Military Training Operations

Images of soldiers engaged in various training exercises, including securing landing zones, marksmanship competitions, and planning bridge setups, showcasing teamwork and military readiness.

U.S. Army squads from across III Armored Corps compete for the title of the corps Best Squad during head-to-head competition at the III Armored Corps Best Squad Competition at Fort Hood, Texas, Jun. 22, 2022. The squad representing the 89th Military Police Brigade, including Staff Sgt. Nathan Villarreal, Sgt. Noe Garcia, Spc. Kole Vigilancia, Spc. Austin Moore, and Spc. Daniel McCamish worked together to install an OE-254 antenna. 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 in the U.S. Army Forces Command competition at Fort Hood in August.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion 503 Infantry Regiment (A CO. 2-503 IN) secured an landing zone after dismounting a Black Hawk helicopter during Exercise Saber Junction 22 at Hohenfels Training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) In Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 9, 2022. Saber Junction 22 is a combat training rotation designed to assess the readiness of the 173rd IBCT (ABN) in executing operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with participating allied and partner nations.

Sgt. Bobby Morales, a networking communications specialist with 22d Corps Signal Brigade, and his teammates prepare to begin the Infantry Team match during the First Corps Marksmanship Competition at Range 22, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Feb. 29, 2024. The I Corps Marksmanship Competition is an annual competition, in which I Corps and subordinate units compete for the opportunity to be named the best marksman. Army

U.S. Soldiers with the 74th Multi-Role Bridge Company, 62nd Engineer Battalion, Army Reserve, plan how to set up their bridge across the Narew River during Defender Europe 2022 in Łomża, Poland, May 17, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

U.S. Army squads from across III Armored Corps compete for the title of the corps Best Squad during head-to-head competition at the III Armored Corps Best Squad Competition at Fort Hood, Texas, Jun. 22, 2022. The squad representing the 89th Military Police Brigade, including Staff Sgt. Nathan Villarreal, Sgt. Noe Garcia, Spc. Kole Vigilancia, Spc. Austin Moore, and Spc. Daniel McCamish worked together to install an OE-254 antenna. 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 in the U.S. Army Forces Command competition at Fort Hood in August.

Operators from the 20th Special Forces Group conduct an aerial assault mission during a training exercise near Chester Township, Michigan, on August 6, 2022. The mission was part of Northern Strike, an annual multinational joint training event headquartered at the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center in Michigan.

U.S. Army squads from across III Armored Corps compete for the title of the corps Best Squad during a head-to-head competition at the III Armored Corps Best Squad Competition 2022 at Fort Hood, Texas, Jun. 24, 2022. On day three of the competition, all squads were tested on their marksmanship and enemy awareness by individually firing on a training range with sporadic pop-up targets. The 1st Infantry Division squad converses while waiting on instructions from the range tower. 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 in the U.S. Army Forces Command competition at Fort Hood in August.

Boise State University Cadets from the Bronco Battalion prepare for the days field exercise in the foothills overlooking the City of Boise. Following the previous weeks field lab cancellation midway through the exercise, the Bronco Battalion returns to the foothills above the City of Boise for an exercise in reconnaissance tactics. The weather, unlike the previous week, is mild, with clear skies and tolerable temperatures. The Office of Visual Information for Idaho Army National Guard will follow the Boise State University Bronco Battalion for the Spring 2022 Semester through graduation. The program trains young men and women to serve as officers and leaders. Graduates will serve as officers in the U.S. Army, the Army National Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserves. Several seniors scheduled to graduate will eventually serve in the Idaho Army National Guard, while some cadets are already currently serving in the Idaho Army National Guard while attending BSU. Many officers currently s

U.S. Marine Corps infantrymen with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, advance to their objective area during Assault Support Tactics 1 (AST-1) as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23, at Combat Village training area, Wellton, Arizona, Oct. 17, 2022. AST-1 is a daytime, force-on-force event which affords prospective WTIs the opportunity to plan, brief, and execute a company-reinforced air assault while integrating the six functions of Marine Aviation.

U.S. service members assigned to Tactical Air Control Party Department, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), gather accountability of their personnel after conducting an air assault during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at Observation Point Sunkist (OP Sunkist), Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, California, Oct. 4, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

A U.S. Army Soldier with 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (2nd IBCT), 25th Infantry Division (25th ID), bounds forward to seize an objective during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center rotation 23-01 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Nov. 2, 2022. JPMRC uses training scenarios specific to certain environments to train the 2nd IBCT, 25th ID with joint, allied and partnered forces in conditions in which they would fight.

