Military Training Exercises

Images of soldiers participating in various training scenarios, including mortar training, casualty evacuation, and tactical operations.

U.S. Army Col. Matthew S. Woodruff, Chief of Staff, Joint Forces Headquarters, Ohio National Guard (left), Maj. David Lam, Executive Officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, and Maj. Zachary Shawver, Administrative Officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, discuss annual training exercise Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 14, 2022. Northern Strike saw over 2,000 Ohio and Michigan National Guard Soldiers conduct their training alongside troops from the United Kingdom, Latvia, and Hungary, maintaining operational convergence between the U.S. and its allies.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment, Michigan Army National Guard conduct Table 5 MORTEP motar training at the All-Domain Warfighting Center, Camp Grayling, Michigan, August 10, 2020. A MORTEP certifies the Soldiers as a motar platoon to conduct live fires for maneuver units on the ground during training exercises.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers assigned to the 888th Movement Control Team (MCT) Cranston, Rhode Island, assist a simulated-injured Soldier during convoy operations lane training at CSTX 86-22-02 at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, August 16, 2022. In this scenario, Soldiers trained on reacting to small arms fire and evacuating a casualty.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, take a knew after completing a company attack at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 26, 2022. Alpha Company Soldiers were training in Guam to rehearse their mission as the Ready Response Force.

U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Landon Cari, center, Airman Basic Sydney Cyme, left, and Airman First Class, Calvin Bonet Ruiz, right, security forces trainees, practice the approach to clear a building during the field operations block of training at the U.S. Air Force security forces apprentice course at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Sept. 22, 2022. The field operations course is part of a six-week course designed to teach the basic skills necessary to new security forces Airmen.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 1st Squadron, 102nd Cavalry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, evaluate impact targets on a range during a Mortar live fire training exercise as part of the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise on July 24, 2022, at Ft. Drum, N.Y. More than 2,500 Soldiers are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win.

Staff Sgt. Edwin Pierce, an observer coach/trainer for the 120th Infantry Brigade, right, provides feedback on video footage recorded by Spc. Michael Stevens, a public affairs mass communications specialist for the 361st Theater Public Affairs Support Element, left, July 26, 2021, at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 361st TPASE is preparing for an upcoming deployment to the U.S. Army Central area of responsibility.

Spc. Brandon Inguanzo, Spc. Daniel Johnson, Spc. Robert Britt, Pfc. Trevor Surico-Pink, left to right, assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, move down a walkway while clearing building during urban operations training as part of Exercise Cartwheel near Nadi, Fiji, September 15, 2022. Exercise Cartwheel is a multilateral military-to-military training exercise with the U.S., Republic of Fiji Military, Australian, New Zealand, and British forces that builds expeditionary readiness and interoperability by increasing the capacity to face a crisis and contingencies by developing and stressing units at the highest training levels.

Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, conduct a combined arms live fire exercise (CALFEX) on Fort Drum, N.Y., Aug. 3, 2022. The exercise consisted of a footmarch, breaching obstacles, and a clearing operation with supporting fire from 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th MTN DIV, and 1st Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th MTN DIV.

U.S. Army Maj. Robert Churchill, operations officer assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, runs up a hill with other Soldiers during a Spur Ride at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 25, 2022. Soldiers from various units participated in the Spur Ride, a challenging event where physical fitness and teamwork are needed to emerge and earn their spurs.

U.S. Army Col. Matthew S. Woodruff, Chief of Staff, Joint Forces Headquarters, Ohio National Guard (left), Maj. David Lam, Executive Officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, and Maj. Zachary Shawver, Administrative Officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, discuss annual training exercise Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 14, 2022. Northern Strike saw over 2,000 Ohio and Michigan National Guard Soldiers conduct their training alongside troops from the United Kingdom, Latvia, and Hungary, maintaining operational convergence between the U.S. and its allies.

(Right) Staff Sgt. Lee Zimmerman, a Soldier with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, loads his pistol magazine during the pistol portion of the Governor's Twenty competition on May 21, 2022. Zimmerman and 86 other competitors were challenged in both pistol and rifle marksmanship events

A Soldier, left, recounts the simulated injuries of a casualty to Spc. Desiree Martinez, right, a combat medic with 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, during eXportable Combat Training Capability 22-01 on Fort Drum, NY, July 21, 2022.

