Tactical Operations and Military Readiness

Action shots of military personnel engaged in tactical operations, showcasing war scenarios, training drills, and readiness in complex environments.

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment peers around a corner in search of opposing forces with a M249 machine gun 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

010508-F-3820W-004. Complete Scene Caption: Technical Sergeant (TSGT) Timothy Winfree, USAF, 21st Space Wing, Peterson Air Force Base, security forces team leader, checks the area for opposition forces during the tactics portion of GUARDIAN CHALLENGE 2001, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. TSGT Winfree and his crew carry Colt 5.56 mm M16A2 rifles, wearing MILES (Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System) gear and AN/PVS-7B Night Vision Goggles. GUARDIAN CHALLENGE, the world's premier space and missile competition, is a four-day event hosted annually at Vandenberg AFB, CA "to recognize the best and demonstrate the commands warfighting skills. GUARDIAN CHALLENGE creates competition-tough crews; improves readiness and combat capabilities through preparation, innovation and sharing; enhances esprit de corps and strengthens teamwork across all mission areas in the command." Subject Operation/Series: GUARDIAN CHALLENGE 01 Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Cou

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment peers around a corner in search of opposing forces with a M249 machine gun 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

110224-N-0475R-283PORT HUENEME, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2011) Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 participate in a gas mask training exercise at the Naval Construction Training Center confidence chamber. NMCB-5 is preparing for a battalion field training exercise in April.

A Marine with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment steps into an abandoned home after recieving sporadic small-arms fire in the city of Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb 14. Marines with Bravo and Alpha Co., 1/6 inserted into the city at night by helicopters as part of a large-scale offensive aimed at routing the Taliban from their last-known stronghold in Helmand province.

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Lee, 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron pararescue element leader, talks with his teammates about their clearing procedures during a mission rehearsal in an excess structure here Aug. 26, 2014. The event allowed PJs to hone their breaching, clearing, patient care, and egress skills. Air Force rescue forces conduct combat search and rescue and personnel recovery operations. Lee is an Air National Guardsmen deployed from the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, Louisville, Ky. The 83rd ERQS partnered with Joint Task Force Trailblazer, U.S. Army 2nd Engineer Brigade, to use the structure prior to its scheduled deconstruction. Task Force Trailblazer is currently demolishing 50-70 wooden structures here each week as part of Operation Enduring Freedom retrograde operations.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division join Danish Army and Polish Army Soldiers for lunch following a Defender Europe 22 multinational live fire exercise, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 27, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises taking place in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

Soldiers with 198th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Illinois Army National Guard, fire mock M/4 and M/16 rifles during an Engagement Skills Trainer in support of the Golden Coyote Training Exercise at Camp Rapid, South Dakota, June 14, 2022. Golden Coyote is a three-phase scenario driven exercise conducted in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, which enables Commanders to focus on mission essentials warrior tasks and drills.

U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) and Italian San Marco Brigade Marines conduct close quarters battle training during a bilateral exercise at Massafra, Italy, Feb. 24, 2024. The 26th MEU(SOC), embarked aboard USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), conducted Marine Air-Ground Task Force interoperability training with Italian San Marco Brigade Marines and maritime forces to sustain readiness in core mission essential tasks. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. Marine Corps

Sgt. Woong-hee Choi, 2nd Infantry Division, prepares to fire at the engagement skills trainer (EST), an electronic simulated small arms firing range at the Lt. Gen. Thomas S. Vandal Training Complex on Camp Humphreys, South Korea, May 7, 2022. Choi and other Soldiers shot on the M-4, M-17, M-249, M-240 and M-2 simulators in preparation for live firing ranges scheduled Eighth Army Best Warrior and Best Squad Competition events.

