Maintenance and Support Operations

Images of military personnel performing maintenance and loading operations, highlighting the logistical support and teamwork in various training scenarios.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the New Jersey Army National Guard load their bags at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jan. 25, 2024. More than 1,500 NJARNG Soldiers are deploying to support U.S. Central Commands Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve. This is the largest deployment of NJARNG Soldiers since 2008.

Pfc. Jason Vanhouten and Spc. Gil Martinez-Garcia, UH-60 helicopter repairers part of the Downed Aircraft Recovery Team (DART) with Delta Company, 2-227th General Support Aviation Battalion, access the drip pan during a downed aircraft training scenario with a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from Bravo Company, 2-227th GSAB 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.

Alaska Army National Guard Soldiers, Pfc. Harlan Hartman of the 297th Military Police Company and Spc. Kyle Johnson of the 297th Regional Support Group load gear, water, equipment, and fuel in preparation to travel to Manley Hot Springs, Alaska, May 12, 2022, to support flood recovery operations. The Guardsmen will carry enough food and water to sustain themselves while they assist with cleanup and flood recovery efforts.

Military dorm residents enjoy free food during a Feed the Dorms event near the Hale Aina Dining Facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 29, 2022. The event was hosted by the Hickam Chiefs Group, providing residents with 100 free meals.

Arizona National Guard service members helped construct a temporary COVID-19 testing site July 1, 2020, in Mesa, Ariz. The Arizona National Guard is continuing to support COVID-19 testing statewide

Members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) salute the remains of an unknown service member during a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 6, 2022. The ceremony was part of the agencys efforts to disinter and identify the remains of unknown service members lost during the Korean War. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

Master Sgt. Charles Bass, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant, speaks with augmentees before they start work at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 12, 2022. 12 civil engineer professionals from around the Air Force were sent to the 8th Fighter Wing to assist in to assist in fulfilling workorders and infrastructure sustainment repairs around the installation.

Oregon National Guard Environmental Branch Chief Jim Arnold (right), gives a brief history of Camp Umatilla (Formally Umatilla Army Chemical Depot) to Oregon National Guard Chaplains and Religious Affairs Specialist before they begin a 5K Ruck around the military encampment on April 29, 2022 during the Chaplain Annual Sustainment Training (CAST). The three-day CAST promotes team-building and professional development for members of the Oregon National Guard as part of their annual training. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the New Jersey Army National Guard load their bags at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jan. 25, 2024. More than 1,500 NJARNG Soldiers are deploying to support U.S. Central Commands Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve. This is the largest deployment of NJARNG Soldiers since 2008.

U.S. Army Spcs. Dane Spell and Dylan Gullenine, both combat engineers with 288th Sapper Co., Mississippi Army National Guard, unload supplies in preparation to respond to Hurricane Sally at Camp Shelby Joint Force Training Center, near Hattiesburg, Miss., Sept. 15, 2020. The Mississippi National Guard is prepared to conduct civil support operations, including search and rescue and debris removal, to support local and state authorities.

South Carolina National Guard Soldiers from B Battery, 1st of the 178th Field Artillery work with South Carolina Highway Patrol officers at a traffic control point in Conway, S.C. during the lane reversal of Highway 501 in support of the Myrtle Beach area evacuation to safeguard the citizens of the state in advance of Hurricane Florence, Sept. 11, 2018. Approximately 2,000 Soldiers and Airmen have been mobilized to prepare, respond and participate in recovery efforts for Hurricane Florence, a Category 4 storm, with a projected path to make landfall along the Carolinas and east coast.

Soldiers with 66th Troop Command, Mississippi Army National Guard, distribute water at Thomas Cardozo Middle School in Jackson, Mississippi, Sept. 2, 2022. Nearly 600 Mississippi National Guardsmen were set up across seven sites through Jackson for people to collect bottled water, hand sanitizer and non-potable water from water buffalo trucks.

Staff Sgt. Mark Fittante and Senior Airman Sebastian Clancy, munitions systems specialists with the 124th Munitions Flight, unpack a GBU-31 fin kit during the 2022 Ammo Rodeo, Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Oct. 15, 2022. Fin kits act as the nerve center for munitions, providing them the computational power to find their targets.

