U.S. Marines Training

Images of U.S. Marines in training sessions, showcasing preparation, weaponry, and military exercises in various environments.

Portrait of United States airborne infantry corporal with rifle.

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.

040805-F-6351E-010. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

U.S. Army Ranger with machine gun and night vision goggles standing near the wall.

Afghanistan, 09/05/2009. Report on the Spanish troops stationed in Herat.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Battalion), 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, assists in the loading of two AH-64D Longbow helicopters onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport aircraft after unloading two AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters, at Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Clay Kaserne, Germany, Sept. 1, 2023. The AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopter upgrade is part of the 12th CAB modernization efforts, ongoing training, and new equipment fielding.12th CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

United States Army ranger in the mountains.

Providers assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division conduct set up and security operations on Fort Bragg, NC, March 28, 2022. The Field Training Exercise ensures Paratroopers stand ready to fight, win, and meet the 18 hour deployment standard.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, aims downrange during the Marine Corps table three course of fire at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 27, 2022. This training provided recruits the opportunity to fire at targets at unknown distances.

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.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Alex Kupratty, the command sergeant major of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, conducts airborne operations aboard a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, June 15, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

061218-A-5332O-009. Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Logistic Support Area Anaconda Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Army Soldier from the 10th Mountain Division runs to the next firing point during the International Sniper Competition 2022, April 5, 2022, on Fort Benning, G.A.Not only were their shooting abilities tested on their rifles and pistols, at both stationary and moving targets, but they also had to demonstrate their ability to maintain information under stress and their ability to communicate as a team.

030724-M-9124R-053. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Plascencia, a rifleman with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division moves his muzzle allowing Marines to pass during a I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 30, 2022. The purpose of the MCCRE is to formally evaluate the unit's core and/or assigned mission essential tasks in order to ensure service standardization and combat readiness.

Recruits with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, participate in the Battle of Fallujah event during the Crucible on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Aug. 12, 2022. The Crucible is the culmination of the knowledge and skills recruits learn throughout recruit training.

The United States Army's most qualified uniformed interrogation teams met at Fort Bragg, North Carolina to compete in the inaugural Army Interrogation Olympics to determine the Army's Best Interrogation Team of the Year. Military Intelligence Soldiers from Regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard components met and thrived in an austere field environment while refining and improving individual and collective HUMINT, analytical, leader, and Soldier skills. The competition was hosted by the 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade from August 8 to 10, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Zach Ray with Marine Corps Base Quantico (MCBQ) Headquarters and Service Battalion, waits his turn to fire the M249 SAW and the M240 machine guns on MCBQ, Va., April 22, 2016. The Marines were taught how to load and fire the weapons, as well as how to change its barrels.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 William D. Nance, 4th Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Division Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, works inside the SPO during Warfighter 23-1, on Fort Carson, Colorado, October, 2, 2022. SPO constructs agendas based on the commanders intent, unit priorities, and supply and movement priorities.

Green Berets U.S. Army Special Forces Group soldier lighting a cigar.

A U.S. Army jumpmaster assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade waits for take-off while aboard a C-130 Hercules aircraft during an airborne operation between U.S. and allied paratroopers at the Cherbourg-Manche Airport, France, on June 5, 2022, as part of the 78th D-Day Anniversary. On June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 troops of the Allied Forces invaded Normandy, France, by sea and air. More than 23,000 paratroopers participated in the invasion. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

