Military Training Exercises

Photos of soldiers in various training scenarios, demonstrating tactical skills with weapons and attire in forested environments, emphasizing readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Joel Walker, an explosive ordnance technician with 3rd EOD Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, inspects a simulated explosive threat during Jungle Crab 22 at Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, June 24, 2022. During Jungle Crab 22 EOD Marines prepared to support Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations by practicing survival methods in areas where logistical support may not be available. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

An Airman from the 820th Base Defense Group conducts pre-Ranger Assessment Preparation Course training, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, October 31- November 4, 2022. The candidates executed a variety of tasks that they'll be expected to perform at Ranger School such as an official Ranger Physical Fitness Test, a Combat Water Survival Test, day and night land navigation, weapons firing, and a 9-mile ruck. The course is designed to equip Ranger School candidates for the physical and mental elements of the U.S. Army Ranger Assessment Course.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dominic Sanders, a Wayne, Michigan native and motor transportation operator with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, provides security during a combat patrol at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, Oct. 5, 2022. The training allowed fire teams and squads with 3d MLR to rehearse small unit cohesion, lethality, and survivability to set conditions for company offensive, defensive, and Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations during future exercises.

U.S. Army Sgt. George Babbage, a team leader with 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), fires an M4A1 carbine during a company combined arms live-fire exercise part of joint training between the U.S. Army and Finnish army at Rovaniemi, Finland, Aug. 10, 2022.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Kirby Turner, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6), Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, searches the ground with a metal detector for ordinance Hästö Busö, Finland Oct. 17, 2022.Task Force Red Cloud, headquartered by elements of CLB-6, is deployed to Finland in support of Exercises SYD 2022 and Freezing Winds 2022 to enhance U.S. and Finnish select interdependence in the maritime domain; solidify bilateral maritime maneuver within the Finnish littoral environment; and foster strong relationships between U.S. Marine Corps and Finnish Defense Force sustainment units.

Staff Sgt. Jamal Walker, a musician assigned to U.S. Army Japan, dons his Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology ensemble on June 7 on Schofield Barracks East Range, Hawaii, during the mystery event for the 2022 USARPACs Best Warrior Competition. The USARPAC BWC 2022 is an annual week-long competition consisting of competitors from multiple USARPAC units across the Indo-Pacific. The noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted Soldiers are evaluated in several categories such as general military knowledge, basic Soldier skills, and physical fitness.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Niko Tilla, a squad leader with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, talks on a radio during Readiness Exercise 22.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 26, 2022. The purpose of REDEX 22.2 is to validate worldwide crisis-response capabilities and demonstrate deployment readiness.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 113th Infantry Regiment conduct a platoon attack drill at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Oct. 15, 2022. During the drill the platoon lead squad locates and suppresses the enemy, establishes supporting fire, and assaults the enemy position using fire and maneuver. The platoon destroys or causes the enemy to withdraw and conducts consolidation and reorganization thereafter. Once the platoon conducts action on enemy contact, the squad or section in contact reacts to contact by immediately returning well-aimed fire on known enemy positions. Dismounted Soldiers assume the nearest covered positions available and the element in contact attempts to achieve suppressive fires. Once achieved, the element leader notifies the platoon leader of the action.

Staff Sgt. Blake Hale, assigned to 9th Mission Support Command, patrols July 20 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, during the squad lane for the 2022 U.S. Army Pacific Best Squad Competition. The 2022 U.S. Army Pacific Best Squad Competition consists of multiple 5-Soldier squads from USARPAC units competing for the opportunity to represent USARPAC at the Department of the Armys competition. stations. The non-commissioned officers and junior enlisted will be assessed together in their ability to execute warrior tasks and battle drills, marksmanship and land navigation, and will be challenged to complete a mission as a squad.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Joel Walker, an explosive ordnance technician with 3rd EOD Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, inspects a simulated explosive threat during Jungle Crab 22 at Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, June 24, 2022. During Jungle Crab 22 EOD Marines prepared to support Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations by practicing survival methods in areas where logistical support may not be available. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Patrick Poth, 75th Security Forces Squadron superintendent, low crawls up a hill during the 75 SFS Combat Readiness Training at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Oct. 18. Airmen participate in multiple exercises and scenarios designed to mentally and physically prepare them for deployments.

