Military Weapon Training

Photos illustrating soldiers practicing with various military firearms and weapon systems during training exercises, focusing on skill development and readiness.

Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers fly an RQ-11B Raven Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) over drop zone Badger at Fort McCoy, Wis., Sept. 9, 2022. The training is part of a two-week skills course taught by instructors from the Wisconsin Military Academy. U.S. Army photo by Kevin W. Clark

Sgt. 1st Class Marshall Gross, an internment/resettlement specialist with the 224th Military Police Company inspects an MK-19 Grenade Launcher during a gunnery range as part of Pacific Warrior. Soldiers with the 11th Military Police Brigade spent two weeks in Fort Hunter Liggett, California training on basic Army Warrior Tasks, weapons qualification, military police specific tasks, and support tasks.

A Soldier of Squad 7, United States Army Reserves, makes adjustments to their iron sights at a zero range during the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 2, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Kyle Castrovinci)

U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Ayala, tank gunner, 4th Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, slides the back plate back on an M2 .50 caliber machine gun during Gunnery Skills Test (GST) on day 4 of the Sullivan Cup Competition, at Fort Benning, Ga., April 28, 2022. GST is designed to develop and test the proficiency of Abrams and Bradley crews, and individual armor crewmen on their ability to properly use and maintain their weapon systems and execute gunnery techniques.

Master Sgt. Joshua Stanton, 815th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, holds a chain as Staff Sgt. LaWanna Johnson, 403rd Force Support Squadron services specialist, secures a forklift to a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Sept. 10, 2022. Johnson participated in Multi-Capable Airman training in an effort to learn skills outside of her Air Force Specialy Code for Agile Combat Employment.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Conor Mills, left, and Staff Sgt. Eric Fields, 409th Air Expeditionary Group radar, airfield and weather systems technicians, install a new window to an MSN-7 mobile control tower to ensure visibility of the airfield at Air Base 201, Niger, Jan. 8, 2024. The RAWS team is on call around the clock to enable airlift and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions to protect U.S. forces operating in the region.

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (March 30, 2023) Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, range coaches work together to load and sort magazines onboard Naval Station Rota, March 30, 2023. NMCB 1 operates as a part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 68 for deployment across the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Yung Kim, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician, installs battery packs on an EOD robot during a training event at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 11, 2022. EOD robots are used to maximize the protection of technicians during training scenarios and real-world events.

Spc. Mathew Elgie and Malcolm Tillman from 1st Battlion, 501 Parachute Infantry Regiment (Geronimo), 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division discuss disassembling M240B Machine Guns during the Basic Soldiers Tasks lanes march June 29 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for the Best Squad Competition. The Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition is a single event used to select the U.S. Army Best Squad of the Year, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Soldier of the Year. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Christopher B. Dennis/11th Airborne Division Public Affairs NCO)

Demonstrating versatility, a skilled soldier of the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, efficiently operates a generator at the Drawsko Combat Training Center, Poland, on January 22, 2024. The troops of the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment have undertaken a myriad of training exercises, ranging from Abrams and Bradley Gunnery to an upcoming Platoon Life Fire Exercise.

Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers fly an RQ-11B Raven Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) over drop zone Badger at Fort McCoy, Wis., Sept. 9, 2022. The training is part of a two-week skills course taught by instructors from the Wisconsin Military Academy. U.S. Army photo by Kevin W. Clark

From the left, Staff Sgt. Joshua MacDonell, Airman 1st Class BrianCaskey and Airman Jason King, 341st Civil Engineer Squadronmembers, plot points on a map for a land navigation course during aCES exercise May 10, 2022, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.The group learned about tactical convoys, individual movementtechniques, defensive fighting positions, field sanitation and nightvision devices.

Staff. Sgt. Zachary Pennington, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with the 775th Civil Engineering Squadrons EOD flight, performs reconnaissance procedures on an unknown ordnance item at the Air Force EOD Team of the Year Grand Finale competition held at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Indiana, July 25-27, 2022. Hosted by the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, the competition seeks to drive innovation, restore readiness, and develop and retain leaders within the EOD career field.

U.S. Army Pvt. Jason Samek, Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment Mountain), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, left, receives rappel instruction during winter mobility sustainment training at the Ethan Allen Firing Range, Jericho, Vt., March 5, 2023. Special equipment, such as climbing rope, sit harness, carabiners, and crampons, allows Soldiers to negotiate steep terrain and vertical obstacles that are otherwise impassable.

