Modern Soldier Activities

Images of U.S. soldiers engaged in training, firing weapons, and competitions, highlighting tactical gear and marksmanship in various scenarios.

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, reloads their M247 Light Machine Gun. Regular range visits allow soldiers to hone their marksmanship and ensure their weapon is functional.

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, reloads their M247 Light Machine Gun. Regular range visits allow soldiers to hone their marksmanship and ensure their weapon is functional.

A Soldier shoots his M-4 carbine during the 2022 Eighth Army Best Warrior and Squad Competition at Apache Range on Camp Hovey, South Korea, May 7, 2022. The competition is a week-long event consisting of several events to test the participants general Army knowledge and skills.

A competitor in the National Guard Region V Best Warrior competition scans his lane for targets on the known distance range at Camp Gruber Training Center, Okla., May 18, 2022. Army National Guard Soldiers from across six states test their physical and mental proficiency to earn the title Best Warrior at Camp Gruber Training Center, May 15-20, 2022. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Caleb Stone)

Pvt. Johnny Mingsing, a Soldier from Able Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, fires at targets during a buddy team live-fire on January 24, 2023, at Fort Carson, Colo. We need to make sure that our squads can operate cohesively so we can do the same as a company, Sgt. James Deakyne, an infantryman from Able Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, said. Getting out to the field, firing live rounds and training together strengthens the companys cohesion as a whole.

GREYWOLF Trooper, Spc. Daniel Schlosser assigned to Charlie Company, 1-12 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducts a platoon STX, Oct. 26, 2022. Training events like these promote readiness throughout the unit and help soldiers prepare for situations they may face on the battlefield.

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires his rifle during a deck shoot aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 10, 2022. The Combat Marksmanship Program is designed to sustain a units lethality. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Pfc. Nolan Murray, a nodal network systems operator-maintainer assigned to Eighth Army and a native from Walpole, Massachusetts, fires a M249 squad automatic weapon during the multiple weapon scenario-based marksmanship event for the 2022 U.S. Army Pacific's Best Warrior Competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, June 8, 2022. The USARPAC BWC 2022 is an annual week-long competition consisting of competitors from multiple USARPAC units across the Indo-Pacific. The noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted Soldiers are evaluated in several categories such as general military knowledge, basic Soldier skills, and physical fitness.

Soldiers with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Practice Battle Drill 6 on Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, July 11, 2022. 101st units are always prepared to deploy world-wide on short notice to conduct contingency operations in support of our national security objectives.

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

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade engages targets on an objective during a combined arms live fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 22, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

Soldiers from the 181st Brigade Support Battalion conduct a M249 Light Machine Gun range at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. on June 21, 2022. The soldiers are taking part in their two-week annual training working on basic soldiering skills and MOS refresher training. (U.S. National Guard photos by Peter Chang)

U.S. Army Capt. Colin Raider, 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry, pulls security in Checkpoint 64 outside Loy Karez, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Nov. 2, 2011. The members of 2-38th are in the area to meet with local leaders.

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment, aims his assigned M4 rifle at a target for the field training exercise during the multinational training exercise, Saber Guardian 2019, Ujdororgd, Hungary, June 9, 2019. 1/2CR is supporting SG19, an exercise that is designed to enhance joint combined interoperability between Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary.

U.S. Army Spc. Dante Carter, assigned to 66th Military Intelligence Brigade, fires his M4 carbine rifle 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.

Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21538189 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

040318-M-5523R-025. Base: Su Song Ri Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A U.S. Marine with 3d Battalion, 2nd Marines conducts a live fire range in Okinawa, Japan, May 12, 2022. This range integrates raiding and demolition tactics to enhance the Marines' ability to breach obstructions and perform combat operations in an urban environment. 3/2 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alfred Delgado, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, fires an M110 semi-automatic sniper system during exercise Eagle Wrath 22 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, May 9, 2022. The explosive ordnance disposal team uses the M110 semi-automatic sniper system to detonate explosives from a safe distance. Eagle Wrath is an annual MWSS-171 exercise at CATC Camp Fuji, Japan, designed to increase squadron proficiency in conducting real-world contingency missions while in a forward operating environment.

