Military Training Operations

Images capturing military personnel in various training scenarios, featuring troops with weapons in natural and urban environments, showcasing teamwork and tactical maneuvers.

U.S. Army Ohio National Guard Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, provide cover-by-fire to other members of their unit during annual training exercise Operation Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Aug. 10, 2022. Over 2,000 Ohio and Michigan U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers conducted their annual training at Camp Grayling, conducting a multitude of training missions to maintain combat readiness and fulfill their role as a part of the U.S. Army.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division participate in an M240B machine gun range during Resolute Dragon 22 at Shikaribetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, move up the front stairs of the shoot house created by the U.S. Army and Australian military to train them how to effectively move through complex and varying urban environments, Nadi, Fiji, September 15, 2022. Exercise Cartwheel is a multilateral military-to-military training exercise with the United States, Republic of Fiji Military, Australian, New Zealand, and British forces that builds expeditionary readiness and interoperability by increasing the capacity to face a crisis and contingencies by developing and stressing units at the highest training levels.

U.S. Army Ohio National Guard Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, provide cover-by-fire to other members of their unit during annual training exercise Operation Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Aug. 10, 2022. Over 2,000 Ohio and Michigan U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers conducted their annual training at Camp Grayling, conducting a multitude of training missions to maintain combat readiness and fulfill their role as a part of the U.S. Army.

Sgt. Richard Carlson, a Health Care Specialist with the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Battalion, 94th Cavalry Regiment takes aim with the Croatian service rifle as part of the weapons qualification task during the Croatian Best Soldier Competition on May 24, 2022, near Slunj, Croatia. Croatia and Minnesota have worked together for over 25 years as part of the National Guards State Partnership Program which enable them to particpate in events like this. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette)

U.S. Army Sgt. Ben Gauthier, an infantryman with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, directs his team during a simulated airfield seizure conducted with the Royal Thai Army, at Cobra Gold 2023 in Lop Buri, Kingdom of Thailand, March 4, 2023. Cobra Gold, now in its 42nd year, is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored training event that builds on the long-standing friendship between the two allied nations and brings together a robust multinational force to promote regional peace and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dalton Noyes a basic security guard assigned to Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Company, Europe, takes cover during a hike as part of exercise Lisa Azul in Sierra del Retin, Spain, Sept 15, 2022. Lisa Azul is an annual bilateral training exercise that takes place aboard Naval Station Rota and Sierra del Retin and focuses on critical skills such as live-fire, helicopter rope suspension techniques, non-lethal combatives, and physical fitness to foster camaraderie and sustain interoperability amongst U.S. and partner forces and improve lethality in security and infantry operations.

Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. William Eldridge, a rifleman with Battalion Landing Team 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, provide security for an amphibious landing during KAMANDAG 6, Zambales, Philippines, Oct. 7, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

United States Army rangers in the mountains. United States Army rangers

U.S. Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, approach targets on a live fire range during exercise Alexander the Great 2022, Glafyra, Greece, May 5, 2022. Alexander the Great 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Greece, and Allied nations, enhancing strategic defense and partnership while promoting security and stability in the region.

A Soldier from the 940th Movement Control Team fires blanks out of his M4 carbine at opposing forces during a perimeter defense scenario at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, July 25, 2022. The scenario was one of many iterations and exercises that make up Warrior Exercise (WAREX) 782202, designed to enhance Soldier readiness and maintain a lethal fighting force by practicing Army Warrior Tasks and drills.

Arizona Army National Guard Spc. Gustavo Escalara, left, and Spc. Oscar Olmedo, both infantrymen assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, conducts security over watch, during a tactical exercise for Exportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) program at Camp Roberts, California, July 18, 2022. Soldiers were fitted with Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System gear that tracked Soldiers' movements via GPS and recorded information on shots fired from Soldiers' weapons.

A U.S. Marine, Australian Soldier, and two U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, conducts Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUNT) training during Exercise Super Garuda Shield on Dodiklatpur Rindam V, East Java, Indonesia., September 1, 2023. Super Garuda Shield 2023 is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in scope and size since 2009. SGS2023 is the second consecutive time this exercise has grown into a combined and joint event, highlighting the 6 participating and 12 observing nations' commitment to partnership and a free and open indo-pacific.

