Military Rappelling Training

Images of military personnel practicing rappelling techniques from towers and helicopters, showcasing skill in tactical training under bright skies.

Spec ops police officer SWAT in black uniform in action.

U.S. Marines assigned to Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Company, Europe participate in rappel tower training during exercise Lisa Azul in Sierra del Retin, Spain, Sept. 10, 2022. Lisa Azul is an annual bilateral training exercise that takes place aboard Naval Station Rota and Sierra del Retin and focuses on critical skills such as live-fire, helicopter rope suspension techniques, non-lethal combatives, and physical fitness to foster camaraderie and sustain interoperability amongst U.S. and partner forces and improve lethality in security and infantry operations.

010220-M-5888P-002. Base: Mcagcc, Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Joint training exercise with Det 2. 6 Co. 3/238th AVN MEDEVAC, Cox Health and Missouri State Highway Patrol at Hercules Glade Wilderness, Bradleyville, Mo., Oct. 06, 2022. Multiple Missouri departments teamed up to practice life-saving MEDEVAC scenarios. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)

Special forces operator during assault rappeling with weapons. rappeling assault

Spec ops police officer SWAT in black uniform in action.

DM-ST-89-04498. Country: Unknown

U.S. Marines with Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct special patrol insertion and extraction (SPIE) training on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 29, 2022. SPIE enhances Marines ability to maneuver through arduous environments, granting the Marine Air-Ground Task Force commander flexibility when inserting or extracting from complex terrain. The MSPF is preparing for a scheduled deployment as part of the 26th MEU.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Roy Wollgast, an 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron survival, evasion, resistance, and escape specialist, completes an obstacle course during the French Desert Commando Course (FDCC) at Arta Range, Djibouti, April 26, 2022. Since 2015, the French Forces stationed in Djibouti (FFDJ) have invited U.S. service members with CJTF-HOA and Camp Lemonnier to participate in the course. During the FDCC, participants are evaluated on mountain confidence, knot tying, night obstacle courses, aquatic obstacle courses, battle maneuver tactics, and various physical challenges.

France, Brittany, Morbihan, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon on 2022-03-29. Students from the Ecole Militaire Interarmes (EMIA), the military academy responsible for training army officers recruited internally, i.e. from the ranks of non-commissioned officers and other ranks, take part in a training course at Fort de Penthievre, a fortified structure on the Quiberon peninsula that has become a training base. Photograph by Martin Bertrand.France, Bretagne, Morbihan, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon le 2022-03-29. Les eleves de l' ecole militaire interarmes ( EMIA ), l' ecole militaire chargee de la formation des officiers de l' armee de Terre issus du recrutement interne, c'est-a-dire issus des rangs des sous-officiers et des militaires du rang, participe a un stage d'aguerrissment au Fort de Penthievre, un ouvrage fortifie sur la presqu'ile de Quiberon devenu une base d'entrainement. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

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.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. William Hierholzer, a Combat Leadership Course instructor, self rescues during the rappel masters certification course Nov. 5, 2010, at Camp Bullis, Texas. Individuals attending the five day rappel course learn how to tie 13 different knots, how to self rescue if stuck and how to descend down a wall and free side safely.

Oklahoma National Guard members of the 63rd Civil Support Team, conduct ropes rescue technician training held Jan. 8, 2019 at the High Plains Technology Center in Woodward, Oklahoma. The training is part of an annual refresher and re-certification for unit members who continually train on aspects that directly affect their mission of being the Oklahoma National Guards team of first responders. The event included the basics of rope rescue from knot tying, to the more advanced portion of rappelling down and up a steep, simulated cliff.

US Coast Guard crewman performing a rescue training exercise

Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Airmen with the New Jersey Air National Guard's 227th Air Support Operations Squadron, train with their Special Patrol Infiltration Exfiltration System (SPIES) at Coyle Drop Zone, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., to train for a SPIES demonstration at the 2017 Atlantic City Airshow above the Atlantic City, N.J., boardwalk Aug. 23, 2017. Two groups of TACP Airmen will be flown suspended by a SPIES system by UH-60 Black Hawks with the 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard. SPIES is used for extracting special operations personnel when an aircraft cannot land. The 1-150th is located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, while the 227th is located at the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base. (New Jersey National Guard

Crewmen raise the commissioning pennant aboard the first Aegis guided missile cruiser USS TICONDEROGA (CG-47) during commissioning ceremonies at Ingalls Shipbuilding. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force Special Tactics operator assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing conducts military free-fall training during Emerald Warrior 22.1 at Eglin Range, Florida, May 4, 2022. Military free-fall training is an integral part of exercise Emerald Warrior, focusing on U.S. and partner nation relationships while emphasizing joint force interoperability.

