Military Training Exercises

Soldiers engaged in physical training and combat preparation, demonstrating teamwork and skill in various military exercises.

A Soldier from Charlie Battery, 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade completes the weaver obstacle on Ft. Bragg, N.C. Dec. 6 and 7. The obstacle course was the fourth event during the best squad competition.

U.S. Army Reserve Master Sgt. Randall Shofner, assigned to the 7302nd Medical Training Support Battalion, Medical Readiness and Training Command, Army Reserve Medical Command, based in Madison, Wis., left, Maj. Michael Lohse and Capt. Oleskii Gudym team up to pull up a fellow Soldier as they navigate the Rope Bridge obstacle of the Field Leadership Reaction Course on Fort McCoy, Wis., May 14, 2022.

Staff Sgt. Ian Turner, with the 2nd CST, reviews his target after firing at the 43rd Annual Adjutant Generals Marksmanship Competition at Camp Smith Training Site, N.Y., June 3, 2022. The TAG Match is a 3-day event conducted by the New York Army National Guard to promote excellence in marksmanship training and offer Soldiers, Airmen, and State Militia the opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a battle-focused environment

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Isaac Bogdan, left, Martial Arts Instructor (MAI) course student, and Cpl. Dakota Lemcool, MAI student, demonstrate a technique at Ellis Field, Courthouse Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, April 5, 2022. The MAI course is a three-week course designed to prepare Marines to teach and instruct the fundamentals of hand-to-hand combat.

Soldiers and NCOs from the West Virginia and District of Columbia National Guards compete in their annual Best Warrior Competition, held at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia, April 22, 2022. Best Warrior is an annual event where participants compete in a series of military tasks including weapons proficiency, endurance, physical fitness, medical skills, communications, and professional development activities. Winners of the local Best Warrior will compete at the regional level in May, also at Camp Dawson.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Chad Hearn (left), and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Jonathan Vue (right),with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines perform Tactical Combat Casualty Care as part of a medical evacuation rehearsal during Artillery Relocation Training Program 22.2 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Aug. 26, 2022. ARTP is an exercise held to strengthen the defense of Japan and the U.S.-Japan Alliance as the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Hearn is native to Stuart, Florida. Vue is native to Appleton, Wisconsin.

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.

PORT HUENEME, Calif. (Aug. 3, 2022) Builder 3rd Class Jonathan Briseno checks level measurements for a timber bunker construction project during Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 18s Field Training Exercise (FTX). FTX is designed to analyze a battalions construction capability, expeditionary logistics, and combat operations to support major combat operations, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, overcome 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.

A Soldier from Charlie Battery, 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade completes the weaver obstacle on Ft. Bragg, N.C. Dec. 6 and 7. The obstacle course was the fourth event during the best squad competition.

1st Lt. John Ryan 1-75th cavalry regiment 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Team 16, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), prepares for range at the Best Ranger Competition April 10th, 2022. Fort Benning GA. Best Ranger teams, made up of two individual, from the across the United States Army will travel to Fort Benning Georgia to compete in the Best Ranger Competition. This competition was created to identify the best Ranger team from within the U.S. Military.

1st Lt. John Greer (top) and 1st Lt. Nicholas Chatel from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), takes on the Darby Queen in the Annual Best Ranger Competition in Fort Benning, Ga on April 8th 2022. The Darby Queen is an obstacle course that runs about a mile long. It challenges physical, mental and technical skills.

U.S. Marines with Headquarters Service Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, compete in a sled push during a field meet on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, July 28, 2022. The Marines competed in various activities such as pull-ups, sprints, and fireman carries to boost camaraderie and morale in the unit.

The Medical Simulation Training Center (MSTC) provides realistic medical training to both medical and non-medical Soldiers in the Active, Reserve and National Guard. These images show various units completing the Combat Lifesaver Course. The US Army Combat Lifesaver Course is an official medical training course conducted by the US Army. 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 that are taught to US Army Combat Medics. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 17, 2022) U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen participate in Sea Trials. Sea Trials is a capstone event for fourth class midshipmen, modeled after the Marine Corps Crucible and the Navy's Battle Stations. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

Spc. Dakota Van Brocklin, a health care specialist with the Iowa Army National Guards 134th Medical Ground Ambulance Company, negotiates his way through “The Weaver” while running through the obstacle course event of the 2016 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base Cape Cod, Mass., Wednesday, June 22, 2016. The competition is a mentally and physically challenging three-day event that tests Soldiers on a variety of tactical and technical skills to determine the Army Guards Soldier and noncommissioned of the year. The winners move on to compete in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition, battling it out with Soldiers from throughout the Army to be named the Armys Soldier and NCO of the year.

