Marksmanship and Shooting Exercises

These images capture military personnel qualifying with rifles and performing marksmanship drills, focusing on weapon handling and target engagement.

U.S. Army Sergeant 1st Class Herard Joseph, assigned with 101st Expeditionary Signal Battalion, fires the M-4 rifle during a life fire exercise at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Jan. 16, 2019. The 101st ESB has served nine months in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield, providing communications support for more than a dozen operating sites in some seven countries across the Middle East as part of the coalition effort to defeat the Islamic State, also known as ISIS.

293rd Signal Company hosted an M4 Range on Wednesday 26 of January 2022. Soldiers from HHC, 1st Signal Brigade, HHD, 41st Signal Battalion, 501st Signal Company, and 362nd Signal Company, of 1st Signal Brigade, qualify on the M4 Rifle on Camp Casey, South Korea. (U.S. photo by Sgt. Alex Estrada/1TSB PAO)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jack McCarthy, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, fires an M27 infantry automatic rifle during a Combat Marksmanship Program (CMP) range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 26, 2022. CMP allows Marines to maintain weapon proficiency by engaging stationary and moving targets. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Army Capt. John Lintner, a Soldier assigned to the 48th CBRNE brigade participates in the qualification session of the 2022 20th CBRNE Best Warrior Competition, at Fort Indiantown Gap Pa., July 12, 2022.Command Sgt. Major Jorge Arzabala, senior enlisted advisor for the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Command, said this years Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition is focused on the basic fundamentals every Soldier should master.

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, fires a M4 Carbine during a live-fire event 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.

A U.S. Marine with Maritime Special Purpose Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fires his rifle during a small arms and M3E1 Multi-purpose Anti-armor Anti-personnel Weapon System range on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 14, 2024. The 24th MEU is a premier crisis response force capable of deploying and landing at a moments notice. The skilled 24th MEU Marines and Sailors who comprise the flexible sea-based Marine Air Ground Task Force are ready to answer the nations call to crisis, no matter the climate or place. Marine Corps

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Brentten Wiley, a military intelligence officer assigned to the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, takes aim at targets with an M4A1 carbine at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 25, 2022. Soldiers from the 37th IBCT conducted the new M4A1 qualification course of fire, which sees Soldiers challenged by the integration of support barriers, unprompted magazine reloading, and a variety of position changes to better ensure they are prepared and ready to face combat.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Elijah Bell, a Navy corpsman with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, aims downrange in between buddy rushes down Saylor Creek Range in Grasmere, Idaho during exercise Garnet Rattler April 18, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint exercise between Marines, Soldiers and Airmen to train and qualify Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) to be more efficient and lethal in a realistic training environment.

Sgt. Hayden Prater, a Reserve Marine and scout sniper assigned to Scout Sniper Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, fires an M40A6 sniper rifle during an unknown distance range at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, May 18, 2022. Marines from the Scout Sniper Platoon convened with other units of 3/23 at Fort Campbell for a mission rehearsal exercise to prepare for the upcoming Integrated Training Exercise 4-22 in the summer of 2022. The Marines conducted specific long-range precision fire training with multiple weapons systems to hone marksmanship skills.

U.S. Army Sergeant 1st Class Herard Joseph, assigned with 101st Expeditionary Signal Battalion, fires the M-4 rifle during a life fire exercise at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Jan. 16, 2019. The 101st ESB has served nine months in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield, providing communications support for more than a dozen operating sites in some seven countries across the Middle East as part of the coalition effort to defeat the Islamic State, also known as ISIS.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Fassil Mekete, non-commissioned officer in charge of material control assigned to the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron, aims an M4 carbine during a simulated response exercise at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Feb. 22, 2024. The training tested the squadrons ability to properly respond to an aircraft crash under strenuous conditions and brought several different organizations across base together to maximize a realistic atmosphere and maintain security. Air Force

Cadet Gabriel Fanjul, Virginia Military Institutes alpha team, completes the M4 Qualification event during 1st Brigades Army ROTC Ranger Challenge on October 29 at Fort Knox, Ky. The Ranger Challenge runs October 26-29, and the top two teams go on to compete in the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at West Point Military Academy in April 2023. | Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

Sergeant First Class German Sanchez assigned to 20th CBRNE qualifies with a M-4 carbine during 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command's Best Warrior and Best Squad Competition held July 10-14, 2022 at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. The 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (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.

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

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alex Potts fires the M4 carbine during the New Jersey National Guard's Best Warrior Competition on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 20, 2022. Potts is a survey team member with the 21st Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team.

