Combat Simulations and Exercises

U.S. and allied soldiers participating in simulated combat exercises, focusing on tactical drills and teamwork.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Chaos Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1ABCT), operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), simulate combat tactics during a live fire exercise rehearsal at Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Nov. 18, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Chaos Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1ABCT), operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), simulate combat tactics during a live fire exercise rehearsal at Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Nov. 18, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade fire a M240 machine gun during a combined arms blank fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 21, 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.

British Army Officer Cadets with The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst are evaluated on their leadership skills during a simulated assault at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Grafenwoehr, Germany, July 11, 2022. The simulation was part of exercise Dynamic Victory, 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.

Spc. Nicholas Braido, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment participates in personnel recovery training mission Fallen Angel in Mihail Kogălniceanu, Romania, Jan. 28, 2022. 3-227 Spearhead and Iron Ranger soldiers worked alongside Italian airmen to simulate recovery of a downed pilot. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Joshua Thorne)

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Corban Lundborg and Senior Airman Joseph LeVeille, assigned to 4th Combat Camera Squadron, 315th Airlift Wing, participate in soldier skill lanes while competing in the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 19, 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.

Operators from the 20th Special Forces Group run to a landing site to exfiltrate after neutralizing their targets during a live fire training exercise near Chester Township, Michigan, August 6, 2022. The mission was part of Northern Strike, an annual multinational joint training event headquartered at the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center in Michigan.

Idaho National Guard 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team's 2nd of the 116th Combined Arms Battalion teamed up with the Idaho Army National Guards 1st of the 183 Assault Helicopter Battalion to conduct medevac training at the Orchard Combat Training Center on March 30, 2022. The training simulated emergency evacuations of sick or wounded Soldiers from a battlefield. Ground medics preformed medical care on the ground before rushing them to the flight medics aboard the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter who continued medical care while they were flown to the nearby medical facility. This training is a portion of combat training the 2nd of the 116th CAB conducted in preparation to deploy to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield later this year.

U.S. Army Sgt. George Arthur Babbage, a team leader assigned to Viper Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), poses for a picture at Rovaniemi, Finland, Aug. 8, 2022.

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to Brigade Support Battalion (BSB), 173rd Airborne Brigade assigns sectors of fire to his team mates after seizing the objective during a team live fire iteration as part of exercise Repel Resolve II at Monte Romano training site, Viterbo, Italy, Jan. 22, 2024.The Repel Resolve II exercise develops small-team lethality and experience, increasing the battalion's ability to operate across the Brigade Support Area of operation.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 soldier assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, drags a litter full of weights during tryouts for the Best Ranger Competition. The Best Ranger Competition is held annually at Fort Benning, Georgia, where for over 60 hours, ranger-qualified soldiers compete in challenges ranging from physical fitness and marksmanship.

Staff Sgt. Casey Brewer, a platoon sergeant with 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), during a company situational training exercise as part of joint training between the U.S. Army and Finnish army at Rovaniemi, Finland, Aug. 10, 2022.

U.S. Army Chaplain Capt. Matthew Shaw with the 11th Airborne Division speaks with a notionally distressed Soldier as part of a religious support readiness training exercise at East Range on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Feb. 1, 2024. Unit ministry teams trained to improve combat readiness and demonstrate their ability to provide religious support in large-scale combat operations. Army

British Royal Commando in action.

Spc. Aaron Fiscelli of Saint Claire, Michigan, a Health Care Specialist with the Michigan National Guards 1171st Medical Company Area Support Company , fires a M240B machine gun during 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 Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

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U.S. Army Pfc. Kevin Sinram from the Effingham-based Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard, exits a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during training prior to the start of Exercise Southern Vanguard 23 in Tolemaida Military Base, Colombia, Nov. 5, 2022. Exercise Southern Vanguard is U.S. Army Souths premier training exercise taking place at the operational and tactical levels intended to increase interoperability between the United States and Western Hemisphere forces. This years iteration, Exercise Southern Vanguard 23, involves Soldiers from U.S. Army South and the U.S. Army National Guard training alongside Colombian Army soldiers in varying terrain while conducting weapon familiarization lanes culminating in a bilateral military training operation.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Shariff Husseini, 822nd Base Defense Squadron fire team member, conducts surveillance and security during exercise Agile Flag 22-2 at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, July 23, 2022. Base Defense Group Airmen, assigned under the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing, provided base and airfield security throughout the exercise. Agile Flag 22-2 is Air Combat Commands first lead-wing certification event designed to demonstrate the 23rd Wings capability to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the Wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment. (U.S. Airman 1st Class Rachel Coates)

Soldiers assigned to 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division discuss Forward Arming and Refueling Point procedures during a joint FARP at Fort Stewart, Georgia, August 10, 2022. A FARP is a point of operation used for fueling and rearming aircrafts outside of an operating base.