More than 600 Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers, joined by Soldiers from the Montana, Oregon, Ohio and South Carolina Army National Guards, have been training in Fort Bliss, Texas, since mobilizing from Gowen Field in early August. The task force, Task Force Rattler, will deploy to Southwest Asia later this month in support of Operation Spartan Shield, where they will rotate out with 250 Soldiers from the Idaho Army National Guard as well as Soldiers from the Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Florida Army National Guards. Each rotation is approximately 12 months. Soldiers from the 118th Infantry Regiment from South Carolina National Guard and the 285th Medical Company from the Ohio National Guard are also part of Task Force Rattler, which provide the task force the ability to execute combined arms maneuvers. The intense training at Fort Bliss consisted of long hours with day and night combined arms maneuver missions with the Idaho Army National Guard shooting 120mm mortar rounds from M113 A

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 1-114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, prepare to fire the 120mm mortar weapon system during training on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, June 3, 2022. Mortar Systems provide the maneuver commander rapid, responsive, indirect fires in support of combat operations.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Jon Haas, an operations chief, left, and Lance Cpl. Bryan VelazcoAndrade, an advanced field artillery tactical data system operator, right, both with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, check the radio signal during a joint training exercise at North Auxiliary Airfield, South Carolina, Oct. 18, 2022. During the exercise, personnel rapidly on-loaded and off-loaded a Humvee and two High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, known as HIMARs, onto an aircraft in a simulated deployed environment.

U.S. Soldiers with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team train with M224 60 mm mortar systems during an exercise at Camp McGregor, New Mexico, Jan. 14, 2024. They are training at Camp McGregor as they prepare for a deployment to the Horn of Africa.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, gets into an Ultra-light Tactical All-terrain Vehicle at Air Base 201, Niger, Aug. 26, 2022. France surveyed the base's perimeter during his visit.

Tech. Sgt. Charles Cotton, 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels support supervisor, right, assists Marines with a Forward Aerial Refueling Point by guiding a fuel hose from an aerial bulk fuels delivery system to an empty fuel bladder at Iwo Jima Airport, Japan, Aug. 4, 2022. The 36th Airlift Squadron and 374th LRS delivered fuel to assist Marines in establishing a FARP directly after landing, showcasing how aircraft can become self-serving in austere environments.

(TIRANA, Albania) --- Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jason Gerstner, the aviation safety officer with the 1-131st Aviation Regiment, explains how the main rotor of a UH-60 Blackhawk operates to an Albanian Pilot, May 23, 2021. The Blackhawk was open to tour for military personnel and the general public at an event celebrating the continued success of DEFEDNER-Europe 21. (Sgt. Jaccob Hearn)

Sgt. Micah Miller, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician assigned to 722nd Ordnance Company Airborne (EOD), 192nd Ordnance Battalion (EOD) based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, sets up electronic demolition in preparation for render safe procedures (RSP) during the EOD Team of the Year (ToY) competition 15-19 May on Fort Carson, Colorado.The Team of the Year competition is where explosive ordnance disposal technicians face off in challenging scenarios and are assessed on fitness, technical and tactical skills and response capabilities.

More than 600 Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers, joined by Soldiers from the Montana, Oregon, Ohio and South Carolina Army National Guards, have been training in Fort Bliss, Texas, since mobilizing from Gowen Field in early August. The task force, Task Force Rattler, will deploy to Southwest Asia later this month in support of Operation Spartan Shield, where they will rotate out with 250 Soldiers from the Idaho Army National Guard as well as Soldiers from the Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Florida Army National Guards. Each rotation is approximately 12 months. Soldiers from the 118th Infantry Regiment from South Carolina National Guard and the 285th Medical Company from the Ohio National Guard are also part of Task Force Rattler, which provide the task force the ability to execute combined arms maneuvers. The intense training at Fort Bliss consisted of long hours with day and night combined arms maneuver missions with the Idaho Army National Guard shooting 120mm mortar rounds from M113 A

