Modern Tactical Firearms Training

Contemporary military and law enforcement personnel engage in firearms drills, demonstrating weapon handling, teamwork, and tactical skills in diverse training environments.

Pfc. James Bragg, 38th Regional Support Group, fires a round from an M9 pistol during weapons qualification at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, July 22, 2022. The training was part of Warrior Exercise 78-22-02 which aids the Army Reserve's mission to provide combat-ready units and Soldiers to the Army and the Joint Force across the full spectrum of conflict.

U.S. Police Officers assigned to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams from police departments across South Carolina participate in advanced firearms drills during the 2022 SWAT Summit at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, Columbia, South Carolina, Sept. 28, 2022. The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy hosted a weeklong Federal Bureaus of Investigation Special Weapons and Tactics summit to train law enforcement officers in firearms, close quarters combat, tactical medical care, patrolling tactics and familiarize officers with improvised explosive devices.

A U.S. Marine with Force Reconnaissance, demonstrates live fire drills to a Swedish Marine, with 2d Marine Battalion, during exercise Archipelago Endeavor 2022 (AE22), at Berga Naval Base, Sweden, Sept. 9, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

Recruits with Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, conduct Table 1 on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Apr. 5, 2023. The Rifle Table 1 Course of Fire allows recruits to learn and apply the fundamentals of basic marksmanship.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers, assigned to 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade, fires a M17 Pistol down range during Operation Viking at Joint Base Cape Cod, July 22, 2022. Operation Viking is an intense joint task force exercise designed to prepare Soldiers with realistic training simulating the deployment of civil affairs units in direct support of a contingency operation in Africa.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Edward Coddington, 1st Combat Camera combat camera craftsman, demonstrates a contact drill during a combat arms class, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Aug. 31, 2022. The 628th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) Combat Arms instructors regularly conduct classes to ensure mission readiness and combat effectiveness for base personnel.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joseph Dement, a chief combat marksmanship trainer course instructor with Weapons and Field Training Battalion and a member of the Edson Range shooting team, engages a target during an action rifle stage at the Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition West at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 23, 2024. Dement is a native of Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota. The MCMC West was held in conjunction with several other competitions around the Marine Corps to find the top 10 percent of shooters who will go on to compete in the national tournament in Quantico, Virginia for a place on the Marine Corps Shooting Team. Marine Corps

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Wilson Rodriguez, a loadmaster with the 732nd Airlift Squadron, 514th Air Mobility Wing fires an M9 pistol for qualification at Naval Air Station Key West, Fla. on June 9, 2022. Airmen with the 514 AMW took advantage of a training block organized in Key West to complete various training requirements in a condensed timeframe. Training opportunities included M9 pistol qualifications, water survival qualification, a SERE refresher course, tactical combat casualty care, and other required training.

Pvc. Dwayne Edwards, a motor transport operator, assigned to the 1569th Transportation Company, New York Army National Guard, fire an M4 carbine rifle during the Combat Rifle Excellence in Competition while competing in the 43rd annual The Adjutant General's Combat Marksmanship Skills Competition (TAG Match) at Camp Smith Training Site, N.Y., June 4, 2022. The three-day event features multiple marksmanship challenges in which troops from the New York Army and Air National Guards, Naval Militia, and State Guard are given an opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and compete against fellow service members for a chance to move on to national-level competitions

Pfc. James Bragg, 38th Regional Support Group, fires a round from an M9 pistol during weapons qualification at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, July 22, 2022. The training was part of Warrior Exercise 78-22-02 which aids the Army Reserve's mission to provide combat-ready units and Soldiers to the Army and the Joint Force across the full spectrum of conflict.

Pfc. Marvin Loezza, a horizontal construction engineer with the 661st Engineer Company, 123rd Engineer Battalion, Illinois Army National Guard fires his M4 on the zeroing range at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, July 12, 2022. Soldiers with the 661st spent three days zeroing and qualifying with their M4 weapons during their Annual Training.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. David Bean, opposing forces (OPFOR) member, fires blank rounds during a Defend the Base training scenario at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 13, 2022. OPFORs are used as stand-ins for enemy invaders, enabling 51st Security Forces Squadron defenders to practice base defense tactics in a more realistic combat environment.

