Military Training Exercises

A series of images featuring soldiers engaged in various military training exercises, showcasing tactical operations, air support coordination, and unit teamwork in diverse environments.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion log information after observing a heavy-drop airborne operation onto Bayonet Drop Zone at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 8, 2022 as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22.Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Army's Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to bu

U.S. Army 1LT Christopher Blaser from Bulldog Troop, 1st Squadron (Airborne), 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade during a Situational Training Exercise moves forward on the Maneuver Training Area. Baumholder, Germany, July 18, 2022.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion log information after observing a heavy-drop airborne operation onto Bayonet Drop Zone at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 8, 2022 as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22.Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Army's Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to bu

A Tactical Air Control Party specialist from the 148th Air Support Operations Squadron prepares for a multifaceted exercise with the 111th Operations Group, executing training on close air support procedures with an MQ-9, tactical combat casualty care, and medical evacuation training at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania Aug. Aug. 24, 2022. The 148th ASOS, a subordinate unit of the 193rd Special Operations Wing in Middletown, Pennsylvania, conducted ground operations that simulated capturing an enemy stronghold in hostile territory, while simultaneously integrating MQ-9 Reaper capabilities from the 103rd Attack Squadron, a subordinate unit of the 111th Operations Group based at Biddle Air National Guard Base in Horsham, Pennsylvania. The MQ-9 provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance as well as armed over watch and close air support.

A U.S. Army Soldier smiles after completing a sling load exercise during a U.S. Pathfinder course at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 8, 2022. Nearly 30 Soldiers graduated the course, which was taught by a mobile training team at the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center in Fort Benning, Georgia. Army Pathfinders are trained to provide navigational aid and advisory services to military aircraft in areas designated by supported unit commanders. During the Pathfinder course, students are instructed in aircraft orientation, aero-medical evacuation, close combat assault, ground to air communication procedures, control center operations, all three phases of a sling load operation, helicopter landing zone and pick up zone operations, and drop zone operations dealing with U.S. military fixed and rotary wing aircraft for personnel and equipment.

Pvt. Jaguar Super, a mortarman from 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, inspects his targets before the rifle marksmanship portion of the 2023 Best Mortar Competition, April 10, 2023, Fort Benning, Georgia. Pvt. Super is from Portland, Oregon and only recently graduated from Advanced Individual Training.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 1-114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, prepare to fire the 120mm mortar weapon system during training on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, June 3, 2022. Mortar Systems provide the maneuver commander rapid, responsive, indirect fires in support of combat operations.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Seth Brown, 172d Contingency Reaction Flight communications noncommissioned officer and quick reaction force member, and Master Sgt. Renato Simoni, 156th Security Operations Squadron senior enlisted leader, respond to a simulated casualty, Airman 1st Class Kevin Medina Kevin Medina, 156th Security Operations Squadron specialist, at Southern Strike 2022 in Avon Park, Florida, April 24. Southern Strike 2022 allows participants the opportunity to build partnerships and maintain combat readiness for future missions.

U.S. Army Rangers, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, participate in a Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFX) near Fort Stewart, Ga., Jan. 11, 2012. The exercise is conducted in order to evaluate and train members on de-escalation of force, reactions to enemy contact, and other objectives that prepare them for forward operating.

U.S. Army Pfc Vincent Wallach, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade advances on an objective during a combined arms live fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 22, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

Danish Royal Soldiers signal towards simulated opposing forces during Exercise Burmese Chase at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, July 13, 2022. Exercise Burmese Chase is a longstanding fire support exercise hosted by 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company focused on improving combat readiness and strengthening relationships with allies and partners.

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

Spc. Nathaniel Miska, a Carpentry and Masonry Specialist with the 850th Engineer Company moves to the next portion of the weapons qualification task during the Croatian Best Soldier Competition on May 24, 2022, near Slunj, Croatia. Croatia and Minnesota have worked together for over 25 years as part of the National Guards State Partnership Program which enable them to particpate in events like this. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Matthew Beegle, 633d Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordinance disposal technician, lays in watch as a simulated rocket is pulled out of the ground during an exercise at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Oct. 13, 2022. Beegle is considered person two” out of a three-man team and his main role is to be backup in order to pull out any casualties in case of an explosion.”

