Marine Corps Jungle Training

Marines navigating jungle terrain and conducting live-fire exercises. The mood is intense and tactical, with an emphasis on teamwork and operational readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bobby Brodeur, a Gilford, New Hampshire, native and machine gunner with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, posts security on a force-on-force exercise during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 17, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, maneuver through the jungle during a helicopter raid exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 16, 2022. The exercise trained Marines to secure an objective from a simulated oppositional force. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Daniel A. Hoffman Jr., a transmission system operator with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines fires an M240B machine gun in the Central Training Area on Okinawa, Japan Oct. 31, 2022. Marines took part in the live-fire range to maintain proficiency and readiness. 3/3 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as a part of the Unit Deployment Program. Hoffman is a native from Minnesota.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Harrison Picek runs towards ambushing adversary insurgents during a field exercise at Kahuku Training Area, Hawaii, Feb. 8, 2024. During the training, 3d Littoral Logistics Battalion, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division conducted tactical logistic operations, supporting 3d MLR units while confronted with notional enemy interference. Picek, a native of Santa Maria, Calif., is a landing support specialist with 3d LLB. Marine Corps

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party specialists assigned to the 2d Air Support Operations Squadron out of Vilseck, Germany, get ready to move on a ground base target during exercise Cobra Warrior 22 in England, Sept. 21, 2022. Cobra Warrior 22 develops tactical interoperability skills of participating Airmen, Allies and Partners through integrated cross-domain effects against a peer adversary.

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

A U.S. Marine with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, defends a position at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan, May 26, 2022. Marines with 7th Comm. Bn. took part in a Basic Jungle Survival Skills course conducted May 22-27 to prepare for jungle operations. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities.

U.S. Army Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, wait for the next simulated attack at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, on Nov. 2, 2022. Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) 23-01 rotation strengthens defense relationships, foster multinational interoperability, increase U.S. readiness, and reinforce the unified regional land power network that support a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

Pfc. Nolan Murray, a nodal network systems operator-maintainer, and Staff Sgt. Calvin Miller, a combat engineer, both assigned to Eighth Army don their Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology ensemble on June 7 on Schofield Barracks East Range, Hawaii, during the mystery event 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.

View of a 10th Mountain Division soldier as he participates in a training mission at the Joint Training Readiness Center. The soldier is testing navigational equipment as part of the 21st century's Advanced Warfighter. Base: Fort Polk State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bobby Brodeur, a Gilford, New Hampshire, native and machine gunner with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, posts security on a force-on-force exercise during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 17, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

Spc. Christian Fuentes, a U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 66th Military Intelligence Brigade, pulls security during a medical evacuation lane exercise at the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition in Grafenwoehr, Germany, from August 8-12, 2022. Teams from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa test their tactical proficiency, communication, and overall cohesion as they compete for the title of Best Squad. Winners of this competition will advance to represent U.S. Army Europe and Africa at the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina later this year.

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party specialists assigned to the 2d Air Support Operations Squadron out of Vilseck, Germany, set site on a terrestrial target during exercise Cobra Warrior 22 in England, Sept. 23, 2022. Cobra Warrior 22 develops tactical interoperability skills of participating Airmen, Allies and Partners through integrated cross-domain effects against a peer adversary.

Scenes from Day 2 of the Tripler Army Medical Center Best Medic Competition! Tripler Army Medical Center Desmond T. Doss Health Clinic- Schofield Barracks.

Members of 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) call for explosive ordnance disposal on a simulated improvised explosive device 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Withington, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, patrols during Exercise Shinka 22.1 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, June 21, 2022. Shinka exemplifies a shared commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Withington is a native of Port Saint Lucie, Florida.

U.S. Army Sgt. Spencer Fayles, a combat medic with the 144th Area Support Medical Company, representing the Utah National Guard in the All Guard National Best Warrior Competition, connects the detonation wire for a M18A1 Claymore in Tullahoma, Tennessee, July 26, 2022. Fourteen of the nations best National Guard junior enlisted Soldiers and noncommissioned officers participate in an intensive, six-day competition throughout Tennessee to determine who will be named the Army National Guard's best-of-the-best.

