Army Training and Exercises

Scenes of soldiers engaged in training, exercises, and operational readiness activities, emphasizing teamwork and combat skills.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 982nd Combat Camera Company (Airborne) conduct M4 Carbine marksmanship qualifications on Fort Jackson, SC, April 9, 2022. Soldiers qualify their marksmanship every year in order to maintain combat readiness.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 982nd Combat Camera Company (Airborne) conduct M4 Carbine marksmanship qualifications on Fort Jackson, SC, April 9, 2022. Soldiers qualify their marksmanship every year in order to maintain combat readiness.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Kurtzhals, the senior enlisted advisor with 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division provides feedback to Soldiers during an after action review following a platoon situational exercise, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 4, 2022, as the unit prepares for their participation in Defender 22. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

Staff Sgt. Joshua Coats, an operations non-commissioned officer, assigned to 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, demonstrates to a U.S. Soldier with 588th BEB, 3/4th ABCT, how to tie off the detonation cord to an improvised demolition charge during a demolition range at Zagan, Poland, Aug. 30, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward-deployed corps in Europe.

Pfc. Trevor Surico-Pink, left, and Spc. Daniel Johnson, assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, move down a walkway while clearing building 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. Army Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Alverez, a platoon sergeant assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, runs for cover during a platoon live-fire exercise at Fort Drum, Jun. 29. The battalion is honing its warfighting skills for an upcoming deployment to Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, slated for later this summer.

First Lt. Liam McNeil, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), disassembles and reassembles a M17 pistol during the ESB (Expert Soldier badge) weapons practice lane on Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Oct. 26, 2022. The ESB 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 National Guard Sgt. Jayme Wilcox conducts a dismounted patrol during a field training exercise on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., May 8, 2019. The exercise is the capstone event for Infantry Advanced Leader Course 19-002, hosted by the New Jersey Army National Guards 254th Regional Training Institute (Combat Arms). The three-week course focuses on leadership and technical skills required to prepare Soldiers to become squad leaders and platoon sergeants. This image was captured with a tilt-shift lens.

U.S. Army Sgt. Tristan Handy, an ammunition team chief assigned to 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment (Battleking) 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, delivers ammunition out of a Carrier Ammo Tracked vehicle on the final day of Exercise Dynamic Front 24 at Polatlı Training Area, Türkiye, Feb. 19, 2024. Exercise Dynamic Front 24 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-directed, 56th Artillery Command-led fires-centric exercise in Germany and Türkiye. Artillery Soldiers train in a joint-combined environment, focusing on fire interoperability, command and control between multinational units, and using Artillery Systems Cooperation Activities protocol systems. Army Reserve

A Soldier of Squad 7, United States Army Reserve, makes adjustments to their iron sights at a zero range during the US Army Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 2, 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 Photo by Staff Sgt. Kyle Castrovinci)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class, 133rd Security Forces Squadron, fires his M4 carbine during a simulated ambush at Volk Field, Wisc., June 14, 2022. Blood is participating in the first-of-its-kind wing-wide Agile Combat Employment (ACE) exercise for the 133rd Airlift Wing. He will be able to project combat power anytime, anywhere, while remaining operationally capable is the competitive edge the wing intends to sharpen over the coming days.(U.S. Air National Guard photos by Tech. Sgt. Bristol L. Evasco)

A U.S. Soldier with 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division sends a situation report during Vigilant Fox, a joint exercise including Finnish soldiers, U.S. Soldiers, and British soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, Rifles Regiment, at Niinisalo, Finland, July 27, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 10th Special Forces Group trains with a claymore mine during a live-fire exercise at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 16, 2022.

U.S. Army Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition participate in land navigation course 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 and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army photo Spc. Zachery Frost)

Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Williams, platoon leader for 3rd Platoon, Blackhorse Company, 2-3 Infantry Regiment, 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team wears upgraded Integrated Visual Augmentation System goggles while being interviewed by an Army public affairs reporter before a movement-to-contact urban raid exercise on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., August 24, 2022. The exercise was part of a two-day demonstration event hosted by the Program Executive Office of Ground Combat Systems with the aim of integrating soldier feedback into the development of new military combat technology.