Advisors assigned to 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade conduct marksmanship drills with the 95th Civil Affairs Advanced Skills Detachment at Fort Bragg, N.C., Mar. 30, 2022. The advisors conducted the training in preparation for upcoming deployments.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. John Glomba, a member of the Marine Corps Action Shooting Team, from Newnan, Georgia, prepares to fire during the long range training portion of the Marine Corps Marksmanship Championship at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, April 5, 2022. The Marine Corps Championship held, April 6-11, allows competitors to participate in a variety of matches while receiving advanced marksmanship training. Shooters from around the Marine Corps were selected for the championship during five regional matches, coordinated by the Marine Corps Shooting Team, October 2021 through March 2022.

Airmen from the 168th Wing fire at the small arms range, Sept. 23, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Airmen must demonstrate quality safety standards while handling and firing their weapons in order to qualify for deployment and maintain readiness.

An educator from the 9th Marine Corps District fires the M-16A4 service rifle from 200 meters at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. June 8, 2022. The Educators' Workshop program provides selected educators, coaches, directors and influential community members with an experiential opportunity to see how the Marine Corps transforms young men and women into Marines.

A U.S. Air Force Special Tactics operator with the 24th Special Operations Wing conducts small arms firing drills during Emerald Warrior 22.1 on Eglin Range, Florida, May 3, 2022. Emerald Warrior provides annual, realistic pre-deployment training encompassing multiple joint operating areas. The exercise prepares special operations forces, conventional force enablers, partner nations and interagency elements, to integrate with and execute full-spectrum special operations in an arctic climate, sharpening U.S. forces abilities to operate around the globe.

U.S. Army Sgt. Rachel Moniz, a recruiting and retention non-commissioned officer assigned to the 6th Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Connecticut Army National Guard, engages a target with an M17 pistol during the stress shoot portion of the 2023 Connecticut Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition at the Connecticut Army National Guard Training Center East Haven Rifle Range, East Haven, Connecticut, March 24, 2023. The competition drew soldiers from across the Connecticut Army National Guard and over the course of three days these competitors faced off against one another in a variety of events testing their physical fitness, land navigation skills, marksmanship skills and warrior task competencies.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Trevor Hancock (right) and Lance Cpl. David Booth (left), both snipers with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, provide overwatch during a raid and demolition range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 22, 2022. This training integrates raiding and demolition tactics to enhance the Marines ability to breach obstructions in an urban environment. 3/2 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division. Hancock is a native of Sumter, South Carolina and Booth is a native of Monroe, North Carolina.

New York Army National Guard Sgt. Adam Crist, a medical noncommissioned officer with the 2nd Squadron 101st Cavalry, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, shoots targets during the 26th Annual Marksmanship Advisory Council Region One (MAC1) Combat Championships held at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, August 19-21, 2022. The MAC1 provides a combat focused marksmanship sustainment training event and competition for all the states in New England and New York. These matches are the second priority in the Chief of the National Guard Bureaus guidance for sustainment training events. The matches are operational focused marksmanship sustainment exercises, designed to validate and sustain perishable marksmanship skills essential to mobilization readiness and success.

A Soldier attending Aviation Basic Officer Leaders Course at Fort Rucker, pies around the corner of a building during small unit tactics training April 4, 2022. Small unit tactics training is designed to teach the fundamentals of Team and Squad level tactics.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers with the 412th Civil Affairs Battalion conduct weapons familiarization using the Engagement Skills Trainer during Operation Viking at Joint Base Cape Cod, Mass., July 21, 2022. Operation Viking is an intense joint task force exercise designed to prepare soldiers with realistic training simulating deployment of civil affairs units in direct support of a contingency operation in Africa.