U.S. Army Sgt 1st Class Jaime Jimenez, a Army Sniper assigned to Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, 39th Brigade, Arkansas National Guard, zeros his Mark 12 Sniper Rifle on Burroughs Range, Fort Benning Ga., April 3, 2022. These snipers are the best from their home Units and have come to prove they are the best. (U.S. Army Reserve photos by Staff Sgt Austin Berner)

A U.S. Marine with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conducts a simulated raid during military operations in urban terrain as part of Realistic Urban Training (RUT) on Fort Barfoot, Virginia, Jan. 18, 2024. RUT provides the 24th MEU the opportunity to operate in unfamiliar environments, integrate the units of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and train towards being designated as special operations capable.

The U.S. Army Reserves Warrior Exercise 78-22-02 brought units and Soldiers from across the country to build on their readiness levels. Excercises trained and evaluated Soldiers on Army Warrior Skill-level 10 tasks. WAREX serves as an annual training opportunity for U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Noah Miller, platoon commander, Light Armored Reconnaissance Detachment, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares for a vehicle movement to a firing position during exercise EFES 2022, Turkey, May 29, 2022. EFES 22 is an international Combined Joint Live-Fire Exercise focused on increasing force readiness, promoting stability and prosperity in the region, and interoperability between the U.S., Turkey, and allied nations.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class John Armor, religious program specialist, assigned to III Marine Expeditionary Force, participates in a jungle medicine course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 26, 2022. III MEF hosted a media workshop event for Okinawan media representatives to provide a better understanding of what III MEF does in order to enhance relationships with their host nation. The media representatives had the opportunity to fly on military aircraft, observe live-fire ranges, and visit the JWTC. Armor is a native of Choctaw, Oklahoma.

Sniper shooting targets with a large caliber sniper rifle from inside a ruined urban building.

British Army Officer Cadets with The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst are evaluated on their leadership skills during a simulated assault at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Grafenwoehr, Germany, July 11, 2022. The simulation was part of exercise Dynamic Victory, one of the many training challenges that lie between an Officer Cadet and their commissioning as an Army officer from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

U.S. Marine Corps LCpl. Seth Salazar, a rifleman with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division engages a target during a course of fire as part of exercise Intrepid Maven 22.4 in the United Arab Emirates, Sept 22, 2022. Intrepid Maven is a bilateral exercise between U.S. and UAE armed forces to train with and strengthen our relationships with allied nations in the CENTCOM area of operations.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division (1/3ID) observes the enemy during a Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear simulation during Exercise Combined Resolve 17 (CbR 17) at Hohenfels Training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany, June 2, 2022. CbR 17 is a United States Army Europe- Africa directed, 7th Army Training Command executed exercise that takes place at JMRC from 20 May to 19 June 2022. The event is designed to evaluate and assess 1/3IDs ability to conduct operations in a complex, multi-domain simulated battle space. The focus of the rotation is to exercise combined arms operations in a multinational environment.

A U.S. Marine Corps Recruit with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, fires his rifle in the kneeling position during table two on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. April 12, 2022. All recruits must participate in the table two rifle qualification course during the 3rd phase of recruit training.

Master of Ceremonies Alexis Rodgers speaks to the Gold Star families and dignitaries during the American Legion 500 festival memorial service at the Indiana War Memorial May 26, 2022. (Indiana National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Edwards)

Staff Sgt. Jay Coil, defender in the 890th Missile Security Forces Squadron, aims his weapon at a target, July 19, 2022, at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming. The 890 MSFS spent three days conducting weapons training at Camp Guernsey in order to stay mission ready and lethal.

A Marine with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) completes M4 rifle qualification requirements July 26, 2022, on Range 18 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 annual training at Fort McCoy.

