Mass Casualty Training Exercises

Highlights training exercises involving military personnel managing simulated casualties, demonstrating teamwork in emergency response situations.

1st Air Cavalry Brigade Troopers from 615th Aviation Support Battalion and 2-227th General Support Aviation Battalion participate in a spur ride at Oberdachstetten Training Area, Germany, April 7, 2022. A Spur Ride is a time-honored tradition where candidates go through a rigorous set of obstacles designed to test their physical and mental fortitude. The obstacles evaluate leadership, technical and tactical proficiency, and the ability to operate as part of a team under high levels of stress and fatigue, during both day and night conditions.

Spc. Kris Hoffa assigned to 1171st Medical Company Area Support, Michigan Army National Guard, points to where simulated casualty needs to be placed during mass casualty training as part of exercise Northern Strike 22-2 at Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 15, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge approximately 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

Readiness Challenge VIII participants representing the Air National Guard take part in the guard shack build event April 18, 2022, at the Silver Flag Training Site, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The Department of the Air Force CE event is hosted by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center. After a 20+ year hiatus, the challenge, a premier event for Department of the Air Force civil engineers, is back. This year's Readiness Challenge is the initial operating capability event before the challenge reaches full operating capability within the next two years. At this year's event, which runs through April 22, eight teams representing major commands and U.S. Space Force are facing off in about 20 events showing myriad of CE capabilities from emergency airfield lighting and water purification to building a guard shack from the ground up and firefighting and EOD operations.

A U.S. Army National Guard soldier participating in the 2022 Army National Guard Region One Best Warrior Competition performs burpees while being encouraged by cadre from the 643rd Military Police Company, Connecticut Army National Guard, at Joint Base Cape Cod, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, May 11, 2022. Burpees incorporate a jump from a squatting position during the last count of each repetition of the exercise.

U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Townes, assigned to 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade, instructs a Soldier firing M17 Pistol on a range during Operation Viking at Joint Base Cape Cod, July 22, 2022. Operation Viking is an intense joint task force exercise designed to prepare Soldiers with realistic training simulating the deployment of civil affairs units in direct support of a contingency operation in Africa.

SGT Collin Roberts hands a board to SPC Patrick Chayeb at the leadership reaction course training area on Fort Rucker August 22, 2022 in preparation for the upcoming Army best squad competition in September. Photo by Jay Mann.

Sgt. Drake Turner of Squad 12, representing the U.S Army Special Operations Command, throws a sandbag over a barrier 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. Army Advanced Individual Training Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment conduct tactical squad movement drills during a field training exercise at Fort Eustis, Virginia, June 9, 2022.

Marines and sailors race through an obstacle course May 1, during a battalion super squad competition at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Super squad builds camaraderie between Marines and sailors who would not normally work together. The competitors are with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

1st Air Cavalry Brigade Troopers from 615th Aviation Support Battalion and 2-227th General Support Aviation Battalion participate in a spur ride at Oberdachstetten Training Area, Germany, April 7, 2022. A Spur Ride is a time-honored tradition where candidates go through a rigorous set of obstacles designed to test their physical and mental fortitude. The obstacles evaluate leadership, technical and tactical proficiency, and the ability to operate as part of a team under high levels of stress and fatigue, during both day and night conditions.

Staff Sgt. Michael Breault of Squad 12, representing the U.S Army Special Operations Command, drags a sled 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 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 Cpl. Deandre Dawkins)

U.S. 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 Cpl. Deandre Dawkins)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Doug Clayton from the 75th Security Forces Squadron practices rifle-fighting techniques during a combat readiness training course at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Oct. 18, 2010. The course provided Airmen with deployment skills including tactical movements, land navigation and first-aid/buddy care.

Spc. Jonathan Partlow and Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth McDougal, both assigned to 3rd Infantry Division Artillery, fire M17 Pistols at the Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, May 26, 2022. The 3rd ID trains crews, squads and platoons with a focus on fundamentals to build holistic physical and mental resilience and then test those teams in competitions like the Best Squad Competition, ensuring Dogface Soldiers are ready to deploy anywhere in the world and win against any threat.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Brentten Wiley, a military intelligence officer assigned to the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, waits to fire at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 25, 2022. Soldiers from the 37th IBCT conducted the new M4A1 carbine 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.