Soldiers with 341st Medical Multifunction Battalion from Seagoville, Texas, load a casualty onto a UH-72 Lakota helicopter during hot-cold litter training during the Golden Coyote Training Exercise at Camp Rapid, South Dakota, June 14, 2022. Golden Coyote is a three-phase, scenario-driven exercise conducted in South Dakota and Wyoming, which enables commanders to focus on mission essential task requirements, warrior tasks and battle drills, including performing a hot-cold litter carry.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Eric Sanderson, left, 13th Air Support Operations Squadron tactical air control party officer, and Senior Airman Sean Seefeldt, 13th ASOS TACP specialist, build a high frequency field antenna during Wraith Challenge 22 in Burnet, Texas, Oct. 5, 2022. Wraith Challenge 22 brought seven teams of tactical air control party Airmen from the 3rd ASOG together to compete in tests of physical and mental challenges.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alex Argueta, a bulk fuel specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, left, shows fuel equipment to Col. Christopher Haar, commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3d Marine Logistics Group, at a forward arming and refueling point during KAMANDAG 6 at Subic Bay International Airport, Philippines, Oct. 5, 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.

Day two of the 310th ESC Best Warrior Competition, Feb. 5, 2024 consisted of the M17 pistol qualification and land navigation at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. 2nd Lt. Joshua Kersey plots his points on a map during the day land navigation portion of the day's events.

Spc. Jordan Sherey, a mortarman from 1st Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division disassembles, reassembles, and performs a function check on the M240 machine gun as part of the 2023 Best Ranger Competition at Fort Benning, Georgia, on April 11, 2023. Day two of the competition tested various physical, technical, and tactical tasks to determine which team would take home the title of the "Best Mortar Team."

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Anthony Nelson, right, 60th Security Forces Squadron firing line official, assesses bullet strikes on a paper target with Capt. Marquis Taylor, 60th Mission Support Group executive officer, during a National Police Week event at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 17, 2022. The 60th SFS celebrated National Police Week by organizing events to honor all Defenders, Masters-at-Arms, Air Force Office of Special Investigations members and law enforcement officers who have served, are currently serving and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Grant McDaniel, left, and Lance Cpl. Renee Holly, right, both water support technicians with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, set up a reversed osmosis water purifying system at Dagmar North Training Area, Republic of Korea, July 9, 2022. Marines with 9th ESB are participating in a large-scale field training exercise focused on leveraging the integrated capabilities of joint and allied partners to strengthen all-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed mountainous environment.

220602-N-PG340-1084 SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND, Calif. (June 2, 2022) Builder Constructionman Zachary Wright (left) and Builder Constructionman Rodrigo Mejiahernandez, with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, measure and cut plywood during Operation Turning Point, also known as their Field Training Exercise, at San Clemente Island. Operation Turning Point is an around the clock exercise that focuses on constructing advanced bases while maintaining proficiency in tactics and survivability. NMCB-5 is homeported out of Port Hueneme, California. They train on high-quality construction, expeditionary logistics, and combat operations to execute construction and engineering projects for major combat operations, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.

220605-N-MQ841-1323 VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. (June 5, 2022) Equipment Operator 2nd Class Thomas Mann, assigned to Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1, instructs U.S Navy Seabees with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 and Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 how to use the ProAll crete mobile during Operation Turning Point, also known as their Field Training Exercise at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Operation Turning Point is an around the clock exercise that focuses on constructing advanced bases while maintaining proficiency in tactics and survivability. NMCB-5 is homeported out of Port Hueneme, California. They train on high-quality construction, expeditionary logistics, and combat operations to execute construction and engineering projects for major combat operations, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Braden Stolter from Brookings, Oregon, assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), waits to load ammunition into an M240D 7.62mm machine gun, in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22, at Yodaville, near Yuma, Arizona, March 30, 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.

Explosive ordinance disposal technicians (EOD) with 749th Ordnance Company participates in a joint interoperability exercise with TSA transportation security specialist- explosives (TSSE), CSPD bomb squad, and the airport police for the purpose of bomb squad support to the Colorado springs municipal airport, Colorado Springs, Colorado, May 11, 2022. While fostering relationships under Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA), this allowed 749th EOD to run team leader certifications for TL candidates.