A U.S. Marine with Maritime Special Purpose Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fires his rifle during a small arms and M3E1 Multi-purpose Anti-armor Anti-personnel Weapon System range on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 14, 2024. The 24th MEU is a premier crisis response force capable of deploying and landing at a moments notice. The skilled 24th MEU Marines and Sailors who comprise the flexible sea-based Marine Air Ground Task Force are ready to answer the nations call to crisis, no matter the climate or place. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Santiago Ramon (left), a joint terminal attack controller, and Capt. Raymond Lessig, a forward air controller, both with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, coordinate close air support (CAS) on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, July 14, 2022. 3/3s Joint Terminal Aircraft Controllers conducted CAS training to hone their proficiency in coordinating precision fires from aircraft. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a tow bar vehicle recovery drill with a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement during a bilateral vehicle recovery training during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual 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. Marines, with Battalion Landing Team 1/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, posts security during a helicopter raid exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 13, 2022. The training simulated taking control of enemy an airfield and supporting further seize and denial operations. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a ready and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group prepare to integrate communication systems at a Mission Sustainment Team field exercise at Austere Field #6, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. Communications systems are used by all members of the team to ensure all mission goals are met.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade engage targets on an objective during a combined arms live fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 22, 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 partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Daniel Jones, a mortarman assigned to Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, aims an M252A1 81mm mortar system during a mission rehearsal exercise at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, May 19, 2022. Weapons Company convened with other units from 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment at Fort Campbell for a mission rehearsal exercise to prepare for the upcoming Integrated Training Exercise 4-22 in the summer of 2022. The mortar teams practiced quickly targeting and delivering indirect fires in support of infantry elements.

Romanian Soldiers prepare to launch a simulated assault against the U.S. Army's 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment (OpFor) as part of exercise Saber Junction 22 in Hohenfels, Germany, Sep. 13, 2022. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Armys 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. Armys Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas.

U.S. Marines prepare to clear a building during Korea Viper 24.1 at Camp Mujuk, Republic of Korea, Feb. 7, 2024. Urban operations training strengthens Marines' proficiency in navigating and engaging in urban terrain, ensuring readiness through realistic training of close-quarters combat scenarios. In its first iteration, Korea Viper demonstrates the ROK-US Marine Corps ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust between the two allies. The Marines are with 2d Battalion, 7th Marines. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Marine Corps

U.S. Army Troopers Staff Sgt. Michael Mathews (left), a weapon squad leader, and Pfc. Eric Reichwaldt, a gunner, both assigned to Killer Troop, Thunder Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment, share a joke while conducting a live-fire exercise at a remote location of the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, May 27, 2022. The 3d CR and enabling units completed a month-long training exercise at NTC, certifying their ability to deploy to an austere environment and support American partners and allies in international conflicts.

Screaming Eagles from 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment "Red Currahee", 1st Brigade Combat Team "Bastogne", 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) conducted platoon live fire exercises during Operation Lethal Eagle, Fort Campbell, Ky. The live fire exercises incorporated elements from their mortar platoon, sappers from 326th Brigade Engineer Battalion, and forward observers from 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, fire an M252 81mm mortar system on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 14, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class John Dalton Nocon, a corpsman with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, assesses a simulated casualty during a mass casualty drill during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 6, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual 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. Army Staff Sgt. John Sciara, a squad leader assigned to Chaos Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, runs out of an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle during a squad live-fire exercise at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, July 13, 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.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 12, 2022) Tongan Marines from his Majestys Armed Forces conduct live-fire training during Rim of 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 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Clay J. Adams Jr., an infantryman assigned to 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division repositions his Soldiers in preparation to ambush Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team out of Alaska as opposing forces during Exportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) program at Camp Roberts, California, July 17, 2022. XCTC is a series of training exercises between an active-duty U.S. Army brigade and an Army National Guard brigade, intended to increase the skills and readiness of National Guard units.

Arizona Army National Guard Spc. Juan Lopez, an infantryman assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team picks up an M136E1 AT4-CS confined space light anti-armor weapon in an air assault training exercise during Exportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) program at Camp Roberts, California, July 18, 2022. XCTC was designed to evaluate a platoons efficiency in reacting to a variety of engagements, including encountering improvised explosive devices, enemy combatants and casualties.

