Military Obstacle Course Training

Scenes of soldiers navigating various obstacle courses, emphasizing physical challenges, teamwork, and military training in diverse outdoor settings.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. John Jennings, 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery, 25th Infantry Division, completes an obstacle course during Chaos Challenge 2022 at Lightning Academy, Hawaii, Sept. 13, 2022. The multi-day competition consisted of competitors from the 3rd, 5th and 25th Air Support Operations Squadron, with guest teams from the 647th Security Forces Squadron and 7th Field Artillery, 25th Infantry Division.

Tech. Sgt. Joe Lovanisci climbs the inverted rope challenge July 17, 2014, on an obstacle course at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. Airmen from the New Jersey Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing and the Idaho ANG's 124th Fighter Wing ran the obstacle course as part of Operation Kriegshammer, a joint training mission for tactical air control party members, security forces specialists, and force support Airmen. Lovanisci is assigned to the 227th Air Support Operations Squadron, located on Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, N.J.

U.S. Army Spc. Robert Howard, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Armored Division Artillery, pulls across double bars of the obstacle course during the Best Iron Squad Competition at Fort Bliss, Texas, April 20, 2022.The Best Iron Squad Competition is a four-day event designed to test each squad and individual competitors physical stamina, Warrior Tasks and Battle Drill skills and military knowledge. The winning squad will advance to compete in the III Corps Best Squad Competition later this year at Fort Hood.

Spc. Tyler Dubovich of HHT 1/150th CAV navigates the weaver on the obstacle during the West Virginia National Guard Best Warrior Competition held April 22-24, 2022, at Camp Dawson in Kingwood, West Virginia. Best Warrior is an annual event where participants compete in a series of warrior training tasks including weapons proficiency on the M4 rifle, 9mm pistol, land navigation, physical fitness, combat first aid, tactical movements, communications, and professional development activities.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. John Jennings, 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery, 25th Infantry Division, completes an obstacle course during Chaos Challenge 2022 at Lightning Academy, Hawaii, Sept. 13, 2022. The multi-day competition consisted of competitors from the 3rd, 5th and 25th Air Support Operations Squadron, with guest teams from the 647th Security Forces Squadron and 7th Field Artillery, 25th Infantry Division.

010716-M-5834A-023. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Spc. Spencer Whetson, 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Texas Army National Guard, navigates the challenges on the obstacle course during the Texas Military Department Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas, May 5, 2022. The three-day competition challenges service members on professional military knowledge, marksmanship, obstacle course and land navigation. The Army winners of this event will move on to represent Texas at the National Guards Region V Best Warrior Competition. (Photo by Warrant Officer 1 Gregory Illich)

U.S. Army Sgt. Spencer Fayles, a combat medic with the 144th Area Support Medical Company, representing the Utah National Guard in the All Guard National Best Warrior Competition, struggles through various obstacles during an air-assault obstacle course in Tullahoma, Tennessee, July 26, 2022. Fourteen of the nations best National Guard junior enlisted Soldiers and noncommissioned officers participate in an intensive, six-day competition throughout Tennessee to determine who will be named the Army National Guard's best-of-the-best.

Sgt. 1st Class Erich Friedlein, noncommissioned officer in charge of the Ranger and Sapper Assessment Program, demonstrates a technique for maneuvering through the weaver during the obstacle course portion of RSAP on April 22, 2022. The obstacle course was one of several events that challenged the mental and physical abilities of the service members to accomplish

Private First Class Heidi Sevilla of Charlie Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Division Artillery Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), latches onto the low belly over during Division Artillery's Best of the Best competition at The Sabalauski Air Assault School on Fort Campbell, Ky., October 19, 2022. The low belly over is one of the 9 obstacles that soldiers had to navigate through during the competition.

Army Sgt. Richard Lively, an infantryman with the Georgia Army National Guards C Company, 3rd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, navigates an obstacle on the Camp Ripley, Minn., confidence course while competing in the 2017 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. The competition is a mentally and physically challenging three-day event that tests Soldiers on a variety of tactical and technical skills to determine the Army Guards Soldier and noncommissioned of the year. The winners move on to compete in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition, battling it out with Soldiers from throughout the Army to be named the Armys Soldier and NCO of the year.