A disciplined and specialized military unit, donned in camouflage, strategically patrolling and maintaining control in a high-stakes environment, showcasing their precision, unity, and readiness for special operations A disciplined and specialized military unit, donned in camouflage, strategically patrolling and maintaining control in a high-stakes environment, showcasing their precision, unity, and readiness for special operations. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/BENISxARAPOVICx 21280504 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

BABADAG TRAINING AREA, Romania-- An Airman assigned to the U.K. 140th Expeditionary Air Wing patrols with his team during personnel recovery training with 3-227 AHB, July 12, 2022.Regular interoperability training with NATO partners and allies builds trust and readiness, increasing the capacity for deterrence and defense.

A rifleman assigned to 7th Battalion, The Rifles, British Army Reserves, engages targets during a live-fire squad training exercise at Northern Strike in Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 10, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

U.S. Army Pfc. Bryant Wade and U.S. Army Sgt. George Babbage, both assigned to Viper Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), pull security during a combined situational training exercise at Sodankyla, Finland, July 20, 2022. The 2nd BCT is assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), under command and control of V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

Camp de conjuers, France, 26 June 2005 13 Air Mobile Brigade practices with Cougar Helicopters.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Hayley Farmer, attached to 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR), 2nd squadron, leads her squad, 3rd platoon, "Ghost Troop" through a Simulated Training Exercise (STX) held by 2CR at Vilseck, Germany Feb. 8, 2024. During the STX soldiers engage in platoon-level training within field and urban environments, enhancing their combat readiness and team cohesion. Army Reserve

Members of 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) carry a weighted trauma dummy on a litter through a river during the best squad competition, 28 June 2022, at Camp Mackall North Carolina. The competition tests the squad's basic soldier skills, tactical and technical proficiency, and team cohesion in physical fitness, land navigation, rifle and pistol marksmanship and tactical operations.

Paratroopers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division don their parachutes and secure equipment prior to loading C-17 for Operation Falcon Blitz on Fort Bragg, NC, Jan. 27, 2023. Paratroopers will conduct an airborne operation in order to enhance brigade readiness and lethality.

U.S. Army Pfc. Brianna Itulauifi, an American Samoa native and combat engineer, with 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, interigates a point of interest for possible improvised explosive devices during a platoon live fire and route clearance training at Trzebien, Poland, Sept. 1, 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.

U.S. Army Paratroopers, assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, prepare to establish a support by fire position with a M240 Bravo machine gun during a combined arms live fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 21, 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.

A Polish Jumpmaster conducts actions in the aircraft with a group of U.S. Army and European Paratroopers during Exrcise Falcon Leap on Eindhoven Air Base, Eindhoven, Netherlands., Sep. 13, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise

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

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Service Battalion (HQSVCBN), U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC), and members of the Marine Infantry Regiment in French Polynesia, French Armed Forces, participate in military operations in urban terrain training at Taravao, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Aug. 30, 2022. The event provided a bilateral training opportunity between the French Armed Forces and Marines with MARFORPAC. The nine Marines and Sailor from HQSVCBN participated in the bilateral training with the French Armed Forces in order to strengthen relationships with the region.

U.S. Army Spc. Luis Zuloeta assigned to 41st Field Artillery Brigade conducts basic medical aid for medical lanes while his squad provides security during the 7ATC/V Corps-level Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, July 13, 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. Winning U.S. Army squads will meet at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, to compete for the title of U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) Best Squad from August 8-12.

Members of the French Forces in Djibouti prepare to fire on a simulated objective during a Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise, or CALFEX, near Arta, Djibouti, Aug. 22, 2022. This was the first time on the African continent that French and U.S. Forces have exercised with a live-fire air assault. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas Johns)

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, prepare c4 explosive for the setup of the confidence charge during live-fire demolition at Pocek Range in Postonja, Slovenia, Dec. 7, 2022. The exercise was held to demonstrate different demolition and explosive breaching training techniques. The 173rd Airborne Brigade 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.