Spc. Kelan Ellison, Soldier with the 337th Military Intelligence Battalion, conducts patrol lane tasks during the Military Intelligence Readiness Commands Best Warrior Competition, Camp Bullis, Texas, April 5, 2022. Winners in both the enlisted and noncommissioned officer categories will represent the MIRC in the U.S. Army Reserve Command's Best Warrior Competition this summer.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 412th Civil Affairs Battalion participate in parachute landing fall training at Joint Base Cape Cod, Mass. July 19, 2022. Paratroopers practice parachute landing fall techniques as it allows them to land safely and without injury. The technique is used to displace the energy of the body contacting the earth at high speeds. Operation Viking exercise purpose is to increase civil affairs mission essential proficiency, Soldier and unit readiness while advancing the airborne progression through sustained tactical operations.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joseph LeVeille, assigned to 4th Combat Camera Squadron, 315th Airlift Wing, participate 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.

Sgt. Richard Carlson, a Health Care Specialist with the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Battalion, 94th Cavalry Regiment loads his magazine for the Croatian service rifle as part of the weapons qualification task during the Croatian Best Soldier Competition on May 24, 2022, near Slunj, Croatia. Croatia and Minnesota have worked together for over 25 years as part of the National Guards State Partnership Program which enable them to particpate in events like this. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette)

U.S. Army Spc. Austin Manville, an infantryman assigned to the 101st Cavalry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, waits to begin a 12 mile tactical march at Joint Base Cape Cod, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, May 11, 2022. In addition to carrying a rucksack, each soldier wore a Fighting Load Carrier and carried a rubber M4 carbine to simulate conditions during combat operations.

A Soldier with 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), checks his optics before competing in a stress shoot range during Menton Week at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., December 6, 2022. Menton Week is held each year in celebration of the Special Forces heritage. This years Menton Week celebrated 65 years of the 1st SFG (A).

A U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) specialist fires his weapon to hit targets during the TACP 2022 Lightning Challenge at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Nov. 4, 2022. Lightning Challenge tests United States Air Force TACP Airmen through competition in agile combat employment, physical ability and marksmanship in order to identify the most outstanding multi-capable Airman in the world, prepared to fight and win on the all-domain battlefields of the future.

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston participates in the 82nd Airborne Division Little Group of Paratroopers (LGOP) range on Fort Bragg, N.C. on Apr. 4, 2022. This stress shoot is designed to measure the physical fitness and shooting capabilities of a Paratrooper in a stressful environment.

Tactical air control party Airmen with the 113th Air Support Operations Squadron scan the sky for an aircraft during a close air support training mission at Jefferson Range in Jefferson Proving Ground, Ind., May 17, 2022. TACPs from the 113th ASOS provide joint terminal attack controller capabilities to air assets to execute military ground commanders intent.

U.S. Army Sgt. Cristalie Ortiz, a religious affairs noncommissioned officer with the 325th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, sends a report via radio as part of a religious support readiness training exercise at East Range on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Feb. 1, 2024. Unit ministry teams received brief training on radio operations and were expected to demonstrate proficiency at sending up a report in order to improve combat readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. Army

GREYWOLF Trooper, Pfc. Makindy Beauchamp, assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division shows Polish soldiers from the 1st Warsaw Brigade the Abrams M1A2 SepV3 main battle tank. This demonstration was part of the Abrams Tank Summit and was the first time these Polish soldiers had the opportunity to view the SepV3.

A British Paratrooper runs and drags his MC-6 parachute towards the objective on Glen Rock Drop Zone during Leapfest 2022 at Exeter, Rhode Island, August 6, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community.

Spc. Ashraf Fanidi, an intelligence analyst assigned to 2-158th Attack Helicopter Battalion, performs timed weapon assembly, disassembly, and functions check during the 7ID Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 21, 2022. The three-day competition was held to recognize the best Soldier and noncommissioned officer in the division through various tests including a ruck march, obstacle course, land navigation, R2 performance test and a board.

U.S. Army Maj. Robert Churchill, operations officer assigned to 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, runs up a hill during a Spur Ride at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 25, 2022. Soldiers from various units participated in the Spur Ride, a challenging event where physical fitness and teamwork are needed to emerge and earn their spurs.

Reserve Citizen Airmen of 944th Fighter Wing Security Forces train and shoot an M240 machine gun during heavy weapons qualifications at the Arizona National Guard Weapons Training Range in Florence, Ariz., Aug. 5, 2022. The Airmen qualified on the the M203 grenade launcher, and M240 and M249 machine guns.