A U.S. Army Soldier scouts targets before qualifying with the M4 carbine during a Infantry Advanced Leaders Course on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 5, 2022. The Advanced Leaders Course, hosted by the 254th Regional Training Institute, New Jersey Army National Guard, is a branch-specific course that provides Soldiers selected for promotion to Staff Sgt. an opportunity to enhance leadership, technical skill, tactical expertise and experience needed to lead squad-size units. Class 22-02 has Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division, 82nd Airborne Division, and the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

A paratrooper in the 173rd Airborne Brigade nears the finish of the 12-mile ruck march during Expert Infantry, Soldier and Field Medical badge (E3B) qualification on Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Nov. 9, 2022. The E3B is a combined event that will test Soldiers' skills to achieve one of the three "expert" badges. This is the first E3B hosted in Vicenza, Italy, with qualifying Soldiers from SETAF-AF, 173rd Airborne Brigade, 207th Military Intelligence Brigade, 509th Strategic Signal Battalion, U.S. Special Operations Command Africa, units from U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command and service members from Spain, Croatia and Italy.

Army National Guard officer candidates with the 205th Regimental Training Institute Officer Candidate School Phase III coordinate their offensive strategy during movement to contact training lanes on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 18, 2022. Candidates learn to plan and execute time-sensitive operations in a demanding environment, and afterwards receive feedback from experienced instructors.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade get ready to conduct a combined arms blank fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 21, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade get ready to conduct a combined arms blank fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 21, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

A U.S. Soldier watches as Ukrainian artillerymen training at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, fire the M109 self-propelled howitzer May 12, 2022. Soldiers from the U.S. and Norway trained Armed Forces of Ukraine artillerymen on the howitzers as part of security assistance packages from their respective countries.

A U.S. Army paratrooper with 2nd Battalion,503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade loads a .50 caliber machine gun during exercise Rock Harvest at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 25, 2022. The 173rd AB is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility. (U.S. Army photo by Gertrud Zach)

2nd Lt. Veronica Sheppard, an Army health services admin with the 421st Medical Battalion-Multifunctional, finishes dawning her camo face paint and personal protective equipment during the 30th Medical Brigade Best Squad Competition at Franken Kaserne military base, Ansbach, Germany on Feb. 27, 2024. Sheppard is one of two females that are competing in the competition. Events like these are used as a test of grit and toughness, foster readiness and esprit de corps, and are a fundamental part of the Brigade's method of building lethal, cohesive teams and expert leaders. Army

Sgt. Chase Rheinlander, Combat Medic Specialist, 1st Cavalry Division pulls security during the Army's Best Medic Compentition.Twenty-two two-Soldier teams from all around the world traveled to Fort Hood, Texas to compete in the finals to be named the Armys Best Medic. The competition is a 72-hour arduous test of the teams physical and mental skills. Competitors must be agile, adaptive leaders who demonstrate mature judgment while testing collective team skills in areas of physical fitness, tactical marksmanship, leadership, warrior skills, land navigation and overall knowledge of medical, technical and tactical proficiencies through a series of hands-on tasks in a simulated operational environment. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Herman)

Paratroopers across the 82nd Airborne Division finish the 12 mile road march, complete a weapons test, and recieve their E3B on Fort Bragg, NC, April 7, 2023. 371 Paratroopers and Soldiers across multiple units and locations successfully completed E3B.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 10th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division negotiate obstacles across the Leader Reaction Course at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, May 24, 2022. Squad sized teams work together to overcome obstacles with on-site planning and problem solving to accomplish missions.

Airmen assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing respond to the scene of a simulated aircraft accident during ROCKI 22-03 at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, May 16, 2022. ROCKI 22-03 was the culmination event in a series of exercises designed to refine C-130 Lead Wing concepts, including the Command and Control Force Elements ability to rapidly deploy to a theater main operating base to command and control Mobility Air Forces assets.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), greets Polish soldiers assigned to the 11th Armored Lubuska Cavalry Division during the Abrams Logistical Summit at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Oct. 26, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT is proudly working alongside 1 ID, other NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Markus Rauchenberger, left, a visual information specialist with 7th Army Training Commands Training Support Activity Europe, captures video documentation of U.S. Soldiers assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, conducting a Browning M2 .50 Caliber Heavy Machine Gun Qualification Range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Feb. 29, 2024. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment, assigned to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe, works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater to defend the NATO alliance. Army

