem, New Hampshire, assigned to Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), San Nicolas Island (SNI), has been recognized as the August 2022 Sailor in the Spotlight. 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-2D Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

Staff Sgt. Benjamin Huff, a standardization instructor with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, performs run-up procedures during pre-flight checks on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in Meridian, Mississippi, Sept. 29, 2022. The flight team ensured the helicopter was in full working order prior to its flight to Florida in response to Hurricane Ian's effects across the state.

Distinguished Honor Graduate Lawton Fort Sill, Oklahoma - SPC Jelisa Austin was awarded the Distinguished Honor Graduate award by Echo Battery 1-79th Field Artillery Battalion, 434th Field Artillery Brigade on February 23, 2024, for excelling above her peers during Basic Combat Training.

Pfc. Tristian Hines, of Somerset, Ky., poses for a photo after his First formation where he met his unit July, 21, 2022. Hines arrived at his unit Ranger and Airborne qualified thanks to the Ranger Training Leadership Initiative (RTLI) program, a program in which only National Guard Soldiers qualify for. He was the first Kentucky Guardsman to successfully complete the process.

DESERT SHIELD - Colin Powell in fatigues in Saudi Arabia.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Rodriguez, 332d Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Quick Reaction Force, poses in front of two Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles at an undisclosed location, Southwest Asia, Oct. 24, 2022. Rodriguez is the recipient of the 332d Air Expeditionary Wing's, "Warrior of the Week," for the week of Oct. 31, 2022. warrior of the Week is a competitive recognition program that highlights significant contributions made by individual Airmen who raise the Red Tail standard and enhance Air Force mission and capabilities.

Sgt. Garrett Paulson, U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, is a combat medic assigned to Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, Louisiana.

Paratroopers assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division plan operations during the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) rotation on Fort Polk, Louisiana, Nov. 2, 2022. JRTC Rotation 23-01 serves to enhance brigade and supporting unit's deployment readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Christopher Mante, a Chicago, Illinois native and an infantry section leader with Headquarters Company, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, poses for a photo on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 26, 2022. I had just finished teaching a Lance Corporal Seminar, says Mante when reflecting on his decision to re-enlist. The Marines in that course really motivated me and showed me that the Marine Corps is heading in the right direction. They just need leadership in order to help them prosper in the Marine Corps. Mante was identified as a Follow Me" Marine in efforts to share the stories of 2d MARDIV Marines who have recently re-enlisted.

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. poses in front of an aircraft formation during a routine readiness exercise on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 12, 2022. During the visit, Brown visited the Eielson flightline to discuss RED FLAG-Alaska operations and was briefed on airfield modernization efforts.

US marine saluting

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Halston McIntyre, records chief, ammunition technician, Ammunition Supply Point (ASP), Security Battalion, from Red Creek, New York, poses for a portrait at the ASP on Marine Corps Base (MCB) Quantico, Virginia, June 30, 2022. Records chiefs are responsible for receiving, disposing, and accounting for explosives and ammunition on MCB Quantico. The ASP provides Ammunition and Explosives (A&E) support and inventory and management to MCB Quantico tenant commands, external agencies, and organizations within the National Capitol Region.

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. Air Force Airman 1st Class Sean Farestvedt, 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief from Katy, Texas was selected as the 18th Wings Airman of the Week at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Airman of the Week program is an opportunity for outstanding Airmen to be recognized by KAB leadership as well as showcase these young leaders to their peers.

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

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. David Condon, an admin clerk with Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1), poses for a photo at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 24, 2022. Condon joined the Marine Corps to honor his relatives who served before him.

Pvt. First Class Bryce Blair, a 19-year-old trainee from Pennsylvania, loaded up his plate at Slagle Dining Facility, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, November 24, 2022. The Thanksgiving meal was his first away from his family. Blari enlisted in the Army just after graduation, began basic combat training (BCT) in August 2022 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and is beginning his fourth week in 68W Combat Medic AIT while assigned to the MEDCoE at Fort Sam.

Airman 1st Class Landon Gunsauls, prepares for a 5k ruck in remembrance of 9/11, September, 9, 2022, at Trophy Park on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. Gunsauls wears a lanyard with the name of firefighter who gave his life in the 9/11 terror attacks, to remember him and honor his sacrifice.