U.S. Army Pfc. Nolan Brewer from the 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment performs a routine maintenance check on a generator at Fort Bragg, N.C., Nov. 15 2022. The Preventive Maintenance Checks & Service is done once a week to maintain equipment readiness and to annotate deficiencies found to be fixed.( U.S Army Photos by Spc. Osvaldo Fuentes)

A U.S. Marine Corps engineer attached to Combat Logistics Battalion 5, Logistics Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, prepares a distraction shot to be detonated during a demolitions range at Kangaroo Flats Training Area, NT, Australia, May 5, 2022. MRF-D engineers and Australian Army sappers trained together to learn from each other, develop relationships, and to enhance their shared military capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron supervise U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 4th Fighter Generation Squadron as they conduct refueling operations on an F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 4th FS, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 6, 2024. Airmen with the 388th Fighter Wing executed a cold integrated combat turn and rapid refuelings on F-35A Lightning IIs with service members switching maintenance roles as part of Agile Combat Employment training that fosters multi-capable Airmen. Air Force

U.S. Army Staff. Sgt. Jovany Diaz and Spc. Alex Caraballo, Apache helicopter repairers, assigned to Delta Company, 1-3rd Attack Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, torque down the aft engine mount of an AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter at Lielvarde Air Base, Latvia on April 9, 2022. The engine mount is torqued to secure it onto the aircraft. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe that works alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retains command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

Members with the 374th Airlift Wing push a power generator at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Nov. 30, 2022, during Operation Christmas Drop 2022. Three Yokotas C-130Js carried with Airmen who participated in OCD arrived at same day. OCD is one of many events where U.S. and partner nation forces operate side by side, with this event emblematic of our mutual respect and cooperation with our friends and neighbors.

Senior Airman Korey Sarantopoulos, 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance journeyman, checks the electrical, brake, fuel, cooling and other systems for serviceability as part of a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle limited technical inspection at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, Oct 25, 2022. The 90 LRS is tasked with preparing the next generation of security forces vehicles sent to protect the 90th Missile Wing's ICBM system as part of Air Force Global Strike Commands priority to modernize.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cobie Flegler (left), 25th Air Support Operations Squadron precision strike team supervisor, and Senior Airman Blake Smith (right), 25th ASOS tactical air control party command and control operator, troubleshoot communication issues during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 4, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

Maj. Gen. Stacy Huser (right), 20th Air Force commander, learns about the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle from Staff Sgt. Colton Wilkinson (left), 377th Weapons System Security Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of training, during a demonstration at Kirtland Air Force Base, Feb. 11, 2024. During the demonstration, Wilkinson explained the advantages of the JLTV and the capabilities the vehicle offers Airmen. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Gordon Stenersen, 509th Civil Engineering Squadron Electrical Systems Craftsman, install the lighting system on the runway at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, September 26, 2022. The lights are a part of the project to improve the runway.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 David Diaz, UH-60 Pilot, explains the capabilities of the UH-60 Blackhawk to Iraq Maj. Gen. Raheem Al-Tameeme, advisor of the president of defense industries commission, during the Black-Sea Defense and Aerospace Exhibition at the Romaero Complex, Bucharest, Romania, on May 19, 2022. Events like BSDA present opportunities to showcase the capabilities of U.S. military equipment and the people who operate them.

Approximately 100 Soldiers from the 1430th Engineer Company (1430th EN CO), 107th Engineer Battalion (107th EN BN), Michigan National Guard (MING), conducted multiple engineering projects at Otsego Lake State Park and Young State Park from June 5 - 16, 2022.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Toth, a flight medic with Det. 1, C Co., 1-171st MEDVAC demonstrates hoist procedures during a combat lifesaver course run by the Medical Simulation Training Center on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 14, 2022. The Medical Simulation Training Center provides realistic medical training to both medical and non-medical Soldiers in the Active, Reserve and National Guard, and provide hands-on instruction on the latest battlefield trauma and critical care techniques.

An Expert Field Medical Badge candidate prepares his gear, May 23, 2022, during the 10th Mountain Divisions EFMBs evacuation lane 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.

040107-F-9871C-008. Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Staff Sgt. Victor Nguyen, a munitions systems specialist with the 124th Munitions Flight, spray paints serial numbers on assembled bomb kits during the 2022 Ammo Rodeo, Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Oct. 15, 2022. The rodeo is an annual training event in which Airmen spend their training time assembling a variety of aircraft munitions.

U.S. Air Force 104th Maintenance Group electrical and environmental maintenance Airmen prepare an oxygen tank for flight during an Agile Combat Employment training June 16, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. The 103AW and 104MXG trained on the ability to rapidly load and mobilize equipment and cargo to support contingency operations with limited resources and personnel.