Sgt. Tuu Valaau, human resources specialist, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, acts as a platoon sergeant during patrol base checkpoint training on Fort Knox, Kentucky, May 12, 2022.

Spc. Cassandrew Delicieux, a wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 3rd Battalion of the 20th Special Forces Group under 83rd Troop Command, fires weapons system in the Region 3 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition held at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Fla., on May 9th, 2022. Soldiers in the Army National Guard gather to compete, build esprit de corps, and represent their respective states for the upcoming national competition.

U.S. Airmen with the 156th Wing receive their chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high yield explosives training during the January regular schedule drill at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, Jan. 23, 2022. The training ensures all members are furnished with the skills necessary to properly utilize CBRNE equipment and decontamination procedures. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Eliezer Soto)

Staff Sgt. Timothy Chafins, a combat medic with Headquarters Company, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, treats a notional casualty during a demonstration of lifesaving care as part of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Commands Capability Days event, Fort Detrick, Md., April 5, 2023. Service members across the Department of Defense joined teams from across the U.S. Army medical development enterprise here for the event to learn about the continuum of combat casualty care, from moment of injury through aerial medical evacuation. The USAMRDC Capability Days event is the culmination of months of planning between the command and teams with its subordinate units and is an opportunity for the U.S. Armys premier medical development commands - under the USAMRDC umbrella - to showcase the latest technologies under development for Americas Warfighters.

Providers assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division conduct set up and security operations on Fort Bragg, NC, March 28, 2022. The Field Training Exercise ensures Paratroopers stand ready to fight, win, and meet the 18 hour deployment standard.

New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jessica Alese, Sgt. Jack Whelan and Spc. Kevin OKeefe from the 107th Military Police Company participated in a react to ambush exercise with the South Africa National Defense Force near Kwambonambi- Mfolozane on July 22, 2022. The U.S. Soldiers are in South Africa as part of Shared Accord, a biannual training event to enhance operational skills and partnership between the United States and South Africa. This year's exercise will include field training and medical readiness exercises. Participants will be stationed at dental, health care, and veterinary clinics with a group of Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard, directly working with senior officers from the South Africa National Defense Force in planning all the exercises and events that will occur in two weeks.

U.S. Army Sgt. Pedro Flores, assigned to Arctic battery, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery, 41st Field Artillery Brigade, use the integrated winch system to load rocket pods into the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (M270 MLRS) in preparation for a live fire demonstration during Molly Pitcher Day at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Aug. 31, 2022.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Anthony Sparacino, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division plots checkpoints and route overlay for reconnaissance tasks for further tactical operations at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, April 21, 2022. The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division 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; execute joint, bilateral and multinational training exercises; and provides command and control for rotational and assigned units in the European theater.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 466th Area Medical Company, load a gurney onto a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter at the Floyd Bennet Memorial Airport, Queensbury, N.Y., Oct. 22nd, 2022. Medics with the 466th and flight crews with C Company, 1-171 General Support Aviation Battalion, conducted joint training for unloading/offloading wounded soldiers.

220719-N-XG173-1221 BELLOWS AIR FORCE BASE (July 19, 2022) U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 Sailors conducts counter-improvised explosive device 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 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.

Sgt. Drake Turner of Squad 12, representing the U.S Army Special Operations Command, conducts a stress shoot during 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.

U.S. Army soldiers, assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat team, 1st Cavalry Division, participate in Railhead Operations in Poland. 3ABCT's vehicles arrived in Poland to aid in maximizing military capabilities.

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.

A Soldier of Squad 7, United States Army Reserve, makes adjustments to their iron sights at a zero range during the US Army Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 2, 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.

U.S. Army Col. Stephen Capeheart, commander of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, congratulates soldiers during a multinational live fire exercise at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Sep 20, 2022. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

Spc. Ricardo Guzman, a cavalry scout, with the 1304th Military Police Company apprehends a soldier portraying as an enemy here in Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin. Soldiers from the 300th Military Police Brigade spent two weeks in Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin participating in Spartan Warrior. Soldiers were able to train on their job specific tasks and Army Warrior tasks.

U.S. Army Soldiers compete in the Best Medic Competition for Medical Readiness Command, East on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Nov. 7, 2022. The competition included a 4-mile road march, nighttime land navigation, daytime land navigation, a stress shoot and a health service support brief on the second day.