Staff Sgt. Mark S. Owens and Spc. Brady L. Dunn, Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians with 759th Ordnance Company, competes at the all-Army Team of the Year competition at Fort Carson, Colorado, May 17, 2022. This year, 71st Ordnance Group hosts the all-Army Team of the Year where teams 52nd Ordnance Group, 71st Ordnance Group, 48th Chemical Brigade, 303rd Ordnance Battalion, and 718th Ordnance Company, put their skills to the test to tasks in a physically and mentally demanding training environment.

U.S. Army Sgt. James Poirier, an automated logistical specialist assigned to the 1109th Theater Aviation Support Maintenance Group, Connecticut Army National Guard, pulls security from the cover of a light medium tactical vehicle during a downed aircraft recovery exercise at Stones Ranch Military Reservation, East Lyme, Connecticut, June 22, 2022. Poirier was one of many soldiers part of the quick reaction force that was sent out to secure and repair the simulated downed aircraft.

060305-A-3733B-011. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE SHEPHERD Base: Hohenfels State: Bavaria Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: TF 1-26

U.S. Sgt. Darrell Utt, left, and members of Squad 2, representing the U.S Army Training and Doctrine Command in the Army Best Squad Competition, shoots an azimuth towards the location of a simulated enemy during patrol lanes on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. The week-long competition will assess each squad on their technical and tactical proficiency, as well as their ability to work as a disciplined and cohesive team, featuring a multitude of fitness, knowledge and combat-related events.

Staff Sgt. Timothy Rebich, Combat Medic Specialist, Regional Health Command-Europe, perform the low crawl during an physical training exercise for the Army's Best Medic Competition. Twenty-two two-Soldier teams from all around the world traveled to Fort Hood, Texas to compete in the finals to be named the Armys Best Medic. The competition is a 72-hour arduous test of the teams physical and mental skills. Competitors must be agile, adaptive leaders who demonstrate mature judgment while testing collective team skills in areas of physical fitness, tactical marksmanship, leadership, warrior skills, land navigation and overall knowledge of medical, technical and tactical proficiencies through a series of hands-on tasks in a simulated operational environment. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Herman)

U.S. Army Rangers, assigned to the 5th Ranger Training Battalion conduct an airborne jump from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on Stringer Drop Zone in Dahlonega, Ga., Jan. 2, 2024. The annual training event gives Rangers an opportunity to become proficient paratroopers while giving the local community a chance to see Rangers train in the Dahlonega area. Army Reserve

Airmen from the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, build a forward operating base, where they will live and conduct operations during the Raging Gunfighter exercise at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 17, 2022. Raging Gunfighter is an Air Combat Command exercise designed to simulate operating as a Lead Wing from an Austere Environment.The purpose of this exercise is to prepare the 366th Fighter Wing for potential Agile Combat Employment (ACE) operations around the world.

Soldiers from 615th Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade practice moving a simulated casualty during a convoy react to contact training exercise at Oberdachstetten Training Area, Germany, April 28, 2022. Exercises like this help to keep Soldiers familiarized with buddy carries and tactical movements.

Sgt. Cuong Hyunh, attached to 7th Infantry Division, shoots at a target during the First Corps marksmanship competition on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, February 29, 2024. The marksmanship competition is composed of 13 teams from units across the I Corps area of responsibility. Army

Army Pfc. Kevin Erickson from Amery, WI, attached to 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, goes through the Improvised Explosive Device Clearance Training Class at Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany, July 16, 2013. The IED Clearance Training is designed to teach soldiers what to look for when clearing a route in order to identify possible IED locations.

U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher Braley, assigned Arctic Battery, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery, 41st Field Artillery Brigade, use the integrated winch system to load rocket pods into the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (M270 MLRS) in preparation for a live fire demonstration during Molly Pitcher Day at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Aug. 31, 2022.

Airmen from the 171st Air Refueling Wing and the 911th Airlift Wing take part in a Combat Lifesaver Course, May 15, 2022, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The students were run through a series of realistic trauma scenarios using tactical maneuvers to approach casualties then provide frontline life-saving medical treatment.

Tech. Sgt. Elias Aggen, a 91st Security Forces Group Defender communicates with his team during Bully Vigilance, an exercise designed to test the 91st Missile Wings readiness to respond to an outside threat at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Oct. 13, 2022. Exercises like BV provide training opportunities for components, units and task forces to deter, and if necessary, defeat, a military attack against the United States and to employ forces as directed by the President.

