U.S. Army Competitions and Ceremonies

Photographs of U.S. Army soldiers participating in competitions and ceremonies, highlighting teamwork, leadership, and military tradition in various settings.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David B. Woman, center, deputy commanding general for maneuver (DCG-M) for V Corps and commander of V Corps (Forward), sits nexts to Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher A. Prosser, command sergeant major of V Corps (Forward), and other members of the V Corps command team during the Victory Honors Ceremony to welcome the incoming DCG-M, at Camp Kosciuszko, Poznan, Poland, Sept. 30, 2022. Womack becomes the first deputy commanding general to join V Corpsthe American command and control army element in the European Theaterin Poland since the base renaming to Camp Kosciuszko. V Corps works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, executes joint and multinational training exercises, while building local community relationships.

U.S. Army Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition write an essay on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept. 30, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue

Brig. Gen. Patrick Lanaghan, Assistant Adjutant General - Air, Missouri National Guard, coins Airmen of the 139th Airlift Wing at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, on Feb. 4, 2024. Lanaghan serves as the chief adviser to the Adjutant General on all matters pertaining to programs, policies, operations, management, and command and control of the Missouri Air National Guard. Air National Guard

Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) Soldiers of the 103rd Troop Command participate in the invocation of the change of command ceremony between Col. Tyson Y. Tahara and Col. Barbara P. Tucker, Pearl City, Hawaii, April 3, 2022. Tahara relinquished the position of commander to Tucker.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David B. Woman, center, deputy commanding general for maneuver (DCG-M) for V Corps and commander of V Corps (Forward), sits nexts to Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher A. Prosser, command sergeant major of V Corps (Forward), and other members of the V Corps command team during the Victory Honors Ceremony to welcome the incoming DCG-M, at Camp Kosciuszko, Poznan, Poland, Sept. 30, 2022. Womack becomes the first deputy commanding general to join V Corpsthe American command and control army element in the European Theaterin Poland since the base renaming to Camp Kosciuszko. V Corps works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, executes joint and multinational training exercises, while building local community relationships.

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Tyler Lawver (right), acting Multinational Brigade Command Sergeant Major assists a multinational soldier in the tactical operations center (TOC) as part of Noble Partner, at the Vaziani Training Area, Georgia, Sep. 5, 2022. Exercise Noble Partner is designed to enhance regional partnerships and increase U.S. force readiness and interoperability in a realistic, multinational training environment. The exercise allows participants to conduct situational training exercises, live-fire exercises, and combined mechanized maneuvers.

Major General Charles D. Costanza and Command Sergeant Major Quentin V. Fenderson, command team of 3rd Infantry Division, recently visited U.S. Soldiers of 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. Marne 6/7 took time to visit each Battalion area of operation and talk with the Dogface Soldiers about their mission and accomplishments since arriving in Germany. They also recognized some outstanding Soldiers with 3ID Coins. The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division is part of the 1st Infantry Division and V Corps, Americas Forward Deployed Corps in Europe which works alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multination training exercises, and retain command and control for its rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

Army Brig. Gen. Lowell Kruse, the Minnesota National Guard's Assistant Adjutant General, and Camp Ripley's Senior Commander, speaks during the change of command ceremony for outgoing garrison commander, Army Col. Joshua Simer, and incoming Army Col. Bryce Erikson at Camp Ripley near Little Falls, Minnesota, December 10, 2022.As I look back to the fall of 2019 when he took over command of this unit, said Kruse. A lot of things happened for years. Col. Simer made sure this unit was prepared to do whatever the state needs him to do. He showed up the day that the Governor mobilized all the troops in the state. And thats truly a statement on what Josh Simer is as a person, a leader and a man. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Chaplain (Maj) Derek M. Boucher, brigade chaplain with the 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, speaks to Soldiers staged in Osceola County, Fla. on the eve of Hurricane Ian, Wednesday, September 28, 2022. As Soldiers across Florida leave families at home, they proudly report to fulfill their commitment to the state and its citizens. The words of encouragement from the Chaplain during this overwhelming period bring comfort to Soldiers as they prepare for the storm that quickly approaches the sunshine state. Boucher not only brings them a message of confidence, but also stands ready to move out in a moments notice to care for our troops. (photo by Sgt. Pedro A. Arroyo)

U.S. Air Force Capt. William Barton, 81st Training Wing chief of military justice, briefs ROTC cadets on judge advocate general corps career paths at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Sept. 16, 2022. Keesler hosted ROTC cadets from Louisiana State University and Tulane University for a base tour to demonstrate mission capabilities and Air Force career opportunities.

