Military Training Exercises

A group of service members partake in various training sessions, focusing on leadership and tactical skills in outdoor settings. The imagery showcases collaboration and professionalism.

Pennsylvania Air National Guardsman, Staff Sgt. Bob Ruzewski, assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing, instructs other defenders on good techniques after evaluating an unauthorized entry into a restricted area exercise, October 15, 2022 near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Bryan Hoover)

A group of Michigan National Guard (MING) members participate in a team building exercise during a joint professional development training April 20, 2022, at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan. The event focused on a variety of topics including leadership strategies, professional organizations and some of the MINGs innovative programs.

Pennsylvania Air National Guardsman, Staff Sgt. Bob Ruzewski, assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing, instructs other defenders on good techniques after evaluating an unauthorized entry into a restricted area exercise, October 15, 2022 near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Bryan Hoover)

Pennsylvania Air National Guardsman, Staff Sgt. Jerrad Scone, assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing, demonstrates how to effectively control a combative individual during an unauthorized entry into a restricted area exercise, October 15, 2022 near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Bryan Hoover)

Col. Daniel Hoadley, 5th Bomb Wing commander, gives remarks during a retreat ceremony for National POW/MIA Recognition Day at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 30, 2022. The ceremony was a part of multiple events held to honor the sacrifices of the men, women, and their families who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers with the 412th and 404th Civil Affairs Battalions conduct airborne operations during Operation Viking at Joint Base Cape Cod, Mass., July 20, 2022. Operation Viking is an intense joint task force exercise designed to prepare soldiers with realistic training simulating deployment of civil affairs units in direct support of a contingency operation in Africa.

Security Forces Defenders assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard conduct an unauthorized entry into a restricted area exercise, October 15, 2022 near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Pennsylvania Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Bryan Hoover)

Warrant Officer Candidate Jason Trerotola from the 2-166th, Det 1 Regiment Regional Training Institute has his rucksack taken off of him after he crossed the 10K finish line at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. July 17, 2022. Treotola was the first of his classmates to complete the ruck march, allowing him to move from phase one to phase two of his candidacy.

From left, U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Hector Garcia, Command Chief, 156th Wing, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James Porterfield, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, and U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Phelix Vazquez, Airfield Manager, 156th Wing, tour the airfield at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Sept. 14, 2022. During the visit, wing leadership presented Porterfield with the organization's mission sets, capabilities, future projects and a tour of the installations airfield.

Master Sgt. Charles Bass, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant, speaks with augmentees before they start work at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 12, 2022. 12 civil engineer professionals from around the Air Force were sent to the 8th Fighter Wing to assist in to assist in fulfilling workorders and infrastructure sustainment repairs around the installation.

U.S. Air Force Airmen stand in line before the annual weapons load competition, Feb. 9, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The load competition featured six squadrons across Luke AFB, including the 61st Fighter Squadron, 63rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit, the 62nd FS, the 310th FS, the 309th FS and the 425th FS. The weapons load competition advances training to produce command focused U.S., allied, and partner Airmen to meet warfighting needs. Air Force

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mark Landes, First Army East Division commander, presents the Legion of Merit award to U.S. Army Col. Mathew Bunch, 174th Infantry Brigade commander, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst N.J., July 13, 2022. The 174th Infantry brigade is responsible for preparing soldiers of the U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard for deployment through battle training in maneuvers, equipment and other details.

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, pull a High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle during the squadrons 101 Days of Summer safety training event on MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, June 30, 2022. During the event, the Marines reviewed the safe conduct of summertime activities due to increased safety incidents during this season.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Cydney Pate-Gallagher, a public health specialist assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Medical Squadron, shows Brig. Gen. William Betts, the commander of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, the food storage containers at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aug. 31, 2022. Betts visited PSABs dining facility with the public health shop to learn about the rules, responsibilities and procedures that ensure his Airmens safety.

U.S. Soldiers with the 1069th Military Police Company, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade arrive home and reunite with loved ones after a year-long deployment to Cuba. The Soldiers were also greeted at Harrisburg International Aiport by Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, Pennsylvania Deputy Adjutant General-Army, and other senior leaders with the Pennsylvania National Guard.