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Jerry Zabokrtsky of the Air Force Material Command aims his 5.56mm M16A2 assault rifle, from the kneeling supported position, and fires down range during the combat rifle competition at Camp Bullis, Texas, during Exercise DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000. The Exercise is as annual Air Force wide competition, sponsored by Air Force Security Forces, which showcases the talents and capabilities of 13 international Security Forces teams in 7 physical fitness events, base defense, and policing skills over a period of 6 days. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHELLENGE 2000 Base: Camp Bvllis State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to Bastion Company, 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade conduct a "seize the objective" exercise at the Novo Selo Training Site, Bulgaria, Feb. 3, 2023. During this exercise Soldiers are required to correctly and proficiently react to enemy contact, return live fire, and provide medical care under fire. Pfc. Jared Raisanen takes advantage of his field surroundings and returns fire to the enemy. 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 Reserve Staff Sgt. Jose Maldonado, representing the 85th Support Command, zeroes his rifle at the M4 Zero Range as part of the U.S. Army Reserve Best Squad Competition at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin on May 16, 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.

031107-M-6515T-273. US Marine Corps (USMC) Marine attending the Small Arms Weapons Instructor Course prepares to fire the 5.56mm M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) on the range at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Quantico, Virginia (VA).

U.S. Air Force security forces trainees practice clearing rooms as part of the field operations block of training during the U.S. Air Force security forces apprentice course at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Oct. 23, 2022. The field operations course is part of a six-week course designed to teach the basic skills necessary to new security forces Airmen.

U.S. Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division participate in dual door gunnery in their semi-annual door gunnery training exercise from June 21 to 25, 2022. A crew member fires the M240B light machine gun from the prone position during a familiarization fire.

Tech. Sgt. Kyle Luthman, a security forces member, shoots an M4 carbine during the 3rd Annual Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition at Fort Stewart, Ga., March 11, 2016. The competition, named after Georgia Army National Guardsman Andrew Sullens, is a premiere marksmanship event hosted by the Georgia National Guard Marksmanship Team. The competition goes beyond the traditional weapons qualification by integrating additional weapons systems and incorporating a simulated battlefield shooting scenario.

The 351st PSYOP Company is on the Fort Dix Range Complex on Range 34 completing their Table VI Qualification on the M4. This Army Reserve Unit is from Queens, NY and based at Fort Totten. Table VI, Qualification, is the Army-standard record course of fire (COF) used to determine live-fire proficiency on an assigned weapon. Soldiers receive their rating in multiples stages to be considered qualified for collective live fire or a marksmanship rating. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

French soldiers prepare for tactical maneuvers after running from an armored personnel landing craft during Defender Europe at Lomza, Poland, May 19, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Gunner Stout, a Reading, Pennsylvania, native and combat engineer with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, posts security during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 12, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

Pfc. Nolan Murray, a nodal network systems operator-maintainer assigned to Eighth Army and a native from Walpole, Massachusetts, loads a M249 squad automatic weapon at the multiple weapon scenario-based marksmanship event during the 2022 U.S. Army Pacific's Best Warrior Competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, June 8, 2022. The USARPAC BWC 2022 is an annual week-long competition consisting of competitors from multiple USARPAC units across the Indo-Pacific. The noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted Soldiers are evaluated in several categories such as general military knowledge, basic Soldier skills, and physical fitness.

U.S. Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division (3/4th ABCT) stage as opposing forces during infantry platoon situational exercises at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 6, 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; execute joint, bilateral and multinational training exercises; and provides command and control for rotational and assigned units in the European theater.

A Marine with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) completes M4 rifle qualification requirements July 26, 2022, on Range 18 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 annual training at Fort McCoy.