U.S. Air Force Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony L. Whitehead, the senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau, recognizes U.S. Army Soldiers with the 1-135th Assault Helicopter Battalion at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Aug. 30, 2022. Whitehead visited the base to learn how National Guard Soldiers and Airmen contribute to state and national mission success.

Col. Anthony King, commander of the 30th Medical Brigade addresses participants and encourages them to give this contest their all at the 30th Medical Brigade Best Squad Competition on Franken Kaserne military base, Ansbach, Germany on Feb. 26, 2024. The winning squad will compete at the 21st Theater Sustainment Command. Events like these are used as a test of grit and toughness, foster readiness and esprit de corps, and are a fundamental part of the Brigade's method of building lethal, cohesive teams and expert leaders. Army

Distinguished visitors gather to observe members of joint service components as they provide dental, medical, optometry, physical and mental health, nutrition and pharmaceutical services during a medical mission centered between Meigs, Hamilton and Rhea counties in support of Birchwood Cares, Innovative Readiness Training at the Birchwood Community Center and Rhea County Middle School, Tenn., June 3, 2022. Birchwood Cares, Innovative Readiness Training is a Department of Defense sponsored training event that links community partners with joint force partners to provide medical care for surrounding communities while simultaneously providing hands-on training to joint members.

(left to right) Michael Jordan, Ed. D., vice president, Service to the Armed Forces & International Services, American Red Cross, Col. Martin A. Wohlgemuth, commander, Area Support Group-Kuwait, and Deanna (Dee) E. Swanier, senior director, American Red Cross, Services to the Armed Forces, Service Delivery, discuss mission accomplishments, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, July 17, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Anne Palomo, 36th Force Support Squadron personnel support for contingency operations augmentee,in-processes personnel for Cope North 24 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 5, 2024. Cope North provides an optimal environment to enhance opportunities for long-term advancement of shared interests between the U.S. and its Allies. Air Force

FORT CARSON, Colo. Col. Pia Rogers, staff judge advocate, 4th Infantry Division, pins Army Achievement Medals on Fort Carson Tax Center staff members during the center’s closing ceremony April 22, 2022. (Photo by Scott Prater)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. David R. Wolfe, Pacific Air Forces command chief, visits the 36th Wing Dorm of the Quarter winner during a tour of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, April 14, 2022. The purpose of Wolfes visit was to speak with Airmen in a variety of career fields about Andersen AFB, its importance in the region and how the Air Force could contribute to further enhancing the capabilities displayed across the base.

Maj. General Dianne Del Rosso, commanding general, 79th Theater Sustainment Command, speaks with Soldiers during a culminating training exercise, February 2024 at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass engages with Airmen assigned to the 156th Combat Communications Squadron during her visit with the 156th Wing, Puerto Rico Air National Guard at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, May 14, 2022. CMSAF Bass spent time with Airmen and leadership at the 156th Wing and emphasized the importance of total force integration and overcoming challenges to more effectively accomplish the Air Force mission and be ready for the ever-evolving battlefield that future conflicts may hold.

102nd Intelligence Wing Airmen attend an all-council social on Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, June 9, 2022. The Rising Six Council, Top Three Council and Company Grade Officer Councils at the 102nd IW are devoted to making the 102nd a better place for all Airmen, and this morale event allowed Airmen to socialize, learn and take an active role in shaping how these councils support and give back to them.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kimber Nettis, 325th Communications Squadron commander, recognizes Senior Airman Sergio Sepulveda, 325th CS cyber system operations technician, for his contributions to their unit during a Roll Call at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 19, 2022. Nettis utilizes Roll Call meetings to disseminate announcements from leadership, followed by any information that needs to be routed up and down the chain of command and ending with recognitions.

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, speaks to the Senior Leader Summit at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, July 26, 2022. Reilman expressed his desire for leadership to communicate to their units the focus of the wings mission, and share best practices to implement the wing vision in every aspect of daily work.

U.S. Army Spc. James Nelson, from West Kingston, R.I., assigned to the 115th Military Police Company (115 MP Co.), Rhode Island National Guard, attends an in-process, brief at the D.C. National Guard Armory, Washington D.C., January 18th, 2017. Soldiers from 115 MP Co. traveled eight hours to support the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as he becomes the 45th President of the United States during the 58th Presidential Inauguration. 7,500 National Guardsmen from 44 states, three territories and the District of Columbia assigned to Joint Task Force D.C. are to provide traffic management, crowd management, security, and logistics support during the inauguration period. (National Guard

Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle, the U.S. Army Surgeon General and Commanding General of U.S. Army Medical Command, recently visited Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sept. 23, 2022, during a battlefield circulation. He also met with Soldiers of 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and the 531st Hospital Center, to discuss operational readiness and partnerships with surrounding medical centers.