A member of the Kosovo Security Force embedded with Company B, 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regiment, Iowa Army National Guard, provides suppressive fire during a live-fire exercise at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, on May 19, 2022. Approximately 15 KSF troops embedded with companies in the 1-133rd Infantry during a two-week annual training exercise. Two KSF troops conducted the live-fire exercise with two other U.S. infantrymen. Senior leaders in the IANG and KSF visited each company near the end of the exercise to observe the full integration of KSF troops and recognize Soldiers who demonstrated excellence throughout their training. The tour was also an opportunity for KSF leaders to gain a more comprehensive understanding of IANG training requirements, equipment and logistics.

A U.S. Army Ranger from the 10th Mountain Division, Spc. Connor Cunningham, completes an M17 pistol range during the Best Ranger Competition 2022, April 8, 2022, on Fort Benning, G.A.The competition has evolved over the past thirty-eight years from once that was originally created to salute the best two-man "buddy" team in the Ranger Department at Fort Benning, G.A. to determine the best two-man team from the entire United States Armed Forces.

Soldiers with Charlie Company 1st Battalion 149th Infantry conduct military operations on urbanized terrain (MOUT) training near Mitrovica, Kosovo July 18, 2022. KFOR and its multinational partners are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in Kosovo in a fair and impartial manner.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment (1/2CR) fire German pistols during a Schuetzenschnur (German weapons proficiency test) event with the German partner unit of 1/2CR, the Panzergrenadierbataillon 112, at Regen, Germany, Sept. 29, 2022. 1/2CR provided an opportunity for exemplary Soldiers to earn a foreign award and to build camaraderie with German Army counterparts in order to strengthen NATO and multinational partnerships.

050804-A-9419D-012. Base: Camp Grayling State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Maj. Travis Holt, a signal officer for the 38th Regional Support Group from Cross Lanes, West Virginia, reaches for a magazine for his M9 pistol July 22, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. The training, conducted by the 78th Training Division as part of Warrior Exercise 78-22-02, aids in the U.S. Army Reserve's role of providing combat-ready units to the U.S. Armed Forces Command and combatant commands across the full spectrum of conflict.

A US Navy SEAL, from SEAL Team 8, shoots a Colt 5.56mm M-4 Carbine rifle on a firing range in Kuwait as part of the Southwest Asia buildup. The M-4 has a M203 Grenade Launcher attached. Country: Kuwait (KWT)

A youth hunting event participant calibrates their rifle sights at Poinsett Electronic Combat Range during an event hosted by the U.S. Air Force 20th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), in Sumter, S.C., Dec. 3, 2022. The 20th CES and SCDNR collaborate to host hunting events on the range to generate public recreational opportunities and contribute to maintaining wildlife populations at sustainable levels.

Advisors assigned to 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade conduct marksmanship drills with the 95th Civil Affairs Advanced Skills Detachment at Fort Bragg, N.C., Mar. 30, 2022. The advisors conducted the training in preparation for upcoming deployments.

ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 6, 2018) Sailors aim M4A1 Carbines at targets during a small arms qualification shoot aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97). Halsey is deployed with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.

A military police officer stands at the shooting range with his rifle.

A Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team demonstrates how to clear rooms.

ARTA, Djibouti (Sep. 22, 2022) - U.S. Navy Sailors from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti conduct a live-fire exercise to maintain operational efficiency at Djibouti Range Complex, Sep. 22, 2022. Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti serves as an expeditionary base for U.S. military forces providing support to ships, aircraft and personnel that ensure security throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. The base enables maritime and combat operations ing the Horn of Africa and Southwest Asia. The base enables maritime and combat operations in the Horn of Africa while fostering positive U.S. Africa relations.

