Cadet Training Exercises

Images of military cadets engaged in obstacle courses and training exercises to build confidence and skills in various environments.

France, Brittany, Coetquidan, Guer on 2021-09-23. Report on the training of the Inter-Arms Military School in Saint-Cyr Coetquidan in Morbihan. The EMIA recruits its students from among active non-commissioned officers and non-commissioned soldiers selected by competition. The cadets follow a two-year training course. At the end of the first year, they are appointed to the rank of second lieutenant, then lieutenant at the end of the second year. Photograph by Martin Bertrand. France, Bretagne, Coetquidan, Guer le 2021-09-23. Reportage sur la formation de l' Ecole militaire interarmes à Saint-Cyr Coetquidan dans le Morbihan. L'EMIA recrute ses eleves parmi les sous-officiers d'active et les militaires du rang selectionnes par concours. Les eleves-officiers suivent une formation de deux ans. A l'issue de la première annee, ils sont nommés au grade de sous-lieutenant, puis de lieutenant a la fin de la seconde annee. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

Army ROTC Cadets from 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, train on the rappel tower and confidence obstacle course as part of Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., June 9, 2022. | Photo by Erinn Finely, CST Public Affairs Office

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Basic Cadets from the Class of 2026 complete the confidence course at the U.S. Air Force Academy's Jacks Valley in Colorado Springs, Colo., on July 12, 2022. Basic Cadet Training (BCT) is a six-week indoctrination program to guide the transformation of new cadets from being civilians to military academy cadets prepared to enter a four-year officer commissioning program.

First Sgt. Christopher Stevens vaults climbs over an obstacle at the Camp Humphreys obstacle course.First Sgt. Christopher Stevens of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade and Master Sgt. Joseph Cole of the 602nd Aviation Support Battalion competed in the obstacle course event of the mungadai. Originating back in the 13th century, Genghis Khan used this test to select his elite Mongolian cavalry forces. Now it is used to test the leadership and build esprit de corps among Soldiers. The U.S. Forces Korea mungadai is a one week event designed to test these very skills.

U.S Marine Corps recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct the obstacle course on Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, April 8, 2022. The "O-Course" is comprised of various obstacles and is designed to instill confidence in recruits by overcoming physical challenges.

Staff Sgt. Donnell Mcghee from 11th Airborne Division rappels off the training tower during Air Assault Class on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK June 15 to become Air Assault qualified with instructors from 25th Infantry Divisions Lightning Academy. (Photo taken by Staff Sgt. Christopher Dennis/11th Airborne Division Public Affairs Office)

Sgt. 1st Class William Baker, a drill sergeant representing Ordnance School, reaches the top of a rope during the obstacle course event as part of the Combined Arms Support Command Best Squad/Drill Sergeant of the Year competition at Ordnance Campus, Fort Gregg Adams, Va. The CASCOM BSC/DSOY Competition reinforces fundamental Soldier skills while promoting esprit de corps.

France, Brittany, Coetquidan, Guer on 2021-09-23. Report on the training of the Inter-Arms Military School in Saint-Cyr Coetquidan in Morbihan. The EMIA recruits its students from among active non-commissioned officers and non-commissioned soldiers selected by competition. The cadets follow a two-year training course. At the end of the first year, they are appointed to the rank of second lieutenant, then lieutenant at the end of the second year. Photograph by Martin Bertrand. France, Bretagne, Coetquidan, Guer le 2021-09-23. Reportage sur la formation de l' Ecole militaire interarmes à Saint-Cyr Coetquidan dans le Morbihan. L'EMIA recrute ses eleves parmi les sous-officiers d'active et les militaires du rang selectionnes par concours. Les eleves-officiers suivent une formation de deux ans. A l'issue de la première annee, ils sont nommés au grade de sous-lieutenant, puis de lieutenant a la fin de la seconde annee. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

Cpl. Mike Carbajal, combat medic specialist with the 421st Medical Battalion-Multifunctional, climbs over an inverted wall during the 30th Medical Brigade Best Squad Competition at Franken Kaserne military base, Ansbach, Germany on Feb. 28, 2024. Participants were required to climb over the wall three times followed by moving five boxes over the wall then moving six 45-pound plates through the center of the obstacle. Events like these are used as a test of grit and toughness, foster readiness and esprit de corps, and are a fundamental part of the Brigade's method of building lethal, cohesive teams and expert leaders. Army

Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen climb a rope at an obstacle course during their Summer Training Program at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 13, 2022. NROTC Midshipmen Summer Training develops and trains Midshipmen in order to provide the Fleet a competent and professional Naval Service Commissioned Officer.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, navigates an obstacle during the confidence course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 13, 2022. Recruits became physically and mentally stronger by overcoming obstacles that require strength, balance, and determination.

A recruit with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, goes down the rappel tower at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Dec. 5, 2022. The 47-foot-tall rappel tower helps recruits overcome their fear of heights and to trust their gear.

A recruit with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, goes down the rappel tower at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Dec. 5, 2022. The 47-foot-tall rappel tower helps recruits overcome their fear of heights and to trust their gear.

Low angle portrait of armed soldier

A United States team member jumps over an obstacle during the obstacle course for the Fuerzas Comando 2022 competition in La Venta, Honduras on June 19, 2022. Fuerzas Commando is a multinational SOF skills competition that showcases the diversity of the SOF community in the western hemisphere, strengthens our regional partnerships, and demonstrates readiness and interoperability across regional boundaries.

Security Forces trainees at the 343rd Training Squadron move through a series of obstacles during the Individual Tactics and Techniques basic course at Joint Base San Antonio - Camp Bullis on Sept. 20, 2022. The exercise 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Joey Lupardus, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conducts a fast rope drill during a mission rehearsal on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, June 15, 2022. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force's comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Army Sgt. Colby J. Kuberski, an M1 armor crewman gunner assigned to 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, traverses a rope wearing combat equipment during the stress shoot portion of the Sullivan Cup at Fort Benning, Georgia, May 5, 2022. The Sullivan Cup requires mastery of individual tasks, technical and tactical competence, and the ability to demonstrate an array of maneuver, sustainment and gunnery skills.

Army Sgt. Fred Lino Jr., a small arms/artillery repairer with the Hawaii Army National Guards 29th Brigade Support Battalion, makes his way up a log barrier at an obstacle course event at the Army National Guards 2022 Best Warrior Competition at Volunteer Training Site-Milan, Tennessee, July 26, 2022. The competition spans five physically and mentally demanding days as 14 competitors vie to be named the Army National Guards Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. The winners will go on to represent the Army Guard in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition later this year.

Sgt. Benjamin Miller competed in the U.S. Army Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition in Marseilles, Illinois, May 16-20, and is now the 2022 ASC Best Warrior! He will go on and represent ASC at this years U.S. Army Materiel Command Best Warrior Competition.

Sgt. Elijah Clarke, a multichannel transmission systems operator-maintainer assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, climbs the weaver June 7 at Lightning Academy, Schofield Barracks East Range, Hawaii, during the obstacle course for the 2022 USARPACs Best Warrior Competition. The USARPAC BWC 2022 is an annual week-long competition consisting of competitors from multiple USARPAC units across the Indo-Pacific. The noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted Soldiers are evaluated in several categories such as general military knowledge, basic Soldier skills, and physical fitness.

A Georgia Air National Guard firefighter from the 165th Civil Engineering Squadron repels down a training facility building during a 96-hour contingency training at the 165th Airlift Wing, Sept. 14, 2022 in Savannah, Georgia. The purpose of this training exercise was designed to incorporate agile combat employment capabilities as well as challenge the firefighters to think and respond as a multi-capable Airmen force.

Chilean Army Cpl. John Caceres navigates the Tough One during the obstacle course portion of the Texas Military Departments Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift on Mar. 30, 2023. The TMD invites service members from its partner nations to participate in the friendly, six-day challenge. The partnership is part of the National Guard Bureaus State Partnership Program, which pairs National Guards from every state and U.S. territories with partner nations to increase regional security and advance U.S. interests. The program has been successfully building relations for 30 years and now includes 88 partnerships with 100 nations around the globe.

