Military Marksmanship Training

Images of military personnel engaged in marksmanship training, highlighting focus and precision with various firearms during exercises.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment chambers a new round in his M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle during weapons familiarization to sniper qualification at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Feb. 26. 2014. 2CR provides V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps, with combat-credible forces capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater to defend the NATO alliance. Army

Spc. Aiden Rosadillo, assigned to 201st Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, fires a M320 grenade launcher during the First Corps Marksmanship Competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. February 27, 2024. The First Corps Marksmanship competition is an event where Soldiers compete to test their shooting skills with different firearms in various events. Army

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment chambers a new round in his M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle during weapons familiarization to sniper qualification at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Feb. 26. 2014. 2CR provides V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps, with combat-credible forces capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater to defend the NATO alliance. Army

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.

A round ejects from the chanmber as Staff Sgt. Andrew Thompson, of D Co 1-293 INF BN takes a shot during the TAG Match on October 22, 2022, at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Edwards, 120th PAD) Before service members can compete in the TAG match, they must first go through a qualification or zeroing cycle where they properly adjust their sights.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Miguel Jimenez Machuaca, a security forces specialist with the 165th Security Forces Squadron, Georgia Air National Guard, stands guard during an air base ground defense field training exercise July 15, 2022 at the 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah, Georgia. The defenders mission during the field training was to deploy into a hostile environment where they must foot patrol into an area and then seize, clear and protect the area and its assets from opposing forces. Over the duration of the 4-day exercise, teams were tasked with missions outside the wire to clear the area of hostile forces that had the intent of disrupting the Air Force mission to which they were successful.

Cadet Nhu Tran of Northern Illinois University fires a round from her M4-A1 carbine at Canby Hill Range during a group and zero exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., June 6, 2022. While at the range, Cadets fired five rounds before checking their target to see how accurate their scope settings were. | Photo by Nathan Abbott, CST Public Affairs Office

U.S. Army Pfc. Jonathan Grundstrom, assigned to 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, provides security from the rooftop of Joint Security Station Oubaidy outside of Sadr City, Iraq, April 1, 2008.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Steven Stroud, a metal worker 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.

031107-M-6515T-303. US Marine Corps (USMC) Marine attending the Small Arms Weapons Instructor Course fires the 5.56mm M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) on the range at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Quantico, Virginia (VA).

U.S. Marine Corps Jack HylandDeLeon, a heavy equipment engineer operator with III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, sights in during a fire and maneuver drill for Bushido Strike 23 on U.S. Army Garrison- Yongsan Casey, South Korea, Feb. 6, 2023. III MSB is conducting Bushido Strike 23, which comprises training events including a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation to validate its mission essential tasks to provide combat service support, security and administrative services to III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines conduct a live fire-range while wearing the M50 gas mask during Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 22-3 at Camp Mujuk, Republic of Korea, July 14, 2022. KMEP is conducted routinely to maintain the trust, proficiency, and readiness of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires an M240B machine gun during a live fire deck shoot aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 28, 2022. Marines and Sailors conducted weapons training to further educate their Marines on different weapons platforms. 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.

A U.S. Army soldier assigned to Task Force Wolfhound, reloads an M320 grenade launcher at Arta Range, Djibouti, March 30, 2023. TFWH, who manages the East Africa Response Force, stand ready to rapidly deploy to provide crisis response operations throughout East Africa and safeguard U.S. interests.

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. Samuel Bartz, a Batavia, New York, native and amphibious assault maintenance chief with 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2d Marine Division, fires an M4 carbine during a deployment for training (DFT) at Joint Forces Training Center Camp Shelby, Mississippi, May 24, 2022. The purpose of this DFT is to validate the battalion's ability to conduct force deployments in support of contingency operations and tactically improve warfighting proficiency in preparation for major combat operations.

U.S. Army Spc. Isaac Eriksen; an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion; 102nd Infantry Regiment; Connecticut Army National Guard; engages a target with his M4A1 carbine at the Connecticut Army National Guard Training Center East Haven Rifle Range; East Haven; Connecticut; March 24; 2023. The 2023 Connecticut Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition drew soldiers from across the Connecticut Army National Guard and over the course of three days these competitors faced off against one another in a variety of events testing their physical fitness; land navigation skills; marksmanship skills and warrior task competencies.