Two noncommissioned officers assigned to the "Can Do Battalion," 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, discuss with Lt. Gen. Paul T. Calvert, far right, the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command, during the Ground Readiness Evaluation Assessment and Training Engagement regarding hazardous material storage at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 29, 2022. The Spartan Brigade is the Army's most modern land fighting force, and the GREAT Engagement is one of the many ways the brigade is preparing to defeat any threat in large-scale combat operations.

A cadet with Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 at the University of Central Florida boards a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 11, 2022. The cadets were invited to fly as part of the Air Forces recruiting service Aviation Inspired Mentorship High program.

Staff Sgt. Adam Caramanoff, an observer coach/trainer for 3rd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 340th Infantry Regiment, 181st Multifunctional Training Brigade, observes Soldiers the 327th Military Police Battalion, 300th Military Police Brigade, 200th Military Police Command, subdue a notional unruly detainee during a training exercise as part of Spartan Warrior III June 20, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Spartan Warrior III gave the 300th MP Brigade the opportunity to practice multiple levels of military police procedures across two weeks.

220706-N-PQ495-1025 SAN DIEGO (July 6, 2022) U.S Navy Operations Specialist 1st Class Bounthavy Vongnikone (right center), from Providence, R.I., attached to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 1, shows Royal New Zealand Navy and Royal Australian Navy Sailors how to sling a Hydroid REMUS 100 autonomous underwater vehicle for release into the sea from a helicopter, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 in Southern California. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Army and International Paratroopers receive their MC-6 parachutes during Leapfest 2022 at the Quonset Army Aviation Support Facility in Washington County, Rhode Island, August 3, 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Yaroslav Painter, a bulk fuel specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, prepares to test fuel for contamination at a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 28, 2022. U.S. Marines with MWSS-171 and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel conducted combined FARP operations to improve their interoperability and enhance their capabilities as a combined force in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Steven Gnilka, Appalachian Care Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) 2022 officer in charge, briefs team members at Wise, Va., Aug. 14, 2022. IRT is a Department of Defense (DoD) military training opportunity, exclusive to the United States and its territories, that delivers joint training opportunities to increase deployment readiness. Simultaneously, IRT provides key services (health care, construction, transportation, and cybersecurity) with lasting benefits for our American communities.

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst installation leadership salutes during a retreat ceremony at JB MDL, N.J., Feb 29, 2024. This monthly ceremony strengthens the commitment to Warrior Heart initiatives, instills pride, and fosters a sense of connection to our military heritage and traditions. Air Force

The 8th Theater Sustainment Command hosted U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) Commanders aboard the Logistical Support Vessel 3 (LSV3), Gen Brehon B. Somervell, during the INDOPACOM Commanders Conference on Nov. 7, 2022, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii. The INDOPACOM Commanders and accompanying party received a capability, operations, and activities briefings on the 130th Engineer Brigade, Army 7th Dive Detachment, Army Watercraft Systems, and sustainment operations and support within the Pacific area of operations.

Maj. Eric Young, 374th Medical Group Education and Training Flight commander, briefs volunteer on the medical training operation about to begin, May 12, 2022, on Yokota Air Base, Japan. The 374th MDG focused on the flow of injured patients from point of injury to a trauma center for specialized lifesaving care training in the multi-capable Airman and Agile Combat Employment concepts.

Army Lt. Col. Tim Glen of the 71st Civil Support Team, Iowa National Guard, speaks with Guardmembers and state and local participants in Vigilant Guard Iowa June 18 in Des Moines, Iowa. The National Guard Bureau sponsored exercise is designed to test local, state, federal and military responders to perform roles and responsibilities related to homeland defense in support of the governor and the Iowa Emergency Management Agency, in the event of a catastrophic emergency within the state. This portion of the exercise was in response to a simulated, domestic terrorist attack using a train derailment to release chemical agents.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jacob C. Simmons, Space Operations Command Senior Enlisted Leader, receive a tour of the Long-Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) while visiting Clear Space Force Station to hear from the Clear Team members on their operations and wellbeing. Whiting had a Space Command Chaplain Team and Space Command Guardians visiting along with him for them to have a chance to see the mission and hear from counterparts. The Clear Space Force members provide strategic missile warning, missile defense, and Upgraded Early Warning Radar as an integral part of deterrence in support of Homeland Defense. Clear SFS is home to Arctic Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 13th and 213th Space Warning Squadrons and 268th Security Forces, providing 24/7 missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness.