Man and boy (12-13) with rifles looking though scopes

U.S. Marine Corps 1st. Lt. Blake Gunn, an infantry officer with Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, establishes communications during amphibious training as part of BALTOPS 22 in Ustka, Poland, June 15, 2022. BALTOPS 22 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

U.S. Army Spc. Matthew Martin, a member of the 3rd Infantry Division Best Squad, opens a reactive skin decontamination lotion during the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 28, 2022. Squads from throughout XVIII Airborne Corps are competing in the Best Squad Competition, which tests them in a number of areas including marksmanship, land navigation, small-unit tactics and endurance.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Trainging Battalion conduct land navigation on Marine Corps recruit Depot Parris Island. During land navigation, recruits find different points in order to familiarize thems with a map and compass.

030914-M-9023R-010. Subject Operation/Series: CROCODILE 2003 Base: Camp Samuel Hill State: Queensland Country: Australia (AUS) Scene Major Command Shown: Golf 2nd Bn 3rd Mar

A Dutch Marine with Marine Squadron Carib, Netherlands Marine Corps treats a simulated casualty during Exercise Caribbean Urban Warrior on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 28, 2023. Exercise Caribbean Urban Warrior is a bilateral training evolution designed to increase global interoperability between 2d Marine Division and Marine Squadron Carib.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alexander Koeneke, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with 3rd EOD Company, 9th Engineering Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics group, constructs his shelter during Jungle Crab 22 at Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, June 28, 2022. During the training, EOD Marines prepared to support Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations by practicing survival methods in areas where logistical support may not be available. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

DF-ST-86-09372. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT RODEO '85 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Marine prepares to fire a stinger anti-aircraft guided missile from a clearing in a bushy area while a second Marine looks through binoculars and holds a radio hand set to his ear during Operation Solid Shield 89. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD 89 Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) participate in a training scenario July 26, 2022, on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. 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. The 2/24 was holding their 2022 annual training at Fort McCoy. (U.S. Army Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

A hospital Corpsman with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, conducts a contact patrol with other Corpsmen and Marines on July 22, 2022, during training on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 23rd Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 is holding annual training at Fort McCoy. (Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

A U.S. Marine assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, aims an M136E1 AT4-CS confined space light anti-armor weapon during a Mission Rehearsal Exercise at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, May 20, 2022. India Company convened with other units from 3/23 at Fort Campbell for a Mission Rehearsal Exercise to prepare for the upcoming Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 4-22 in the summer of 2022. The Marines of India Company and Lima Company conducted live-fire maneuver training on a range designed to simulate the training areas at ITX.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kyle Stark, a rifleman with Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), sights-in during bilateral training with the Finnish Navy on Russaro Island, Finland, Aug. 11, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Neil Chaves, current 137th Special Operations Wing mission sustainment team officer in charge, walks through high grass during Mission Sustainment Team field training Feb. 10, 2022, Oklahoma City. Chaves said that being part of the Mission Sustainment Team has created an environment that encourages Airmen to find innovative solutions to issues in an austere environment no matter what rank, similar to what was required of his team during Operation Allies Welcome.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Christophe Dunn, assistant platoon sergeant with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, fires an M18 pistol on a live-fire range at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, May 10, 2022. This routine training enables Marines to maintain proficiency in marksmanship and close combat.