France, Brittany, Coetquidan, Guer on 2021-09-23. Report on the training of the Inter-Arms Military School in Saint-Cyr Coetquidan in Morbihan. The EMIA recruits its students from among active non-commissioned officers and non-commissioned soldiers selected by competition. The cadets follow a two-year training course. At the end of the first year, they are appointed to the rank of second lieutenant, then lieutenant at the end of the second year. Photograph by Martin Bertrand. France, Bretagne, Coetquidan, Guer le 2021-09-23. Reportage sur la formation de l' Ecole militaire interarmes à Saint-Cyr Coetquidan dans le Morbihan. L'EMIA recrute ses eleves parmi les sous-officiers d'active et les militaires du rang selectionnes par concours. Les eleves-officiers suivent une formation de deux ans. A l'issue de la première annee, ils sont nommés au grade de sous-lieutenant, puis de lieutenant a la fin de la seconde annee. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

A U.S. Army Infantry soldier-in-training assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, traverses Eagle Tower November 8, 2022, on Fort Benning.

U.S Marine Corps Capt. David Garza the commanding officer for Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, demonstrates how to complete an obstacle to a recruit on Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, April 8, 2022. This course is used as one of many physical training challenges to prepare recruits to become United States Marines.

Nebraska Army National Guard Staff Sgt. William Cozad, rappel master, Headquarters Headquarters Company, 2-134th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), rappels down a tower during Operation Heartland Fury at Camp Ashland Training Site, Nebraska, Aug. 27, 2022. Operation Heartland Fury was an event hosted by Training Center Command, 209th Regional Training Institute, and consisted of various events and tours of training installations and equipment to show what capabilities are available to support all of Nebraskas units. Some of the events included trench clearing with medical evacuation, leaders reaction course, the rappel tower and vehicle recovery.

Spc. Conner Coleman, a Danville, Iowa, native and cavalry scout assigned to Troop A, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, laughs as he rappels down a tower at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on June 8, 2022. The unit had the opportunity to conduct rappelling familiarization on the bases 60-foot tower during their annual training.

A US Army soldier rappels downward during Air Assault School Phase Three in Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase, Romania, on November 29, 2022. Helicopter rappelling is one of the last events required to graduate Air Assault School.

A Recruit with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, navigates an obstacle during the confidence course aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Feb. 2, 2023. The Confidence Course is composed of various obstacles that challenge recruits mentally and physically.

U.S. Airmen with the 577th Expeditionary Prime Beef Squadron, 1st Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group, pour a concrete pad at Ali Al Salem, Kuwait, Jan. 24, 2022. The pad will be used as a storage location for the 386th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Patrick Evenson)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, conquer the weaver obstacle at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr obstacle course, Germany, June 28, 2022. The training at the obstacle course is designed to improve physical fitness and build teamwork.

U.S. Army Spc. Michael Meng assigned to 3rd Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment overcomes an obstacle during the regiments noncommissioned officer and soldier of the quarter competition at the 7th Army Training Commands Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Nov. 19, 2018.

A U.S. Army Ranger completes a rope crawl over a body of water during the "Combat Water Survival Assessment" portion of the Best Ranger Competition 2022, April 10, 2022, on Fort Benning, G.A.The competition has evolved over the past thirty-eight years from once that was originally created to salute the best two-man "buddy" team in the Ranger Department at Fort Benning, G.A. to determine the best two-man team from the entire United States Armed Forces.

Recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct the rappel tower, November 14, 2022. The rappel tower test recruits fears of heights and builds confidence in their gear. (US Marine Corps Photos by Lance Cpl. Keegan Jones).

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), 21st Signal Brigade, conduct Modern Army Combatives training at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, July 22, 2022. Combatives is the term for hand-to-hand combat training and techniques within the Army branch of the United States military.

Spc. Ivan Torres-Leon, a U.S. Army Reserve horizontal construction engineer, representing the 1st Mission Support Command, navigates the weaver obstacle during the 2020 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition on Sept. 5, at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. Forty-four Soldiers from across the nation travelled to compete in this years Best Warrior, hosted from Sept. 4-10, 2020. The 2020 BWC is an annual competition that brings in the best Soldiers across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of “Best Warrior” among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual ability to adapt and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, which test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

An air assault instructor at Fort Bliss rappels upside down and stops only a few feet from the ground, Oct. 15 at Fort Bliss, Texas.