Military spouses who are a part of the 82nd Airborne Division participate in a "Be A Paratrooper For A Day" event at the United States Advanced Airborne School on Fort Bragg, N.C. on May 3, 2022. The spouses take part in a pre-jump demonstration, Meals Ready-to-Eat (MRE) eating contest, and jumping out of a 34-foot tower.

Special forces operator during assault rappeling with weapons. rappeling assault

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers and first responders-rescuers with the South Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (SC-HART) conduct aerial-rescue training in mountainous terrain, Table Rock area, South Carolina, Aug. 22-26, 2022. The event included a variety of training scenarios emphasizing survivor extractions from mountain slopes and tops, as well as aquatic rescues from rivers and lakes. In addition, air crews and rescuers performed refresher and proficiency training for the ongoing hurricane season. SC-HART is a collaborative effort between the South Carolina Army National Guard and State Urban Search and Rescue Task Force (SC-TF1) under the direction of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, South Carolina Emergency Management Division. The South Carolina Army National Guard contributes to the program with instructors, crews, support personnel, and UH-60 Blackhawk and LUH-72 Lakota helicopters; all military personnel and aircrafts are assigned to 59th Aviation Troop Command,

010511-F-3329S-581. Subject Operation/Series: COMBINED ENDEAVOR 2001 Base: Lager Aulenbach State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Air Assault candidates rappel out of a UH-60, February 22, 2024. After successfully rappeling from the UH-60, candidates must complete the 12-mile ruck in under 3 hours the following morning. Army

A U.S. Soldier rappels from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 14, 2022. Nearly 30 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a Rappel Master course hosted by a mobile training team from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center based out of Fort Benning, Georgia.

040505-F-2185G-006. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

Candidates compete in an early morning obstacle course during the Special Warfare Training Wing Assessment & Selection Course at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on March 15, 2023. The Special Warfare Training Wing prepares candidates physically, mentally, emotionally and cognitively for demanding careers as special warfare operators.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, soared above the Thunder Over Dover air show at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, May 21, 2022. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, flew their demonstration earlier in the day, marking the first time this season that both teams performed a joint show.

Joint training exercise with Det 2. 6 Co. 3/238th AVN MEDEVAC, Cox Health and Missouri State Highway Patrol at Hercules Glade Wilderness, Bradleyville, Mo., Oct. 06, 2022. Multiple Missouri departments teamed up to practice life-saving MEDEVAC scenarios. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)

A U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter with the 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard, demonstrates a Special Patrol Insertion and Exfiltration System with New Jersey Air National Guard Airmen with the 227th Air Support Operations Squadron during the 2022 Atlantic City Airshow at Atlantic City, New Jersey, Aug. 24, 2022.

A U.S. Marines spouse, with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF), conduct rappelling operations at Annex Stump Neck, Md., Oct. 28, 2022. The operations ran under the guidance and supervision of Bravo Rescue Company and Downey Rescue Training Facility Staff.

U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Cody Holzerland, a recruit with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, climb an obstacle during the confidence course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 21, 2022. Recruits navigated through obstacles in the course to gain confidence in themselves and their abilities to complete the tasks.

A U.S. Marine with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fast-ropes during a fast rope qualification course as part of Realistic Urban Training (RUT) on Fort Barfoot, Virginia, Jan. 14, 2023. RUT provides the 24th MEU the opportunity to operate in unfamiliar environments, integrate the units of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and train towards being certified as special operations capable.

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.

Recruits watch their comrades practice rope traversing on the confidence course during basic training. Base: Fort Jackson State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Soldiers navigate the "Weaver" at the All-American Mile obstacle course during the Army's first-ever Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 5, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt-to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events, evaluating their physical and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Army Maj. Kritis Dasgupta, a field surgeon with the State Medical Detachment, Maryland Army National Guard, receives rappelling instruction at Kasarna Manjaca, Dobrnja, Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 18, 2022. The Maryland National Guard celebrates 20 years of its State Partnership Program with the Armed Forces of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Members of the Medical Detachment and 1-169th Aviation Regiment from the Maryland Army National Guard trained alongside Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, and the Armed Forces of Bosnia-Herzegovina in tactics, aviation, medical, and non-commissioned officer development

Spec ops police officer SWAT during rope exercises with weapons. tactical rappeling