Spc. Keenan Baxter, an indirect fire infantryman with the 1st Battalion of Headquarters, Headquarters 121st Infantry Regiment, begins army warrior tasks simulation in the Region 3 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition held at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Fla., on May 12th, 2022. Soldiers in the Army National Guard gather to compete, build esprit de corps, and represent their respective states for the upcoming national competition.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), 21st Signal Brigade, conduct Modern Army Combatives training at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, July 22, 2022. Combatives is the term for hand-to-hand combat training and techniques within the Army branch of the United States military.

Members from the 114th Fighter Wing Security Forces Squadron carry a stretcher bearing a training dummy during Lobo Trident at Volk Field Air National Guard Base near Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, March 28, 2023. Lobo Trident is a large-scale readiness exercise used to demonstrate the 114th Fighter Wings capability to support adaptive operations in a contested environment.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from across the nation are at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center taking part in the Medical Readiness University's (MRU) Tactical Combat Casualty Care course provided by Air National Guard Medical Service (ANGMS), at Alpena, Michigan, August 30, 2022. 93 students, 16 instructors and support staff from 47 units trained for nine days with a variety of realistic scenarios. MRU assists the Air Force Surgeon General allowing medical personnel an opportunity to receive hands-on training, execution, employment and deployment for a variety of assigned ANGMS mission sets which may not be acquired elsewhere.

Soldiers of the 181st Multifunctional Training Brigade navigate the rope bridge obstacle of the Leadership Reaction Course Sept. 27, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. The Soldiers hosted teachers and staff of D.C. Everest Area School District as part of the districts leadership training program.

A Soldier from the 16th Military Police Brigade participates in a stress shoot during the XVIII Airborne Corps Separate Brigades Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, N.C. Dec. 6 and 7. The stress shoot was the culminating event for the best squad competition.

Combat medics with the 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment and 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry Regiment, came together to conduct task familiarization and a litter obstacle course during the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team annual training on June 12 at Fort McCoy, Wis. This training was geared towards gaining knowledge and skills while also encouraging these soldiers to consider pursuing the Expert Field Medical Badge during their careers as medics.

Marines fire the Soviet Avtomat Kalashnikova (AK-47) as part of the Foreign Weapons Instructor Course at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., March 6. The class teaches Marines how to use foreign weapons that may be encountered in combat and gives them the ability to teach other Marines how to use foreign weapons systems. Other weapons the students study include the German Hecklar and Koch G3 battle rifle, Belgian FN FAL Battle rifle, Soviet RPD light machine gun and a few other weapons.

SSG Robert Cordell navigates an obstacle at the leadership reaction course training area on Fort Rucker August 22, 2022 in preparation for the upcoming Army best squad competition in September. Photo by Jay Mann.

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, complete the Day Movement Course during Basic Warrior Training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Mar. 29, 2023. Basic Warrior Training is a one week-long training event that teaches recruits the basics of combat survival and rifle maneuvers.

A British Royal Marine conducts shooting drills with the Marine Corps Shooting Team during Operation Longshot at the pistol range on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Feb. 28, 2024. Operation Longshot exchanges service members from the two countries to share shooting techniques, evaluate each members skillset, and builds report amongst the two services. Marine Corps

Sgt. Richard Carlson of Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, a Health Care Specialist with the Minnesota National Guards Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Battalion, 94th Cavalry Regiment, conducts M4 carbine qualification, He is one of twelve National Guard Soldiers who are competing in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

SGT Collin Roberts and SPC Matthew Ruiz move an ammo box at the leadership reaction course training area on Fort Rucker August 22, 2022 in preparation for the upcoming Army best squad competition in September. Photo by Jay Mann.

030923-M-3856H-008. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Rosemary Cornett, assigned to the 7302nd Medical Training Support Battalion, Medical Readiness and Training Command, Army Reserve Medical Command, based in Madison, Wis., left, grabs the blouse of Sgt. 1st Class Brittney Lathrop to steady herself on a board as they along with Capt. Caleb Baranczyk navigate the Double Culvert obstacle at the Field Leadership Reaction Course on Fort McCoy, Wis., May 14, 2022.