Service members assigned to the Hawaii National Guards Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosives Enhanced Response Force Package perform search and extraction, medical assessment, command and control, field feeding and first aid to victims in a simulated disaster site during a external evaluation training event at Kalaeloa, Hawaii, September 21, 2022.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the Gambler Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, pose for a photo after a cooking competition at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Aug. 4, 2022. The 3/4 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, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Livolsi shares remarks during a change of responsibility ceremony at Muir Army Airfield. During the ceremony, Livolsi passed the brigades senior enlisted leader responsibilities to Command Sgt. Maj. Jeff Huttle.

General James Hecker, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa commander, and Airmen from the 52nd Civil engineer Squadron, take a look at Project Arcwater, Sept. 27, 2022, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Project Arcwater reduces the logistical and fuel requirements for Agile Combat Employment, allowing our forces to deliver combat power from austere and remote locations.

General James Hecker, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa commander, and Airmen from the 52nd Civil engineer Squadron, take a look at Project Arcwater, Sept. 27, 2022, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Project Arcwater reduces the logistical and fuel requirements for Agile Combat Employment, allowing our forces to deliver combat power from austere and remote locations.

Pennsylvania Air National Guardsman, Airman 1st Class Timothy Abraham, assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing, performs a body search on another Security Forces Defender during an unauthorized entry into a restricted area exercise, October 15, 2022 near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Bryan Hoover)

Soldiers from the Vermont Army National Guard assist the Vermont Food Bank "Farmers to Families" Program, and Vermont Emergency Management, with distributing fresh produce, dairy, and prepared meals to Vermonters who may be food insecure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Soldiers assigned to 287th Quartermaster Company, 3rd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, get afternoon chow from the kitchen served by culinary specialists during a tactical training event at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Feb. 26-27, 2024. Soldiers were provided a healthy meal that consisted of energy boosting nutrients required for a day of tough realistic combat training. Army

Soldiers from the 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, Utah National Guard, were dispatched in support of the Utah County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue efforts to find a missing 65-year-old motorcyclist in and around Mapleton Canyon, May 9, 2022. A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and crew members transported search and rescue volunteers up Mapleton Canyon where they were dropped off to begin their search efforts and later returned back to the incident command center. The Black Hawk crew also conducted search efforts from the air. Local search and rescue support demonstrates Utah National Guard readiness and strengthens partnerships with local civilian agencies.

Senior Master Sgt. Justin Steffens talks with member of 132d Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group about how the 57th Munitions Squadron operates during annual training at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 18, 2022. Members of the 132d ISRG spent two weeks at Nellis AFB for their annual training showcasing their ability to standup operations anywhere in the world.

Joint Base San Antonio members take part in the Excellence in Competition Pistol Shoot, May 20, 2022, at JBSA Chapman Annex, Texas. The EIC program conducts all matches in accordance with guidelines established by the Civilian Marksmanship Program, the civilian parent organization. The program consists of four different levels of awards an individual can earn, based on excellence in marksmanship for both pistol and rifle.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darrius Deener, 20th Medical Group help desk operations noncommissioned officer in charge, helps in the tear-down process following the Shaw Air and Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 3, 2022. The Shaw Air and Space Expo offered the public an opportunity to meet the men and women of the armed forces and see military equipment through the efforts of active duty, guard and reserve service members, as well as civilian employees, retirees and family members.

U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Mills, 355th Wing Commander, tours the 355th Mission Support Group units during an immersion tour at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, July 14, 2022. The 355th MSG consists of the Security Forces, Force Support, Logistics Readiness, Contracting, Communication and Civil Engineer Squadrons who are responsible for operation, maintenance and security of the installation.