Staff Sgt. Joshua Mubarak, a fire support specialist assigned to 25th Infantry Division stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, shoots a M249 squad automatic weapon June 8 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, during the multiple weapon scenario-based marksmanship 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Webb, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, conducts fire team attack drills on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, August 9, 2022. This training improved the Marines proficiency at the tactical level and developed small-unit leadership. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Garcia is a native of Brooklyn, New York.

Staff Sgt. Celia Riffey, from the Tennessee National Guards 252nd Military Police Company, was the top overall marksman at the annual Adjutant General Match, which took place at Tullahomas Volunteer Training Site, from May 20-22. The TAG Match is a marksmanship competition and training event to promote shooting proficiency throughout the ranks of the Tennessee National Guard. (photo by Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Cordeiro)

A Marine with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) completes M4 rifle qualification requirements July 26, 2022, on Range 18 on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 24th Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 was holding annual training at Fort McCoy.

The 2nd BN 113th IN from the New Jersey Army National Guard are on the Fort Dix Range Complex on RG 40 completing the M2HB, Firing Table II on 14 OCT 2022. (Images are provided by the Fort Dix (TSC) Training Support Center / Daniel Amburg)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Michael Breeden, a satellite communications and electronics maintainer assigned to 8th Communication Battalion (8th Comm), II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, fires a M240B machine gun during a simulated force-on-force training event in an urban terrain town on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 28, 2022. 8th Comm establishes, maintains and defends communication networks in order to facilitate II Marine Expeditionary Force's ability to command and control forces.

Close-up of a shooter aiming gun.

A Soldier assigned to the 1st Armored Division competes in the Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills on day three of the Iron Squad Competition. The Iron Squad Competition is a four-day event designed to test each squad and individual competitors physical stamina, warrior tasks and battle drills skills and military knowledge. The winning squad will advance to compete in the III Corps Best Squad Competition later this year at Fort Hood.

070208-A-6553F-004. State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cristian Alfonso, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, prepares to fire an M136 AT4 Rocket Launcher while conducting squad attacks during a live-fire range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 28, 2022. This training improved the Marines proficiency at the tactical level and developed small-unit leadership. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Army Spc. Travis Breazeale, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Division Artillery, 1st Armored Division, shoots an M4 rifle in standing position during the weapon qualification portion of the Iron Squad Competition at Fort Bliss, Texas, April 20, 2022.The Iron Squad Competition is a four-day event designed to test each squad and individual competitors physical stamina, Warrior Tasks and Battle Drill skills and military knowledge. The winning squad will advance to compete in the III Corps Best Squad Competition later this year at Fort Hood.

A U.S. Marine with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, post security during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 15, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

A U.S. Army Soldier from the 10th Mountain Division aims at a target during the International Sniper Competition 2022, April 6, 2022, on Fort Benning, G.A.Not only were their shooting abilities tested on their rifles and pistols, at both stationary and moving targets, but they also had to demonstrate their ability to maintain information under stress and their ability to communicate as a team.

Army Sgt. Zachary Scuncio, a military police officer with the Rhode Island Army National Guards 169th Military Police Company, engages targets with an M4 carbine while competing in the 2017 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Camp Ripley, Minn., Tuesday, July 18, 2017. The competition is a mentally and physically challenging three-day event that tests Soldiers on a variety of tactical and technical skills to determine the Army Guards Soldier and noncommissioned of the year. The winners move on to compete in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition, battling it out with Soldiers from throughout the Army to be named the Armys Soldier and NCO of the year.

Cavalry troopers from Ace Troop, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division conduct water insertion and foot patrols through Bellows Field Beach Park Aug. 24, 2022. The joint amphibious insertion with Marines was part of a two-week multi-echelon exercise designed to validate Brigade Capability Set Integration (CSI), train and certify lethal companies, troops and batteries, and exercise the Warriors sustainment capacity in a dynamic and complex battlefield against a reacting enemy.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Quinton Griffin, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, fires an M27 infantry automatic rifle during a Combat Marksmanship Program (CMP) range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 26, 2022. CMP allows Marines to maintain weapon proficiency by engaging stationary and moving targets. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Staff Sgt. Reycel Dasher, assigned squad leader for U.S. Army South's best squad competition team, zero's an M4 Carbine during the Army Futures Command 2022 Best Squad Competition on June 6, 2022 at Camp Bullis, Texas. The Best Squad Competition is being used to select the team that will represent their command at the next level of competition with the hope of eventually winning the inaugural U.S. Army level Best Squad Competition

Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army 114th Infantry Regiment conducts light sniper training at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Nov. 19, 2022. The training is designed to educate snipers to be adaptive Soldiers, critical and creative thinkers, armed with the technical, tactical, and logistical skills necessary to serve successfully at the Sniper Team level.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment (1/2CR) fires a German G36 rifle during a Schuetzenschnur (German weapons proficiency test) event with the German partner unit of 1/2CR, the Panzergrenadierbataillon 112, at Regen, Germany, Sept. 29, 2022. 1/2CR provided an opportunity for exemplary Soldiers to earn a foreign award and to build camaraderie with German Army counterparts in order to strengthen NATO and multinational partnerships.

060807-A-0559K-011. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Dagger State: Tikrit Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHWEST

U.S. Marine Corps LCpl. Seth Salazar, a rifleman with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division engages a target during a course of fire as part of exercise Intrepid Maven 22.4 in the United Arab Emirates, Sept 22, 2022. Intrepid Maven is a bilateral exercise between U.S. and UAE armed forces to train with and strengthen our relationships with allied nations in the CENTCOM area of operations.

Soldiers fire at targets to zero their rifles during the zeroing phase of the 2022 European Best Sniper Competition in the Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, August 4, 2022. 36 sniper teams from 18 Allied and partner countries will compete head-to-head for the title of Best Sniper Team in Europe across eight days.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Benjamin Garcia, a machine gunner, with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, spots targets during a Mechanized Raid course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 11, 2022. The raid course was a one week program designed to improve the Marines ability to plan and conduct limited scale raids utilizing ground movement while forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Corban Lundborg, assigned to 4th Combat Camera Squadron, 315th Airlift Wing, participates in a marksmanship qualification range while competing in the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 21, 2022. The annual multi-day competition tests the physical, tactical and technical proficiency of visual information and public affairs specialists across the DOD and participating international competitors.

German soldiers of the 26th Panzer Division

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Division conduct M17 and M4 individual weapons qualification ranges at Udairi Ranges, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022.

Tech. Sgt. Christopher Cabibi, a Defender with the 403rd Security Forces Squadron stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, fires blank rounds from his M4 while advancing on an enemy position during an area security operations exercise, May 19, 2022, at Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center, Ohio. The training was part of the two-week Integrated Defense Leadership Course, based at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, and using training grounds at CJAG. IDLC was designed to provide Reserve Defenders with intensely focused hands-on training to achieve and maintain combat readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo/Eric M. White)

220706-M-RA094-1012 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 6,2022) A Mexican Marine with Special Units Operation, Battalion Jungle Command, Unit of Special Forces, sites in on a target during a live-fire sniper range in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 5, 2022. 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 relationship 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.

modern warfare american marines soldier in action while sneaking and aiming on laseer sight optics in combat position and searching for target in battle

Senior Airman Brandon Thompson, 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron defender, provides security during a recapture and recovery exercise at the missile complex, N.D., Nov. 16, 2016. During the simulated scenario, defenders set up a security perimeter to watch for hostile forces.

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), and the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, participate in the MDW Best Squad Competition at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. and Fort McNair, Washington, D.C., July 31 to Aug. 5, 2022. Soldiers were tested on patrol lanes, weapons lanes, medical lanes, and a board over the course of the five-day competition.

War game player in military camouflage uniform, equipped with tactical ammunition, aiming with service rifle replica while moving in sand with cloudy sky on background, during airsoft game event. Equipped airsoft player aiming with service rifle

Army Reserve Spc. Damani Thomas, an engineer with the 483rd Engineer Platoon, provides security while his unit conducts demining training at Fort McCoy, Wis., July 25, 2022, as part of Warrior Exercise 78-22-02.

AQABA, Jordan - A U.S. Marine assigned to the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command (FASTCENT) prepares for the Eager Lion 22 final exercise at the Royal Jordanian Naval Base, Jordan, September 11, 2022. Eager Lion 22 is a multilateral exercise hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, designed to exchange military expertise, and improve interoperability among partner nations, and considered the capstone of a broader U.S. military relationship with the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF). Jordan is one of U.S. Central Commands (USCENTCOM) strongest and most reliable partners in the Levant sub-region.

