Military Training Activities

Images of soldiers engaged in various training exercises, showcasing skills like climbing, rappelling, and helicopter operations.

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.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, negotiates the confidence climb 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.

JROTC leadership training

Airman 1st Class Maggie Hebert, of the 219th Security Forces Squadron lowers herself on a rope using an Australian Reppel’ method, as instructor Staff Sgt. Jon Rambow, of the 817th Engineer Company, shouts directions to her from above at the Camp Gilbert C. Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, N.D., July 16, 2019. Hebert is learning new skills and honing and refining practices she has already learned during the annual training period at Camp Grafton.

Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Hegstrom, 66th Rescue Squadron (RQS) special missions aviator instructor, performs preflight checks on an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter during pre-flight checks at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 28, 2022. Pave Hawk combat enhancements include a radar warning receiver, infrared jammer and a flare/chaff countermeasure dispensing system.

Soldiers assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) conduct Fast Rope Insertion/Extraction System (FRIES) training during CENTAM Guardian 2023 in Guatemala, Mar 20 2023. CENTAM Guardian 23 (CG23) is an annual multi-national partnership-building exercise designed to build capacity and capabilities with Central American partner nations.

Army Reserve Spc. Isaiah Gutierrez, assigned to the 416th TEC, preforms the Slide for Life obstacle on the Confidence Course during the Army Reserve Best Squad Competition, at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, on May 15, 2022. Approximately 40 soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022 BWBSC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers and squads from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of Best Warrior and Best Squad among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focus events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

040505-F-3587F-008. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 18 set up an AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar for a Multi-Functional Air Operations Center at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 5, 2022, in support of Valiant Shield 2022. Exercise Valiant Shield gives units like MACG-18 the opportunity to integrate with forces across the Indo-Pacific to train in successful employment and operations that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force.

221029-N-LI114-1100 PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 29, 2022) A Sailor assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, assigned to Commander, Task Force 70, fast-ropes during helicopter rope suspension technique training from an MH-60S Sea Hawk, attached to the Golden Falcons of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, on the flight deck aboard the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Philippine Sea, Oct. 29. EODMU 5 and HSC 12 routinely conduct unit level training to ensure effectiveness during helicopter visit, board, search and seizure. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

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.

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.

U.S. Army Soldiers with Task Force Sinai, participate in a Best Squad Competition at South Camp, Egypt, April 11-12, 2022; culminating in an awards ceremony April 14, 2022. The Soldiers conducted a series of events to measure their physical fitness, military discipline and team cohesion to include an Army Combat Fitness Test, stress shoot, medical lane, forced march, obstacle course and squad board.

220705-N-LP387-1007 WAHIAWA, Hawaii (July 5, 2022) - A Republic of Korea SEAL fast-ropes during training during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's 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 world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Gunnar Cain, an engineer equipment operator with 3D Sustainment Group (Experimental), 3D Marine Logistics Group, left, and Cpl. Dominic Bishop, a small arms repair technician with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, cross rope bridges during a ropes course with Republic of Korea Marine Corps Ranger School in Pohang, South Korea, Jan. 27, 2022. The course increased the Marines readiness with rappelling and rope work while improving interoperability with our partners and allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ash McLaughlin)

U.S. Marines with Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marine Division, conduct physical training on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 8, 2022. Headquarters Company celebrated the 247th Marine Corps birthday by conducting an obstacle course physical training event that built unit cohesion and camaraderie.

U.S. Army Spc. Austin Manville, an infantryman assigned to C Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment with New Yorks National Guard, maneuvers through an obstacle course during the 2022 ARNG National Best Warrior Competition at the Volunteer Training Site in Tullahoma, Tenn., July 28, 2022. The competitors are evaluated on more than 30 events including the Army Combat Fitness Test, marksmanship and weapons proficiency, survival swimming, a 16.2-mile ruck march, a Valor run and a board interview.

North Dakota Army National Guard Spc. Adam Walsvik works his way along the Inverted Rope Descent in an obstacle course at Fort Benning, Ga. Walsvik was competing in the nationwide Army National Guard Best Warrior competition.

Army Reserve Spc. Jordan Watson, assigned to the 3rd MEDCOM, preforms the Low Belly Over obstacle on the Confidence Course during the Army Reserve Best Squad Competition, at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, on May 15, 2022. Approximately 40 soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022 BWBSC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers and squads from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of Best Warrior and Best Squad among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focus events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Army Spc. Mackenzie Maynard, assigned to the William Beaumont Army Medical Center, strikes a tire during the urban obstacle course of the 2022 Regional Health Command-Central Best Leader Competition in Fort Bliss, Texas, April 10, 2022. The tire sledge portion consisted of striking the tire a total of 40 times. The competition promotes esprit de corps throughout the Army while recognizing soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and officers who demonstrate commitment to the Army values and embody the warrior ethos. The competition challenges the Armys best leaders in a demanding, continuous, and realistic simulated operational environment.