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U.S. Army National Guard soldiers with the 2-113th Infantry Battalion, Bravo Charlie company, New Jersey Army National Guard, conduct gunnery table training exercises using on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 22, 2022. The 113th Infantry Battalion maintains its mission readiness and deployment effectiveness by training in live fire exercises. This training prepares them for an upcoming qualifications test during their two week annual training.

Members of the El Escuadrón de Zapadores Paracaidistas (Spanish Parachute Squadron) prepare to execute a military free fall 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.

A U.S. Soldier attached to 3rd squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, drags a simulated casualty to safety during a Live Fire Exercise (LFX) at Vilseck, Germany Feb. 13, 2024. LFX enables soldiers to build cohesion and lethality as teams, squads and platoons to prepare them to be ready, capable and interoperable. Army Reserve

Connecticut Army National Guard soldiers listen to a safety brief prior to shooting their M17 pistols at the Connecticut Army National Guard Training Center East Haven Rifle Range, East Haven, Connecticut, March 24, 2023. The 2023 Connecticut Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition drew soldiers from across the Connecticut Army National Guard and over the course of three days these competitors faced off against one another in a variety of events testing their physical fitness, land navigation skills, marksmanship skills and warrior task competencies.

An instructor from the 820th Base Defense Group speaks with Airmen from the 423d Security Forces Squadron, during a field training exercise at Stanford Training Area, England, Aug. 17, 2022. Instructors from the 820th Base Defense Group and 435th Security Forces Squadron Ground Combat Readiness Training Center, conducted the exercise to evaluate and bolster the combat readiness skills of the defenders from the 423d SFS.

Joint training exercise with Det 2. 6 Co. 3/238th AVN MEDEVAC, Cox Health and Missouri State Highway Patrol at Hercules Glade Wilderness, Bradleyville, Mo., Oct. 06, 2022. Multiple Missouri departments teamed up to practice life-saving MEDEVAC scenarios. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)

U.S. Solider Spc. Jacob Luce assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 4th Battalion 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team- Airborne (173rd IBCT ABN) unhooks an M119 Howitzer after an airborne drop during Exercise Saber Junction 22 at Hohenfels Training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 8, 2022. Saber Junction 22 is a combat training rotation designed to assess the readiness of the 173rd IBCT (ABN) in executing operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with participating allied and partner nations.

Joint training exercise with Det 2. 6 Co. 3/238th AVN MEDEVAC, Cox Health and Missouri State Highway Patrol at Hercules Glade Wilderness, Bradleyville, Mo., Oct. 06, 2022. Multiple Missouri departments teamed up to practice life-saving MEDEVAC scenarios. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)

U.S. Army 1st Lt. David Storch, a platoon leader assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) calls in notional artillery on notional opposing forces fighting positions during a field training exercise as part of exercise Brave Warrior 2022 at Hungarian Defense Forces Training Area, Bakony, Hungary, Sept. 24, 2022. The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) continues to reinforce NATOs eastern flank and engage in multinational exercises, like Brave Warrior 22, with Allies and partners across the European continent to reassure our Nations Allies and deter further aggression.

U.S. Air Force Cpt. Elizabeth Fantini examines her target during the pistol shooting assessment for the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) July 5, 2022.Fifty-seven Soldiers and Airmen assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa earned the GAFPB July 4-5, 2022, at Camp Simba, Kenya. The badge is a test of physical fitness and shooting proficiency with three levels of the award that can be earned: gold, silver, and bronze. It is a decoration of the Bundeswehr, the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Poland, Mariusz Blaszczak, gives his remarks during a live fire demonstration and static display held at Nowa Deba, Poland, April 12, 2023. The 4th Infantry Division's mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent in order to build readiness, increase our operability, and reinforce our steadfast and loyal commitment to our Allies and partners, which make up an integral part of the Ivy Team.

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (June 7, 2022) U.S. Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 conduct prolong field care training during Valiant Shield 2022. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Army Spc. Veronica Miesch, assigned to the Forward Support Company 119th Field Artillery Regiment, Michigan Army National Guard, operates the crane attached to a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck A4 to lift ammunition in preparation for the live fire portion of Summer Shield at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, May 19, 2022. Summer Shield is one of U.S. Army Europe and Africas multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe that make up Defender Europe 22. Defender demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

Airmen assigned to the 178th Wing Force Support Squadron construct a tent at a simulated forward operating location June 7, 2022 as part of a field exercise during Agile Rage 22 at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan. Through Agile Rage 22, the Air National Guard is developing and validating future tactics, techniques and procedures for distributed and austere operations during Large-Scale Combat Operations.