Army National Guard officer candidates, enrolled in the Washington Army National Guards 205th Regimental Training Institute Officer Candidate School Phase III, execute a platoon raid and air extraction at the Leschi Town Collective Training Facility on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 24, 2022. A raid is a limited-objective, deliberate operation entailing swift penetration of hostile terrain. Squad and platoon missions help candidates to develop their leadership skills, and quickly make critical decisions based on an understanding of Army tactical doctrine.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Daniel Brady, United States Forces Japan facilities and real estate branch chief, fires in the sitting position during the Excellence in Competition Sept. 15, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The three-day competition hosted more than 70 participants from the Air Force and other service branches.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Williamson, rifleman with 3rd Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion 5th Marines, provides security as he conducts a patrol with Afghan National Army soldiers in Sangin, Afghanistan, Jan. 5, 2011. Marines conducted security patrols to decrease insurgency and gain the trust of the people. The battalion, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2, conducted counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force.

030324-M-4779G-032. Base: Al Shur Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 1 RCT

A U.S. Soldier, assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, maintains security position for a night troop movement during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 18, 2024. A company of soldiers headed toward an exercise objective at the top of a hill. JPMRC 24-02 builds readiness and enhances interoperability through realistic training within the Arctic Circle. Army

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ryan Dowdy, a transitions systems operator with Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 18, fires an M110 semi-automatic sniper system during exercise Eagle Wrath 22 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, May 9, 2022. The explosive ordnance disposal team uses the M110 semi-automatic sniper system to detonate explosives from a safe distance. Eagle Wrath is an annual Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 exercise at CATC Camp Fuji, Japan, designed to increase squadron proficiency in conducting real-world contingency missions while in a forward operating environment.

Major Justin May, commander of the 890th Missile Security Forces Squadron, rapidly fires his weapons during training, July 19, 2022, at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming. May and his squadron conducted three days of training in order to ensure they stay ready and lethal.

An educator from the 9th Marine Corps District fires the M-16A4 service rifle from 200 meters at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. June 8, 2022. The Educators' Workshop program provides selected educators, coaches, directors and influential community members with an experiential opportunity to see how the Marine Corps transforms young men and women into Marines.

U.S. Army Spc. Christopher Hunt, a paratrooper with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, hold security during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, March 29, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 helps Soldiers and leaders develop and refine the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to successfully operate in remote and extreme Arctic winter conditions and overcome environmental and military challenges.

LA VENTA, Honduras - A member of the U.S Army runs and shoots at the range for the "Almost back on 5.56" shooting event of the Fuerzas Comando competition June 15, 2022, in La Venta, Honduras. Fuerzas Commando is a multinational SOF skills competition showcases the diversity of the SOF community in the western hemisphere, strengthens our regional partnerships, and demonstrates the readiness and interoperability across regional boundaries.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Philip Wisniewski, an infantryman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, fires an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 3, 2022. The training allowed infantry companies and the medium missile battery with 3d LCT to rehearse maneuver proficiency and conduct expeditionary advanced base operations while integrated into the 3d MLR.

Army Reserve Cpl. Anton Shekhalevich, 412th Theater Engineer Command, marks notes in his notebook at Camp Ethan Allen, Vermont on July 19, 2022. The Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers Military Competition (CIOR MILCOMP) is a three-day team competition consisting of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations in Europe. It has been around since 1957. The competition is open to all reserve components for both NCO and officer. It is now run on a volunteer basis and funded by former competitors through an alumni association.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nicky Drury, a UH-1Y Venom crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, loads a M240D machine gun during Integrated Training Exercise 2-24 at Camp Wilson, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 9, 2024. HMLA-267 was tasked to execute a series of different mission sets, centered around close air support, to support Marines on the ground in a simulated combat environment. ITX is designed to provide large forces the opportunity to command and control their Marines through a live-fire program incorporating every element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Marine Corps

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Zachary Sobeck, assigned to 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment, takes aim with his M-4A1 carbine while conducting dismounted reconnaissance movements during Exercise Arrow 22 at Niinisalo Training Area, Finland, May 6th, 2022. Exercise Arrow is an annual, pre-planned, multinational exercise taking place in Finland, where visiting forces to include the U.S., U.K., Latvia, and Estonia, train together with the Finnish Defense Forces in high intensity force-on-force engagements and a live fire exercise with the purpose of increasing military readiness and developing interoperability among participating partner nations.

A US Marine Corps (USMC) troop from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) Security Battalion, loads his FNMI 7.62 mm M240 Machine Gun at the weapons range before going on an off-base perimeter patrol at Al Asad, Iraq (IRQ), in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A Marine with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) completes M4 rifle qualification requirements July 26, 2022, on Range 18 on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 24th Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 was holding annual training at Fort McCoy.

