Military Training Exercises

Images depict soldiers engaged in various training exercises, including rappelling, obstacle courses, and parachute drills, showcasing teamwork and dedication.

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

Soldiers participating in the Spartan Warrior III exercise conduct training at Fort McCoy, WI.

FORT EISENHOWER. Ga. - Apex Company, 11th Cyber Battalion, completed the Marine Corps obstacle course, February 9. Apex Soldiers are committed to staying READY, while building esprit de corps; completing the challenge together. TRAIN HARD, FIGHT HARD, WIN EASY! LEVIATHAN STRONG! Army

A British Paratrooper runs and drags his MC-6 parachute towards the objective on Glen Rock Drop Zone during Leapfest 2022 at Exeter, Rhode Island, August 6, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community.

Air Assault candidates rappel off the rappel towers on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, February 20, 2024. After successfully rappeling from the towers, candidates will rappel out of rotary wing aircraft. Army

FORT HOOD, Texas - U.S. Army Sgt. Derek Nicoletti, the Team Leader for 1st Squad, representing I Corps, takes cover from indirect fire at the Medical Simulation Training Center, Hood, Texas, August 17, 2022. The Army is the best trained, best equipped and most skilled fighting force in the world.

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

Recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Batallion, conduct the rappel tower, November 14, 2022. The rappel tower test recruits fears of heights and builds confidence in their gear. (US Marine Corps Photos by Lance Cpl. Keegan Jones).

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

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, conquers the Tough One obstacle at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 18, 2022. The troop conducted training at the obstacle course for familiarization and to build esprit de corps.

Spc. Jessica Baker, a Storm Lake, Iowa, native and combat medic specialist assigned to Headquarters & Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, smiles as she rappels down a tower at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on June 8, 2022. Troop A of the 1-113th Cavalry had the opportunity to conduct rappelling familiarization on the bases 60-foot tower during their annual training. Baker and one other medic assigned to HHT were encouraged to participate between their medic duties.

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

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. John Jennings, 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery, 25th Infantry Division, completes an obstacle course during Chaos Challenge 2022 at Lightning Academy, Hawaii, Sept. 13, 2022. The multi-day competition consisted of competitors from the 3rd, 5th and 25th Air Support Operations Squadron, with guest teams from the 647th Security Forces Squadron and 7th Field Artillery, 25th Infantry Division.

Spc. Cole Sweeney and Spc. Derek Nicoletti, Soldiers with the 42nd Military Police Brigade, navigate an obstacle course as part of the I Corps Best Squad competition, June 21, 2022.The Best Squad Competition highlights the importance of the Squad by building a positive climate where our Soldiers are members of a cohesive team that is highly trained, disciplined, and fit.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Brendan Ferrer Green, officer in charge of Logistic Network Operations Center, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and a native of Cambria, California, scales a wall during the 2022 Iron Mike Challenge at The Basic School on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 7, 2022. Competitors from across the Marine Corps covered a distance of 20 miles, completing multiple physical and core skills challenges along the way.

Specialist Manuel Cesar of Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Division Artillery Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), jumps over one of the vaults on the six vault obstacle during Division Artillery's Best of the Best competition at The Sabalauski Air Assault School on Fort Campbell, Ky., October 19, 2022. Each team was timed at the obstacles to see which one was the fastest.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, overcome an obstacle at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr obstacle course, Germany, June 28, 2022. The training at the obstacle course is designed to improve physical fitness and build teamwork.

This morning, company, battery and troop commanders assigned to 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division compete in teams against each other during morning physical training on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Nov. 17, 2022. Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. -Mahatma Gandhi

Texas Army National Guard Spc. Fernando Torres, 133rd Field Artillery Regiment El Paso, navigates the Swing Stop Jump during the obstacle course portion of the Texas Military Departments Best Warrior Competition at Fort Hood on Mar. 30, 2023. The annual competition strengthens ties and fosters institutional relationships encompassing 95 partner nations.

The United States team runs through the obstacle course for the Fuerzas Comando 2022 competition in La Venta, Honduras on June 19, 2022. Fuerzas Commando is a multinational SOF skills competition that showcases the diversity of the SOF community in the western hemisphere, strengthens our regional partnerships, and demonstrates readiness and interoperability across regional boundaries.

