National Guard Competitions

Photos highlighting challenging competition events among National Guard members, showcasing military skills, training, and camaraderie in various settings.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment arrive at Aviano Air Force Base, Italy, May 23, 2022 from a deployment to Latvia to demonstrate the United States commitment to our NATO Allies and to bolster defensive capabilities. During the deployment, the paratroopers conducted multiple training exercises with NATO allies, including Saber Strike. They increased overall combat effectiveness and cohesion between the 173rd Airborne Brigade and other NATO forces.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 and NCOs from the West Virginia and District of Columbia National Guards compete in their annual Best Warrior Competition, held at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia, April 22, 2022. Best Warrior is an annual event where participants compete in a series of military tasks including weapons proficiency, endurance, physical fitness, medical skills, communications, and professional development activities. Winners of the local Best Warrior will compete at the regional level in May, also at Camp Dawson.

Sgt. Colton Platzke, Delaware Army National Guard 1049th Transportation Company, poses for a candid portrait 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. Army soldier, assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat team, 1st Cavalry Division, participates in Railhead Operations in Poland. 3ABCT's vehicles arrived in Poland to aid in maximizing military capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Zachary Lockwood, an air traffic controller with the 260th Air Traffic Control Squadron, looks down range while in between stages of fire on a rifle range at Fort Devens, Mass., Sep 11, 2022. Lockwood participated in an intra-squadron weapons qualification course as part of an on-going effort to increase mobility readiness.

Pennsylvania Air National Guardsman, Airman 1st Class Timothy Abraham, assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing, poses for a photo, October 15, 2022 near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Air National Guardsman, Airman 1st Class Timothy Abraham, assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing, Security Forces Squadron, has been a defender for nearly two years. He enlisted out of Salisbury-Elk Lick Junior/Senior High School, Salisbury, Pennsylvania. He working towards a degree in criminal justice from Allegheny College Maryland, but has taken a break to fulfill training requirements as a defender. Later this month, Abraham will attend Raven school. Ravens area flyaway security forces team that protects aircraft and aircrews while airborne and on the ground.Pennsylvania Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Bryan Hoover)

040902-M-3658J-018. Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Staff Sgt. Caleb Stinson, 68W Combat Medics, 232nd Medical Battalion, conducts damage control during the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. Medics who earn entry into the Best Medic Competition are already among the "best of the best." To be eligible for entry, medics must have received either the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) or the Combat Medical Badge (CMB).2 Both badges require the utmost determination and competence to receive. The overall pass rate for the Expert Field Medical Badge is less than 20%, making it one of the hardest and most respected forms of recognition you can earn in the army.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment arrive at Aviano Air Force Base, Italy, May 23, 2022 from a deployment to Latvia to demonstrate the United States commitment to our NATO Allies and to bolster defensive capabilities. During the deployment, the paratroopers conducted multiple training exercises with NATO allies, including Saber Strike. They increased overall combat effectiveness and cohesion between the 173rd Airborne Brigade and other NATO forces.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 soldier, assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat team, 1st Cavalry Division, participates in Railhead Operations in Poland. 3ABCT's vehicles arrived in Poland to aid in maximizing military capabilities.

U. S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Andrew Wright, Explosive Ordnance Disposal craftsman with the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron, watches the Airmen conducting the robotics demonstration, Oct. 20, 2022, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. The EOD craftsmen perform, supervise and manage explosive ordnance disposal operations to detect, ID, recover, disarm and dispose of unsafe explosives and ordnance.

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat team, 1st Cavalry Division, participates in Railhead Operations in Poland. 3ABCT's vehicles arrived in Poland to aid in maximizing military capabilities.

Soldiers and NCOs from the West Virginia and District of Columbia National Guards compete in their annual Best Warrior Competition, held at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia, April 22, 2022. Best Warrior is an annual event where participants compete in a series of military tasks including weapons proficiency, endurance, physical fitness, medical skills, communications, and professional development activities. Winners of the local Best Warrior will compete at the regional level in May, also at Camp Dawson.