Spc. Connor MacDowell, a team leader assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Regiment clears landing above a stairwell during urban operations training as part of Exercise Cartwheel near Nadi, Fiji, September 15, 2022. Exercise Cartwheel is a multilateral military-to-military training exercise with the U.S., Republic of Fiji Military, Australian, New Zealand, and British forces that builds expeditionary readiness and interoperability by increasing the capacity to face a crisis and contingencies by developing and stressing units at the highest training levels.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Grant, a squad leader with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII sets security during an amphibious assault training event during exercise UNITAS LXIII in Itaoca, Brazil, Sept. 16, 2022. A landing craft, utility was used to move Brazilian, United States, and Uruguayan marines to shore from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), where they secured a beachhead. UNITAS, which is Latin for unity, was conceived in 1959 and has taken place annually since first conducted in 1960. This year marks the 63rd iteration of the worlds longest-running annual multi-national maritime exercise. Additionally, this year Brazil will celebrate its bicentennial, a historical milestone commemorating 200 years of the countrys independence. Grant is a native of Chillicothe, Ohio.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alejandro Bachelier, assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, holds security for Royal Saudi Land Force soldiers and U.S. Soldiers assigned to Task Force Hurricane, during a training exercise in Al-Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 12, 2022. Eight USAF Defenders were invited by the U.S. Army to attend Task Force Hurricanes platoon immersion course alongside the Royal Saudi Land Force. The immersion allowed the 378th ESFS members a chance to develop as multi-capable Airmen by learning both Joint Force infantry tactics and Partner Nation infantry tactics not commonly taught or practiced by the USAF.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Taylor Auen, a Security Forces Airman from the 171 Air Refueling Wing, Coraopolis, Penn., provides aircraft security on the flightline during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 8, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Sgt. Jason T. Mathews, a member of Embedded Partnering Team 1-1-215, explains to ANA soldiers how many rounds to load for the course of fire the soldiers completed at Range Juarez near Forward Operating Base Geronimo May 25. Mathews, from Roberta, Ga., has been a member of the EPT since October. One hardship of training the soldiers is the language barrier but Mathews said, “It’s a challenge, but we’ve got good interpreters working alongside us.”

Senior Airman Michael Knowles, combat arms instructor with the 90th Ground Combat Training Squadron, trains Airman 1st Class Gavin Castillo, defender in the 890th Missile Security Forces Squadron, July 19, 2022, at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming. Members of 90 GCTS train security forces members to ensure lethality and readiness in any situation.

U.S. Navy Engineman David Thompson, assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 4, conducts a medical evacuation during static and dynamic maritime force protection procedures at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Navy Boat Docks, North Carolina, May 5, 2022. The exercise was intended to increase the sailors ability to gauge maneuvers of small enemy boats and their understanding of the enemys thought process. The mission of the Navy Boat Docks is to provide support to the air station, its bombing targets, and offer a training environment for Navy and Marine Corps units.

A French Army Artilleryman assigned to the 93éme Régiment dArtillerie de Montagne loads a 155mm round into the CAmion Equipe Den System dÁRtillerie (CAESAR) Self-Propelled Howitzers during night live-fire mission exercises as part of Dynamic Front 23 in Oksbøl, Denmark, Mar. 28, 2023. The 93éme Régiment dArtillerie de Montagne falls under the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Multi-National Field Artillery Brigade and enhances NATO's artillery capabilities.

A U.S. Marine atop an LAV-25, southern Helmand Province of Afghanistan.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joseph LeVeille, assigned to 4th Combat Camera Squadron, 315th Airlift Wing, participates in a marksmanship qualification range while competing in the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 21, 2022. The annual multi-day competition tests the physical, tactical and technical proficiency of visual information and public affairs specialists across the DOD and participating international competitors.

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

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Corbain Blair, an infantry Marine with Battalion Landing Team 1/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides security during a boat raid exercise on Kin Blue Beach, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 7, 2023. The boat raid increased the Marines proficiency to secure contested terrain and allow friendly forces to advance from ship to shore. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the 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.

070110-A-0101A-131. Base: Mushada State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Tristan Gilmore oversees Marines crimping non-electric blasting caps in preparation for a demolition range at the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 18, 2024. At the demolition range, Marines practiced clearing, removing, and breaching obstacles within a combat scenario to facilitate the movement of maneuver forces. Gilmore, a native of Oregon, is a combat engineer with 2d Battalion, 7th Marines. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. - U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Marcus Bernard, 633d Security Forces Squadron flight sergeant, signals his team to halt during a patrol in a field exercise at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Nov. 1, 2022. When the patrol lead notices anything suspicious, they pass down the hand signal to alert everyone to stop and be silent.

A soldier demonstrates body armor can be light and maneuverable climbing up the ladder of a building.

U.S. Army Cpl. Emily Belanger, 479th Chemical Battalion, 320th Chemical Company Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear specialist, fills out passenger processing paperwork during an Emergency Deployment Rapid Exercise at the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron passenger terminal at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, August 10, 2022. During an EDRE, the purpose is to rehearse a potential response to a real world scenario, such as deploying to another country for humanitarian relief with very little notice.