U.S. Soldiers with 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, pose following 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.

Sgt. Timothy Clemons and 1st Lt. Collin Edwards, part of the Downed Aircraft Recovery Team (DART) with Delta Company, 2-227th General Support Aviation Battalion, establish communications during a downed aircraft training scenario with a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from Bravo Company, 3-227th Air Assault Helicopter Battalion, during Exercise Swift Response, Skopje, North Macedonia, May 15, 2022. Exercise Swift Response 2022 is an annual multinational training exercise, which takes place in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltics, and Balkans from May 2-20, 2022. It aims to present combat credible Army forces in Europe and Africa and enhance readiness by building airborne interoperability with Allies and Partners and the integration of joint service partnerships.

Cadet Cooper Seethoff, Washington State University, competes in the Confidence Course event on February 10 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wa. Army ROTC Cadets from the northern portion of 8TH Brigade Army ROTC competed in the Task Force North Ranger Challenge February 9-10. The winners of 8th Brigades Task Force North and South Ranger Challenges will go on to represent the 8th Brigade Vikings at the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition held at the United States Military Academy in April. | U.S. Army

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An Air Force tactical air control party specialist, assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, recovers his parachute after landing at Geronimo Drop Zone, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 31, 2022. Air Force special warfare and combat weather Airmen and Army paratroopers, supported by Alaska Army National Guard aircrew from the 207th Aviation Troop Command, conducted the training to demonstrate airborne and mission-readiness skills in austere conditions.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brandon Sweeney, C-17A Globemaster III aircraft loadmaster, assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, unload an equipment pallet within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility, April 24, 2022. Aircraft loadmasters are responsible for properly loading, securing and escorting cargo and passengers, calculating proper weight distribution to ensure everything and everyone is safe and secure on flights all over the world.

Soldiers assigned to Hard Rock Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct a Platoon Live Fire Exercise on Sept 27, 2022, at Cincu Training Area, Romania. 101st units will support V Corps mission to reinforce NATOs eastern flank and engage in multinational exercises with partners across the European continent to reassure our Nations allies. (U.S. Army photos by 2nd Lt. Stacey Shaw, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, Unit Public Affairs Representative.)

U.S. Army soldiers of the 146th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 1171st Medical Company Area Support offload roleplaying patients from a Humvee 2-CT Ambulance during a mass casualty simulation at exercise Northern Strike 22-2 in Grayling, Mich., Aug. 13, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge approximately 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that tests their ability to rapidly deploy and provide timely support in a decisive action environment.

MGEN Fred A. Gorden, commander, 25th Infantry Division (Light) discusses maneuvers with his troops during the joint Royal Thai/U.S. Army exercise Cobra Gold '90. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD '90 Base: Chon Buri Country: Thailand (THA)

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Class of 2026 basic cadets participate in the annual march back from Jacks Valley to the United States Air Force Academys terrazzo after completing basic training on July 22, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Joshua Armstrong)

Piotr Karpiński, left, the Marshal representative for The Polish Hunting Association, gives a tour to the forward operating site leaders of one of the ranges at the Torun Training Area surroundings in Poland, April 7, 2022. The purpose of the visit was for the FOS leaders to know the surroundings of the shooting range in the same community as the training area and enhance the relationship with the local community.

Paratroopers across the 82nd Airborne Division finish the 12 mile road march, complete a weapons test, and recieve their E3B on Fort Bragg, NC, April 7, 2023. 371 Paratroopers and Soldiers across multiple units and locations successfully completed E3B.

Spc. Brock Cerneka of Youngstown, Ohio, a Military Police with the Ohio National Guards 838th Military Police Company completes 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.)

U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard train with Mark 19 40 mm grenade machine guns, more popularly referred to as Mk-19, during a crew-served weapons course held at Fort Indiantown Gap and hosted by the PNGs Individual Training Branch. Training included the Soldiers qualifying on the Mk-19 as well as the M2A1 machine gun, M240B machine gun and M249 light machine gun.