U.S. Army Sgt. Tyler Holloway assigned to the Wyoming National Guard's 115th Field Artillery Brigade is individually graded during the 2022 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition, July 22, at Volunteer Training Site, Smyrna, Tenn. Holloway stood alongside 13 other top National Guard Soldiers and Noncommissioned Officers from across the nation.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Adelard Hoffarth, instructor, Vertical Training Company, 1st Battalion, 164th Regional Training Institute, North Dakota Army National Guard, poses for a photo, Temedja, Togo, Feb. 26, 2024. Thompson was taking part in an instructor knowledge exchange to expand the experience of non-commissioned officer academy instructors from the North Dakota National Guard and Togolese Army under the National Guards State Partnership Program. Army National Guard

1st Lt. Tanner Oxer, a U.S. Army Trooper assigned to Apex Battery, 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, participates in a Table XVIII combined-arms live-fire exercise, Jan. 17 on Fort Cavazos, Texas. Paladin crews are responsible for supporting the movement of ground forces through artillery fire.

U.S. Army Pvt. Nicholas Irving, an Air Defense Battle Management System Operator, 174th Air Defense Artillery, Ohio National Guard, poses for a photo during exercise Northern Strike 22-2 at Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug 12, 2022.Northern Strike is designed to challenge over 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

Senior Airman Christopher Fountain, 407th Air Expeditionary Group Honor Guard member, practices drill team techniques Aug. 28, 2011, in preparation for a 9/11 ceremony at Ali Base, Iraq. (U. S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo)

Sgt. Blakeman from the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, Wyoming Army National Guard, participates in a training exercise in Sheridan, Wyoming, May 17, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Anthony Caballero, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines 3d MarineDivision, prepares to board an MV-22 Osprey at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan,Oct. 1, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen thedefensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control,targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division conduct Land Navigation for the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, GA, July 26, 2022. The Land Navigation Event was one of several events during the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition that tested each squads proficiency in small-unit tactics and technical expertise.

Staff Sgt. Mathew Vecchione, member of Squad 9, representing Aviation Center of Excellence, completes a log walk during day 3 of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Best Squad Competition 2022 Sept. 14, 2022, at Fort Benning, Georgia. TRADOCs Best Squad competition highlights 10 squads from across the enterprise. This competition shows each team's ability to complete common Soldier tasks and skills as a cohesive, ready, and resilient team, while facing stiff competition from other TRADOC centers of excellence. The competition is from Sept. 12-16, 2022, at Fort Benning, Georgia.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Lucas Cook, a field radio operator assigned to 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, observes aircraft during Marine Forces Reserve Tactical Air Control Party Fire Exercise 23-1 at Rattlesnake Range, Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Oct. 27, 2022. Aircraft from 2nd and 4th Marine Aircraft Wings provided live and simulated close air support during the exercise. The purpose of TACP FIREX 23-1 is to maintain joint fires proficiency and readiness to support the total force. Cook is a native of Tampa, Florida and attended Countryside High School.

Tech Sgt. Kuris Geiger, a crew chief assigned to the 6th Maintenance Squadron smiles during a conversation with U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 1, 2022. Gen. Brown visited the base to meet with Airmen and experience first-hand the innovative ways they're advancing the mission.

Soldiers of the 2nd of the 151st Infantry Battalion, from the Indiana Army National Guard, practice crowd and riot control tactics with the German Bundeswehr(Army) at Hohenfels Training Center, Germany, on October 7, 2022. Task Force Nighthawk is training to be the 31st rotation of U.S. forces to support Operation Joint Guardian in Regional Command East, KFOR in Kosovo.

U.S. Army Spc. Wyatt Walls, a fire support specialist, assigned to the Oregon National Guard smiles upon completion of the first portion of the equipment layout during the 2022 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition, July 22, at Volunteer Training Site, Smyrna, Tenn. The competitor stated that he is always ready.

A Romanian Paratrooper walks off Hechtelse Heide Drop Zone, Belgium, as part of Exercise Falcon Leap 22 on September 15, 2022. This year, fourteen nations are participating in Exercise Falcon Leap, a yearly airborne exercise held on historical drop zones throughout the Netherlands and Belgium to promote interoperability between allies and international partners.