The Tunisian Army works with Soldiers from the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, Wyoming Army National Guard, in Sheridan, Wyoming, May 17, 2022, on a State Partnership Program visit. The purpose of the SPP is to enhance military ties and strengthen partnerships with countries worldwide.

Junior enlisted soldiers get the opportunity to participate and qualify for driver training.

U.S. Army Maj. Annaliese Baumer, center, prepares to assume command of the 572nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain, Vermont Army National Guard, during a change of command ceremony held at the Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport, North Clarendon, Vt., July 10, 2022. Baumer will serve as the first female commander in the unit's 100-year history.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Tyler Benner, right, 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron vehicle operator, spots for Airman 1st Class Jeremy Evans, left, 86th VRS ground transportation operator, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Nov. 30, 2022. Benner was diagnosed with a rare medical condition that resulted in the growth of a baseball-sized abscess in his liver. After several months doctors found the correct treatment for his condition and have kept him on antibiotics ever since while his abscess shrinks and he returns to his regular life.

A Soldier assigned to Alpha Company, 46th Aviation Support Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, receives instruction on the Air Force R-11 fuel truck at the Chehalis-Centralia Airport, Wash. on Jun. 22, 2022. The Soldiers were training U.S. Army Reserve and U.S. Air Force servicemembers on helicopter refueling procedures.

The 2-151 Infantry Battalion Task Force Nighthawk command team conducts a site survey Oct. 14, 2022, of the training areas on the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany. These Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) sites will be utilized for the upcoming exercise as the unit prepares for their mission in support of KFOR 31. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Anna Pongo, 111th Public Affairs Detachment, Nebraska National Guard)

The U.S. Air Force 355th Civil Engineer Squadron leadership team participates in the Inside the Helmet event on the fire training grounds at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 17, 2022. The purpose of this event was to give leadership a live-in experience of what 355th CES chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear Airmen have to accomplish when executing real-world hazardous materials environmental responses.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Semetriss Wright, 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron ground transportation, talks to Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, during a tour at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Feb. 15, 2023. AASAB is the U.S. Central Commands theatre gateway, and is responsible for helping project resources and capabilities further into the area of responsibility as the United States reinforces its enduring presence in the AOR.

Warrant Officer Candidate Jason Trerotola from the 2-166th, Det 1 Regiment Regional Training Institute has his rucksack taken off of him after he crossed the 10K finish line at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. July 17, 2022. Treotola was the first of his classmates to complete the ruck march, allowing him to move from phase one to phase two of his candidacy.

Army Chaplain (Major) Ivan Arreguin leads the procession as military and civilian personnel working at the Javits New York Medical Station, erected at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, form a cordon to render military honors to a veteran who died of COVID19 while a patient at the medical station on April 19, 2020. Members of the Active military and the New York National Guard Military and civilians with prior service members of the military took part in the recognition.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Thomas Shu, a critical care flight nurse with Navy Medical Readiness and Training Battalion Portsmouth, explains the site layout to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joe Robinson, Commanding General, 3rd Medical Command, during Appalachian Care Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) 2022 at Wise, Va., Aug. 19, 2022. IRT is a Department of Defense (DoD) military training opportunity, exclusive to the United States and its territories, that delivers joint training opportunities to increase deployment readiness. Simultaneously, IRT provides key services (health care, construction, transportation, and cybersecurity) with lasting benefits for our American communities.