Spc. Nathaniel Miska completes the claymore lane during the day live fire events as part of the National Best Warrior Competition, July 27, 2022, Volunteer Training Site in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Miska and Sgt. Richard Carlson placed first in both the Minnesota and Region IV Best Warrior Competition, securing their spot in this National Competition. Fourteen National Guard Soldiers are competing in the All-Guard National Best Warrior Competition July 24-29, 2022, primarily at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee.(Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Sergeat 1st Class Jason Pate, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, negotiates obstacles to test his physical capabilities during the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The 72-hour competition included a physical fitness test, obstacle course, combat water survival test, day and night land navigation, combat trauma lanes, a M4 rifle and 9mm pistol stress shoot and a 5K buddy run. Day three concluded with a 12-mile foot march and awards ceremony.

Primeiro-Sargento Brito Monteiro of the Cabo Verdean Armed Forces shoots his pistol to loc-back during the 2022 Combat Marksmanship Match on July 27, 2022, at Fort Devens, Mass. Four Cabo Verdean marksmen competed in the annual "TAG Match," a four-day event comprising various pistol, rifle and shotgun events. Cabo Verde and New Hampshire are paired through the State Partnership Program, a Department of Defense National Guard Bureau program that links state National Guards and foreign countries to facilitate military, government and civilian exchanges. The same program teamed the Granite State with El Salvador in 2000.

Fifteen Minnesota National Guard and two Croatian Soldiers are competing in Minnesotas Best Warrior Competition April 7-10, 2022, at Camp Ripley. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers nominated by units across the state. Croatia and Minnesota have worked together for 25 years as part of the National Guards State Partnership Program. Minnesotas winners will move on to compete against the best Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from states across the region at Camp Ripley in May. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Luther C. Talks)

U.S. Army Pfc. Hugo Zarate, 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion enhanced nodal systems operator maintainer and integrator, at Sembach Army Base, Germany, Sept. 14, 2022. The 1st Combat Communication Squadron annual exercise Heavy Rain tests participants' ability to establish and maintain communication in a simulated contested environment.

U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Josh Donlon, squad leader with Bucknell University Army ROTC, steadies himself on a wooden beam during a field training exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap, April 8, 2022. Donlan was working with other Soldiers during a group exercise.

West Point, N.Y. - A cadet from a U.S. Military Academy team completes a low crawl under barbed wire during the 53rd annual Sandhurst competition at the U.S. Military Academy, April 29, 2022.

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

U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division (MARDIV) prepare to fire an M3E1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapons System (MAAWS) as part of the Division Leaders Assessment Program (DLAP) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 24, 2024. DLAP is a rigorous course that tests and improves the warfighting abilities of leaders across 2d MARDIV. Marine Corps

A U.S. Army Finance Soldier with the New Jersey National Guards 42nd Regional Support Group throws a practice hand grenade during training with First Armys 174th Infantry Brigade on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 20, 2019.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldier, assigned to during 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade, recieves instruction on the M17 pistol during Operation Viking at Joint Base Cape Cod, July 22, 2022. Operation Viking is an intense joint task force exercise designed to prepare Soldiers with realistic training simulating the deployment of civil affairs units in direct support of a contingency operation in Africa.

Army Pfc. Phillip Hill, left, and Spc. Brandon Sinor, both with the North Carolina Army National Guards C Company, 1st Battalion, 252nd Armored Regiment, run with a replacement section of track to be installed on an M1A2 Abrams tank with “broken" tracks as part of competing in the Gen. Gordon Sullivan Cup best tank crew competition at Fort Benning, Ga., Monday, May 2, 2016. The Sullivan Cup tests tank crews from throughout the Army on everything from gunnery to mounted land navigation, maintenance and combat casualty care in a variety of physically and mentally challenges setting to determine the Armys best tank crew.

U.S. Army Rangers from the 10th Mountain Division, Sgt. Jeremy Ronzo (Left) and 1st Lt. Joby Cosgrove (Right), complete a casualty evacuation lane during the Best Ranger Competition 2022, April 9, 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.