A Security Forces trainee at the 343rd Training Squadron listens to instructions before marching to the Individual Tactics and Techniques basic course at Joint Base San Antonio - Camp Bullis on Sept. 20, 2022. The course is designed to teach the trainees how to shoot, move, and communicate through tactical environments. The 37th Training Wing and 343rd Training Squadron provide the initial training for all Air Force security forces.

Soldier yelling into radio during a desert battle while trying to report situation on battlefield.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Andrew Hallmark, left, with Lightning Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment watches his men during a squad live fire exercise at the 7th Army Training Commands Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, May 12, 2022. 2CR provides the 7th ATC with a lethal and agile force capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater in order toassureallies,deteradversaries, and when ordered,defendthe NATO alliance.

U.S. Army Maj. Jesse Barnes, S3, 112th Field Artillery Regiment, helps prepare a range for training on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, May 20, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Shawn Mahan, a communications operations specialist with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), sets up a radio receiver at the Inyokern Node during exercise Steel Knight 23, on Inyokern Airfield, California, Dec. 2, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver. Mahan is a native of Marquette, Michigan.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Aaron Noce, an aircraft electrician assigned to 1109th Theater Aviation Support Maintenance Group, Connecticut Army National Guard, waits for the start of the 12-mile ruck march portion of the 2023 Connecticut Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Stones Ranch Military Reservation, East Lyme, Connecticut, March 25, 2023. The competition drew soldiers from across the Connecticut Army National Guard and over the course of three days these competitors faced off against one another in a variety of events testing their physical fitness, land navigation skills, marksmanship skills and warrior task competencies.

Soldiers listen to an operation order before going out on mission during a field training exercise.

A Paratrooper assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division prepares to jump from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter onto a drop zone in Błędów Desert, Poland, April 27, 2022. More than 480 Paratroopers took part in the airborne operation to maintain their airborne proficiency and set the conditions for follow-on jump in support of Exercise Swift Response 22 in Latvia.The Division headquarters and its 3rd Brigade Combat Team have been deployed to Poland as part of the strong and unremitting commitment to our NATO Allies against aggression.

U.S. Army Soldiers from 1st Infantry Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, conducts tactical assaults on Pohakuloa Training Grounds, Nov. 2, 2022. Realistic training exercises, like JPMRC 23-01, strengthen defense relationships, foster multinational interoperability, increase U.S. readiness, and reinforce the unified regional land power network that supports a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

FORT STEWART Ga. July 20, 2015 - A Georgia Army National Guardsmen of Troop C 108th Cavalry 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducts a react-to-contact drill during annual training at Fort Stewart, Ga. Georgia Army National Guard

A U.S. Air Force Airman attending the Advanced Ready Training - Outside the Wire course, provides security during a Tactical Combat Casualty Care training scenario at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Feb. 6, 2024. The ART-OTW course is a pre-deployment requirement to gain experience in specialized tactics and techniques through strenuous training scenarios. Air Force

Twenty Minnesota National Guard, four Croatian, and three Canadian Soldiers are competing in Minnesotas Best Warrior Competition March 29 - April 1, 2023, at Camp Ripley, near Little Falls, Minnesota. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers nominated by units across the state. This year two of Minnesotas longstanding partner nations, Croatia and Canada, have sent competitors to participate. Minnesotas winners will move on to compete against the best Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from multiple states at the Region IV Best Warrior Competition hosted by the Ohio National Guard in May.

Portrait of two soldiers in military uniforms

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, conducts Table 1, on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., April 5, 2023. During Table 1, Recruits practice the fundamentals of marksmanship and weapons safety.

British Army Brig. Mark Ackrill, 1st Aviation Brigade Combat Team commander and Joint Helicopter Command deputy commander, exits a U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter after an aerial tour at Fort Rucker, Alabama, April 7, 2022.

A United Arab Emirates soldier from the 11th Mountain Battalion provides security during a live fire exercise while participating in Joint Readiness Training Center Rotation 23-04, Feb. 22, 2023. United Arab Emirate soldiers from the 11th Mountain Battalion are participating in the training rotation alongside U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and the 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade. UAE soldiers will train alongside a U.S. Army brigade throughout this JRTC rotation to increase tactical interoperability and readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Mikhail Nikiforov, a Bowie, Maryland native, and joint terminal attack controller with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment communicates via radio during a JTAC training event at Pōhakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Jan. 10, 2023. 3d MLR partnered with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Three Seven MH-60R Seahawks to increase joint-lethality and JTAC proficiency.