U.S. Soldiers with the 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division perform pre-fire training for the M240 and M249 machine guns at a range at Torun, Poland, April 21, 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; execute joint, bilateral and multinational training exercises; and provides command and control for rotational and assigned units in the European theater.

U.S. Army Spc. Christopher Lambert, of Milan, Ohio, assumes the push-up position while 1st Sgt. Byron Yeager, of Cove City, N.C. places gold combat spurs on his feet March 2. Lambert and Yeager are both serving with 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Saber, near Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Gold spurs are presented to cavalry Troopers serving more than 30 days in combat in a cavalry unit, a U.S. Cavalry tradition dating back to the civil war.

More than 600 Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers, joined by Soldiers from the Montana, Oregon, Ohio and South Carolina Army National Guards, have been training in Fort Bliss, Texas, since mobilizing from Gowen Field in early August. The task force, Task Force Rattler, will deploy to Southwest Asia later this month in support of Operation Spartan Shield, where they will rotate out with 250 Soldiers from the Idaho Army National Guard as well as Soldiers from the Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Florida Army National Guards. Each rotation is approximately 12 months. Soldiers from the 118th Infantry Regiment from South Carolina National Guard and the 285th Medical Company from the Ohio National Guard are also part of Task Force Rattler, which provide the task force the ability to execute combined arms maneuvers. The intense training at Fort Bliss consisted of long hours with day and night combined arms maneuver missions with the Idaho Army National Guard shooting 120mm mortar rounds from M113 A

Cadet Paulakae Gordon, 1st Regiment Advanced Camp, shares a friendly moment with members of her regiment after assisting one of them with their M4-A1 carbine for PMI preliminary marksmanship instruction at Fort Knox, Ky., on June 3. | Photo by Nathan Abbott, CST Public Affairs Office.

U.S Army Staff Sgt. Johnny Soriano, left, evaluates Spc. Daniel P. McAuley, Delta Company, 1st-150th Aviation, during the stress shoot portion of the New Jersey Army National Guards Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., April 10, 2019. During this part of the competition, the five Soldiers, one Airman, and three NCOs will evaluated on high and low crawl, sled drag, medical evaluation, 9-line medical evacuation request, M249 machine gun breakdown, and an M9 pistol and M4 carbine tactical shoot. The Competition runs from April 8-11, 2019, with the top Soldier and NCO competing in the Region 1 Competition against National Guard Troops from the six New England states and New York. The Best Warrior Competition is an annual event, which tests their military skills and knowledge, as well as their physical fitness and endurance. (New Jersey National Guard

Sgt. Tuu Valaau (center), human resource specialist, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, performs a radio communications check during patrol base training on Fort Knox, Kentucky, May 12, 2022.

Sappers assigned to 3rd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conduct tables 1 and 2 of engineer qualification tables. To certify soldiers and leaders as well as to familiarize sappers with different kinds of explosives, these engineer tables are conducted on a demolition range.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment conduct Tables V and VI mortar training during annual training at Fort Chaffee, June 11, 2022. Mortars have an advantage over their artillery battery counterparts thanks to their ease of mobility and ability to engage in indirect fire from the protection of a trench or other form of cover.

Soldiers with the 370th Chemical Company participate in weapons qualifications on ranges at Fort McCoy, Wis., as part of the Red Dragon exercise in August, 2022. U.S. Army photo by Kevin W. Clark

Spc. Nathan J. Wallen of Squad 5, representing the U.S Army Special Operations Command, scales a barrier 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.

Patrol commanders from the Mountain Eagle Joint Task Force meet at their High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) during mission rehersal exercises at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, Louisiana. Base: Fort Polk State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines from Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team (MMT), Marine Air Control Squadron 1, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, contact the combat operations center from the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Fresno, California, Aug. 4, 2022. The MMT provided communication coordination between air and ground units in support of Marine-Air-Ground Task Force operations in support of exercise Summer Fury 22. Summer Fury 22 is designed to enhance Marine-Air-Ground Task Force integration and increase aviation operations proficiency with realistic, relevant training to ensure the Marine Corps largest aircraft wing remains operationally excellent, interoperable, deployable on short notice and lethal when called into action.