030205-M-1852W-018. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Fuji State: Honshu Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: 3rd Bn, 12th Marines

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Robert Eden (left), an air traffic control team instructor, and Lance Cpl. Alexander Veytsman, a communications support specialist, both with Marine Air Control Squadron 1, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), set up a radio transmitter at the Inyokern Node during exercise Steel Knight 23, on Inyokern Airfield, California, Dec. 2, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver. Eden is a native of Dearborn, Michigan, and Veytsman is a native of Palisades, New York.

A group of Soldiers with the 883rd Engineer Company, Iowa National Guard, participate in a training event during Western Strike 22, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho, June 14, 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.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jose Bianchi, assigned to 56th Artillery Command, checks his shot group 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.

Mississippi National Guard Airmen with the 186th Communications Flight, based in Meridian, Mississippi, and 172d Communications Flight, based in Flowood, assemble a Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC-B2E) during the Hurricane Exercises held at the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center and surrounding coastal areas, June 15-18, 2022. THE JISCC is an interconnected diverse voice communications networks/devices used by the MSNG and public safety response agencies that provides on-scene command post services, commercial internet to the command post at the incident site along with multifunctional devices, VOIP phones, routers, servers, switches, and wireless access points.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. John Carlo Miranda, 36th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew team leader, right, and Senior Airman Logan Cindrich, 36th FGS weapons load crew member, load munitions onto an F-16 Fighting Falcon during the fourth quarter load crew competition on Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 12, 2023. Load crews must prove themselves during monthly proficiency loads, quarterly evaluations and everyday mission requirements to participate in the competition.

Members of the 239th Combat Communications Squadron ready a satellite communications terminal for use during Exercise BUMBU 22 at Camp Shelby, Miss., June 3, 2022. BUMBU 22 brings five combat communications squadrons with the 254th Combat Communications Group from their home stations located across the nation together for a consolidated training exercise. (Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Adrian Brakeley)

On January 18, 2023, Soldiers demonstrated their expertise and knowledge during training today, helping set up signal operations that provide communication between units far and wide. Nothing moves without their hard work and diligence, and we appreciate everything they do to make this the best Signal Brigade in the U.S. Army!

Spc. Andrew J. Webb, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician with the 630th Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 79th Ordnance Battalion (EOD), based in Fort Riley, Kansas, operates an AN/PYQ-10, Simple Key Loader, during the 71st Ordnance Group (EOD) five-day Best Warrior Competition held March 28 through April 5 on Fort Carson, Colorado. The winners of the 71st Ordnance Group (EOD) competition will move up echelons to compete in the 20th CBRNE Commands Best Warrior Competition, which will earn a trip to the U.S. Army Forces Commands Best Warrior Competition and potentially earn a chance to compete against the very best Soldiers the Department of Army has to offer.

220614-N-PG340-1352 SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND, Calif. (June 14, 2022) Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Robert Evans (left), and Chief Hospital Corpsman Trey Skaggs, with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, stow a tent during Operation Turning Point, also known as their Field Training Exercise at San Clemente Island. Operation Turning Point is an around-the-clock exercise that focuses on constructing advanced bases while maintaining proficiency in tactics and survivability. NMCB-5 is homeported out of Port Hueneme, California. They train on high-quality construction, expeditionary logistics, and combat operations to execute construction and engineering projects for major combat operations, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Colby Kuberski, an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle gunner assigned to 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conducts the Track Block Shuffle portion of the Starry Physical Proficiency Test during the Sullivan Cup on Fort Benning, Georgia, May 5, 2022. The Sullivan Cup requires mastery of individual tasks, technical and tactical competence, and the ability to demonstrate an array of maneuver, sustainment and gunnery skills.

Technical Sgt. Richard Holbrook, 2nd Security Forces Squadron kennel master, uses a Garrett hand-held metal detector to scan a Barksdale Airman during exercise Bayou Vigilance at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 18, 2023. Garrett metal detectors are capable of detecting medium size metal objects from up to 9 inches away.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Corey Ewing, 242nd Combat Communications Squadron cyber transport network systems operator, sets up a SpaceX Starlink mobile satellite at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, April 21, 2022. Exercise ARDENT CROSSBOW is the first time the 633d Air Base Wing is conducting agile combat support as an Air Base Squadron as part of Air Combat Commands effort to align into the Air Forces new four-phase Force Generation model (Available to Commit, Reset, Prepare and Ready). Through the stand-up of an Air Base Squadron and a supporting A-Staff, Airmen will be prepared to deploy as task-oriented, high-performing teams who are ready for crisis before crisis emerges.