U.S. Army Pacific Best Warrior competitors conducted Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction Systems training June 7 during the 2022 USARPAC Best Warrior Competition at the 25th Infantry Division's Lightning Academy, Schofield Barracks East Range, Hawaii. 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 Sgt. Maj. Jorge L. Ortiz, sergeant major, Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, climbs a ladder during the obstacle course in Arue Tahiti, French Polynesia, Sept. 1, 2023. The event provided an opportunity to conduct rigorous bilateral training between Pacific Marines and the French Armed Forces, strengthening relationships and building mutual respect among Allies and partners within the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Tristen Reed, a Mayfield, Kentucky, native and combat videographer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, ziplines on the ropes challenge course at Devil Dog Dare, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 8, 2022. During an orientation visit, recreation programs specialists from Marine Corps Community Services Headquarters were given the chance to see Devil Dog Dare and its attractions that are offered for free to active-duty service members.

220126-N-LI768-2050APRA HARBOR, Guam (Jan. 26, 2022) - Gunners Mate 2nd Class Martin Coffer, from Chicago, stands security watch on the flight deck aboard USS Tulsa (LCS 16) as the Independence-variant littoral combat ship conducts a berth shift at Naval Base Guam. Tulsa, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Devin M. Langer)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christian Dye, a tactical air control party specialist assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, rappels down a rock formation during mountaineering training at Sunshine Ridge, Alaska, July 22, 2022. The 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen utilize Alaskas varied and austere training locations to prepare for conditions they may face on deployment.

050714-F-7564C-249. Base: Fort Mccoy State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

The Indiana Helocopter Aquatic Rescue Team participated in a multi-agency exercise in College Station, Texas, Wednesday, June 22, 2022. Despite the Texas-summer heat, Indiana HART showcased their aquatic rescue skills alongside other National Guard, law enforcement, fire rescue and first responder agencies from various states.

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.

Colombian Army soldiers demonstrate proper Aussie rappel techniques to Soldiers assigned to the Effingham-based Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard before starting basic rappelling training hosted by members of the Colombian Army Air Assault School during Exercise Southern Vanguard 23 on Nov. 6, 2022 at Tolemaida Military Base, Colombia. Exercise Southern Vanguard is U.S. Army South's premier training exercise taking place at the operational and tactical levels intended to increase interoperability between the United States and Western Hemisphere forces. This year's iteration, Exercise Southern Vanguard 23, involves Soldiers from U.S. Army South and the U.S. Army National Guard training alongside Colombian Army soldiers in varying terrain while conducting weapon familiarization lanes culminating in a bilateral military training operation.

221023-N-MZ309-1050 ADRIATIC SEA (Oct. 23, 2022) A Sailor assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) signals to an MH-60S Nighthawk helicopter, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, delivering cargo during a replenishment-at-sea with the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12), Oct. 23, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group 10, George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWB CSG). The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, VFA-103, VFA-136, VFA-143, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, HSC-5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46. The GHWB CSG 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.

Soldier during assault rappelling exercises with weapons.

990326-M-8408L-012. Base: Jwtc State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

DM-ST-89-04506. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-87-12687. Subject Operation/Series: BLUE HORIZON '86 Country: Ecuador (ECU)

Spec ops police officer SWAT during assault operation.

Special forces operator during assault rappeling with weapons. rappeling assault

DN-ST-86-02918. Base: Annapolis State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army soldiers negotiate the Darby Queen obstacle course during the Ranger Course on Fort Benning, Ga., April 26, 2015. Soldiers attend the Ranger Course to learn additional leadership and small unit technical and tactical skills in a physically and mentally demanding, combat simulated environment.

Members of 455th Expeditionary Communications Squadron prepare to connect tower sections while a civilian contractor helicopter lowers sections into place at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Sept. 3, 2012. A specialized team, from several Air National Guard engineering installation squadrons, deployed to Bagram Airfield to combine their efforts to build and setup the 170-foot communications tower, greatly increasing radio communication range.

Air Assault candidates rappel out of a UH-60, February 22, 2024. After successfully rappeling from the UH-60, candidates must complete the 12-mile ruck in under 3 hours the following morning. Army

A sailor from the amphibious command ship USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19) enjoys a soda as his fellow crew member paints the ship's hull while the vessel lies in port. The BLUE RIDGE has just returned from deployment in the Persian Gulf area where it was deployed during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Country: Bahrain(BHR)

Special police unit negotiation group, operational rehearsal, a criminal has taken refuge on a construction crane and is threatening a policeman with a knife, negotiators are trying to persuade the man to surrender, protected by officers of the Spezialeinsatzkommando, SEK, a special response unit of the German state police force, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Europe

Spec ops police officers SWAT during assault operation.