Michael Curtis, an Electrical Additional Skills Identifier instructor at Fort Leonard Woods U.S. Army Prime Power School, shows Army Prime Power Production Specialist students what a fault in a cable looks like Feb. 13 behind the schoolhouse building. With a growing need for more Prime Power Production Specialists, the U.S. Army Engineer Regiment made the decision with the new fiscal year in October to open up the 12P military occupational specialty to the Armys newest Soldiers - previously, the MOS was only open to Soldiers with an existing MOS, who met the prerequisites to reclassify as a 12P. Prime Power Production Specialists are the Armys only medium-voltage specialists. They perform electrical assessments, facilities maintenance and quality assurance and quality control operations - they serve as liaison officers and technical advisors to military commanders, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal organizations. Currently, two active-duty accessions Soldiers ar

Allen Smithwick, a vehicle operator for motor transport, right, passes a cot to U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Logan Youngblood, a range coach assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, during HURREX at the Cherry Treehouse, MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, May 16, 2022. HURREX is a week-long hurricane preparedness exercise held across the installation thats intended to increase MCAS Cherry Points readiness for the Atlantic hurricane season.

U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Martin, right, 423rd Air Base Group commander, engages with 423rd Security Forces Squadron Defenders during the Cambridgeshire County Day at the Newmarket July Course, England, June 23, 2022. The County Day was an opportunity to celebrate Cambridgeshire and Her Majesty The Queens Platinum Jubilee.

Students with the U.S. Navy Senior Amphibious Warfare Course (SAWOC) receive capability briefs on various technologies and vehicles from U.S. Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 22-23, 2022. II Marine Expeditionary Force showcased its capabilities to SAWOC students in order to familiarize them with the landward environment, planning considerations and exposure to all elements of the Fleet Marine Force.

Maj. Gen. Win Burkett, the commander of the 36th Infantry Division, Texas Army National Guard talking Staff Sgt. Layne Leu, 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment at the Yakima Training Center on Oct. 15, 2022. In September, Washington Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty signed a memorandum of agreement to facilitate unity of effort with the Adjutants General of Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee and New Mexico and the Commanding General, 36th Infantry Division. Under the MOA, which went into effect on Sept. 30, 2022, the 36th Infantry Division, Texas National Guard has coordinating authority with the Washington Army National Guards 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

Soldiers and Airmen participating in the Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition arrive at the range to zero their weapons at Camp Williams, Utah, Oct. 16, 2022. 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.

Members of the 94th Logistics Readiness Squadron measure the length of an engine during a deployment readiness exercise at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., February 2, 2024. The measurements were done to ensure the engines were the appropriate dimensions to load into a C-130H. Air Force

Airmen from the 131st Bomb Wing and the 139th Airlift Wing assisted the town of Hardin, Missouri on June 2, 2019 by filling sandbags to prevent futher flood damage.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Martin, 730th Air Mobility Squadron C-5M crew chief, right, practices attaching a sheer fuse to a towing bar with Staff Sgt. Samuel Winters, 730th AMS propulsion lead technician, during Crash Damaged Disabled Aircraft Recovery (CDDAR) training on a C-5M Super Galaxy on Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 13, 2022. The 730th AMS mission is to facilitate the efficient movement of personnel and cargo throughout the Indo-Pacific region, providing critical logistical support to U.S. and allied commands. The C-5M is the largest strategic transport aircraft in the Air Force inventory and its primary mission is to transport cargo and personnel for the U.S. Department of Defense. Maintenance Airmen of the 730th AMS train on a series of critical support functions for the C-5 from towing, nitro servicing, tire and brakes, external power and more.

Guardsmen assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard proceed through a personnel deployment line during a Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection August 26, 2022 near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The NORI is a routine exercise used to evaluate a units capability to perform as a nuclear support unit.

U.S. Army Sgt. Richard Hand and U.S. Army Pfc. Blake Marshall, Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, engage in conversation about the wet gap crossing at Deblin, Poland, May 13, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa Multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africa's ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

Aeromedical personnel from the 139th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and a soldier from the Royal Canadian Armed Forces transport a simulated patient using a collapsable litter at Resolute Bay, Nunavut, Canada on March 6, 2023. The joint medical personnel participated in exercise Guerrier Nordique 2023 where they practiced casualty care and evacuation measures.

Members from Idahos Joint Forces Headquarters and the 124th Fighter Wing tour the Idaho Youth Challenge Academy, Oct. 21, 2022 in Pierce, Idaho. IDYCA is a state-run, quasi-military, in-residence, alternative highschool program focused on rehabilitating at-risk youth.