030419-M-5607A-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

030108-M-7514K-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Soldiers from the 96th Aviation Support Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), establish a forward arming and refueling point (F.A.R.P) at the Millington-Memphis Airport to conduct refueling and resupply on January 13, 2024, during a Large-Scale Long-Range Air Assault into the Joint Readiness Training Center on Fort Johnson, LA. This exercise is intended to test and strengthen the unit's readiness. Close to 80 U.S. Army helicopters from Fort Campbell, KY, will stop at several locations throughout the flight path to refuel and resupply before they assault onto the training objectives at Fort Johnson, LA. There are four forward arming and refueling points (FARP): Millington, TN, Oxford, MS, Monroe, LA, and Alexandria, LA.

Staff Sgt. Tommy Richardson, left, and Spc. Peter Moore, Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team Security Force members, provide security during a PRT visit to a local hospital in Sharana March 23. The team viewed completed projects and received updates regarding future hospital plans in the provincial capital. Richardson and Moore are vital members of a team of roughly 100 military personnel and interagency partners throughout Paktika province whose mission is to help legitimize the government of Afghanistan through development, governance and agricultural initiatives. Both members are deployed from the Delta Company 4/118 Infantry Battalion, Marion, South Carolina Army National Guard.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Manuel Sahagun, from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, provides security with an Iraqi army soldier during a combined cordon and search in Ghazaliya, Iraq, March 21, 2007.

A U.S. Army Green Beret from 10th Special Operations Group (Airborne) clears a hallway while conducting Close Quarters Combat training with U.S. East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs), and Norwegian Naval Special Operations Commandos during Arctic Edge 24 (AE24) in Kodiak, Alaska, Feb. 24, 2024. AE24 is an annual defense exercise for the U.S. Northern Command emphasizing Joint Force operations in an extreme cold weather and high latitude environment and is designed to demonstrate Globally Integrated Layered Defense in the Arctic. Army

011106-A-3438S-005. Base: Fort Mccoy State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

U.S. Marines with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, practice breaching into a room during a Mechanized Raid course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 10, 2022. The raid course was a one week program designed to improve the Marines ability to plan and conduct limited scale raids utilizing ground movement while forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific region.

030108-M-7514K-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. FIFTH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (August 14, 2022) - A U.S. Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command (FASTCENT) participates in a live-fire drill at a training facility in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Aug. 14. FASTCENT provides expeditionary antiterrorism and security forces to embassies, consulates and other vital national assets throughout the region.

The 870th Military Police Company perform detainee operations at Camp Roberts during annual training July 24, 2022. Detainee operations broadly encompass the capture, initial detention and screening, transportation, treatment and protection, housing, transfer, and release of the wide-range of persons who could be categorized as detainees."

051005-A-3240S-114. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A pair of Marines prepare to enter a building in combat town, a mock town built for small unit combat training in the Central Training Area. State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the East Africa Response Force (EARF) in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participate in close quarters battle (CQB) training with members of the Spanish Special Operations Forces, Djibouti, June 16, 2022. The EARF serves as part of U.S. Africa Commands crisis response capability, and is tasked with responding to emergency situations at U.S. Embassies in the East African region or in countries around the CJTF-HOA area of interest.

020410-M-9902V-050. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Hansen State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: 3 MEF

060427-A-5745M-025. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MTN

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 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) alongside Polish soldiers assigned to the 5th Mazovian Brigade of Territorial Defense Force participated in a NATO Urban Tactical Operations exercise in Komorowo, Poland, Oct. 26, 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.

Sgt. Edwin Robles and Staff Sgt. Gregory Yacovou, Combat Medic Specialist, 10th Mouth Division, prepare a casualty for extraction during the Army's Best Medic Compeition. Twenty-two two-Soldier teams from all around the world traveled to Fort Hood, Texas to compete in the finals to be named the Armys Best Medic. The competition is a 72-hour arduous test of the teams physical and mental skills. Competitors must be agile, adaptive leaders who demonstrate mature judgment while testing collective team skills in areas of physical fitness, tactical marksmanship, leadership, warrior skills, land navigation and overall knowledge of medical, technical and tactical proficiencies through a series of hands-on tasks in a simulated operational environment. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Herman)

Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers with Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) exchange knowledge on close-quarters combat at the French 5th Overseas Interarms Regiment base, Djibouti, June 23, 2022. Members of the CJTF-HOA regularly train and work alongside allies, partners, and government organizations to achieve a unified effort to improve safety, security and prosperity in East Africa.