U.S. Army Spc. Agustín Mendoza, an M1 Abrams tank system maintainer assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, cleans a part of the engine of an M1A2 Abrams tank as part of their annual maintenance at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 11, 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. Air Force Airmen, assigned to the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron, and U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to the South Dakota Civil Support Team, participate in an Explosive Ordnance Disposal exercise at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota , Sept. 08, 2022. The joint force exercise tested and streamlined S.D. Civil Support Team and 28th Civil Engineer Squadron tactics.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Sara Honigford, a bulk fuel specialist, with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, documents the amount of fuel given to a 1st Helicopter Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force V-22 Osprey at a forward arming and refueling point during Iron Fist 23 at Hijudai, Japan, Feb. 17, 2023. Marines utilized the FARP as a point of operation to refuel and rearm aircraft outside of a forward operating base. U.S. Marines with the 31st MEU and members from the 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, participate in Exercise Iron Fist 23 at Hijudai training area Kyushu, Japan. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the JGSDF, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 25th Transportation Battalion, set up an Inflatable Satellite Antenna (ISA) during an academics competition to demonstrate their overall competency on transportation management at U.S. Army Garrison Daegu, South Korea, April 6, 2022. The competition was held by the Movement Control Academy to maintain the battalions readiness and esprit de corps.

NAKHORNNAYOK RIVER, Thailand (June 8, 2013) A Sailor assigned to Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training, Security Forces Assistance Detachment, assists Operations Specialist 1st Class Robert Mertz, right, assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron (CORIVON) 3, in moving an unmanned aerial system drone between the pier and a riverine boat during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2013. More than 1,200 Sailors and Marines are participating in CARAT Thailand. CARAT is a series of bilateral military exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor Leste.

Soldiers from the Idaho Army National Guards, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion prepare their vehicles and equipment for annual training exercises on the Orchard Combat Training Center in preparation for deployment in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

U.S. Air Force Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear specialists, assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, package a sample of an inert chemical munition during a partner nation CBRN response exercise at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sept. 29, 2022. The exercise was purely simulation, no chemical, explosive or fire hazards were present during the training. The 378th ECESs Emergency Management flight, also known by many as CBRN, is responsible for working with RSAF to build and establish response and recovery actions for a wide variety of scenarios.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Hengstl, an observer coach/trainer for 1st Brigade Engineer Battalion, 310th Infantry Regiment, 181st Multifunctional Training Brigade, assists Soldiers of the 317th Engineer Company, 863rd Engineer Battalion, 372nd Engineer Brigade, safely prepare a Bangalore torpedo charge July 26, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. The group conducted a breach-in-stride demolition range as part of strengthening partnership relationships and to build charge familiarization and practice safety procedures while working with C-4 explosive agent.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, set up radio equipment during a communication check aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6), in the Coral Sea, June 28, 2023. Radio operators with BLT 2/1 conduct routine checks with their communication equipment to maintain readiness and proficiency. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America 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. Air Force Airmen from the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal team set up a static display during the Misawa Air Fest at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 11, 2022. The air show gave community members an opportunity to see various aircraft, meet military personnel and observe ground and aerial demonstrations, encompassing the power of the joint and bilateral forces. This years aerial demonstrations included the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A Lightning II, Mitsubishi F-2, a CH-47J and UH-60 helicopter alongside a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 1, 2022) - Lance Cpl. Tahoe Hopkins, a motor transportation mechanic assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts an inventory for tools to support the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) in the welldeck of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Sept.1. Periodic inventory of tools prevents loss or misplacement of mission-critical items while doing fieldwork. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport docks USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is underway conducting integrated training operations with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in the U.S. 3rd Fleet to prepare for an upcoming deployment

220927-N-YR675-9563 VIRGINIA BEACH (Sep. 27, 2022) - Brigadier General Marcus Annibale, Director of Expeditionary Warfare (OPNAV N95) examines a VR Defender remotely operated vehicle (ROV) at a static display about Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal capabilities during a visit to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two (EODGRU 2). EODGRU 2 provides skilled and combat-ready deployable forces around the globe capable of clearing explosive threats to support a range of operations.