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. Marines in the Advanced Infantry Marine Course with Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry-West, Hawaii Detachment, prepare to open fire on notional enemy targets during a training exercise, Ulupau Crater, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, April 27, 2022. AIMC is advanced training designed to enhance and test the Marines skills and leadership abilities as squad leaders in a rifle platoon.

The United States Army's most qualified uniformed interrogation teams met at Fort Bragg, North Carolina to compete in the inaugural Army Interrogation Olympics to determine the Army's Best Interrogation Team of the Year. Military Intelligence Soldiers from Regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard components met and thrived in an austere field environment while refining and improving individual and collective HUMINT, analytical, leader, and Soldier skills. The competition was hosted by the 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade from August 8 to 10, 2022.

The U.S. Army Reserves Warrior Exercise 78-22-02 brought units and Soldiers from across the country to build on their readiness levels. Excercises trained and evaluated Soldiers on Army Warrior Skill-level 10 tasks. WAREX serves as an annual training opportunity for U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Jerry Manzanares, the senior enlisted advisor for operations and training for 3rd Infantry Division, briefs squad leaders on the land navigation event during the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 26, 2022. The land navigation event was one of several events during the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition that tested each squads proficiency in small-unit tactics and technical expertise.

Soldiers assigned to the 555th Engineer Brigade load ammo for the 3-Gun competition during the First Corps Marksmanship Competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. (JBLM) February 27, 2024. The 3-Gun portion of the FIrst Corps Marksmanship competition tested Soldiers ability to handle stress and quickly transition from weapon to weapon while firing a total of 4 M230 rounds, 4 M17 rounds, and 8 M4 rounds on targets at varying distances on the range within a 2 minute time limit. Army

U.S. Army soldiers, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, observe M109 Paladin rounds impact during training and table 6 certifications. A Fire Support Team is responsible for forward observations on the battlefield and activities such as target processing for artillery units and brigade maneuvers.

Guard members from the 181st Brigade Support Battalion take part in a medical evacuation and field hospital exercise during their annual training on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. July 20, 2022. Nearly 240 Guard members from the 181st are supporting Officer Candidate School Phase III while also training on field craft and strengthen their MOS skill sets.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. James Matherly, center, 824th Base Defense Squadron squad leader, gives instruction during a field training exercise at Stanford Training Area, England, Aug. 17, 2022. Instructors from the 820th Base Defense Group and 435th Security Forces Squadron Ground Combat Readiness Training Center, conducted the exercise to evaluate and bolster the combat readiness skills of the defenders from the 423d SFS.

Members of the 908th Security Forces Squadron prepare their weapons before taking part in a shoot, move, communicate drill, Sept. 11 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Security Forces Members trained with simulated ammunition, engaging targets and moving from cover to cover.

A cadre member from the 10th Mountain Divisions Expert Field Medical Badge talks to an EFMB candidate during testing week, May 23, 2022, on Fort Drum, New York. The 10th Mountain Division is conducting E3B, which encompasses Expert Infantry, Soldier and Field Medical Badge, from May 16 to 26.

Soldiers zero their weapons during the Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., April 10, 2022. The State Best Warrior Competition tested the competing Soldiers on their basic Soldier skills to determine who will represent Wisconsin at the Regional Best Warrior Competition in May. (112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Peck)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 51st Composite Truck Company, 8th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, begin preparing large armored vehicles for transportation towards the Narew river during Defender Europe at Lomza, Poland, May 17, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

Senior Airman Evan Stepanovich, 355th Component Maintenance Squadron Fuels System Specialist, participates in multi-capable Airmen training at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, April 28, 2022. This MCA training equipped Airmen from various career fields to take on expeditionary skills outside of their regular job duties, ultimately enhancing their ability to maintain a ready and agile force.

Spc. Francisco Trejo, a cavalry scout assigned to Troop A, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, prepares to rappel down a tower at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on June 8, 2022. The unit had the opportunity to conduct rappelling familiarization on the bases 60-foot tower during their annual training.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, debrief after a foreign humanitarian assistance exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 30, 2022. The FHA was conducted to test the Marines abilities to interact and aid humanitarian needs while promoting regional stability and security. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

CAMP SHELBY, Miss. (Jul. 25, 2022) Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 carry a stretcher after an attack on the camp 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 1 is homeported out of Gulfport, Miss. They are conducting an intense homeport training plan to expand their ability to execute construction, humanitarian assistance, and theater operations.