Spc. Wilson from the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, Wyoming Army National Guard, participates in a training exercise in Sheridan, Wyoming, May 17, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Joey Cruz, a first sergeant with 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, participates in a combined amphibious operation with the Philippine Marine Corps alongside the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force as part of KAMANDAG 6 at Zambales, Philippines, Oct. 7, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

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

Technical Sgt. Shane Ruark, 88th Security Forces Squadron, briefs his team during an active-shooter exercise Aug. 10, 2022 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The exercise was conducted to test the skills of first responders in a potential real-world scenario.

Sgt. Kyle Monczewski is a 42A human resources specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command. The five-year Soldier's goal is to become a warrant officer.

A U.S. Marine with Force Reconnaissance Company, 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force observes his sector while conducting a security patrol with Swedish Marine rangers during exercise Archipelago Endeavor (AE22) at Berga Naval base, Sweden, Sept. 15, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

Sgt. Ivaylo Benov, an infantryman from the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stands in front of the Company Operations Facility, Jun. 22, 2022, at Fort Carson, Colorado. "It is amazing what your body can do, Benov said. When I compete, I zone out, and I just go. When youre competing the best you can do is shut your mind and just go.

A Soldier completes the 12-mile ruck march event Tuesday during the Best Warrior Competition hosted by the 80th Training Command this week at Ft. Lee, Va. Soldiers from multiple divisions have gathered here to complete the 2023 Best Warrior Competition and compete for the German Army Fitness Proficiency Badge.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Shane Cruz, a training noncommissioned officer assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses for a photo in a 7-ton truck while en route to a battlesight zero range at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 16, 2022. The purpose of the training was to improve weapons familiarity and to ensure 15th MEU Marines have a properly zeroed weapon, in preparation for follow-on operations.

Maj. Gen. Derek France (left), Third Air Force commander, speaks with Col. Jason Gingrich, outgoing 39th Air Base Wing commander, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, 29 June, 2022. France traveled to Incirlik AB to preside over the 39th ABW change of command ceremony, during which Col. Calvin Powell replaced Col. Jason Gingrich as 39th ABW commander. While there, France spoke about the importance Airmen at Incirlik have in the mission and how they support the 3rd AF, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Air Forces in Africa and U.S. European Command. 3rd AF issues directives to subordinate commands and takes action on behalf of the USAFE-AFAFRICA commander as directed. The command takes deliberate actions to develop Airmen and their families; confronts global challenges in support of the National Defense Strategy to defend our country and our allies; and utilizes dedicated efforts to deliver peace to our nation and its allies by fostering stability and deterring aggression throughout Europe and Africa.

Spc. Raymond Alonso, a combat medic specialist with Charlie Company, 181st Brigade Support Battalion, shows off his Expert Field Medic Badge on Oct. 20th at Camp Murray, Wash. Alonso joined approximately 150 other Army medics who completed the week-long test on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. from Oct 11 to 15, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Maurice Selders, Houston, Texas native, administration specialist, Headquarters and Support (H&S) Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST) - Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, poses for a portrait during Exercise Urgent Response on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2022. H&S Battalion Marines conducted identification checks and established vehicle control points in support of Exercise Urgent Response, an installation-wide exercise that plans for and executes anti-terrorism response procedures.

Spc. Connor Waddick an air defense battle management system operator assigned to 34th Infantry Division "Red Bulls" poses for a photo at Fort Cavazos, Texas, Feb. 25, 2024. Waddick joined the Army because he to serve his country. (Minnesota National Guard

A U.S. Air Force Paratrooper waits to be inspected by a U.S. Army Jumpmaster during Leapfest 2022 at the Quonset Army Aviation Support Facility in Washington County, Rhode Island, August 6, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest-standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard, to promote high-level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community.

Tennessee Army National Guardsman Sgt. Shannon Phann from the 30th Troop Command looks over coordinates of the land navigation event during the Tennessee State Best Warrior Competition in Tullahoma, Feb. 23, 2024. Competitors had no additional use of technology during the event. Army National Guard

A Soldier assigned to 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, packs his bag after exiting a helicopter atop Mount Almagre, June 15. Soldiers from the Brigade flew to the top of Mount Almagre to 12,100 feet elevation to reenlist and commemorate the Mountain Warrior spirit. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Jason Elmore.