U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Fausset, a team leader from Lafayette, Ind., assigned to 1st Platoon, Delaware Company provides security at a temporary control point set up at the Chenigai Pass in Bak district, March 30. Delaware Company is part of the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment, Task Force Blue Geronimo.

On Range 47B on the Fort Dix Range Complex the soldiers from the 508th MP Company are completing the M240B Machine Gun Qualification. Qualification with the M240B machine gun Crew consists of achieving the minimum standards for 10-meter day and transition day firing tables. This qualification is completed with a team which includes an observer and a soldier manning the M240 machine gun. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 173rd Airborne Brigade prepare to jump out of a Chinook (CH-47) at the Novo Selo Training Site, Bulgaria, Feb. 4, 2023. This extensive training improves the Army's overall proficiency, reliability, and lethality. 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 partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 66th Military Intelligence Brigade fire M240 machine guns at the range during the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 11, 2022. Teams from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa test their tactical proficiency, communication, and overall cohesion as they compete for the title of Best Squad. Winners of this competition will advance to represent U.S. Army Europe and Africa at the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina later this year.

U.S. Marines assigned to the Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team, speaks with U.S. Airmen assigned to the 36th Contingency Response Squadron to discuss the aircraft refueling process at Pacific Regional Training Center - Andersen, Guam, Jan. 23, 2024. The Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team and the 36th Contingency Response Squadron participated in a joint training on refueling operations.

Twenty-two two-Soldier teams from all around the world traveled to Fort Hood, Texas to compete in the finals to be named the Armys Best Medic. The competition is a 72-hour arduous test of the teams physical and mental skills. Competitors must be agile, adaptive leaders who demonstrate mature judgment while testing collective team skills in areas of physical fitness, tactical marksmanship, leadership, warrior skills, land navigation and overall knowledge of medical, technical and tactical proficiencies through a series of hands-on tasks in a simulated operational environment. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Herman)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. stand watch over their baggage during exercise Iron Hand 22-09 at North Auxiliary Airfield, S.C. Aug. 22, 2022. Under the instruction of the subject matter experts, the team began training in concepts such as weapons manipulation and fundamentals, which are necessary to guaranteeing the site would remain secure with a limited official security forces presence during the agile combat employment exercise.

U.S. Marines in the mountains during a military operation.

Spc. Arthur Potas (left), a Combat Medic with the 330th Medical Brigade, Sheridan, Illinois, participates in weapons qualification range at a Fort McCoy, Wisconsin on April 3, 2022.

U.S. Marine Pfc. Fabian Villalobos, a field artillery cannoneer with India Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, positions an M777A2 lightweight 155mm howitzer during a direct fire training exercise as part of Steel Knight 23 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 5, 2022. Steel Knight is an annual combined arms live-fire exercise which ensures 1st MARDIV is optimized for naval expeditionary warfare in contested spaces, and is purpose-built to facilitate future operations afloat and ashore. Villalobos is a native of Ferndale, Washington.

Competitors representing U.S. Army Forces Command load a Carl Gustav M4 recoilless rifle during the Army's first-ever Best Squad Competition, held on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 4, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition succeeds the Army Best Warrior Competition and extends the competing element from the individual level to the squad level, as Soldiers never fight alone.

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, aims his weapon during a tactical movement during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 26, 2022. A MCCRE is designed to evaluate and certify a unit's comprehensive warfighting ability as the most ready and lethal unit within the division.

A Soldier extracts a simulated casualty Jan. 25 during the CSM Jack L. Clark Jr., Army Best Medic Competition at Fort Hood, Texas.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Charles Searl, a company executive officer with 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Ground Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, holds security during exercise Predator's Run 22 at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia, Aug. 27, 2022. Predator's Run 22 is a multinational exercise that simulates littoral combined arms maneuver in a large-scale force-on-force environment.