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force participate in combat casualty evacuation training during Keen Sword 23 at Amami Ōshima, Japan, Nov. 17, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between III MEF and the JGSDF. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and the JGSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Bravo Battery, 119th Field Artillery Regiment, Michigan Army National Guard, talk as they wait for the command to fire during the live fire portion of Summer Shield exercise at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, May 20, 2022. Summer Shield is one of U.S. Army Europe and Africas multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe that make up Defender Europe 22. Defender demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, center, and Brig Gen. Clarence K.K. Chinn, right, listen to a brief by Col. Bill Burleson during a visit the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, La. May 1, 2012. Chinn is the Commanding General of the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk.

A U.S. Army Soldier from 1st Infantry Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, load up the rucks on Pohakuloa Training Grounds, Hawaii, Oct. 31, 2022. Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 23-01 is a realistic training rotation allow us to rehearse strategic movement, and train in unique environments and conditions where they are most likely to be employed in the event of crisis or conflict.

Sgt. Brett Pierce, Louisiana National Guard, engages targets during a marksmanship evaluation on Camp Gruber Training Center, Okla., May 18, 2022. Army National Guard Soldiers from across six states test their physical and mental proficiency to earn the title Best Warrior at Camp Gruber Training Center, May 15-20, 2022. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Caleb Stone)

From right, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Steven Brozyna, a tank commander, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, shows Polish soldiers a mounted .50 caliber machine gun during the Abrams Operations Summit at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, April 26, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to the V Corps that works alongside Allies in the European theater, remaining an integral part of demonstrating alliance readiness, interoperability, and capability.

Staff Sgt. Joshua Coats, an operations non-commissioned officer, assigned to 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, demonstrates how to set up an improvised water impulse demolition charge during a demolition range at Zagan, Poland, Aug. 30, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to 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.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jailen Shaw, 325th Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor, assists a student conducting a barrel change on an M249 light machine gun at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Aug. 22, 2022. Combat arms instructors provide marksmanship weapons training to maintain mission readiness and to ensure Airmen meet qualification standards.

British soldiers, assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Royal Irish Regiment, 16th Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, prepare to clear and secure a room in search of a notional target during a close-quarters battle training event during Exercise Platinum Lion 2022 at Novo Selo Training Area, July 30, 2022. Exercise Platinum Lion is a battalion-level event designed to provide quality, organized and realistic training for designated military units from the United States, United Kingdom and Bulgaria. The exercise reinforces relationships in a combined training environment, builds understanding of partner nation tactics, techniques and procedures and increases interoperability with these NATO Allies and partner forces.

Army National Guard Soldiers look at maps as they begin the land navigation portion of the National Guard Region V Best Warrior Competition at Camp Gruber Training Center, Okla., May 16, 2022. The annual competition brings together top-tier soldiers to challenge them on a variety of Army warrior tasks. The contest consists of eight events that promote soldier readiness in their war fighting skills and recognizes individuals who embody the Army Values. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, build a tent during exercise Winter Workhorse 24 on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb. 2, 2024. Winter Workhorse is a regularly scheduled training exercise that is designed to enhance warfighting capabilities in contested environments. Marine Corps

The 63rd Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 35th Corps Signal Brigade (CSB), tested new drone technology to improve their line-of-sight communications using unmanned aircraft systems to further support XVIII Airborne Corps warfighters and all of their mission command systems.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the New York Army National Guard's 369th Sustainment Brigade, prepare for a situation training exercise which aids them in reacting to potential dangers while in unexpectedly dangerous environments, during annual training at Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard National Training Center, Jonestown, PA, July 12, 2022. The sustainment brigade provides support and services to enable operational reach, ensure freedom of action, and prolong endurance for Army forces.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 41st Field Artillery Brigade treat Staff Sgt. Corzell White, a 13F Fires Support Specialist, for simulated wounds during the field medical lanes portion of the 7ATC/V Corps-level Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, July 13, 2022. Teams from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa test their tactical proficiency, communication, and overall cohesion as they compete for the title of Best Squad. Winning U.S. Army squads will meet at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, to compete for the title of U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) Best Squad from August 8-12.

