Marksmanship Training

Photos of military members practicing weapon handling and qualification. Focus on shooters aiming rifles in varied settings, highlighting concentration and skill development.

Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21538176 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

Spc. Samuel Alverez of Squad 1, representing U.S. Army Forces Command in the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition, takes aim with his M4A1 carbine during the weapon qualification course on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 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; evaluating their physical and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Bailey Amey, a bulk fuel specialist with Bulk Fuel Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, fires his M16A4 service rifle during his annual rifle qualification at Range 116A on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 11, 2022. Camp Pendletons Marksmanship Training Division trains 22,000 Marines and sailors each year across the installation to effectively engage targets with both rifles and pistols. The ARQ is a timed course of fire, ranging from 500 yards down to 15 yards. Amey is a native of Brisbane, Australia.

U.S. Army Soldiers qualify with the M4 carbine during a Infantry Advanced Leaders Course on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 5, 2022. The Advanced Leaders Course, hosted by the 254th Regional Training Institute, New Jersey Army National Guard, is a branch-specific course that provides Soldiers selected for promotion to Staff Sgt. an opportunity to enhance leadership, technical skill, tactical expertise and experience needed to lead squad-size units. Class 22-02 has Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division, 82nd Airborne Division, and the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

U.S. Police Officers assigned to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams from police departments across South Carolina participate in advanced firearms drills during the 2022 SWAT Summit at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, Columbia, South Carolina, Sept. 28, 2022. The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy hosted a weeklong Federal Bureaus of Investigation Special Weapons and Tactics summit to train law enforcement officers in firearms, close quarters combat, tactical medical care, patrolling tactics and familiarize officers with improvised explosive devices.

Spc. Isaias Lerma, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), fires a M4A1 Carbine as part of his training to obtain the Expert Soldier Badge training on Caserma Del-Din, Vicenza, Italy, Oct. 26, 2022. The ESB is a United States Army special skills badge that is awarded to U.S. military personnel and North Atlantic Treaty Organization military personnel who successfully complete a set of qualification tests, including both written and performance portions.

A Tactical Air Control Party Airman fires at a target during Lightning Challenge 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Chapman Annex, Texas, Nov. 3, 2022. The Lightning Challenge is an annual service-level TACP competition to identify the best TACP Airmen in the Air Force.

Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21538176 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jackson Olson, a Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, native, Sevastopol High School Graduate and a reconnaissance Marine with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, fires a M4 rifle during Exercise Tres Kolos in Savaneta, Aruba, Oct. 21, 2022. This exercise promotes partnerships, shares knowledge, and enhances interoperability between the forces in order to strengthen our common defense, foster stability and defeat threats.

A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, and a French Foreign Legionnaire with 2nd Regiment, fires the FN Minimi at Nimes, France, May, 24, 2022. This was part of a bilateral training event with the French Foreign Legion that challenged the forces with physical and tactical training, as well as provided the opportunity to exchange knowledge and strengthen bonds..

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, fire an M3E1 multipurpose anti-armor anti-personnel weapon system, during a range in preparation for a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, August 24, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

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.

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - U.S. Army Spc. John W. Walter, a medic with the 547th Medical Company (Area Support), 56th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 62nd Medical Brigade, and a native of Richland, Wash., fires his M4 rifle during the weapons qualification portion of the Kosovo Force Regional Command East Best Warrior Competition at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, Sept. 30, 2022. After completing three days of grueling tasks and competing against two other junior enlisted Soldiers, Walter was named the Best Warrior in the enlisted category.

New York Army National Guard Sgt. Craig Rowell, a member of the 204th Engineer Battalion's 152nd Engineer Support Company shoots targets from the seated position during the 26th Annual Marksmanship Advisory Council Region One (MAC1) Combat Championships held at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, Vermont on August s19, 2022. The MAC1 provides a combat focused marksmanship sustainment training event and competition for all the states in New England and New York.