Staff Sgt. Bennett Dannemiller, 68P Radiology Specialist Instructor, 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 competition is open to all soldiers who have earned the Expert Field Medical Badge or the Combat Medical Badge. Medics are tested on pistol and rifle marksmanship, land navigation and hands-on medical tasks over a 30-mile course, according to the release.

A pararescueman from the 58th Rescue Squadron out of Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., performs tree let-down procedures May 5, 2014, at Camp Navajo, Ariz., in part of exercise Angel Thunder. In 2006, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., conducted the first Angel Thunder as a base-specific exercise. It has since grown to be the largest and most realistic joint service, multinational, interagency combat search and rescue exercise in the world.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gabriel Mauldin, assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, maneuvers across an obstacle at the Marne Mile obstacle course during the 3rd IDs Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, May 25, 2022. The rigorous Best Squad Competition tested squads physical, technical, and tactical abilities under stress and fatigue to determine which squad would represent 3rd ID at the XVIII Airborne Corps competition in July 2022.

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)

Recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct the Confidence Course on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Feb. 21, 2024. After demonstrations, recruits complete various physically and mentally challenging obstacles. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Officer Candidate John Dawson, with Marine Officer Selection Team Tuscaloosa, crosses a rope obstacle while conducting a problem-solving event during a Mini - Officer Candidate School event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, April 1, 2023. Marine Officer Candidates from across the Southeastern United States attended this event to take part in training to help prepare them for Officer Candidate School.

220614-N-PI330-1084 LIEPAJA, Latvia (June 14, 2022) Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 (NMCB 133) dissassemble a tent used for an expeditionary advanced base of operations, June 14, 2022 in Liepaja, Latvia. NMCB 133 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.

030506-M-9248U-008. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: H&HS

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. 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. The competition is open to all soldiers who have earned the Expert Field Medical Badge or the Combat Medical Badge. Medics are tested on pistol and rifle marksmanship, land navigation and hands-on medical tasks over a 30-mile course, according to the release.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, rappels through a breached roof during training at Santahamina, Finland, June 30, 2022. The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and the Guard Jaeger Regiment of the Finnish army began summer training in Finland to strengthen relations and help build interoperability between the two nations.

The Utah National Guard FEMA Region VIII Homeland Response Force held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Collapsed Structure Venue Site May 10, 2022. The CSVS is one of only three military owned Urban Search and Rescue training venues west of the Rocky Mountains. This CSVS will allow both military search and extract and civilian search and rescue teams the opportunity to train together and build those necessary partnerships needed in an all hazards response.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Basic Cadets from the Class of 2026 complete the assault course at the U.S. Air Force Academy's Jacks Valley in Colorado Springs, Colo., on July 12, 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)

The Week of the Warrior is in full swing, as competitors from the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division complete the challenges presented to them on the second day of the competition, May 3, 2022, on Camp Casey, Republic of Korea. The Soldiers participated in a combat run, confidence course, stress shoot, and a M4 familiarization qualification.

980625-F-2171A-006. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Pfc. Emily Pacheco, assigned to the Medical Readiness Battalion from Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, climbs a rope during the obstacle course portion of their brigade level best leader competition Feb. 27, 2024, at Fort Cavazos, TX. Soldiers are competing in the best leader competition for an opportunity to be selected for a spot on a team consisting of a junior officer, two noncommissioned officers, and three junior enlisted Soldiers, who will compete at the Medical Readiness Command, West: Best Leader Competition in April 2024. Army

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kenneth Montgmomery, a radio operator with 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, low crawls to avoid a danger zone while participating in urban terrain training during Warfighter Week, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 15, 2022. Warfighter Week provides the opportunity to train to specific objectives that enhance lethality and sustain readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Minh Vo, a sergeant instructor with Alpha Company, Officer Candidates School, instructs a candidate with Officer Selection Team San Diego, on how to maneuver an obstacle during an OCS preparation weekend at Edson Range, Camp Pendleton, California on April 30, 2022. The OCS preparation weekend is designed to prepare aspiring Marine Corps officers mentally and physically for the rigors of OCS.