A U.S. Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 522nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 207th Military Intelligence Brigadeslides along the last section of the Wall Hanger obstacle for Lightning Focus 23 at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 24, 2023. Lightning Focus 2023 provides an opportunity for increasing individual &crew weapons proficiency, training on Basic Soldier Skills, junior Soldier and NCO development, improving unit cohesion & team-building, and scenario-based operational intelligence support training to certify intelligence platforms; building readiness in support of SETAF-AF, USAREUR-AF and USAFRICOM.

LA VENTA, Honduras - U.S. Army service members pass through an obstacle course for Fuerzas Comando competition June 19, 2022, in La Venta, Honduras. Fuerzas Comando is a Foreign Military Interaction exercise designed to enhance multinational and regional cooperation, mutual trust and confidence and to improve the training, readiness, interoperability, and capability of regional Special Operations Forces.

France, Brittany, Morbihan, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon on 2022-03-29. Students from the Ecole Militaire Interarmes (EMIA), the military academy responsible for training army officers recruited internally, i.e. from the ranks of non-commissioned officers and other ranks, take part in a training course at Fort de Penthievre, a fortified structure on the Quiberon peninsula that has become a training base. Photograph by Martin Bertrand.France, Bretagne, Morbihan, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon le 2022-03-29. Les eleves de l' ecole militaire interarmes ( EMIA ), l' ecole militaire chargee de la formation des officiers de l' armee de Terre issus du recrutement interne, c'est-a-dire issus des rangs des sous-officiers et des militaires du rang, participe a un stage d'aguerrissment au Fort de Penthievre, un ouvrage fortifie sur la presqu'ile de Quiberon devenu une base d'entrainement. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

Sergeat 1st Class Jason Pate, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, negotiates obstacles to test his physical capabilities during the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The 72-hour competition included a physical fitness test, obstacle course, combat water survival test, day and night land navigation, combat trauma lanes, a M4 rifle and 9mm pistol stress shoot and a 5K buddy run. Day three concluded with a 12-mile foot march and awards ceremony.

During this years GOLDEN MEDIC Exercise troops were treated to some Basic Military Mountaineering Instruction at Parks Reserve Forces Training Area in Dublin, California. Reserve forces from all over the nation are participating in Operation GOLDEN MEDIC 2001, a multi-unit, medical, field exercise in which the Army transports simulated casualties from the frontline through various staging areas to a main tent. Subject Operation/Series: GOLDEN MEDIC 2001 Base: Camp Parks, Dublin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Soldiers rappel down a 60-foot tower during an Air Assault course hosted at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 6, 2022. Over 200 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a 12-day U.S. Army Air Assault course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling. The students practiced rappelling and belaying on a 60-foot rappel tower. Cadre from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia, traveled as a mobile training team to teach the course.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, conquers the rope bridge at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr obstacle course, Germany, June 28, 2022. The training at the obstacle course is designed to improve physical fitness and build teamwork.

040505-F-2185G-018. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

Recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, complete a 12k hike aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C, April 30. 2022. Hikes are training events that assists in conditioning recruits through exercise, building moral, and creating a sense of belonging between recruits.

Recruits with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, go down the rappel tower at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Oct. 11, 2022. The 47-foot-tall rappel tower helps recruits overcome their fear of heights. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Michelle Brudnicki)

BOSTON (Aug. 22, 2022) U.S. Navy Sailors participate in a training evolution aboard USS Constitution. USS Constitution, is the worlds oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. During normal operations, the active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people a year as they support the ships mission of promoting the Navys history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents. The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ships wooden hull.

POHANG, Republic of South Korea (March. 26, 2023) - A U.S. Marine assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, repels from a tower during Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Young 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROKs combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance.

U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Marcus Smith, 47th Student Squadron training pilot, dangles from a swing and descent landing gear at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, on June 27, 2022. Swing and descent landing gear simulates a parachuting experience and allows pilots to prepare themselves in the event of an emergency ejection.