U.S. Army Spc. Nicolas Ringle, a signal support specialist assigned to Charlie Company, 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stabilizes an antenna at a re-transmission site near Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 23, 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, America's forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jarrod Diaz, an infantry Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, reports his position during a forward air refueling point exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan Aug. 3, 2022. BLT 2/5 acted as the security element during the FARP to ensure operational safety and mission success. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard conduct a movement to contact situational training exercise lane during Exercise Southern Vanguard 23 on Nov. 10, 2022 at Tolemaida Military Base, Colombia. Exercise Southern Vanguard is U.S. Army South's premier training exercise taking place at the operational and tactical levels intended to increase interoperability between the United States and Western Hemisphere forces. This year's iteration, Exercise Southern Vanguard 23, involves Soldiers from U.S. Army South and the U.S. Army National Guard training alongside Colombian Army soldiers in varying terrain while conducting weapon familiarization lanes culminating in a bilateral military training operation.

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct a live fire iteration during a combined arms maneuver live fire exercise (CAMLFEX) on Dec. 9, 2022, at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. Our commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the United States will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO allies. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs.)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion conducts a short halt to scan the terrain for opposing forces during a patrol at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22, Sept. 13, 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 partn

Soldier hiding behind a tree

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines provides security during Jungle Warfare Exercise 23 in the Central Training Area on Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 15, 2023. JWX 23 is a large-scale field training exercise focused on leveraging the integrated capabilities of joint and allied partners to strengthen all-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Christopher H. Peach, a squad leader with 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Ground Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, orders Marines to move forward on an objective during exercise Koolendong 22 in Yampi Sound, WA, Australia, July 21, 2022. Exercise Koolendong 22 enhances MRF-D and the Australian Defence Forces ability to conduct combined and joint operations, demonstrating the shared commitment to being ready to respond to a crisis or contingency in the Indo-Pacific region.

Caucasian Woman Holding A Rifle And Wearing Camouflage

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) participate in a training scenario July 26, 2022, on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. 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. The 2/24 was holding their 2022 annual training at Fort McCoy. (U.S. Army Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

Green Berets U.S. Army Special Forces Group soldier in action.

A U.S Marine with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, calls out a command during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 1, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

DA-SC-89-00528. Base: Fort Lewis State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Spc. Brandon Leahmann, a soldier with the 75th Field Artillery Brigade, dons his gloves as part of a timed exercise during the III Armored Corps Best Squad Competition at Fort Hood, Texas, June 23, 2022. The III Armored Corps pulled only the best from across its divisions and separate brigades to compete in this years inaugural competition. The best squad goes on to compete at the U.S. Army Forces Command competition at Fort hood in August.

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020826-F-5989W-001. Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFMC

Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment, Michigan National Guard, place markers around a mannequin body during their search and recovery exercise led by U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Samuel Herbert and Lance Cpl. Sean Whelan Combat Logistics Regiment 45, Personnel Retrieval and Processing Company (-) at Northern Strike 22-2 in Grayling, Mich., Aug. 8, 2022. Northern Strike focuses on the Armed Forces ability to train the warfighter in any environment across the continuum so our nation can compete, deter, and win today and tomorrow.

DM-ST-94-01791. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

981207-M-5228M-001. Base: Fort Walton Beach State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct a land navigation exercise on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., March 28, 2023. Land navigation is part of Basic Warrior Training and teaches recruits how to use a compass and topological map to find landmarks within a course.

Sgt. Matthew Suson, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24), conducts a contact patrol with other Navy Corpsmen on July 22, 2022, during training on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 23rd Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 is holding annual training at Fort McCoy. (Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment moves to an observation post to provide intelligence to soldiers with the Italian Armys Alpini Brigade during mountain warfare training as part of Exercise Summer Resolve in the Province of Bolzano, Italy, Oct. 5, 2022.Exercise Alpine Star is an annual Italian Army hosted, multinational and multi-phased mountain and arctic warfare training exercise. Reconnaissance paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade integrate within select companies of the Italian Armys Alpini Brigade to learn techniques in traversing, ascending and descending multi-seasonal mountainous environments while teaching tactics, techniques and procedures of U.S. Army battle drills to allies. During the summer phase, Exercise Summer Resolve, key training focuses on alpine climbing and repelling while during the winter phase, Exercise Winter Resolve, key training focuses on various types of skiing and ice climbing. This training plays

Pair of soldiers in action during a river raid in the jungle.