Spc. Brock Cerneka of Youngstown, Ohio, a Military Police with the Ohio National Guards 838th Military Police Company begins the stress shoot event during the Region IV Best Warrior Competition on May 12, 2022. He is one of twelve National Guard Soldiers competing in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette.)

Staff Sgt. Blake Hale, assigned to 9th Mission Support Command squad, assembles and disassembles a M17 pistol July 19 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, during the individual lanes 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.

British Army Officer Cadets with The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst conduct a simulated assault during training at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Nov. 15, 2022. The simulation is one of the many training challenges that lie between an Officer Cadet and their commissioning as an Army officer from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Senior Airman Kaleb Karr, 822nd Base Defense Squadron member, poses for a portrait while manning a defensive fighting position at Avon Park Auxiliary Airfield, Florida, July 23, 2022. Karr and the 822 BDS were participating in Agile Flag 22-2, testing the 23rd Wing's ability to utilize their A-staff to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the Wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment.

Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade review plans for movement during exercise Dynamic Front 22 in the Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, July 20, 2022. DF-22, led by 56th Artillery Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa directed, is the premiere U.S.-led NATO Allies and Partners-integrated fires exercise in the European theater focusing on fire interoperability and increasing readiness, lethality and interoperability across the human, procedural and technical domains.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Matthew Pierson, company commander of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, addresses his Marines after a company hike at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, May 21, 2022. Lima Company convened with other units from 3/23 at Fort Campbell for a Mission Rehearsal Exercise to prepare for the upcoming Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 4-22 in the summer of 2022. The Marines of India Company and Lima Company conducted live-fire maneuver training on a range designed to simulate the training areas at ITX.

U.S. Army Spc. Anthony Falson, assigned to 21st Theater Sustainment Command, conducts timed and graded weapon maintenance during day one of the U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 8, 2022. Teams 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.

U.S. Army Sgt. Spencer Fayles, a combat medic with the 144th Area Support Medical Company, representing the Utah National Guard in the All Guard National Best Warrior Competition, programs a radio during Army Warrior Task in Milan, Tennessee, July 26, 2022. Fourteen of the nations best National Guard junior enlisted Soldiers and noncommissioned officers participate in an intensive, six-day competition throughout Tennessee to determine who will be named the Army National Guard's best-of-the-best.

040203-M-6795S-004. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Fuji State: Honshu Country: Japan (JPN)

Combat engineers with the 116th Brigade Engineer Battalion participated in their annual training of demolition and explosive breaching through doors and wall structures on May 6, 2022. Combat engineers provide support of mobility, counter mobility and survivability for Soldiers within the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team during combat missions. Our job is to make sure that we proficiently enable our combat personnel to move from point A to point B, said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Smith, platoon sergeant with the 116th BEB. Counter mobility is to keep the enemy from moving forward, so that we can move forward with our mission. We go in and get the good guys if they are trapped or we go in where there are bad guys behind a door, and it is imperative we do this safely with maximum survivability.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Soldiers from the 62nd Ordnance Company (EOD) demonstrate their lifesaving and mission-enabling skills during a U.S. Army recruiting event on Fort Carson, Colorado. The Army EOD technicians displayed their robots and bomb suits for busloads of students and community leaders. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Scyrrus Corregidor.

A U.S. Army Soldier from 1st Infantry Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, rucks during convoy operations on Pohakuloa Training Grounds, Hawaii, Oct. 31, 2022. Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 23-01 is a realistic training rotation allow us to rehearse strategic movement, and train in unique environments and conditions where they are most likely to be employed in the event of crisis or conflict.

A U.S. Army soldier assigned to Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, prepares his turret before a convoy training exercise as part of the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise on July 21, 2022, at Ft. Drum, N.Y. More than 2,500 Soldiers are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win.

A U.S. Army soldier assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division clears an M4 carbine during the E3B competition at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, February 6, 2024. E3B refers to the combined testing for the Expert Infantryman Badge, Expert Soldier Badge and Expert Field Medical Badge. Army

U.S. Army Spc. Joshua Kramer, tank driver from 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, watches his crew members on the turret during vehicle draw activities on the second day of the Sullivan Cup, at Fort Benning, Ga., April 26, 2022. During day 2, Sullivan Cup crews have an equipment layout, draw vehicles and conduct PMCS (Preventive Maintenance Checks), to ensure that their vehicles will be ready to perform for the competition.