An explosive ordnance disposal technician with Marine Forces Special Operations Command prepares to safely reduce an improvised explosive device during a training event June 17, 2022. The EOD primer tests all aspects of a technicians knowledge and expertise needed to perform as the only tech on a Marine Special Operations Team while operating in austere, politically sensitive, or hostile environments. EOD technicians assigned to MARSOC have completed Marine Special Operations Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal Level 1, which trains Fleet Marine Force EOD technicians in the knowledge and skills required to support the core tasks assigned to MARSOC as a special operations capability specialist.

A group of U.S. Army and German Paratroopers walk off the Drop Zone with their assigned parachute during Exercise Falcon Leap at Hechtselse Heide Drop Zone, Hechtel-Eksel, Belgium., Sep. 15, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise.

A U.S. Army Soldier with 1-1 Air Defense Artillery Brigade (ADA) prepares to load a Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC) 3 Training Can into a CH-53E Super Stallion during a training exercise in Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 18, 2024. The loading system was designed by GySgt. Rodrigo HernandezPolindara, VMM-265, to offer a more efficient method of transporting HIMARS.

U.S. Army Capt. Andrew Trine, commander, 3637th Support Maintenance Company, Illinois National Guard, addresses U.S. Marines assigned to Task Force Blackjack, 453 Combat Logistics Battalion during an after action review at Northern Strike in Grayling, Mich., Aug. 12, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge approximately 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment participate in their Squadron's Spur Ride in the vicinity of Schnaittenbach, near Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, June 23, 2022. During the Spur Ride, Troopers must complete a series of warrior tasks and drills in order to obtain the right to wear the cavalry's coveted silver spurs.

Staff Sgt. Ismael Marquez, Combat Medic Specialist, 4th Infantry Division, prepares a casualty for extraction during the Army's Best Medic Competition. 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 Airmen participating in Advanced Ready Training - Outside the Wire drag a simulated casualty at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Feb. 9, 2024. The ART-OTW course is a pre-deployment requirement to gain experience in specialized tactics and techniques through strenuous training scenarios. Air Force

A Marine with Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, aims for a target while throwing grenades for security forces training, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 22, 2022. The Marines sharpened their security forces proficiency by conducting riot-control training, grenade throwing, and breaching tactics.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from the 492nd Civil Affairs Battalion participate in the Rising Phoenix Battalion march and Marche Internationale de Diekirch (MID) event in Buckeye, Arizona on September 18, 2022. The Soldiers will complete a mandatory 10-km road march at a pace achievable by all members, with sufficient stops to rest and conduct leader discussions in order to emphasize unit culture and build relationships across the formation.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Network Enterprise Center Belgium, 39th Strategic Signal Battalion, perform an After Action Report at the end of Army Warrior Training, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, May 25, 2022. This training tested the proficiency of Soldiers based on the unit Mission Essential Tasks List.

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.

SFC Alex Sturm, a platoon sergeant assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division instructs New Zealand and Fijian soldiers on American jungle tactics during Exercise Cartwheel at Nausori Highlands Training Area, Fiji, September 17, 2022. Exercise Cartwheel is a multilateral military-to-military training exercise with the U.S., Republic of Fiji Military, Australian, New Zealand, and British forces that builds expeditionary readiness and interoperability by increasing the capacity to face a crisis and contingencies by developing and stressing units at the highest training levels.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class. Arthur Bauman quizzes the Soldiers on the load capacity of the straps used to secure the ammunition for use in Summer Shield at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, May 19, 2022. Summer Shield is one of U.S. Army Europe and Africas multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe that make up Defender Europe 22. Defender demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

Lt. Col. Uzoma Aniniba, Commander of the 29th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, practices tying a nepalese braid during the brigade Mungadai at the 25th Infantry Division's Lightning Academy training area at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii on Jan. 24, 2022. The brigade Mungadai is a multi-day training event for senior leaders in the brigade designed to test them physically and mentally while building esprit de corps and camaraderie. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Alan Brutus)

U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, run during a martial arts instructor course physical training session at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 8, 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.

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.