Sergeat 1st Class Jason Pate, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, negotiates obstacles to test his physical capabilities during the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The 72-hour competition included a physical fitness test, obstacle course, combat water survival test, day and night land navigation, combat trauma lanes, a M4 rifle and 9mm pistol stress shoot and a 5K buddy run. Day three concluded with a 12-mile foot march and awards ceremony.

A U.S. Reconaissance Marine with Maritime Raid Force (MRF), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), rappels down a tower during Helicopter Rope Suspension Technique (HRST) training on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, April 11, 2022. Reconnaissance Marines practice a multitude of infiltration techniques to access any area of operation around the globe. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Airmen participate in an emergency parachute training at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Feb. 6, 2024. Survival, escape, resistance, and evasion training prepares and educates Air Commandos to ensure that the Air Force Special Operations Command has highly qualified, well-prepared Airmen to complete a variety of mission sets at a moments notice. Air Force

U.S. Army Sgt. Fred M. Lino Jr., a small arms/artillery repairer with Hawaii National Guard's Echo Troop, Forward Support Company, 29th Brigade Support Battalion soldier carries his ruck through a water crossing event at the National Best Warrior Competition July 26, 2022 in Milan, Tennessee. The Best Warrior competition challenges competitors with dynamic, realistic situations while evaluating their individual abilities and teamwork.

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class David Samuels, a flight medic assigned to Kosovo Force Regional Command-East, Task Force Aviation MedEvac, uses a high-performance rescue hoist, or HPU, to extract Cpl. Rebecca Rotolo, a communication specialist with RC-Easts Task Force Med, from a rooftop during a vehicle and building extraction training exercise at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, July 6, 2022. In the training scenario, Rotolo was extracted from a rolled-over SVU, evacuated to a buildings rooftop and hoisted into a UH-60 Black Hawk.

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets compete in the obstacle course as a team, June 7. This event, along with several others, provided students with the opportunity to lead and follow. According to camp executive officer, retired Lt. Col. Michael Busteed, most high school students never get the opportunity to serve in leadership positions.

Staff Sgt. Marcos Silverio and Master Sgt. Sean Deam, Charlie flight chief, compete in the Malvesti portion of the Best Ranger Competition, April 12, 2019, at Fort Benning, Ga. Both Airmen are tactical air control party personnel from the 10th Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Riley, Kan.

Soldiers of the 181st Multifunctional Training Brigade navigate the rope bridge obstacle of the Leadership Reaction Course Sept. 27, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. The Soldiers hosted teachers and staff of D.C. Everest Area School District as part of the districts leadership training program.

SANTA RITA, Guam (Jan. 12, 2023) - Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 rappel and fast rope from the EODMU-5 command tower during a training exercise as part of an EODMU platoon certification onboard Naval Base Guam. EODMU-5 is assigned to Commander, Task Force 75, which executes command and control of assigned Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces in the 7th Fleet area of operations. They plan and execute Naval Construction, Expeditionary Logistics, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Maritime Expeditionary Security, and Exploitation Forces assigned to Commander, 7th Fleet for crisis response, humanitarian assistance, and major combat operations.

U.S. Army Spc. Cameryn Usher, assigned to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, Texas, reaches the conclusion of the second station during the urban obstacle course of the 2022 Regional Health Command-Central Best Leader Competition in Fort Bliss, Texas, April 10, 2022. The urban obstacle course consisted of 12 obstacles and 2km run. The competition promotes esprit de corps throughout the Army while recognizing soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and officers who demonstrate commitment to the Army values and embody the warrior ethos. The competition challenges the Armys best leaders in a demanding, continuous, and realistic simulated operational environment.

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party specialists from the 18th Air Support Operations Group compete in Dragon Challenge 2022 at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina. The annual competition is designed to identify the best Joint Terminal Attack Controller teams within the group by testing the competitors steadfast physical, technical, tactical, and field-knowledge skills under mocked combat conditions.