A U.S. Coast Guardsman attached to a Marine Security Response Team participates in an encounter exercise (ENCOUNTEREX) simulation as a part of Operation Nanook, Northern Atlantic Ocean Aug. 6, 2022. An MSRT unit embedded with USCGC Bear (WMEC 901) for Operation Nanook to showcase specialized Coast Guard law enforcement capabilities to partner nations.

U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force conduct military operations in urbanized terrain (MOUT) training in Okinawa, Japan, May 25, 2022. MOUT training enhances the Marines ability to communicate and maneuver in urban environments by practicing fundamentals of movement.

Sergeant (SGT) Cook, right, of the 772nd Military Police Company (MPC) and a fellow Combat Life Saver, carry SPECIALIST First Class (SFC) Gary Pyles of the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion (CAB), at the Coalition Joint Civil Military Operation Task Force (CJCMOTF) compound, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets security during an embassy reinforcement exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 23, 2022. The embassy reinforcement exercise taught the Marines when and how to react to non-lethal situations and enhance combat readiness. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

020410-M-9902V-063. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Hansen State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: 3 MEF

Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers from Charlie Company, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion spent a portion of their annual training working inside the Orchard Combat Training Center Shoot House.The Shoot House is not another range but a tactical training environment where soldiers sharpen their skills in entering and clearing a room and various passageways in tight, close quarters areas. The exercise requires squad leaders to clearly communicate directions to identify potential threats and respond strategically and effectively to those threats.Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers are currently preparing to deploy in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Lance Corporal Michael O. Mitchell attached to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit's (MEUs) Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, Lima Company, Weapons Platoon, with an M16A2 5.56mm rifle by his side, sights in with binoculars on vehicles and people on foot and bicycle at a road checkpoint near the MEU forward operating base in Kosovo. Elements of the 26th MEU deployed from ships of Amphibious Readiness Group 2 (Not shown) in support of NATO Operation Joint Guardian. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARDIAN Base: Gnjilane State: Kosovo Country: Yugoslavia (YUG)

U.S. Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit advance through a hallway during close quarter combat training on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 4, 2023. Marines rehearse CQC tactics to increase lethality at a team level in urban environments. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, unload their gear before the regimental squad competition at Range 223B on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 24, 2022. 1st Marines held a week-long regimental squad competition to send the winning infantry squad to compete against squads drawn from other units across the division.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Patrick Morin-Plante, 8th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) defender, secures a tourniquet on U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Dawson Dressler, 8th SFS defender, during a training event at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 14, 2022. All Airmen receive tactical combat casualty care training so they can provide proper medical care in an emergency.

U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26th MEU(SOC)) and Italian San Marco Brigade Marines exchange sniper tactics, techniques, and procedures during a bilateral exercise at Massafra, Italy, Feb. 24, 2024. The 26th MEU(SOC), embarked aboard USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), conducted Marine Air-Ground Task Force interoperability training with Italian San Marco Brigade Marines and maritime forces to sustain readiness in core mission essential tasks. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. Marine Corps

Security guards by Paul Bremer, director of Iraq on behalf of the Coalition Provisional Authority, steps when leaving in a (US Army) Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk.

POHANG, Republic of Korea (March 29, 2023) -U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Michael McFadden an infantryman with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, clears a room alongside with Republic of Korea Marines during Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain training, March 29. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROKs combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance.

US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Ronald L. Helm, a US Air Forces in Europe competitor, collects ammunition before advancing into the live fire phase of the Combat Weapons portion of DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Defender Challenge is the annual Air Force wide competition sponsored by Air Force Security Forces. This competition showcases the talents and capabilities of 13 international Security Forces teams in 24 events over six days. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE '00 Base: Lackland Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Iraqi National Police receive U.S. Cavalry Combat Spurs during an award ceremony at the headquarters of the Iraqi National Police 3rd Battalion in Jasr Diyala, Iraq, April 14, 2008. U.S. Army Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division conducted the ceremony.