221018-N-UB993-1010Mayport, Fla. (Oct. 18, 2022) Evelyn Honea, Ombudsman-at-Large takes a photo of Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea with Sailors after an all-hands call at Naval Station Mayport, Oct. 18, 2022. Honea is conducting fleet visits to answer questions and discuss his priorities of warfighting competency, professional and character development, and quality of life.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jeff Pixley, 737th Training Group commander, briefs the Texas 23rd Congressional District, U. S. House of Representative staff during their visit to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Sep. 27, 2022. The visit helps to provide the congressional staff an overview and understanding of mission operations throughout JBSA.

U.S. Air Force Airmen, assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, line up to congratulate Senior Master Sgt. Justin Seals, the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron operations flight superintendent, on his selection to the rank of chief master sergeant, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dec. 9,2022. Air Force officials selected 514 senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant, out of 2,526 eligible, for a selection rate of 20.34 percent in the 22E9 promotion cycle.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Zach Hallstrom, right, structural repair maintainer, 114th Fighter Wing, South Dakota National Guard, shows U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, left, command chief, Air National Guard, right, the units recently acquired portable paint booth. Williams toured and met with various groups around Joe Foss Field to learn about innovative concepts the wing has constructed.

U.S. and joint service members assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), check in for Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Sept. 11, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, 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.

U.S. Air Force Gen. David Allvin, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, coins three Airmen from the 97th Medical Group at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 19, 2022. During the Legacy of the Spear tour, Allvin and other distinguished visitors got the chance to recognize Airmen from around the 97th Air Mobility Wing.

Maj. Gen. Bret Larson, commander of the 22nd Air Force and Master Sgt. Joel May, a member with the 908th Airlift Wing Maintenance Group, discuss the projected location of the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter storage and facilities, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, May 14, 2022. The MH-139A is a multi-mission helicopter.

Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army Cyber Protection Team 172 and 285th Medical Company (Area Support) listen to speakers during their combined call to duty ceremony Aug. 7, 2022, at Reynoldsburg High School-Summit Campus in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. The Soldiers will be deployed in support of Department of Defense operations worldwide, including working with U.S. allies and partner nations. (Photo by Spc. Jessica Silhavy, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/RELEASED)

The U.S. Army Reserve 319th Expeditionary Signal Battalion (ESB), conducted a change of command and uncasting of the colors ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas on June 1, 2022. The presiding official, Brig. Gen. Michael J. Dougherty, Deputy Commanding General, 335th Signal Command (Theater), participated in the ceremony with the outgoing Commander, Lt. Col. Douglas Ullrich, and the incoming Commander Lt. Col. Stephanie Lee.

Air Force and Space Force ROTC cadets and newly commissioned officers introduce themselves to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., right, during a meeting at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., July 18, 2022. The group is part of a summer internship program at the Pentagon.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jacob C. Simmons, Space Operations Command Senior Enlisted Leader, receive a tour of the Long-Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) while visiting Clear Space Force Station to hear from the Clear Team members on their operations and wellbeing. Whiting had a Space Command Chaplain Team and Space Command Guardians visiting along with him for them to have a chance to see the mission and hear from counterparts. The Clear Space Force members provide strategic missile warning, missile defense, and Upgraded Early Warning Radar as an integral part of deterrence in support of Homeland Defense. Clear SFS is home to Arctic Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 13th and 213th Space Warning Squadrons and 268th Security Forces, providing 24/7 missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness.

Incoming commander Col. John Watson (back), 653rd Regional Support Group, calls a halt to Brig. Gen. John M. Dreska (center), commander, 311th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and outgoing 653rd RSG commander Col. Anthony Ely (front), prior to a change of command ceremony, Arizona State University, Mesa Campus, July 10.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command commander, greets Guardians, Soldiers and civilians at the Wideband Satellite Communications Operations Center (WSOC) in Landstuhl, Germany, Sep. 12, 2022. On Aug. 15, 2022, the WSOCs mission responsibility transferred from the U.S. Armys 53rd Signal Battalion to the U.S. Space Forces Space Operations Command, under Space Delta 8s 53rd Space Operations Squadron. The transfer marked the first time that all Department of Defense military satellite communication functions were unified under a single military service.