U.S. Air Force Airmen place an Airman on a stretcher for second-level Tactical Combat Casualty Care Training during Exercise Iron Hand 22-09 at North Auxiliary Airfield, South Carolina, Aug. 26, 2022. Exercise planners incorporated TCCC training into the exercise to support the multi-capable Airmen initiative to equip Airmen from various career fields with the skills needed to secure, defend, and administer first aid.

Spc. Nathaniel Miska, a carpentry and masonry specialist with the Minnesota Army National Guards 850th Engineer Construction Company, jumps over a log in the Six Vaults portion of an air assault course during the 2022 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition, Volunteer Training Site-Tullahoma, Tennessee, July 28. The competition spans five physically and mentally demanding days as 14 competitors vie to be named the Army National Guards Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. The winners will go on to represent the Army Guard in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition later this year.

Spc. Richard Kaumeyer, a human intelligence collector with the 201st Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, competes in a timed obstacle course event as part of the I Corps Best Squad competition, June 21, 2022.Following the I Corps competition, the winning team will compete with other Major Commands in the Army.

A Civil Affairs candidate from the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, low crawls under barbed wire on a Leader Reaction Course as part of a Civil Affairs Assessment and Selection course at Camp Mackall, North Carolina February 5, 2023. The course assessed candidates for trainability and suitability to attend the Civil Affairs Team Leader or the Civil Affairs Noncommissioned Officer pathway and allowed the Civil Affairs Proponent to select candidates for attributes and competencies required to be a member of a Civil Affairs Team.

Cpl. Ashley Kearns from the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Texas Army National Guard, runs through the obstacle course event while friends and family cheer her on at the Texas Military Departments Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas. The three-day competition challenges service members in several events that are designed to test their technical knowledge, tactical skills and physical fitness. The Army winners of this event will move on to represent Texas at the National Guards Region V Best Warrior Competition.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 17, 2022) U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen participate in Sea Trials. Sea Trials is a capstone event for fourth class midshipmen, modeled after the Marine Corps' Crucible and the Navy's Battle Stations. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force prepare pallets of body armor, individual first aid kits, and other non-lethal equipment essential to Ukraines front-line defenders for transport at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, May 6, 2022. The United States is working to expedite deliveries of security assistance to meet urgent needs and will continue to utilize all available tools to support Ukraine's Armed Forces in their ongoing fight to maintain sovereignty and territorial integrity. (U.S. Marine Corps photo Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart)

U.S. Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition take a physical fitness assessment on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept. 29, 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 and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue.

041205-F-8362B-120. Base: Avon Park Air Force Range State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

111129-M-IC831-087 PUERTO CASTILLO, Honduras (Nov. 29, 2011) U.S. Marine Corps military policemen assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) demonstrate to Honduran service members how to search a suspect. The Marines are supporting Amphibious-Southern Partnership Station 2012, an annual deployment of U.S naval assets in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

Gunnery Sgt. David Munoz, a Martial Arts Instructor with 4th Marine Air Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, teaches a martial arts technique during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) course at Marine Corps Support Facility, New Orleans, Sept. 16, 2022. MCMAP aims to strengthen the mental and moral resiliency of individual Marines through combative training, ethos studies, and physical hardening.

A U.S. Soldier, assigned to Task Force Hurricane, explains the next step in putting his opponent into a takedown position during a one-week combative level 1 qualification course at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 23, 2022. The 40 hr. course allows graduates to teach others the 14 basic combative moves and two takedowns covered in level 1, only level 2 combative graduates or higher can qualify students. Two U.S. Air Force Defenders assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron participated in the course.

Marines and sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit compete in a tug of war during a field meet at Camp Lejeune, N.C. June 29, 2022. The field meet was hosted to build unit cohesion and camaraderie. Other events included a vehicle push, combat fitness test relay, kayak race, and volleyball. The physical activities were followed by a family day.

Airman 1st Class Grayson Stanley, 8th Security Forces Squadron defender, performs a low crawl in the Defender Challenge during Police Week 2022 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 17, 2022. The Defender Challenge was designed to be a test of physical strength, memory, as well as individual and teamwork skills.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, conquer the Confidence Climb obstacle in Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 18, 2022. The troop conducted training at the obstacle course for familiarization and to build esprit de corps.