U.S. Army Pfc. Gabriel Carrington, assigned to 21st Theater Sustainment Command team, assembles a radio 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.

Competitors participate in various warrior tasks during the 2022 National Guard Bureau Region 2 Best Warrior Competition, held May 17-20, 2022, at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia. The Best Warrior Competition is a physically and mentally challenging three-day competition that tests competitors on a wide range of technical and tactical skills relevant to todays combat operating environment. Region 2 consists of competitors from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional winners from across the nation will advance to compete at the national-level competition this summer.

Providers assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division discuss and prepare for convoy 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.

13F advanced individual training students of Bravo Battery, 1-78th Field Artillery Battalion, conducted their culminating training exercise on 14 February on top of OP Andrews. CPT Ryaan Villagomez, the Bravo Battery Commander coordinated with the C-UAS school house and drone pilots to provide the students with a demonstration of a new UAS/UAV platform.

Senior Airman Jared Dickson, representing the 151st Air Refueling Wing, and Spc. Wesley Young, representing the 65th Field Artillery Brigade, run down the road during the ruck march portion of the Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition, Oct. 18, 2022, at Camp Williams, Utah. The Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition is an annual event that brings together Soldiers and Airmen from the major commands to compete for the title of Soldier/Airman-of-the-Year, Noncommissioned Officer-of-the-Year and Senior NCO-of-the-Year. The Army winners of this competition will represent the Utah Army National Guard at the Region VII Best Warrior Competition next spring.

MIHAIL KOGĂLNICEANU, Romania-- Spc. Jenkins, crew chief with Bravo Company, 3-227 Assault Helicopter Battalion, prepares for aircraft start-up during air movement and air assault training with the Romanian 9th Mechanized Brigade. Regular interoperability training with NATO partners and allies builds trust and readiness, increasing the capacity for deterrence and defense.

U.S. Army Soldier Sgt. 1st Class Nyenwe Nmegbu of A Company, 526th Brigade Support Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) supervises his Soldiers conducting a Forward Arming Refueling Point (FARP) at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania Jan. 24, 2023. A group of 6 Soldiers refueled a Sikorsky UH60 Black Hawk helicopter that needed more fuel after conducting a training mission.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Arrio Granum, center, a platoon leader assigned to Bravo Troop, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, briefs his Soldiers prior to a presence patrol around Forward Operating Base Fenty in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, Aug. 22, 2013. The morning patrol was to check the security of the base's perimeter and to engage area residents.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Anthony Romeo, a budget analyst non-commissioned officer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, pulls outward security while on a dismounted patrol during an improvised explosive device (IED) training course at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 23, 2022. Overseen by U.S. Army Combat Engineers, the training lane put Soldiers through a realistic training environment, allowing them to find and understand the weapons and technology used by enemy forces, increasing their readiness, lethality, and unit cohesion.

U.S. Air Force Airman Basic Cheyenne Torres, security forces trainee, issues paint round ammunition to classmates as part of arming procedures during the field operations block of training for 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.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Haynes, a Soldier assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, competes in 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.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade prepare to conduct an airborne operation alongside Italian Army paratroopers with the Brigata Paracadutisti "Folgore" near Aviano, Italy on Jan. 26, 2023. The 173rd is the U.S. Army's contingency response force in Europe, providing rapid forces to the United States European, Africa and Central Commands areas of responsibilities. Forward-based in Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build interoperability and strengthen the Alliance.

The New Jersey Army National Guard 114th Infantry Regiment and 150th Aviation Regiment conduct air assault insertion and company attack at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Feb. 10, 2023. This exercise trained on warrior tasks and demonstrated combat capabilities in preparation for Joint Regional Training Center Rotation May 2023.

Brigade network and communications specialists train on the assembly and operation of the U.S Armys OE-254, a ground based communications antenna at the Rosemount National Guard Training and Community Center in Rosemount, Minn., Sept. 18, 2022. The 40-foot tall antenna is built to withstand up to 90 mph winds and extend communication abilities of the unit to 36 miles across normal terrain.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dawson Biggers, a heavy equipment operator with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, sets a tripwire obstacle during Summer Pioneer 2022 on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 20, 2022. Summer Pioneer 2022 is a naval engineering exercise demonstrating integrated U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy formations to establish and sustain Expeditionary Advanced Bases and Maritime Domain Awareness.