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, radios in for close fire support during a live-fire exercise as part of DEFENDER-Europe 22 at Oberlausitz Training Area, Germany, May 24, 2022. DEFENDER-Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises within U.S. European Commands Large Global Scale Exercise construct taking place in Eastern Europe. DEFENDER-Europe 22 demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO and the National Defense Strategy.

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party specialists assigned to the 2d Air Support Operations Squadron out of Vilseck, Germany, debrief with the United Kingdoms Royal Air Force during exercise Cobra Warrior 22 in England, Sept. 21, 2022. Cobra Warrior 22 is the capstone training event that concludes the training of the United Kingdoms Royal Air Forces Typhoon Qualified Weapons Instructor course.

Members of the 3d Rapid Deployment Regiment, Northern Army, Japan Self-Defense Force, fire an M24 Sniper Rifle during a bilateral sniper range as a part of Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 3, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

Soldiers with 1st Platoon, B Dog Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct a platoon live fire on a range at Fort Knox, KY, April 27, 2022.The purpose of this training is to execute a decentralized division training density from dispersed field environments in order to enhance readiness, while stressing communications and sustainment systems across extended distances.

British Army Reserves Ranger Joel Kane, a rifleman, Charlie Company, 2 Royal Irish, 7th Battalion, The Rifles, assaults a simulated enemy with a sword” affixed to his SA80 service rifle at Northern Strike in Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 10, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Sean Hunt, left, a company commander with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, coordinates troop movements during a motorized raid exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 14, 2024. The motorized raid was conducted to refine the Marines ability to carry out continuous operations in austere environments and execute strategic plans. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in 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. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Leonardo Garcia, a rifleman with Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides security while on patrol during a BALTOPS 22 amphibious training in Ustka, Poland, June 15, 2022. BALTOPS 22 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ambrose Ross, left, 423d Security Forces Squadron police services, relays a command to Airmen from the 423d SFS, during a field training exercise at Stanford Training Area, England, Aug. 17, 2022. Instructors from the 820th Base Defense Group and 435th Security Forces Squadron Ground Combat Readiness Training Center, conducted the exercise to evaluate and bolster the combat readiness skills of the defenders from the 423d SFS.

Forces Command (FORSCOM) Command Sgt. Maj. Todd Sims, alongside 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Command Sgt. Maj. Veronica Knapp and 1st Brigade Combat Team Bastogne, Command Sgt. Maj. Leonard Zawisza, observe the live fire exercise conducted by Able Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment Red Curahee, 1st Brigade Combat Team Bastogne, Apr. 25, 2022, Fort Campbell, Ky. During his visit, Sims focused on the real-world training conducted by the 101st during Operation Lethal Eagle II to observe firsthand the execution of the division-wide exercise and gain insight into how FORSCOM could better release training guidance.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance, Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a simulated tactical recovery of aircraft personnel (TRAP) at Fort Barfoot, Virginia, January 10, 2024. TRAP training develops the MEUs capability to recover isolated personnel and aircraft in hostile, uncertain and permissive environments. Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG) enhances the MEUs capability to execute special skills operations by training the command element (CE), aviation combat element (ACE), and ground combat element (GCE). Realistic urban training (RUT) offers an enhanced opportunity for amphibious ready group (ARG)-MEU interoperability training in preparation for their upcoming deployment overseas.

A U.S Soldier, assigned to Viper Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), prepares to fire an M3E1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapons System (MAAWS) during Ryske 22 at Rovajärvi Training Area, Finland, July 28, 2022. Ryske 22 is a combined, joint training exercise conducted by the United States, Finland, and Norway to strengthen relations and help build interoperability between partner nations. The 2nd BCT is part of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), under command and control of V Corps, America's forward-deployed corps in Europe, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 555th Engineer Brigade, I Corps, carry a fellow squad member on a stretcher as part of the warrior lanes exercises for the I Corps Best Squad Competition June 22, 2022, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Eleven squads competed over five competition days in events including marksmanship, fitness tests, field exercises, obstacle courses, a ruck march and a review board.