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey St. Sauveur, a broadcaster with the 2nd Combat Camera Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, repels from a fixed helicopter during training with the 4th Battalion, 10th Group in support of Emerald Warrior, March 3, 2011 at Appalachicola, Fla. Emerald Warrior is a U.S. Special Operations Command-sponsored, multiservice exercise designed to leverage lessons learned from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to provide trained and ready forces to combatant commanders.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Edwin Guardudo (left) and Lance Cpl. Steven Velazquez (right), both machine gunners with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, conduct a leadership reaction course during Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 22-3 at Camp Mujuk, Republic of Korea, July 15, 2022. KMEP is conducted routinely to maintain the trust, proficiency, and readiness of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Guardudo is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Velazquez is a native of Taylorsville, Utah.

Staff Sgt. Andrei Ciont, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, negotiates obstacles to test his physical capabilities during the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. Medics who earn entry into the Best Medic Competition are already among the "best of the best." To be eligible for entry, medics must have received either the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) or the Combat Medical Badge (CMB).2 Both badges require the utmost determination and competence to receive. The overall pass rate for the Expert Field Medical Badge is less than 20%, making it one of the hardest and most respected forms of recognition you can earn in the army.

CIOR competitor, Army Reserve Capt. Danielle Rant, U.S. Army Reserve Command, jumps to the wave wall on an obstacle course near Hammelburg, Germany on July 26, 2022.The Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers Military Competition (CIOR MILCOMP) is a three-day team competition consisting of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations in Europe. It has been around since 1957. The competition is open to all reserve components for both NCO and officer. It is now run on a volunteer basis and funded by former competitors through an alumni association.

021216-M-9248U-012. Base: Fort Huachuca State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MARINE WING SUPPORT SQUADRON 371

U.S. Army Soldiers from around the United States Army Pacific and 25th Infantry Division perform a Combat Water Survival Assessment during Jungle School at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Oct. 11, 2022. The Combat Water Survival Assessment includes soldiers performing dawn and ditch, a 5m platform jump with a weapon, a 5-minute tread, and a 50m swim.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Deanna Gray, a transmission systems operator with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, rappels down a sheer cliff face during Mountain Exercise (MTX) 1-23 at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Sept. 18, 2022. MTX is a month-long exercise designed to prepare units to survive and operate effectively in austere, mountainous terrain.

DM-ST-86-05478. Base: Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Henry Lowry, left, 1st Combat Communications Squadron radio frequency transmission system technician, and Airman 1st Class Emmanuel Estebat, right, 1st CBCS radio frequency technician, secure a guideline for a blue sky mast system during Noble Skywave at U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder, Germany, Germany, Oct. 26, 2022. Noble Skywave is a global contest that sharpens the high-frequency radio skills of participants while also increasing interoperability amongst U.S. Allies and partners.

U.S. Army Spc. Caleb R. Franz, 1430th Engineer Company, 107th Engineer Battalion, Michigan Army National Guard navigates the obstacle course during a Best Warrior Competition warrior task, Fort Custer Training Center, Augusta, Michigan, Sept. 15, 2022. The BWC reinforces fundamental warrior tasks and battle drills, promotes esprit de corps, and recognizes Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to the Army values and embody the warrior ethos.

The Idaho National Guards 101st Civil Support Team partnered with the Boise Fire Department Technical Rescue Team to participate in a ropes rescue course taught by Boise firefighters. The course, which served as an annual recertification for the CST Guardsmen, entailed two weeklong sessions for the 22-member team. The first week, Oct. 10th through the 14th, 2022, started with the classroom portion of learning about ropes rescue as a prerequisite for the hands-on portion of the training. Using what they learned about the ropes, the CST Guardsmen rappelled from tops of buildings at the Boise Fire Departments Fire Training Center. Once the Guardsmen were proficient at ropes rappelling, they practiced ropes rescues using wire rescue baskets at cliffs near the Table Rock trails in the Boise foothills to simulate a large-scale rescue of multiple people. The second weeklong training, Oct. 24th through 28th, 2022, focused on confined space rescues at Boises Lucky Peak Power Plant. The training

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party specialists from the 18th Air Support Operations Group compete in Dragon Challenge 2022 at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina. The annual competition is designed to identify the best Joint Terminal Attack Controller teams within the group by testing the competitors steadfast physical, technical, tactical, and field-knowledge skills under mocked combat conditions.