U.S. Army Spc. Logan Speakman, a Blackhawk Maintainer/Crew Chief assigned to the Falcon team at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, poses for a photo inside a hangar in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 29, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. James Kretchman, an Aberdeen, South Dakota native, infantry Marine with Company F., 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, poses for a photo during a Marine Air-Ground Task Force Distributed Maneuver Exercise as part of Service Level Training Exercise 2-24 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 13, 2024. MDMX prepares Marines for future conflicts by conducting offensive and defensive live-fire and maneuver training scenarios within an austere training environment. Marine Corps

Providers assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division discuss and prepare for convoy on Fort Bragg, NC, March 28, 2022. The Field Training Exercise ensures Paratroopers stand ready to fight, win, and meet the 18 hour deployment standard.

Airman 1st Class Luke Rudebeck, a cable and antenna defense operator, with the 169th Air Support Operations Squadron, Illinois National Guard, tests as a Rappel Master inside a UH-60 Black Hawk at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 14, 2022. Nearly 30 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a Rappel Master course at Camp Dodge. The course was taught by a mobile training team from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center in Fort Benning, Georgia.

Airman 1st Class Luke Rudebeck, a cable and antenna defense operator, with the 169th Air Support Operations Squadron, Illinois National Guard, tests as a Rappel Master inside a UH-60 Black Hawk at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 14, 2022. Nearly 30 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a Rappel Master course at Camp Dodge. The course was taught by a mobile training team from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center in Fort Benning, Georgia.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Angel Lara, 81st Security Forces Squadron patrolman, stands guard at Pass Road Gate on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, May 25, 2022. Defenders perform checks at all entry control points on base to ensure security.

U.S. Army Maj. John Shay, a chaplain with the 47th Chaplain Detachment, is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal at Camp Ripley, July 10th, 2022. Shay provided religious support to the 1/34th Armored Brigade's 5,200 Soldiers for more than four years, improving long-term readiness and spiritual fitness for the Brigade. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Spc. Wilson from the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, Wyoming Army National Guard, participates in a training exercise in Sheridan, Wyoming, May 17, 2022.

Staff Sgt. Nicholas Novotny, a soldier assigned to the 34th Infantry Division "Red Bulls" poses for a photo at Fort Cavazos, Texas, Feb. 25, 2024. Novotny joined the Army to both serve his country and to follow in other family members' steps. (Minnesota National Guard

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Austin Zak, 509th Security Forces Squadron security forces evaluator, stands at attention during a 9/11 ceremony on Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Sept. 19, 2022. Whiteman commemorates the events of 9/11 by remembering those who were lost during the attack.

Airman First Class Thomas Latimer, a food services apprentice assigned to the 48th Force Support Squadron, emcees the Freedom Field grand opening event at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, April 8, 2022. Freedom Field will be a place for generations of Airmen and their families to play and relax.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Colleen Bresnahan, 104th Fighter Wing personnelist smiles in front of a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during a joint exercise with the 126th Aviation Regiment Vermont Army National Guard June 11, 2022, at Army Aviation Support Facility #2, Westfield, Massachusetts. The exercise assessed Barnestormers ability to maintain air dominance in a simulated contested, degraded, and operationally limited environment and test their implementation of the Agile Combat Employment deployment concept.

The 332d Air Expeditionary Wing warrior of the Week of July 8, 2022, is Tech. Sgt. Antonio Pulsoni, 1st Expeditionary Rescue Group. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Tech. Sgt. Jeffery Foster)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Munger, with the Marine Corps Shooting Team, prepares to shoot his rifle during the 2022 National Matches on Camp Perry, Ohio, Aug. 3, 2022. Participants compete in six-man-teams, each shooter firing a timed 100-point aggregate using national match M-16 A4 service rifles. Rifles are fired from the 200, 300 and 600 yard lines in both sitting and standing positions. The National Matches, also called the World Series of Shooting Sports, have been a tradition on Camp Perry since 1907; more than 4,500 participants compete annually.