040317-F-3983J-005. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Kadarryl Small, 336th Training Squadron military training leader, inspects Airmen in training during open ranks at Keesler Air Force Base on Nov. 28, 2022. MTLs are responsible for ensuring every non-prior service Airman is provided direction, resources and mentorship.

031007-M-6237R-015. Base: Mcb Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030416-M4547R-008. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Foster State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: 4th Marines

WHITE BEACH, Japan (Aug. 16, 2022) Sailors assigned to Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa participate in Exercise Citadel Pacific 2022 (CP22) Aug. 16 at White Beach Naval Facility. CP22 is an annual exercise that is not in response to any specific real world threat but is used to evaluate the readiness of fleet and installation security programs. CFAO maintains and operates facilities to support the U.S. Navys naval and aviation assets in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. William Caraway, left, a member of the 118th Wing Medical Group, Tennessee Air National Guard, carries a litter with Staff Sgt. Preston Nelson, right, also a member of the 118th Medical Group April 10, 2022 at Berry Field Air National Guard Base, Nashville, Tennessee. The 118th Medical Group participated in a base wide exercise to prepare for near peer conflict.

Security Forces trainees at the 343rd Training Squadron prepare to march to the Individual Tactics and Techniques basic course at Joint Base San Antonio - Camp Bullis on Sept. 20, 2022. The course is designed to teach the trainees how to shoot, move, and communicate through tactical environments. The 37th Training Wing and 343rd Training Squadron provide the initial training for all Air Force security forces.

U.S. and Israel Defense Forces service members take a picture together during the awards ceremony of the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 23, 2022. The annual multi-day competition tests the physical, tactical and technical proficiency of visual information and public affairs specialists across the DOD and participating international competitors.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Seth Dewey, the outgoing commanding officer of 1st Combat Engineer Battalion (1st CEB), 1st Marine Division, speaks to the Marines and families during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 16, 2022. During the ceremony Dewey relinquished command of 1st CEB to Lt. Col. Christopher Kim.

U.S. Air Force Col. Gordon Meyer presents the Home Front Hero Award to children of airmen who were deployed at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. The award recognizes children of deployed airmen for their outstanding efforts.

The National Guard Bureau Joint Surgeon's Office (NGB-JSG) toured Renown Regional Medical Center on June 22, 2022. NGB-JSG leadership toured 152nd Medical Group facility at the Nevada Air National Guard Base in Reno, Nevada.

Soldiers with Blanchfield Army Community Hospitals Medical Readiness Battalion hone their skills with precision, engaging in realistic scenarios reflective of the challenges anticipated in this year's Best Leader competition.

New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers take part in a 12-mile ruck march on April 21 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the final event of the Best Warrior competition. Twelve Soldiers and one Airman of the New Jersey National Guard were tested on marksmanship, land navigation, and other warrior tasks. The winners will go on to the Region 1 contest in Niantic, Conn., May 10-13. The Best Warrior Competition recognizes Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to the Army Values, embody the Warrior Ethos and represent the Force of the Future. (Army National Guard photo by Spc. Francis De Leon)

North Carolina Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to 2-130 Airfield Operations Battalion, 449th Theater Aviation Brigade, load boxes of food into vehicles while helping Action Pathways Second Harvest Food Bank distribute food in Fayetteville, N.C. on May 7, 2020. More than 900 NCNG Soldiers and Airmen have been activated in response to COVID-19 relief efforts to help support NC Emergency Management, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, and their local communities.

Fifteen Minnesota National Guard and two Croatian Soldiers are competing in Minnesotas Best Warrior Competition April 7-10, 2022, at Camp Ripley. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers nominated by units across the state. Croatia and Minnesota have worked together for 25 years as part of the National Guards State Partnership Program. Minnesotas winners will move on to compete against the best Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from states across the region at Camp Ripley in May. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Robert Brown)

Staff Sgt. Shayne Potrafke, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Dress and Restoration specialist, spots a van as it backs into the warehouse area in preparation for an upcoming winter storm at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Jan. 9, 2024. AFMAO vehicles are secured indoors before inclement weather arrives to avoid physical damage. Potrafke is deployed to AFMAO from the 512th Memorial Affairs Squadron at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.

