U.S. Military Operations and Training

Images of U.S. soldiers in combat training, equipment checks, and tactical drills, highlighting readiness and collaboration among forces.

A Special Tactics Airman assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing checks his equipment prior to a mass casualty training scenario at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 19, 2022. Special Tactics Airmen prepare thoroughly for any situation they may encounter during a rescue operation by employing various tactics during training.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 173rd Airborne Brigade pull security and maintain fighting positions during Saber Junction 22 in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 12, 2022. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Armys 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. Armys Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 173rd Airborne Brigade pull security and maintain fighting positions during Saber Junction 22 in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 12, 2022. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Armys 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. Armys Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas.

A Special Tactics Airman assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing checks his equipment prior to a mass casualty training scenario at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 19, 2022. Special Tactics Airmen prepare thoroughly for any situation they may encounter during a rescue operation by employing various tactics during training.

A soldier assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division practices with the M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun to earn the Expert Infantry Badge at Fort Stewart, Georgia, on Jan. 23, 2023. The Expert Infantryman Badge, or EIB, is a special skills badge of the United States Army. Recipients must meet Department of the Army-established testing requirements and must possess a military occupational specialty within Career Management Field 11 (Infantry) or 18 (Special Forces), less MOS 18D.

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. 22, 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 maintain 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

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment engages targets during a combined arms live fire exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Grafenwoehr, Germany, Sept. 22, 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 to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army photograph by Sgt. Luke Michalski)

060216-A-2718K-053. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE NORTHWEST

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment engages opposing forces 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 to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Tyler Rietter, a Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, native and rifleman with 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, fires his rifle during a Combat Marksmanship Competition on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 27, 2022. The purpose of this course of fire is to test the limit of the Marines shooting capabilities under physical exertion in order to develop proficiency in their individual skills and increase the lethality of the unit.

U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Blaine Hale, student, makes his weapon ready and checks muzzle angle while wearing a gas mask during the live firing portion of the Lightweight Machine Gun Qualification course at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Oct. 3, 2022. The course is two-weeks long culminating in three days where students familiarize themselves with weapons by live firing in multiple conditions and is designed to ready students for mission demands on day-one of assignment at their new base where this training is not available.

U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team West conducts visit board search and seizure exercises and maritime interdiction operations off the coast of San Diego July, 18, 2022, these exercises are in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29-Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. U.S Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Adam Stanton.

Special forces operators in the military kayak. Spec ops in the military kayak

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, observes M109 Paladin rounds impact during training and table 6 certifications. A Fire Support Team is responsible for forward observations on the battlefield and activities such as target processing for artillery units and brigade maneuvers.

Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21538105 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

School of Infantry-East (SOI-East) Scout Sniper Challenge participants sights in during stage two of the School of Infantry-East Scout Sniper Challenge on Camp Geiger in Jacksonville, North Carolina, April 29, 2022. This challenge tested scout snipers in communication, marksmanship and teamwork throughout various competitive relays.

Green Berets U.S. Army Special Forces Group soldier.

U.S. Marines with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and Swedish soldiers assigned to Fifth Company, South Scania Regiment P7, prepare to breach a door during a training exercise near Kristianstad, Sweden, Aug. 27, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

A bearded soldier in the uniform of special forces in dangerous military action in a dangerous enemy area. Selective focus. High-quality photo. A bearded soldier in uniform of special forces in a dangerous military action in a dangerous enemy area. Selective focus

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, help each other up a hill on Oct. 14, 2022, during Project Convergence 22 (PC22) experimentation at Camp Talega, California. During PC22 many systems will be experimented with to determine how future command and control capabilities can be integrated with all-service and multinational partners.

German soldiers assigned to the 212th Panzergrenadier Battalion, 21st Panzer Brigade, 1st Panzer Division, clear a room during a live-fire exercise as part of Defender Europe at Oberlausitz Training Area, Germany, May 19, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

Group of Jagdkommando soldiers of the Austrian special forces.