A U.S. Army Spc. Henry Rosenquist and a U.S. Marine, both attached to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Mountain Warrior, locate enemy forces during a patrol near Combat Outpost Honaker Miracle in Konar province, Afghanistan, July 29. The Soldiers, Marines, and Afghan National Army soldiers were conducting a joint patrol through the area on the way to a shura, or town hall’ meeting.

U.S. Army soldier assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, offloads an Abrams M1A2 SEPV3 Main Battle Tank. The arrival of these tanks in Poland will help the 3ABCT produce combat-credible forces alongside NATO allies.

Staff Sgt. Joseph LeVielle adjusts the lens of his night vision device prior to low-light training at Joint Base Base Charleston, SC on 11 July 2022. During this event, airmen conducted refresher training on night-time movements in low-light environments designed to ensure team members are capable of integrating with combat teams while providing combat camera capabilities.4th Combat Camera Squadron's mission is to provide senior Department of Defense and joint leaders with a directed imagery capability in support of strategic, operational and planning requirements during wartime operations, worldwide crises, contingencies, joint exercises and humanitarian operations.Photos by Technical Sgt. Christopher S Muncy

Spc. Nathaniel Miska and Sgt. Richard Carlson stand for a photo during the day live fire events as part of the National Best Warrior Competition, July 27, 2022, Volunteer Training Site in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Miska and Carlson placed first in both the Minnesota and Region IV Best Warrior Competition, securing their spot in this National Competition. Fourteen National Guard Soldiers are competing in the All-Guard National Best Warrior Competition July 24-29, 2022, primarily at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee.(Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Peyton Barker talks into a radio during exercise Bougainville III at Pohakuloa Training Area, Jan. 25, 2024. Bougainville III is a 3d LCT live-fire exercise focused on decentralized operations to prepare the battalion to command and control forces from dispersed locations. Scout platoons provide precision marksmanship and increased reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities to infantry companies and battalions. Barker, a native of McKinney, Texas, is a scout with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division.

SAAREMAA, Estonia (May 21, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nicholas Valdetero, from Abbieville, La. with 2nd Batttalion, 6th Marine Regiment attached to the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group/22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit under Task Force 61/2, stands ready for tactical movement to another location during the Estonian Exercise Siil (Hedgehog) May 21, 2022. The 22 ARG/MEU, as part of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of Operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and Partner interests.

Strong brave american soldier with american flag

United States Marine during combat operation in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

NAWA, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Cpl. Eric D. Groves, a 22-year-old Marine with Trucks Platoon, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, bows his head during the memorial ceremony for Lance Cpl. Mark D. Juarez, 23, of San Antonio, and British journalist Rupert Hamer, 39, at Forward Operating Base Geronimo Jan. 19. Groves was conducting combat operations in Afghanistans Helmand province Jan. 9 alongside Juarez and Hamer when they were killed. Groves is still recovering from his injuries, but flew to FOB Geronimo to attend the ceremony and expects to return to full duty.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Chaven Marshall, a squad member representing 66th Military Intelligence Brigade, preforms tactical combat casualty care for a simulated casualty on a medical lane during the 2022 U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition on Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 10, 2022. Teams from across USAREUR-AF test their tactical proficiency, communication, and overall cohesion as they compete for the title of Best Squad. Winners of this competition will advance to represent USAREUR-AF at the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, later this year.

060323-A-5745M-054. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Ramadi Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MTN

041110-M-1085N-002. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

First Lt. Amanda Ortiz, assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), climbs down a ladder on a 1081 Medium Tactical Vehicle during a loading casualties onto a non-standard vehicle practice lane for EMFB (Expert Field Medical Badge) on Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Oct. 14, 2022.The EFMB is a United States Army special skills badge that is awarded to U.S. military personnel and North Atlantic Treaty Organization military personnel who successfully complete a set of qualification test, including both written ad performance portions.

U.S. Army Spc. Samuel Alverez, right, of Squad 1, representing U.S. Army Forces Command, finishes weighing his rucksack during the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition, on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. Alvarez was the first competitor to cross the finish line of the 12-mile foot march event that tested Soldiers' individual and collective abilities to push through stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S Airmen prepare for Close Quarter Batter (CQB) training during Scorpion Lens 23 at Naval Weapons Station, South Carolina, March 16, 2023. Exercise Scorpion Lens is an annual training event held at McCrady Training Center, Eastover, South Carolina, hosted by the 1st Combat Camera Squadron (1CTCS). The exercise provides expeditionary skills and training to Combat Camera professionals from the United States Army, Air Force, and Marines worldwide.