U.S. Air Force Capt. José D. Rodriguez, a clinical nurse assigned to the 156th Medical Group, Detachment 1, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, listens to an Airmen assigned to the 101st Medical Group, Maine Air National Guard, during a Tactical Combat Casualty Care training course at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Feb. 21, 2024. The 156th MDG, Det. 1, trained the 101st MDG in TCCC, a deployment requirement that qualifies Airmen in prehospital combat medicine, including life-saving techniques and strategies designed to address trauma life support while maintaining operational success. Air National Guard

Brig. Gen. Lori Robinson, Deputy Commanding General of Support with 2nd Infantry Division/ROK Combined Division, conducts a maintenance terrain walkthrough of the 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade footprint on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Sept. 15, 2022. The purpose of the maintenance terrain walkthrough is to ensure a high level of awareness and command interest in field maintenance by ensuring senior Command Groups understand how their maintenance program operates.

Staff Sgt. Starshema Brown, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadrons Equipment Accountability Element, is recognized for achieving the rank of technical sergeant, on July 22, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. 2022 was a lean year for those competing for the rank of technical sergeant, with only 16% of eligible candidates selected for promotion.

Latvian Land Forces Capt. Richard Laikos, assigned to the Latvian Mechanized Infantry Brigade Planning Section, answers questions from U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Infantry Division Artillery after the Fire Support Inbrief for exercise Summer Shield 22 at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, May 15, 2022. Summer Shield is one of U.S. Army Europe and Africas multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe that make up Defender Europe 22. Defender demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, command chief, Air National Guard (ANG), talks to Airmen during a unit visit to the 180th Fighter Wing, Toledo ANG Base, Ohio, Nov. 6, 2022. During the visit, Williams communicated ANG leadership initiatives, shared his vision for leadership qualities, and gauged the dynamics and unique needs of each unit and its members.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command Commander, presents challenge coins to Clear Space Force Station Arctic Airmen and Guardian superior performers in their duties to protect and defend the homeland. The Clear SFS members provide strategic missile warning, missile defense, and Upgraded Early Warning Radar as an integral part of deterrence in support of Homeland Defense. Clear SFS is home to Arctic Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 13th and 213th Space Warning Squadrons and 268th Security Forces, providing 24/7 missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston awards coins to select exemplary enlisted and non-commissioned officer Soldiers, then hosts an informal Q&A covering various Army topics: promotions, career lessons learned, mental health, and the future of the force amid current recruitment and retention challenges, December 14, 2022.

Leadership assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron attend an Airmen Leadership School graduation at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 1, 2022. Leadership attended the graduation in support Staff Sgt. Airman Alex Workman, a boom operator from the 91st ARS.

Honorable Mark Gordon, Governor of Wyoming, addresses Soldiers, friends, and families of the 149th Aviation Battalion, Wyoming Army National Guard, during their deployment ceremony at the Joint Forces Readiness Center auditorium, Cheyenne, Wyo., June 9, 2022. Also in attendance was the First Lady of Wyoming, Jennie Gordon, who comes from a military family.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kirsten Aguilar, the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and 673d Air Base Wing commander, speaks to a Department of the Air Force civic leader during the DAF civic leader tour at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 21, 2022. The 673d LRG showcased how their mission keeps JBERs arctic warriors ready for the fight.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eliezer Soto, a public affairs specialist with the 156th Wing, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, takes photos during an all-call with Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, May 14, 2022. CMSAF Bass spent time with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard and emphasized the importance of total force integration and overcoming challenges to more effectively accomplish the Air Force mission and be ready for the ever-evolving battlefield that future conflicts may hold.

Chief Master Sgt. Benjamin Hedden (right), U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa command chief, speaks with Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Blumberg, 39th Force Support Squadron manpower and organization flight chief, about the wings updated and streamlined newcomers orientation during Heddens visit to the Airmen and Family Readiness Center at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, May 24, 2022. Hedden traveled to Incirlik AB to meet with Airmen assigned to the 39th Air Base Wing, learn about their capabilities and gain insight into the wings mission of defending NATOs southern flank.

Airman 1st Class Justin Abate, 1st Special Operations Communications Squadron communications technician, collaborates with other Airmen during the Air Force Specialty Code working group portion of the inaugural Torch and Dagger professional development seminar at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, October 13, 2022. Enlisted Airmen across Air Force Special Operations Command as well as Air Education and Training Command were invited to engage in training and cross-talk with peers and mentors from E-1 to E-9.