040814-M-3658J-008. Base: Mcb Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Caleb Eden, a scout sniper with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, fires on a target during a sniper range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 6, 2023. Marines with the scout sniper platoon rehearse engaging targets as a team to build cohesion in a tactical scenario. 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. Air Force Airman Basic Grace Ponnath, student, sends bullets down the target range from a M249 light machine gun during the live firing portion of the Lightweight Machine Gun Qualification course at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Oct. 3, 2022. The course is two-weeks long culminating in three days where students familiarize themselves with weapons by live firing in multiple conditions and is designed to ready students for mission demands on day-one of assignment at their new base where this training is not available.

U.S. Army Rangers with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, aim their rifles out of a doorway during Military Operations in Urban Terrain training, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, June 10, 2022. The MOUT training was conducted in order to enhance the Rangers ability to operate in a tropical environment, increasing readiness and unit operability.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Samuel Peterson, a light armored vehicle crewman with 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, adjusts his rifle combat optic after shooting his M4A1 carbine rifle while participating in combat marksmanship training, during exercise Archipelago Endeavor 22 at Berga Naval Base, Sweden, Sept. 8, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

U.S. Army Spc. Joshua Leonard with Delta Company, 2nd Battalion,503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade fires a M240 machine gun from a M1151 HMMWV during exercise Rock Harvest at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 25, 2022. The 173rd AB is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility. (U.S. Army photo by Gertrud Zach)

Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21538266 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

United States Army ranger machine gunner in the forest.

Staff Sgt. Kristen Witherspoon, Tactical Response Force candidate, moves through the shoot house on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, Oct. 5, 2022. Witherspoon is the second female to tryout and finish the TRF selection course.

A U.S. Soldier with 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division scans his sector of fire while providing security at a schoolhouse during a human terrain team site survey mission in Kilabeen, Iraq, Sept. 15, 2009.

U.S. Air Force Special Tactics operators assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing provide cover fire during Emerald Warrior 22.1 at Eglin Range, Florida, May 04, 2022. Emerald Warrior is the largest joint special operations exercise involving U.S. Special Operations Command forces training for response to various threats above and below the threshold of armed conflict.

U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, set security during a training event at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec. 12, 2022. This training allowed small unit leaders to practice decision making and problem solving in a realistic scenario.

Soldiers in camouflage uniforms hold weapons ready to fire, By hiding on the side military communication vehicle Soldiers in camouflage uniforms hold weapons ready to fire, By hiding on the side military communication vehicle ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21541891 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

A soldier fights in a warforest area surrounded by fire.. A soldier fights in a warforest area surrounded by fire

U.S. Army Infantrymen assigned to the East Africa Response Force (EARF) participate in an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise (EDRE) to provide security at the U.S. Embassy, Mogadishu, Somalia, April 22, 2022. The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa deploys the EARF to support Department of State partners in fixed-site security and evacuation support to protect U.S. Government facilities and personnel and to enable U.S. Embassies to continue operations in challenging security environments.

U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Megan Welch with 198th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Illinois Army National Guard, shoots at her target on a mock range 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.

A U.S. Marine with the All Domain Reconnaissance Detachment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, holds security on a doorway 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.

Two U.S. marine riders, military company mercenary in helmets with radio headset, woodland camo battle dress uniform, load carriers, looking down at camera while standing with assault rifles in hands. Army elite soldiers in full tactical ammunition

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, prepare to breach a house during an Air Assault Course at Camp Pendleton, California, on July 12, 2022. The Air Assault Course creates a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of successfully operating as part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Two soldiers in the desert during the military operation.

US Air Force AIRMAN First Class William Maddox, 51st Security Forces Squadron, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, mans an M-60 machine gun in a defensive fighting position during Osan's Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI). Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, provide overwatch for a visit, board, search, and seizure exercise on the USS Miguel Keith (ESB-5) in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 11, 2023. The VBSS exercise refined Marines skills in maritime interdiction operations by incorporating real world scenarios. 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.

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. Air Force Senior Airman Alex Potts takes part in the New Jersey National Guard's Best Warrior Competition on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 20, 2022. Potts is a survey team member with the 21st Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team.