U.S. Army Spc. Jorge Mayim Melendez, assigned to the 103rd Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion, climbs a rope to cross an obstacle at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Feb. 8, 2024. The obstacle course physical training event was one part of the weeklong Dagger Leaders Academy. Army

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Victor Marquez-Rodriguez Sr., Fort Sill, Okla., drill sergeant, climbs across a log to get to a waiting rope that he can use to lower himself down on the confidence course at Fort Eustis, Va., June 27, 2012, as part of the annual Drill Sergeant of the Year competition, hosted by Initial Military Training, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. The yearly competition is designed by the previous year's winner and is meant to challenge each drill sergeant, both physically and mentally.

U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, climb over a high bar during a martial arts instructor course physical training session at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 30, 2022. MAI courses certify Marines to instruct and monitor Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training and advance Marines in the program, distinguishing their levels of experience with different colored belts.

Chilean Marine Lance Cpl. Angel Andés Vásquez Sagredo, navigates the challenges on the obstacle course during the Texas Military Department Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas, May 5, 2022. The friendly, three-day competition challenges service members on professional military knowledge, marksmanship, obstacle course and land navigation. The Army winners of this event will move on to represent Texas at the National Guards Region V Best Warrior Competition. (Photo by Warrant Officer 1 Gregory Illich

Spc. Daniel Warfel, a cannon crew member with the Indiana National Guard's Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 150th Field Artillery, completes the confidence course at Camp Ripley, Minn., May 14, 2014. Warfel, a resident of Indianapolis, is representing the Indiana National Guard in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition.

A new U.S. Marine with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, rappels down the rappel tower at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Jan. 27, 2023. Rappel training was conducted to build confidence in Marines and prepare them for any circumstances they may encounter.

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.

Cadets from Georgia Military College complete the Confidence Course during 1st Brigades Army ROTC Ranger Challenge on October 28 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

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)

A DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 competitor makes his way over an obstacle at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Defender Challenge is the annual Air Force 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 2000 Base: Lackland Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Soldier watches as a 1st Theater Sustainment Command soldier conducts the weaver during air assault pre-assessment on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Jan. 6, 2023. Soldiers were required to complete a nine-event obstacle course as a prerequisite for air assault school.

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

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jacob Pagano, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Division Artillery, 1st Armored Division, crawls under barbed wire as part of the obstacle course during the Iron Squad Competition at Fort Bliss, Texas, April 20, 2022.The Iron Squad Competition is a four-day event designed to test each squad and individual competitors physical stamina, Warrior Tasks and Battle Drill skills, and military knowledge. The winning squad will advance to compete in the III Corps Best Squad Competition later this year at Fort Hood.

Staff Sgt. Jude Martin, U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) Drill Sergeant of the Year (DSOY) candidate and 188th Medical Battalion DSOY, navigates an obstacle course in the Best Warrior Competition hosted by Army Futures Command, at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, June 8, 2022. The Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition are events used to select the U.S. Army Best Warrior Solider, noncommissioned officer and squad and MEDCoEs Drill Sergeant of the Year.

040123-M-7837W-084. State: Curacao Country: Netherlands Antilles (ANT)

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 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 U.S. Army Infantry soldier-in-training assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, rappels off Eagle Tower November 8, 2022, on Fort Benning.

Sgt. 1st Class Renae Alvarado, a combat medic assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, secures a litter's straps during the Expert Field Medic Badge (EFMB) test, Aug. 25, 2022, at Fort Carson, Colorado. Candidates were tested on a variety of skill sets combat medics should be proficient at, such as being physically fit, land navigation and Tactical Combat Casualty Care.

U.S. Marines with Airfield Operations Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing establish a forward arming and refueling point at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, Feb. 26, 2024. The training enhanced proficiency and increased readiness in preparation for Balikatan 24. Marine Corps

Private George Curtis, a 11C Mortarman with Apache Troop, 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), climbs over the inverted wall at The Sabalauski Air Assault School Obstacle Course, Fort Campbell, Ky., July 5, 2022. A recent graduate of One Station Unit Training (OSUT), at Fort Benning, Ga., Curtis came to Air Assault School to achieve a skillset he can bring back to his unit.

Staff Sgt. Caleb Stinson, 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 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.