A Marine with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) completes M4 rifle qualification requirements July 26, 2022, on Range 18 on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 24th Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 was holding annual training at Fort McCoy.

A Soldier with the New York Army National Guard engages targets with her M4A1 Carbine Aug. 6 at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. All National Guardsmen are required to qualify with their assigned weapon annually to maintain a high level of combat readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alex Maciel, a motor transport operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron 473, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, sights in with an M240 machine gun on range 205 during Integrated Training Exercise 4-22 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 29, 2022. The mobile operations course challenges supporting elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force to respond to contact while delivering logistical supplies to other elements of the MAGTF. ITX is designed to provide large forces the opportunity to command and control their Marines through a live-fire program incorporating every element of the MAGTF.

U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Mkhotan Amaya with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, shoots the M16A4 service rifle for the Marine Corps table two course of fire at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 19, 2022. Table two course of fire teaches recruits the fundamentals of safety and marksmanship in combat shooting positions and rifle carries.

Tech. Sgt. Chelsea Reynolds, 39th Security Force Squadron weapons and tactics section chief, fires an M16 rifle during a shooting competition at the shooting range at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, May 20, 2022. In honor of law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, the 39th SFS, with support from units around base, organized several military ceremonies in addition to athletic and social events.

U.S. Army Sgt. John Barrett, and U.S. Army Spc. Parker Henss, snipers both assigned to 3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, spot targets behind cover during the Latvia International Snipers Competition as part of Defender Europe at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, 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 Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jett Meenach conducts immediate actions by checking his rounds during a range with the U.S. and French Marines for Caraibes 22 in Martinique, France, June 9. 2022. Exercise Caraibes 2022 is a French-led, large scale, joint training exercise in the Caribbean involving naval, air, and land assets, from the French, U.S., and regional forces focused on responding to natural disasters.

040504-F-2185G-008. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

U.S. Army squads from across III Armored Corps compete for the title of the corps Best Squad during a head-to-head competition at the III Armored Corps Best Squad Competition 2022 at Fort Hood, Texas, Jun. 24, 2022. On day three of the competition, all squads were tested on their marksmanship and enemy awareness by individually firing on a training range with sporadic pop-up targets. Spc. Daniel McCamish, representing the 89th MP squad, fires down lane while being tested on his M-17 marksmanship and reaction. The III Armored Corps pulled only the best from across its divisions and separate brigades to compete in this years inaugural competition. The best squad goes on to compete in the U.S. Army Forces Command competition at Fort Hood in August.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Marcos Vandalen, a squad leader with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, fires an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 3, 2022. The training allowed infantry companies and the medium missile battery with 3d LCT to rehearse maneuver proficiency and conduct expeditionary advanced base operations while integrated into the 3d MLR.

031015-M-9382M-039. US Marine Corps (USMC) members with the 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, operate an M2 50-caliber Machine Gun, during Exercise ROLLING THUNDER 2003, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

A Green Beret assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) fires a M17 pistol through a simulated window during a stress fire training as part of a joint combined exchange training (JCET) near Tirana, Albania, Feb. 27, 2024. Albania special operations forces and the 10th SFG(A) conducted JCET to enhance interoperability and strengthen military readiness, teamwork, and joint confidence while promoting peace and stability in Europe. Army

U.S. Army Capt. Andrew D. Kennedy General Dentist with Dental Activity Bavaria, fires the M4 rifle during the Medical Readiness Command-Europe, Best Medic Competition qualification range, Nov. 30, 2022, at Baumholder, Germany. The competition served to test the Soldiers knowledge and warfighting capabilities through a variety of test like weapon qualifications, land navigation, Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and more. The winners will compete at the Army level Best Medic Competition which will be held at Fort Polk, Louisiana in January 2023.

A U.S. Marine with 2d Marine Division, aims his weapon during the NATO Cold Weather Instructor Course in Innset, Norway, Nov. 29, 2022. NCWIC is a course designed to develop Marines and other service members to be instructors of cold weather survival training in preparation for future deployments.

A U.S. Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 340th Military Police company conducted preliminary training on an M240B machine gun as part of a situational tactical exercise on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 27, 2022. Soldiers from the 333rd MP Brigade, 340th MP Battalion gathered here for Gotham Justice, a four-week exercise that trained, challenged and improved Soldiers' primary skill sets and core MP competencies required in detention operations and security and mobility support operations.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 273, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Combat Logistics Company (CLC) 23, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, conduct a short-range course of fire (table 5) at Ft. Stewart, Georgia, Oct. 31, 2022. Marines with MWSS-273 and CLC-23 improved their combat capability and exercised their proficiency with M4 carbine rifles and M16A4 service rifles. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Hyatt Duncan, a machine gunner with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, fires an M240B medium machine gun while conducting squad attack drills during a Tactical Small Unit Leader Course on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, July 27, 2022. This training improved the Marines proficiency at the tactical level and developed small-unit leadership. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Duncan is a native of Atlanta, Georgia.