U.S. 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 Cpl. Deandre Dawkins)

Staff Sgt. Michael Breault, representing the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, drags a simulated casualty during the medical lanes portion of the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 1, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition succeeds the Army Best Warrior Competition and extends the competing element from the individual level to the squad level, as Soldiers never fight alone; the unbreakable bonds forged through shared hardship and unending support for one another are the hallmark of our most successful small units.

Army Reserve Spc. Hallie Koches, assigned to the 78th Army Band, preforms the Tough Nut obstacle on the Confidence Course during the Army Reserve Best Squad Competition, at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, on May 15, 2022. Approximately 40 soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022 BWBSC 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-focus events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

Special Warfare candidates compete in weighted relay races as part of Prolonged Resiliency Training (PRT) on January 26, 2023, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. PRT simulated the stressful and long hours of an operator in the field, testing candidates' endurance and ability to work as a team while, simultaneously, preparing them for the rigors of the training pipeline ahead.

Specialist Kamron Harris, of the 152nd Engineer Battalion, cuts wood that will be used for bracing a structure during a Homeland Response Force validation exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA on September 10, 2022. The bracing techniques will help support a damaged structure long enough for casualties to be rescued from the area. (New York National Guard photo by SSG Matthew Gunther)

U.S. Marines participate in a squad pushups event as part of a Martial Arts Instructor course at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, April 22, 2022. The Marines participated in the 15-day MAI course to become instructors and gain the ability to train and advance Marines in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

U.S. Soldiers with Company A, 10th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division work together as a team to conquer an obstacle at the Leaders Reaction Course at the 7th Army Training Commands Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, May 24, 2022. 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division is part of the 1st Infantry Division and V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe that works alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat ready forces, executes joint and multinational training exercises, and retains command and control for its rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

U.S. Army Sgt. Colby J. Kuberski, an M1 armor crewman gunner assigned to 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, passes down a Multi-Purpose Anti-Tank round at Fort Benning, Georgia, May 2, 2022. Tanks and Bradley crew members, primarily junior NCOs, are overall responsible for training each crewmember, ensuring proficiency in their assigned position and cross training their crewmembers in other positions.

DM-SC-85-13605. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

South Dakota Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Gregory Mehlbrech competes in the obstacle course during the 2021 Region Six Best Warrior Competition at Camp Rilea, near Warrenton, Ore., on May 5, 2021. Soldiers are competing in nearly 20 events that were part of the 2021 Region VI Best Warrior Competition hosted by the Oregon National Guard. The competition included Soldiers from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. (National Guard

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston participates in the 82nd Airborne Division Little Group of Paratroopers (LGOP) range on Fort Bragg, N.C. on Apr. 4, 2022. This stress shoot is designed to measure the physical fitness and shooting capabilities of a Paratrooper in a stressful environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jason Kelleher, a Marine Corps Engineer School Instructor with II Marine Expeditionary Force, instructs Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen during their Summer Training Program at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, August 1, 2022. NROTC Midshipman Summer Training develops and trains Midshipmen in order to provide the Fleet a competent and professional Naval Service Commissioned Officer.

U.S. Air Force Special Tactics operators assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing prepare to clear a room of hostiles during an exercise as part of Emerald Warrior 22.1 at Eglin Range, Florida, May 02, 2022. Emerald Warrior provides annual, realistic pre-deployment training encompassing multiple joint operating areas. The exercise prepares special operations forces conventional force enablers, partner nations and interagency elements, to integrate and execute full-spectrum special operations in any environment or climate, sharpening U.S. forces abilities to operate around the globe.

Soldiers participate in airborne training at Fort Benning in Columbus, GA. April 2010

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Miguel Barragan-Palma, with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) is promoted to Corporal at Naval Support Facility Indian Head, Maryland, Oct. 03, 2022. Marines from CBIRF came to show their support and appreciation for the newly promoted.

Staff Sgt. Marcus Greene, Company D, 1st Battalion, 145th Aviation Regiment, explains the importance of pace count to Soldiers attending Aviation Basic Officer Leaders course at Fort Rucker, Ala., April 4, 2022.