A U.S. Army Paratrooper assigned to 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, uses detonation cord during live-fire demolition at Pocek Range in Postonja, Slovenia, Dec. 7, 2022.The exercise was held to demonstrate different demolition and explosive breaching training techniques. The 173rd Airborne Brigade 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 Spc. Jacob Serpas, an indirect fire infantryman with Headquarters and Headquarters Hazard Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment Panther Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, climbs over an obstacle during the Croatian Winter Challenge at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, Jan. 5, 2024. The Croatian Winter Challenge is a 15-kilometer competition consisting of seven events: land navigation, small arms firing, wall climbing, obstacle course while wearing a gas mask, rope crossing, low-crawl and obstacle climbing, and a hand grenade toss. U.S., Polish, Romanian, and Croatian troops representing NATO's enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland participated. The 3rd Infantry Divisions mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe.

United States Army ranger during a military operation.

U.S. Army Sgt. Ethan Handy, left, assists U.S. Army Spc. Jason Willett, both assigned to Delta Battery, 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery, 1 Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, with the adjustments to his M4 Carbines Close Combat Optic at FOS Adazi, Latvia, April 25, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division 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; execute joint, bilateral, and multinational training exercises.

U.S. Army Sgt. Forrest Perry, emergency care noncommissioned officer assigned to the 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, provides feedback during an after action review for a joint multinational medic lane training at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 25, 2022. Defender Europe 2022 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises taking place in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

A disciplined and specialized military unit, donned in camouflage, strategically patrolling and maintaining control in a high-stakes environment, showcasing their precision, unity, and readiness for special operations A disciplined and specialized military unit, donned in camouflage, strategically patrolling and maintaining control in a high-stakes environment, showcasing their precision, unity, and readiness for special operations. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/BENISxARAPOVICx 21245253 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

FORT MEADE, Md. - Pvt. Brandon Badder, a Soldier assigned to the United States Army Signal School Detachment, prepares to step off for an event at the Fort George G. Meade Range, Maryland, April 23, 2022. Rucking is the first and last part of the USASSD's warrior tasks and battle drills culminating event training, bringing together critical aspects of warfighting to enhance Soldier readiness.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Joseph Kurtz, 55th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk Pilot, sets up a tent at Camp Navajo in Flagstaff, Arizona, Jan. 24, 2022. Members from the 55th RQS executed agile combat employment by living and operating out of a contingency location in a simulated arctic environment in preparation for potential real-world scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kaitlyn Ergish)

U.S. Army Sgt. Juan Alejandro, a cavalry scout assigned to the 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, explains scout tactics and maneuvers to Finnish soldiers assigned to the Pori Brigade at Säkylä, Finland, July 5, 2022. The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and the Pori Brigade of the Finnish army began summer training in Finland to strengthen relations and help build interoperability between the two nations.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Norris Matthews, a motor transportation operator with 3rd Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, guides a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement during a bilateral vehicle recovery training during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 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.

Elite military unit, cloaked in camouflage, transports a crate of ammunition through the dense forest, epitomizing strategic readiness and precision in their covert mission Elite military unit, cloaked in camouflage, transports a crate of ammunition through the dense forest, epitomizing strategic readiness and precision in their covert mission. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/BENISxARAPOVICx 21280483 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

U.S. Air Force vehicle mechanic assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing teaches Czech Special Forces members how to operate a mini bike during Emerald Warrior 22.1 at Eglin Range, Florida, May 3, 2022. Emerald Warrior focuses on U.S. and partner nation relationships while emphasizing joint force interoperability.

Oregon Army National Guard Religious Affairs Specialist conduct Unit Ministry Team (UMT) training scenarios; moving Chaplains through the Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) at Camp Umatilla, Oregon on April 30, 2022. Because chaplains are non-combatants and are unauthorized to bear arms, Religious Affairs Specialists provide and support security for Chaplains in vulnerable or hostile environments. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

France, Brittany, Coetquidan, Guer on 2021-09-16. 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 2021-09-16. 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 Soldier assigned to Medical Readiness Command, Europe, plots points on a map as part of the land navigation event during the MRCs Best Leader Competition, at the Baumholder Training Area, Feb. 5-9, 2024. The competition is designed to select the best leaders who will represent MRC, EUR at the 2024 United States Army Medical Command BLC in June 2024. Army

Two Dutch Paratroopers walk off the Drop Zone with their assigned parachute, combat equipment, and weapon during Exercise Falcon Leap at Hechtselse Heide Drop Zone, Hechtel-Eksel, Belgium., Sep. 15, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise.