Soldiers of Bravo Company, 1-171st Aviation, Hawaii Army National Guard alongside Airmen of the 212th, Rescue Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard conducted pararescue training at Kahuku, Hawaii January 15, 2018. This is the first time both units trained together incorporating Chinook CH-47 helicopters and pararescue training in preparation for upcoming deployments.

U.S. Army Cpl. Adrian Manygoats, an interior electrician, Army Pvt. 1st Class Koltein Branum, a carpentry and masonry specialist, Army Spc. Elijah Knipp, an interior electrician, and Army Pvt. 1st Class Alban Jusufi, an interior electrician, all from the 555th Engineer Brigade, I Corps, jog toward their next assessment location as part of the warrior lanes exercises for the I Corps Best Squad Competition June 22, 2022, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Eleven squads competed over five competition days in events including marksmanship, fitness tests, field exercises, obstacle courses, a ruck march and a review board.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), provide support by fire using a M240B light machine gun on Saaremaa Island, Estonia, May 21, 2022. The 22nd MEU is participating in the Estonian-led exercise Siil 22 (Hedgehog 22 in English). Siil 22 brings together members of the Estonian Defense Force and U.S. Sailors and Marines under Task Force 61/2 to enhance Allied interoperability and preserve security and stability in the Baltic region.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare to return fire during a boat sustainment enabler integration exercise at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, June 8, 2022. This exercise was to integrate enablers into the BLT and teach them the foundations of using the combat rubber raiding crafts. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

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 prepare to assault opposing forces in a platoon-level simulated 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.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team prepare to establish a support by fire position during a combined arms blank fire exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 21, 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.

Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team STRIKE, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), secure the perimeter during an Air Assault demonstration on July 30, 2022, at Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania. 101st units will support V Corps mission to reinforce NATOs eastern flank and engage in multinational exercises with partners across the European continent to reassure our Nations allies.

An Infantryman with 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas takes aim on a convoy of trucks while performing duties as an oppositional force during Western Strike 22, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho, June 9 2022. Western Strike 22 is an eXportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise led by the 65th Field Artillery Brigade, Utah National Guard that provides National Guard Soldiers immersed training similar to a combat training center and aims to increase participating unit's readiness and lethality.

Alaska National Guard Pfc. Jericho Galleto, an infantryman assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team out of Alaska maneuvers to the end objective in a corridor platoon patrol and maneuvers training during an Exportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) program at Camp Roberts, California, July 20, 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.

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

Philippine Marines fire a U.S. Marine Corps M240B medium machine for a combined-arms, live-fire exercise rehearsal during KAMANDAG 6 at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base Philippines, Oct. 12, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual, bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

A 91st Security Forces Group member guards the fence line of a launch facility during an exercise near Donnybrook, N.D., June 29, 2015. Airmen from 219th Security Forces Squadron and 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron worked together to pacify personnel dressed as simulated aggressors and recapture a launch facility.

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

A Soldier with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, practices Buddy Team Tactics at a Fort Benning range on 28 September 2022. The Buddy Team Tactics instill the skills of learning how to properly engage a target, cross-talking and being aware of where their battle buddy is at all times

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

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Elliot Koy, an infantryman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, sights in with an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a training event at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec. 12, 2022. This training allowed small unit leaders to practice decision making and problem solving in a realistic scenario.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Brian Smith, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense chief with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6), Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, loads a M4A1 during a CBRN range in preparation for exercise Freezing Winds 22 in Syndalen, Finland, Oct. 11, 2022. Task Force Red Cloud, headquartered by elements of CLB-6, is deployed to Finland in support of Exercises SYD 2022 and Freezing Winds 2022 to enhance U.S. and Finnish select interdependence in the maritime domain; solidify bilateral maritime maneuver within the Finnish littoral environment; and foster strong relationships between U.S. Marine Corps and Finnish Defense Force sustainment units.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Anthony Palmer, left, a fire and effects integrator, with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, observes a Marines course of fire during a Combat Marksmanship Program range as part of 2nd Brigade Platoons field exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 14, 2024. This CMP allows Marines to maintain weapon proficiency by engaging targets in a stress-induced environment with primary and secondary weapon systems. 5th ANGLICO Marines refined their marksmanship fundamentals that enhanced their lethality through advanced marksmanship training. Palmer is a native of Orlando, FL. Marine Corps