U.S. Marine Sgt Christine Latuner, a combat engineer, with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6), Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, provides security during a patrol on Hästö Busö, Finland Oct. 17, 2022.Task Force Red Cloud, headquartered by elements of CLB-6, is deployed to Finland in support of Exercises SYD 2022 and Freezing Winds 2022 to enhance U.S. and Finnish select interdependence in the maritime domain; solidify bilateral maritime maneuver within the Finnish littoral environment; and foster strong relationships between U.S. Marine Corps and Finnish Defense Force sustainment units.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zack ONeil prepares for company attacks during exercise Bougainville III at Pohakuloa Training Area, Feb. 10, 2024. Bougainville III is a 3d Littoral Combat Team live-fire exercise focused on decentralized operations to prepare the battalion to command and control forces from dispersed locations. Scout platoons provide precision marksmanship and increased reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities to infantry companies and battalions. ONeil is a scout with 3d LCT, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, and is a native of Boston, MA. Marine Corps

Senior Airman Chase Montgomery, 15th Air Support Operations Squadron Tactical Air Control Party Precision Strike Team member, surveys the woods at Fort Stewart, Ga., August 16, 2022. The 15th ASOS was conducting reconnaissance and evasion training. The 15th ASOS was conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance training in order to hone command and control capabilities. TACP Precision Strike Teams gather intel to relay to the Combined Force Air Component Commander for informed airstrike decision-making.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, use a rope to climb a slippery slope during a Persistence Exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 15, 2022. BLT 2/5 practiced signature management by camouflaging, information collection, and movement in the harsh environment of the jungle. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

DM-ST-88-06730. Base: Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jake Lyles, an infantry Marine with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, posts security while scoping into his M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during exercise Tradewinds 2022 (TW22) at Guacamallo Bridge, Belize, on May 13, 2022. During the patrol lane portion of the training, Marines experienced simulated enemy contact and friendly casualties. TW22 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored Caribbean-focused multi-dimensional exercise conducted in the ground, air, sea, and cyber domains, designed to provide participating nations opportunities to conduct joint, combined, and interagency training focused on increasing regional cooperation and interoperability in complex multinational security operations.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment prepare to move from behind the cover at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22, Sept. 15, 2022.Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Army's Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen

010718-F-7203T-202. Base: Fort Dix State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An airman peers out into the woods during a security demonstration. He is wearing a camouflage uniform, body armor and helmet. Other airman provide security in the background.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Thomas Byrd, a cyberspace warfare operator with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, conducts a patrol during Exercise Shinka 22.1 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, June 9, 2022. Shinka exemplifies a shared commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Byrd is a native of Amarillo, Texas.

Sgt. 1st Class Timothy McCoole, representing the U.S. Army Medical Command, performs different tactics and techniques for carrying and loading casualties in the Army's first-ever Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 01, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Angel Paz, a rifleman with Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), communicates with his squad during an exercise on Hasto Buso Island, Finland, Aug. 11, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

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, low crawls underneath a barbed wire 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 Eur

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Rex Mongrain, a radio operator with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, posts security during a certification exercise at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Camp Gonsalvez, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 05, 2022. The purpose of a certification exercise is to confirm Marines abilities in preparation of combat. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities.

Spc. Trevor Madden, an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician with 71st Ordnance Group, is pictured during the Best Warrior and Best Squad Competition hosted by 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Command at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, July 13, 2022. The 20th CBRNE Commands Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition is a single event used to select the best Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Soldier of the Year from Soldiers within the command and its major subordinate commands.

New Jersey Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Christopher Vidas of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Brigade Combat Team, conducts radio communications in anticipation of the arrival of a UH-60 (Blackhawk) helicopter during the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise at Fort Drum, New York on July 15, 2022. More than 2,500 Soldiers from the New Jersey Army National Guard are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win.

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

Washington National Guard Soldiers with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, react to contact during squad training, on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Jan. 6, 2024. By practicing excellence in the basics, infantrymen are ready for any mission, local or abroad.