020507-F-3717R-007. Subject Operation/Series: GUARDIAN CHALLENGE 2002 Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Mason Rozmarynoski, a rifleman with Foxtrot Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, sets security after exiting a CH-47 Chinook during exercise Gunslinger 22 in Riley, Kansas, June 22, 2022. Gunslinger 22 is a joint exercise with the Kansas Air National Guard and U.S. Marine Corps designed to increase aircraft control and training for potential real-world contingencies.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Yaret Garcia Hernandez, a machine gunner with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division fires an M240B machine gun 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. Yaret is a native of Oakland, California.

U.S. Army Spc. Briana Jean-Jacques with U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart shoots to zero her M4 carbine during theInstallation Management Command-Europe 2023 Best Warrior Competition at the 7th Army Training Commands Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, April 4, 2023. The competition enhances expertise, training, and understanding of the skills needed to be a well-rounded Soldier. Winners will go on to compete at the Installation Management Command level.

040318-M-5523R-031. Base: Su Song Ri Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Private First Class Jonathan Buck, Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, fires the M240B machine gun during a live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 15, 2022. The range consisted of training with the M240B machine gun, while suppressing fire and denying the enemy from establishing firing positions for their fire support assets. The training hones the Marines capabilities as a squad that is capable of responding to a potential crisis or contingency.

A U. S. Army Paratrooper assigned to the Bastion Company, 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, engages a target during squad blank-fire and tactical movement training at Bloska Polica Range in Postonja, Slovenia, Dec. 6, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

Soldiers of Charlie Troop, 1-32 CAV, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) conducted a Live Fire Gunnery during Operation Lethal Eagle II at Fort Campbell, Ky on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. Soldiers in camouflage military uniforms carrying weapons, Reconnaissance missions in rugged mountains, Assault infantry battle training. ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/WosunanxPhotostoryx 21538178 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

U.S. Marine Corps recruit Kyle Hinkle with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion fires at his target during a table one live fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 19, 2022. The table I course of fire is the beginning of the Marine Corps Combat Rifle Program that uses a building block approach toward developing recruits into proficient combat marksmen.

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.

050615-A-0197H-003. State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Det 1 169th MP Co

A Marine with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) completes M4 rifle qualification requirements July 26, 2022, on Range 18 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 annual training at Fort McCoy.

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. Marine Corps Cpl. Taylor Benson sites in with an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during Korea Viper 24.1 at Camp Mujuk, Republic of Korea, Feb. 6, 2024. The live-fire training enhances Marines combat readiness by enhancing marksmanship, building confidence, and testing tactics and strategies to prepare Marines to execute their missions effectively and safely in any operational environment. In its first iteration, Korea Viper demonstrates the ROK-US Marine Corps ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust between the two allies. Benson, a native of North Carolina, is a rifleman with 2d Battalion, 7th Marines. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Marine Corps

An Army National Guard Soldier fires an M4 at targets during a weapons qualifications challenge at the National Guard Region V Best Warrior Competition, Camp Gruber Training Center, Okla., May 18, 2022. The annual competition brings together top-tier soldiers to challenge them on a variety of Army warrior tasks. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

United States Army ranger during a military operation.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Daniel Griffin isolates an adjacent building during the 3d Marine Division Squad Competition at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 25, 2024. The competition tested the Marines across various combat-related tasks to evaluate each squads tactical proficiency, mental and physical endurance, and decision-making skills to determine the Divisions most proficient and capable rifle squad. Griffin, a native of Massachusetts, is an anti-tank missile gunner with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment. 2/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Pfc. Kollin Wade and Pfc. Jared Steinhorst, both Infantryman assigned to the sniper section, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment "STRIKE FORCE, 2nd Brigade Combat Team "STRIKE", 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct sniper training on Aug. 9, 2022, at Mielec, Poland. 101st units will support V Corps missionto reinforce NATO's eastern flank and engage in multinational exercises with partners across the European continent to reassure our Nations allies.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Kourtney Haggins, the first sergeant of the 378th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, fires an M249 light machine gun at Prince Sultan Air Bases firing range, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, July 8, 2022. The 378th ESFS invited the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing leadership out to see some of the squadrons equipment and feel its capabilities firsthand.