A Philippine Marine participates in a combined amphibious operation with the U.S. Marine Corps alongside the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force as part of KAMANDAG 6 at Zambales, Philippines, Oct. 7, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. David M. Elliott, Sergeant Major of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa (MARFOREUR/AF) speaks at the Naval Infantry Leadership Symposium - Africa (NILS-A) 2022 in Dakar, Senegal, July 7, 2022. NILS -A is a multinational, Africa-focused forum, designed to bring together partner nations with marine forces and naval infantries to develop interoperability, crisis response capabilities, and foster relationships which will improve Africas maritime domain security.

Navy Region Southeast recognized Electronics Technician 1st Class Eric Outlaw as the region nominee for the prestigious Vice Admiral William P. Lawrence Air Traffic Control Technician of the Year award.

U.S. Army Cpl. Spencer Fayles, representing the 144th Area Support Medical Company, Utah Army National Guard, leaves the room after presenting to the board during the Region VII Best Warrior Competition on the island of Guam, May 25, 2022. This annual competition featured the best noncommissioned officer and Soldier from eight different states and territories including Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. Testing competitors skills and knowledge and pushing them to their limits, the competition graded each participant in key areas such as basic Soldier skills, marksmanship under stress, land-navigation, and physical fitness.

Corpsman competency from shore to ship...Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Don Wilwayco, assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command Bremerton, recently took part in teaming up with Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 11 for operational platform training and familiarization exercises. Along with Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jose Deras, Wilwayco were introduced to weapon handling, logistics, engineering, communications and unit operations in a small-boat environment, and in turn provided medical instruction helping develop a Tactical Combat Casualty Care program applicable for the kind of injuries and casualties a small boat unit could expect during a mission (official Navy photo by Douglas H Stutz, NHB/NMRTC Bremerton public affairs officer)

U.S. Army Sgt. Paul Galletta, 15th Civil Support Team, Vermont National Guard, interviews with 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain) Public Affairs at Camp Ethan Allen Firing Range, Jericho, Vt., January 8, 2023. Galletta joins Team U.S.A. as a competitor in Edelweiss Raid 2023. This international, military competition endeavors to test soldier alpine skills, foster camaraderie, and build relations between mountain warfighters across the world.

Tech Sgt. Dominique Fields, 343rd Training Squadron Military Training Flight Military Training Leader, poses in front of the Security Forces Academy on Oct. 4, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Military Training Leaders go through a four-week course at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, for their initial training. The course teaches the role of the MTL in conducting military training and counseling of non-prior service Airmen and Guardians attending technical training schools.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers share their gear with Soldiers from the German Army so they can participate on the 9mm range yesterday at Ft. Lee, Va. Soldiers from multiple divisions have gathered here to complete the 2023 Best Warrior Competition hosted by the 80th Training Command.

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (May 13, 2022) U.S. Navy Lt. Richard Shang, a Navy Reserve Chaplain currently deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti poses for a portrait inside the Chapel of Enduring Freedom on camp.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Devon Simpson, assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, 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.

Senior Airman Mitchell Knaub, 8th Operations Support Squadron airfield management shift lead, hold a firearm at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 17, 2022. Airfield management personnel enable projection of airpower by ensuring the airfield is cleared of foreign object debris and dispersed of any wildlife.

A U.S. Air Force survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialist assigned to the 437th Operations Support Squadron, stationed at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, instructs Airmen on island survival skills at Andersen Air Force Base, Dec. 5, 2022. Exercises and operations such as this off-station training by the 437th Airlift Wing incorporates agile combat employment concepts, ensuring forward-deployed forces in the Indo-Pacific are ready to protect and defend the United States, allied and partner interests at a moments notice.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Daniel Wilson, 56th Fighter Wing Safety occupational safety apprentice, poses for his official portrait, Jan. 9th, 2023, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Approaching Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Wilson reflects on what Dr. Kings legacy and heroism has meant in his life as one of the many Airmen that carry on the spirit of Dr. Kings legacy of determination, courage and leadership.

Royal Army Lance Corporal William Clubb, assigned to 16th Regiment Royal Artillery, poses for a portrait during Project Convergence - Capstone 4 at Camp Pendleton, Calif. on Feb. 15, 2024. Army by Staff Sgt. Wheeler Brunschmid)

Australian Army Capt. Jarrod Johnson, the future operations planner with 1st Brigade, Forces Command, poses for a photo after receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal at Robertson Barracks, NT, Australia, June 24, 2022. Johnson was awarded the medal for his meritorious service while working alongside Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 21.