1st. Lt. John Harris, an Army health service admin decontaminates the M50 Protective Mask during chemical training here in Camp Shelby, Mississippi. Titan Warrior is a two-week long training exercise that involves units from the 290th Military Police Brigade training in job-specific tasks and basic soldiering skills.

9605014-M-0938B-005 Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Charles C. Krulak re-enlists GYSGT. Boyer, and GySGT. Nudder, while visiting Air Combat Element and Bogue Airfield NC, during CJTFEX ß96. Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCPL. J.L. Bandy, II MEF Combat Camera. 9605014-M-0938B-005 Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Charles C. Krulak re-enlists Gysgt. Boyer, and GySgt. Nudder, while visiting Air Combat Element and Bogue Airfield NC, during CJTFEX Ô96. Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl. J.L. Bandy, II MEF Combat Camera.

Florida National Guard (FLNG) soldiers with the 50th Regional Support Group (RSG) out of Homestead, Fla., set up cones in preparation for the arrival of soldiers from other states' National Guards in Gainesville, Fla. As Hurricane Ian swept across the state of Florida, not only did FLNG units heed the call to service, but so did units from other states. (U.S Army Photo by Pfc. Alexander Helman)

220921-N-IC246-0046 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sept. 21, 2022) - Cmdr. Andy Kirby, operations officer, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Contingency Engineering Unit (NAVFAC CEU) salutes the national ensign during Navy Employer Recognition Event (NERE) at Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MESRON) 2 on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story Sept. 21. NERE is a professional recognition event for outstanding civilian employers of Navy Reserve Sailors that have demonstrated exceptional support for their citizen-Sailor employees above and beyond the requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. NERE also provides selected civilian employers of Navy Reserve Sailors with a first-hand look at the capabilities, roles, and missions of the U.S. Navy Reserve.

U.S. Army General Charles A. Flynn, the U.S. Army Pacific Commanding General, Maj. General Joel B. Vowell, U. S. Army Japan commanding General, Maj. General Stephen G. Smith, 7th Infantry Division (7ID) commanding General, walk to a planning briefing during Yama Sakura 83 exercise at Camp Kengun, Japan, on Dec. 12, 2022. Yama Sakura is a complex exercise that has been ongoing for over 40 years and continues to build the bilateral partnership of the strong US-JGSDF alliance.

U.S. Army soldier assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, walks to go help offload an Abrams M1A2 SEPV3 Main Battle Tank. The arrival of these tanks in Poland will help the 3ABCT produce combat-credible forces alongside NATO allies.

040915-F-0201C-007. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

011003-F-0830C-001. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Quonset-Holland Angb State: Rhode Island (RI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Readiness Challenge VIII participants from U.S. Air Force's in Europe's 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, take part in the fiberglass panels event April 19, 2022, at the Silver Flag Exercise Site, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The Department of the Air Force CE event is hosted by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center. After a 20+ year hiatus, the challenge, a premier event for DAF civil engineers, is back. This year's Readiness Challenge is the initial operating capability event before the challenge reaches full operational capability in April 2023. Eight teams representing major commands and U.S. Space Force faced off in about 20 events showing a wide variety of CE capabilities from emergency airfield lighting and water purification to building a guard shack from the ground up and firefighting and EOD operations.

Drill sergeants with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment order young men and women from across the United States off a bus and onto Cashe Town February 16, 2024, at Fort Moore, Ga. During the next 22 weeks, these trainees will be transformed into infantry soldiers, representing the epitome of personal character, selfless service and military virtue. Army

Airmen assigned to the 178th Wing Force Support Squadron don chemical protective suits after a simulated chemical attack June 7, 2022 for a field exercise exercise during Agile Rage 22 at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan. Northern Michigan's National All-Domain Warfighting Center is a premier training location for Agile Combat Employment, because of its unique training airspace and facilities, encompassing more than 148,000 acres of ground maneuver training area and more than 17,000 square miles of special use airspace; one of the largest areas of its kind in the U.S.

Massachusetts Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Sean Sullivan and 104th Fighter WIng Command Chief Stephen Jeffers held leadership time with 104FW Airmen on May 14, 2022 at Barnes Air National Guard base. The 104FW regularly holds leadership time in both small and large groups to give Airmen time with leadership and to develop leadership skills.