Maj. Gen. Matthew Baker, Commanding General of the 88th Readiness Division, Capt. Nathi Kijpatanasilp, 88th RD Headquarters Detachment Commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. James Flemister, acting Senior Enlisted Advisor of the 88th RD, march into the 88th RD command classroom at Fort McCoy, WI for Kijpatanasilp's promotion to Maj.

Airmen attending the First Term Enlisted Course learn about the airlift capabilities of a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Jan. 29, 2024. FTEC is designed to transition junior enlisted Airmen from a training mindset to the mission-oriented environment and prepares Airmen for their role in the mission.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 732nd Air Mobility Squadron wait for their final brief during Exercise Polar Force 23-2 at the Joint Mobility Complex on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Nov. 15, 2022. During the exercise, service members from the 673d Air Base Wing and 732nd Air Mobility Squadron simulated deployment processes and participated in ability to survive and operate (ATSO) training scenarios in order to test Airmen on their ability to deploy in support of combatant commanders.

U.S. Army National Guard 1st. Sgt. Daniel Schaab is advanced to sergeant major, at the Ike Skelton Training Site, Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 15, 2022. Gathered by family, friends and many teammates, Sgt. Maj. Schaab has made a significant positive impact on the lives and careers of his Soldiers over the years.

CSM Brian A. Hester, Command Sergeant Major, Army Futures Command, and LTG Thomas H. Todd, III, Deputy Commanding General for Acquisition and Systems and Chief Innovation Officer, Army Futures Command, host the celebration of the fourth anniversary of Army Futures Command at AFC Headquarters on August 26, 2022 in Austin, Texas.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Joshua McCullion, U.S. Space Forces Korea inaugural commander, unfurls the USSFK flag during the units activation ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 14, 2022. The newly activated USSFK will be tasked with coordinating space operations and services such as missile warning, position navigation and timing and satellite communications within the region.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. George Kiszlo, 390th Intelligence Squadron flight chief, weapons and tactics from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was selected as the 18th Wings Supervisor of the Month at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Supervisor of the Month program is an opportunity for outstanding non-commissioned officers to be recognized by KAB leadership as well as showcase these leaders to their peers.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass takes a selfie with Staff Sgt. Lindsey Raynor, a Guardsman with the 116th Medical Group, at Robins Air Force Base, April 29, 2022. Bass visited Robins to meet with both senior and junior Total Force members to talk about the future of the Air Force and receive feedback about challenges Airmen may be facing and how she can advocate for them.

U.S. Army Sgt. Angel Mercado III assigned to the Rhode Island National Guard's Recruitting and Retention Battalion along side Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Zompa assigned to Rhode Island National Guard exchange words after an equipment layout at the 2022 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition, July 22, at Volunteer Training Site, Smyrna, Tenn. Sgt. Mercado expressed the importance attention to detail during this individually graded section.

A group of international military personnel from Georgia, Barbados, and the Czech Republic listen attentively during a tour of the Navy Recruiting Orientation Unit (NORU) on 12 Jan, 2024. These soldiers are part of a course on Manpower, Personnel, Training, & Education conducted by the Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity (NETSAFA) International Training Center.NORU is the Navys sole recruiting schoolhouse responsible for the instruction of Enlisted and Officer personnel in professional sales, prospecting techniques, marketing, applicant processing, recruiting terminology, leadership, ethical behavior, and activity analysis. It also provides continuum training for the Navys Career Recruiting Force and prepares selected leaders for the challenges of operating a Navy Recruiting District (NRD).

North Carolina National Guardsmen Chief Warrant Officer 5 Ronald Williams (left), a safety officer of the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade, gives flowers to his mother during his retirement ceremony in Morrisville, N.C., June 5, 2022. In honor of Williams 34 years of service, he conducted one last flight for the NCNG with his son, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Derek Williams, master gunner for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 130th Aviation Regiment, 449th CAB. (U.S. Army National Guard taken by Sgt. Hannah Tarkelly)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Rebecca Kamau, 86th Medical Group public health technician, receives a coin from Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, during an immersion tour at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 15, 2022. The tour provided Third Air Force leadership an opportunity to engage with Airmen and recognize them for their hard work.