Soldiers with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) conduct Special Insertion/Extraction System (SPIES) training with the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade at The Sabalauski Air Assault School, Fort Campbell, KY April 14, 2022.The purpose of the training is to familiarize Soldiers with aircraft operations and to increase involvement in the Air Assault Culture.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ethan Jarn, a native of East Bethel, Minnesota and an ammunition technician with III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, maneuvers his fire team on an Infantry Battle Platoon Course during a live fire range on U.S. Army Garrison Casey, Gyeonggi, South Korea, Feb. 10, 2023. III MSB is conducting Bushido Strike 23, which comprises training events including a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation in South Korea to validate its mission essential tasks of providing combat service, security and administrative services to III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marines with Ground Base Air Defense, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) load an FIM-92 Stinger,during Weapons and Tactics Instructor(WTI) course 2-22, at Auxiliary Airfield II, near Yuma, Arizona, April 5, 2022.WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to A Battery, 4th Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, sync radios prior to a training exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, July 7, 2022.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 66th Military Intelligence Brigade fire M4 carbine rifles at the range during the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 11, 2022. Teams from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa test their tactical proficiency, communication, and overall cohesion as they compete for the title of Best Squad. Winners of this competition will advance to represent U.S. Army Europe and Africa at the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina later this year.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division secure a landing zone after conducting a long-range air assault at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, April 22, 2022. This exercise tested and strengthened the Marines ability to conduct distributed operations, while demonstrating their readiness to rapidly secure and defend key terrain to maintain regional security. 1/3 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines as a part of the Unit Deployment Program.

A U.S. Army Soldier from 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division provides security while other Soldiers load the wounded into an armored vehicle during training at Fort Stewart, Ga., March 2, 2007. The 3rd ID is conducting training with the assistance from observer controller teams from the National Training Center in preparation for a future deployment.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Robin Yi, the company air officer (right), assigned to 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group and Republic of Korea (ROK) Marines utilize an infrared laser designator during tactical air control party and close air support training at Pilsung Range, Gangwan Province, South Korea, September 15, 2022. Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 22-3 is one iteration in a series of continuous combined-training exercises designed to enhance the ROK and U.S. Alliance, promote stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthen ROK-U.S. military capabilities and interoperability.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Anthony Salazar, an radio operator with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, fires a M18 service pistol during a Combat Marksmanship Program range part of 2nd Brigades field exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 14, 2024. CMP allows Marines to maintain weapon proficiency by engaging targets in a competitive environment with primary and secondary weapon systems. 5th ANGLICO Marines refined their shooting fundamentals through advanced marksmanship training, enhancing their lethality. Salazar is a native of Fort Lauderdale, FL. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Company Europe (FASTEUR), conduct patrol base operations and live-fire training in Rota, Spain, July 25-27, 2022. Commander, Task Force 61/2 provides FASTEUR capabilities such as rapid response expeditionary anti-terrorism and security operations in support of Commanders, United States European Command (COMUSEUCOM) and Africa Command (COMUSAFRICOM), and as directed by Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet (C6F) in order to protect vital naval and national assets.

PORT HUENEME, Calif. (Aug. 9, 2022) Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Kelvin Derrada looks for the enemy as part of a simulated attack during Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 18s Field Training Exercise (FTX). FTX is designed to analyze a battalions construction capability, expeditionary logistics, and combat operations to support major combat operations, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.

A U.S. Marine with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines 3d MarineDivision, prepares to board an MV-22 Osprey at KamifuranoManeuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 1, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateralexercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance byexercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver acrossmultiple domains.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ross Butler, a combat advisor from C Company, 2nd Infantry Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade, Florida National Guard waits with Soldiers preparing to go through tactical maneuvers at a range in Hattieville, Belize May 12, 2022 as part of the TRADEWINDS22 exercise. Tradewinds 2022 is a multinational exercise designed to expand the Caribbean regions capability to mitigate, plan for, and respond to crises; increase regional training capacity and interoperability; develop new and refine existing standard operating procedures; enhance ability to defend exclusive economic zones; and promote human rights and adherence to shared international norms and values; fully integrate women into defense, peace and security missions; and increase maritime domain awareness to deter illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activities.

040324-A-6414T-017. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM State: Uruzgan Province Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Army Soldiers with Whiskey Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, provide security in the village of Kajir Kheyl in Khowst province, Afghanistan, June 12, 2013. Whiskey Company, in partnership with Afghan National Security Forces, talk to the population of Kajir Kheyl to establish relationships with key village elders and to establish the needs of the local villagers.