Brig. Gen. Len "Loni" Anderson, aft center, commanding general of 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, and Contra-Almirante Marcelo Guimarães Dias (Rear Adm. Brazilian Marine Corps), aft right, commander of Brazils Amphibious Division, observe U.S. Marines from Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, alongside their Brazilian Marine counterparts, conduct Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training at Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 6, 2022. Infantry Marines from both nations train together to keep their skills, tactics, techniques, procedures, and partnerships sharp throughout UNITAS LXIII. UNITAS, throughout its 63 iterations, has proven to develop and sustain relationships that improve the capacity of our reemerging and enduring maritime partners to achieve common objectives. Additionally, the military-to-military exchanges foster mutual cooperation, understanding, and respect among participating na

Team McChord Airmen gather for the opening remarks at the 24-hour POW/MIA Remembrance Run at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 14-15, 2022. Team McChord planned several events to honor the lives and sacrifices of those men and women who were prisoners of war or missing in action, including tours of a C-141 Starlifter, a pop-up museum, a memorial motorcycle ride, a 24-hour vigil run and a wreath laying ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Airmen distribute turkeys during a turkey drive at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Nov. 21, 2022. Turkeys were distributed to Airmen around base.

An Airman assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing breaches a barrier during the defender challenge at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, May 17, 2022. The 20th Security Forces Squadron set up multiple events throughout the week to honor National Police Week.

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.

(220527-N-OI810-0007) KEY WEST, Florida (May 27, 2022) Chief Construction Electrician James Whitehead, center right, from Panama City Beach, Florida, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14, briefs Seabees before they repair a fueling dock at Sigsbee Marina, Naval Air Station Key West (NASKW), May 27, 2022. Seabees assigned to NMCB-14 travelled to NASKW to perform on-site training and assist with facility and compound maintenance. NMCB-14 provides advance base construction, battle damage repair, contingency engineering, humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery support to our fleet and unified commanders.

U.S. Army Soldiers huddle during the U.S.Army Adaptive Sports Camp at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, March 30th.Over 70 wounded, ill and injured Soldiers are training in a series of athletic events including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, powerlifting, track, field, rowing, and wheelchair basketball. The Adaptive Sports Camp celebrates wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers' ability to recover and overcome. The Army holds qualifying trials for Active Duty, wounded, ill or injured Soldiers to assess and select athletes for competition in the DoD Warrior Games Challenge. This year, the DoD Warrior Games Challenge takes place in June 2023 at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California.

Pfc. Jailan Grigsby and Pfc. Leonides Trevino remain optimistic as they continue the ruck march during the SETAF-AF Best Warrior and Squad Competition on May 26, 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".

Pararescuemen from the 33rd Rescue Squadron salute the American flag after handing it off to a member of the Kadena Honor Guard during the Veterans Day ceremony at the 18th Wing Headquarters building on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 12, 2012. During the ceremony, members from each branch of service on Okinawa came together to recognize the sacrifices made by all U.S. veterans, past and present.

U.S. Air Force Col. Col. Rudolph Cachuela, Air Mobility Command surgeon general, speaks with 87th Medical Group and Medical Simulation Training Center staff on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 22, 2022. Cachuela toured the 87th MDG, Joint Base MDL MSTC and the 87th Air Base Wing Headquarters.

Spc. Nathaniel Miska completes an unknown distance ruck march near Lynchburg, Tennessee, July 29, 2022, as part of the National Best Warrior Competition. Miska and Sgt. Carlson 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)

Airmen assigned to the 178th Wing Force Support Squadron receive instructions for a search and recovery exercise June 7, 2022 during Agile Rage 22 at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan. Northern Michigan's National All-Domain Warfighting Center is a premier training location for Agile Combat Employment, because of its unique training airspace and facilities, encompassing more than 148,000 acres of ground maneuver training area and more than 17,000 square miles of special use airspace; one of the largest areas of its kind in the U.S.

Soldiers cross the finish line of Soldiers the 12-kilometer (7.46 mile) during the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB), Fort Campbell, Ky, August 25, 2022. Soldiers must complete a 12-kilometer (7.46 mile) in under two hours. The GAFPB is one of the few approved foreign awards in the United States military.