Master Sgt. Joseph Cole low crawls on his back under barbed wire at the Camp Humphreys obstacle course.First Sgt. Christopher Stevens of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade and Master Sgt. Joseph Cole of the 602nd Aviation Support Battalion competed in the obstacle course event of the mungadai. Originating back in the 13th century, Genghis Khan used this test to select his elite Mongolian cavalry forces. Now it is used to test the leadership and build esprit de corps among Soldiers. The U.S. Forces Korea mungadai is a one week event designed to test these very skills.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Steven Cope, 627th Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor, scores a target at the firing range during Police Week at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, May 18, 2022. Police Week is an observance in the United States that pays tribute to the local, state, and federal peace officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty.

Recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct the Confidence Course on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Feb. 21, 2024. After demonstrations, recruits complete various physically and mentally challenging obstacles. Marine Corps

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade jumps over the log obstacle at the obstacle course during Bayonet Week at Grafenwoehr, Germany, June 27, 2023. Bayonet Week is a series of competitive events within the 173rd Airborne Brigade that inspire all Sky Soldiers to honor their heritage during the last week of June. These events take place in both Germany and Italy and consist of tournament-style competitions that test strength, endurance, speed, knowledge and indomitable spirit as individuals and teams.

Sergeant 1st Class Jason E. Pate, 68W Combat Medics, 187th Medical Battalion, navigates the Weaver obstacle during the best medic competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The event included the Army Combat Fitness Test, obstacle course, M-4 qualification, warrior tasks and battle drills, land navigation, a Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and 12-Mile Ruck March.

U.S. 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.

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.

Recruits with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, complete the Crucible on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Feb. 24, 2023. The Crucible is a 54-hour culminating event in which the previous 11 weeks of training are put to the test. Marine Corps

U.S. Pfc. Joshua Clark , representing the U.S Army Training and Doctrine Command, throws a sandbag over a wall during the stress shoot portion of the Army Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 5, 2022. The week-long competition will assess each squad on their technical and tactical proficiency, as well as their ability to work as a disciplined and cohesive team, featuring a multitude of fitness, knowledge and combat-related events.

Sgt. Jefferson Gwynn, the winning NCO for the WVNG, low crawls while competing in 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.

040612-F-3488S-013. Complete Scene Caption: US Army (USA) Sergeant (SGT) Jason Wu, Engineer Sergeant, Special Forces Operations (SFO) Detachment (DET) 144, Alpha Company (A CO), 2nd Battalion (BN), 1ST Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Lewis, Washington (WA), repacks a parachute between jumps during High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) training as part of Exercise NORTHERN EDGE 04. NORTHERN EDGE is Alaska's (AK) annual joint training exercise designed to enhance interoperability among the services by and honing joint service techniques and procedures. It helps provide a ready force capable of protecting America's interests at home and abroad. More than 9,000 Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen from active duty, Reserve, and National Guard units are participating in this year's exercise. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, walk on logs 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.

Spc. Christian Hinrichs, a cavalry scout with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, Iowa Army National Guard, climbs the reverse ladder while running the confidence course during the Iowa Best Warrior Competition (BWC) at Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa, on April 2, 2022. Soldiers from across Iowa gather every year to participate in BWC. This competition is designed to push Soldiers to their physical and mental limits.

The 404th Signal Company is located on Fort Dix, NJ. These reserve soldiers are working with contractors setting up a TRILOS. The Terrestrial Transmission Line Of Sight radio, known as TRILOS is being tested at Building 5444 on 8th Street on Fort Dix. TRILOS increases the distance/mileage in which units can be a greater distance or location from the larger brigade or battalion for communication with a greater flow of data across a network. The TRILOS is to get data products across the network faster than doing a satellite shot during a mission. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, overcomes an obstacle 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.

U.S. Marines with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF), conduct rope rescue on the rappel tower at Downey Responder Training Facility at Stump Neck Annex, Maryland, August 26, 2022. Following the meeting with the Australian Defence Force was a live demonstration of CBIRF Bravo Company performing rescue drills.

The 5-17 Air Cavalry Squadron conducted its first spur ride since the unit was activated in May from September 1-2, 2022. Soldiers conducted multiple tasks in negotiating an obstacle course in order to display their confidence while operating as a team.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Antonio Paz, a recruiter with Recruiting Substation Fredericksburg, Recruiting Station Frederick, 4th Marine Corps District, descends the rappel tower during the Educators Workshop at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, South Carolina, January 10, 2024. The workshop is a program that invites select educators and community influencers onto MCRD Parris Island to provide insight on how the Marine Corps transforms young men and women into United States Marines.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Evan Shafley, a heavy equipment operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, Marine Aircraft Group 12, and native of Michigan, observes a Royal Thai marine with Royal Thai Marine Corps Construction Company of Combat Engineers weld roofing trusses at the Ban Prakaet school at Chanthaburi, Thailand, Feb. 13, 2024. Marines of MWSS-171 lent their engineering expertise to multilateral humanitarian efforts during Cobra Gold 24. Joint Exercise Cobra Gold is the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia and a concrete example of the strong alliance and strategic relationship between Thailand and the United States. This year will be the 43rd iteration of the multilateral exercise and will be held from Feb. 27 to March 8, 2024. Marine Corps

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

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.

Recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct the Confidence Course on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Feb. 21, 2024. After demonstrations, recruits complete various physically and mentally challenging obstacles. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Cpl. Euquebi Lopez, a motor vehicle operator with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, climbs an obstacle during the Trinity Games at Camp Hansen, Japan, June 30, 2022. The Trinity Games were held to foster the spirit of competition and comradery within the unit. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Maine Corps Sgt. Brandon Price, assigned to a security cooperation marine air-ground task force deployed with the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp, performs a hip throw on Lance Cpl. Marcos Rivera in front of members of the Dominican Republic military during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program theater security cooperation event. Wasp is deployed on Southern Partnership Station-Amphibious, part of the Partnership of the Americas maritime strategy.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- U.S. Air Force Academy cadets use teamwork to traverse a rope bridge in preperation for the 54th annual Sandhurst Military Skills Competition, Oct. 21, 2022. The competition is slated to be held at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 2023. The Sandhurst Club prepares for and competes in the worlds premiere international academy military skills competition that inspires excellence through rigorous physical and mental challenges that reflect the tempo, uncertainty and tasks of combat operations.

Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Eck, top, a 921st Contingency Response Squadron squad leader, finishes setting up a tactical operations center on the flight line during Exercise Dragon Spark at Travis Air Force Base, California, Oct. 13, 2022. Exercise Dragon Spark consisted of Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing and the 60th Air Mobility Wing who jointly-trained together on how to rapidly respond to a natural disaster or national emergency.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, navigates an obstacle during the obstacle course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 29, 2022. The "O-Course" is comprised of various obstacles and is designed to instill confidence in recruits by overcoming physical challenges.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- ROTC cadets and U.S. Air Force Academy cadets participate in a Special Warfare Orientation Course (SWOC) exercise at the Academy, June 9, 2022. The course trains cadets in water and land fitness, mission planning, and tactical combat casualty care. (U.S. Air Force photo/Joshua Armstrong)

A U.S. Army Infantry soldier-in-training assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, traverses an obstacle November 8, 2022, on Fort Benning.

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.

031001-M-2900S-029. Base: Savannah State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

New Jersey Air National Guard TACP airmen from the 227th Air Support Operations Squadron hang from a Special Purpose Insertion Extraction system on a 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion UH-60 Black hawk helicopter during a demonstration at the Millville Wheels & Wings Air Show, in Millville, N.J., May 27, 2017.

A soldier manages the over-and-under obstacle while participating in the Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, Mud Run, March 24, 2013. More than 50 soldiers from various units from the FOB participated in the course. The two-mile course featured 15 different obstacles that challenged the soldiers physically and mentally, while adding the elements of water and mud to help make the course even more difficult.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, execute the skyscraper obstacle during the confidence course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, July 11, 2022. The confidence course is composed of a series of obstacles built to test recruits' physical and mental endurance and strength.

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 Corps recruits with Charlie Company. 1st Recruit Training Battalion maneuver an obstacle during the Obstacle Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, July 14, 2022. The "O-Course" is comprised of various obstacles and is designed to instill confidence in recruits by overcoming physical challenges.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nathan Opperman, a landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), cinches cargo during a Helicopter Support Team (HST) exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2022. HST training increases the Marines proficiency in the loading of gear and supplies with military helicopters allowing for quicker and more efficient insert and extract of heavy cargo. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

110511-A-SH568-014 U.S. Army Sgt. Leah Serrano climbs up a tower ladder during the obstacle course segment of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command's Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg, N.C., on May 11, 2011. Serrano, who is with the 352nd Civil Affairs Command, is among 14 soldiers participating in the four-day competition.

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

U.S. Army Sgt. Eugene Housler, from Radcliff, Ky., serving with C Troop, 6th Squadron, 4th Calvary Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Task Force Duke, provides security during a patrol, Nov. 29, 2011, outside Camp Parsa, Khowst province, Afghanistan. Making themselves a constant presence, U.S. and Afghan forces work to introduce themselves to the locals and discourage insurgent activity.