Airborne Soldiers from the 2-319th Airborne Field Artillery, 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, N.C., meet at the rally point during a strategic brigade airdrop exercise over North Auxiliary Airfield near Northern, S.C., Dec. 16. 2009. The Soldiers were airdropped in the exercise along with cargo pallets to simulate the seizure of a remote airfield, providing a joint training opportunity for the Airmen and Soldiers. The training mission included cargo airdrops over North Auxiliary Airfield, aerial refueling training and simulated aeromedical evacuation.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dakota Stogden (left), and his squad leader Sgt. Jose Torres (right), both assigned to Lima Company, 3d Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, post security at Range 600 during a squad competition at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 14, 2022. The week-long Super Squad Competition incorporates a variety of combat-related tasks designed to evaluate each squads proficiency.

Soldiers from the U.S. Army 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade and the United Arab Emirates 11th Mountain Battalion conduct an after action review of a live fire rehearsal while participating in Joint Readiness Training Center Rotation 23-04, Feb. 21, 2023. United Arab Emirate soldiers from the 11th Mountain Battalion are participating in the training rotation alongside U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade. UAE soldiers will train alongside a U.S. Army brigade throughout this JRTC rotation to increase tactical interoperability and readiness.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Bryce Semonian and Senior Airman Kyle Heskett, 99th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), participate in a Green Flag-West 24-04 training exercise on Nellis AFB, Nevada, Feb. 13, 2024. The tactical development exercise is designed to ensure EOD Technicians are prepared to carry out the 99th Civil Engineer Squadrons mission both at home and in a deployed environment. Air Force

Arizona Army National Guard Spc. Jacob Priem, left, and Spc. Oscar Zaragoza, both infantrymen assigned to 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team reload ammunition in a M240L machine gun in an air assault training exercise during Exportable Combat Training Capability program at Camp Roberts, California, July 18, 2022. The air assault lane consisted of two platoons engaging opposing forces on a platoon level and a company level during a culminating event.

220712-M-TN173-1326 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 12, 2022) U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, and Malaysian Armed Forces, conduct a simulated squad and platoon attack during a live-fire range while participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 12, 2022, on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Hawaii. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Marines with India Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, attach an M777A2 lightweight 155mm howitzer to a 7-ton truck during Steel Knight 23 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 5, 2022. Steel Knight is an annual combined arms live-fire exercise which ensures 1st MARDIV is optimized for naval expeditionary warfare in contested spaces, and is purpose-built to facilitate future operations afloat and ashore.

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

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kyle Grover and Staff Sgt. Jonathan Navarro assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd infantry regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, patrol a part of the amber zone, at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Nov. 18, 2022.Patrols of the amber zone are conducted in order to identify possible threats to the area of operation. In coordination with partner Iraq Security Forces to advise assist and enable them in the enduring defeat of ISIS.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fire an M240B medium machine gun during a live fire range in the Central Training Area, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 8, 2022. The purpose of the range was to improve the Marines ability to operate the M240B medium machine gun by firing at targets with unknown distances and perform remedial actions. 3rdMLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force's comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division coordinate fire support during Artillery Relocation Training Program 22.1 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Hijudai Training Area, Japan, April 23, 2022. The skills developed at ARTP increase the proficiency and readiness of the only permanently forward-deployed artillery unit in the Marine Corps, providing long-range precision indirect fires throughout the Indo-Pacific Region.

During a final phase of training, the Idaho Army National Guard Sniper Team was required to move to a location without detection, set up a firing position in a covered facility, identify a target and possible hostage and neutralize the target. After firing the team was then tasked with leaving the secured facility without detection.While commonly known as snipers, the official term used by U.S.Army is designated marksman. The U.S. Army Sniper Course is a seven-week training course at Fort Benning. With most formal training courses, skill training is an ongoing process throughout the year. The snipers of the 2-116th CAB trained for a full week separate from the main body of units in the field during annual training 2022. Their training encompassed individual qualifications, timed shooting exercises and movement to a covered location without being detected, identifying adversaries, engagement and withdrawal without being sighted. U.S.Army, Idaho Army National Guard, Sniper, Infantry, Orc

Close-up portrait of Norwegian Armed Forces Special Command FSK male and female soldiers.

A U.S. Army 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade Soldier and United Arab Emirates 11th Mountain Battalion soldier coordinate movement during Joint Readiness Training Center Rotation 23-04, Fort Polk, LA, Feb., 21, 2023. UAE soldiers from the 11th Mountain Battalion are participating in the training rotation alongside U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and 3rd SFAB. UAE soldiers will train next to a U.S. Army brigade throughout this JRTC rotation to increase tactical interoperability and readiness.