Soldiers from the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) are competing in the 2022 U.S. Army Reserve Small Arms Championship from Sept. 11 thru Sept. 17 on Camp Robinson, N. Little Rock, Arkansas.ARROWS FORWARD to 1st Lt. Chance Hernandez, Master Sgt. Jason Lee, and Sgt. Robert Flores from San Antonio, Texas, and Staff Sgt. Cameron L. MacDonnell from Huntsville, Texas.The competition is a live-fire training event that tests Soldiers ability to employ both primary and secondary weapon systems. The program is designed to develop marksmanship skills at the entry and intermediate level.If shooting weapons, building relationships that can last a lifetime, and getting paid sounds good to you, click the link to sign up and learn more.https://armyreservemarksman.info/newsletter/BIG THANKS to the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) for helping with coverage.

U.S. Army Staff Sgts. Ryan Cardiff and Devon Penrod, assigned to 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment, communicate during Exercise Arrow 22 at Säkylä Training Area, May, 11, 2022. Exercise Arrow is an annual, pre-planned, multinational exercise taking place in Finland, where visiting forces to include the U.S., U.K., Latvia, and Estonia, train together with the Finnish Defense Forces in high intensity force-on-force engagements and a live fire exercise with the purpose of increasing military readiness and developing interoperability among participating partner nations.

Army National Guard officer candidates with the 205th Regimental Training Institute Officer Candidate School Phase III coordinate their offensive strategy during movement to contact training lanes on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 18, 2022. Candidates learn to plan and execute time-sensitive operations in a demanding environment, and afterwards receive feedback from experienced instructors.

GREYWOLF Trooper, assigned to 1-12 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducts a platoon STX, Oct. 26, 2022. Training events like these promote readiness throughout the unit and help soldiers prepare for situations they may face on the battlefield.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Thomas J. Dye, left, from Jacksonville, Florida, a Tactical Air Control Party program manager assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), and Gunnery Sgt. Ryan Q. Metas, from Long Island, New York, a fire support Marine assigned to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force, participate in a close air support exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-23, at Wiss Airfield near Chocolate Mountains, California, March 31, 2023. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

A French Army soldier prepares to relay information during urban environment training for Exercise Burmese Chase at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, July 13, 2022. Exercise Burmese Chase is a longstanding fire support exercise hosted by 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company focused on improving combat readiness and strengthening relationships with allies and partners.

Staff Sgts. Eric Braddock, left, and Ryan Onely prepare Capt. Nicholas Morgans for a medical evacuation during a training mission at Avon Park Air Force Range, Fla., Dec. 13, 2012. An aircrew flying an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter helped extract the Airmen. Braddock and Onely are both 38th Rescue Squadron pararescuemen and Morgan is a 38th RQS combat rescue officer.

SAGAMI GENERAL DEPOT, Japan 1st Sgt. Stephen Graves, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade first sergeant, employs a dummy claymore as part of patrol lane testing during the U.S. Army Japan Expert Soldier Badge testing here April 20. Soldier combat readiness demonstrates deterrence and response capabilities. Only those who meet the standards by demonstrating combat readiness and proficiency skills will be awarded the coveted ESB.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 6, 2022) Australian soldier PTE Pitts, assigned to 2nd battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, Australian Army, listens during safety classes and practical application with the Sri Lanka Navy Marines, the Indonesian Marine Corps, and Mexican Naval Infantry before completing small boat training while in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), July 5. 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 worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

A group of Soldier from the Officer Candidate School march together towards the finish line of the six-mile ruck march on the track at Talladega Superspeedway, Jan. 23, 2024. This is just one of the many mental and physical challenges that test our future leaders.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Christian Gillett, assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment instructs his M240b machine gun crews during a live support by fire exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Oct. 16, 2022. 2nd Cavalry Regiment provides V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe, with combat-credible forces capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater to defend the NATO alliance.