Army Staff Sgt Stephen Southerlin II, an infantryman with the Texas Army National Guards C Troop, 1st Battalion, 124th Regiment, fires an M4 Carbine rifle during the rifle challenge portion of the 2021 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Camp Navajo, Arizona, July 20, 2021.The competition spans three physically and mentally demanding days where competitors are tested on a variety of tactical and technical skills as they vie to be named the Army Guards Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. The winners then represent the Army Guard in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition later this year.

U.S. Army Capt. Jacob Bryan, Information Systems Officer with 39th Strategic Signal Battalion, fires with a M4 carbine in the kneeling position alongside NATO allies, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Aug. 18, 2022.

Spc. Yuroslav Prikhodko, a truck driver with the 82nd Airborne Divisions 1st Brigade Combat Team, fires his M4 assault rifle from an alternative firing position during a marksmanship course Sept. 14, 2011, at Fort Bragg, N.C. Prikhodkos unit, Company G, provides logistics and sustainment for 3rd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment.

U.S. Army Spc. Wyatt Walls, a fire support specialist with the Oregon Army National Guard, prepares to zero his individual weapon at the zeroing range, July 24, at Tullahoma's Volunteer Training Site. Today's National Guard is the most modern, ready, and interoperable Joint Force in its history.

Special forces operators in a military kayak.

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, test fires an M17 pistol. Regular range visits allow soldiers to hone their marksmanship and ensure their weapon is functional.

A United States Marine aims his M-16 during a firefight in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division take part in the Machine Gun Event for the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, GA, July 27, 2022. The Best Squad Competition tests squads physical, technical and tactical abilities under stress and fatigue to determine which squad from the XVIII Airborne Corps will advance to the Forces Command Best Squad Competition in the coming months.

A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, sets security whileperforming dry-fire training during exercise Intrepid Maven 22.4 in the United Arab Emirates, Sept.25, 2022. Intrepid Maven 22.4 is a U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command engagement seriesdesigned for bilateral and multilateral training engagements with partner nations and Marine Corpsforces.

A United States team member fires his rifle at targets as part of Fuerzas Comando 2022 Day 2 during an individual assault course in La Venta, Honduras, June 14, 2022. Fuerzas Comando is a Special Operation skills competition and a senior leader seminar supported by SOCSOUTH. The competition enhances SOF regional cooperation and exchanges best practices to combat transnational crime and counter illicit activities.

U.S. Army Pfc. Owen J. Rife, an infantryman assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington provides basic fire to cover a flanking maneuver against Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team out of Alaska as opposing forces (OPFOR) during Exportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) at Camp Roberts, California, July 20, 2022. XCTC is a series of training exercises between an active-duty U.S. Army brigade and an Army National Guard brigade, intended to increase the skills and readiness of National Guard units.

U.S. Army National Guard soldiers with the 2-113th Infantry Battalion, Bravo Charlie company, New Jersey Army National Guard, conduct support by fire training exercises using the M240L weapon system at a range, in Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ, on April 23, 2022. The 113th Infantry Battalion maintains its mission readiness and deployment effectiveness by training in live fire exercises. (U.S. Army photos by PFC Seth Cohen)

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.

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.

1st Lt. Michael Graham, Army health services admin with the 421st Medical Battalion-Multifunctional, fires down range at targets ranging from 50 meters to 300 meters during the 30th Medical Brigade Best Squad Competition at Franken Kaserne military base, Ansbach, Germany on Feb. 29, 2024. Graham shot 38 out of the possible 40 targets during his qualification. Events like these are used as a test of grit and toughness, foster readiness and esprit de corps, and are a fundamental part of the Brigade's method of building lethal, cohesive teams and expert leaders. Army

A U.S. Army Soldier from the 10th Mountain Division participates in 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 Staff Sgt. Matthew Jewell with 207th Military Intelligence Brigade fires a M4 carbine rifle during the Brigade's yearly exercise Lightning Focus at the 7th Army Training Command's 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.

Staff Sgt. Caleb Stinson, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, checks his target during the firing portion of the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The event included the Army Combat Fitness Test, warrior training, obstacle course, M-16 qualification, warrior tasks and battle drills, day and night land navigation, a Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and 20-kilometer foot march.

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.

Soliders of the Nebraska Army National Guard compete in the 2022 Adjutant General's Marksmanship Sustainment Exercise at the Greenlief Training Site near Hastings, Nebraska, Aug. 5, 2022. This is the first time the event has been held since the U.S. Army has updated it's marksmanship qualification test in 2019.