040717-M-3717S-007. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Fuji State: Honshu Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: 4th Marines

U.S. Army Spc. Jorge Mayim Melendez, assigned to the 103rd Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion, grapples with the belly buster obstacle at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Feb. 8, 2024. The obstacle course physical training event was one part of the weeklong Dagger Leaders Academy. Army

U.S. Army Soldiers attending the Advanced Leaders Course at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer Academy - Fort Eustis demonstrate learned leadership knowledge and skills during the Commandant's Challenge May 19, 2022 at Fort Eustis, Virginia. The Commandant's Challenge is focused on developing leaders of character through an emphasis on the warrior ethos and teamwork in a simulated combat environment.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade handles the wall hanger obstacle at the obstacle course during Bayonet Week at Grafenwoehr, Germany, June 27, 2023. Bayonet Week is a series of competitive events within the 173rd Airborne Brigade that inspire all Sky Soldiers to honor their heritage during the last week of June. These events take place in both Germany and Italy and consist of tournament-style competitions that test strength, endurance, speed, knowledge and indomitable spirit as individuals and teams.

Spc. Mark Adair, a horizontal construction engineer with 207th Engineer Utilities Detachment, takes a brief rest while waiting his turn for the rope ladder obstacle during the Best Warrior Competition held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska May 11. The six-day competition tests Soldiers mental and physical agility and toughness through a series of events that measure technical and tactical proficiency. (Alaska National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Katie Mazos-Vega)

U.S. Army Officer Candidate Alan Babcock from Bravo Company, 3rd Battailon, 11th Infantry Regiment looks down as he reaches the top of an obstacle on Bolton Confidence Course at Fort Benning, Ga., March 13, 2008. Soldiers with the company are in their first week of Officer Candidate School.

A Soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st battalion, 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, rappels out of a UH-60 Black Hawk from the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade during a rappelling training mission at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., on August 3, 2022. This training is done to keep critical scout tasks and capabilities proficient and to maintain high levels of readiness.

Staff Sgt. Jesse Ginestar negotiates the "weaver" obstacle during the Oregon National Guards 2009 Soldier of the Year/NCO of the Year competition, Feb. 27-March 1, at Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Ore. Ginestar, of Klamath Falls, Ore., who is a platoon sergeant with Charlie Troop, 1st Battalion, 82nd Cavalry, won the title of the Oregon National Guard's 2009 NCO of the year.

Marine Corps recruiting stations Kansas City and Des Moines brought more than 40 educators to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego from May 16 to May 20 so they might gain more understanding about the Marine and their recruitment process. The Marine Corps Recruiting Command allows both the Eastern and Western Recruiting Regions to host these workshops once a year for each recruiting station. The goal of the workshop is to allow educators throughout the country to get a peek behind the curtain of how Marines are made and who we are as America's 911 force in readiness. Throughout the workshop, educators are given the opportunity to participate in recruit training events such as the rappel tower, live fire rifle range, and sparring using Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques-- they are also expected to respond to drill instructors as recruits do and move from place to place in platoon formation. Upon completion of the workshop educators are returned home armed with a more intimate

LA VENTA, Honduras - Military forces pass through an obstacle course for Fuerzas Comando competition June 19, 2022, in La Venta, Honduras. Fuerzas Comando is a Foreign Military Interaction exercise designed to enhance multinational and regional cooperation, mutual trust and confidence and to improve the training, readiness, interoperability, and capability of regional Special Operations Forces.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Shane Smith, a public affairs specialist with the 109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 213th Regional Support Group, completes an obstacle course during the units annual training period, July 16, 2022 at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania

Colorado Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Christopher Bailey, 140th Logistics Readiness Squadron, navigates through the obstacle course event during the 2019 Best Warrior Competition, Fort Carson, Colo., Apr 14, 2019. The Best Warrior Competition is an annual event designed to test the physical fitness, military knowledge, marksmanship, endurance and land navigational skills of each competitor.