Staff Sgt. Michael Breault, representing the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, drags a simulated casualty during the medical lanes portion of the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 1, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition succeeds the Army Best Warrior Competition and extends the competing element from the individual level to the squad level, as Soldiers never fight alone; the unbreakable bonds forged through shared hardship and unending support for one another are the hallmark of our most successful small units.

Soldiers participating in Paralegal Warrior Training Course conduct detainee operations as part of the field training exercise portion of PWTC July 25, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. PWTC aims to train and challenge paralegals to conduct peace and wartime missions in accordance with current law, policy and doctrinal guidance.

U.S. Army Sgt. Donair Mason runs along a tank trail during the combat run event as part of Medical Readiness Command, Pacific's Fiscal Year 2023 Best Medic Competition, Oct. 27, 2022 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Eight top Soldiers from across MRC,P competed in ten events over three days including a 15-mile ruck march, water survival tests, marksmanship, combat casualty care, and more.

Staff Sgt. Bryce Butler, a Critical Care Flight Paramedic with 1st Infantry Division, briefs medics from 10th Mountain Division ahead of a simulated training event on May 28 at Fort Knox, Ky. The medics spent their Saturday training with the MEDEVAC team in preparation for Cadet Summer Training. After reviewing different injuries and how to treat them, groups of six Soldiers were taken up in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter as part of the training. | Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 555th Engineer Brigade, I Corps, study instructional materials in preparation for their next event as part of the warrior lanes exercises for the I Corps Best Squad Competition, June 22, 2022, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Eleven squads competed over five competition days in events including marksmanship, fitness tests, field exercises, obstacle courses, a ruck march and a review board.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st. Lt. Blake Gunn, a platoon commander with Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), establishes communications during a force-on-force exercise on Russaro Island, Finland, Aug. 10, 2022. During the exercise, U.S. Marines acted as the opposing force for Finnish soldiers. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 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.

U.S. Army Spc. Bryan Hutchins conducts a weapons familiarization session with the SA80A3, the British armys standard issue rifle, during Exercise Eager Lion 22 in Jordan, Sept. 11, 2022. Eager Lion is a multilateral exercise hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, designed to exchange military expertise, and improve interoperability among partner nations.

A Soldier with the 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), writes down the azimuth for a location during a direct fire live fire on a range at Fort Knox, KY April 25, 2022. The purpose of this training is to execute a decentralized division training density from dispersed field environments in order to enhance readiness, while stressing communications and sustainment systems across extended distances.

SAGAMI GENERAL DEPOT, Japan 1st Lt. Daniel Andrews, quartermaster officer with 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, low crawls during the movement under fire portion of U.S. Army Japan patrol lane testing here April 20. Soldier combat readiness demonstrates deterrence and response capabilities. Only those who meet the standards by demonstrating combat readiness and proficiency skills will be awarded the coveted ESB.

060416-A-6365W-049. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Remagen State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, test fires an M17 pistol. Regular range visits allow soldiers to hone their marksmanship and ensure their weapon is functional.

Staff Sgt. Thomas Walsh, with the 744th Engineer Company, 321st Engineer Battalion, engages moving targets in the novice category on the third day of the U.S. Army Forces Command Weapons Marksmanship Competition Nov. 9, 2016, at Fort Bragg, N.C. The four-day FORSCOM competition features marksmen from the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and the National Guard in events for the M9 pistol, the M4A1 rifle and the M249 SAW, or Squad Automatic Weapon, to recognize Soldiers who are beyond expert marksmen. The multi-tiered events challenge the competitors' ability to accurately and quickly engage targets in a variety of conditions and environments.

Sgt. Benjamin Miller provides medical care during the mystery event of AMCs Best Warrior Competition at Fort Benning, Ga., August 14-17.

Maj. David Matoi, Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade, 1st Armored Division clarifies his battalion's objectives and intent during the brigade's sustainment rehearsal at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, on May 12, 2022; the sustainment rehearsal's purpose was to synchronize the brigade's actions during the exercise, providing effective training to the unit. Soldiers from across the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team Ready First, 1st Armored Division (the current 2nd Infantry Division (ROK-US Combined Division) rotational brigade) participated in the Warrior Ready Strike training exercise to increase their proficiency, learn about operating in the Republic of Korea, and re-affirm the commitment to the ROK-US Alliance.