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. 27, 2022. The Columbia Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) SWAT Team hosts this year's summit, sharing their techniques in Close Quarter Combat (CQB) skills, mission planning, tactics, and range drills with partner departments.

A sniper from the Finnish Army takes a shot during the European Best Sniper Team Competition at the Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Aug. 7, 2022. The annual European Best Sniper Team Competition is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa competition that tests marksmanship skills, physical prowess, and mental agility while developing relationships and sharing skills between sniper teams across Europe.

050509-A-7359K-073. Base: Fort Polk State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 172ND SBCT

U.S. Army Reserve Pfc. Megan Sirstins, 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support) Headquarter and Headquarters Company, qualifies on the M17 at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho on Oct. 15, 2022. The headquarters company conducted their annual weapons qualification to maintain unit readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. William Bozzello, a Deer Park, New York native and combat engineer with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, fires a Mossberg 500 shotgun during the Sapper Leaders Course on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 7, 2022. The Sapper Leaders Course provides combat engineer squad leaders with the technical and tactical proficiency required to provide mobility, counter mobility and survivability to infantry company commanders.

Rear view of a female Marine soldier shooting with a rifle, Queensland, Australia, March 15, 2006

U.S. Army Sgt. Kelly Longbine, a broadcast journalist from the 302nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Bell, Calif., loads a single round into an M2 machine gun during familiarization fire training at Fort Dix, N.J., April 6, 2007.

russian soldier in bulletproof vest with ak-47 rifle

A U.S. Marine with Maritime Special Purpose Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fires an M32 grenade launcher 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

Master Sgt. John Esposito, 374th Comptroller Squadron flight chief financial operations, fires in the kneeling position during the Excellence in Competition Sept. 15, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Competitors fired from the standing, kneeling, sitting and prone positions to test their marksmanship skills. Each firing position had a specific round count and time limit. Competitors were then scored based on the number of rounds that hit their target and level of accuracy.

U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team West conducts visit board search and seizure exercises and maritime interdiction operations off the coast of San Diego July, 18, 2022, these exercises are in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29-Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. U.S Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Adam Stanton.

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.

240201-M-IU565-1195 CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait (Feb. 1, 2024) Marines assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command fire their weapons while participating in live-fire designated marksman training during exercise Eager Defender 24 onboard Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Feb. 1. Eager Defender 24 is the capstone in a series of bilateral exercises between Kuwait and U.S. naval forces, focused on enhancing mutual capabilities and interoperability in maritime security operations. Marine Corps photo)

U.S Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Hayden, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, posts security during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 27, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

U.S. Marine Corps recruit Oscar Acosta with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, fires his rifle during table two on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California July 19, 2022. All recruits must participate in the table two rifle qualification course during the 3rd phase of recruit training.

Close-up of two soldiers, Camp Bullis, Texas, USA

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, test fires an M17 pistol. Regular range visits allow soldiers to hone their marksmanship and ensure their weapon is functional.

Spc. Sammantha Ohm assigned to 5th Squadron, 1st Calvary Regiment, Delta Co, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division pulls security on the M2HB .50-caliber machine gun during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 exercise at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 17, 2024. JPMRC 24-02, executed in Alaska with its world-class training facilities and its harsh Arctic environment, builds Soldiers and leaders into a cohesive team of skilled, tough, alert, and adaptive warriors capable of fighting and winning anywhere in the world. Army

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, 18th Airborne Corps, shoot at simulated targets during the gunfighter gym event in the U.S. Army Forces Command Best Squad Competition on Fort Hood, Texas, August 18, 2022. The Best Squad Competition reinforces fundamental Soldier skills and squad level tactics.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jacob Lee, a machine gunner with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, fires an M240B medium machine gun from a Utility Task Vehicle during a Tactical Small Unit Leader Course, on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, July 28, 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. Lee is a native of Point Pleasant, West Virginia.

030610-M-5266H-018. Base: Ash Shatrah State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 40599

Spc. Brittany Dewalt, 1067th Composite Truck Company, clears an M2 machine gun during the weapon malfunction event of the U.S. Army Central 2022 Best Squad Competition at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, May 4, 2022. BSC 2022 measures the abilities of squads to perform physical and mental challenges as a cohesive team.