An Airman from the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron hangs upside down during rappelling training at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., July 9, 2015. Repelling was a portion of a rope rescue class provided to Airmen to prepare them to descend down the side of buildings or enter confined spaces.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Basic Cadets from the Class of 2026 complete the assault course at the U.S. Air Force Academy's Jacks Valley in Colorado Springs, Colo., on July 12, 2022. Basic Cadet Training (BCT) is a six-week indoctrination program to guide the transformation of new cadets from being civilians to military academy cadets prepared to enter a four-year officer commissioning program.

CIOR competitor, Army Reserve 1st Lt. Roman Tirado, Army Reserve Medical Command, lunges for a rope on an obstacle course near Hammelburg, Germany on July 26, 2022. The Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers Military Competition (CIOR MILCOMP) is a three-day team competition consisting of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations in Europe. It has been around since 1957. The competition is open to all reserve components for both NCO and officer. It is now run on a volunteer basis and funded by former competitors through an alumni association.

A new U.S. Marine with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, fast ropes down the rappel tower at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Jan. 27, 2023. Rappel training was conducted to build confidence in Marines and prepare them for any circumstances they may encounter.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jacob Graber, a Pacific Air Forces Civil Engineer Readiness Challenge team member, helps construct a Small Shelter System at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 13, 2022. The 673d Civil Engineer Group sent 34 personnel as part of PACAFs 39-member team to compete at the Air Force Civil Engineer Readiness Challenge hosted April 18 through 22 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Established in 1986, the event challenges CE Airmen to showcase their total mission readiness while competing on integrated base response skills and practices.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Angel Carrion, left, and Pfc. James Barrera, right, both military police (MP) with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, help fellow MP, Pfc. Bryse Bobbitt, center, over an obstacle during the endurance course on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 6, 2022. Marines maneuvered through obstacles as a team during the three-mile course to enhance teamwork and build unit camaraderie.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kyle L. Kraft, combat medic with 512th Field Hospital, maneuvers an obstacle during the Medical Readiness Command-Europe, Best Medic Competition qualification range, Dec. 1, 2022, at Baumholder, Germany. The competition served to test the Soldiers knowledge and warfighting capabilities through a variety of test like weapon qualifications, land navigation, Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and more. The winners will compete at the Army level Best Medic Competition which will be held at Fort Polk, Louisiana in January 2023.

New York Army National Guard Pvt. 1st Class Michael Ellsworth (left) of Hudson Falls, N.Y., and Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Dorvee of Queensbury negotiate the ladder obstacle while competing in the South African National Military Stakes Competition in Potchefstroom Nov. 8-13.South African National Defense Force photo

220729-M-JX780-1051 MAYPORT, Fla. - (July 29, 2022) - Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Damian Finch, assigned to the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Burlington (T-EPF-10), military detachment, coils a rope during sea and anchor detail as the ship departs Naval Station Mayport, July 29, 2022. Burlington is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to support expeditionary maintenance to deployed littoral combat ships operating in the region and conduct theater security cooperation engagements to maintain access, enhance interoperability and build enduring partnerships in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

POHANG, Republic of South Korea (March. 26, 2023) - Republic of Korea Marines observe a U.S. Marine assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, scale a rock wall during Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Young 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROKs combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brady Sloup, 23rd Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, walks MWD Oszkar through an obstacle course during a Leadership Lowndes tour at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Aug. 18, 2022. Handlers took their MWD through obstacle courses as a part of physical conditioning and confidence building, which they showcased to Leadership Lowndes. Leadership Lowndes is an organization that aims to build a better community by exposing existing and emerging leaders to local challenges and opportunities, build networks and prepare members for an active role in community leadership.

A U.S. Army 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.

Sapper competitors complete the rope climbing portion of the obstacle course before sprinting to the finish line. The Best Sapper Competition gives engineers throughout the Army the opportunity to compete in a grueling six phase and three day competition to determine who are the best engineers in the Army.

Day four of the 310th ESC Best Warrior Competition, Feb. 7, 2024 consisted of M4 rifle qualification, an obstacle course and a medical assessment/movement lane. 2nd Lt. Joshua Kersey worked his way over and through the various obstacles at Camp Atterbury's confidence course.

of 2