U.S. Green Berets from 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), conduct Close Quarter Battle (CQB) training at Grafenwöhr, Germany, Sept. 16, 2022. This special operations forces led exercise is designed to offer advanced combined tactics training in coordination with strengthening NATO Allies capabilities, information sharing, and defending against adversaries in the European Theater.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Tyler Cottrell a mortarman with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, loads a belt into an M240B machine gun during a live fire deck shoot aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 28, 2022. Marines and Sailors conducted weapons training to further educate their Marines on different weapons platforms. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli 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. Air Force Airmen with the 409th Air Expeditionary Group's explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) flight conduct a hostage rescue exercise at Nigerien Air Base 201, Agadez, Niger, April 27, 2022. This training develops and enhances the 409th EODs ability to professionally and competently mitigate explosive threats in the area. Strengthening defense capabilities works to reassure both U.S. service members and their local partners, enhancing the long-standing military-to-military U.S. and Niger partnership.

011126-A-0051B-013. Base: Fort Polk State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

A Marine with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit Units Maritime Interception Operation raid force secures the area during a Maritime Interception Operation exercise at a training facility in Barnwell, S.C., June 23, 2010. 26th MEU Units Maritime Interception Operation raid force conducted the three-day exercise in preparation for deployment this fall. The exercise hones the MEUs ability to swiftly control the operation of a hostile ship or maritime platform.

US Marine in Haditha, Iraq

U.S. Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, prepare to infiltrate a concrete room with their M27 Infantry Assault Rifle loaded with simulation rounds, while conducting close quarters combat (CQC) training during exercise Tradewinds 2022 (TW22) at Hattieville, Belize, on May 14, 2022. CQC is a tactic used within a very short range of enemy combatants that involves a firefight. TW22 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored Caribbean-focused multi-dimensional exercise conducted in the ground, air, sea, and cyber domains, designed to provide participating nations opportunities to conduct joint, combined, and interagency training focused on increasing regional cooperation and interoperability in complex multinational security operations.

Spc. Tyler Wischerman, a Soldier assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, engages the target during the International Sniper Competition 2023 at Fort Benning, Georgia, on April 11, 2023. The snipers at the competition had to demonstrate critical battlefield skills, including stealth, reconnaissance, fitness, and the ability to adjust under pressure.

Rifleman standing near a chipped wall, with firearm in hands.

Kosovo Force (KFOR) Regional Command-East (RC-E) Soldiers with the Medical Evacuation Detachment assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Sgt. Jacob Anderson and Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Bonillas, with the Arizona National Guard, and Sgt. Kimberly Young wait for a UH-60 Blackhawk to arrive while conducting hoist training at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo on Jan. 6, 2023.

B CO, 2-501 General Support Aviation Battalion crews train safely and accurately to engage the enemy from their CH-47 Chinook.

Armed Soldiers, Taken During an Exercise of the Bundeswehr with Armed Forces From Norway and the Czech Republic During the Wettiner Schwert Exercise As part of the Quadriga 2024 in the training Town of Schnoeggersburg, 08 04 2024 Schnoeggersburg Germany

U.S. Air Force security forces trainees practice clearing rooms as part of the field operations block of training during the U.S. Air Force security forces apprentice course at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Oct. 23, 2022. The field operations course is part of a six-week course designed to teach the basic skills necessary to new security forces Airmen.

Soldiers of 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) participate in exercise Dragon Sage on July 24, 2022 at Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah. The Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Soldiers conducted multiple CBRN Recon and Hazard mitigation missions and were assessed on their proficiency. The exercise is designed to test and improve the leathality and readiness of tactical CBRN units across 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne).

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires his rifle during a deck shoot aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 10, 2022. The Combat Marksmanship Program is designed to sustain a units lethality. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli 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 during combat operations.

Technical Sgt. Corban Lundborg, an airman with the 4th Combat Camera Squadron, conducts close-quarter battle (CQB) training July 12, 2022, at the Naval Weapons Station, Joint Base Base Charleston, SC. During this event, airmen conducted refresher training on effective room-clearing techniques, 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

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tyler Litten, a combat arms instructor assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, adjusts his hearing protection 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

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Brian Berling, Alpha Company commander with 3rd Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, speaks during a static weapons display during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 4, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

U.S. Army Sgt. Edgar Brown shouts to a gunner on his right during a simulated convoy attack at Fort Dix, N.J., on May 3, 2007. Brown's unit is being trained by the 1st Army Division Public Affairs in preparation for a mission in support of U.S. Army Central Command. Brown is assigned to the 131st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