Staff Sgt. Michael Orlando, 77th Fighter Generation Squadron dedicated crew chief, poses for a photo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 15, 2022. Orlando is the dedicated crew chief for the 20th Fighter Wing's flagship aircraft and earned the Air Combat Command Crew Chief of the Year award in 2021.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Juan J. Coleman, 158th Fighter Wing traffic management specialist, holds a photograph of his great-great-great grandfather, Rev. Joe Berry Powell, at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, Feb. 21, 2024. Berry was born into slavery and ultimately founded four churches in his lifetime. Air Force

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert James Miller was killed by Taliban insurgents Jan. 25, while protecting his Operational Detachment Alpha teammates during combat operations near the village of Barikowt, Nari District, Konar Province, Afghanistan. Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan

Tech. Sgt. Brett Aldrich, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, holdsup his leave the haters in 2022 sticky note at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Jan. 11, 2023. Those in attendance of the second annual Blow and Grow event held by Malmstroms explosive ordinance disposal team were asked to write the things they wanted to leave in 2022 on a sticky note, place it on a Christmas tree, and watch it be incinerated.

Airman 1st Class Nicholas Yothbounpheng, 94th Security Forces Squadron, security forces Airman, takes a breath of fresh air after removing his MOPP (Mission Oriented Protective Posture) gear at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga, Sept. 23. Dobbins ARB hosted, coordinated, and participated in a base-wide exercise from Sept. 19-25 called United Force 22-01 to test readiness capabilities.

Work Request Description: Photographic coverage of ASCAN 2021 Class Wilderness Survival Training at Ft. Rucker, Alabama

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Christopher Mante, a Chicago, Illinois native and an infantry section leader with Headquarters Company, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, poses for a photo on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 26, 2022. Mante was identified as a Follow Me" Marine in efforts to share the stories of 2d MARDIV Marines who have recently re-enlisted.

Army Staff Sgt. Adam Krauland, a cryptologic linguist and paratrooper, assigned to 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment (Airborne), 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), U.S. Army Alaska, won Noncommissioned Officer of the Year in the Army's Best Warrior Competition that culminated last fall. Krauland is the first soldier for U.S. Army Alaska's command to earn this title. (U.S. Air Force photo/Justin Connaher)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Byron Callahan, 18th Operations Support Squadron weather journeyman from Decatur, Georgia was selected as the 18th Wings Airman of the Week at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Airman of the Week program is an opportunity for outstanding Airmen to be recognized by KAB leadership as well as showcase these young leaders to their peers.

Boston (July 28, 2022) U.S. Navy Seaman Elijah Yearwood earned her basic interpretive historian qualification aboard USS Constitution. USS Constitution, is the worlds oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. During normal operations, the active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people a year as they support the ships mission of promoting the Navys history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents.

Cpl. Denver Taylor, 467th Eng. Det., of the U.S. Army Reserve explains the rescue tools firefighters use to cut open burning metal vehicles and structures during an open house at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, Aug. 6, 2022. The event, hosted by the 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), featured several different units and career fields that train at the historic Army Reserve base.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Jefferson Ortiz, company first sergeant for Air Operations Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 271, poses for a photo at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina, July 14, 2022. On May 13, 2022, Ortiz, a native of Miami, Florida, performed life-saving actions on a man who had been hit by a car.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Liam Downey, a native of Huntington Beach, Ca., and a fire direction control specialist with Quebec Battery, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, poses for a photo during exercise Valiant Shield 2022 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 14, 2022. Exercise such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Colten Mangione from the 23d Force Support Squadron, supports the AGILE FLAG 22-2 exercise, at Avon Park Auxiliary Air Field, Florida, July 24, 2022. Mangione supplies meals to Airmen participating in the exercise. AGILE FLAG 22-2 marks a significant milestone in standardizing the way Air Combat Command organizes, trains, and equips for Agile Combat Employment after a period of experimentation.

Kenric Smith joined the Army in 1993 because he wanted to serve; but, like Frank Sinatra, he wanted to do it his way. Smiths father had served in the Air Force and hoped his son would follow in his footsteps. Smith chose a slightly different path.