U.S. Air Force members 119th Wing are acting in the role of shooting victims are loaded onto a Sanford Hospital ambulance during an active shooter training exercise at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, North Dakota, June 3, 2022.

22044-N-TP834-1016U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander, speaks with Dr. Stacey A. Dixon, Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, April 4, 2022, at USSPACECOM headquarters. During Dixons visit she received an intelligence brief on current operations and threat assessment. USSPACECOM conducts operations in, from, and to space to deter conflict, and if necessary, defeat aggression, deliver space combat power for the Joint and Combined force, and defend U.S. vital interests with allies and partners.

Soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry assist local citizens protect their homes from additional flooding by building sandbag walls around property during Aug. 24 relief efforts near Tenney Park in Madison, Wis. Dane County experienced record rainfall earlier in the week, leading to high water levels in downstream lakes and other bodies of water. Wisconsin National Guard

040331-M-7403H-040. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Foster State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Tyler Allshouse, demonstrates non-lethal takedowns to community members during the National Night Out event onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). National Night Out is an annual event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie across thousands of communities in the U.S. and worldwide. For more than 75 years CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, Continental U.S. NORAD Region commander, speaks with Col. Chad Holesko, commander of the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing and Lt. Col. Curtis Voltz, the 180FW operations group commander, during a visit to the 180FW in Swanton, Ohio, Feb. 1, 2024. Nordhaus, who commanded the 180FW from 2011 to 2013, received a tour of the wing's facilities and discussed the 180FWs role as an Aerospace Control Alert-trained unit during his visit. Air National Guard

The Commanding General of II Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David A. Ottignon, greets the Commandant of the Netherlands Marine Corps, Brigadier General Jan Hut, before their office call on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 25, 2023. The leaders met to discuss the state of the two organizations maritime capabilities and continuing to align future training and force design concepts. Through exchange programs, frequent bilateral training, and contributions to multinational efforts, II MEF and NLMC continue to demonstrate the value of enduring military partnerships.

North Dakota National Guard Soldiers and Airmen join N.D. Department of Health personnel to administer voluntary COVID-19 testing at a drive-through testing site in the parking lot of the Alerus Center, Grand Forks, N.D., May 14, 2020. The Soldiers and Airmen are partnering with the N.D. Department of Health and other civilian agencies in the voluntary mass testing efforts in support of the community response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Guard members are utilizing personal protective equipment and following distance guidance measures to prevent the spread of the virus, while continuing in the performance of their missions. They are working to help their neighbors in the communities where they live and work.

Pennsylvania National Guard members are escorted by emergency responders to the Horry County emergency operations center in Conway, South Carolina, Sept. 17, 2018.

U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Scottie Cox, command master chief of 2d Marine Division (2dMARDIV), receives the Fleet Marine Force device from Maj. Gen. Francis Donovan, former commanding general of 2d MARDIV, on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 7, 2022. The FMF pin signifies U.S. Naval officers and sailors who are trained and qualified to perform duties in support of the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman James Wilson, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician, speaks to a group of U.S. Air Force ROTC cadets from the University of Southern Alabama Detachment 875 during a tour at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Sept. 22, 2022. EOD Airmen are trained to detect, disarm and dispose of explosive threats in the most extreme environments.

1st Lt. Daniel Hall with 52nd Ordinance Group pictured while competing to complete the ruck march portion during the Best Warrior and Best Squad Competition hosted by 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, July 14, 2022. The 20th CBRNE Commands Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition is a single event used to select the best Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Soldier of the Year from Soldiers within the command and its major subordinate commands.

Members of the 151st Air Refueling Wing wearing mission oriented protective gear participate in a readiness exercise on Nov. 4-6, 2022 at Roland R. Wright Air Base. Training exercises reinforce readiness and strengthen Utah Air National Guards warfighting culture in order to provide unrivaled Rapid Global Mobility capable of protecting and sustaining the Joint Force.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Infantry Division Artillery, board a Humvee for a convoy as part of exercise Knight Swift at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, June 9, 2022. The 1st 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.

Team McChord Airmen participate in the 24-hour POW/MIA Remembrance Run at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 14-15, 2022. Team McChord service members carried the POW/MIA flag was carried for 24 hours to honor the more than 81,000 Americans who are still missing in action.