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment prepares to build obstacles with C-wire along a route at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22, Sept. 14, 2022.Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Army's Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnership

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Commanding General Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, throws a traing hand grenade at the 7th Army Training Command Expert Infantry Badge Station, during The African Land Forces Colloquium 2022, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Sept. 14, 2022. ALFC 22 brought African Land Force Commanders together along with select U.S. Army and allied and partner army leaders to address land force security challenges. ALFC22 emphasized U.S. Army institutional training and ways to "Train to Fight."

British Paratroopers prepare to load a Ch-47 Chinook Helicopter during Leapfest 2022 at the Quonset Army Aviation Support Facility in Washington County, Rhode Island, August 3, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community.

A U.S. Army 1-10 Special Forces Group Officer packs his parachute during a High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) jump for the 78th D-Day commemoration at Sainte-Mère-Église, France, June 5, 2022. Project Jedburgh was a joint Allied program, with the OSS Special Operations (SO) branch, the British Special Operations Executive (SOE), and the French Bureau Central de Renseignements et dAction (BCRA) and is widely considered the origins from which all modern special operations draw their lineage from.

Day three of the 310th ESC Best Warrior Competition, Feb. 6, 2024 consisted of the Army Combat Fitness Test, a squad patrolling lane and a media on the battlefield event held at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. Spc. Adam Rockwell prepared a notional nine-line MEDEVAC report to assist a casualty during his squad's patrol.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Austin Pinkerton and 1st Lt. Molly Murphy plot points on their maps during the day land navigation event as part of Medical Readiness Command, Pacific's Fiscal Year 2023 Best Medic Competition, Oct. 28, 2022 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Eight top Soldiers from across MRC,P competed in ten events over three days including a 15-mile ruck march, water survival tests, marksmanship, combat casualty care, and more.

041020-F-2034C-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: F.O.B Mckenzie Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Army Col. Michael Kloepper, commander of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher D. Clapin move toward an objective after exiting a U.S. Air Force 86th Air Wing C-130 Hercules aircraft during airborne operation at Juliet Drop Zone, Pordenone, Italy, Oct. 5, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

U.S. Army Sgt. Spencer Fayles, center, a combat medic with the 144th Area Support Medical Company, representing the Utah National Guard in the All Guard National Best Warrior Competition, receives instruction from staff before a live-fire stress shoot 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.

Competitors participate in various warrior tasks during the 2022 National Guard Bureau Region 2 Best Warrior Competition, held May 17-20, 2022, at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia. The Best Warrior Competition is a physically and mentally challenging three-day competition that tests competitors on a wide range of technical and tactical skills relevant to todays combat operating environment. Region 2 consists of competitors from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional winners from across the nation will advance to compete at the national-level competition this summer.

Soldiers of the 2nd of the 151st Infantry Battalion, from the Indiana Army National Guard, practice crowd and riot control tactics with the German Bundeswehr(Army) at Hohenfels Training Center, Germany, on October 7, 2022. Task Force Nighthawk is training to be the 31st rotation of U.S. forces to support Operation Joint Guardian in Regional Command East, KFOR in Kosovo.

GREYWOLF Trooper, assigned to 1-12 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducts a platoon STX, Oct. 26, 2022. Training events like these promote readiness throughout the unit and help soldiers prepare for situations they may face on the battlefield.

Colonel Chad A. Froehlich, commander of the 18th Military Police Brigade, congratulates his newly air assault-qualified Soldiers after their graduation from the U.S. Army Air Assault Course at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 28, 2022. The 7th Army Training Commands Combined Arms Training Center sponsored the ten-day air assault course provided by instructors from the Army National Guards Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia. The course trains Soldiers on air assault operations, sling-load operations, and rappelling to maximize the use of helicopter assets in training and combat. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christian Carrillo)

Alaska Air and Army National Guardsmen return to Fairbanks, Alaska, Sept. 30 from assisting Nome community residents affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of storm-related debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

Washington National Guard Soldiers with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, react to contact during squad training, on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Jan. 6, 2024. By practicing excellence in the basics, Infantrymen are ready for any mission, local or abroad.