U.S. Army Sgt. Jordon Robbins, a horizontal construction engineer assigned to the 185th Engineer Support Company, Maine Army National Guard, applies a combat application tourniquet to a simulated casualty at Stones Ranch Military Reservation, East Lyme, Connecticut, May 10, 2022. Each competitor had to identify the simulated wound, apply the appropriate treatment measures for that wound and then had to radio in a nine line MEDEVAC (medical evacuation) request.

Sgt. Ryan Watts, a team leader and carpentry and masonry specialist assigned to the 160th Engineer Company, Delaware Army National Guard patrols with his squad through the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, Pa. July 12, 2022 during the companys annual training.

U.S. Army Rangers, assigned to the 5th Ranger Training Battalion conduct an airborne jump from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on Stringer Drop Zone in Dahlonega, Ga., Jan. 2, 2024. The annual training event gives Rangers an opportunity to become proficient paratroopers while giving the local community a chance to see Rangers train in the Dahlonega area. Army Reserve

Combat engineers with the 116th Brigade Engineer Battalion participated in their annual training of demolition and explosive breaching through doors and wall structures on May 6, 2022. Combat engineers provide support of mobility, counter mobility and survivability for Soldiers within the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team during combat missions. Our job is to make sure that we proficiently enable our combat personnel to move from point A to point B, said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Smith, platoon sergeant with the 116th BEB. Counter mobility is to keep the enemy from moving forward, so that we can move forward with our mission. We go in and get the good guys if they are trapped or we go in where there are bad guys behind a door, and it is imperative we do this safely with maximum survivability.

Spc. Sebastian Poynter, a U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, carries ammunition for an M240 machine gun during the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition in Grafenwoehr, Germany, Aug. 9, 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.

Soldiers with 1st Platoon, B Dog” Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct a platoon live fire on a range at Fort Knox, KY, April 27, 2022.The purpose of this training is to execute a decentralized division training density from dispersed field environments in order to enhance readiness, while stressing communications and sustainment systems across extended distances.

U.S. Army Sgt. Nicholas Sutton, an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat team, 11th Airborne Division, controls a Black Hornet 3 drone at a remote fighting position during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Alaska, April 3, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02, executed in Alaska with its world-class training facilities and its harsh Arctic environment, builds Soldiers and leaders into a cohesive team of skilled, tough, alert, and adaptive warriors capable of fighting and winning anywhere.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeff Allen, left, 146th Contingency Response Flight, California Air National Guard, provides security for medical teams in Rosemount, Minn., July 27, 2022. Allen was participating in a three-day Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) class with other Airmen from the 133rd and 146th Contingency Response Flights, 821st and 156th Contingency Response Groups, 146th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 133rd Security Forces Squadron. On the third day, Allen applied his evidence-based, life-saving techniques and strategies in a field training exercise.

2nd Lt. Daniel Stevens, a shave-tail scout recruit and Sgt. Cole Schryner, a cavalry scout and grader, with the 1st Battalion 152 Cavalry Regiment participate in a Spur Ride, a U.S. Army cavalry tradition that evaluates a new scout's physical and mental fortitude through a series of tests lasting multiple days, at Camp Atterbury, Ind., July 25, 2022. Spur candidates are called as shave-tails which dates back to 1776 when a new soldier would mount a horse with a shaved tail to indicate to other riders that the new soldier was inexperienced.

FORT HOOD, Texas - U.S. Army Spc. Kai Sleezer, an infantryman assigned to Baker Company, 1st 509th Airborne Parachute Infantry Regiment, pulls security during the urban obstacle lane of the FORSCOM Best Squad Competition 2022 at Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 17, 2022. The Best Squad Competition reinforces fundamental Soldier skills and squad level tactics.

Tactical Air Control Party Airmen from the 20th Air Support Operations Squadron secure a simulated victim for transport the 413th Flight Test Squadrons UH-1 Huey Aug. 23 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The New York-based TACP team, in the area for special operations training, teamed up with the Air Forces only rotary wing developmental test squadron for various extraction scenarios and exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), host Soldiers during day two of candidate testing for the Expert Infantry Badge (EIB)/Expert Soldier Badge (ESB) on January 25, 2022.The EIB is awarded to Soldiers who have completed testing designed to demonstrate proficiency in infantry skills.The ESB is awarded to Soldiers who have completed testing and do not serve in the Infantry, Special Forces, or Medical Branches. (U.S. Army photo by: Staff Sgt. Michael Eaddy)

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