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger greets community members and post visitors at the installation's Gate 20 on July 22, 2022, by scanning identification cards at Fort McCoy, Wis. Messenger became the garrison commander July 14. Messenger arrives after serving in his prior assignment as the director of engineering and logistics, J4, Joint Task Force Civil Support, Fort Eustis, Va. Messengers awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Combat Infantrymans Badge, Expert Infantrymans Badge, Army Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jimmy R. Canlas, Defense Logistics Agency Energy commander, meets 628th Logistics Readiness Airmen at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Oct. 13, 2022. During his visit, Canlas met and recognised Team Charleston Airmen and had the opportunity to see their contribution to the mission first hand.

U.S. Marines assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group (MIG) volunteer to clean the base of litter, debris and loose garbage at Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 20, 2022. To commemorate Earth Day 2022, Marines of II MIG organized and conducted the removal of safety hazards, trash, and maintained Camp Lejeunes state of cleanliness.

020325-M-3022S-003. Base: Ashland State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 24 MEU

Chief of Naval Operations ADM Mike Gilday meets with NAVFAC and base leadership and views one of the MILCON projects during his visit to Naval Air Station Lemoore in California on Sept. 12, 2022.

Staff Sgt. Jessica Middleton, right, 138th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management technician, recites the oath of enlistment while in Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear at the Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Okla., Sept. 20, 2022. Middleton, an Oklahoma native, has been a member of the 138th Fighter Wing for six years and was reenlisted by Maj. Nicholas Reynolds, 219th Engineering Installation Squadron director of operations. (Oklahoma Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Imwalle)

050108-F-7301C-009. Base: Richmond International Airport State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

More than 300 noncommissioned officers led a foot march from the Command Sgt. Maj. Southern Buddy Hewitt Noncommissioned Officer Academy to the USO facility Dec. 5 in support of the annual Mountain of Toys campaign. The toy drive is in its 27th year at Fort Drum, and this years goal is to provide an additional toy to more than 900 families this holiday season. (Photo by Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs)

041207-M-5573S-009. Base: Camp Johnson State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) load a casket during a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, July 25, 2022. The ceremony is part of DPAA's efforts to disinter the remains of unknown service members lost during past conflicts. DPAA's mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 156th Contingency Response Group, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, sweep an area during a simulated combat readiness training during the February Regularly Scheduled Drill at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Feb. 24, 2024. The training prepared the Airmen to respond and control potential hostile environments during deployment scenarios. Air National Guard

U.S. Army Soldiers Assigned to the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, U.S. Army, conduct flexibility exercises with the Holistic Health and Fitness enterprise as part of the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise on July 25, 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.

U.S. Soldiers from the Louisiana National Guard augment capitol police in securing traffic control points around the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., Jan. 17, 2021. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from several states have traveled to Washington to provide support to federal and district authorities leading up to the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, return from the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise, in Freehold, New Jersey, July 28, 2022. More than 2,500 Soldiers participated in the training event held in Fort Drum, New York, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win.

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait- U.S. Soldiers compete in a Norwegian Ruck March on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Apr. 9, 2022. The Norwegian Ruck March was first held in 1915 during World War One to test the strength and endurance of the Norwegian military while exposing them to conditions they could expect in combat. Typically, a Norwegian representative oversees the competition but because of Covid-19, the march will be allowed to occur without one.

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger greets community members and post visitors at the installation's Gate 20 on July 22, 2022, by scanning identification cards at Fort McCoy, Wis. Messenger became the garrison commander July 14. Messenger arrives after serving in his prior assignment as the director of engineering and logistics, J4, Joint Task Force Civil Support, Fort Eustis, Va. Messengers awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Combat Infantrymans Badge, Expert Infantrymans Badge, Army Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.

3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Soldiers perform Twilight Tattoo for service member's friends and family, on Summerall Field, Joint Base Myer Henderson-Hall, Va., April 27, 2022. This performance is the final rehearsal of the hour-long pageant to showcase the rich history of the U.S. Army.

SEATTLE (April 9, 2022) - Oregon State University Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) midshipmen finish an endurance race around the University of Washington campus during the 2022 Northwest Navy competition, April 9. More than 250 NROTC students and staff members from the Universities of Idaho/Washington State, Oregon State, Utah and Washington competed in military drill, academic and athletic events at the one-day contest. Northwest Navy has been held on a rotating basis between the schools since 1957. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, this was the first time all units were able to compete in person since 2019.