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

U.S. Army Col. Michael Kloepper, left, commander of 173rd Airborne Brigade, observes his paratroopers 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 Lance Cpl. Jackson Simmons, a Flint, Michigan, native and rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, reads off positions during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 17, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, conduct a platoon live fire exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, June 1, 2022. The exercise demonstrated the squadron's use of the newly fielded Integrated Tactical Network (ITN).

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade provides security during a combined arms blank fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 21, 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. Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, post security during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 4, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

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, watches his Soldiers move forward 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.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st. Lt. Seamus Dwyer, a platoon commander assigned to Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, discusses an extraction plan with Italian Marines assigned to San Marco Marine Brigade during tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel training in Grottaglie, Italy, July 21, 2022. The training highlighted the exchanging of ideas and practices between the two NATO nations and further developed their interoperability. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, test fires an M17 pistol. Regular range visits allow soldiers to hone their marksmanship and ensure their weapon is functional.

A U.S. Marine with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division observes a rifle grenade range performed by Brazilian Marines during Exercise Formosa in Goias, Brazil, Aug. 04, 2022. During this training, Marines exchange infantry knowledge and tactics with Brazilian Marines to further enhance mission readiness. Exercise Formosa focuses on strengthening relations and interoperability between U.S. and Brazilian Forces, conveying the enduring promise to be a trustworthy neighbor.

U.S. Army Spc. William Caudill with Lightning Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment fires his M249 light machine gun during a squad live fire exercise at the 7th Army Training Commands Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, May 12, 2022. 2CR provides the 7th ATC with a lethal and agile force capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater in order toassureallies,deteradversaries, and when ordered,defendthe NATO alliance.

U.S. Army Sgt. Luke Trippi, a forward observer assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, crawls behind cover during a platoon live fire exercise while conducting pre-mobilization training 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. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, advance towards their objective during team live-fire and tactical movement training as part of Eagle Ursa at the training range in Slunj, Croatia, Feb. 25, 2024. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployableforces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployedacross Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships andstrengthen the alliance. Army

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Infantry Division Artillery and Canadian enhanced Forward Presence soldiers fire Canadian C7 rifles at the small arms range at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, July 21, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division Artillery 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.

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

During Annual Training 2022, Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers from Charlie Company trained extensively in tactical movements. At the core of those skills is the buddy rush where infantry soldiers practice the most basic skills of combat. According to U.S.Army Field Manual for The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squads; Every Infantryman, from the private enlisted Soldier, to the general officer, is first a rifleman. As such, he must be a master of his basic skills: shoot, move, communicate, survive, and sustain. These basic skills provide the Soldiers ability to fight. When collectively applied by the fire team, squad, and platoon, these skills translate into combat power. Of all branches in the U.S. Army, the Infantry is unique because its core competency is founded on the individual Soldier the Infantry rifleman. While other branches tend to focus on weapon systems and platforms to accomplish their mission, the Infantry alone relies almost exclusively on the human dimension of the indi

Pfc. Ashima Karki, assigned to 548th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, conducts a weapons check during standardization week of the Expert Soldier Badge, May 16, 2022, on Fort Drum, New York. The 10th Mountain Division is conducting E3B, which encompasses Expert Infantry, Soldier and Field Medical Badge, from May 16 to 26.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) participate in a training scenario July 26, 2022, on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 24th Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 was holding their 2022 annual training at Fort McCoy. (U.S. Army Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

U.S. Army Ohio National Guard Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, consolidate and prepare to move during a training exercise as a part of the training event Operation Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 10, 2022. Over the course of Operation Northern Strike, over 2,000 U.S. Army Ohio National Guard Soldiers conducted a variety of training missions across Camp Grayling as part of their annual training.

Modern warfare Soldiers Squad Running as Team in Battle Formation.. Modern warfare Soldiers Squad Running as Team in Battle Formation

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Chaven Marshall, second from left, assigned to 66th Military Intelligence Brigade, briefs his squad at the machine gun 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.