The Idaho National Guards 101st Civil Support Team partnered with the Boise Fire Department Technical Rescue Team to participate in a ropes rescue course taught by Boise firefighters. The course, which served as an annual recertification for the CST Guardsmen, entailed two weeklong sessions for the 22-member team. The first week, Oct. 10th through the 14th, 2022, started with the classroom portion of learning about ropes rescue as a prerequisite for the hands-on portion of the training. Using what they learned about the ropes, the CST Guardsmen rappelled from tops of buildings at the Boise Fire Departments Fire Training Center. Once the Guardsmen were proficient at ropes rappelling, they practiced ropes rescues using wire rescue baskets at cliffs near the Table Rock trails in the Boise foothills to simulate a large-scale rescue of multiple people. The second weeklong training, Oct. 24th through 28th, 2022, focused on confined space rescues at Boises Lucky Peak Power Plant. The training

Day four of the 310th ESC Best Warrior Competition, Feb. 7, 2024 consisted of M4 rifle qualification, an obstacle course and a medical assessment/movement lane. 2nd Lt. Joshua Kersey worked his way over and through the various obstacles at Camp Atterbury's confidence course.

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Sept. 2, 2022) - Builder 2nd Class Austin Gatchell, from Lorain, Ohio, left, and Capt. Mark Nguyen, from San Diego, mark measurements while building a swing set at the Rove Childrens Park during Pacific Partnership 2022. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership is a unifying mission that fosters enduring friendships and cooperation among many nations. The years mission in Solomon Islands will include participants from the United States, Japan and Australia.

A joint terminal attack controller prepares to land from a static line jump out of a C-130 Hercules during a training mission April 25, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. JTAC's direct the action of a combat aircraft engaged in close-air support and other offensive air operations.

Spc. Matthew Meeker, a Burlington, Iowa, native and horizontal construction engineer assigned to the 831st Engineer Company, Iowa Army National Guard, rappels down a 60-foot tower during an Air Assault course hosted at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 6, 2022. Over 200 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a 12-day U.S. Army Air Assault course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling. The students practiced rappelling and belaying on the tower. Cadre from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia, traveled as a mobile training team to teach the course.

2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division host the Week of the Warrior Competition, Camp Casey, Republic of Korea, May 3, 2022. The obstacle course is used to familiarize Soldiers of tactical combat movements, building teamwork and problem solving.

010723-M-6537L-005. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST MARDIV

A Cadet from Carroll County Schools Air Force JROTC competes in the one-rope bridge event during the 2022 All-Service JROTC National Raider Challenge Championships on November 3 at the Gerald Lawhorn Boy Scout Camp in Molena, Ga. This outdoor competition featured all-service Cadet teams from around the country competing in a series of four physically challenging events as part of the U.S. Army JROTC Raider National Championships that took place November 3-6, 2022. (Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs)

Soldiers in the 81st Readiness Division tackle Victory Tower at Ft. Jackson, SC, yesterday, as part of a Building Strong and Ready Teams event put on by the 81st RDs Unit Ministry Team. Wildcats also acted as safeties on the obstacle course, helping out the cadre who run the course on a daily basis.

U.S. Army Spc. Lake P. Goo, Health Care Specialist with 512th Field Hospital maneuvers an obstacle during the Medical Readiness Command-Europe, Best Medic Competition qualification range December 1, 2022, at Baumholder, Germany. The competition served to test the Soldiers knowledge and warfighting capabilities through a variety of test like weapon qualifications, land navigation, Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and more. The winners will compete at the Army level Best Medic Competition which will be held at Fort Polk, Louisiana in January 2023.

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party specialists from the 18th Air Support Operations Group compete in Dragon Challenge 2022 at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina. The annual competition is designed to identify the best Joint Terminal Attack Controller teams within the group by testing the competitors steadfast physical, technical, tactical, and field-knowledge skills under mocked combat conditions.

Service members with Task Force Red Dragon and Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) participate in the French Desert Commando Course (FDCC) at Arta Range complex, Djibouti, April 24-28, 2022. Since 2015, the French Forces stationed in Djibouti (FFDJ) have invited U.S. service members with CJTF-HOA to participate in the course. During the FDCC, the members are evaluated on mountain confidence, knot tying, night obstacle courses, aquatic obstacle courses, and battle maneuver tactics as well as presented with physical challenges.

Spc. Matthew S. Martin, and Spc. DarQuiarean C. Jones, both members of the 3rd Infantry Division's Best Squad, identify targets and give coordinates for a call-for-fire mission during the stress shoot event of the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 27, 2022. During the Best Squad Competition, competitors were tested on a wide range of subjects including land navigation, marksmanship, casualty care, physical fitness, small-unit tactics and endurance.