Spc. Timothy Kryder from 11th Airborne Division takes instructions while rappeling during Air Assault Class on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK June 15 to become Air Assault qualified with instructors from 25th Infantry Divisions Lightning Academy. (Photo taken by Staff Sgt. Christopher Dennis/11th Airborne Division Public Affairs Office)

Soldiers assigned to the Effingham-based Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard take part in basic rappelling training hosted by members of the Colombian Army Air Assault School during Exercise Southern Vanguard 23 on Nov. 6, 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.

Paratrooper descends with blue sky behind on Glen Rock Drop Zone during Leapfest 2022 at Exeter, Rhode Island, August 6, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community.

A Soldier assigned to 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division high crawls in the sand as part of the beach physical training session during the brigade Mungadai at the Bellows Beach, Hawaii on Jan. 25, 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)

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.

Staff Sgt. Andrei Ciont, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, negotiates obstacles to test his physical capabilities during the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The competition is open to all soldiers who have earned the Expert Field Medical Badge or the Combat Medical Badge. Medics are tested on pistol and rifle marksmanship, land navigation and hands-on medical tasks over a 30-mile course, according to the release.

The Medical Simulation Training Center (MSTC) provides realistic medical training to both medical and non-medical Soldiers in the Active, Reserve and National Guard. These images show various units completing the Combat Lifesaver Course. The US Army Combat Lifesaver Course is an official medical training course conducted by the US Army. The course is intended to provide an intermediate step between the buddy aid-style basic life support taught to every soldier, and the advanced life support skills that are taught to US Army Combat Medics. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

040409-F-3963C-017. Base: 25th Ig Rok Ranger Course Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party specialists from the 18th Air Support Operations Group compete in Dragon Challenge 2022 at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina. The annual competition is designed to identify the best Joint Terminal Attack Controller teams within the group by testing the competitors steadfast physical, technical, tactical, and field-knowledge skills under mocked combat conditions.

Special Operation Forces Soldiers from the 10th Special Forces Group provide the cadets assigned to the UCCS Army ROTC Program with life-saving techniques and strategies for trauma care on the battlefield during a tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) training on April 21, 2022. The training included skills to assess and manage a combat casualty from injury to a higher level.

Staff Sgt. Jacob Kelly, a member of 157th Security Forces Squadron, competes in the obstacle course component of the New Hampshire Army National Guard Ranger Assessment at the Edward Cross Training Center in Pembroke, New Hampshire Sep. 17, 2022. Kelly was one of three Airmen who participated alongside soldiers of the NHARNG and was selected to attend the Ranger Training Assessment Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, after finishing within the top three competitors in the NHARNG Ranger Assessment.

Staff Sgt. Keith Estes from Medical Department Activity, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, climbs to the top of the Reverse Climb during the Obstacle Course Test in the 2022 Medical Readiness Command, Pacific Best Medic Competition Wednesday, October 26th 2022 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Elizabeth Ann Burke begins to rappel down a tower while participating in leadership training along with other students during a joint field training exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap, April 8, 2022. Burke is a freshman at Penn State University and native of Reston, Virginia.

2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division host the Week of the Warrior Competition, Camp Casey, Republic of Korea, May 3, 2022. The obstacle course is used to familiarize Soldiers of tactical combat movements, building teamwork and problem solving.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Pelletier, 103rd Airlift Wing flight line expeditor, grapples with a partner during self-protection training at Fieldcraft Hostile (FCH) on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 4, 2022. FCH is a pre-deployment course provided by the 421st Combat Training Squadron comprised of members across 43 different Air Force Specialty Codes dedicated to its Chief of Staff of the Air Force chartered mission to deliver expeditionary combat support training.

Pfc. Zach C. Hagestad crosses a single-rope bridge at the 1st Republic of Korea Marine Division Mountain Warfare Training Center in Pohang, South Korea, March 19, 2015. The Marines completed a five day mountain warfare training course led by ROK Marines with Mountain Warfare Training Unit, 1st ROK Marine Division as part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-14.2, a small-unit training exercise, which enhances the combat readiness and interoperability of the two forces. Hagestad is a fire support man with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Air Force Reserve Maj. Sterling Broadhead (left), 82nd Aerial Support Squadron, Army Reserve Sgt.1st Class Charles Blackwell (center), 108th Training Command, and Air Force Reserve Col. Brent Dishman, US Air Force Warfare Center approach an obstacle during a CIOR training exercise near HAmmelburg, Germany on July 27, 2022. The Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers Military Competition (CIOR MILCOMP) is a three-day team competition consisting of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations in Europe. It has been around since 1957. The competition is open to all reserve components for both NCO and officer. It is now run on a volunteer basis and funded by former competitors through an alumni association.