Staff Sgt. Anthony Jones, a training noncommissioned officer assigned to the 478th Transportation Company, from Camp Pendleton, California, drives a palletized load system (PLS) containing approximately 2,000 MREs to units participating in Combat Support Training Exercise 91-22-01 at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., June 14. The exercise provides transportation units the opportunity to train and certify in the operation of the PLS, while ensuring fellow Soldiers within the exercise have the necessary supplies and equipment they need to complete their mission.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Bravo Battery, Field Artillery Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment prepare M777 towed 155mm howitzer ammunition during a platoon live fire exercise at the 7th Army Training Commands Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Oct. 27, 2022. 2nd Cavalry Regiment provides V Corps with a lethal and agile force capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater in order to assure allies, deter adversaries, and when ordered, defend the NATO alliance.

U.S. Army Soldiers utilize Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radios as part of the U.S. Army Pathfinder course at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 7, 2022. Army Pathfinders are trained to provide navigational aid and advisory services to military aircraft in areas designated by supported unit commanders. During the Pathfinder course, students are instructed in aircraft orientation, aero-medical evacuation, close combat assault, ground to air communication procedures, control center operations, all three phases of a sling load operation, helicopter landing zone and pick up zone operations, and drop zone operations dealing with U.S. military fixed and rotary wing aircraft for personnel and equipment.

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, prepares a jump pack for an Airborne operation at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Sept. 10, 2022. The unit conducted non-tactical airborne operations at the Army Aviation Facility in order to maintain mission readiness and proficiency among their paratroopers with the assistance of two CH-47s out of Virginia.The Army Aviation Facility was created through a MILCON effort valued at 11.7 million dollars and made possible by the joint effort of ASA Fort Dix and the U.S. Marine Corps Marine Aircraft Group 49. The 2100 square foot building is host to an Army Ramp Management Area which provides a wide range of capabilities for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft such as the C-130, CH-47S, and UH-60S.

Cpl. Lamm and Spc. Jubitz of Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), Oregon National Guard, help cross load 155mm shells to prepare for live fire training at Yakima Training Center, Wash., on July 13, 2022. During the training, scheduled from July 10-22, 2-218 FA prioritized basic artillery skills using firing tables to hone their unit's ability to engage and destroy targets at a distance with live rounds.

041211-F-0524H-004. Base: Al Dawr Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Marine assigned to Scout Sniper Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, plots target locations during an unknown distance range at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, May 18, 2022. Marines from the Scout Sniper Platoon 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 Marines conducted specific long-range precision fire training with multiple weapons systems to hone marksmanship skills.

GULFPORT, Miss. (Apr. 19, 2022) Builder Constructionman Nathan Wilcox from Gulfport, Miss. top, and Builder 3rd Class Jesse Hong from Sacramento, Calif. bottom, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, measures support beam spacing during the heavy construction training course onboard Naval Construction Training Center Gulfport. NMCB 1 is conducting an intense homeport training plan to expand their ability to execute construction, humanitarian assistance, and theater operations.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, prepare tires to be transported by an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor squadron 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing at Kin Blue, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 25, 2022. The purpose of the training was to increase Helicopter Support Team proficiency and to practice Expeditionary Advanced Base concepts in preparation for future operations. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

A U.S. Marine Assembles an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

A U.S. Soldier with the 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, releases a ratchet strap from a pallet of maintenance supplies in preparation to execute resupply activities, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 31, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Maria Busson, left, and Cpl. Elijah Stoker, military working dog handlers assigned to the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Provost Marshals Office, during Exercise Active Shield 22 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 14, 2022. Exercise Active Shield is a bilateral exercise conducted annually with the Japan Self-Defense Force to better prepare the air stations incident response procedures during base defense operations.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jonathan Webster, UH-60 pilot in command, explains the capabilities of a UH-60 Blackhawk to French Col. Gilles Randreau, CEMAT Representative, during the Black-Sea Defense and Aerospace Exhibition at the Romaero Complex, Bucharest, Romania, on May 19, 2022. Events like BSDA present opportunities to showcase the capabilities of U.S. military equipment and the people who operate them.