U.S. Army Sgt. Andrew Wall, Security Forces team leader attached to Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul, provides security for his civil affairs teammates during a visit to the district center in Shinkai, Afghanistan, Oct. 4, 2011. Wall is deployed from Charlie Company, 182nd Infantry Division, Massachusetts National Guard.

U.S. Army squads under FORSCOM (Forces Command) compete for the title of Best Squad during a head-to-head competition at the FORSCOM Best Squad Competition 2022 at Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 17, 2022. Spc. Alfredo De La Rosa Garcia, representing the NTC squad, applies a tourniquet to a tactical dummy. On Day 3 of the competition Soldiers underwent a medical evacuation simulation at the Fort Hood MSTC (Medical Simulation Training Center). The Army is the best trained, best equipped, and most skilled fighting force in the world.

404th Civil Affairs Battalion, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade

An Airman assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing performs push-ups during the defender challenge at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, May 17, 2022. The 20th Security Forces Squadron set up multiple events throughout the week to honor National Police Week.

Soldier in military helmet, half-turned to the camera.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. David Sigdestad, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, uses a compact metal detector to sweep for simulated unexploded ordnance as part of an explosive excavation range during exercise Eagle Wrath 22 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, May 14, 2022. Eagle Wrath is an annual Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 exercise at CATC Camp Fuji, Japan, designed to increase squadron proficiency in conducting real-world contingency missions while in a forward operating environment.

030321-F-1443F-013. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

060423-F-2869F-034. Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ)

During a final phase of training, the Idaho Army National Guard Sniper Team was required to move to a location without detection, set up a firing position in a covered facility, identify a target and possible hostage and neutralize the target. After firing the team was then tasked with leaving the secured facility without detection.While commonly known as snipers, the official term used by U.S.Army is designated marksman. The U.S. Army Sniper Course is a seven-week training course at Fort Benning. With most formal training courses, skill training is an ongoing process throughout the year. The snipers of the 2-116th CAB trained for a full week separate from the main body of units in the field during annual training 2022. Their training encompassed individual qualifications, timed shooting exercises and movement to a covered location without being detected, identifying adversaries, engagement and withdrawal without being sighted. U.S.Army, Idaho Army National Guard, Sniper, I

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Logan Christensen, a 137th Special Operations Wing (SOW) Mission Sustainment Team Airman, disassembles a tent structure during training Aug. 11, 2022, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich. The Airmen were participating in Northern Strike 22-2, which has focused on the militarys ability to train the warfighter in any environment, and 137th SOW multi-capable Airmen have directly contributed to reaching that proof of concept.

A U.S. Marine with the All Domain Reconnaissance Detachment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fingerprints a simulated detainee during a raid near Blythe, California, as part of Realistic Urban Training exercise, June 9, 2022. The purpose of the raid and of RUT was to enhance the integration and collective capability of the MEUs command, air, ground and logistics elements and prepare the 13th MEU to meet the nations crisis response needs during its upcoming overseas deployment.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 27th infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and allied nations prepare for the upcoming field operations Scholfield Barracks, HI, Oct. 30, 2022. Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) uses training scenarios specific to a jungle environment to train the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division with joint, allied and partnered forces in conditions in which they would fight conveying the realistic training that rotation 23-01 provides to Indo-Pacific land forces. JPMRC strengthens defense relationships, fosters multinational interoperability, increases readiness, and reinforces the unified regional land power network of the Joint Force. (U.S. Army by photos by Spc. Jeffrey Garland)

An informal portrait of SPECIALIST Robert Beasly of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1ST Battalion, 9th Infantry, on guard duty. Base: Fort Sherman Country: Panama (PAN)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Edwin Hernandez, an automotive maintenance technician with 1st Maintenance Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, sits in a gunners nest of a Humvee during a Tactical Convoy Course held by Combat Skills Training School on Camp Pendleton, California, April 26, 2022. The purpose of the TCC is to teach procedures to counter threats and mitigate risks to Marine forces conducting convoy operations.