Caucasian Woman Holding A Rifle And Wearing Camouflage

German nature documentary maker Hans Schweiger at work, well camouflaged. Oklahoma, USA

U.S. Army Soldiers from the New Jersey National Guard's 1-150 Assault Helicopter Battalion prepare to hook up a concrete block to a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during sling load training at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Dec. 1, 2017.

A U.S. Army Paratrooper assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, navigates terrain during a land navigation event as part of the Expert Infantryman Badge, Expert Soldier Badge and Expert Field Medical Badge training at Campomulo Asiago, Vicenza, Italy, Oct 26, 2022. Candidates will demonstrate their individual proficiency in navigation from one point to another, while dismounted without the aid of electronic navigation devices. 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.

A U.S. Marine with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, peers through his binoculars while seizing the objective area during a force-on-force training exercise at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, (MWMWTC), Bridgeport, California, April 15, 2022. The objective area, Landing Zone Quail, was the companys penultimate goal before seizing the Expeditionary Air Field near the base camp at MCMWTC Bridgeport.

Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army 114th Infantry Regiment conducts light sniper training at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Nov. 19, 2022. The training is designed to educate snipers to be adaptive Soldiers, critical and creative thinkers, armed with the technical, tactical, and logistical skills necessary to serve successfully at the Sniper Team level.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Steevens Pierregilles, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6), Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, aims down sight during a land navigation exercise in preparation for exercise Freezing Winds 22 in Syndalen, Finland, Oct. 12, 2022. Task Force Red Cloud, headquartered by elements of CLB-6, is deployed to Finland in support of Exercises SYD 2022 and Freezing Winds 2022 to enhance U.S. and Finnish select interdependence in the maritime domain; solidify bilateral maritime maneuver within the Finnish littoral environment; and foster strong relationships between U.S. Marine Corps and Finnish Defense Force sustainment units.

Marines from 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, move to various security positions in the woods after securing their objective in the vicinity of GP 40. Subject Operation/Series: Combined Joint Training Field Exercise (CJTFEX) 96 Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A competitor engages a target during the European Best Sniper Team Competition at the Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Aug. 9, 2022. The annual European Best Sniper Team Competition is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa competition that tests marksmanship skills, physical prowess, and mental agility while developing relationships and sharing skills between sniper teams across Europe.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Christopher Noche, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24), conducts a contact patrol with other Corpsmen and Marines on July 22, 2022, during training on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 23rd Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 is holding annual training at Fort McCoy. (Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

Infantrymen with Company B. 1st Battalion 151st Infantry Regiment alongside mortarmen conduct urban training at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Ind., Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022. Sgt. David Chandler, an infantryman with Company B. 1st Battalion 151st Infantry Regiment, pulls security during an annual training exercise. Participating in realistic training scenarios is how the Indiana National Guard maintains a lethal fighting force.

DF-ST-85-13185. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT SCORPION Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Duck hunter using binoculars

030506-M-9892R-002. Subject Operation/Series: BALIKATAN 2003 Base: Fort Magsaysay State: Luzon Country: Republic Of The Philippines (PHL) Scene Major Command Shown: 2nd Battalion 7th Marines

U.S. Soldiers with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team prepare for combat in a situational training exercise at Camp McGregor, New Mexico, Jan. 24, 2024. They are training at Camp McGregor as they prepare for a deployment to the Horn of Africa.