US Marine Corps (USMC) Sergeant (SGT) George Little, Red Mobile Assault Platoon, Mobile Assault Company, 2nd Battalion (BN), 2nd Marine Regiment (MAR REGT), looks through the scope of his KAC 5.56 mm Modular Weapon System (MWS) SOPMOD (Special Operation Peculiar Modification) M4 rifle for possible suspicious activity in the area while a patrol in Kharma, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Base: Al Kharma State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

021211-F-6701P-007. Base: Krtsanisi Country: Georgia (The Country) (GEO)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 10th Special Forces Group train on the M136 AT4 light anti-tank weapon during a live-fire exercise at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 16, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Skyler Kotas, an engineer equipment mechanic with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Group (Experimental), 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fires an M4 carbine during a table three through six and combat marksmanship program range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 16, 2022. The purpose of the range was to improve the battalion's organic combat marksmanship capabilities and to train the core position safety officers for subsequent company ranges. 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.

Norwegian Rapid reaction special forces FSK soldier firing in the forest. Field camo uniforms, combat helmet and eye-wear goggles are on. norwegian soldier in the forest

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Sam Pastor, vehicle maintainer attached to the Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team, fires the Mk48 "super SAW" machine gun at the off-base firing range near forward operating base Mehtar Lam Sept. 10. Members from the PRT traveled to the range to practice with crew served, primary and secondary weapons along with M203 grenade launchers and frag grenades.

Paratroopers from across the 82nd Airborne Division participated in the first day of the Divisions Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, N.C. on June 7, 2022. Today they conducted an Army Combat Fitness Test, M4 rifle qualification, and ran through several lanes that tested their Army Warrior Tasks.

Idaho Army National Guard soldiers from Charlie Company, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion train with the AT4 anti-tank weapon in the field during annual training. This years exercises are taking place before the 2-116th CAB deploys in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

U.S. Army Reserve Pfc. Byron Lincoln, a horizontal construction engineer with the 282nd Engineer Company, shoots the M249 light machine gun at Fort Carson,Colorado, Nov. 5, 2022. Byron competed in the 244th Engineer Battalions Best Squad Competition which tests basic soldier tasks and drills.

A U.S. Marine and a U.S. Army Soldier, assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, conducts Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUNT) training during Exercise Super Garuda Shield on Dodiklatpur Rindam V, East Java, Indonesia., September 1, 2023. Super Garuda Shield 2023 is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in scope and size since 2009. SGS2023 is the second consecutive time this exercise has grown into a combined and joint event, highlighting the 6 participating and 12 observing nations' commitment to partnership and a free and open indo-pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Crisitina Salazar, a finance technician 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. Salazar, a native of Los Angeles, California, graduated from Bell Gardens High School in 2018 and enlisted out of Recruiting Station Hollywood in 2020.

Soldiers from Charlie Company, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion, practiced weapons handling, fast loading, and engagement skills during the first week of annual training.The 2022 annual training exercises for the Idaho Army National Guard are the last mass field exercises for the 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team before deploying in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cameron Touchstone, an infantryman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, fires an M320 grenade launcher 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.

A U.S. Soldier 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.

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit sights in on a target while conducting a live-fire sniper range during KAMANDAG 6 at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base, Tarlac, 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 shared experiences.

A U.S. Marine with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, engages targets with an M4 carbine during cold weather training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 6, 2022. This training was conducted to enhance the units combat effectiveness in extreme cold weather as they prepare for an upcoming deployment to Marine Corps Forces Europe-Africa theater of operations.

A Soldier assigned to 2nd Infantry Division shoots at the Bayonet Blitz range during the 7ID Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 21, 2022. The three-day competition was held to recognize the best Soldier and noncommissioned officer in the division through various tests including a ruck march, obstacle course, land navigation, R2 performance test and a board.

The Princeton Army ROTC is shown here on Range 20 on the Fort Dix Range Complex. This ROTC program includes cadets from The College of New Jersey, Rider University and Rowan University. These cadets are here at Fort Dix completing their Zero and Grounding training. (Images are provided by the Fort Dix (TSC) Training Support Center / Daniel Amburg)

U.S. Marines Lance Cpl. Christopher Hartl (left) and Lance Cpl. Austin Hurkmans, both Low Altitude Air Defense gunners with 3d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, provide surface-to-air defense using the FIM-92 Stinger on Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 28, 2022. The training demonstrates the joint forces ability to integrate command and control, expand battlefield awareness, and conduct long-range precision strikes as an enduring, stand-in-force. Hartl is a native of Mukilteo, Washington, and Hurkmans is a native of Marquette, Michigan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ujian Gosun)

Staff Sgt. Calvin Miller, a combat engineer assigned to Eighth Army and native from Minot, North Dakota, fires a M249 squad automatic weapon at the multiple weapon scenario-based marksmanship event during the 2022 U.S. Army Pacific's Best Warrior Competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, June 8, 2022. 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 Staff Sgt. Michael Morales, a 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 from 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment 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.