Senior Airman Trent Schroedl, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron structural journeyman, sprays a firehose at a target in the Fire Muster competition Oct. 13, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Four teams of four members competed to complete seven events as quickly as they could, the seven events showcased the challenges firefighters see while performing their duties.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 305th Aerial Port Squadron direct a truck full of deployment bags on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jan. 27, 2024. More than 1,500 New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers are deploying to support U.S. Central Commands Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve. This is the largest deployment of NJARNG Soldiers since 2008.

Joint Base San Antonio members take part in the Excellence in Competition Pistol Shoot, May 20, 2022, at JBSA Chapman Annex, Texas. The EIC Program is an awards program recognizing marksmanship, open to any Air Force Active Duty, Air Force Reserve or Air Force National Guard members. Individuals can be awarded a badge by earning points in marksmanship competitions hosted by military services, the Civilian Marksmanship Program or the National Rifle Association.

From left, U.S. Army Soldiers Sgt. Nhien Nguyen and Sgt. 1st Class Lennox Duggan, 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion culinary specialists, begin dinner preparation for participants of exercise Yama Sakura 83 at Camp Asaka, Japan, Dec. 2, 2022. Since its inception in 1982, Yama Sakura has focused on the development and refinement of joint force lethality between the U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

U.S. Army Soldiers and leaders assigned to the 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division (3-4 ABCT) review the breakdown of the 5.56MM MSBS GROT carbine during leaders time training with their Polish counterparts assigned to the 151st Light Infantry Battalion in Skwierzyna, Poland, Sept. 30, 2022. The 3-4 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.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Tatar, left and Senior Master Sgt. Fred Knox, center, both weapons systems specialists stand with Lt. Col. Brian Doyle, commander of South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron as they watch the pre-launch activities on the ramp during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Sept. 2, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the Colombian Air Force with requested realistic interoperability training as allied countries, under NATO standards. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Tatar, left and Senior Master Sgt. Fred Knox, center, both weapons systems specialists stand with Lt. Col. Brian Doyle, commander of South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron as they watch the pre-launch activities on the ramp during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Sept. 2, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the Colombian Air Force with requested realistic interoperability training as allied countries, under NATO standards. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.

Colorado National Guardsmen assist Boulder County authorities transport evacuated residents of Lyons, Colo., to Longmont, Colo. Sept. 13, 2013 using Light Medium Tactical Vehicles. The LMTVs are capable of transporting approximately 16 passengers with luggage and can navigate through rubble and flooded areas that cannot be reached by rescue personnel. (Colorado National Guard

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Gregory Knight (right), Vermont National Guard adjutant general, speaks with Austrian Armed Forces Capt. Philipp Helmer (center), and Lt. Gen. Erich Csitkovits (left), training director and commandant, National Defence Academy, during a visit to the urban training facility Angererdorf, Republic of Austria, July 20, 2022. The visit is following the signing of the letter of intent between the Vermont National Guard and Republic of Austria outlining the intent of their state partnership under the National Guard Bureaus State Partnership Program.

Civilian technicians assist Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, during Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) installation and validation on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Oct. 24, 2022. Utilization of the MILES system enables realistic training for units participating in Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) rotation 23-01. JPMRC strengthens defense relationships, fosters multinational interoperability, increases readiness, and reinforces the unified regional landpower network of the Joint Force.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Brad Watkins briefs civilian first responders from counties surrounding Fort Indiantown Gap during a military helicopter emergency training event. The training included orientation to different kinds of helicopters as well as some unique circumstances and considerations for dealing with helicopter emergencies.

Staff Sgt. Ron Clere and DHG soldier work together on team building exercises at Camp Nymindegab July 3, 2022. MREP is a program that houses almost 130 participants from 6 different nations, to increase interoperability, strengthen partnerships, and to enhance professional development between allies.