DF-ST-88-05846. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Students from Pegnitz Gymnasium and Soldiers from Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment (1-6 FA) test their strength on the Army Physical Fitness Test at Grafenwoehr Training Area, June 3, 2022. 19 students and their teacher received hands-on lessons with equipment and learned about the life of a soldier stationed in Grafenwoehr.

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. - Sgt. Courtney W. Rauch prepares to counter a a baton strike from Sgt. Steven N. Richardson, at the Martial Arts Center of Excellence on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., May 13, 2010. Rauch, who lost his lower-left leg due to combat injury, will be attending the Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor-Trainer Course in August.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 learn how to operate an M240B machine gun during exercise Eagle Wrath 22 at Combined Arms Training Center (CATC) Camp Fuji, Japan, May 6, 2022. Eagle Wrath is an annual MWSS-171 exercise at CATC Camp Fuji designed to increase squadron proficiency in conducting real-world contingency missions in a forward operating environment.

Soldiers in the South Carolina Army National Guard (SCARNG) compete in the state Best Warrior Competition, McCrady Training Center, Eastover, S.C., Feb. 14-17, 2013. The top enlisted soldier and the top noncommissioned officer will be chosen to represent the SCARNG in the Regional Best Warrior competition later this year. (National Guard

A U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, encourages a recruit during log drills at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, July 25, 2022. Recruits carried a 250 pound log, executing various exercises to strengthen their bodies, minds, and teamwork.

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

Day four of the 310th ESC Best Warrior Competition, Feb. 7, 2024 consisted of M4 rifle qualification, an obstacle course and a medical assessment/movement lane. Spc. Jah'nika Stevenson worked her way over and through the various obstacles at Camp Atterbury's confidence course.

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)

Airman 1st Class Luke Rudebeck, a Peoria, Illinois, native and member of the 169th Air Support Operations Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard, jumps and waves his hands in the air as he tests the durability of his equipment during a Master Rappel course at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 14, 2022. Nearly 30 Soldiers and Airmen participated in the course, which was hosted by a mobile training team from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center based out of Fort Benning, Georgia.

After getting yelled at by his drill sergeant, a soldier in basic training does push-ups as his rifle rests safely on his hands.

Sgt. Edward LaRue, right, an instructor with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 319th Regiment (Cadet Summer Training), acts as a safety to guide a cadet through the confidence climb on the onstacle course on Fort Knox, Ky, June 9. Soldiers from 319th and 399th Regiments will lead thousands of Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets from across the country through the confidence/obstacle course and rappel tower at Fort Knox this summer starting in early June.

031004-M-3843B-018. Base: Crtc State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Spc. Matthew Ruiz navigates an obstacle course during AMC's Best Warrior Competition at Fort Benning, Ga., August 14-17.

220611-N-PG340-1001 NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (June 11, 2022) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Sarah Daly, with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, gives stretcher-bearer training during Operation Turning Point, also known as their Field Training Exercise. Operation Turning Point is an around-the-clock exercise that focuses on constructing advanced bases while maintaining proficiency in tactics and survivability. NMCB-5 is homeported out of Port Hueneme, California. They train on high-quality construction, expeditionary logistics, and combat operations to execute construction and engineering projects for major combat operations, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.

U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) Best Warrior Competition (BWC) competitor, Sgt. Roy Winder, assigned to the 264th Medical Battalion, performs a hand release push-up - arm extension during the Army Combat Fitness Test portion of the Army Futures Command BWC day one events at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, June 6, 2022. The Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition are events used to select the U.S. Army Best Squad of the Year, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, Soldier of the Year and MEDCoEs Drill Sergeant of the Year.

120322-N-QI421-079 SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 22, 2012) Lance Cpl. Kyle Neilson sweeps Lance Cpl. Brian Liesen during a training evolution aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). Neilson and Liesen are members of Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific.