Readiness Challenge VIII participants from U.S. Air Force's in Europe's 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, take part in the fiberglass panels event April 19, 2022, at the Silver Flag Exercise Site, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The Department of the Air Force CE event is hosted by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center. After a 20+ year hiatus, the challenge, a premier event for DAF civil engineers, is back. This year's Readiness Challenge is the initial operating capability event before the challenge reaches full operational capability in April 2023. Eight teams representing major commands and U.S. Space Force faced off in about 20 events showing a wide variety of CE capabilities from emergency airfield lighting and water purification to building a guard shack from the ground up and firefighting and EOD operations.

040924-F-1601R-006. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Navy Corpsmen, assigned to Shock Trauma Platoon, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, carry a simulated patient into a medical facility during a mass casualty exercise in Syndalen, Finland, Aug. 13, 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.

A team of Green Berets from 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) fire their pistols during the Menton 2022 Best Sniper Competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Dec. 8, 2022. The competition is comprised of nine teams, including a team from the British Armys 4th Battalion, Ranger Regiment. During the competition, team events incorporate precision marksmanship, moving targets, live-fire stalks, and stress shoots conducted during daylight and hours of limited visibility. Throughout the event, participants use the M24 Sniper Weapon System, 5.56 M4 carbine, and 9mm pistol.

Members of the 137th Special Operations Wing (SOW) Mission Sustainment Team construct a shelter during ground operations training Aug. 11, 2022, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich. The 137th SOW Airmen were supporting Northern Strike 22-2, the largest National Guard Bureau-sponsored military exercise, designed to validate readiness of the joint and reserve force, as well as demonstrate joint integration into the Agile Combat Employment concept.

Spc. Erin Fessler, assigned to the Medical Readiness Battalion, completes the deadlift portion of the Army Combat Fitness Test during a brigade level best leader competition Feb. 26, 2024, at Fort Cavazos, TX. Soldiers are competing in the best leader competition for an opportunity to be selected for a spot on a team consisting of a junior officer, two noncommissioned officers, and three junior enlisted Soldiers, who will compete at the Medical Readiness Command, West: Best Leader Competition in April 2024. Army

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 522nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 207th Military Intelligence Brigadeconducts the Rope Bridge obstacle for Lightning Focus 23 at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 24, 2023. Lightning Focus 2023 provides an opportunity for increasing individual &crew weapons proficiency, training on Basic Soldier Skills, junior Soldier and NCO development, improving unit cohesion & team-building, and scenario-based operational intelligence support training to certify intelligence platforms; building readiness in support of SETAF-AF, USAREUR-AF and USAFRICOM.

U.S. Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor (MAI) Course students execute the obstacle course at Ellis Field, Courthouse Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, April 7, 2022. The three-week course develops Marines as MAIs to teach and instruct the fundamentals of hand-to-hand combat to other Marines stationed on MCB Camp Lejeune.

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Service Battalion, recover from an event during the Atlas Games at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 22, 2022. The Atlas Games is a battalion field meet that incorporates the full spectrum of leadership skills and teamwork to enhance individual readiness and unit cohesion.

Sgt. First Class Kakez Holtzclaw and Spc. Ronald Distler, assigned to the 35th Signal Brigade, climb over a beam during the Leaders Reaction Course event at XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 7, 2022. The competition tested squads physical, technical and tactical abilities under stress and fatigue to determine which squad would participate in the next competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, in July 2022.

Sgt. Richard Morales, left, a rappel master from the 10th Mountain Division, guides a cadet down the rappel tower on Fort Knox, Ky, June 20. Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 399th Regiment, will lead thousands of Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets from across the country through the confidence/obstacle course and rappel tower at Fort Knox this summer starting in early June.