A group of U.S. Air Force Airmen, 354th Munitions Squadron, conventional maintenance armament technician assemble bomb at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 16, 2022. The 354th MUNS supports Red Flag-Alaska by providing cradle to grave” accountability and handling of all munitions for pilot training.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cindy Hawkins, a safety specialist with the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, is promoted to the rank of master sergeant, April 30, 2022. Hawkins has served in the role for 12 years.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cheyenne Her, 86th Mission Support Group Detachment 1 noncommissioned officer in charge of logistic support and vehicle control officer at Deployment Transition Center, performs accountability for redeployers coming through the DTC at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 3, 2022. There were 30 redeployers arriving this evening going through the reintegration process at DTC prior to heading home from their six-month deployment.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass takes a photo with Col. Pete Boone, the 156th Wing commander at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, during a visit with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard, May 14, 2022. CMSAF Bass spent time at the 156th Wing, which emphasized the importance of total force integration and overcoming challenges to more effectively accomplish the Air Force mission and be ready for the ever-evolving battlefield that future conflicts may hold.

Squads get briefed on their task July 20 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, during the my squad presentation board for the 2022 U.S. Army Pacific Best Squad Competition. The 2022 U.S. Army Pacific Best Squad Competition consists of multiple 5-Soldier squads from USARPAC units competing for the opportunity to represent USARPAC at the Department of the Armys competition. stations. The non-commissioned officers and junior enlisted will be assessed together in their ability to execute warrior tasks and battle drills, marksmanship and land navigation, and will be challenged to complete a mission as a squad.

U.S. Army Central Senior Enlisted Advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. J. Garza, speaks on a senior enlisted leaders panel with U.S. Air Force leaders at the Welcome Center at Shaw-Sumter Farm, Dalzell, S.C. on May 31, 2022. The panel, a part of the Third Annual Womens Symposium, discussed topics on leadership development amongst young, female military leaders.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Isaiah Zavala, 86th Airlift Wing commanders executive admin, takes accountability during a shelter-in-place scenario during exercise Operation Varsity 22-3 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 26, 2022. Throughout the exercise, Airmen assigned to the 86th AW were inspected on their responses and emergency procedures for natural disasters, fire and emergency services disasters, an aircraft accident and an active shooter scenario.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Shannon Riddle, the battle desk non-commissioned officer in charge of Kosovo Forces Regional Command-East, interacts with Soldiers at the joint operations center on Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, Oct. 19, 2022. Shannon is the battle desk NCO in charge for Kosovo Forces Regional Command-East and is currently serving on KFORs 30th rotation.

Tech. Sgt. Noah Hyatt, 22 nd Security Forces Squadron Kennel Master, gives Col. James Clark, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC) Detachment 9 commander, a tour of the 22nd SFS kennels. AFIMSC receives an annual budget of $10 billion to distribute to major mission areas across thedifferent major commands.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey J. Martin, 18th Air Force commander, left, presents a coin to Senior Airman Jordan Merville, 16th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Sept. 14, 2022. During Operation Allies Refuge, the evacuation of Afghanistan, Merville successfully executed a load by herself with 450 Afghans on board an aircraft.

Gunnery Sgt. Louis M. Nokes is awarded the Purple Heart at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Dec. 5, 2022. In 2005, then Sgt. Nokes' Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) was struck by an improvised explosive device while conducting a convoy operation in Ramadi, Iraq. Nokes' was knocked unconscious and was pulled from the burning MTVR receiving a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Nokes began the process to receive his Purple Heart retroactively after MARADMIN 245/11 was published updating the Marine Corps' criteria on the Purple Heart award including TBIs. The Purple Heart Medal is the United States' oldest military decoration awarded in the name of the president to those wounded in the service of this country. Nokes is a native of Carrollton, Mississippi and attended high school at Carroll Academy.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Roy W. Collins, right, Headquarters U.S. Air Force director of security forces and deputy chief of staff for logistics, engineering and force protection, recognizes Tech. Sgt. Mason Kubes, left, 422nd Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of plans and programs, during a visit to Royal Air Force Croughton, England, May 23, 2022. Collins and Chief Master Sgt. Donald S. Gallagher, 20th Security Forces career field manager, visited RAF Croughton to present the 2021 Air Force Best Small Security Forces Squadron to the 422nd Security Forces Squadron.