041119-F-8769K-003. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sgt. Richard Carlson completes an obstacle during the National Best Warrior Competition, July 26, 2022, Volunteer Training Site Milan, Tennessee. Carlson and Miska placed first in both the Minnesota and Region IV Best Warrior Competition, securing their spot in this National Competition. Fourteen National Guard Soldiers are competing in the All-Guard National Best Warrior Competition July 24-29, 2022, primarily at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee.(Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 02, 2022) A U.S. Marine sniper practices his observation skills during a sniper concentration training activity as a part of 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. (Photo by Royal Australian Air Force Corporal John Solomon)

U.S. Army Spc. Mackenzie Maynard, assigned to the William Beaumont Army Medical Center, tucks her legs in as she completes 10 pull-ups at the seventh station during the urban obstacle course of the 2022 Regional Health Command-Central Best Leader Competition in Fort Bliss, Texas, April 10, 2022. The urban obstacle course consisted of 12 obstacles and 2km run. 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.

As teams, candidates maneuver an obstacle course during the Special Warfare Training Wing Assessment & Selection Course at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on March 14, 2023. The Special Warfare Training Wing prepares candidates physically, mentally, emotionally and cognitively for demanding careers as special warfare operators.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, roll a log during a log drill exercise at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 26, 2022. Recruits carried a 250-pound log, executing various exercises to strengthen their bodies, minds, and teamwork.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. David Sigdestad, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, finger sweeps for an improvised explosive device during exercise Eagle Wrath 22 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, May 14, 2022. Eagle Wrath is an annual Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 exercise at CATC Camp Fuji, Japan, designed to increase squadron proficiency in conducting real-world contingency missions while in a forward operating environment.

Soldiers and airmen conduct rappelling tests during Phase III of the U.S. Army air assault course Aug. 11 at Fort Pickett. A Mobile Training Team from the Fort Benning-based Army National Guard Warrior Training Center is teaching the course at Fort Pickett for the second year in a row.

Airman 1st Class Nikili Carter, of the 307th Security Forces Squadron, uses the fireman carry technique on a teammate during the mental and physical competition during Global Strike Challenge 2011 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Nov. 7, 2011. Teams competing in the event were not allowed to know the details of the competition, which included grueling physical and logic scenarios.

Sgt. Eric Rodriguez from the Recruiting and Retention Command, Texas Army National Guard, climbs the weaver during the obstacle course event at the Texas Military Departments Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas. The three-day competition challenges service members in several events that are designed to test their technical knowledge, tactical skills and physical fitness. Rodriguez came in first place for the non-commissioned officers in this competition and will move on to represent Texas at the National Guards Region-V BWC.

U.S. Army Soldiers of Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, participate in a stress shooting exercises at the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, Vt., Aug. 13, 2022. Soldiers negotiate obstacles and fire live rounds using M4 carbines and squad automatic weapons. The goal of the training is to build individual Soldier skills and confidence in a scenario replicating movement in combat.

Spc. Clifton Baker overcomes an obstacle during the 2022 SETAF-AF Best Warrior and Squad Competition on May 25, 2022 in Vicenza, Italy. The competition spans four physically and mentally demanding days where competitors are tested on a variety of tactical and technical skills as they vie to be named the best squad/ best warrior. Six squads and 38 individual Soldiers from nine units are competing to represent the Soldiers "South of the Alps".

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joseph C. Zerener, an assault amphibious vehicle crewmember, Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, conducts sit-ups during the culminating event of a Martial Arts Instructor (MAI) course on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, May 5, 2022. MAI courses certify Marines to instruct and monitor Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) training and advance Marines in belt levels. MCMAP is a synergy of mental, character, and physical disciplines, and in concert with Marine Corps leadership principles, training in these three disciplines enhances the Marine both on and off the battlefield.

221014-N-PI330-1025 Gulfport, Mississippi (October 14, 2022) Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 (NMCB 133) assemble a tent during a training on Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, October 14, 2022. NMCB 133 is at homeport in Gulfport, Mississippi conducting training cycles.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Sylvanus Akpan, assigned to the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, pins contestant during the bracket-style combatives tournament of the 2022 Regional Health Command-Central Best Leader Competition in Fort Bliss, Texas, April 10, 2022. 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.

U.S. Army Capt. Justin Lanning, Commander of Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, demonstrates 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.

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 18, participate in pugil stick match during a field meet at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Feb. 16, 2024. MACG-18 held the field meet to foster a sense of comradery and healthy competition among members of the squadron. Marine Corps

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

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.

U.S. Soldiers and Airmen observe a demonstration of basic belaying operations during an Air Assault course hosted at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 6, 2022. Over 200 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a 12-day U.S. Army Air Assault course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling. Cadre from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia, traveled as a mobile training team to teach the course.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alexander Devereux, a combat photographer, with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, executes a drill during the Depot Competition in Arms Program on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 17, 2024. The Depot Competition in Arms Program enhances the marksmanship proficiency of Marines and sends the top three shooters to compete with the depot shooting team at the Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition. Devereux is from Farmington Hills, Michigan.