U.S. ARMY Soldiers and South Korean Katusa's Conduct a Ruck march and MEDEVAC training on Camp Casey South Korea, NOV 17th 2022. MEDEVAC is the evacuation of military or other casualties to the hospital in a helicopter or airplane." (U.S. ARMY photos by SPC. Christopher Cameron)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Matthew Houston, left, a Mission Sustainment Team (MST) student, and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sergeant Justin Davis, right, an MST instructor, both with the 137th Special Operations Wing, Oklahoma Air National Guard, participate in field training at Fort Sill, Okla., Sept. 10, 2022. The 137th CTF instructors taught MST Airmen the techniques necessary to operate in austere environments, including basic combat skills, land navigation, base defense and convoy operations.

060405-N-4097B-020. Base: Fort Jackson State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Task Force Marshall

Duck hunter using binoculars

Tennessee Army National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Daniel Vasquez, from the 30th Troop Command, completes the final graded event at the Tennessee State Best Warrior Competition, in Tullahoma, Feb. 25, 2024. All competitors were tasked to complete the ruck march in under four hours. Army National Guard

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conducts fast rope training on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 8, 2023. Fast rope training prepares Marines for helicopter-borne insertion and extraction operations. This training builds combat readiness and prepares the Marines for their upcoming deployment with the 26th MEU.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Chaos Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID) alongside soldiers assigned to the Prince of Wales Troop, The Royal Lancers, Polish 5th Mazovian Brigade of Territorial Defense Force, and Romanian Sky Guardians participated in an extended combined situational training exercise in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Oct. 20, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

A Polish army Leopard 2A tank pulls security at a tactical assembly area before the start of a multinational force-on-force exercise as part of Defender Europe at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 14, 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.

A U.S. Marine with Corporals Course, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, patrols during a culminating event at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Feb. 2, 2024. 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. The culminating event consisted of land navigation, an improvised explosive device lane, tug-of-war, grappling and completing the obstacle course with gear. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Johnson Harding, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, prepares to fire an M107 .50 caliber Sniper Rifle while conducting a live-fire sniper range on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 16, 2022. The training improved the Marines proficiency at the tactical level and developed critical marksmanship skills. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Harding is a native of Cleveland, Ohio.

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, perform their evaulation during Land Navigation on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., Aug 9, 2022. Land navigation is part of Basic Warrior Training and is designed to teach recruits how to use a compass and map for navigation.

U.S. Soldiers with 30th Medical Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command participate in Best Squad Competition at Local Training Area Oberdachstetten, Ansbach, Germany, Feb. 28, 2024. Army

Handsome young man soldier with a rifle

A 20th Fighter Wing pilot builds a shelter during Combat Survival Training at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, June 6, 2022. CST provides Shaw pilots with the knowledge and skills needed to survive, evade, and communicate with recovery forces worldwide.

Navy Seal sniper with rifle in action.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. David Gutierrez, an infantry Marine with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit fires an M240B machine gun during small team tactics training for Iron Fist 24 at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 29, 2024. The United States and Japan share common goals in the Indo-Pacific region such as freedom of navigation, economic prosperity within the rules of international law, and deterrence of aggression. Exercises like Iron Fist affirm the U.S. commitment to our allies and our strategic objectives. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the JGSDF, and the JMSDF. Marine Corps

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 113th Infantry Regiment conduct a platoon attack drill at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Oct. 15, 2022. During the drill the platoon lead squad locates and suppresses the enemy, establishes supporting fire, and assaults the enemy position using fire and maneuver. The platoon destroys or causes the enemy to withdraw and conducts consolidation and reorganization thereafter. Once the platoon conducts action on enemy contact, the squad or section in contact reacts to contact by immediately returning well-aimed fire on known enemy positions. Dismounted Soldiers assume the nearest covered positions available and the element in contact attempts to achieve suppressive fires. Once achieved, the element leader notifies the platoon leader of the action.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, and members of the 3d Rapid Deployment Regiment, Northern Army, Japan Self-Defense Force, fire an M40A6 Sniper Rifle during a bilateral sniper range as a part of Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 3, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

U.S. Soldier pulls security during an ambush exercise at the Small Unit Ranger Tactics (SURT) course at the 25th Infantry Divisions Lightning Academy, East Range, Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii, August 1st, 2022. SURT requires soldiers to work in small units, and lead in an uncertain environment.