Spc. Nathaniel Miska completes an obstacle during the National Best Warrior Competition, July 26, 2022, Volunteer Training Site Milan, 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)

Air Assault candidates rappel off the rappel towers on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, February 20, 2024. After successfully rappeling from the towers, candidates will rappel out of rotary wing aircraft. Army

U.S. Marine Cpl. Ryan Lutz, an assault climber with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, climbs a tree during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 24, 2022. This training evolution tested the Marines' ability to provide timely aid to isolated personnel in potential search and rescue situations.

Spc. Wesley Byrd, assigned to 106th Support Battalion, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard, moves through the obstacle course at the Mississippi National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, near Hattiesburg, Miss., April 20, 2020. The Mississippi Best Warrior Competition showcases each competitors Soldier skills, physical endurance, and knowledge.

Pfc. Sharon Sweet, member of Squad 5, representing Medical Center of Excellence, completes the obstacle course during day 2 of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Best Squad Competition 2022. TRADOCs Best Squad competition highlights 10 squads from across the enterprise. This competition shows each team's ability to complete common Soldier tasks and skills as a cohesive, ready, and resilient team, while facing stiff competition from other TRADOC centers of excellence. The competition is from Sept. 12-16, 2022, at Fort Benning, Georgia.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, conquers the Wall hanger obstacle at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 18, 2022. The troop conducted training at the obstacle course for familiarization and to build esprit de corps.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, low crawls under barbed wire at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr obstacle course, Germany, June 28, 2022. The training at the obstacle course is designed to improve physical fitness and build teamwork.

(FORT BENNING, Ga.) Staff Sgt. Christopher Peiffer moves through the Island Hopper Obstacle on Darby Queen during the 2013 Best Ranger Competition, April 12, 2013 at Fort Benning. Peiffer is assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Basic Cadets from the Class of 2026 complete the obstacle course at the U.S. Air Force Academy's Jacks Valley in Colorado Springs, Colo., on July 13, 2022. Basic Cadet Training (BCT) is a six-week indoctrination program to guide the transformation of new cadets from being civilians to military academy cadets prepared to enter a four-year officer commissioning program. (U.S. Air Force photo/Trevor Cokley)

Air Assault candidates rappel off the rappel towers on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, February 20, 2024. After successfully rappeling from the towers, candidates will rappel out of rotary wing aircraft. Army

011011-A-M5804-087 - Sgt. James Dvorak weaves through a wooden ladder on West Camp Rapids obstacle course during the South Dakota National Guards state Noncommissioned Officer of the Year competition Oct. 1, 2011. Dvorak went on to win the competition, becoming the states NCO of the Year. (SDNG

Sgt. Donair Mason from Bassett Army Medical Center, Fort Wainwright, crawls under the Low Wire during the Obstacle Course Test in the 2022 Medical Readiness Command, Pacific Best Medic Competition Wednesday, October 26th 2022 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Czech Armed Forces Sgt. 1st. Class Richard Trčka maneuvers through the obstacle course challenge at this years Texas Military Department Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas, March 30, 2023. The TMD invites service members from its partner nations to participate in the friendly, six-day challenge. The partnership is part of the National Guard Bureaus State Partnership Program, which pairs National Guards from every state and U.S. territories with partner nations to increase regional security and advance U.S. interests. The program has been successfully building relations for 30 years and now includes 88 partnerships with 100 nations around the globe.

Staff Sgt. Caleb Stinson, 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 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Aaron C. Ruiz, a student with Drill Instructor School, Recruit Training Regiment, participates in the obstacle course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, July 19, 2022. Drill Instructor School further develops the leadership, command presence, instructional ability, physical fitness, and knowledge of selected officers, Staff Non-Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Officers in order to successfully perform the duties of a series commander and drill instructor.

Recruits with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion conduct the obstacle course on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., June 1, 2022. This course is used as one of many physical training challenges to prepare recruits to become United States Marines.

First Lt. Jeremy Gilbert, assigned to 2nd Cavalry Regiment goes through the obstacle course during U.S. Army Europe's Best Junior Officer Competition in Grafenwoehr, Germany, July 24, 2012. The BJOC, unique to the U.S. Army in Europe, is a training event for company-grade officers ranking from second lieutenant to captain meant to challenge and refine competitors' leadership and cognitive decision-making skills in a high-intensity environment.

U.S. Army Soldiers make their way through an obstacle during the confidence course portion of basic military training at Fort Jackson, S.C., Sept. 20, 2006.