220712-M-WC972-1285 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 12, 2022) A Tongan Marine assigned to His Majestys Armed Forces sights in on a target during a squad live-fire range in support of Rim on the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Julian Gaitor, an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle commander assigned to 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, familiarizes himself with his M4A1 carbine in preparation for the stress shoot portion of the Sullivan Cup on Fort Benning, Georgia, May 4, 2022. Competitions like the Sullivan Cup serve to recognize excellence throughout the force and across the Armor Branch. They allow schools to certify and adjust programs of instruction while assessing their ability to meet the demands of the field to build mastery of the profession.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Booth, a sniper with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, provides overwatch during a raid and demolition range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 22, 2022. This training integrates raiding and demolition tactics to enhance the Marines ability to breach obstructions in an urban environment. 3/2 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division. Booth is a native of Monroe, North Carolina.

An Airman from the Pennsylvania National Guard's M9 pistol ejects an empty brass before loading the next round during the pistol portion of the Governor's Twenty competition on May 21, 2022. Airmen and Soldiers were challenged with pistol and rifle accuracy challenges

040701-M-0374B-009. Base: USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49)

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital held the 2024 Best Leader Competition for its leaders Feb. 26-29. Soldiers competed against their peers to test their skills, knowledge, and fieldcraft in various events and realistic scenarios which included were one captain, three sergeant first class, one staff sergeant, two sergeants, three specialists, and one private first class.

An Estonian Air Force Tactical Air Control Party sergeant lases a target for a Blue Air contract close air support aircraft during a 137th Combat Training Flight (CTF) joint terminal attack controller qualification course (JTAC QC) April 19, 2022, at Razorback Range near Fort Smith, Arkansas. The 137th CTF is the only JTAC QC schoolhouse in the nation to offer Department of Defense JTAC initial qualification training to NATO students.

A U.S. Air Force pararescueman assigned to the 48th Rescue Squadron provides overwatch during a mass casualty exercise at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Dec. 8, 2016. During the exercise, pararescuemen were expected to triage, treat and evacuate casualties, and to eliminate any presence of simulated opposing forces.

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. Soldier with Task Force Americal from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, trains with an M4 carbine at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sept. 24, 2022. The U.S. Air Forces 378th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron facilitate and occasionally conduct Joint Force training with the U.S. Army on PSABs firing range. Soldiers and Airmen must undergo routine weapons qualification training to ensure safety and proficiency standards. (U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Noah J. Tancer)

A Green Beret with 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) engages long-range targets 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.

Competitors during the European Best Sniper Team Competition at the Hohenfeis Training.Area, Germany, Aug. 6, 2022. The annual European Best Sniper Team Competition is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa competition that tests marksmanship skills, physical prowess, and mental agility while developing relationships andsharing skills between sniper teams across Europe.

Soldiers with the 370th Chemical Company participate in weapons qualifications on ranges at Fort McCoy, Wis., as part of the Red Dragon exercise in August, 2022. U.S. Army photo by Kevin W. Clark

060414-A-5745M-015. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MTN

A member of the Air National Guard, 169th Fighter Wing's Security Police Squadron, fires his M-16 on the firing range during the "TOP COP" competition held at McEntire Air National Guard Station, S.C. Base: Mcentire Ang Station State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Soldier of the 273rd Engineer Company, 724th Engineer Battalion, 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade fires the M4 rifle during his units annual training at Fort McCoy, Wis., Aug. 16. Following annual training, the 273rd, along with the 457th Chemical Company, 157th, and Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 641st Troop Command Battalion, 64th Troop Command will be participating in the upcoming Vigilant Guard Joint Regional Exercise Program, a National Guard Bureau and U.S. Northern Command initiative intended to strengthen cooperation between federal, state, local, civilian, and military partners to improve readiness for emergency coordination, response, and recovery.

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

Tennessee Army National Guardsman Spc. Noah Green, from the 194th Engineer Brigade, adjusts his close combat optic at the zero range during the Tennessee State Best Warrior Competition in Tullahoma, Feb. 23, 2024. All competitors zeroed their M-4 weapons prior to continuing with a series of battle stations. Army National Guard

US Air Force AIRMAN 1ST Class Kyle Daniell, a Air Force Special Operations competitor, takes sharp aim with an M16A2 rifle during the Combat Rifle portion of DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Defender Challenge is the annual Air Force wide competition sponsored by Air Force Security Forces. This competition showcases the talents and capabilities of 13 international Security Forces teams in seven physical fitness, base defense, and policing skills over six days. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE '00 Base: Lackland Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