Col. Terry McClain, 433rd Airlift Wing commander (center), sits with other senior leaders during the Diversity and Inclusion training hosted by the Air Force Reserve Command Headquarters, May 12, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Hale coordinates with Captain Murray at BATSUB (British Army Training Support Unit Belize) in preparation for Exercise TRADEWINDS in Belize City, Belize on 4 May, 2022.Photo: Corporal Mitchell Paquette

Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) Brig. Gen. Stephen F. Logan, HIARNG Commander, Col. Tyson Y. Tahara, outgoing commander, and Col. Barbara P. Tucker, incoming commander of the 103rd Troop Command enter the change of command ceremony, Pearl City, Hawaii, April 3, 2022. The change of command ceremony was between Col. Tyson Y. Tahara and Col. Barbara P. Tucker.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Joseph Moran, with the 134th Air Refueling Wing, talks with a fellow attendee during the Mobility Air Force Data Link Users Group, at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, Missouri, February 8, 2024. During the event, hosted by the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, more than 100 subject matter experts discussed community airframe updates, future data link capabilities, as well as briefings from some of the top leaders in the field. Data Link provides the capability for air and ground crews to be able to establish and maintain tactical coordination anywhere in the world. Air National Guard

Master Sgt. Bruce Weir (right), 39th Security Forces Military Working Dog kennel master, provides a tour of the kennels to Chief Master Sgt. Scott Shier (left), 39th Air Base Wing command chief, and Chief Master Sgt. Benjamin Hedden, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa command chief, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, May 24, 2022. Hedden traveled to Incirlik AB to meet with Airmen assigned to the 39th Air Base Wing, learn about their capabilities and gain insight into the wings mission of defending NATOs southern flank.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Adragel Legarda, 23rd Health Care Operations Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of clinic laboratory services, briefs Air Force Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Robert Miller; Chief Master Sgt. Dawn Kolczynski, Chief, Medical Enlisted Force and Enlisted Corps Chief; Brig. Gen. Robert K. Bogart, Air Combat Command Surgeon General; Chief Master Sgt. Kimberly Green, 60th Aerospace Medicine Squadron superintendent; and Col. Ronald Merchant, 23rd Medical Group commander, about radiologys mission at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, May 18, 2022. Legarda spoke about how the clinic's mission was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and lessons learned through their experience.

The 2022 Minnesota National Guard Women's Leadership Forum was held at General Mills headquarters in Golden Valley, Sept. 17, 2022. Throughout the day, Minnesota National Guard service members participated in professional development, education and mentorship."A priority for the Minnesota National Guard is partnerships," said Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard. "And General Mills' support demonstrates our shared partnership and the depth of our shared partnership and common goal of diversity and inclusion and the desire to really lift women up." (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Col. Kyle Hosman addresses the room after assuming command of the 482nd Maintenance Group.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, commanding general of U.S. Army Central (center), meets with Soldiers from 449th Aviation Support Battalion, "Task Force Dark Horse," and 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Brigade, General Support Aviation Battalion, "Task Force Roosevelt," both assigned to the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, 36th Infantry Division, during a visit at an aircraft maintenance facility on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 17, 2022. 36th CAB, mobilized as Task Force Mustang, is deployed in support of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist, and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of Daesh, the common Arabic term for IS or ISIS, within designated areas of Iraq and Syria.

U.S. Army Spc. Liam Lee representing 3rd Squadron Red platoon, a Infantryman assigned to 2-502 Infantry 2nd Brigade Combat Team based out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, awaits instructions for stress shoot training on Fort Hood, Texas, August 14, 2022. These Soldiers represent the best in the U.S. Army Forces Command

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command commander, greets Guardians, Soldiers and civilians at the Wideband Satellite Communications Operations Center (WSOC) in Landstuhl, Germany, Sep. 12, 2022. On Aug. 15, 2022, the WSOCs mission responsibility transferred from the U.S. Armys 53rd Signal Battalion to the U.S. Space Forces Space Operations Command, under Space Delta 8s 53rd Space Operations Squadron. The transfer marked the first time that all Department of Defense military satellite communication functions were unified under a single military service.

A U.S. Space Force Guardian takes notes during at panel discussion at Space Systems Commands 2022 Cyber Expo, on Nov. 9. During this expo, subject matter experts from government, industry partners, academia, and non-profit organizations united to learn how SSC is using cyber resilience today and tomorrow to protect current and future space systems and acquisitions.

Airmen and Guardians attend a Department of the Air Force Pride celebration at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., June 6, 2022. Guests spoke about the importance of diversity, inclusion and the contributions of LGBTQ service members in the military.

U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Digerolamo, 35th Maintenance Group commander, delivers remarks about the incoming Fighter Generation Squadron (FGS) commanders, during a squadron activation ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 13, 2022. The newly activated squadrons will replace the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, aligning the 35th Fighter Wing with the Combat Oriented Maintenance Organization concept employed at several fighter wings throughout the Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. David Hunter, a 173rd Fighter Wing logistics and readiness Airmen, in processes nine Airmen who returned from the Rum Creek Fire in Rogue Valley, Ore, Sept. 9, 2022 at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Ore. The Airmen left the 173rd Fighter Wing ten days previously, spending their time manning traffic control points in evacuated areas.