Army JROTC Cadets from Island Coast High School work together to secure their rope in the one-rope bridge event November 4 at the Gerald Lawhorn Boy Scout Camp in Molena, Ga. This outdoor competition featured Army JROTC Cadet teams from around the country competing in a series of five physically challenging events as part of the 2022 Army JROTC National Raider Championships that took place November 3-6, 2022. (Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs)

Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 165th Military Police Battalion, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 28th Infantry Division

Soldiers from 11th Airborne Division participate in an Air Assault Class on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK June 15 to become Air Assault qualified with instructors from 25th Infantry Divisions Lightning Academy. (Photo taken by Staff Sgt. Christopher Dennis/11th Airborne Division Public Affairs Office)

U.S Marine Corps Sgt. Immanuel Chrisp, a drill instructor with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, motivates recruits during an obstacle course training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Feb. 29, 2024. The o-course includes obstacles that recruits must overcome to enhance strength, agility, and confidence. Marine Corps

Special forces operator during assault rappelling with weapons.

1LT Jones, carrying a full field pack and an M-16, prepares to rappel off the air assault tower during a training exercise. 1LT Jones, carrying a full field pack and an M-16, prepares to rappel off the air assault tower during a training exercise.

Special forces operator during assault rappeling with weapons. rappeling assault

Sgt. 1st Class Chase Stevens, senior instructor with Company B, 399th Regiment (Cadet Summer Training), right, prepares Spc. Melanie Thomas, a trainer with Co. B, to descend the low wall June 5 at the CST Rappel Tower on Fort Knox, Ky. 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.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Brendan Ferrer Green, officer in charge of Logistic Network Operations Center, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and a native of Cambria, California, climbs a rope during the 2022 Iron Mike Challenge at The Basic School on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 7, 2022. Competitors from across the Marine Corps were given 12 hours to complete the over 20 mile course, which culminated the use of core skills with multiple physical challenges.

010430-F-1644L-012. Subject Operation/Series: TANDEM THRUST 01 Base: Rockhampton State: Queensland Country: Australia (AUS)

Staff Sgt. Andrei Ciont, 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. Medics who earn entry into the Best Medic Competition are already among the "best of the best." To be eligible for entry, medics must have received either the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) or the Combat Medical Badge (CMB).2 Both badges require the utmost determination and competence to receive. The overall pass rate for the Expert Field Medical Badge is less than 20%, making it one of the hardest and most respected forms of recognition you can earn in the army.

Spc. Ashraf Fanidi, an intelligence analyst assigned to 2-158th Attack Helicopter Battalion, maneuvers through a confidence course during the 7ID Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 20, 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.

BOSTON (Sept. 29, 2022) U.S. Navy petty officers first class, selected for promotion to chief petty officer, participate in a climbing evolution during Chief Petty Officer Heritage Weeks. During the week, Constitution Sailors teach the selectees a variety of time-honored maritime evolutions while living and working aboard the ship.USS Constitution, is the worlds oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. During normal operations, the active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people a year as they support the ships mission of promoting the Navys history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents. The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 when Brit

Recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, complete Basic Warrior Training (BWT) aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., May 12, 2022.During BWT recruits complete a practical application exam where they must demonstrate correct hand and arm signals, fireteam formations, and other field skills they were taught over the week long event.

Pfc. Sierra Foster, a Monroe, Iowa, native and military police Soldier assigned to the 186th Military Police Company, Iowa Army National Guard, navigates an obstacle on zero day of an Air Assault course at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Aug. 30, 2022. Over 200 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a 12-day U.S. Army Air Assault course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling.

010716-M-5834A-014. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Costa Rican team runs through the obstacle course for the Fuerzas Comando 2022 competition in La Venta, Honduras on June 19, 2022. Fuerzas Commando is a multinational SOF skills competition that showcases the diversity of the SOF community in the western hemisphere, strengthens our regional partnerships, and demonstrates readiness and interoperability across regional boundaries.

Recruits with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct the Confidence Course on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., June 27, 2023. After demonstrations, recruits complete various physically and mentally challenging obstacles.

031024-F-3992M-001. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

FORT BENNING, Ga. - After two full days and nights of events to test their stamina, technical prowess and mental acuity, 16 teams crossed the finish line April 14 at Camp Rogers here, concluding the Best Ranger Competition.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Joseph C. Iadarola, company gunnery sergeant, Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion (HQSVCBN), U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC), clears an obstacle during the French Armed Forces Pentathlon course in Arue, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Aug. 29, 2022. The event provided a bilateral training opportunity between the French Armed Forces and Marines with MARFORPAC. The nine Marines and Sailor from HQSVCBN participated in the bilateral training with the French Armed Forces in order to strengthen relationships with the region.