POINT MUGU, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2021) Sailors assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 11, conduct security convoy training as part of final evaluation problem provided by Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 1 Training Evaluation Unit. The Maritime Expeditionary Security Force is a core Navy capability that provides port and harbor security, high value asset security, and maritime security in the coastal and inland waterways.

Green Berets U.S. Army Special Forces Group soldiers.

Defenders in the 890th Missile Security Forces Squadron wait to begin weapons training July 19, 2022, at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming. Defenders must conduct different types of training periodically in order to stay mission ready and lethal.

U.S. Army Pfc. Hunter Owens, left, a cannon crew member, and U.S. Army Sgt. Enrique De Salamanca, a howitzer gunner, both assigned to the Carnage Battery, Field Artillery Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, participate in a live-fire operation as part of exercise Dynamic Front held at Oskbol, Denmark, March 27, 2023. Dynamic Front is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa directed, 56th Artillery Command led, multinational exercise designed to improve allied and partner nations ability to execute multi-echelon fires and test interoperability of both tactical and theater-level fire systems in a live environment.

A U.S. Soldier attached to 3rd squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment leads a breach during a Live Fire Exercise (LFX) at Vilseck, Germany Feb. 13, 2024. LFX enables soldiers to build cohesion and lethality as teams, squads and platoons to prepare them to be ready, capable and interoperable. Army Reserve

1st Lt. Amanda Ortiz and Sgt. Abigale Godwin, assigned to the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), loads casualties on a non standard vehicle 1081 Medium Tactical Vehicle as part of her training to obtain the Expert Field Medical Badge training on Caserma Del-Din, Vicenza, Italy, Oct. 25, 2022. The EFMB is a United States Army special skills badge that is awarded to U.S. military personnel and North Atlantic Treaty Organization military personnel who successfully complete a set of qualification tests, including both written and performance portions.

U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy sailors with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit provide security during a forward arming and refueling point exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 3, 2022. BLT 2/5 acted as the security element during the FARP, securing the area of operation 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.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Chaos Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, walk towards the range to start a live-fire exercise at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, July 6, 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, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

Kentucky U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), conduct squad live-fire exercise in Djibouti at Arta range complex, Djibouti, June 8, 2022. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, is a dynamic operational headquarters, supporting missions to counter violent extremist organizations, responding to crises and enhancing stability in East Africa.

Marines and Sailors assigned to Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 3/2, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), wait for a CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 to land to extract a simulated downed pilot, while conducting a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) mission on Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 30, 2012. The scenario consisted of BLT 3/2 inserting in a simulated hostile environment to recover two downed pilots. This training is part of the 26th MEUs pre-deployment training program. The 26th MEU is slated to deploy in 2013.

U.S. East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs), U.S. Army Green Berets from 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and Norwegian Naval Special Operations Commandos conduct close quarters combat training aboard U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Cypress (WLB 210), to strengthen interoperability with and develop skills in an extreme Arctic environment in Kodiak, Alaska, Feb. 24, 2024, during Arctic Edge 24. AE24 is an annual defense exercise for U.S. Northern Command emphasizing Joint Force operations in an extreme cold weather and high latitude environment and is designed to demonstrate the Commands ability to conduct Globally Integrated Layered Defenses in the Arctic. Navy

U.S. Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, prepare for the wet gap crossing as a part of Defender Europe 2022 at Dęblin, Poland, May 12, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

U.S. Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) maneuver during a company situational training exercise part of joint training between the U.S. Army and Finnish army at Rovaniemi, Finland, Aug. 10, 2022.

U.S. Army Soldier from the 1st Squadron 14th Cavalry Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, pulls security in the turret of a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle before a simulated opposing force attack on Army Reserve Soldiers during the Combat Support Training Exercise 91-22-01 at Fort Hunter Liggett, California, June 16. The exercise provides participants at CSTX the opportunity to train against a real thinking opposing force, said Capt. Jackson Turner, an armor officer for the 1-14 CAV.

Members of the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit assess damage to flightline surfaces and catalog Unexploded Ordinance items on Nellis AFB, Nevada, Feb. 13, 2024, as a part of Green Flag-West 24-04. Rapid Airfield Damage Assessment (RADA) is the first phase of Rapid Airfield Damage Recovery (RADR). Air Force

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. Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, perform immediate action drills with an M16A4 service rifle during tactical small unit leaders course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 2, 2022. 1st Radio Battalion participated in TSULC in order to give small unit leaders the confidence, knowledge and ability to better lead their Marines in combat situations.