Cadet Jonah Andrews, San Diego State University, familiarizes himself with the feel of the M17 pistol before competing on April 30 during the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition. Cadets take turns shooting at a cardboard target in their firing lane, gaining points for each designated body zone they hit during their turn. The Sandhurst Military Skills Competition took place April 29-30 at the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. | Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

Man aiming machine gun at firing range, close up of hands

221130-N-OX430-1345CORONADO, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2022) U.S. Navy and Republic of Korea Navy SEALs enter a room while practicing close-quarters combat drills during a bilateral training exercise at Silver Strand Training Complex. NSW is the nation's premier maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the fleet's reach and deliver all-domain options for naval and joint force commanders.

Senior Airman Ryan Miller, 355th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance metals technician, watches over Airmen during a small arms qualifying course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 12, 2022. DMs 5/6 Council came up with the idea for Airmen to shadow other Airmen in different Air Force specialty codes to give them the opportunity to have a better understanding of how everyone contributes to the mission.

020108-F-4801H-037. Base: Fort Smith State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Col. Isaac T. Bell, 366th Fighter Wing Deputy commander, fires a M4 carbine at the off-base shooting on Oct. 5, 2022 outside of Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. Security forces Airmen must qualify annually on multiple weapons including the M4 carbine and Berretta M9 pistol.

Sgt. Austin Manville of Squad 6, representing the U.S. Army National Guard at the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition, fires at a target during the weapon qualification course on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 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; evaluating their physical and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue.

TSgt. Justin Gachett, 343rd Training Squadron instructor, illustrates principles of weapon management while moving through different tactical environments as part of the Individual Tactics and Techniques basic course at Joint Base San Antonio - Camp Bullis on Sept. 20, 2022. The course is designed to teach the trainees how to shoot, move, and communicate through tactical environments. The 37th Training Wing and 343rd Training Squadron provide the initial training for all Air Force security forces.

Staff Sgt. Gerald Jauernig, attached to 201st Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, writes his information down on his target after participating in the Oxymoron portion of the First Corps marksmanship competition on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Feb. 27, 2024. The I Corps Marksmanship Competition evaluates Soldiers proficiency with various firearms and shooting scenarios. Army

Our friends from the 870th MP Company did some work at the range on shotguns. Soldiers shot the M26-Modular Accessory Shotgun System on 16 July 2022 at Camp Roberts. SPC Arron Adams, SGT Brett Kaufman, and SGT Adrian Arroyo show the ins and outs of this weapon and being the spotters for the other Soldiers at Camp Roberts, CA July 16, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. James Matherly, center, 824th Base Defense Squadron squad leader, fires an M4 carbine during a proficiency course at RAF Molesworth, England, Aug. 19, 2022. During the course instructors from the 820th Base Defense Group and 435th Contingency Response Group provided oversight and guidance to help critique and advance the combat arms skills of the defenders from the 423d SFS.

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

A U.S. Navy SEAL participates in a live-fire range during Balikitan 22 at El Nido, Palawan, Philippines, April 4, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, is a long-standing bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. BK22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron aims at a target in a kneeling position Feb. 10, 2023, at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan. The 290th JCSS conducted a shooting course as part of their annual training in a cold weather environment. Airmen can earn their weapons qualification and learn about proper use and care of small arms.

A shell casing ejects as Air Force Reserve Maj. Mandy Kannapel, 919th Special Operations Wing, fires at a CIOR pistol training exercise near Hammelburg, Germany on July 27, 2022. The Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers Military Competition (CIOR MILCOMP) is a three-day team competition consisting of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations in Europe. It has been around since 1957. The competition is open to all reserve components for both NCO and officer. It is now run on a volunteer basis and funded by former competitors through an alumni association.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Christophe Dunn, assistant platoon sergeant with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, fires an M18 pistol on a live-fire range at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, May 10, 2022. This routine training enables Marines to maintain proficiency in marksmanship and close combat.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Travis Hunt, a tactical air control party specialist and commanding officer of Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, fires the M18 Modular Handgun System during small arms live-fire training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 22, 2022. The special warfare Airmen conducted shooting drills that honed reaction time, speed reloading and clearing weapon malfunctions utilizing the M18 Modular Handgun System and the M4 carbine.

Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army 114th Infantry Regiment conducts light sniper training at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Nov. 19, 2022. The training is designed to educate snipers to be adaptive Soldiers, critical and creative thinkers, armed with the technical, tactical, and logistical skills necessary to serve successfully at the Sniper Team level.

U.S. Marines fire at their targets using an M9 pistol during a pistol qualification range during exercise UNITAS LXIII in Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 14, 2022. UNITAS is the worlds longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility.

050806-A-9419D-020. Base: Camp Grayling State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sgt. 1st Class Oluwaseun Akinrolabu fires an M17 during a weapons qualification event during AMC's Best Warrior Competition at Fort Benning, Ga., August 14-17.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Sebastian Riveraaponte, a combat graphics specialist with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3d Marine Logistics Group, fires an M18 pistol during a live fire range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 25, 2022. The range was held as a tryout for III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific Marines to represent their individual units at the upcoming Far East Division Matches shooting competition. 3d 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.

060824-N-8907D-043. Base: Fort Eustis State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with 9h Engineer Support Battalion and Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3d Marine Logistics Group, fire M18 pistols during a live fire range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 25, 2022. The range was held as a tryout for III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific Marines to represent their individual units at the upcoming Far East Division Matches shooting competition. 3d 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.

U.S. Marines with the Maritime Special Purpose Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct transition drills during a Close Quarters Tactics (CQT) course at Expeditionary Operations Training Group, Stone Bay, North Carolina, Sept. 20, 2022. CQT consists of day and night live-fire training in a close quarters environment with explosive and ballistic breaching tactics, techniques, and procedures. The CQT course builds upon the MSPF's current capabilities and ensures the unit is capable of supporting MEU Mission Essential Tasks (METs).

Competitors participate in a stress-shoot event during the 2022 National Guard Bureau Region 2 Best Warrior Competition, held May 17-20, 2022, at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia. The Best Warrior Competition is a physically and mentally challenging three-day competition that tests competitors on a wide range of technical and tactical skills relevant to todays combat operating environment. Region 2 consists of competitors from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional winners from across the nation will advance to compete at the national-level competition this summer.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kevin Tran, a range coach with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, left, instructs Cpl. Lian Edwards, a finance technician also with CLR-37, 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.

U.S. Army Spc. Koryelle Means, with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 39th Strategic Signal Battalion, fires with the German Heckler and Koch P8 pistol and competes for the Schuetzenschnur, the German marksmanship badge, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Sept. 08, 2022. Members of the support element to the German National Military Representation at SHAPE provided the opportunity to compete for the coveted medal.

220624-N-TT639-1378 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 24, 2022) - Seaman Josh Anderson, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, reloads an M4A1 carbine assault rifle during a small arms gun shoot on an aircraft elevator aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 24, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Task Force Koa Moana 22, I Marine Expeditionary Force, shoot during a pistol qualification range in Ngatpang, Republic of Palau, July 13, 2022. U.S. Marine subject matter experts, along with local law enforcement, sharpened marksmanship skills using the newly renovated Joint Range Complex. Exercises such as Task Force Koa Moana demonstrate U.S. commitment through routine operations that foster peace and security and develop relations with partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

A Trainee takes aim with his M-15 .38 caliber revolver during practice for mobility tasking weapons qualification. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

During the Far East Division Matches, US Marine Corps STAFF Sergeant Jerry L. Zingg, Headquarter and Service Battalion, is coming down with his arm to aim in at his target with his 9 mm pistol at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. During Division Matches, shooters are permitted to only use one hand while using their 9 mm pistols. The Far East Division Matches are held every year to determine who will be selected to go to the Marine Corps Championship. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Hansen State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

221203-N-SN516-1373 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 3, 2022) U.S. Navy Lt. Jacob Sterkenburg, from Leland, Mich., fires an M9 pistol during a small arms qualification aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73). Decatur, part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is currently underway conducting routine operations.