Competitor Squad 1 takes cover behind a wall at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility as part of the U.S. Army Reserve Best Squad Competition at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin on May 17, 2022. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Warrior Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022. The 2022 BWSC 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-focused events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, and a French Soldier with 4th Airmobile Brigade listen for instructions during Exercise Manticore in France, Sept. 17, 2022. Exercise Manticore is a French Army-led large scale exercise that integrated the Marines into a platoon-sized maneuver element to conduct offensive and defensive operations

U.S. Army Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers with the Cumming-based Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, conduct a walk through a live-fire lane during the Exportable Combat Training Capability Exercise at Fort Stewart, Ga., June 23, 2022. XCTC is the U.S. Army National Guards program of record that enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained Platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win battles throughout the world. The XCTC exercise will include approximately 4,400 brigade personnel from throughout Georgia.U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tori Miller.

Soldiers from Charlie Company, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion, practiced weapons handling, fast loading, and engagement skills during the first week of annual training.The 2022 annual training exercises for the Idaho Army National Guard are the last mass field exercises for the 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team before deploying in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Sgt. Andrew Polich, a joint fires observer assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, operates a lightweight laser designator rangefinder during Ivy Mass at Fort Carson, Colorado, June 8, 2022. Ivy Mass was an exercise which demonstrated the 4th Inf. Div. readiness and lethality by converging joint-fires across all levels of the battle space.

U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) post security during tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel training (TRAP) in Syndalen, Finland, Aug. 10, 2022. The TRAP mission was part of a bilateral exercise between the Finnish military and the 22nd MEU. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interest.

Members of the African Land Forces Colloquium (ALFC) observed a simulated attack on a town held by North Macedonian Soldiers playing the OpFor during Saber Junction 22 in Hohenfels, Germany, Sep. 15, 2022. ALFC 22 brings together African Land Force Commanders from multiple nations, along with select U.S. Army and Allied and partner army leaders, to 7th Army Training Commands Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas to address land force security challenges and opportunities. 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. Army paratroopers assigned to 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team prepare to move out during a combined arms blank fire exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 21, 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. Army Paratroopers, assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, prepare to establish a support by fire position with a M240 Bravo machine gun during a combined arms live fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 21, 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. Nathan Coakley, assistant squad leader, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, suppresses targets with his M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle, during a live fire and maneuver range during exercise Archipelago Endeavor 22 (AE22) on Berga Naval Base, Sweden, Sept. 14, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

U.S. Marines Corps Cpl. Joshua Quintero, a team leader with 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Ground Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, sets security on an objective during a company attack as part of exercise Koolendong 22 at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia, July 13, 2022. Exercise Koolendong 22 is a combined and joint exercise focused on expeditionary advanced base operations conducted by U.S. Marines, U.S. Soldiers, U.S. Airmen and Australian Defence Force personnel.

Kentucky Army National Guard Soldiers with Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, conduct a 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.

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), fire 60 mm Mortar rounds during DV Day Rehearsal as part of exercise Olympic Cooperation 22 on Oct. 18, 2022, at Petrochori Training Area, Greece. The United States commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the United States will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO Allies.

Cadets with the United States Military Academy conduct a team live fire at range 17, West Point, Ny., June 1, 2022. Live-fire training, a tactical exercise that combines unit tactics with individual and collective marksmanship training, can be the most realistic and stressful training a unit can undergo while preparing for combat.

DA-ST-88-04951. Base: Darlington County Airport State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army National Guard and Reserve Soldiers conduct urban operations training July 27, 2021, during the 11B Infantry Transition Course, taught by the 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute at Fort Pickett, Virginia. This training event served as the culminating event for the 25 Soldiers enrolled in the course, who will earn the 11B Infantryman military occupational speciality after successful completion of three weeks of hands-on infantry training.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conduct scout operations where they clear the objective before moving forward at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, April 29, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies in joint, bilateral, and multinational training exercises. (U.S. Army photo Sgt. Andrew Greenwood)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Noah B. Minner, a landing support specialist with 2nd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, posts security at a landing zone during Exercise Potomac Restore on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 10, 2022. Exercise Potomac Restore is a scenario-driven regimental exercise designed to get the regimental staff to operate in tactical support environments and incorporate unique capabilities of subordinate battalions.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Trevor Hancock, a team leader with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2ndMarine Division, prepares to aim at his target during an Urban Sniper Course on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 25, 2022. The Urban Sniper Course was led by Marines with the Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, to enhance sniper skills in urban environments through precision fire, engaging targets through glass, urban tactical movement, marksmanship during the day and the night, planning, and stalking in urban terrain.