Members of U.S. Army Rangers machine gun crew during a fight in the desert.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Wayne Lacombe, a machine gunner with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, engages marathon autonomous robotic target systems during a live fire exercise at range G-36 on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 8, 2022. This exercise demonstrates the training capabilities of Range Training Area Management (RTAM), Marine Corps Installations East, as RTAM supports II Marine Expeditionary Force in producing the next generation of warfighters.

A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, sets security whileperforming dry-fire training during exercise Intrepid Maven 22.4 in the United Arab Emirates, Sept.25, 2022. Intrepid Maven 22.4 is a U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command engagement seriesdesigned for bilateral and multilateral training engagements with partner nations and Marine Corpsforces.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Luis Tejeda, a rifleman with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, holds security during a movement to contact range as part of Service Level Training Exercise 2-24 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 7, 2024. The range is designed to enhance infantry small unit tactics and procedures when taking an enemys defensive line. The purpose of SLTE 2-24 is to simulate combat conditions, improve rapid decision-making cycles and strengthen the Marine Air-Ground Task Forces ability to adapt and accomplish missions across the full range of military operations. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Cpl. Dylan Guggenmos, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, sights in during a dry fire event at Saylor Creek Range in Grasmere, Idaho during exercise Garnet Rattler April 18, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint exercise between Marines, Soldiers and Airmen to train and qualify Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) to be more efficient and lethal in a realistic training environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Luke Valladares, a rifleman with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, loads his weapon during a non-lethal weapons training course at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 17, 2022. During the training, Marines used non-lethal weapons and riot shields to practice crowd control, dispersion, and other de-escalation techniques in preparation for deployment with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

CAMP BULLIS, Texas--Sgt. Andrew French, 512th Geospatial Engineering Detachment, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, fires his M4 Carbine Rifle at the Zero Range during the 2013 U.S. Army South Best Warrior Competition at Camp Bullis, Texas May 13. The U.S Army Installation Managament Command is hosting the competition here May 13-16.

2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment "Legion" conducted large scale air assault training with 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade. A total of 130 Soldiers were transported in UH-60M Blackhawk and CH-47F Chinook helicopters from Camp Humphreys to train on reacting to a chemical attack and safely seizing simulated WMD, Feb. 2, 2023.

British Royal Marine firing a sniper rifle during mountain sniper training, Hawthorne, Nevada, USA

Soldier in bulletproof vest with AK-47 rifle.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, conduct a team live-fire exercise, with M4 rifle, as part of exercise Repel Resolve II at Monte Romano Italian training area, Italy, Jan. 22, 2024. The Repel Resolve exercise series develops small-team lethality and experience, increasing the battalion's ability to operate across the Brigade Support Area of operation. 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 Cpl. Odean McDonald, an infantryman assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, aims an M4 rifle 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.

Armed Soldier, Taken During an Exercise of the Bundeswehr with Armed Forces From Norway and the Czech Republic During the Exercise Wettiner Schwert as part of the quadriga 2024 in the training Town Schnoeggersburg, 08 04 2024 Schnoeggersburg Germany

Twelve National Guard Soldiers fire a M240B machine gun during the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022 at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Hayden Sutton fires an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during Korea Viper 24.1 at Camp Mujuk, Republic of Korea, Feb. 6, 2024. The live-fire training enhances Marines combat readiness by enhancing marksmanship, building confidence, and testing tactics and strategies to prepare Marines to execute their missions effectively and safely in any operational environment. In its first iteration, Korea Viper demonstrates the ROK-US Marine Corps ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust between the two allies. Sutton, a native of Texas, is a rifleman with 2d Battalion, 7th Marines. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Dalton Burk with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion fires at his target during a table one live fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 23, 2022. Recruits shot a variety of distances on several targets as part of their marksmanship assessment.