A platoon sergeant of Co. A, 1ST Bn., 505th Parachute Infantry Regt., uses a field radio to call in for orders from battalion headquarters during a joint Air Force and Army air-drop/air-assault exercise. Base: Darlington State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Samuel Ortega, a radio operator with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, provides security during Exercise Shinka 22.1 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, June 29, 2022. Shinka exemplifies a shared commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Army Soldiers of Foxtrot Company, 5th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Combat Air Brigade of Fort Campbell, Ky., practice recovering personnel at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Southeast Indiana's Jennings County July 18, 2007, in preparation for a scheduled deployment to Afghanistan.

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) soldier surveys the training area from a defensive position during a simulated combat defense as part of exercise Southern Jackaroo 22 at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, May 21, 2022. Southern Jackaroo is a multilateral exercise carried out by Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Darwin, the Australian Army and JGSDF soldiers, focusing on live-fire and combined arms training.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Serranowaters, the forward arming and refueling point staff non-commissioned officer in charge with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, debriefs Marines after receiving fuel at a forward arming and refueling point, on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 14, 2024. A FARP is a point of operations to refuel and rearm U.S. aircrafts outside of a forward operating base. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo- Pacific region. Marine Corps

A U.S. Marine with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit Maritime Raid Force posts security during an amphibious raid as part of Super Garuda Shield 22 on Singkep Island, Aug. 3, 2022. Garuda Shield is an annual combined and joint exercise between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Grant Hanak, a mortarman with Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), sights-in on a target during bilateral training with the Finnish Navy on Russaro Island, Finland, Aug. 11, 2022. During the training, U.S. Marines and Finnish soldiers integrated to increase interoperability between their forces. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Ground Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, call for support while attempting to secure an entrance to a simulated embassy during an embassy reinforcement scenario as part of exercise Darrandarra on Tiwi Island, NT, Australia, June 5, 2022. Exercise Darrandarra increases MRF-D 22s readiness to respond to realistic crises throughout the range of military operations within the region.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Garret Clark, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, emplaces a radio repeater during Exercise Shinka 22.1 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, June 9, 2022. Shinka exemplifies a shared commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Clark is a native of Decatur, Illinois.

U.S. Army Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition participate in land navigation course on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept. 29, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army photo Spc. Zachery Frost)

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.

Deep in the jungle, US Marine Corps (USMC) personnel and foreign military members with Landing Force Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), relax while they listen to a class during their jungle survival training in Malaysia. (Substandard image). Country: Malaysia (MYS)

A recruit with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, sets security during the Crucible on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., Aug. 18, 2022. The Crucible is the final 54-hour test recruits must pass to become United States Marines.

Hidden beneath twigs and weeds, a snipers stomach is flat on the ground, dirt and grime on his face. All that can be seen in the bundles of cheatgrass is a pair of steady, intense eyes. The job of a sniper requires extensive training, intense attention to detail, and complete discipline with stillness. The Idaho Army National Guard was recently tasked with forming a small sniper scout platoon, the first ever for the 2nd of the 116th Calvary Brigade Combat Team. This year marks their first training in the field and coincides with the 116th Brigades two-week annual training at the Orchard Combat Training Center on June 8, 2018.

980721-A-2769G-004. Subject Operation/Series: BALTIC CHALLENGE '98 Base: Klaipeda Country: Lithuania (LTU)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Julia Klincewicz, a Boston, Massachusetts native and a crypto logical linguist with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets security during a boat raid exercise, Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 20, 2022. The Marines conducted this exercise to strengthen their ability to conduct boat operations and secure contested terrain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Philippine Marines provide security during KAMANDAG 6, in San Vicente, Philippines, Oct. 2, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military, designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

Army National Guard officer candidates disembark a CH-47 Chinook during Phase III of Officer Candidate School on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 18, 2022. During Phase III, candidates from 22 states will receive their final leadership evaluations from the qualified instructors of 2nd Battalion, 205th Regimental Training Institute, Washington Army National Guard, before receiving their commissions.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman with 2d Marine Division participate in the culminating event during the Doc Kent Competition on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 4, 2022. The competition showcases the capabilities of executing tactical combat casualty care in austere environments by utilizing various evacuation platforms to move from point of injury to higher echelons of care.