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 Sgt. Carlos Cardona, assigned to the United States Army Garrison Ansbach, jumps off the Confidence Climb obstacle during an obstacle course for the Installation Management Command-Europe Best Warrior competition at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, April 3, 2023. The competition enhances expertise, training, and understanding of the skills needed to be a well-rounded Soldier. Winners will go on to compete at the Installation Management Command level.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Marine Logistics Group, work together as a team to transport a simulated casualty during the Leadership Response Course (LRC) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 26, 2022. All the obstacles in the LRC required a great amount of teamwork and initiative, building the Marines leadership skills and confidence in each others leadership capabilities.

Recruits with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, learn and apply rappelling techniques on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., October 31, 2022. The rappel tower is the tallest height recruits on Parris Island will overcome in their journey to become Marines.

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.

Members of the 240th Combat Communications Squadron (CBCS) from McEntire Air National Guard Station, Eastover, South Carolina, set up a Tropospheric Scatter Microwave Radio Terminal (TRC) 170 transmitter/receiver. The 240th CBCS is deployed to the Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) at Savannah, Georgia for annual training. Base: Crtc Savannah State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040809-F-2706S-034. Base: Minot Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Various units train at the Fort Dix MSCT (Medical Simulation Training Center) during their Combat Lifesaver Course. Army combat medics play a critical role by applying first aid and trauma care to simulated wounded Soldiers, but in some situations the first person to assist isn't always a certified medic. The course is intended to provide an intermediate step between the buddy aid-style basic life support taught to every soldier, and the advanced life support skills. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

FORT MEADE, Maryland - A Soldier assigned to the United States Army Signal School Detachment takes cover behind a barricade as a training instructor supervises during a warrior tasks and battle drills training event here, April 2. The training event fortified Soldiers' knowledge on basic weapons proficiency and grenade skills, ensuring their readiness and lethality to meet any challenge.

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.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Bram Sanders, a medic with the 181st Medical Group Search and Extraction element assigned to the 19th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosives Enhanced Response Force Package, Indiana National Guard participates in training at a simulated disaster site during a pre-external evaluation sustainment year collective training event at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Ind., Aug. 10, 2022. Airmen from the 181st Medical Group are embedded with S&E teams to provide immediate on-scene emergency medical support during the search and extraction phase of emergency and disaster incidents. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. L. Roland Sturm)

Spc. Mason Cruz, an interior electrician with the with the 2120th Engineering Company, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, breaks up dirt with a pickaxe during an innovative readiness training mission for the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, June 6, 2022. This IRT mission was unique in that Soliders, Airmen, and civil servants, guard, reserve, and active duty worked hand-in-hand to accomplish the innovative housing project.

U.S. Marines with H&S Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, rappel down a cliff during a training event at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., July 22, 2022, for Mountain Training Exercise 4-22. MTX 4-22 offers a unique training experience for reserve Marines to prepare and develop an understanding of traversing a mountainous environment as they maintain their readiness.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Isaac Cordova, an admin chief of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, climbs an obstacle during the Nashville Spartan Event Weekend in Lebanon, Tennessee, Oct. 16, 2022. The Marine Corps partnered with the Spartan Races to engage with the athletic community and support recruiting efforts.

The Rhode Island National Guard hosted members of the Young Marines for an orientation and open house on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, on Camp Fogarty, East Greenwich. These Young Marines traversed the obstacle course, set up a rope bridge, got an orientation flight in a Blackhawk, were turned upside down in the rollover trainer, and more. The Young Marines is a national non-profit youth education and service program for boys and girls that promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members.

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.

011001-A-5399B-055. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Artur Potas, representing the 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support), climbs a rope in the conditioning course as part of the U.S. Army Reserve Best Squad Competition at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin on May 15, 2022. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Warrior Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022. The 2022 BWSC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers and squads from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of Best Warrior and Best Squad among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

1st Cavalry Division Troopers maneuver through the team building obstacle course event during the Best Squad Competition at Fort Hood, Tx, May 10.

A U.S. Marine with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, participates in an obstacle course during a Martial Arts Instructor course culminating event at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 11, 2023. This multiphase event challenged the endurance, martial prowess, strength, and squad cohesion of the students of the MAI course. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

240214-N-OX847-1130 NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD (Feb. 14, 2024) Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Alexander Boyd, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), completes a strike during a security forces qualification course, Feb. 14, 2024. George H.W. Bush is undergoing a planned incremental availability to increase lethality and serviceability, and to complete preservation and upgrades for future operations. Navy

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