U.S. Navy Seaman Matthew Yaley, a hospital corpsman with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464, poses for a photo at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug. 7, 2022. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167 trained with U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Air National Guard units during joint exercise Northern Strike 22-2. HMLA-167 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

BOSTON (Sept. 26, 2022) U.S. Navy petty officers first class, selected for promotion to chief petty officer, participate in a climbing evolution during Chief Petty Officer Heritage Weeks. During the week, Constitution Sailors teach the selectees a variety of time-honored maritime evolutions while living and working aboard the ship.USS Constitution, is the worlds oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. During normal operations, the active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people a year as they support the ships mission of promoting the Navys history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents. The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 when Brit

U.S. Army Sgt. Albert Satcher, an infantryman with the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, teaches his Soldiers different forms of squad formations at Fort Carson, Colorado, Feb. 1, 2024. The Soldiers practice the formations under the observance and guidance of Satcher. Army

U.S. Army Pfc. Brian Kelly, with the 437th Military Police Battalion, competes in the 73rd Troop Commands Best Warrior Competition at Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center in Ravenna, Ohio, Nov. 5, 2022. “I joined the Ohio Army National Guard because when I was young, I was adopted from Bogota Columbia, and I just wanted to give back to the country that gave me the life I have today,” Kelly said. “I am competing in the Best Warrior Competition because my team leader competed last year and did really well, so I wanted to follow in his footsteps and to try it myself. I look up to him a lot and he has been teaching and preparing me since I came to the unit.”

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Gregg K. Whisler, equal opportunity advisor, Kosovo Force Regional Command-East, stands in front of the U.S., NATO, and Virginia flags at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, October 19, 2022. Whisler deployed to Kosovo in January 2022 for a nine-month rotation in support of Operation Joint Guardian.

Chilean Marine Sgt. Alan Ali Barrera Latin, competes in a 6 mile foot march during the Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas, May 4, 2022. The friendly, three-day competition challenges service members on professional military knowledge, marksmanship, obstacle course and land navigation. The Army winners of this event will move on to represent Texas at the National Guards Region V Best Warrior Competition.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the Vermont National Guard compete in the annual Best Warrior Competition, in Jericho, Vermont, April 2, 2022. The Vermont National Guard hosts two non-commissioned officers and two junior enlisted soldiers for a chance at becoming the state representatives at regional Best Warrior Competition events.

New York National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 369th Sustainment Brigade say goodbye to their families during a farewell ceremony at Camp Smith, N.Y. on September 18, 2022. The brigade, known as the "Harlemhell Fighters" for the unit's service in World War I, will be deploying to Kuwait to provide logistics support Army forces in the Middle East.

Sgt. First Class Brett Johnston,1st Armored Division West is all smiles during the Meadows Elementary career day. Meadows Elementary Schools location within the Fort Hood community, and educating children of military families, allowed this event to not only display the various civilian careers, but also the diverse range of Army career fields.Meadows was allowed to have speakers for its annual career day in the school for the first time since 2020, when the event was cancelled due to Covid-19.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Derek Harbin, a Easley, South Carolina, native and a field artillery cannoneer with Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, poses for a photo in front of a M777 155mm howitzer during Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 25, 2022. This type of training evolution is the culminating event aimed at validating the unit's readiness to conduct combat operations. My job is essential to winning because no war has ever been won without field artillery,” said Harbin.

U.S. Army Col. Christopher Hammonds, the Commander of 5th Ranger Training Battalion, conducts a retirment ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Joey D. Blacksher on Stringer Drop Zone, Dahlonega, Ga., February 2, 2024. Command Sgt. Maj. Blacksher served 22 years of dedicated serve to the U.S. Army and the United States of America. Army Reserve

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Nick Lacarra, a 20-year-old improvised explosive device detection dog handler with Combined Anti-Armor Team 2, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and a native of Long Beach, Calif., holds security in a field with his dog Coot while halted during a partnered security patrol with Afghan Border Police here, Jan. 30. In southern Garmsir district, an area with a history of tribal conflict, the growing ABP force has deepened its roots and established governance through the mentorship of the 3/3 Weapons Co. Marines. The ABP is younger and significantly smaller than the Afghan National Army and police forces, but its mission is vital as Afghan forces prepare to assume lead security responsibility in Garmsir. ÄúIf the ABP didnÄôt exist, there would be holes all along AfghanistanÄôs southern border,Äù said Capt. Jason Armas, 33, the commanding officer of Weapons Co., 3/3, and a native of Rye, N.Y.