220530-N-TI693-1275MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 30, 2022) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), front, conduct a security search during a visit, board, search and seizure drill aboard the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) as part of exercise Phoenix Express 22, May 30, 2022. Phoenix Express 22, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa, is a maritime exercise designed to improve cooperation among participating nations in order to increase maritime safety and security in the Mediterranean.

U.S. Marines with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, receive instructions on how to properly rappel during Mountain Training Exercise 1-23 at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, California, Sept. 18, 2022. During MTX, the Marines learned various skills to become more proficient in combat and survival in an austere mountain environment.

Sgt. Christian Blackmon and 1st Sgt. Samuel Agostine stay alert during CH-47F Chinook helicopter flight operations April 27, 2022. The Sugar Bears of B Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment fly out of Talkeetna, Alaska, each spring to assist the National Park Service by inserting equipment, supplies and personnel for the NPS base camp on Kahiltna Glacier for climbers attempting to summit Denali. (Army photo/John Pennell)

U.S. Reconnaissance Marines with Special Training Branch, Expeditionary Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force observe Swedish Marines from 4th Marine Regiment, Swedish Amphibious Corps visit, board, search, and seizure tactics during exercise TYR 22 at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre (NMIOTC) in Souda bay, Greece, July 12, 2022. TYR 22 is a maritime interdiction operations exercise held at NMIOTC, bringing together Swedish Marines, U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy Special warfare combatant-craft crewmen to improve US and NATO Partner operational capacity, capability, and interoperability.

Recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, employ gas masks at the gas chamber on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., November 14, 2022. Gas chamber training teaches recruits how to don and clear a gas mask quickly, simulating the event of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear warfare hazards being present.

041207-M-5573S-060. Base: Camp Johnson State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

New York Police Department, Emergency Service Unit, discuss improvements that should be made with Crusher Company, 1st Battalion 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) on July 15, 2022. The review is vital so Soldiers understand how to tactically move safely and successfully allowing minimum to no casualties.

Marines armed with M4 carbines fitted with M203 grenade launchers, await the command to move forward while staying below window level at the Military Operations in Urban Terrain facility (MOUT) during Urban Warrior. Urban Warrior is the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory's series of limited objective experiments examining new urban tactics and experimental technologies. The experiment is being conducted by the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (Experimental) from Quantico, Va and Charlie Company, 1ST Battalion, 6th Marines from Camp Lejeune. Subject Operation/Series: URBAN WARRIOR Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Defenders from the 8th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) maneuver while behind cover during a training event at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 15, 2022. This training event pitted two teams of 8th SFS Airmen against each other in a simulated ground attack scenario. Training events provide opportunities for Wolf Pack Airmen to immerse in simulated real-world scenarios and ultimately remain mission ready.

U.S. Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team train with M4 carbines on a virtual firing range at Fort Indiantown Gap, Feb. 4, 2023. Known as an Engagement Skills Trainer or EST, the virtual firing range gives Soldiers a simulated environment to sharpen their skills without the logistics, risks and cost of using an actual firing range. The Soldiers zeroed their weapons and walked through a qualification event in preparation for qualification on an actual range later this year.

040630-F-1601R-001. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: USA

U.S. Green Berets assigned to the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Utah Army National Guard, pull security while a teammate prepares to breach the door while practicing breaching and Close-Quarters Battle techniques while training in Tifnit, Morocco during African Lion 22, June 26, 2022. African Lion 22 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, combined annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner-nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperadurbility among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division and members of the Northern Army, Japan Self-Defense Force, coordinate operations in the Bilateral Ground Tactical Control Center during Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 11, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

Staff Sgt. Alex Braatz, 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron Tactical Air Control Party Airman, participates in a Joint Airborne Air Transportability Training exercise June 30, 2016, over France. The JA/ATT allowed both 2nd ASOS and 37th Airlift Squadron Airmen to test their career field abilities in an exercise environment to maintain mission-readiness for real-world scenarios.