Infantrymen with Company B. 1st Battalion 151st Infantry Regiment alongside mortarmen conduct urban training at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Ind., Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022. Sgt. David Chandler, an infantryman with Company B. 1st Battalion 151st Infantry Regiment, secures a mock crash site during an annual training exercise. Participating in realistic training scenarios is how the Indiana National Guard maintains a lethal fighting force.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), Massachusetts Army National Guard, conduct combat training exercises during the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise on July 19, 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. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Pfc. Seth Cohen)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ciarra Robinson, 319th Security Forces augmentee, stands guard Sept. 27, 2022, during Readiness Exercise Validation Global Griffin 09-22 at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The 319th Reconnaissance Wing continuously strives to provide innovative and combat-ready airmen and air power to the fight.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Anthony Ross, a mortarman with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines, fires an M252 81mm mortar system during Fuji Viper 23.1 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Nov. 30, 2022. Exercise Fuji Viper exemplifies a commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 1/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Ross is a native of Paducah, Kentucky.

A Marine sniper team wearing camouflage ghillie suits on a training patrol at the Marine Corps Development and Education Command.

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DM-ST-88-09871. Base: Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

At the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, a member of the 128th Security Police flight gets help applying camouflage face paint during Air Base Ground Defense training (ABGD). Base: Camp Douglas State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines Lance Cpl. Christian Montemayor, a fire support Marine, left, and 2nd Lt. Andrew Lewis an air support control officer, right, both with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conduct a patrol during a communications field exercise, Rapid Tanto at Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 6, 2024. The patrol allowed Marines to conduct communication exercises including 9-line casualty evacuation with field radios. Using off-the-shelf radars and low-signature equipment, 5th ANGLICO and 3rd Intelligence Battalion demonstrated proficiency in planning, coordination, and execution of dynamic targeting capable of supporting maritime campaigns in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific. Lewis is native of New York, and Montemayor is a native of San Diego. Marine Corps

980622-F-1108F-006. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

981108-N-8658T-502. Base: Soto Cano Air Base Country: Honduras (HND)

DN-ST-89-01490. Subject Operation/Series: TEAMWORK Country: Norway (NOR)

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), enter through a breach during a village assault exercise on Fort Campbell, Ky,. July 15, 2022. The exercise simulated what to do when clearing buildings and rooms.

030213-M-7031A-022. Base: Marine Corps Base, Ternate State: Cavite Province Country: Philippines (PHL)

JACK BLACK and BRANDON T. JACKSON in TROPIC THUNDER (2008), directed by BEN STILLER.

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force participate in a Basic Jungle Skills Course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 9, 2024. BJSC teaches Marines basic jungle survival skills, tactical rope suspension techniques, and jungle warfare tactics to enhance lethality in harsh jungle environments.

Greywolf Trooper assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, throws a hand grenade during a qualification course, Nov. 10, 2022. This training ensures the unit's readiness in order to provide combat-credible forces in partnership with NATO Allies and regional security partners.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Marc Lues, a radio operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, makes a radio call during a foreign humanitarian aid exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Dec. 5, 2022. FHA training affords Marines the opportunity to prepare for emergency situations in which they may be called upon to provide support to a foreign nation after a natural disaster. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a ready and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Lighting Troop Platoon, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, plan their next movement during a training exercise at Hohenfels, Germany, on Dec. 2, 2022. The training was conducted during Operation Dark Wolf.

A Philippine Marine provides security during KAMANDAG 6, in San Vicente, Philippines, Oct. 2, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military, designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

Army National Guard officer candidates, enrolled in the Washington Army National Guards 205th Regimental Training Institute Officer Candidate School Phase III, execute movement to contact missions on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 22, 2022. The candidates were faced with unexpected variables during the training, such as responding to simulated casualties and handling enemy prisoners of war. By conducting missions first as a squad, then as a platoon, candidates develop the confidence and leadership skills they need to make critical decisions under stressful circumstances.

Troops from Company 5, armed with a Dragunov sniper rifle equipped with a PSO-1 telescopic sight, practice Check Point Operations/Weapons Disarmament learned during Situational Training Exercise - 5 (STX-5). Subject Operation/Series: COOPERATIVE OSPREY '96 Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airman attending Fieldcraft Hostile ride in the back of a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle on their way to the training site on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 2, 2022. FCH places students in realistic and strenuous training scenarios used to teach skills such as weapons control, combative techniques, communications, mounted and dismounted individual and team movements and land navigation.