Spc. Jacob Byrd, a musician assigned to U.S. Army Japan stationed at Camp Zama, Japan, reloads the M4 carbine rifle June 8 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, at the multiple weapon scenario-based marksmanship event during 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 LCpl. Andrew Laidler, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, fires an AK-5 service rifle while participating in combat marksmanship training, during exercise Archipelago Endeavor 22 at Berga Naval Base, Sweden, Sept. 8, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

Providers assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division conduct security operations on Fort Bragg, NC, March 29, 2022. The Field Training Exercise ensures Paratroopers stand ready to fight, win, and meet the 18 hour deployment standard.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Tyler Skurnick, a motor transportation operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, conducts urban operations training during a field exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 7, 2022. MWSS-171 conducted this exercise in order to familiarize themselves with expeditionary advanced base operations, demolition operations, urban operations, and different weapon systems.

040701-M-0374B-011. Base: USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49)

Spc. Brittney Joy, a Public Affairs Mass Communications Specialist assigned to the 368th Public Affairs Detachment, fires an M249 light machine gun at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin on April 3, 2022. While on a shooting range, Soldiers work to qualify their weapons by shooting at paper and pop-up targets, fulfilling their annual training requirement.

U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Blaine Hale, student, sends bullets down the target range from a M240 B medium machine gun during the live firing portion of the Lightweight Machine Gun Qualification course at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Oct. 3, 2022. The course is two-weeks long culminating in three days where students familiarize themselves with weapons by live firing in multiple conditions and is designed to ready students for mission demands on day-one of assignment at their new base where this training is not available.

Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, completed a weapons qualification course for the M17 pistol and M4 carbine at Fort Pickett Maneuver Training Center in Blackstone, Virginia, on Aug. 1, 2022. Hokanson experienced firsthand the latest individual weapons qualification standards expected of all Soldiers in the National Guard while simultaneously demonstrating his personal proficiency in marksmanshipa basic and essential Soldier skill.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Patrick Garner, a 316th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) patrolman, fires a practice round out of a M203 grenade launcher at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., July 15, 2010. The 316th SFS combat arms instructors qualify base defenders and forward deploying members, as needed, on the M203 using 15 practice rounds that that fire up to 400 meters.

Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, completed a weapons qualification course for the M17 pistol and M4 carbine at Fort Pickett Maneuver Training Center in Blackstone, Virginia, on Aug. 1, 2022. Hokanson experienced firsthand the latest individual weapons qualification standards expected of all Soldiers in the National Guard while simultaneously demonstrating his personal proficiency in marksmanshipa basic and essential Soldier skill.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, fires his rifle during table two on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. June 13, 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. Juan Vera, assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company Europe (FASTEUR), participates in a live-fire weapons training event with members of the Spanish National Police's Grupo Especial de Operaciones (GEO), May 17, 2022. FASTEUR, under Task Force 61/2, is 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 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. Jared Studacker, representing the 1st Infantry Division squad, waits on instruction from the range tower while conducting his individual marksmanship assessment. 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.

Sergeant 1st Class Jason E. Pate, 68W Combat Medics, 187th Medical Battalion,zeros in his weapon 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Blake Squires, a satellite communications and electronics maintainer assigned to 8th Communication Battalion (8th Comm), II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, fires a M16A4 service rifle 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cody Neuberger, a rifleman assigned to Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), provides security during a raid exercise near Kristianstad, Sweden, Aug. 28, 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. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Justin Cusano, a rifleman with Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts training during exercise BALTOPS 22 on Gotland Island, Sweden, June 10, 2022. BALTOPS 22 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

A U.S. Marine conducts his annual rifle qualification at Range 116A, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 11, 2022. Camp Pendletons Marksmanship Training Division trains 22,000 Marines and sailors each year across the installation to effectively engage targets with both rifles and pistols. The ARQ is a timed course of fire, ranging from 500 yards down to 15 yards.