Marines with Headquarters Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) prepare to leave the Kandahar International Airport, Kandahar, Afghanistan, on a mission in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kandahar International Airport Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: 26th MEU (SOC)

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Chelsea McLean, a physician assistant with Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical System 29, triages Lance Cpl. Austin Childs, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, during Operation Firebreak at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 15, 2022. Operation Firebreak is an exercise held by the Navy Expeditionary Medical Training Institute to provide realistic field medical training for Marines and sailors. As part of the exercise, Marines and sailors moved simulated casualties through all three levels of casualty care, from the field to a fleet surgical team.

U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26th MEU(SOC)) and Italian San Marco Brigade Marines exchange sniper tactics, techniques, and procedures during a bilateral exercise at Massafra, Italy, Feb. 24, 2024. The 26th MEU(SOC), embarked aboard USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), conducted Marine Air-Ground Task Force interoperability training with Italian San Marco Brigade Marines and maritime forces to sustain readiness in core mission essential tasks. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. Marine Corps

Military personnel guard an injured Iraqi prisoner of war as he awaits transportation from the medical air evacuation staging facility during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

U.S. Marines with maritime raid force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct a simulated visit, board, search, and seizure exercise aboard the USS Miguel Keith (ESB-5) off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 30, 2023. The training refines Marines skills in maritime interdiction by incorporating real world scenarios from room clearing to hostage rescue. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Daniel W. Chow, company commander, Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion (HQSVCBN), U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC), clears a room during military operations in urban terrain training at Taravao, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Aug. 30, 2022. The event provided a bilateral training opportunity between the French Armed Forces and Marines with MARFORPAC. The nine Marines and Sailor from HQSVCBN participated in the bilateral training with the French Armed Forces in order to strengthen relationships with the region.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Speakman, an aerospace medical services specialist assigned to the 178th Wing Medical Group, lays down covering fire June 6, 2022 for a medical readiness exercise during Agile Rage 22 at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan. Northern Michigan's National All-Domain Warfighting Center is a premier training location for Agile Combat Employment, because of its unique training airspace and facilities, encompassing more than 148,000 acres of ground maneuver training area and more than 17,000 square miles of special use airspace; one of the largest areas of its kind in the U.S.

U.S. Air Force members from the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fla., wait to jump out of the back of a C-130 Hercules Sept. 27, 2010. The airmen will practice combat operations in the Santa Rosa Sound.

220928-N-FB203-0037 MANAMA, Bahrain (September 28, 2022) Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Naval Security Forces receive a briefing as part of an Integrated Training Team exercise. NSA Bahrain enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. and allied forces in support of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia's mission to provide services to the fleet, warfighter and family.

041111-F-9629J-157. Base: Biggs Army Air Field State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050818-A-5447B-059. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Rawah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Samuel Smith, 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, communicates with other patrols July 25, 2022 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. Security Forces Defenders keep in constant communication while securing the base and guarding key assets and infrastructure.

040307-F-2828D-189. Base: Port-Au-Prince Country: Haiti (HTI)

U.S. Marines with 12th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division, and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, discuss operations in the Bilateral Ground Tactical Control Center during Resolute Dragon 22 at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 7, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

041115-M-3658J-080. Base: Camp Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 40603

Air Force troops from the 3rd APS (Aerial Port Squadron) helped the 5th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH), Fort Bragg, NC, upload equipment aboard a C-130 aircraft in support of the operation.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: PHOENIX SHARK Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Bryan Miliefsky, a loadmaster with the 115th Airlift Squadron at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif., prepares a C-130J Hercules for a mission during Exercise Eager Lion May 26, 2014, at an air base in northern Jordan. One of the exercises goals was to have different countries interact as they responded to various situations based on modern-day security scenarios.