031007-M-5977R-033. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, swing through an obstacle on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Jan. 26, 2022. These recruits were participating in the crucible; the 54-hour long culminating event of recruit training. The crucible challenges all the skills a recruit has acquired throughout their time in recruit training. Once recruits complete the crucible, they will have earned the title United States Marine. (U.S Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Christopher Madero)

Recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, tackle the rappel tower aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., July 25, 2022. The rappel tower is the ultimate challenge to recruits who have fears of heights, and drives them to overcome those fears in order to proceed with their journey to become United States Marines.

U.S. Marines assigned to Martial Arts Instructor Course Class 3-16, School of Infantry West (SOI-W) Detatchment Hawaii, run through the obstacle course at the Boondockers training area during the culminating event of their three week course to become Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructors aboard Marine Corps Base (MCB) Hawaii, April 21st, 2016. The mission of Marine Corps Base Hawaii is to provide facilities, programs and services in direct support of units, individuals and families in order to enhance and sustain combat readiness for all operating forces and tenant organizations aboard MCB Hawaii.

U.S. Marines stationed on Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz receive training on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) on MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, Feb. 22, 2024. TCCC is a joint standardized certification being implemented within the Marine Corps to provide non-medical personnel with the medical skills necessary to ensure lifesaving treatment can be rendered in the absence of a Corpsman and improve the survivability of those wounded or injured in combat. Marine Corps

Gunnery Sgt. Alexander H. Orellana, a non-lethal weapons instructor, fires the X26 Taser into the leg of Pfc. Luis E. CruzLopez, a food service specialist with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, both natives of New York City, during the culminating event of the units public disorder and non-lethal weapons employment training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 24, 2013. Marines experience the Taser in order to understand the effects of the weapon and ensure it is only used when necessary. One of the secondary missions of Golf Battery is to serve as a non-lethal contingency force for the 31st MEU, useful in embassy security reinforcement, humanitarian operations and many other contingencies. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific region and the only continuously forward-deployed MEU.

Partner nation member carries an 80-pound block during the Assaulter Stress course as part of the Fuerzas Comando 2022 Day 4 on June 15, 2022, in La Venta, Honduras. Fuerzas Comando is a Special Operation skills competition and a senior leader seminar supported by SOCSOUTH. The competition enhances SOF regional cooperation and exchanges best practices to combat transnational crime and counter illicit activities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Lionel Castellano)

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.

Airman 1st Class Rodney Morales from the 147th Air Support Operations Squadron, Texas Air National Guard, climbs a rope during the obstacle course even for the Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift in Bastrop Texas, May 5, 2022. The three-day competition challenges service members in several events that are designed to test their technical knowledge, tactical skills and physical fitness. Rodriguez came in first place amongst the enlisted BWC competitors this year.

U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Nathaniel Byington with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, carries a log during log drills at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 27, 2022. Recruits carried a 250 pound log, executing various exercises to strengthen their bodies, minds, and teamwork.

Recruits with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, go down the rappel tower at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Oct. 11, 2022. The 47-foot-tall rappel tower helps recruits overcome their fear of heights. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Michelle Brudnicki)

Maj. Nilofar Johnson, 114th Force Support Squadron director of personnel, performs a firemans carry with Lt. Col. Brandon Eskam, 114th Fighter Wing vice commander, during an obstacle course event at Joe Foss Field, South Dakota, Oct. 2, 2022. Airmen from the 114th Fighter Wing competed in an obstacle course set up by members from the Counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) All-Hazard Management Response (CAMR) team.

U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, participate in a martial arts instructor course physical training session at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 6, 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Donald Lynch, a drill instructor with 4th Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, motivates poolees during Recruiting Station Harrisburgs Annual Pool Function, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Jun. 4, 2022. The purpose of this training was to prepare poolees for recruit training, build morale, and answer any questions poolees may have about the Marine Corps.

Soldiers assigned to the 332nd Med Log Detachment and 330th Medical Brigade practice transporting casualties to cover and evac during a Combat Lifesaver (CLS) course at Camp Rapid, South Dakota, June 19, 2022. CLS was one of the many exercises conducted in support of the Golden Coyote Training Exercise.