French Forces in Djibouti (FFDJ) and Italian Armed Forces, alongside Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, conduct a sniper live-fire range at Arta Range Complex, Djibouti, May 22, 2022. French, Italian, and U.S. service members cross-trained on weapon systems and exchanged information during this joint training event. Members of CJTF-HOA regularly train and work alongside allies, partners, and government organizations to achieve a unified effort to improve safety, security and prosperity in East Africa.

Senior Airman Melanie Gonzales, a Defender with the 403rd Security Forces Squadron stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, assaults an enemy position during an area security operations exercise, May 19, 2022, at Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center, Ohio. The training was part of the two-week Integrated Defense Leadership Course, based at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, and using training grounds at CJAG. IDLC was designed to provide Reserve Defenders with intensely focused hands-on training to achieve and maintain combat readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo/Eric M. White)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Greg Harkens, a combat engineer with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, conducts urban operations training during a field exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 8, 2022. MWSS-171 conducted this exercise in order to familiarize themselves with expeditionary advanced base operations, demolition operations, urban operations, and different weapon systems.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jonathan Johnson, flight equipment technician, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, applies camouflage paint before a CorU.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Christopher Mize, aviation ordnance systems technician, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, posts security during a culminating event at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Feb. 2, 2024. Corporals Course is a month-long professional military education program that develops Marines small unit leadership skills and continues to prepare them to lead Marines. The culminating event consisted of land navigation, an improvised explosive device lane, tug-of-war, grappling and completing the obstacle course with gear. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fire M16A4 service rifles and M4 carbines during a table three through six range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 8, 2022. The purpose of the range was to improve Marines combat marksmanship in preparation for future operations. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Soldier holding rifle, low angle view close-up.

040820-F-5789F-015. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Jason Riley, of the New Mexico National Guard's Combat Arms Training Company, takes up a firing position on a live-fire obstacle course during training in the New Mexico National Guard's gunfighter course near Albuquerque, N.M., May 30, 2007.

During firing exercises snipers frequently check target location and record data to compute firing information.While commonly known as snipers, the official term used by U.S.Army is designated marksman. The U.S.Army Sniper Course is a seven-week training course at Fort Benning. With most formal training courses, skill training is an ongoing process throughout the year. The snipers of the 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion trained for a full week separate from the main body of units in the field during annual training 2022. Their training encompassed individual qualifications, timed shooting exercises and movement to a covered location without being detected, identifying adversaries, engagement and withdrawal without being sighted.

U.S. Army Spc. Kaylie Ocampo, assigned to 56th Artillery Command, fires an M4 carbine rifle during the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 11, 2022. Teams from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa test their tactical proficiency, communication, and overall cohesion as they compete for the title of Best Squad. Winners of this competition will advance to represent U.S. Army Europe and Africa at the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina later this year.

U.S Air Force Staff Sergeant Fernando Manzano, defender with the 162nd Security Forces Squadron, fires an M4 carbine from cover at a firing range at Kirtland AFB, July 10, 2022. The 161st conducted their annual training alongside the 162nd Security Forces Squadron to share ideas, tactics and techniques, equipment uses.

British soldier in desert uniform in action.

Staff Sgt. Kyler Saxon (center) and other Soldiers with the 160th Engineer Company, Delaware Army National Guard train on reacting to threats while on patrol including IEDs July 12 as part of their preparations for an upcoming deployment. This training is part of the companys annual training that they are conducting at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa.

040112-M-8719G-145. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sgt. Joseph Bairdshields, 1067th Composite Truck Company, fires blank rounds from an M2 machine gun during the weapon malfunction event of the U.S. Army Central 2022 Best Squad Competition at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, May 4, 2022. BSC 2022 measures the abilities of squads to perform physical and mental challenges as a cohesive team.

A Dutch Marine with Marine Squadron Carib posts security during a Military Operations in Urban Terrain training exercise, Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 31, 2022. The Marines conducted training scenarios to improve their skills and coordination in an urban environment while contributing to interdependence with allies and partners.

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