Military police from the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Wisconsin National Guard, practice clearing rooms at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center Sept. 26. They are currently attending their annual training here, leading to an upcoming mobilization to Kosovo.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Anthony Olivarez, an engineer equipment operator with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, sets security during a building clearing drill at Military Operations in Urban Terrain Town, Eastern Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, July 19, 2022. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, the "opposing force," exercise an assault operation before being ambushed by Czech Soldiers assigned to the 72nd Mechanized Battalion as part of Combined Resolve 17 in the Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, June 1, 2022. Combined Resolve is a U.S. Army exercise consisting of 5,600 service members, Allies and partners from more than 10 countries, and is designed to assess units' abilities to conduct combat operations effectively in a multi-domain battlespace.

U.S. Army Engineers pull security during a gap crossing as part of Remagen Ready, at Fort Hood, Texas, Oct. 26, 2022. The event represented the early stages of the formation of a Gap Crossing Training Center on post.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Garcia, a mobile police patrol officer assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, secures a building with his team during an active shooter, explosive ordinance disposal exercise June 25, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The intent of the joint agency exercise was to evaluate emergency responders with no advance notice, in order to identify shortfalls in training, communication, or assets, to ensure the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing is ready for real-world situations.

U.S. Air Force Airman Basic Myles Brown, security forces trainee, center, stands in formation with classmates after securing weapons as part of arming procedures during the field operations block of training during the U.S. Air Force security forces apprentice course at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Sept. 22, 2022. The field operations course is part of a six-week course designed to teach the basic skills necessary to new security forces Airmen.

Members of the El Escuadrón de Zapadores Paracaidistas (Spanish Parachute Squadron) signal prior to executing a military free fall from a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing, near Cazaux Air Base, France, May 10, 2022. The MFF was part of exercise Athena, a French-led joint and combined Special Operation Forces exercise that validates the full spectrum of integrated component and partner capabilities.Exercises like Athena allow U.S. service members to train at the operational and tactical echelon as a combined, joint force with SOF setting the conditions for larger operations.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, fire a M3E1 multi-purpose anti-armor anti-personnel weapon system during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 4, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

modern warfare soldiers team in tactical formation have action urban environment colored lighting

During Annual Training 2022, Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers from Charlie Company trained extensively in tactical movements. At the core of those skills is the buddy rush where infantry soldiers practice the most basic skills of combat. According to U.S.Army Field Manual for The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squads; Every Infantryman, from the private enlisted Soldier, to the general officer, is first a rifleman. As such, he must be a master of his basic skills: shoot, move, communicate, survive, and sustain. These basic skills provide the Soldiers ability to fight. When collectively applied by the fire team, squad, and platoon, these skills translate into combat power. Of all branches in the U.S. Army, the Infantry is unique because its core competency is founded on the individual Soldier the Infantry rifleman. While other branches tend to focus on weapon systems and platforms to accomplish their mission, the Infantry alone relies almost exclusively on the human dimension of the indi

Yakima, Wash.- U.S. Army Green Berets with 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) engage in a simulated fire fight at Yakima Training Center, on June 20, 2022. Sage Eagle is a training event where U.S. Army Infantry, Special Operations Forces and Marines share skillsets and best practices with cadets from around the country to better equip them as leaders in combat. During the training the service members conducted various battlefield operations to include civil affairs operations, tactical combat casualty care, close-quarters battle, land navigation and multiple insertion methods in a combat environment.

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, observes M109 Paladin rounds impact during training and table 6 certifications. A Fire Support Team is responsible for forward observations on the battlefield and activities such as target processing for artillery units and brigade maneuvers.

U.S. Marines engage a notional enemy during a live-fire and maneuver range as part of Reconnaissance Certification Exercise at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb 1, 2024. Live-fire and maneuver ranges give Marines the opportunity to engage and destroy targets in a dynamic environment. RCERT is a battalion level exercise that evaluates Marines on all ground reconnaissance warfighting skills and tactics. The Marines are with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division. Marine Corps

Security forces Airmen guard a building during an urban operations training course April 30, 2013, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. During the course, security forces Airmen were evaluated on how they enter buildings, handle detainees and react to attacks.