Staff Sergeant Bennett R. Dannemiller, 264th Medical Battalion Radiology Specialist Instructor,climbs The Wall obstacle during the best medic competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The event included the Army Combat Fitness Test, obstacle course, M-4 qualification, warrior tasks and battle drills, land navigation, a Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and 12-Mile Ruck March.

U.S. Navy Lt. J.g. Amanda Zielinski, a Washington native, and surface warfare officer with Amphibious Squadron 4, climbs aboard a Marine Corps light armored vehicle 25 with Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), during Realistic Urban Training (RUT) on Fort Barfoot, Virginia, Jan. 16, 2024. RUT provides the 24th MEU the opportunity to operate in unfamiliar environments, integrate the units of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and train towards being designated as special operations capable.

U.S. Pfc. Joshua Clark , representing the U.S Army Training and Doctrine Command, throws a sandbag over a wall 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.

Staff Sgt. Caleb Stinson, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, negotiates obstacles to test his physical capabilities during the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The event included the Army Combat Fitness Test, warrior training, obstacle course, M-16 qualification, warrior tasks and battle drills, day and night land navigation, a Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and 20-kilometer foot march.

A Soldier completes the 12-mile ruck march event Tuesday during the Best Warrior Competition hosted by the 80th Training Command this week at Ft. Lee, Va. Soldiers from multiple divisions have gathered here to complete the 2023 Best Warrior Competition and compete for the German Army Fitness Proficiency Badge.

980625-F-2171A-003. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Helen Yamileth Figueroa, a motor transportation operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, sets an M18 claymore mine during a field exercise at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 5, 2022. MWSS-171 conducted this exercise in order to familiarize themselves with expeditionary advanced base operations, demolition operations, urban operations, and different weapon systems.

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

U.S. Army paratrooper runs towards target on Glen Rock Drop Zone during Leapfest 2022 at Exeter, Rhode Island, August 6, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community.

Air Assault candidates rappel off the rappel towers on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, February 20, 2024. After successfully rappeling from the towers, candidates will rappel out of rotary wing aircraft. Army

France, Brittany, Morbihan, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon on 2022-03-30. Students from the Ecole Militaire Interarmes (EMIA), the military academy responsible for training army officers recruited internally, i.e. from the ranks of non-commissioned officers and other ranks, take part in a training course at Fort de Penthievre, a fortified structure on the Quiberon peninsula that has become a training base. Photograph by Martin Bertrand.France, Bretagne, Morbihan, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon le 2022-03-30. Les eleves de l' ecole militaire interarmes ( EMIA ), l' ecole militaire chargee de la formation des officiers de l' armee de Terre issus du recrutement interne, c'est-a-dire issus des rangs des sous-officiers et des militaires du rang, participe a un stage d'aguerrissment au Fort de Penthievre, un ouvrage fortifie sur la presqu'ile de Quiberon devenu une base d'entrainement. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

2nd Lt. James Everson, a Knoxville, Iowa, native and quartermaster officer assigned to Company F, 334th Brigade Support Battalion, Iowa Army National Guard, jumps over an obstacle on zero day of an Air Assault course at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Aug. 30, 2022. Over 200 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a 12-day U.S. Army Air Assault course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling.

U.S. Army ROTC Cadets assigned to the U.S. Army Cadet Command 2nd Brigade accept awards for placing first overall during the Ranger Challenge at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Oct. 23, 2022.The competition is conducted over two days on a non-tactical course. The mission is to challenge Cadets' mental and physical toughness and to develop leadership while fostering teamwork and esprit-de-corps. Teams participate in nine graded events, each team is awarded points based on how well they perform in each event. The best team in each event is awarded a trophy for being the first, second, and third place teams. The number one team is The Ranger Challenge Winner for that year.