Staff Sgt. William Jenkins III, 96th Security Forces Squadron, low-crawls through mud during part of the Defender Challenge event May 17 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Teams competed in various timed challenges related to the security forces experience. The Challenge was part the 96th Security Forces Squadrons Police Week activities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Sgt. Josiah Bell of Rochester, Minnesota, an Infantryman with the Wisconsin National Guards B Company, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, looks through the sights of a M4 carbine. He is one of twelve National Guard Soldiers who are competing in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Airmen from the 202nd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer, or RED HORSE, conduct Force Protection training at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center in Starke, Florida, Aug. 13-14, 2022. Force Protection training provides tactics to respond to threat actions, provide unit security and individual protective measures in a training environment.

U.S. Air Force Academy basic cadet trainees hit the confidence course in the Jacks Valley training area Tuesday, July 15, 2008 during the field training portion of basic training.

The soldiers from the 104th Engineering Battalion are on the Fort Dix Range Complex, Range 10 completing the units 10 Meter Zero targeting. (photos taken by the Fort Dix Training Support Center / Daniel Amburg)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Riley Lawrence, a machine gunner with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, performs a buddy drag during the Trinity Games at Camp Hansen, Japan, June 30, 2022. The Trinity Games were held to foster the spirit of competition and comradery within the unit. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Lawrence is a native of Newark, Delaware.

U.S. Marines with Plans, Policies and Operations, South, compete in tug-of-war while attending a command field meet, Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Norfolk, Virginia, June 10, 2022. Water balloon catapult, grappling and tug-of-war were played for score with the winning team awarded a trophy. FMFLANT, MARFORCOM, MARFOR NORTHCOM holds regular field meets to sustain camaraderie and healthy work relations.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. James Hulik, Combat Skills Program (CSP) officer in charge, demonstrates how to cross a danger zone on Camp Devil Dog in Jacksonville, North Carolina, June 8, 2022. The CSP included training in convoy operations, patrolling, creating skirmish holes, and live fire ranges to reinstate the combat mindset that every Marine is a rifleman.

Cadet Issa Ghannoum, University of Richmond, competes in the Functional Fitness event at 4th Brigades Army ROTC Ranger Challenge on October 15 at Fort A.P. Hill. In this timed relay race, each team member had completed a series of three strenuous exercises. The second day of competition saw teams competing in ten different events, before ending their day with a 6-mile ruck. The top two teams go on to represent 4th Brigade in the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition held at West Point Military Academy in April 2023. | Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

Spc. Samuel Herbert, a mortarman from 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, receives his Fire Direction exam during the 2023 Best Mortar Competition, April 10, 2023, Fort Benning, Georgia. The exam tested competitors ability to manually plan lethal and effective indirect fire missions.

U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to 1171st Medical Company Area Support, Michigan Army National Guard, begin treating soldiers during mass casualty training as part of exercise Northern Strike 22-2 at Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 15, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge approximately 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Wyner, state marksmanship coordinator, Joint Force Headquarters, New Hampshire Army National Guard, engages pistol targets during the 51st Winston P. Wilson Pistol and Rifle Championships on March 31, 2022, at Camp Robinson, Arkansas. Two, four-man squads of NHNG Soldiers and Airmen competed against shooters from around the world during the weeklong event. Wyner finished as top NH shot, placing 28th out of 190 marksmen.

Spc. Brock Cerneka of Youngstown, Ohio, a Military Police with the Ohio National Guards 838th Military Police Company fires his weapon during the stress shoot event of the Region IV Best Warrior Competition on May 12, 2022. He is one of twelve National Guard Soldiers competing in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette.)

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 117th Engineer Brigade, South Carolina National Guard, participate in the Best Engineer Competition held at McCrady Training Center in Eastover, South Carolina, Feb. 10-11, 2024. Soldiers from the 117th compete against one another in a range of physical, mental, and technical events that include a written test, bridge classification, wall construction, squad movement, a 4-mile ruck march, among others. The culminating event was a demonstration of sheer force with a door breaching. Army National Guard

Soldiers from Headquarters Battery, 210 Field Artillery Brigade, 2d Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division assist their team mate during the Army Heritage 10-kilometer Ruck March on Camp Casey, June 25, 2022. The ruck march pays homage to the Armys 247th birthday during Army Heritage Month.

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, maneuver through the Day Movement Course aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., November 16, 2022. Recruits are tested on moving as a fireteam under simulated combat conditions.