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct a live fire iteration during a combined arms maneuver live fire exercise on Dec. 13, 2022, at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. Our commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the United States will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO allies. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs.)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 173rd Airborne Brigade prepare to jump out of a Chinook (CH-47) by securing their straps and readying their parachutes at the Novo Selo Training Site, Bulgaria, Feb. 4, 2023. This extensive training improves the Army's overall proficiency, reliability, and lethality. 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.

Special forces operators in a military kayak.

220630-M-GI936-1043 WAHIAWA, Hawaii (June 30, 2022)- Personnel with the Republic of Korea Navy SEALs load magazines during a live-fire range during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. 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.

010531-A-2511W-029. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARDIAN State: Kosovo Country: Yugoslavia (YUG) Scene Major Command Shown: MACOMS

Special forces men paddling Army kayak across the river.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Cody Demorest, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller with All-Domain Effects Team Bravo, 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, coordinates the integration of U.S. Air Force aviation fire capabilities with Lithuanian surface fires as part of Defender Europe 22, Kazlų Rūda, Lithuania, May 25, 2022. 2nd ANGLICO provides a liaison capability to our joint service and NATO allies by educating the ground forces on Marine Air Ground Task Force fires and air support.

Pfc. Samuel Corsolini, a gunner assigned to F Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, pulls security with other Pathfinders as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter takes off after unloading his team and members of 2nd Afghan National Civil Order Patrol Special Weapons And Tactics Team during a vehicle interdiction as part of Operation Pranoo Verbena in order to disrupt Taliban operations in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, March 16.

U.S. Army sniper during a military operation.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment are given instruction on the use of the Project Origin robotic combat vehicle in the Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, June 6, 2022. Project Origin uses autonomous ground vehicles to support Army maneuvers by providing a variety of load packages, depending on the situation, and its use is being demonstrated during exercise Combined Resolve 17 as part of the Army's modernization and emerging technologies initiatives. Combined Resolve is a U.S. Army exercise consisting of 5,600 service members, Allies and partners from more than 10 countries, and is designed to assess units' abilities to conduct combat operations effectively in a multi-domain battlespace.

U.S. Army Reserve Col. Jeremy Berndt, assigned to the 7302nd Medical Training Support Battalion, Medical Readiness and Training Command, Army Reserve Medical Command, based in Madison, Wis., slides an ammo can on a board as he navigates the Double Culvert obstacle on the Field Leadership Reaction Course on Fort McCoy, Wis., May 14, 2022.

Close-up of a commando fighter shooting a submachine gun.

U.S. Army soldiers, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, observe M109 Paladin rounds impact during training and table 6 certifications. A Fire Support Team is responsible for forward observations on the battlefield and activities such as target processing for artillery units and brigade maneuvers.

Soldiers covering each other while moving in a trench on battlefield at night.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 12th Combat Aviation Brigade conducted M240 weapons familiarization for a CH-47 Chinook aerial gunnery evaluation at Grafenwoehr, Germany, July 26, 2022. The 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) prepares for full-spectrum combat aviation operations in support of the United States Army, the United States Army-Europe and other designated combined joint task force headquarters.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, moves into cover during a simulated chemical strike during exercise Combined Resolve 17 (CbR 17) at Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, June 7, 2022. CbR 17 is a U.S. Army exercise consisting of 5,600 service members, Allies, and partners from more than 10 countries, and is designed to assess units abilities to conduct combat operations effectively in a multi-domain battlespace.

Navy SEALs crossing the river with weapons.

U.S. Marines with Marine Rational Force - Europe and NATO allies approach a door during a breaching and clearing mission to display interoperability with allies and partner nations prior to Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 7, 2024. U.S. Marines, in collaboration with NATO allies and partners, gear up for the Nordic Response 24a biennial NATO training exercise designed to advance arctic security, boost global readiness, and promote interoperability among U.S. Forces, Allied, and partner forces. Marine Corps

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, disembark a Finnish NH90 utility helicopter as part of a multinational hot and cold load training in preparation for exercise Vigilant Fox held at Niinisalo, Finland, July 25, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT, and Finish and British army units trained in Finland to further strengthen the relations and interoperability between the nations.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Paul Griffin, command security detachment, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, uses a metal detector to search for hidden weapons caches near a village southeast of Salman Pak, Iraq, Feb. 15, 2008. The village is known to have recently been occupied by insurgents.

of 3