Lt. Gen. Timothy J. Kadavy (right) shakes hands with Spc. Connor Deines of the Nebraska Army National Guard's Company G, 2-104th General Support Aviation Battalion in Raleigh, North Carolina. Kadavy was surveying damage in the area and meeting with National Guard troops to discuss Hurricane Florence relief and recovery operations being conducted. (Nebraska National Guard

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Lily Studley, 74th Fighter Generation Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, left, and Senior Airman Trevor Kubina, 74th FGS dedicated crew chief, second from left, receive knowledge-based questions from Col. Edward Balzer, 23rd Fighter Group deputy commander, during a Top Tiger competition at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Oct. 14, 2022. Top Tiger is a quarterly competition that tests dedicated and assistant dedicated crew chiefs knowledge of maintenance Air Force instructions, appearance of uniform and aircraft, and condition of their aircraft maintenance logs.

An air assault instructor with the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center pins an Air Assault Badge on Spc. Walter Salaverria, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native and infantryman assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regiment, Iowa Army National Guard, during graduation day of a U.S. Air Assault course at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 9, 2022. Over 200 students participated in the 12-day course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling. Cadre from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia, traveled as a mobile training team to teach the course.

U.S. Army Col. Jacob Miller, 128th Aviation Brigade commander, briefs Maj. Gen. Michael McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence commander, on the status of a new CH-47 Chinook helicopter repair training building at Fort Eustis, Virginia, September 6, 2022.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sept. 15, 2022) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea speaks with Sailors during an all-hands call at Naval Air Station Oceana, Sept. 15, 2022. Honea conducted his first fleet visit to answer questions and discuss his priorities of warfighting competency, professional and character development, and quality of life.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, right, command chief, Air National Guard, speaks with Airmen of the 139th Air Terminal Function, 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri National Guard at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 10, 2022. During his visit, Williams spoke about readiness, taking care of Airmen, and the health of the force.

Chief Master Sgt. James Woods, left, Air Mobility Command command chief of medical enlisted force, coins Senior Airman Deanfernee Manning, 436th Medical Group pharmacy technician, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 20, 2022. Woods also toured the Bedrock Innovation Lab and Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek C. France, Third Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Heriberto Diaz, Third Air Force command chief, speak with Capt. Grant C. Urbon, 39th Maintenance Squadron director of operations, during their visit to Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Jan 27, 2023. Maj. Gen. France traveled to Incirlik AB to meet with Airmen, experience the wings Larger than Life weekend and observe how they support Third Air Force, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, and U.S. European Command objectives. Third Air Force issues directives to subordinate commands and takes action on behalf of the USAFE-AFAFRICA commander as directed. The command takes deliberate actions to develop Airmen and their families, confronts global challenges in support of the National Defense Strategy to defend our country and our allies and utilizes dedicated efforts to deliver peace to our nation and its allies by fostering stability and deterring aggression throughout Europe and Africa.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force Roger A. Towberman, left, speaks with U.S. Space Force Spec. 4 Susan Kim, Space Delta 5 target development analyst, middle, and other Guardians of the Combined Force Space Component Command (CFSCC) during his visit at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Sept. 23, 2022. Towberman recognized select individuals from Space Delta 5, 65th Cyberspace Squadron, 55th Combat training Squadron and CFSCCs manpower, personnel, and resources office.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jacob C. Simmons, Space Operations Command Senior Enlisted Leader, visited the 268th Security Forces who defend and protect Clear Space Force Station, Alaska. Whiting and Simmons listen to the SFS members to better understand their operations and well-being at Clear SFS. The Clear SFS members provide strategic missile warning, missile defense, and Upgraded Early Warning Radar as an integral part of deterrence in support of Homeland Defense. Clear SFS is home to Arctic Airmen, and Guardians assigned to the 13th and 213th Space Warning Squadrons and 268th Security Forces, providing 24/7 missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness.

U.S. Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition take a writen exam on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept. 29, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with Company A, 1-118th Infantry Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, stand in formation during a deployment ceremony at the Moncks Corner Armory in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Aug. 7, 2022. More than 130 Soldiers from the unit will be mobilized for approximately a year to support Operation Spartan Shield, Task Force Spartan and U.S. Army Central Command.

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