A U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) specialist executes a casualty evacuation exercise during the TACP Lightning Challenge 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Nov. 4, 2022. Lightning Challenge tests United States Air Force TACP Airmen through competition in agile combat employment, physical ability and marksmanship in order to identify the most outstanding multi-capable Airman in the world, prepared to fight and win on the all-domain battlefields of the future.

U.S. Marines with 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion (AAbn), 2d Marine Division compete in a game of tug-of-war during Gator Week on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 4, 2023. Gator Week is an annual field meet held to commemorate the unit's traditions and past accomplishments in order to increase camaraderie and esprit de corps.

Corpsmen with 2nd Medical Battalion rush role-playing patients into a medical tent at Camp Lejeune, N.C, Jan. 28, 2016. The training is preparing a Shock Trauma Squad to treat cold related injuries for an upcoming multinational exercise, Cold Response 16.1, in Norway.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the "Mustang Squadron," 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepare to conduct a dismounted patrol after exiting a modernized M2A4 Bradley Fighting Vehicle during a combined arms live fire exercise at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sept. 8, 2022. The 6th Sqn., 8th Cav. Regt., 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, completed modernization this past July, making it the Army's most modern cavalry squadron, and is preparing to defeat any threat in large-scale combat operations through expert coaching and well-trained, cohesive teams.

Soldiers of the U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard competed in pistol marksmanship as part of the German Armed Forces Badge event in Seagoville, Texas, on April 22, 2022.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 628th Contracting Squadron compete in a race during the combat skills competition on Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 14, 2024. The competition serves as part of a greater initiative known as Forging Warrior Hearts, which aims to ensure Airmen are physically and mentally ready to support the mission. Air Force

Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 148th Brigade Support Battalion, 48th IBCT close the entry control point to the recently established brigade support area June 21, 2022 while supporting XCTC 22-05 in Fort Stewart, Ga.

Combat rescue officer candidates participate in their screening during CRO Phase II at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., March 28, 2023. People from all walks of life including different branches, civilian work, officers and enlisted can apply to become a CRO.

U.S. Army Chaplain Capt. Jacob Lawrence, the 8th Special Troops Battalion, 8th Theatre Sustainment Command chaplain, prays with notionally injured and distressed Soldiers as part of a religious support readiness training exercise at East Range on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Feb. 1, 2024. Unit ministry teams gave reports during the update briefs as part of a training exercise meant for them to demonstrate their ability to provide religious support in large-scale combat operations. Army

Iowa Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the mortar platoon in Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regiment, fire an M224 60 mm lightweight mortar system during a live-fire exercise at Camp Atterbury, Indiana on May 29, 2022. Approximately 15 Kosovo Security Force troops embedded with companies in the 1-133rd Infantry during a two-week annual training exercise. Senior leaders in the IANG and KSF visited each company near the end of the exercise to observe the full integration of KSF troops and recognize Soldiers who demonstrated excellence throughout their training. The tour was also an opportunity for KSF leaders to gain a more comprehensive understanding of IANG training requirements, equipment and logistics.

Sgt. Grant Arnall, an M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams tank driver assigned to 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, fires an M2 machine gun to complete Operation Thunder Run, the final event of the Sullivan Cup, on Fort Benning, Georgia, May 6, 2022. The Sullivan Cup requires mastery of individual tasks, technical and tactical competence, and the ability to demonstrate an array of maneuver, sustainment and gunnery skills.

Soldiers at Fort McCoy for the 78th Training Divisions Warrior Exercise 78-22-02 participate in a training scenario July 18, 2022, at a training area at Fort McCoy, Wis. The exercise, according to the Army Reserve, trained and evaluated Soldiers on Army Warrior Skill-level 10 tasks through various training lanes and situational-training exercises, and more. The exercise took place at Fort McCoy throughout July 2022. (Photo by Kevin Clark, Fort McCoy Multimedia-Visual Information Office)

Lt. Col. Andrew Donovan (second from right), chief signal officer for the 350th Civil Affairs Command, instructs his Soldiers on proper emplacement of an OE-254 antenna during Army Reserve Annual Training at Pensacola, Florida, July 25, 2022.

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