U. S. Air Force Airmen from the 123rd Air Control Squadron, Air National Guard Station Cincinnati, Ohio, perform Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training by providing rapid deployable command and control, and battle management capability during Agile Rage 22, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., June 13, 2022. Exercises like Agile Rage 22 are re-defining Air Force Command & Control operations, shifting focus to decentralized command and control for distributed operations. ACE is the ability to project combat power anytime, anywhere, while remaining operationally unpredictable to complicate an adversary's decision making process.

Airmen from the 151st Air Refueling Wing loaded a Polaris Military Razor onto a KC-135. On August. 6, 2022 at Roland R Wright Air National Guard Base Utah. This exercise was designed to challenge the status quo and allow the U.S. military to improve their strategies against our greatest competitors.

U.S. Army soldiers, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, replace a headlight on their vehicle during Motorpool Monday. Motorpool Monday is conducted weekly to ensure all vehicles are working efficiently.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Justin Monroe, a motor transport operator with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, inspects a water bagging system at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 29, 2022. Atmospheric Portable-water Sustainment Units bolster the 3d MLRs logistical power by taking in the atmospheric humidity and condensing it to potable water. Portable-water sustainment paired with 21st century foraging concepts enable commanders to extend and enhance operational rations for a period without needing outside logistics support.

220905-N-XB010-1003 SEA OF JAPAN (Sept. 5, 2022) - Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit respond to a simulated casualty during a static casualty exercise on the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) flight deck in the Sea of Japan. New Orleans, part of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility 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. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Terrance Rohmeyer, a logistics officer with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, prepares 50 caliber ammo on a Jehu 700 class landing craft during a littoral reconnaissance range in preparation for exercise Freezing Winds 22 in Syndalen, Finland, Oct. 8, 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.

13F advanced individual training students of Bravo Battery, 1-78th Field Artillery Battalion, conducted their culminating training exercise on 14 February on top of OP Andrews. CPT Ryaan Villagomez, the Bravo Battery Commander coordinated with the C-UAS school house and drone pilots to provide the students with a demonstration of a new UAS/UAV platform.

Col. Angela Ochoa, 19th Airlift Wing commander, and Senior Airman ()Felix-Soto, 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, place a tire onto a C-130J Super Hercules at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Sept. 19, 2022. Ochoa connected with Airmen from the 19th AMXS to gain insight on their jobs and help them perform everyday duties.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 16th Military Police Brigades Best Squad, plot their grid point on a map during the land navigation portion of the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 26, 2022. The Best Squad Competition tests squads physical, technical and tactical abilities under stress and fatigue to determine which squad from the XVIII Airborne Corps will advance to the Forces Command Best Squad Competition in the coming months.

Staff Sgt. David Moralina, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron water and fuel systems maintenance technician, tightens a rod bar stud at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 19, 2022. Airmen from the 8th CES tested their ability to provide clean water to the 8th Fighter Wing and supporting organizations by installing a water filtration system as part of a training event.

040731-F-0571C-059. Complete Scene Caption: US Army Reserve (USAR) Captain (CPT) Melinda Hutton (left) and Sergeant (SGT) Joseph Thomas (right), 109th Medical Detachment Veterinary Services (MDVS), 63rd Reserve Readiness Command (RRC), replace a needle in an auto-injector while conducting a Veterinarian Readiness Exercise (VETRETE) in Anna Regina, Pomeroon-Supenaam Region, Guyana (GUY), as part of a Operation NEW HORIZONS 2004. This operation is a four-month joint service training exercise being held in Guyana by elements of the US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) and the Guyana Defense Force (GDF), and it involves combined teams of US and GDF military personnel working on several construction projects and two Medical Readiness Training Exercises (MEDRETE). Base: Anna Regina State: Pomeroon-Supenaam Country: Guyana (GUY)

Senior Airman Miranda Parker, 7th Logistics Readiness Squadron aerial porter, verifies the documentation of a R11 aircraft refueling vehicle during exercise Noble Steed at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 22, 2022. Exercise Noble Steed is a no-notice deployment exercise which tested the ability of 7th LRS Airmen to meet combatant commander requirements.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Said Korajkic (left), a ground radio transmissions system maintainer and Pfc. Paul Speers (right), a telephone systems/personal computer repairer with Communications Company, Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marine Division, installs communications equipment in a BV-206 vehicle in Setermoen, Norway on Dec. 2, 2022. This communications upgrade enables U.S. Forces to better communicate during operations and exercises as well as set the ground work for advanced communications capabilities with NATO Allies in the future.

of 4