070219-A-8962K-014. Base: Fort Pickett State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine with the Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, fires his weapon during a non-lethal weapons training course at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 17, 2022. During the training, Marines used non-lethal weapons and riot shields to practice crowd control, dispersion, and other de-escalation techniques before deploying with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

220910-F-LN908-1183ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 10, 2022) Operations Specialist Seaman Dustin Bettice, from San Antonio, loads a magazine during an M4 rifle shoot aboard the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4), Sept. 10, 2022. Hershel "Woody" Williams is rotationally deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. James Boisvert, a company first sergeant with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, provides security during Marine Warfighting Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, May 2, 2022. This exercise is the culminating event of the Service Level Training Exercise, challenging the MAGTF to fight against a free thinking adversary with similar capabilities in a force-on-force environment.

Staff Sgt. Daemon Walton assigned to 222 Chemical Company, fires an M17 SIG Sauer pistol while competing in the 53rd Troop Command Best Warrior Competition at Youngstown Local Training Area, Buffalo, N.Y., Sep. 9-11, 2022. The three-day event consists of several events to test Soldiers on their Army knowledge, physical fitness, and tactical prowess ending in a 12-mile road march and the privilege to represent New York at the regional and national levels.

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.

Staff Sgt. Andrei Ciont, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, fires his weapon during the firing portion of the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The event included the Army Combat Fitness Test, warrior training, obstacle course, M-16 qualification, warrior tasks and battle drills, day and night land navigation, a Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and 20-kilometer foot march.

Soldiers with Charlie Company 1st Battalion 149th Infantry conduct military operations on urbanized terrain (MOUT) training near Mitrovica, Kosovo July 18, 2022. KFOR and its multinational partners are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in Kosovo in a fair and impartial manner.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Brandon Stockton, a squad leader with 58th Military Police Company, sights in with his weapon during a training exercise, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Sept. 28, 2022. The purpose of the exercise was to increase readiness when operating as a platoon sized element in populated urban terrain.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Craig Laurey, a machine gunner with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, engages marathon autonomous robotic target systems during a live fire exercise at range G-36 on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 8, 2022. This exercise demonstrates the training capabilities of Range Training Area Management (RTAM), Marine Corps Installations East, as RTAM supports II Marine Expeditionary Force in producing the next generation of warfighters.

Spc. Brittany Dewalt, 1067th Composite Truck Company, loads blank rounds into an M2 machine gun during the weapon malfunction event of the U.S. Army Central 2022 Best Squad Competition at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, May 4, 2022. BSC 2022 measures the abilities of squads to perform physical and mental challenges as a cohesive team.

U.S. Army Soldiers from 1st Infantry Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, conducts tactical assaults on Pohakuloa Training Grounds, Nov. 2, 2022. Realistic training exercises, like JPMRC 23-01, strengthen defense relationships, foster multinational interoperability, increase U.S. readiness, and reinforce the unified regional land power network that supports a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. John Jordan, a North Babylon, New York native and rifleman with Golf Company, 2d Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, sights in the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a Annual Field Exercise (AFX) at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 6, 2024. AFX incorporates a range of realistic urban warfare training created to challenge the unit's combat capabilities in an urban environment in both offensive and defensive operations. Marine Corps

Competitors during the European Best Sniper Team Competition at the Hohenfeis Training.Area, Germany, Aug. 7, 2022. The annual European Best Sniper Team Competition is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa competition that tests marksmanship skills, physical prowess, and mental agility while developing relationships andsharing skills between sniper teams across Europe.

The 231st Transportation Company from Athens, Georgia, conducts perimeter defense around Tactical Training Base Independence July 21, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. The Soldiers of the 231st are providing transportation support by ensuring that rolling stock - all equipment with wheels - is properly received, stored and distributed during an annual Warrior Exercise where U.S. Army Reserve units conduct joint training under the 78th Training Division. PFC Rowan Taylor provides security at an entry control point. PFC Ngo provides security near an entry control point.

CATM Training for PCS/TDY/DeploymentSenior Airman Andrew GaravitoCATM, Space Force, Air Force, Firearms

031011-M-9382M-002. Subject Operation/Series: ROLLING THUNDER 2003 Base: Fort Bragg State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 10 Marines

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 Cadet from Texas A & M Universitys 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

020425-F-9528H-015. Base: Valdez State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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