070110-M-4937G-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Al Taqqadum Country: Iraq (IRQ)

220808-N-IV962-1037PACIFIC OCEAN (August 8, 2022) - Lance Cpl. Dawson Reed, an infantryman with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conducts interior movements in the upper vehicle stowage area of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Aug. 8. The 13th MEU team is a key component of the amphibious mission and a critical enabler to the maritime campaign by training to fly and fight alongside Navy forces. Makin Island, flagship of Amphibious Squadron (CPR) SEVEN, along with 13th MEU, is currently underway conducting integrated training in the U.S. 3rd fleet to prepare for an upcoming deployment.

070219-A-2295G-002. Base: Fort Pickett State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060329-A-1211S-097. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Warhorse Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: A

Spc. Blaine Lawler, an infantryman assigned to 25th Infantry Division stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, listens to the graders go over the rules June 6 at Lightning Academy, Schofield Barracks East Range, Hawaii, during night land navigation for the 2022 USARPACs Best Warrior Competition. The USARPAC BWC 2022 is an annual week-long competition consisting of competitors from multiple USARPAC units across the Indo-Pacific. The noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted Soldiers are evaluated in several categories such as general military knowledge, basic Soldier skills, and physical fitness.

U.S. Marines assigned to the Maritime Special Purpose Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare to breach a building during Close Quarters Tactics (CQT) Training at Stone Bay, on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 21, 2022. The CQT Course is a part of the MSPFs initial pre-deployment training in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 26th MEU. (U.S Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Jia)

Recruits with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, complete the Crucible aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., May 6, 2022.The Crucible serves as the final culminating event, consisting of body sparring, pugil sticks, movement courses, and patrolling exercises. After the completion of the Crucible, recruits are presented their Eagle, Globe and Anchor, and have earned the title, United States Marine.

Staff Sgt. Tyler Mitchell, 418th Test and Evaluation Squadron loadmaster, prepares the refueling equipment before a Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) training mission for BLACK FLAG 22-1 May 12, 2021, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Black Flag 22-1 is focused on developing and validating large force tactics and integration required to deliver combat capability and tactical advantage for the Combat Air Force to build readiness that credibly deters and successfully defeats adversaries.

U.S. Marines with 12th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division, and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, discuss operations in the Bilateral Ground Tactical Control Center during Resolute Dragon 22 at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 7, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

Colonel E.K. Cooper, commander of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, uses night vision glasses to observe a "river crossing" exercise at the US Army's Pohakuloa Training Area, during training Exercise OPPORTUNE JOURNEY 4-83. Subject Operation/Series: OPPORTUNE JOURNEY 4-83 State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041109-A-1067B-049. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 2-7 CAV

060305-N-7981E-019. Base: USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

050718-A-9039F-077. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Adwania Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: HHC 1-22 INF 4TH ID

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego re-enact the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima during a birthday ball ceremony in San Diego, Nov. 5, 2022. The Marine Corps birthday ball was held in traditional celebration of the founding of the United States Marine Corps on Nov. 10, 1775. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Grace J. Kindred)

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Nagoster L. Franks, a Loadmaster onboard a US Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 517 Airlift Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, gives jump orders to US Army paratroopers, from the 1ST Battalion Airborne, 501st Infantry Regiment, Fort Richardson, Alaska as the aircraft approaches the drop zone. SSGT Franks and members of his crew are participating in Exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2001. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2001 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

981217-M-3661W-001. Subject Operation/Series: UPHOLD DEMOCRACY Base: Camp Fairwinds / Camp Kinzer Country: Haiti (HTI)

020814-F-3805C-002. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A U.S. Air Force combat arms instructor assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, fires an M240 machine gun during a heavy weapons training event at Fort Custer in Augusta, Mich., Jan. 9, 2024. The training gives Airmen hands-on experience with various heavy weapons, ensuring they are prepared for any situation around the world. (Air National Guard

011206-F-5009P-001. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

040620-F-4884R-018. State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

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