U.S. Army Sgt. Joseph Deshaw, a fire support specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, analyzes a map during a company training exercise at Fort Drum, Jun. 30. The 69th Regiment is conducting pre-mobilization training at Fort Drum in preparation of an upcoming deployment to the Horn of Africa.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Corban Lundborg and Senior Airman Joseph LeVeille, assigned to 4th Combat Camera Squadron, 315th Airlift Wing, participate in soldier skill lanes while competing in the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 19, 2022. The annual multi-day competition tests the physical, tactical and technical proficiency of visual information and public affairs specialists across the DOD and participating international competitors.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jorge Cerda, 100th Security Forces Squadron defender, waits to receive equipment from the armory at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Jan. 9, 2024. The 100th SFS is responsible for base security and maintaining the safety of personnel, equipment and resources.

Half-length portrait of airsoft game player in army camouflage uniform, tactical helmet, load carrier and face hidden behind mask, posing with firearm replica in hands, cloudy sky on background. Airsoft player soldier in military ammunition replicas

Airman 1st Class Rodney Morales, 147th Air Special Operations Squadron, Tactical Air Control Party Specialist, Texas Air National Guard confirms his final coordinates before completing the land navigation event at the Texas Military Department Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas, on May 4, 2022. The three-day event challenges service members from both the Texas Army/Air National Guards on their combat readiness skills. (U.S. Army National Guardphoto by Pvt. Steven Day)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Matthew Sapp, 4th Air Support Operations Group tactical air control party Airman, maintains communication with the Wing Operations Center in Breitenbach, Germany, Sept. 15, 2022. Exercise Heavy Rain prepares communications experts to adapt to changing environmental conditions and varying types of interference from simulated opposition forces.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Shawn Byrd, Medical Education and Training Campus Pharmacy Technician program instructor, provides Tactical Combat Casualty Care instruction to students on applying a torniquet during a field training exercise Nov. 30, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas. The 96-hour field training exercise with 17 soldiers and 16 airmen helps to train, evaluate, and validate the Pharmacy Specialist/Technicians on Warrior Task and Battle Drills and occupational specific tasks.

Sgt. 1st Class Dain Neininger and Sgt. Chase Rheinlander, 1st Cavalry Division, read a map during the day land navigation portion of the Army Best Medic Competition, Jan. 25, 2021, Fort Hood, Texas. Both Soldiers were able to travel to different courses to prepare for this competition. (U.S. Army photo by Dylan Bailey)

University of Alaska Army ROTC Cadet Darryl Wilson operates a field radio after offloading from an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter, assigned to the 1-207th Aviation Regiment, during an air assault training event at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 2, 2022. Following a tactical insertion, the Seawolf Detachment cadets maneuvered across snow-covered terrain, assaulted opposition forces, secured their objective, and concluded with an air exfiltration. The AKARNGs General Support Aviation Battalion routinely trains with all branches of the military as well as civilian agencies to hone its operational interoperability and maintain readiness for a wide range of state and federal missions.

U.S. Soldiers with 30th Medical Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command participate in Best Squad Competition at Local Training Area Oberdachstetten, Ansbach, Germany, Army

A British Paratrooper prepares to load a Ch-47 Chinook Helicopter during Leapfest 2022 at the Quonset Army Aviation Support Facility in Washington County, Rhode Island, August 3, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community.

Tech. Sgt. Craig Usher, an 821st Contingency Response Squadron alpha team lead, drills a hole to test soil integrity during Turbo Distribution 22-2 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, July 15, 2022. Turbo Distribution is a joint task force-port opening exercise designed to train U.S. Air Force and Army personnel on how to rapidly respond to humanitarian aid and disaster response missions. (U.S. Air Force by Staff Sgt. Scott Warner)

U.S. Soldiers with 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division take a Polish army cadet for a ride in an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle following a joint personnel chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear decontamination training at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 10, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division conduct an Air Assault and run the "Last 100 Yards" lane for the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, GA, July 28, 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.

U.S. Army Sgt. Rachel Moniz, a recruiting and retention non-commissioned officer assigned to the 6th Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Connecticut Army National Guard, looks over her shoulder while zeroing with an M4A1 carbine at the Connecticut Army National Guard Training Center East Haven Rifle Range, East Haven, Connecticut, March 24, 2023. The 2023 Connecticut Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition drew soldiers from across the Connecticut Army National Guard and over the course of three days these competitors faced off against one another in a variety of events testing their physical fitness, land navigation skills, marksmanship skills and warrior task competencies.