Pvt. Adam Young briefs his squad on the planned ruck march route before boarding a CH-47 Chinook helicopter to be inserted to a local mountain top for their march back to Camp Humphreys.

A Pararescueman from the 23rd Wing demonstrates capabilities during AGILE FLAG 22-2, at Avon Park Auxiliary Air Field, Florida, July 23, 2022. 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.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jean Cruze, a deployed aircraft ground response element team lead, stands patrol during a Mission Sustainment Team field exercise at Austere Field #6, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. Patrol units were responsible for maintaining a secure perimeter for the duration of the exercise.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jean Cruze, a deployed aircraft ground response element team lead, stands patrol during a Mission Sustainment Team field exercise at Austere Field #6, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. Patrol units were responsible for maintaining a secure perimeter for the duration of the exercise.

Airman 1st Class Devlin Bishop, 355th Wing Public Affairs Specialist, takes a photo on the flightline at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 11, 2022. The 355th Wing PA shop provides photo and video documentation for 11 groups belonging to six geographically-separated Wings, 44 squadrons, nine detachments, 11 flying units and 154 aircraft.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Thomas Schneider, assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, performs tasks at the skill level 1 lane during the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 10, 2022. Teams from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa test their tactical proficiency, communication, and overall cohesion as they compete for the title of Best Squad. Winners of this competition will advance to represent U.S. Army Europe and Africa at the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina later this year.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, aboard a CH-47 traveling from Bagram to Kabul, Afghanistan, for meeting with ISAF, CENTCOM, State Dept. and Afghanistan military leadership Aug. 20, 2012.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kenny Vo, tactical data systems technician, with 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division operates a vehicle during exercise Bougainville II at Puuloa Range, Hawaii, Oct. 28, 2022. To adapt to developing battlefield conditions, alpha command conducted battle turnover and displaced. Bougainville II is a field exercise that allows the MLR and its subordinate units to conduct expeditionary advanced base operations across the island of Oahu. BVII displays the MLRs ability to rapidly establish and displace expeditionary advanced bases while executing command and control in a dispersed environment.

Airman 1st Class Prince Dylannova Ritson, an 821st Contingency Response Squadron security forces defender, poses for a photo during Turbo Distribution 22-2 at Sabre Army Airfield, Tennessee, July 14, 2022. Turbo Distribution is a joint task force-port opening exercise designed to train U.S. Air Force and Army personnel on how to rapidly respond to humanitarian aid and disaster response missions.

Crying soldier

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Trystan Marrero, left, 423d Security Forces Squadron patrolman, writes notes during a field training exercise at RAF Alconbury, England April 26, 2022. The exercise was designed to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of 423d SFS members' response to various scenarios including domestic disturbances, drunk driving and other base security incidents.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher Hansen, a Clifton Park, NY, native, UH-60M Black Hawk Pilot and Aviation Mission Survivability Officer for A Company, 3-142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion (AHB), based out of Latham, New York, reads from a checklist during start-up procedures of a UH-60M Black Hawk at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 16, 2022. Hansen and his crew surveyed landing zones in the vicinity of Camp Buehring during their flight. 3-142nd AHB, attached to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, currently supports the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist, and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of Da'esh, the common Arabic term for IS or ISIS, within designated areas of Iraq and Syria.

Army National Guard officer candidates, enrolled in the Washington Army National Guards 205th Regimental Training Institute Officer Candidate School Phase III, execute and plan platoon raids at the Leschi Town Collective Training Facility on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 23, 2022. A raid is a limited-objective, special purpose attack conducted as part of a larger force offensive in order to accomplish a number of missions. The candidates were faced with unexpected variables during the training, such as responding to simulated casualties and handling enemy prisoners of war.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cameron S. Johnson, a logistics embarkation specialist assigned to 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (LAAD), sits inside a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle during a live fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 7, 2016. 2nd LAAD conducted a live fire exercise to maintain proficiency and accuracy with the FIM-92 Stinger missile launcher.

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii (July 18, 2022) A U.S. Marine with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, bumps fists with an Australian Army Soldier during a helo-cast training exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 18. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Chelsea McClean, a physician assistant with Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical System 29, transfers patient information 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. Army soldier, assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat team, 1st Cavalry Division, participates in Railhead Operations in Poland. 3ABCT's vehicles arrived in Poland to aid in maximizing military capabilities.

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