Arizona Army National Guard Spc. Garrett Hooker, 996th Area Support Medical Company, combat medic, administers the COVID-19 vaccination in Camp Verde, Ariz., on the Yavapai-Apache Nation, April 6, 2021. More than 900 Arizona National Guardsmen continue to assist at vaccination sites, testing locations and food banks throughout Arizona.

U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 77th Sustainment Brigade march as part of Operation Blind Mans March on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Oct. 22, 2022. Thirty-nine soldiers participated in the 25-mile ruck march to give soldiers the opportunity to challenge themselves, build camaraderie within theunit, and boost overall morale. The march was named after John of Luxembourg who died in the Battle of Crécy in 1346, after having been blind for a decade.

U.S. Army drill sergeants start barking orders to delegates during Sergeant Says,” as they experience their first day of Freedom Academy at Camp Williams, Utah, July 10, 2022. Since 1961, the Utah National Guard and Honorary Colonels Corps have sponsored Freedom Academy, which provides a challenging and engaging environment designed to teach young leaders the importance of freedom and that leadership is essential to its survival.

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, speaks to the senior enlisted Marines and Sailors of 1st Marine Logistics Group during a town hall at Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 16, 2024. During his visit Sgt. Maj. Ruiz met with the senior enlisted leaders of 1st MLG to discuss the value of senior leadership when it comes to solving the various issues the Marine Corps faces and the importance of engaged leadership from the senior staff noncommissioned officer ranks down to the junior noncommissioned officers. Marine Corps

Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Kepner, the sergeant major of the Army National Guard, speaks with a grader of the 2016 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition during the first day of the competition at Joint Base Cape Cod, Mass., Tuesday, June 21, 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.

A Mississippi National Guard Soldier puts water in a car at the Hinds Community College-Academic/Technical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, Sept. 2, 2022. Nearly 600 Mississippi National Guardsmen were set up across seven sites through Jackson for people to collect bottled water, hand sanitizer and non-potable water from water buffalo trucks.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jackson Fagan, representing the Utah Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion, displays determination and skill for the land-navigation event during the Region VII Best Warrior Competition on the island of Guam, May 24, 2022. This annual competition featured the best noncommissioned officer and Soldier from eight different states and territories including Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. Testing competitors skills and knowledge and pushing them to their limits, the competition graded each participant in key areas such as basic Soldier skills, marksmanship under stress, land-navigation, and physical fitness.

Florida State Guardsmen Sgt. 1st Class Michael Collins waits for the next vehicle to pull up at the Live Oak, FL point of distribution, Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. PODs are routinely setup in affected areas following storms like Hurricane Idalia, where locals can get much needed supplies like food, water, and tarps. This is the Florida State Guards first activation since being reinstated after a hiatus of 75 years.

Flooding - Fort Pierre, S. D. , June 7, 2011 U. S. Army National Guard 114 Fighting Wing members gather at sunrise to begin patrol on the levee in Fort Pierre, S. D. FEMA and other federal agencies are supporting the State Incident Management Team in their effort to prepare for flooding along the Missouri River.. South Dakota Flooding. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

Tech. Sgt. Abelardojohn Llanesa, 142nd Honor Guard noncommissioned officer in charge, demonstrates rifle positions during an honor guard training on Oct. 16, 2022 at Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore. The Air Force Honor Guard was started in 1948 when national Air Force leadership decided there was a need for ceremonial units.

Children look out of the hatch of a U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division Joint Light Tactical Vehicle at the Deer Creek Course at The Landings Club, Savannah, Georgia, April 2, 2022. The static vehicle display was a part of Military Appreciation Day, held on the second to last day of the Club Car Championship.

U.S. Police Officers assigned to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Teams from police departments across South Carolina receive Tactical Medicine training during the 2022 SWAT Summit at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, Columbia, South Carolina, Sept. 27, 2022. The Columbia Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) SWAT Team hosts this year's summit, sharing their techniques in Close Quarter Combat (CQB) skills, mission planning, tactics, and range drills with partner departments.

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