Spec ops soldier in face mask during rope exercises with weapons

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Helwin Acabal, combat engineer, Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 273, Marine Aircraft Group 31, establishes a perimeter of concertina wire at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 23, 2022. MWSS-273 conducted a demolition range at Fort Stewart to provide Marines with the necessary training to safely employ different types of charges for different scenarios they may encounter.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, participate in the stairway to heaven challenge on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 29, 2022. The Crucible is a pivotal graduation requirement in Marine Corps recruit training that brings together and tests all the discipline and field skills that a recruit has learned during boot camp.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, conquers the balance beam Tarzan obstacle at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Oct. 4, 2022. The troop conducted training at the obstacle course for familiarization and to build esprit de corps.

US Marine Corps Corporal Russel Gaar, 3rd Transportation Support Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, Camp Butler, Okinawa, Japan, fastens his safety loop on the rope crossing obstacle at the Jungle Warfare Training Center in Okinawa, Japan. Base: Jungle Warfare Training Center State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

US Air Forces Europe representative, STAFF Sergeant Vance D. Burke, crosses the finish line of the obstacle course during DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000, at Lackland Air Force base, Texas. Defender Challenge is the annual Air Force 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 2000 Base: Lackland Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division host the Week of the Warrior Competition, Camp Casey, Republic of Korea, May 3, 2022. The obstacle course is used to familiarize Soldiers of tactical combat movements, building teamwork and problem solving.

010723-M-6537L-010. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST MARDIV

U.S Marine Corps recruits with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, participate in an obstacle course training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Feb. 29, 2024. The o-course includes obstacles that recruits must overcome to enhance strength, agility, and confidence. Marine Corps

DA-ST-86-09432. Country: Unknown

Paratroopers participate in an obstacle course on the third day of the Small Unit Range Tactics (SURT) course on Fort Bragg, NC, Aug. 17, 2022. The obstacle course tests a paratroopers physical strength, mental strength, and ability to work as a part of a team before continuing on to Ranger School.

U.S. Army ROTC Cadets assigned to the U.S. Army Cadet Command 2nd Brigade accept awards for placing first overall during the Ranger Challenge at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Oct. 23, 2022.The competition is conducted over two days on a non-tactical course. The mission is to challenge Cadets' mental and physical toughness and to develop leadership while fostering teamwork and esprit-de-corps. Teams participate in nine graded events, each team is awarded points based on how well they perform in each event. The best team in each event is awarded a trophy for being the first, second, and third place teams. The number one team is The Ranger Challenge Winner for that year.

Right side rear view medium shot as US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Ronald Dean "monkey crawls" one of the obstacles on the obstacle course for Security Police at Rodeo 2000. SRA Dean is a member of the 130th Secuirty Forces Squadron, 130th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard, Charleston, West Virginia. Security Forces members had 17 obstacles to maneuver along with a mile and a half run (17 obstacles and run not shown) at the end. Subject Operation/Series: AIR MOBILITY COMMAND RODEO 2000 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

110608-A-CL600-286 U.S. Army Sgt. Johnathan Oberholz, an infantryman with Charlie Troop, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment, crosses a one-rope bridge during an infantry subject matter expert exchange in Constanza, Dominican Republic, on June 8, 2011. The exchange involved trainers and experts from the Dominican Republic and the United States working together to share infantry tactics, techniques and ideas in a jungle environment.

BOSTON (Sept. 27, 2022) U.S. Navy petty officers first class, selected for promotion to chief petty officer, participate in a gun drill during Chief Petty Officer Heritage Weeks. During the week, Constitution Sailors teach the selectees a variety of time-honored maritime evolutions while living and working aboard the ship.USS Constitution, is the worlds oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. During normal operations, the active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people a year as they support the ships mission of promoting the Navys history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents. The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 when British canno

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party specialists from the 18th Air Support Operations Group compete in Dragon Challenge 2022 at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina. The annual competition is designed to identify the best Joint Terminal Attack Controller teams within the group by testing the competitors steadfast physical, technical, tactical, and field-knowledge skills under mocked combat conditions.

U.S. Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa (MARFOREUR/AF), demonstrate the exercises that will be conducted during a physical training session at U.S. Army Garrison Panzer Kaserne, near Stuttgart, Germany, Nov. 10, 2022. MARFOREUR/AF conducted a shamrock drill physical training session consisting of four different exercises in celebration of the Marine Corps 247th birthday.

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