120515-N-AL882-026 ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 15, 2012) Wet, muddy and exhausted, freshmen midshipmen prepare for a 3-mile ruck run during the annual Sea Trials at the U.S. Naval Academy. Sea Trials is modeled after the Marine Corps Crucible and the Navys Battle Stations recruit programs. It is a capstone event for the fourth class midshipmen and serves as a leadership challenge for the upper class who lead each event during the exercise.

Army Reserve Spc. Hallie Koches, assigned to the 78th Army Band, preforms a hand-over-hand obstacle on the Confidence Cource during the Army Reserve Best Squad Competition, at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, on May 15, 2022. Approximately 40 soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022 BWBSC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers and squads from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of Best Warrior and Best Squad among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focus events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

A soldier with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), marches toward the finish of a 12-mile ruck in the first annual Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Campbell, Ky, July 15, 2022. The inaugural event is part of Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grintons initiative to assess small groups of soldiers on their technical and tactical proficiency, as well as their cohesiveness and ability to work together.

Staff Sgt. Keith Estes from Medical Department Activity, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, crawls under the Low Wire during the Obstacle Course Test in the 2022 Medical Readiness Command, Pacific Best Medic Competition Wednesday, October 26th 2022 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, conquer the six vault obstacle at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Oct. 4, 2022. The troop conducted training at the obstacle course for familiarization and to build esprit de corps.

During a team-building challenge, 1st Lt. Alan Roy (right), a platoon leader from Strawberry, Minn., and Sgt. Luis Garcia, a squad leader from Bryant, Texas, both of whom are in Company F, 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division-Center, low-crawl through an obstacle course March 23. The two Soldiers teams endured six other events after completing the obstacle course.

Tech. Sgt. Kevin B. Fowler Jr., a 921st Contingency Response Squadron NCOIC of vehicle management, sets up an operations tent on the flight line during Exercise Dragon Spark at Travis Air Force Base, California, Oct. 13, 2022. Exercise Dragon Spark consisted of Airmen from the 60th Air Mobility Wing and the 621st Contingency Response Wing to jointly train in preparation for a national disaster.

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

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Otoniel Delgado Jr., an area guard with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group (I MIG) participates in a combat fitness test exercise during the annual Odin Challenge, April 21, 2022 at Camp Pendleton, California. The Odin Challenge is held by 1st Radio Battalion to remind the Marines of what they endured during the crucible by performing a ruck run and squad challenges over the course of 10 miles.

A Soldier from the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School prepares to land on Luzon Drop Zone during free fall training at Camp Mackall, North Carolina September 22, 2022. The military free fall parachutists jumped from 7,000 feet above the ground.

A Soldier from Charlie Battery, 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade completes the weaver obstacle on Ft. Bragg, N.C. Dec. 6 and 7. Each Soldier had to complete every obstacle as quickly as possible.

U.S. Army Spc. Robert Howard, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Division Artillery, 1st Armored Division, takes on the confidence climb obstacle during the Iron Squad Competition at Fort Bliss, Texas, April 20, 2022.The Iron Squad Competition is a four-day event designed to test each squad and individual competitors physical stamina, Warrior Tasks and Battle Drill skills and military knowledge. The winning squad will advance to compete in the III Corps Best Squad Competition later this year at Fort Hood.

U.S. Army Sgt. Christian Reim, assigned to the United States Army Garrison Benelux, climbs over the Low Belly Over obstacle during an obstacle course for the Installation Management Command-Europe Best Warrior competition at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, April 3, 2023. The competition enhances expertise, training, and understanding of the skills needed to be a well-rounded Soldier. Winners will go on to compete at the Installation Management Command level.

362nd Signal Company trained at the Confidence Course on Monday 8 of August 2022.

Drill Sgt. Primus Brown instructs Soldiers from B Company, 3rd Battalion, 30th Infantry as they learn to high-crawl through a sand pit as part of an obsticle course on Fort Benning's Sand Hill Tuesday, Oct. 17. The Soldiers are in their fifth day of Basic Training.

FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Spc. Kyle Joyner (bottom right), a line medic assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, maneuvers a simulated casualty underneath barb wire during testing for the Expert Field Medical Badge June 25, here.

Colorado Army and Air National Guardsmen and Women compete in the 2019 Best Warrior Competition, Fort Carson, Colo. April 12-14 2019. The fourteen competitors participating in the four-day event were challenged to complete physical and mental tasks including a stress shoot, land navigation, written test, and other surprise events.