U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Mark Scott, a Security Force member of Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah, pulls security from his battle position during an escort detail on Forward Operating Base Farah, Farah province, Afghanistan, April 7. Scott and the SECFOR are responsible for ensuring the safety of everyone assigned to FOB Farah. PRT Farah is a unit of soldiers, sailors and airmen working with various government and non-government agencies tasked with facilitating governance and stability in the region by working hand in hand with local officials and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The goal of the PRT is to promote the Afghan government and their ability to resolve local issues and provide security to the people. The GIRoA and PRT are dedicated to finding long lasting and sustainable solutions to the instability in the region and shift the population's dependence from foreign aid to the local and national government.

Attention class of 2022, contact your local recruiter for more information about the various careers the Marine Corps has to offer you. We take your future seriously as you should too. Explore all your options. (U.S, Marine Corps graphic by Sgt. Robert G. Gavaldon)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Luc Cogger (left), a radio operator with Lima Company, 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment (3/7), Ground Combat Element (GCE), Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, and Sgt. Terrance Jones (center), a joint terminal attack controller, with Lima Co., 3/7, GCE, MRF-D 22, and 1st Lt. Charles Searl V, the executive officer of Lima Co., 3/7, GCE, MRF-D 22, observe an MV-22 Osprey with the Aviation Combat Element (ACE), MRF-D 22, land during a long-range casualty evacuation as part of exercise Southern Jackaroo 22 at Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA), Queensland, Australia May 24, 2022. The MRF-D 22 ACEs MV-22 Ospreys traveled from Darwin, NT, Australia to SWBTA to conduct the long-range CASEVAC drill.

Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21538071 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathan A. Harrison along with paratroopers assigned to Battle Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), advance to an objective during a live fire exercise, part of Exercise Rock Proof in Postonja, Slovenia May 6, 2014. Exercise Rock Proof is a two-week long bilateral training exercise between the 173rd IBCT (Airborne) and Slovenian soldiers assigned to the 10th Battalion.

A Republic of Korea (ROK) Marine and U.S. Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group prepare to call in close air support during tactical air control party and close air support training at Pilsung Range, Gangwan Province, South Korea, September 15, 2022. Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 22-3 is one iteration in a series of continuous combined-training exercises designed to enhance the ROK and U.S. Alliance, promote stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthen ROK-U.S. military capabilities and interoperability.

Soldiers with the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), execute a wet gap crossing with the 502nd Multi-Role Bridge Company, 19th Engineering Battalion on Fort Knox, KY, April 28, 2022. The purpose of this mission was to allow the bridging company to meet their training objective while helping the Iron Rakkasans shorten the distance to their next training objective.

U.S. soldiers unload gear from a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey at a combat outpost in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

New York Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, conduct a platoon live-fire exercise at Fort Drum, Jun. 29. The battalion is honing its warfighting skills for an upcoming deployment to Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, slated for later this summer.

U.S. Marines with 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, fire an M777 howitzer during Exercise Rolling Thunder at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 17, 2022. This exercise is a 10th Marines-led live fire artillery event that tested the units abilities to operate in a simulated littoral environment against a peer threat in a dynamic and multi-domain scenario.

220427-N-TP544-1843 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 27, 2022) - Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire M4 rifles during a live-fire exercise on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) April 27, 2022. Kearsarge, flagship of the Kearsarge ARG/MEU team, is on a scheduled deployment under the command and control of Task Force 61/2 while operating in U.S. Sixth Fleet in support of U.S., Allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Stephen Boada, commanding officer of 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, meets with local media and officials during Artillery Relocation Training Program 22.3 at Ojojihara Maneuver Area, Japan, Dec. 2, 2022. The skills developed at ARTP increase the proficiency and readiness of the only permanently forward-deployed artillery unit in the Marine Corps, enabling them to provide precision indirect fires.

Airman Giovanni Williams, 18th Security Forces Squadron defender, rehearses proper room-clearing procedures before the start of an active shooter training exercise on Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 22, 2022. Simulated active shooter training allows instructors to evaluate 18th SFS defenders on their communication skills, weapons handling, performance under pressure and room-clearing procedures.

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