U.S. Army Green Berets assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and Macedonian Special Operations Task Unit Wolves” train on multiple types of sniper rifles during Exercise Trojan Footprint 22 in Macedonia, May 3, 2022. Trojan Footprint is the premier Special Operations Forces (SOF) exercise in Europe that focuses on improving the ability of SOF to counter myriad threats, increases integration with conventional forces and enhances interoperability with our NATO allies and European partners.

U.S. Army Capt. Sam Philbrook, commander, Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, engages targets during a stress shoot exercise at the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, Vt., Aug. 13, 2022. Soldiers negotiate obstacles and fire live rounds using M4 carbines and squad automatic weapons. The goal of the training is to build individual Soldier skills and confidence in a scenario replicating movement in combat.

A U.S. Army Soldier prepares to clear his weapon after participating in the First Corps marksmanship competition on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, February 29, 2024. There are 13 teams participating in this years competition. Army

Lance Cpl. Trent Martin aims in on a target during a combined arms exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 12, 2014. Martin is a rifleman with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. BLT 3/1 conducted this training concurrent with the 15th MEUs realistic urban training. RUT prepares the 15th MEUs Marines for their upcoming deployment, enhancing their combat skills in environments similar to those they may find in future missions.

U.S. Spc. Matthew Ruiz, representing the U.S Army Materiel Command, fires an M-17 pistol during the stress shoot portion of the Army Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 5, 2022. The week-long competition will assess each squad on their technical and tactical proficiency, as well as their ability to work as a disciplined and cohesive team, featuring a multitude of fitness, knowledge and combat-related events.

U.S. Spc. Matthew Ruiz, representing the U.S Army Materiel Command, fires an M-17 pistol during the stress shoot portion of the Army Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 5, 2022. The week-long competition will assess each squad on their technical and tactical proficiency, as well as their ability to work as a disciplined and cohesive team, featuring a multitude of fitness, knowledge and combat-related events.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, train on M240b machine guns at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 23, 2023. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment provides V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps, with combat-credible forces capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater to defend the NATO alliance.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Matthew Martin, an infantry squad leader with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, provides security during Exercise Manticore in France, Sept. 22, 2022. Exercise Manticore is a French Army-led large scale exercise that integrated the Marines into a platoon-sized maneuver element to conduct offensive and defensive operations.

110427-A-RU334-014 A U.S. Army soldier with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, aims his M4 carbine over a wall while securing an open field in Char Shaka, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on April 27, 2011.

U.S. Marines with Maritime Special Purpose Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), load a warhead into an M3E1 Multi-purpose Anti-armor Anti-personnel Weapon System (MAAWS) during a small arms and MAAWS 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 Pfc. Stacy Schomer, assigned to Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), participates in field artillery training in support of a situational training exercise at Sodankyla, Finland, July 23, 2022. The 101st (AASLT) is under the command and control of V CorpsAmerica's forward-deployed corps in Europe, that work alongside regional security partners, like Finland, to provide combat-credible forces.

Col. John Dunn, commander of the 290th Military Police Brigade, fires an M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System during the nonlethal weapons training as part of Titan Warrior here in Camp Shelby, Mississippi. Titan Warrior is a two-week long exercise that involves units from the 290th Military Police Brigade.

A U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team East member participates in a live fire demonstration at the units training center in North Carolina, Jan. 12, 2023. MSRT-East is an advanced-ready force trained in counterterrorism, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats, high-risk law enforcement boarding procedures and maritime security.

U.S. Army Soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery Regiment, Wisconsin Army National Guard, implement battle drills such as reacting to simulated chemical attacks and other forms of enemy contact during Northern Strike 22-1/Winter Strike”, Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, Michigan, Jan. 27, 2022. NADWC maximizes combat readiness by providing adaptable, cost-effective training ranging from individualized tactical skills to near-peer contested threat and combined arms environments focused on Joint and Coalition force integration and domain convergence. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. David Kujawa)

A U.S. Army Ranger from the 10th Mountain Division, 1st Lt. Samuel Sutera, warms up for the "Selby Urban Assault Course" during the Best Ranger Competition 2022, April 8, 2022, on Fort Benning, G.A.The competition has evolved over the past thirty-eight years from once that was originally created to salute the best two-man "buddy" team in the Ranger Department at Fort Benning, G.A. to determine the best two-man team from the entire United States Armed Forces.