020919-F-0718S-013. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A 96th Security Forces Squadron fire team tries to gain access to the building during an active assailant exercise March 27 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The goal of the exercise, which took place at Eglin Elementary School and other areas, was to test base emergency response plans.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division explains movement formations and hand and arm signals to Finnish soldiers with the 1st Infantry Company, of the readiness unit of the Satakunta Jaeger Battalion during a team leader academy at Huovinrinne, Finland, July 5, 2022. The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Maj. Gen. Brian S. Eifler, 11th Airborne Division commanding general, discusses tactics with Command Sgt. Maj. Chad Harness, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division command sergeant major, outside the 2/11th tactical operations center in the Yukon Training Area, Alaska, March 30 during exercise Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02. (Army photo/John Pennell)

Pfc. Kevin Medina, member of Squad 3, representing Fires Center of Excellence, participates in an event on day 3 of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Best Squad Competition 2022, Sept, 14, 2022, at Fort Benning, Georgia. 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.

Lithuanian First Lt. Dalius Dulke (left), TACP commanding officer and Lithuanian soldier, watch as an aircraft passes by at the Kazlų Rūda range during DEFENDER-Europe 22, May 19, 2022. The annual U.S. Army-led large-scale, multinational joint exercise aims to build readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO and partner militaries.

U.S. Army Soldiers participating in Jungle School perform medical evacuation and jungle penetrator training at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, on Sept. 22, 2022. Jungle students learned how to load a casualty onto the HH-60M Blackhawk correctly and were shown how the jungle penetrator works.

Volunteer Training Site Tullahoma, Tennessee - U.S. Army Soldiers with the 30th Troop Command await their individual scores from qualifications on Jan 06, 2024 at Volunteer Training Site Tullahoma, Tennessee. The Individual Weapons Qualification (IWQ) takes place once a year within the 30th Troop Command.

Soldiers from the British Army conduct infantry training during Exercise Eager Lion in Jordan, Sept. 11, 2022. Eager Lion 22 is a multilateral exercise hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, designed to exchange military expertise, and improve interoperability among partner nations.

An Airman assigned to the 19th Security Forces Squadron uses a handheld radio to relay information following an engagement with opposing forces during ROCKI 22-03 at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, May 14, 2022.. ROCKI 22-03 was the culmination event in a series of exercises designed to refine C-130 Lead Wing concepts, including the Command and Control Force Elements ability to rapidly deploy to a theater main operating base to command and control Mobility Air Forces assets.

A 92nd Security Forces Squadron Airman applies a tourniquet to a wounded air show spectator during the Major Accident Response Exercise at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Apr. 12, 2022. Conducting exercises like the MARE ensures readiness in the unlikely event of a disaster or accident, and enables us to host an effective and safe airshow.

Royal Danish Army soldiers pose for a photo before going down the fast rope during static fast rope tower training during Exercise Burmese Chase on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 6, 2022. Exercise Burmese Chase is a fire support exercise hosted by 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company that focuses on improving combat readiness and strengthening relationships with allies and partners.

A U.S. Soldier with Regimental Engineer Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment alongside a German soldier secure a building during the Pioneer Challenge at Tower Barracks Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 13, 2022. Pioneer Challenge is a physically demanding training event that incorporates military tasks and skills specific to the RES to promote cohesion and esprit de corps among the Pioneer formation and their German partners.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to Brigade Support Battalion (BSB), 173rd Airborne Brigade bound towards cover after team mates provide fire superiority during a team live fire iteration as part of Repel Resolve II training exercise at Monte Romano training site, Viterbo, Italy, Jan. 22, 2024.The Repel Resolve II exercise develops small-team lethality and experience, increasing the battalion's ability to operate across the Brigade Support Area of operation.The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

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, pulls up a climbing rope 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.

Sgt. David Monk, Maryland Army National Guard HHC 1st BN 175th INF, participates in a stress-shoot event during the 2022 National Guard Bureau Region 2 Best Warrior Competition, held May 17-20, 2022, at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia. The Best Warrior Competition is a physically and mentally challenging three-day competition that tests competitors on a wide range of technical and tactical skills relevant to todays combat operating environment. Region 2 consists of competitors from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional winners from across the nation will advance to compete at the national-level competition this summer.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division start their first lap of the one-mile kit run during the Expert Physical Fitness Assessment at Fort Benning, Georgia on April 10, 2023. Two teams from the 4th Inf. Div. are competing in the event and vying for the Army's top mortar team position.