030407-M-4588D-016. Base: Marine Corps Base, Hawaii State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Swedish Marine Cpl. Niklas Karlsson, a coastal ranger with Coastal Ranger Company, 2d Swedish Marine Battalion, observes two U.S. Marines firing AK-5 service rifles while participating in combat marksmanship training during exercise Archipelago Endeavor 22 at Berga Naval Base, Sweden, Sept. 8, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

Col. Isaac T. Bell, 366th Fighter Wing Deputy commander, fires a M4 carbine at the off-base shooting range on Oct. 5, 2022 outside of Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The M4 is the standard issue rifle for the U.S. Air Force.

One-hundred active duty personnel assigned to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland , Texas, honored Police Week by participating in the 343 Training Squadron's Excellence in Competition Shootout on May 20, 2022. The 343 TRS trains all of the Air Force's Security Forces Airmen, preparing them to serve in the largest career field as Defenders.

DULZURA, Calif. (Oct. 19, 2022) A Sailor assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11 fires an M9 pistol during a pistol training course run by Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit (EODTEU) 1 at gun range in Dulzura, Calif., Oct. 19, 2022. EODTEU-1 develops and provides realistic training to Navy EOD, and mobile diving and salvage forces to prepare them to support the fleet and joint force in accomplishing national objectives.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Dylan Ownens, a Tucson, Arizona, native and amphibious assault vehicle section leader with 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2d Marine Division, fires an M4 carbine at his target during a deployment for training (DFT) at Joint Forces Training Center Camp Shelby, Mississippi, May 24, 2022. The purpose of this DFT is to validate the battalion's ability to conduct force deployments in support of contingency operations and tactically improve warfighting proficiency in preparation for major combat operations.

An M-16 rifle rests on a shooting block during a shooting competition in commemoration of National Police Week at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, May 20, 2022. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

040505-F-6665C-004. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

Low angle view of a SWAT police operator with sniper rifle, waiting in stakeout.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kevin Roach, an infantry rifleman with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, engages targets with an M18 Modular Handgun System during a Combat Marksmanship Program range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 8, 2022. This training sharpened Marines critical combat arms skills by executing transition drills and increasing their proficiency in switching between primary and secondary weapons. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Soldiers with 519th Military Police Battalion fire M4 Carbines at targets during their Law Enforcement Weapons Training and Qualification range, Sept. 27, 2022, at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The LEWTAQ is designed to prepare and test a military police Soldiers ability to engage threatening subjects in real life situations. Soldiers must shoot while moving from varying distances, conduct weapons and magazine changes and hit specific areas of a target.

240117-N-UF626-1131, LITTLE CREEK, VA - U.S. Navy Ensign Kelsey Mira, the assistant communications officer assigned to the San Antonio class amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD-21) fires an M4A1 Carbine during a weapons qualification course on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Fort Story, Jan. 17, 2024. This course provided Sailors the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency with a variety of weapons.

Paintball field, Paintball Aventura Marratxi, Marratxi, Majorca, Spain, Europe

Multiple partnering nations conduct training with non-lethal close quarters weapons under the instruction of US forces May 13, 2022, to further nation interoperability for regional security for Tradewinds 2022. Tradewinds 2022 is a multinational exercise designed to expand the Caribbean regions capability to mitigate, plan for, and respond to crises; increase regional training capacity and interoperability; develop new and refine existing standard operating procedures (SOPs); enhance ability to defend exclusive economic zones (EEZ); and promote human rights and adherence to shared international norms and values; fully integrate women into defense, peace and security missions; and increase maritime domain awareness to deter illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activities.

Civilian employers of Illinois National Guard and Reserve service members attend an Employer Support of Guard and Reserve "Breakfast with the Boss" at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, May 19, 2022. The ESGR event invites employers to experience and better understand the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve.

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.