Security Forces Airmen with the 121st Air Refueling Wing participate in quarterly weapons training during a regularly scheduled drill at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, May 5, 2019. The Airmen practiced shooting simulated ammunition while wearing gloves and gas masks to experience weapons handling as they would in a chemical warfare environment.

A U.S. Marine fires an M240B machine gun during a live-fire and maneuver range as part of Reconnaissance Certification Exercise at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb 1, 2024. Live-fire and maneuver ranges give Marines the opportunity to engage and destroy targets in a dynamic environment. RCERT is a battalion level exercise that evaluates Marines on all ground reconnaissance warfighting skills and tactics. The Marine is with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division. Marine Corps

U.S. Army Spc. Hannah Denning, assigned to Headquarters Support Company, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), dissembles a M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during an Expert Soldier Badge practice lane on Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Oct. 14, 2022. The U.S. Army ESB measures a soldiers proficiency in physical fitness, marksmanship, land navigation and other critical warfighting tasks. The ESB was implemented in the 2020 fiscal year.

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Alaska Air National Guard Capt. Maria Settanni, 176th Force Support Squadron operations officer, rapidly engages targets, June 3, 2022, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson during the 2022 The Adjutant General Match. Teams of four service members competed throughout the week in a series of combat pistol and rifle marksmanship tests for a spot on the Governors Twenty marksmanship team. (Alaska Air National Guard photo by David Bedard)

A U.S. Marine with 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, sights in on a target during a regimental field exercise on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 6, 2022. Marines conducted the FEX to enhance combat capabilities while maintaining operational readiness throughout the regiment.

A U.S. Marines fires his M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle on an Indonesian range during Exercise Super Garuda Shield on Dodiklatpur Rindam V, East Java, Indonesia., September 1, 2023. Super Garuda Shield 2023 is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in scope and size since 2009. SGS2023 is the second consecutive time this exercise has grown into a combined and joint event, highlighting the 6 participating and 12 observing nations' commitment to partnership and a free and open indo-pacific.

Cpl. Keeorris Smart, an assistant patrol leader with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines operates a M4 service rifle during Keen Sword 23, aboard the USS Orleans LPD-18 in the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 13, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and the JGSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. Smart is a native of Duval County, FL.

A U.S. Army Soldier aims at his target on range 22 during the First Corps marksmanship competition, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, February 29, 2024. I Corps is a major formation of United States Army Pacific and its current mission involves administrative oversight of army units in the Asia-Pacific region including Hawaii and Alaska. Army

Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers with Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) exchange knowledge on close-quarters combat at the French 5th Overseas Interarms Regiment base, Djibouti, June 23, 2022. Members of the CJTF-HOA regularly train and work alongside allies, partners, and government organizations to achieve a unified effort to improve safety, security and prosperity in East Africa.

A U.S. Army Soldier from the 10th Mountain Division finishes an event during the International Sniper Competition 2022, April 4, 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.

U.S. Army Pfc. Damon Manning, 1st Theater Signal Brigade, performs a functions check of an M-249 squad automatic weapon during the Eighth Army 2022 Best Warrior and Squad Competition at Rodriguez Live-Fire Range, South Korea, May 10, 2022. The Eighth Army Best Warrior and Squad Competition is a week-long competition consisting of several events to test the participants general Army knowledge and skills.

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

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, test fires their 50 Caliber Heavy Machine Gun. Regular range visits allow soldiers to hone their marksmanship and ensure their weapon is functional.

An Albanian special operations forces soldier ducks behind a wooden barrier and fires his rifle during a stress fire exercise 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

ARTA, Djibouti (Sep. 22, 2022) - U.S. Navy Sailors from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti conduct a live-fire exercise to maintain operational efficiency at Djibouti Range Complex, Sep. 22, 2022. Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti serves as an expeditionary base for U.S. military forces providing support to ships, aircraft and personnel that ensure security throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. The base enables maritime and combat operations ing the Horn of Africa and Southwest Asia. The base enables maritime and combat operations in the Horn of Africa while fostering positive U.S. Africa relations.