Soldiers assigned to the 703rd Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, fire their M4 Carbine Rifles during a stress shoot as part of the Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, May 26, 2022. Competition events, like the Best Squad Competition, are a test of grit and toughness, foster readiness and esprit de corps, and are a fundamental part of the divisions method of building lethal, cohesive teams and expert leaders.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fire their weapons during an M4A1 carbine zeroing at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, July 19, 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.

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Shooting Team wait to fire their weapons during the Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition prequalification on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Oct. 25, 2022. The Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition enhances a Marines lethality on the battlefield via advanced marksmanship training and competition in support of the Commandants guidance to develop warriors with physical and mental toughness, tenacity, initiative, and aggressiveness to innovate, adapt, and win in a rapidly changing operating environment.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, conduct a patrol during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 4, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines fire an M136 AT4 rocket launcher while conducting squad attack drills during a Tactical Small Unit Leader Course on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, July 27, 2022. This training improved the Marines proficiency at the tactical level and developed small-unit leadership. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

1st. Lt. Juan O'Neal, Platoon leader with 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Air Assault conduts move under direct fire as he trains to recieve his Expert Infantry Badge (EIB) or Expert Soldier Badge (ESB) March 13, 2023 at Ft. Campbell, Ky. Move under direct fire is one of many lanes Soldiers have to complete to reiceve thier EIB/ESB badge.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines fire an M224 60 mm mortar system while conducting squad attacks during a live-fire range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 28, 2022. This training improved the Marines proficiency at the tactical level and developed small-unit leadership. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, conform to the foliage in their overwatch positions during a live-fire training at the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise on July 12, 2022 at Fort Drum, New York. 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. Army Pfc. Mason Tucker, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade prepares to initiate movement to 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.

A New Jersey Army National Guard Soldier of Bravo Co., 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, communicates with his team during a live-fire training at the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise on July 12, 2022 at Fort Drum, New York. 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.

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

A U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) East Africa Response Force (EARF), radios a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft in the Grand Bara Desert, Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2022, during a helicopter landing zone training. The EARF is augmented by U.S. Marine Corps aviation assets that transport and insert ground forces wherever they are needed throughout the region, supporting crisis response through seamless and immediate force deployment capabilities across vast distances.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, execute a brigade-level live fire exercise at a Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) rotation 23-02 on Fort Polk, Louisiana, Nov. 14, 2022. The live fire exercises were conducted alongside Dutch and Japanese allies at JRTC with missions including breaching and clearing buildings and calling for fire.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Luca Salerno, left, and Lance Cpl. Kayden Layne, both riflemen with Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare to communicates with his squad during an exercise on Hasto Buso Island, Finland, Aug. 11, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. 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, provides updates 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.

Providers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division conduct a UH-60 jump on Fort Bragg, NC, March 30, 2022. The jump serves to bring awareness to the Army's SHARP program.

U.S. Army Spc. William Mullins acts as assistant gunner for Spc. Alexandro Del Torro, both assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, while training on an M240b machine gun at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 23, 2023. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment provides V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps, with combat-credible forces capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater to defend the NATO alliance.

U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Dillon Mills, student, left, and Airman First Class Mardoche Angerville, student, right, load the M240 B medium weight machine gun as part of a live firing exercise during the Lightweight Machine Gun Course at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Oct. 4, 2022. The course is two-weeks long culminating in three days where students familiarize themselves with weapons by live firing in multiple conditions and is designed to ready students for mission demands on day-one of assignment at their new base where this training is not available.

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