U.S. Army Spc. Keving Lee, an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fires an M110 semi-automatic sniper system as part of the zeroing step at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 7, 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.

Recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, shoot live rounds with M16-A4 service rifles during the Table One course of fire on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Dec. 09, 2022. Recruits shoot at the 200, 300, and 500 yard lines during this course of fire.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Hunter Cazier, left, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 4 (CLB-4), Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, loads an M240B machine gun for Pfc. Daniel Navarrete, also a motor vehicle operator with CLB-4, during a live fire range in the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 13, 2022. The Marines fired the M240B machine gun and the Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun to increase their lethality and proficiency with the weapon systems. 3d 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Garrett C. Carothers with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, practices shooting table one at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 12, 2022. All recruits must participate in the table one and table two qualification courses during the third phase of recruit training.

Airmen with the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, conduct weapons fundamental training at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, April 1, 2023. This training teaches airmen weapon familiarization, safety, transitions, shooting on the move and more.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jacob Barnaby, left, and Cpl. Cody Arnold, both reconnaissance Marines with the Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fire M249 light machine guns during a live-fire exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 13, 2022. Marines applied their knowledge of M249 light machine gun and the M240B weapon systems on the range in order to maintain proficiency and lethality. 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 premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

Staff Sergeant Bennett R. Dannemiller, 264th Medical Battalion Radiology Specialist Instructor, fires his M4 carbine rifle during the stress shoot qualifications for the best medic competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The event included the Army Combat Fitness Test, obstacle course, M-4 qualification, warrior tasks and battle drills, land navigation, a Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and 12-Mile Ruck March.

During firing exercises snipers frequently check target location and record data to compute firing information.While commonly known as snipers, the official term used by U.S.Army is designated marksman. The U.S.Army Sniper Course is a seven-week training course at Fort Benning. With most formal training courses, skill training is an ongoing process throughout the year. The snipers of the 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion trained for a full week separate from the main body of units in the field during annual training 2022. Their training encompassed individual qualifications, timed shooting exercises and movement to a covered location without being detected, identifying adversaries, engagement and withdrawal without being sighted.

040920-M-1226J-011. Base: USMC Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Staff Sgt. Matthew Danyus, a Defender with the 403rd Security Forces Squadron stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, fires blank rounds at an opposing force member during an area security operations exercise, May 19, 2022, at Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center, Ohio. The training was part of the two-week Integrated Defense Leadership Course, based at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, and using training grounds at CJAG. IDLC was designed to provide Reserve Defenders with intensely focused hands-on training to achieve and maintain combat readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo/Eric M. White)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ethan Boe, a rifleman, Officer Candidates School, aims down range during the Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition classes on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia Oct. 26, 2022. The Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition enhances a Marines lethality on the battlefield via advanced marksmanship training and competition in support of the Commandants guidance to develop warriors with physical and mental toughness, tenacity, initiative, and aggressiveness to innovate, adapt, and win in a rapidly changing operating environment. Boe is a native of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joshua Macias, a transmissions systems operator with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fires an M16A4 service rifle during a table three through six range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 8, 2022. The purpose of the range was to improve Marines combat marksmanship in preparation for future operations. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. Macias, a native of Rancho Cucamonga, California, graduated from Etiwanda High School in 2019 and enlisted out of Recruiting Station Upland in 2020.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Holden Gilbert, with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts a shooting drill aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7), in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 16, 2022. Marines conducted the shooting drills to maintain their expertise in marksmanship. 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. Army Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Division conduct M17 and M4 individual weapons qualification ranges at Udairi Ranges, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022.

A U.S. Marine Corps Recruit with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, fires his rifle in the kneeling position during table two on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. April 12, 2022. All recruits must participate in the table two rifle qualification course during the 3rd phase of recruit training.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Landon M. Snyder, a machine gunner with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines fires a MK19 automatic grenade launcher 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. Snyder is a native of Tucson, Arizona.

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, fires their M4A1 Carbine. Regular range visits allow soldiers to hone their marksmanship and ensure their weapon is functional.

of 4