U.S. Air Force members of the 219th Security Forces Squadron Tech. Sgt. Shawn Mcelyea points while providing overwatch as Tech. Sgt. Kasey Taylor operates an Mk 19 grenade launcher (pronounced Mark 19) an American 40mm belt-fed automatic grenade launcher during stationary turret training held at Camp Ripley Minnesota July 26, 2022. Airman received both stationary and mobile training on the Mark 19 as part of their qualify course to prepare them for real world missile fields and deployments.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Trenton Delinski, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, engages targets 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. Delinski is a native of Woodridge, Virginia.

Specialist Donald Snyder his M-4 rifle for qualification during the Oregon National Guards 2009 Soldier of the Year/NCO of the Year competition, Feb. 27-March 1, at Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Ore. Snyder, of Tri-Cities, Wash., won the title of the Oregon National Guards 2009 Soldier of the Year.

U.S. Army Spc. Amanda Santiago, a materiel control accounting specialist assigned to the New York Army National Guard's 369th Sustainment Brigade, shoots targets in the kneeling position during weapons qualification at Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard National Training Center, Jonestown, PA, July 7, 2022. Soldiers must qualify with their weapons periodically to ensure proficiency.

Troopers from all over the 1st Cavalry Division competed in a stress shoot for Cav Week Sep. 14 at Fort Hood. The stress shoot was one of many competitions throughout the week, the division also held soccer, basketball, cornhole, race, football, and dodgeball competitions to celebrate the division's 101st birthday.

Soldiers shoot M17s in order to qualify at the range.

U.S. Army Soldiers from 1st Infantry Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, pulls security during convoy operations on Pohakuloa Training Grounds, Oct. 31, 2022. Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 23-01 is a regional combat training center (CTC) rotation that builds combat readiness in Americas Pacific Division and is a key way the Army forces engage in a joint environment with our regional allies and partners.

Snipers of the Royal Danish Army spot and measure the distance to their next target at 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. Army Pvt. Juan Davila, a rifleman, Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, Michigan National Guard, engages opposition forces during a simulated training exercise at the Ben Ghilouf Training Area in Tunisia, June 24, 2022. African Lion 2022 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL222 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the the

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Skylar A. Carroll, a mortarman 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. Skylar is a native of Eureka, California.

U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Ethan Allen, representing the Army Reserve Medical Command, pulls security at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility as part of the U.S. Army Reserve Best Squad Competition at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin on May 17, 2022. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Warrior Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022. The 2022 BWSC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers and squads from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of Best Warrior and Best Squad among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

Belgian Armed Forces soldiers assigned to ISTAR COY react to contact during Exercise Combined Resolve 17 (CbR 17) at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, on June 3, 2022. CbR 17 is a U.S. Army exercise consisting of 5,600 service members, NATO Allies, and partners from over 10 countries, and is designed to assess units' abilities to conduct operations in a multi-domain battle space.

French Forces in Djibouti and U.S. Soldiers with Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, conduct close-quarters marksmanship training at Arta Range, Djibouti, April 13, 2022. U.S and French Armed Forces regularly train to enhance their partnership and build proficiency.

U.S Army Soldiers from Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve forces conduct live-fire battle drills during the 254th Regional Training Institute's Infantry Advanced Leaders Course 22-02 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 7, 2022. The Advanced Leaders Course is a branch-specific course that provides Soldiers selected for promotion to Staff Sgt. an opportunity to enhance leadership, technical skill, tactical expertise and experience needed to lead squad-size units.

U.S. Marine Corps recruit Cody Hozerland with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion fires at his target during a table one live fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 19, 2022. The table I course of fire is the beginning of the Marine Corps Combat Rifle Program that uses a building block approach toward developing recruits into proficient combat marksmen.

U.S. Army Spc. Toni Simpson, a human resources specialist with the New York Army National Guards, 369th Sustainment Brigade, fires her M249 squad automatic rifle to qualify during annual training at Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard National Training Center, Jonestown, PA, July 9, 2022. The sustainment brigade provides support and services to enable operational reach, ensure freedom of action, and prolong endurance for Army forces.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Chaos Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, changes the barrel of an M240B machine gun during a qualification at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, July 27, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

Norwegian Rapid reaction special forces FSK soldier firing among the rocks. High angle foreshortening diagonal view. norwegian soldier in the forest

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