Yavoriv, Ukraine - Combat medics from the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team assigned to the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine participated in a massive casualty (MASCAL) exercise at the Yavoriv Combat Training Center Nov. 17. During the exercise the unit's medics were tested on their skills and techniques while having to triage, treat, and transport a large number of simulated patients.

Sgt. 1st Class Brandon W. Rodriguez, representing U.S. Army Forces Command, lifts a sandbag during a stress shoot event at the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition, held on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 05, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

A squad of soldiers from the 730th Area Support Medical Company, South Dakota Army National Guard, prepare range cards during the 152nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalions first annual Best Squad Competition at Dakota Nature Park in Brookings, S.D., Sept. 11, 2022. The competition challenged seven squads of soldiers from each of the 152nd's associated units mentally, physically and technically using multiple tasks focused on core-level soldier skills.

OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA , FLORIDA (4 September 2019) -- Florida National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, from the CBRN Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP), load equipment and prepare for potential missions responding to Hurricane Dorian.

Twenty-two two-Soldier teams from all around the world traveled to Fort Hood, Texas to compete in the finals to be named the Armys Best Medic. The competition is a 72-hour arduous test of the teams physical and mental skills. Competitors must be agile, adaptive leaders who demonstrate mature judgment while testing collective team skills in areas of physical fitness, tactical marksmanship, leadership, warrior skills, land navigation and overall knowledge of medical, technical and tactical proficiencies through a series of hands-on tasks in a simulated operational environment. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Herman)

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)

Tennessee Army National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Christopher Thomas, from the 117th Regional Training Institute, assembles a radio at the Tennessee State Best Warrior Competition, in Tullahoma, Feb. 24, 2024. This was a part of the final event of the valor run. Army National Guard

U.S. Army Spc. Julia Hand, assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 368th Engineer Battalion from Londonderry, New Hampshire, surveys the Dyer training area for possible enemy activity while conducting communication drills during a Situational Training Exercise (STX) in support of Warrior Exercise 78-22-02 at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, July 20, 2022. WAREX 78-22-02 aids in the U.S. Army Reserve's role of providing combat-ready units to the U.S. Army Forces Command and combatant commands across the full spectrum of conflict.

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to 173rd Airborne Brigade provides perimeter security with an M249 machine gun at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22, Sept. 10, 2022.Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Army's Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the allian

Military members from the Kenya Defence Forces and 1st Battalion Irish Guards, part of the 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade, British Army, discuss the urban operations training during Justified Accord 2024 (JA24) at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations Training Centre in Nanyuki, Kenya February 26, 2024. JA24 is U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa, running from February 26 - March 7. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), and hosted in Kenya, this year's exercise will incorporate personnel and units from 23 nations. This multinational exercise builds readiness for the U.S. joint force, prepares regional partners for UN and AU mandated missions, and increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance, disaster response and crisis response. Army

Spc. Brady Benedict, representing the U.S. Army Reserve, walks to the firing line for weapons qualification during the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition, held on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 03, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition succeeds the Army Best Warrior Competition and extends the competing element from the individual level to the squad level, as Soldiers never fight alone; the unbreakable bonds forged through shared hardship and unending support for one another are the hallmark of our most successful small units.

U.S. Army Sgt. Eric Segura, assigned to A Battery, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, reassembles the firing mechanism for the M109 Paladin howitzer as part of his qualification training at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, July 1, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

1st Lt. John Ryan from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), takes on the Buddy Run event at the Annual Best Ranger Competition in Fort Benning, Ga on April 8th 2022. The Buddy Run event is team oriented, where the group of rangers must work together to execute the event in a timely manner.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jordan Covington, combat arms instructor with the 627th Security Forces Squadron, gives a safety brief to Airmen from the 627th SFS, and Soldiers from the 42nd Military Police Brigade 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.

The Liberty Jump Team, both Active Duty and retired Military Personnel, and Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division jump into Normandy, France, June 7, 2022. Personnel and Paratroopers all jumped to honor the Paratroopers who jumped into Normandy in 1944.

of 3