220410-N-BR419-1270 YOKOSUKA, Japan (April 10, 2022) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Justin Genaro, from Virginia Beach, Virginia, assigned to the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), fires an M4 rifle during a qualification at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosukas (CFAY) gun range. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain (September 29, 2022) - Sailors assigned to Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5) conduct an Fleet Marine Force (FMF) pistol qualification aboard Naval Support Activity, Bahrain, Sept. 29. The qualification is one of many requirements Sailors must finish in order to successfully pass the FMF program and be awarded an FMF pin. TF 51/5 responds to crises and contingencies; coordinates, plans, and executes operations; conducts theater security cooperation; and advances emerging Naval concepts at sea, from the sea, and ashore in order to support U.S. Central Command, 5th Fleet, and Marine Corps Forces Central Command theater objectives.

Volunteer Training Site Tullahoma, Tennessee - Soldiers of 30th Troop Command ensure safety at the zero range before qualifications on Jan 05, 2024 at Volunteer Training Site Tullahoma, Tennessee. This ensures that all Soldiers are ready to get the most accuracy with their weapon at the qualification range.

U.S. Air Force 60th Air Mobility Wing leadership aim at paper targets 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.

240119-N-UF626-2789, LITTLE CREEK, VA - U.S. Navy Logistics Specialist 1st Class Earl Smith, from Buffalo, New York fires an M9 pistol during a weapons qualification course on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Fort Story, Jan. 19, 2024. This course provided Sailors the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency with a variety of weapons.

U.S. Air Force Emergency Services team leaders review targets with participants in preparation for a tactical shooting competition at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, May 20, 2022. The 6th Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms Training and Maintenance center hosted the competition in recognition of National Police Week while also providing some friendly competition and comradery.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Daniel Tong, a data systems administrator with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fires an M16A4 service rifle 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. Tong, a native of Orlando, Florida, graduated from Lyman High School in 2019 and enlisted out of Recruiting Station Altima Springs in 2020.

Man aiming machine gun at firing range

A Salvadoran team member aims at a target as a judge looks on during the Assaulter Stress course as part of the Fuerzas Comando 2022 Day 4 on June 15, 2022, in La Venta, Honduras. Fuerzas Comando is a Special Operation skills competition and a senior leader seminar supported by SOCSOUTH. The competition enhances SOF regional cooperation and exchanges best practices to combat transnational crime and counter illicit activities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Lionel Castellano)

Members from the Paraguayan team aim during the sniper section of Fuerzas Comando 2022 Day 2 on June 14, 2022, in La Venta, Honduras. Fuerzas Comando is a Special Operation skills competition and a senior leader seminar supported by SOCSOUTH. The competition enhances SOF regional cooperation and exchanges best practices to combat transnational crime and counter illicit activities.

A bullet casing flies away as a U.S. Soldier attached to Allied Forces North Battalion, U.S. Army NATO Brigade, assigned to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe Security Detachment practices Law Enforcement Weapons Techniques and Qualification shooting tables on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, July 19, 2022.

U.S. Army Sgt. Kennesha Smith, with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 39th Strategic Signal Battalion, fires with the German Heckler and Koch P8 pistol and competes for the Schuetzenschnur, the German marksmanship badge, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Sept. 08, 2022. Members of the support element to the German National Military Representation at SHAPE provided the opportunity to compete for the coveted medal.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dominic Petrucci, scout sniper platoon, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, from Newark, Delaware, cocks his pistol during pistol training for the Marine Corps Marksmanship Championship at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, April 5, 2022. The Marine Corps Championship held, April 6-11, allows competitors to participate in a variety of matches while receiving advanced marksmanship training. Shooters from around the Marine Corps were selected for the championship during five regional matches, coordinated by the Marine Corps Shooting Team, October 2021 through March 2022.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Villa, 168th Security Forces, determines weapons adjustments at the small arms range, Sept. 23, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Airmen must demonstrate quality safety standards while handling and firing their weapons in order to qualify for deployment and maintain readiness.

A U.S. Army Soldier, with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, zeros his weapon at the Fort Dix Ranges on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 25, 2023. The 114th Infantry Regiment had a four day drill weekend to better prepare for JRTC.

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