Military personnel from the U.S., Kuwait and Egypt rappel down a cliff during mountain ranger training at the Dahlonega Ranger Camp. Base: Fort Benning State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Pacific Best Warrior competitors conducted Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction Systems training June 7 during the 2022 USARPAC Best Warrior Competition at the 25th Infantry Division's Lightning Academy, Schofield Barracks East Range, Hawaii. 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.

An airman repels down a building while team members look on from above during search and extraction training as part of a Medical Capabilities exercise conducted Jan. 28, 2018 in North Las Vegas. During the exercise Air National Guard medical units from Hawaii, California, and Nevada practiced the skills and procedures needed during a coordinated emergency response involving the FEMA region 9 partners.

1st Lt. Matthew McKenzie, 1st Battalion 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), taps the ranger tab on the tight rope at the Best Ranger Competition April 10th, 2022 at Ft. Benning, Ga. One of the events on day 3 tested the Soldiers ability to slide down a rope tap the ranger sign before dropping into the pond.

GDAŃSK, Poland (Sept. 13, 2022) U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jared Cook, assigned to the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), raises ship colors during a scheduled port visit in Gdańsk, Poland, Sept. 13, 2022. Gunston Hall, assigned to the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, 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.

Soldiers with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) conduct Special Insertion/Extraction System (SPIES) training with the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade at The Sabalauski Air Assault School, Fort Campbell, KY April 14, 2022.The purpose of the training is to familiarize Soldiers with aircraft operations and to increase involvement in the Air Assault Culture.

U.S. Army Soldiers attending the Small Unit Ranger Tactics (SURT) course demonstrate their physical capabilities at the 25th Infantry Divisions Lightning Academy obstacle course, Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii, August 22nd, 2022. SURT attendees are evaluated and prepped to ensure they have all the knowledge and physical abilities to be successful at Ranger School.

Seabee Floyd B. Jeffreys of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 constructs a tent frame in a Marine camp which is being built during Operation Desert Storm. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

U.S. Army Pacific Best Warrior competitors conducted Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction Systems training June 7 during the 2022 USARPAC Best Warrior Competition at the 25th Infantry Division's Lightning Academy, Schofield Barracks East Range, Hawaii. 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.

DEU, Germany, NRW : SWAT team in a training situation, roping. |, Europe

DA-ST-85-12837. Country: Unknown

220828-N-DM318-1019 AIKAWA TOWN, Japan (Aug. 28, 2022) Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Coleman Krallis, assigned to the Golden Falcons of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, from Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, hoists a training mannequin during a bi-lateral emergency rescue exercise with Aikawa Town, Japan, Emergency Services. NAF Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW 5), Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron FIVE ONE (HSM-51) and 30 other tenant commands and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

DF-ST-89-06042. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE 87 Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030806-F-5586B-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Corps mountain warfare instructors with Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center (MCMWTC), Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, observe Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, as they rappel down a sheer cliff face during Mountain Exercise (MTX) 1-23 at MCMWTC, Bridgeport, California, Sept. 18, 2022. MTX is a month-long exercise designed to prepare units to survive and operate effectively in austere, mountainous terrain.

A Czech local poses atop a 4th Infantry Division M1A2 Abrams main battle tank during Czechias NATO Days at the Leos Janacek Ostrava Airport in Ostrava, Czechia, Sept. 17, 2022. NATO Days aimed to display a wide spectrum of the Czech Republics security provisional resources and capabilities, as well as its 19 other participating allies and partners, to strengthen interoperability among the NATO countries.

U.S. Marines complete the obstacle course during the 2022 Iron Mike Challenge 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.

Smokejumpers: Training - Oregon. Photographs Relating to National Forests, Resource Management Practices, Personnel, and Cultural and Economic History

A U.S. Airman with the 27th Special Operations Wing Mission Sustainment Team Detachment 1 constructs a tent during exercise Emerald Warrior 22.1 in Smyrna, Tennessee, May 5, 2022. The MST establishes forward-operating bases by providing initial site security, receiving cargo and personnel, and setting up shelter.

Miscellaneous - Coast Guard Operations - 26-HK-433-16. Hurricane Katrina

A U.S. Marine with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, jumps from the catwalk during a swim call aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the South China Sea, Sept. 25, 2022. 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 member of Squad 1, representing Maneuver Center of Excellence, traverses 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.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron secure a high frequency radio antenna during an Agile Combat Employment exercise at Okuma Beach, Japan, Oct. 14, 2022. The ACE concept of operations provides flexibility by enabling U.S. forces to operate more resiliently and effectively in contested or degraded environments.