HATTIEVILLE, Belize (May 13, 2022) Mexican Naval Infantry Corps Marines, United States Marines assigned to 3rd battalion 25th Marines, and Belizean Defense Forces train on weapons familiarization at the Belizean live fire range in Hattieville, Belize during Exercise Tradewinds 2022, May 13, 2022. Tradewinds 2022 is a multinational exercise designed to expand the Caribbean regions capability to mitigate, plan for, and respond to crises; increase regional training capacity and interoperability; develop new and refine existing standard operating procedures (SOPs); enhance ability to defend exclusive economic zones (EEZ); and promote human rights and adherence to shared international norms and values; fully integrate women into defense, peace and security missions; and increase maritime domain awareness to deter illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activities.

The United States Army's most qualified uniformed interrogation teams met at Fort Bragg, North Carolina to compete in the inaugural Army Interrogation Olympics to determine the Army's Best Interrogation Team of the Year. Military Intelligence Soldiers from Regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard components met and thrived in an austere field environment while refining and improving individual and collective HUMINT, analytical, leader, and Soldier skills. The competition was hosted by the 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade from August 8 to 10, 2022.

220428-N-MQ841-1134 PORT HUENEME, Calif. (April 28, 2022) Equipment Operator Construction Apprentice Haydenn Sharp, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, operates an M2A1 machine gun during the live fire portion of the crew served weapons course at U.S. Garrison Fort Hunter Liggett, Jolon, California. 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.

Tech. Sgt. Christopher Cabibi (front) searches an opposing force member for intel while Senior Airman Melanie Gonzales and Airman Michael McLeod carry recovered assets and information after assaulting an enemy position during an area security operations exercise, May 19, 2022, at Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center, Ohio. The three are all Defenders with the 403rd Security Forces Squadron stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. The training was part of the two-week IDLC, based at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, and using training grounds at CJAG. IDLC was designed to provide Reserve Defenders with intensely focused hands-on training to achieve and maintain combat readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo/Eric M. White)

221005-N-PI330-2046 Gulfport, Mississippi (October 5, 2022) Commanding Officer Cmdr. Jacob Segalla (center-left), assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 (NMCB 133), observes a water filtration training course on Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, October 5, 2022. NMCB 133 is at homeport in Gulfport, Mississippi conducting training cycles.

U.S. Army Sgt. Jordan Meza, a squad leader assigned to Bravo Company, 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, communicates with his Soldiers during a demolition range as part of Defender 22 at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 12, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises taking place in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

U.S. Army Capt. Luke Musseau, the commander of Charlie Company, 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, briefs British soldiers from the 1st Armoured Medical Regiment, Royal Army Medical Corps, and U.S. Soldiers from the 64th BSB, and 456th Medical Company Area Support of the U.S. Army Reserve before the start of multinational trauma lane training during Defender 22 at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 25, 2022. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

The Airborne Ops/Lift/Jump were held here on the newly built Fort Dix Ramp which was just Dedicated on 19 August and was the first mission to be held at this location on Fort Dix. The 404th CA Advon arrived at TAC-1A for rehearsals prior to the actual loading and jump. After rehearsals the units were transferred to the Fort Dix Army Ramp where parachutes were distributed on the parking area inside of the fence of the Army Ramp. The troops arrived on or about 1230L and were ushered over to the staging area falling-in on their assigned chalks. Two CU-47's (5/519 Regt, Fort Eustis VA) had arrived at 1300L. While the CU-47s were refueling, the Jump Master and unit leaders conducted a mission brief in Bldg 4421. At the conclusion of the brief a mission walk through took place. A Final inspection of the troops was conducted at the aircraft. These Airborne Ops soldiers were lifted to the jump area located at Coyle Field, NJ. (Images provided by the Fort Dix (TSC) Training Support Center)

Spc. Adam Barlow with the Utah Army National Guard and Spc. Henry Brucken with the Indiana Army National Guard charge through the confidence course at the 2021 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Camp Navajo Military Reservation, Ariz., July 21, 2021. The competition spans three physically and mentally demanding days where competitors are tested on a variety of tactical and technical skills as they vie to be named the Army Guards Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. The winners then represent the Army Guard in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition later this year

Twelve National Guard Soldiers gather to compete in the land navigation event during the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette.)

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat team, 1st Cavalry Division, participates in Railhead Operations in Poland. 3ABCT's vehicles arrived in Poland to aid in maximizing military capabilities.

Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers flying RQ-11B Raven Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) over Badger drop zone as part of a two week additional skills course taught by Wisconsin Military Academy instructors at Fort McCoy WI.

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