050204-F-1448M-014. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Devon Simpson, assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, 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. (This photo has been modified to black and white for effect.)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Zachary Walsmith, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical systems journeyman from Amarillo, Texas was selected as the 18th Wings Airman of the Week at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Airman of the Week program is an opportunity for outstanding Airmen to be recognized by KAB leadership as well as showcase these young leaders to their peers.

U.S. Army Sgt. Jonathan Warren, assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, 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. (This photo has been modified to black and white for effect.)

Assault Amphibian School Executive Officer Command Photo

Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee, a Medal of Honor recipient, takes part in pre-game activities at the Oklahoma State University homecoming football game in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Oct. 22, 2022. Plumlee, a native Oklahoman, toured his home state Oct. 18-22. During his visit, Plumlee attended the Oklahoma State University homecoming football game and was honored as the Orange Power VIP of the game. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Anthony Jones)

Airmen assigned to the 4th Security Forces Squadron posted pictures and stories of fallen defenders along the trail of a ruck march during National Police Week at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, May 16, 2022. National Police Week is held in commemoration of current and fallen law enforcement, who gave their lives in the line of duty.

220614-N-KA046-0001 SMYRNA, Ga (June 14, 2022) Operations Specialist 1st Class Charles Clemons is highlighted as this weeks Recruiter in the Spotlight. NTAG Atlantas area of responsibility includes more than 36 Navy Recruiting Stations and Navy Officer Recruiting Stations spread throughout 82,000 square miles of Georgia, Alabama and parts of Florida.

This photo was taken on August 25, 2022 as part of a project to produce a poster that displays the diversity of U.S. Army NATO Brigade Soldiers and their families during the units annual organization day. The brigade provides support to roughly 1,300 Soldiers and their families to provide ready and resilient Soldiers to the NATO alliance, maintain our joint and multinational partnerships and enhance the alliance. The brigade is the U.S. Army support element for 44 NATO organizations across 81 locations in 22 countries.

Logistics Specialist Seaman Izaziah Johnson, a logistics support representative for Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella (NAVSUP FLCSI) SIte Rota, poses for a photo, Sept. 15, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Christopher Zapf with the 1st Maintenance Squadron at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, stands for a portrait, September 13, 2022. Aerospace Propulsion Airmen, test, maintain and repair all parts of aircraft engines, ensuring Airmen and aircraft stay safe while in the air.

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

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Andrew Harrah, financial technician, Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, poses for a photo, MCBH, Oct. 5, 2022. Harrah was able to rely on his Hispanic upbringing to overcome adversity during an unexpected career change from reconnaissance to financial technician.

Tech. Sgt. Adam Barb, 31st Force Support Squadron NCOIC of professional development, stands in front of Wyvern University (WU) Graduate plaque at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Sept. 15, 2022. WUs goal is the professional and personal development of Service members and civilians from all branches at Aviano AB.

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division take part in the Combat Water Survival Test 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.

220725-N-N0842-1001 PEARL HARBOR (July 25, 2022) - Royal Thai Navy Lt. Cmdr. Trisan Chanpreecha, Operations Officer for the Maritime Intelligence Operation Cell, poses for a photograph at the K. Mark Take Pacific Warfighting Center 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 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. (U.S. Navy graphic by Canadian Armed Forces Corporal Djalma Vuong-De Ramos and U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dylan Lavin)

Sgt. Kyle Avent is a Fire Support Specialist assigned to the 206th Digital Liaison Detachment. I have enjoyed the overall experience. said Sgt. Avent. Working with our Japanese Counterparts has been an enlightening Battlefield experience through learning to defend an Island Chain while translating the U.S. doctrine to Japanese doctrine. during Yama Sakura 83 exercise at Camp Kengun, Japan on Dec 11th, 2022. Yama Sakura is a complex exercise that has been ongoing for over 40 years and builds the bilateral partnerships of the strong US-Japan alliance.

U.S. Army Spc. Abigail Kreuser, a Military Intelligence Systems Maintainer/Integrator, participates as an analyst in Yama Sakura 83 at Camp Higashi-Chitose, Japan, Dec. 6, 2022. Kreuser had the opportunity to give a brief to the YS 83 members.

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