Kirtlands 377th Security Forces Group conducted a combative course for University of New Mexico Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 9, 2024. The combative course taught the cadets hand-to-hand fighting techniques, grappling and how to de-escalate situations. Air Force

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Zachary Faull and Hospital Corpsman Nicholas Towne, both with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, treat a simulated casualty during Exercise Shinka 22.1 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, June 24, 2022. Shinka exemplifies a shared commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

FORT HOOD, Texas - U.S. Army Spc. Cole Sweeney, a plumber assigned to 42nd Military Police Brigade, dunks his arms into water during the range portion of the FORSCOM Best Squad Competition 2022 at Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 15, 2022. The Best Squad Competition promotes esprit de corps and recognizes Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to Army Values and embody the Warrior Ethos.

Sgt. Richard Carlson throws a practice grenade during the day live fire events as part of the National Best Warrior Competition, July 27, 2022, Volunteer Training Site in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Carlson and Spc. Nathaniel Miska placed first in both the Minnesota and Region IV Best Warrior Competition, securing their spot in this National Competition. Fourteen National Guard Soldiers are competing in the All-Guard National Best Warrior Competition July 24-29, 2022, primarily at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee.(Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

990505-F-9629JÐ007. Subject Operation/Series: GUARDIAN CHALLENGE 99 Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Recruits with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, do the Obstacle Course during the Crucible on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., October 18, 2022. Recruits do the O-Course in full uniform, taking ammo cans and backpacks containing their gear over every obstacle with them, using teamwork to get through.

Soldiers participate in reflexive fire trainig on Sept. 29 during the 2009 Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition held Sept. 28 - Oct. 2 at Fort Lee, Va.

U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Aaron Naraine, a communications officer with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, participates in the obstacle course as part of a Martial Arts Instructor course at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, April 22, 2022. The Marines participated in the 15-day MAI course to become instructors and gain the ability to train and advance Marines in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

A Soldier from Charlie Battery, 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade completes the Standing Power Throw during an Army Combat Fitness Test on Ft. Bragg, N.C. Dec. 6 and 7. The ACFT was the first event in the best squad competition.

Army Staff Sgt. Mitchell Scofield, an infantryman with the Mississippi Army National Guards Regional Training Institute, pulls himself to the end of the line during the “Commando Crawl” portion of an obstacle course event at the Army National Guards 2020 Best Warrior Competition at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Sept. 14. Scofield is one of fourteen Soldiers competing in the event, hoping to be named Army National Guard Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Thomas Petrozzella, aviation ordnance technician, Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, evacuates a simulated casualty during the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Lane portion of a Corporals Course culminating event at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Feb. 2, 2024. The IED Lane tested Marines ability to navigate through adverse terrain while avoiding IEDs, transporting gear and performing casualty evacuation. Corporals Course is a month-long professional military education program that develops Marines small unit leadership skills and continues to prepare them to lead Marines. Marine Corps

U.S. Navy Corpsmen with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) participate in a Valkyrie Whole Blood Transfusion Course on July 26, 2022, at Range 18 at Fort McCoy, Wis. Valkyrie is the whole blood transfusion program run by 1st Marine Division aboard Camp Pendleton (Calif.) that teaches all of their Corpsmen how to perform field blood transfusions. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 24th Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division.

030912-F-7418E-003. Base: Krtsanisi Training Camp Country: Georgia (The Country) (GEO) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jessi Estrada, Instructor Group, Marine Combat Training Battalion, School of Infantry East, a native of Gillett, Pennsylvania, helps his teammate 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.

A Republic of Korea Marine runs with ammunition cans for a combat fitness test during Korea Viper 24.1 at Republic of Korea 1st Marine Infantry Division Headquarters, Republic of Korea, Feb. 8, 2024. The CFT is an annual physical fitness evaluation that measures a Marine's combat readiness and includes a movement to contact, ammunition can lift, and maneuver under fire. In its first iteration, Korea Viper demonstrates the ROK-US Marine Corps ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust between the two allies. The Marines are with 2d Battalion, 7th Marines. The Marines are with 2d Battalion, 7th Marines. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Marine Corps

Capt. Barry Owens, the National Guard Bureau Air Guard competitive events liaison assigned to the Marksmanship Training Center, participates as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces Combat Shooting Team during the Armed Forces Skill at Arms Meeting April 27, 2017, at Camp Joseph T. Robinson. Ark. Owens volunteered to be a member of the team, highlighting the importance of joint interoperability.

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