Hunter hunting for game

A competitor engages a target during the European Best Sniper Team Competition at the Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Aug. 9, 2022. The annual European Best Sniper Team Competition is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa competition that tests marksmanship skills, physical prowess, and mental agility while developing relationships and sharing skills between sniper teams across Europe.

Hunter Staring down the barrel

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ray "Charlie" Smith, aviation mission survivability officer, headquarters and headquarters company, 1st General Support Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, communicates via satellite phone with the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter pilot during man-portable air defense systems threat lane training at the Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Sep.3, 2022. MANPADS prove to be a prolific threat for all peer and near-peer adversaries. The Hohenfels Training Area provides a unique terrain that allows the aircraft to conduct realistic nap of the earth flying. Saber Junction 22 provides a combat training center rotation for the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade to assess the brigade's readiness to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with participating Allied and partner nations. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alo

A German Army soldier guides a CH-53GS to the landing zone at the Letzlingen Army Training Center, Germany.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jaemes Plowman, a mortarman with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, patrols during Counter Assault Exercise on Okinawa, Japan, May 11, 2022. During this force-on-force exercise, an infantry company with 3/2 rapidly deployed into the double-canopy jungles of the Northern Training Area to defend against an assault from another infantry company with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines. This exercise was designed to increase 3d Marine Divisions ability to seize and defend key maritime terrain, such as islands or coastal areas, and conduct Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations in the western Pacific. 3/2 is deployed under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

LCPL Ed Misker of Co. H, 2nd Bn., 8th Marine Regiment stands watch in a wheat field near a deserted Iraqi training compound near Dahuk. Misker, armed with an M-16 rifle equipped with an M-209 grenade launcher, is part of U.S. military presence in the area during Operation Provide Comfort, an Allied effort to aid Kurdish refugees who fled the forces of Saddam Hussein in northern Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Country: Iraq(IRQ)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group stage MREs and water at a cache site during exercise Winter Workhorse 23 at the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 5, 2022. Winter Workhorse is an annual exercise for CLR-3 to train to carry out mission-essential tasks in forward-deployed, austere environments.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christopher Triana, a native of Miami and a combat engineer with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, sets up a trip flare during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 28, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

Angry terrorist militant guerrilla soldier warrior in forest.. Angry terrorist militant guerrilla soldier warrior in forest

A soldier assigned to the Polish 1st Brigade Territorial Defense Forces conceals in the woods prior to conducting an assault on a training objective near Bialystok, Poland, Sept. 6-10, 2022. This was the first of many training iterations between Polish 1st TDF and 10th SFG(A) and allowed soldiers the opportunity to improve their tactical skills related to close quarter battles and increase overall lethality.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit from Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, looks through his compass during the land navigation course on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, March 28, 2023. During the course, recruits had to navigate to various points on a map using a compass.

Second Lt. Caleb Brooks, Military Intelligence Basic Officer Leader Course student, shouts to his platoon over the noise of simulated gunfire during Operation Crucible Sandstorm at Urban Ops Site-South, Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Sep. 21.

Second Lt. Caleb Brooks, Military Intelligence Basic Officer Leader Course student, shouts to his platoon over the noise of simulated gunfire during Operation Crucible Sandstorm at Urban Ops Site-South, Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Sep. 21.

A man wearing camouflage stands in a field with his gun on his shoulder while hunting in Georgia.

Capt. Jonathan McLeroy, commander of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) completes the helocast mission with his unit, at West Point, Ny., on June 24, 2022. Helocasting is an airborne technique used by light infantry units to insert into a military area of operations.(U.S. Army video by Spc. Kelvin Johnson Jr. 40th Public Affairs Detachment)

Second Lt. Brooke Siever, Military Intelligence Basic Officer Leader Course student, participates in Operation Crucible Sandstorm at Urban Ops Site-South, Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Sep. 21.

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