SPC Rickey Thomas leans over the side of a barracks building while running a phone cord across the top of the building at the Rebuplic of Korea, K-2 Air Base, Taegu, on Oct. 16, 1998. The compound is set aside for a group of Army Special Forces who will be arriving within the next week in support of Foal Eagle '98. Foal Eagle is a deployment exercise that takes place once a year in Korea. Subject Operation/Series: FOAL EAGLE '98KOREA CD Base: K-2, Taegu Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Army Special Forces members embark on a night-time training mission during exercise Emerald Warrior 22.1 at Hurlburt Field, Florida, May 5, 2022. Emerald Warrior is the largest joint special operations exercise involving U.S. Special Operations Command forces training for response to various threats above and below the threshold of armed conflict.

DF-ST-86-10396. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT SCORPION 85 Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 fire an M240B machine gun during a field exercise at Camp Schwab, Japan, Dec. 4, 2022. MWSS-171 conducted this exercise in order to familiarize themselves with expeditionary advanced base operations, demolition operations, urban operations, and different weapon systems.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Francisco Dela Rosa, right, corpsman, Headquarters and Service Battalion (HQSVCBN), U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific and French Army Soldat de Premiere Classe Dylan Casenave, combat medic, Marine Infantry Regiment in French Polynesia, French Armed Forces, rappel down a hill during the Aito Course in Taravao, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Sept. 4, 2022. The event provided a bilateral training opportunity between the French Armed Forces and Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. 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. The courses name comes from the Tahitian word aito, which means warrior.

Navy SEALs navigate the waters in a folding kayak during jungle warfare operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Wendy Rojasramirez, left, and Lance Cpl. Joziahs Cortez, right, both engineer equipment mechanics with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, set concertina wire along their defensive positions perimeter, Urban Terrain Town, Eastern Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, July 21, 2022. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct the Crucible on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., Aug. 18, 2022. The Crucible is the final 54-hour test recruits must pass to become United States Marines.

Scenes from Day 2 of the Tripler Army Medical Center Best Medic Competition! Tripler Army Medical Center Desmond T. Doss Health Clinic- Schofield Barracks.

DF-ST-88-05419. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

A U.S. Marine with 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, signals his squad to halt during a live-fire exercise as part of a squad competition at Range 223B on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 24, 2022. 1st Marines held a week-long regimental squad competition to send the winning infantry squad to compete against squads drawn from other units across the division.

A U.S. Air Force survival, evasion, resistance and escape instructor gives a fire-building demonstration during combat survival training near Thetford, England, Jan. 17, 2024. Gass briefed several components on proper fire-making techniques and skills to keep fire from exposing their location from adversaries.

Army National Guard officer candidates with the 205th Regimental Training Institute Officer Candidate School Phase III coordinate their offensive strategy during movement to contact training lanes on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 18, 2022. Candidates learn to plan and execute time-sensitive operations in a demanding environment, and afterwards receive feedback from experienced instructors.

DM-ST-88-09893. Base: Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030407-M-0175R-182. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Qalat Sukar State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jordan Simeon, security forces evaluator with the 627th Security Forces Squadron, participates in a five-mile ruck in honor of National Police Week at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, May 19, 2022. Police Week consisted of various events such as an opening ceremony, a shooting competition and a five-mile ruck for military police and defenders.

U.S. Marines with Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct a Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques (HRST) Masters' course on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 29, 2022. HRST prepares Marines for helicopter-borne insertion and extraction operations, as well as, certifies Marines as HRST Masters allowing them to oversee HRST operations with their respective units. The HRST Masters Course is one of several Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG) taught courses that the Marines and Sailors of the MEU receive as they prepare to deploy next year.

Marines and Navy Corpsmen with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines conduct a contact patrol July 22, 2022, during training on North Post at Fort McCoy. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 23rd Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 is holding annual training at Fort McCoy. (Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

A soldier wearing a nuclear-biological-chemical (NBC) protective suit and mask backs his forklift away from a container during Operation CROCODILE, a training exercise for medical, decontamination and chemical reaction team personnel. Subject Operation/Series: CROCODILE Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, participate in a combined-arms, live-fire exercise during KAMANDAG 6 at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 9, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual, bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

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