U.S. Army Maj. Kritis Dasgupta, a field surgeon with the State Medical Detachment, Maryland Army National Guard, receives rappelling instruction from the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina Kasarna Manjaca, Dobrnja, Bosnia and Herzegovina at July 18, 2022. Guard members assigned to the State Medical Detachment and 1-169th Aviation Regiment, Maryland Army National Guard, trained alongside active duty Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina soldiers in tactics, aviation, medical, and non-commissioned officer development. The Maryland National Guard will celebrate 20 years of partnership with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the National Guard Bureaus State Partnership Program next year.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division run through an obstacle course during a Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, NC, June 9, 2022. The competitors were tested on multiple aspects of squad capability including reaction to contact, a stress shoot, and a road march. The purpose of the Army's anual Best Squad Competition was to find cohesive teams that are highly trained, diciplined, fit, and ready to fight and win.

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

Spc. Whitney Badders on rappel during the 821 Troop Command Battalion, Oregon National Guard team-building event rappelling at the local Fire Department in Salem, Ore., on May 20, 2022.

A U.S. Army soldier waits for further instructions in the hull of an M1A3 Abrams Tank from the 1-12 Cavalry Squadron, 1st Cavalry Division to be secured for transport at the Port of Agadir, June 3, 2022, Agadir, Morocco. African Lion 2022 is U.S. Africa Commands largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joseph Grout, 133rd Security Forces Squadron, left, checks on a simulated casualty, Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Solin, 133rd Security Forces Squadron, right, in Volk Field, Wisc., June 11, 2022. Grout and Solin are participating in the first-of-its-kind wing-wide Agile Combat Employment (ACE) exercise for the 133rd Airlift Wing. The Airmen will be able to project combat power anytime, anywhere, while remaining operationally capable is the competitive edge the wing intends to sharpen over the coming days.

A competitor in the Best Squad Competition rings the bell upon reaching the top of the rope during an obstacle course at Camp Bullis, Texas, June 08, 2022. The Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition is a single event used to select the U.S. Army Best Squad of the Year, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Soldier of the Year. The Armys Best Squad is a loyal group of professionals who treat each other with dignity and respect, have the highest esprit de corps and are trained and proficient in their warrior tasks and battle drills.

An Expert Field Medical Badge candidate drags a battlefield casualty to safety while under direct fire during the final day of lane testing April 22, 2022. More than 180 Soldiers from across the East coast attended the combined training and testing for the Expert Field Medical Badge, Expert Infantry Badge and Expert Soldier Badge hosted at Fort Jackson, S.C.

Sgt. 1st Class German Sanchez, an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician with Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Command, pictured while navigating an obstacle course in the Best Warrior and Best Squad Competition hosted by 20th CBRNE Command at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, July 11, 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.

U.S. Army Sgt. Tarako Braswell and Sgt. Torrance Saunders, assigned to 982nd Signal Company (Airborne), lift a simulated casualty while competing in the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 20, 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.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, overcomes the monkey bars at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr obstacle course, Germany, June 28, 2022. The training at the obstacle course is designed to improve physical fitness and build teamwork.

U.S. Army Spc. Jongmin Yoo, assigned to the Brooke Army Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, swings across the obstacle course station during the 2022 Regional Health Command-Central Best Leader Competition in Fort Bliss, Texas, April 10, 2022. The RHC-C BLC is a week-long competition hosted by the William Beaumont Army Medical Center. The competition promotes esprit de corps throughout the Army while recognizing soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and officers who demonstrate commitment to the Army values and embody the warrior ethos. The competition challenges the Armys best leaders in a demanding, continuous, and realistic simulated operational environment.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, overcomes an obstacle at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr obstacle course, Germany, June 28, 2022. The training at the obstacle course is designed to improve physical fitness and build teamwork.

Fort Stewart, Ga., March 7, 2018 - Georgia Army National Guardsman Sgt. Doyle B. Pope, representing 78th Troop Command, Marietta, Ga., rushes through the final stages of the individual movement technique event during the 2018 Georgia Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition. This was the final of eight events during the day. (Georgia Army National Guard

Scenes from Day 2 of the Tripler Army Medical Center Best Medic Competition! Tripler Army Medical Center Desmond T. Doss Health Clinic- Schofield Barracks.