The Airborne Ops/Lift/Jump were held here on the newly built Fort Dix Ramp which was just Dedicated on 19 August and was the first mission to be held at this location on Fort Dix. The 404th CA Advon arrived at TAC-1A for rehearsals prior to the actual loading and jump. After rehearsals the units were transferred to the Fort Dix Army Ramp where parachutes were distributed on the parking area inside of the fence of the Army Ramp. The troops arrived on or about 1230L and were ushered over to the staging area falling-in on their assigned chalks. Two CU-47's (5/519 Regt, Fort Eustis VA) had arrived at 1300L. While the CU-47s were refueling, the Jump Master and unit leaders conducted a mission brief in Bldg 4421. At the conclusion of the brief a mission walk through took place. A Final inspection of the troops was conducted at the aircraft. These Airborne Ops soldiers were lifted to the jump area located at Coyle Field, NJ. (Images provided by the Fort Dix (TSC) Training Support Center)

Airmen assigned to the 319th Reconnaissance Wing board a bus during Readiness Exercise Validation Global Griffin 09-22 Sept. 27, 2022, at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The weeklong exercise was designed to validate the 319th RWs capability to conduct combat operations.

Airmen of the 107th Attack Wing watch as their cargo is moved during a Readiness Exercise on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Niagara Falls NY, April 7, 2022. The purpose of the Readiness Exercise is to demonstrate the 107th Attack Wings capability to generate personnel and cargo under contested, degraded and operationally limited conditions.

Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman (SEAC) U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black speaks with Coast Guardsmen assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard Special Missions Training Center during a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) demonstration at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 15, 2024. Black met with leaders and personnel to increase cross-service relationships while promoting Joint Warfighting and War-winning across domains, services, and the Total Force. Air Force

Dave Herman, center, 423d Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of fire prevention, briefs Airmen and guests from the 501st Combat Support Wing about fire safety at RAF Alconbury, England, Oct. 12, 2022. The briefing was part of Fire Prevention Week in which firefighters from the 423d CES educated Airmen and dependents on proper fire safety habits.

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Brian Ponder, decontamination staff noncommissioned officer in charge, National Guards 201st Reginal Support Group, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package, speaks to Marines with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force during exercise Vista Forge in Atlanta, Georgia, Nov. 3, 2022. Exercise Vista Forge was a joint annual exercise in which Army forces directed a series of exercises that brought together local, State, and Department of Defense, capabilities across the Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear response enterprise across the U.S.

Civilian technicians assist Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, during Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) installation and validation on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Oct. 24, 2022. Utilization of the MILES system enables realistic training for units participating in Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) rotation 23-01. JPMRC strengthens defense relationships, fosters multinational interoperability, increases readiness, and reinforces the unified regional landpower network of the Joint Force.

Airmen from the 134th Air Refueling Wing prepare to depart to assist with natural disaster relief operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The Cat 4 storm devastated the region as it moved across the state of Florida leaving many without power, water and shelter.

Lt. Gen. Marc H. Sasseville greets Maj. Nolberto Santos in Bayamón, Puerto Rco, May 05, 2022. The Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau visited the island to learn about the Puerto Rico National Guard's COVID-19 operations.

U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers Brig. Gen. Daniel H. Hibner, assigned to the South Atlantic Division, visits Coast Guard members staged in Matlacha Isles, Florida to assist the people of the Pine Island community, who were stranded due to Hurricane Ian on Oct. 4, 2022. The Coast Guard transferred over 700 people and 60 pets and essential goods to the island.

A Soldier with 66th Troop Command, Mississippi Army National Guard, puts water in the backseat of a person's car at the Smith-Wills Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi, Sept. 1, 2022. Nearly 600 Mississippi National Guardsmen were set up across seven sites throughout Jackson for residents to collect bottled water and non-potable water from water trucks to help relieve some effects of the Jackson water crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Connie Jones)

U.S. Army Sgt. Khawaja Rivera, with the 561st Military Police Company in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, lifts a simulated injured patient during Guardian Response 22, Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Indiana, May 7, 2022. Guardian Response 22 is a training exercise designed to test unit readiness and responsiveness to nuclear fallout scenarios. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Jermaine Jackson)

A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade provides fuel for a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter before a flight training exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap. Pa, July 17, 2022. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. John Trapani)

The 202nd RED HORSE Squadron prepare and depart from 3-265 ADA Regiment, National Guard Armory, Bradenton, Florida in response to Hurricane Ian, Sept. 29, 2022.