U.S. Soldiers with E company ("Evil Eye"), 1-3 Attack Battalion, 12 Combat Aviation Brigade partake in "Evil Eye Athletic Competition" held at Feb. 1, 2024, at Bismarck Kaserne, Ansbach, Germany. Army

U. S. Soldiers of Charlie Battery 119th Field Artillery, Michigan Army National Guard, perform call for fire training in preparation for their live fire drills during Exercise Summer Shield 22 at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, May 18, 2022. Summer Shield is one of U.S. Army Europe and Africas multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe that make up Defender Europe 22. Defender demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 522nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 207th Military Intelligence Brigadepractice team work to scale 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.

Candidates plot points on their map during the Land Nav Course.

A National Guard Soldier competing in the 2021 Best Warrior Competition for Region 6, moves through a training course of smoke and other training ordnance at Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Ore., May 7, 2021. Soldiers are competing in nearly 20 events that were part of the 2021 Region VI Best Warrior Competition hosted by the Oregon National Guard. The competition included Soldiers from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. (National Guard

Boy in camouflage suit holding a gun during a fight

Czech Armed Forces Staff Sgt. Maxim Mojžíš lays out his equipment at this years Texas Military Department Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas, March 27, 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.

U.S. Army soldiers of the 146th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 1171st Medical Company Area Support lift a roleplaying patient on a litter into a Humvee 2-CT Ambulance during a mass casualty simulation at exercise Northern Strike 22-2 in Grayling, Mich., Aug. 13, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge approximately 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that tests their ability to rapidly deploy and provide timely support in a decisive action environment.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, plan for 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 group of U.S. Army Paratroopers stand in formation during the opening ceremony for Exercise Falcon Leap on Camp Orange Barracks, Schaarsbergen, Netherlands., Sep. 12, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise

The enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Poland United Kingdom Army soldiers assigned to the Black Dragons Troop and The Royal Lancers, Prince of Whales Troop stand in formation during a Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Oct. 14, 2022. The U.K. Army is proudly working alongside the 1st Infantry Division, NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, under America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

The 111th Military Intelligence Brigade team is graded during the Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center executed Tactical Combat Casualty Care Lane, during the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca Best Squad Competition July 27.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Trevor Liggett, a tactical air control party specialist with Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, climbs a rock formation during mountaineering training at Sunshine Ridge, Alaska, June 28, 2023. The 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen utilize Alaskas varied and austere training locations to prepare for challenging conditions they may face on future missions.

Nijkerk; 12APR2002 © Cavdkm / Rob Gieling Zestien Trainees, engaged in the final exercise Enemy Quest from the practical training to officer of Marines (Potom).

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing strap down cargo for transport during Arctic Edge 24 in Fairbanks, Alaska, Feb. 29, 2024. During AE 24, more than 400 joint and allied Special Operators trained in extreme cold conditions to sharpen SOF readiness across unique specialties like long range fires and movements, special reconnaissance, rapid resupply, personnel recovery, and medical care in the austere Arctic environment. Air Force

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment provides medical care during a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) attack at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22, Sept. 12, 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

Soldiers assigned to 1-229 Attack Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade refuel, rearm, and repair AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and other vehicles at the Forward Arming and Refueling Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Oct. 20, 2022.

Staff Sgt. Melody Warden, member of Squad 3, representing Fires Center of Excellence, applies camo paint during an event of day 2 of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Best Squad Competition 2022. TRADOCs Best Squad competition highlights 10 squads from across the enterprise. This competition shows each team's ability to complete common Soldier tasks and skills as a cohesive, ready, and resilient team, while facing stiff competition from other TRADOC centers of excellence. The competition is from Sept. 12-16, 2022, at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Staff Sgt. Melody Warden, member of Squad 3, representing Fires Center of Excellence, applies camo paint during an event of day 2 of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Best Squad Competition 2022. TRADOCs Best Squad competition highlights 10 squads from across the enterprise. This competition shows each team's ability to complete common Soldier tasks and skills as a cohesive, ready, and resilient team, while facing stiff competition from other TRADOC centers of excellence. The competition is from Sept. 12-16, 2022, at Fort Benning, Georgia.

The soldiers of the 1st BN 182nd INF, one of the oldest military units in the United States which formed in 1636, come from Massachusetts Army National Guard. The soldiers are on Range 40 on the Fort Dix Range Complex completing their machine gun, Medium and Light, qualification training tables. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

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