Ueberlebenstraining im Urwald mit Fremdenlegionaeren des CISAME Camps in Franzoesisch Guayana

110830-N-ZC343-532SAN DIEGO (Aug. 30, 2011) Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) perform maintenance on mooring lines. The ship is underway to load ammunition.

Pararescue trainee US Air Force AIRMAN 1ST Class Brandon Pack scales a rope ladder at the live-fire obstacle range, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. Students must master the obstacle course before graduating. This image was used in the February 2000 AIRMAN Magazine article "Superman School". Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, participate in a water obstacle course during Exercise Tres Kolos in Savaneta, Aruba, Oct. 19, 2022. This exercise promotes partnerships, shares knowledge, and enhances interoperability between the forces in order to strengthen our common defense, foster stability and defeat threats.

Trip to South America: Caracas, Venezuela, White House Army Signal Agency (WHASA) communications equipment, preparations, and personnel; images of members of the press; and views of the city. White House Army Signal Agency (WHASA) officer, Gene Small, walks along an antenna on the roof of Hotel Tamanaco in Caracas, Venezuela, as WHASA staff set up communications equipment.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 273, Marine Aircraft Group 31, set up an omnidirectional antenna 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.

Chief Master Sgt. Caleb Guthemiller, far left, 141st Fatality Search and Rescue Recovery, assists in training Mongolian National Emergency Management Agency personnel in high-angle rope rescue during a simulated search and rescue scenario as part of exercise Gobi Wolf 2022 in Bayankhongor, Mongolia, Sept. 7. Gobi Wolf is a multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief engagement between military components of the government of Mongolia and U.S. Army Pacific. Participating countries also include Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. (Alaska National Guard photo by Victoria Granado)

BOSTON (Jul. 26, 2022) U.S. Navy Seaman Latia Miller climbs the shrouds aboard USS Constitution. 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 cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ships wooden hull.

BOSTON (Jul. 26, 2022) U.S. Navy Seaman Jeffrey Payne climbs the shrouds aboard USS Constitution. 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 cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ships wooden hull.

Special forces operators during assault rappelling with weapons.

Sgt. William Cahoon, a team leader with the 273rd Engineer Company, rappels down a three-story building with a casualty during a high angle rescue mission as a part of the Vigilant Guard Joint Regional Exercise Program at Camp Ripley, Minn., Aug. 27. Vigilant Guard is 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. The Wisconsin National Guard Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High Yield Explosive (CBRNE) Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) participated in the Minnesota National Guard-hosted collective training event Aug. 23 to Aug. 27.

Members of the "Leapfrogs," the Navy's Parachute Team, form a 16-man diamond formation during a free-fall descent. The team, a unit of the Naval Special Warfare Command, performs at events throughout the country in support of Navy recruiting. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030326-F-2813A-030. Country: Unknown

Alaska Army National Guard 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation aircrew practices fire suppression support training using a Bambi water bucket in a CH-47 Chinook helicopter near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, July 16 2019. 1-207th AVN aircrews have supported multiple fire suppression missions this summer with UH-60 Black Hawks. The Chinooks -- a new aircraft to the 207th AVN inventory this year -- provided wildfire suppression support for the first time ever July 8 at the Swan Lake Fire in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near Sterling, Alaska. The Chinooks and Black Hawks continuously train to remain proficient and ready to respond to missions as needed.

Recruits cross a rope bridge on the confidence course during basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Base: Usmc Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An Airlift Rodeo '90 competitor crosses a rope bridge during the combat endurance phase. Airlift Rodeo is an annual airdrop competition that tests the flight and ground skills of Military Airlift Command aircrews as well as foreign teams.. Subject Operation/Series: RODEO '90 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina(NC) Country: United States Of America(USA)

U.S Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Devin Rockett, a ropes and recovery instructor with II Marine Expeditionary Force, Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG), prepares the rope for Marines to descend during the Fast Ropes Master Course (FRMC) aboard Marine Corps Base Stone Bay North Carolina, March 30, 2023. FRMC is an opportunity for the EOTG to train and certify the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit as fast rope masters, giving them the ability to expediently descend a rope into restrictive terrain where landing an aircraft is not possible. The EOTG staff consists of close-knit professionals, dedicated to ensuring that deploying MEUs are ready and capable to support geographic combatant commanders and respond to crises events around the globe.

Cadets scale a wooden trestle on the obstacle course during the 4th Army ROTC Region "Camp Adventure" Advanced Camp '87. Subject Operation/Series: ADVANCED CAMP '87 Base: Fort Lewis State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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