U.S. Army Spc. Justin Zammit, a wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 369th Sustainment Brigade, tracks boxes with Sgt. Chance for a unit movement operation during annual training at Camp Smith Training Site, Cortlandt Manor, NY, July 19, 2022. The sustainment brigade provides support and services to enable operational reach, ensure freedom of action, and prolong endurance for Army forces.

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

U.S. Army Sgt. Aryon Avellanoza, a fire support specialist assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, fixes an improved outer tactical vest during a static display at a blessing of baskets ceremony in Torun, Poland, April 16, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's 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.

Master Sgt. Brian Dillon, 106th Communication Flight client systems technician supervisor, explains the importance of the Mobile Emergency Response Center to Brig. Gen. Denise Donnell, the commander of the New York Air National Guard at Francis S. Gabreski ANGB, Westhampton Beach, N.Y., April 8, 2022. The Mobile Emergency Response Center is used when officials and responders need to establish reliable communication or extend their range of communication.

The 136th Civil Engineer Squadron receive the Col. William Deneke Award for Outstanding Civil Engineer Squadron September 17, 2022, at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. The trophy is designed and built each year by the previous year's award winners. (Texas Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Lynn M. Means)

Tripler Army Medical Center bids farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Forker Jr. and welcomes Command Sgt. Maj. John "Mike" Contreras.

Idaho National Guard Airmen are helping at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in a time of need. Food is donated to pantries like St. Vincent de Paul from the food bank and several local companies as part of the Feed America program. 124th Fighter Wing Airmen helped by unloading food from trucks, sorting the food into carts and helping load the donated food into people's cars that came by for their grocery needs on March 3, 2020. The Idaho National Guard is helping at the pick-up station at St. Vincent de Paul because the need for more manpower increased as more people were coming for food. The call for the Idaho National Guard came through the Idaho Office of Emergency Management from the Idaho Foodbank to help with a shortage of support during the hardship of COVID-19. Currently they are handing out food to anyone that shows up during the pantry's pick-up hours.

Members of the West Virginia National Guards Task Force Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Response Enterprise (CRE) (TF-CRE) and Task Force Sustainment (TF-Sustainment), assist staff of St. Francis Hospital, Charleston, West Virginia, to unload beds and additional medical equipment delivered to the hospital in an effort to build statewide medical surge capacity during on-going COVID-19 pandemic response, April 9, 2020. The equipment, resourced from Fairmont, West Virginia, was delivered by members of the West Virginia State Police, West Virginia Division of Highways, and West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, as part of a whole of government partnership uniting local, state and federal agencies in coordinated response efforts.

Air Force Col. Kurt Muller, commander of the 673rd Civil Engineer Group based on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson awards Alaska Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Reed Vukelic, acting first sergeant of the 207th Engineer Utilities Detachment, with a certificate of appreciation on Camp Carrol, Aug. 5, 2022. Vukelic led his Soldiers during a joint field training exercise on JBER and enhanced intra-agency training cooperation between the 207th EUD and 673rd CEG.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Ryan Biggs from the 68th Airlift Squadron guides a M1 Abrams Tank into a 68th Airlift Squadrons C-5M Super Galaxy, April 20, 2022 at Robert Gray Army Airfield, Fort Hood, Texas. Members from the 68th AS flew from Kelly Field to Fort Hood to pick up static displays for the Great Texas Airshow.

SAFER Challenge participants took part in a full day of Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) activities promoting the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP); Family Advocacy Program (FAP); Financial Readiness Program; and the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) on April 21, 2022 at Chievres Air Base, Chievres, Belgium.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Stephen Ball, center, 420th Munitions Squadron systems flight chief, briefs the 501st Combat Support Wing Readiness Working Group about the munitions inspection area at Royal Air Force Welford, England, April 27, 2022. The group attended an immersion tour at RAF Welford and RAF Fairford to orient themselves with the missions these bases provide.

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