030325-M-6857S-003. Base: USMC Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 3rd Bn I Co

040505-F-6665C-015. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

Air Assault candidates rappel off the rappel towers on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, February 20, 2024. After successfully rappeling from the towers, candidates will rappel out of rotary wing aircraft. Army

U.S. Marine Corps PFC Nicholas Cervera, with Marine Corps Engineer School, crosses a rope bridge during rigging operations, June 29, 2022 at Camp Lejeune, NC. The Marine Corps Engineer School delivers approved engineer focused programs of instruction at the entry and supervisory levels in order to prepare Marine Corps engineers for duty with the Fleet Marine Force.

U.S. Army ROTC Cadets assigned to the U.S. Army Cadet Command 2nd Brigade accept awards for placing first overall during the Ranger Challenge at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Oct. 23, 2022.The competition is conducted over two days on a non-tactical course. The mission is to challenge Cadets' mental and physical toughness and to develop leadership while fostering teamwork and esprit-de-corps. Teams participate in nine graded events, each team is awarded points based on how well they perform in each event. The best team in each event is awarded a trophy for being the first, second, and third place teams. The number one team is The Ranger Challenge Winner for that year.

U.S. Army Spc. Jackson Bond, a member of the 82nd Airborne Divisions Best Squad, completes the 15-meter swim portion of a combat water survival test during the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 27, 2022. The combat water survival test consisted of a 15-meter swim with a rifle, dropping off a diving board, and removing all equipment while fully submerged in water.

220712-M-WC972-1192 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 12, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Col. David J. Hart, Commanding Officer of Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, discusses firing techniques with Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment in support of Rim on the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 12. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, climbs over a wall during the obstacle course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 29, 2022. The "O-Course" is comprised of various obstacles and is designed to instill confidence in recruits by overcoming physical challenges.

Spc. Ashraf Fanidi, an intelligence analyst assigned to 2-158th Attack Helicopter Battalion, maneuvers through a confidence course during the 7ID Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 20, 2022. The three-day competition was held to recognize the best Soldier and noncommissioned officer in the division through various tests including a ruck march, obstacle course, land navigation, R2 performance test and a board.

Staff Sgt. Janel Valdez, material manager, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, traverses the horizontal bars during the Best Warrior Competition at Fort Knox, Kentucky, March 30, 2022.

Staff Sgt. Caleb Stinson, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, negotiates obstacles to test his physical capabilities during the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The event included the Army Combat Fitness Test, warrior training, obstacle course, M-16 qualification, warrior tasks and battle drills, day and night land navigation, a Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and 20-kilometer foot march.

Pvt. William Elmore, of Maysville, Oklahoma, low-crawls through an obstacle during the Oklahoma Army National Guard Recruit Sustainment Programs Warrior Challenge at Camp Gruber Training Center in Braggs, Oklahoma, April 9. The competition prepares newly-enlisted Soldiers for basic combat training, foster esprit de corps, build teamwork and educate participants on the equipment and capabilities of the Oklahoma Army National Guard. (Oklahoma Army National Guard

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. -- U.S. Army Specialist Joshua Smith, 567th Inland Cargo Transportation Company cargo specialist, plays the role of a critically injured victim in the aircraft down exercise at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 20, 2022. The exercise tests first responders capabilities to react in real-world emergency scenarios and to better aid any affected Airmen and Soldiers.

Master Sgt. Christopher Nelms, United States Army Special Operations Command, Headquarters, Headquarters Company (HHC USASOC), finishes a low craw under the Worm Pit” at the Malvesti Obstacle Couse in the Best Ranger Competition, April 13, 2013 at Fort Benning.

020508-F-3820W-026. Subject Operation/Series: GUARDIAN CHALLENGE 2002 Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

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

Black soldier doing push-ups

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Brendan Ferrer Green, officer in charge of Logistic Network Operations Center, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and a native of Cambria, California, jumps through a window during the 2022 Iron Mike Challenge at The Basic School on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 7, 2022. Competitors from across the Marine Corps covered a distance of 20 miles, completing multiple physical and core skills challenges along the way.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jonathan Alejos, an automotive maintenance technician with III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, maneuvers down the log walk in an obstacle course event during a field meet on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 16, 2022. Units with III MIG competed against each other in various athletic events during a field meet for the commanders cup. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities.

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