U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guards funeral honors team support the memorial service and burial of Pfc. Donald M. Born whose remains were recently identified and given a proper burial after going missing in action during the Korean War in 1950.

Pfc. Hunter Harvison, a Hattiesburg native and combat medic with the 890th Engineer Battalion, 184th Sustainment Command, Mississippi Army National Guard, poses for a photo at Davis Park near Jackson, Mississippi, Sept. 7, 2022. "I chose to serve because I found the military interesting. I chose to be a medic because I enjoy helping people."

Paratroopers across the 82nd Airborne Division finish the 12 mile road march, complete a weapons test, and recieve their E3B on Fort Bragg, NC, April 7, 2023. 371 Paratroopers and Soldiers across multiple units and locations successfully completed E3B.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Clayton Lenhardt, 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs noncommissioned officer in charge of media operations, poses for a photo at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, June 21, 2022. Lenhardt shared his story of navigating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in honor of PTSD awareness month.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kyle Helberg, a combat arms specialist assigned to the 673rd Security Forces Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, gives his account of a recent helicopter crash March 2, 2023. Helberg performed life-saving skills on a U.S. Army pilot after his helicopter crash-landed in Talkeetna immediately after takeoff, and was able to assist him in a quick recovery.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ridge Green, a generator mechanic with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, simulates an attack against a competitor during a squadron war game competition at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 26, 2022. The simple yet dynamic game system, in line with the commandants force design and modernization plan, increased Marines' and Sailors' operational awareness of the Indo-Pacific region and improved their problem-solving ability.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Francisco Escalera, a Carolina, Puerto Rico, native and field artillery fire control Marine with 2d Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, poses on a joint light tactical vehicle during a hide and seek field exercise on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 26, 2022. I push myself to learn, be better, and be ready for whenever the call comes and we have to go and fight , says Escalera.This event is a true force-on-force exercise in which participating forces thoroughly test and document tactics, techniques, and procedures for operations in the information environment in support of expeditionary advanced-based operations and stand-in forces.

Sgt. Benjamin Miller competed in the U.S. Army Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition in Marseilles, Illinois, May 16-20, and is now the 2022 ASC Best Warrior! He will go on and represent ASC at this years U.S. Army Materiel Command Best Warrior Competition.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Taliyah Williams, a combat engineer with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group is photographed during Exercise Winter Pioneer 24, Marine Corps Outlying Field Oak Grove, North Carolina, Feb. 15, 2024. U.S. Marine Corps engineers and U.S. Navy construction force utilized Marine Corps Outlying Field Oak Grove for Marines and Sailors to rehearse establishing and sustaining advanced naval and expeditionary bases that contribute to maritime domain awareness. Marine Corps

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Hunter Woolever, 20th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, works at the Base Defense Operations Center to ensure the safety of service members at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Sep. 22, 2022. Security Forces personnel conduct a both physically and mentally demanding mission, and are highly focused on ensuring people and property on base are protected, from writing tickets to investigating on-base incidents.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Peter Last, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron officer-in-charge of civil engineer operations, utilized his team to quickly stand up a mission capable location and enable flying operations by keeping equipment like the Mobile Aircraft Arresting System operational, or by building Entry Control Points for the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, during Operation Agile Spartan III at an undisclosed location, September 13, 2022. This exercise tested how Airmen can demonstrate their Agile Combat Employment capabilities, deploying a small and efficient team anywhere in the world, at any time, to stand up a functioning air base and necessary facilities to a mission capable status as quickly as possible. Once stood up, a key function of the 386th ECES is to maintain functional operations for each team at the location by doing any repairs if needed.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Peter Last, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron officer-in-charge of civil engineer operations, utilized his team to quickly stand up a mission capable location and enable flying operations by keeping equipment like the Mobile Aircraft Arresting System operational, or by building Entry Control Points for the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, during Operation Agile Spartan III at an undisclosed location, September 13, 2022. This exercise tested how Airmen can demonstrate their Agile Combat Employment capabilities, deploying a small and efficient team anywhere in the world, at any time, to stand up a functioning air base and necessary facilities to a mission capable status as quickly as possible. Once stood up, a key function of the 386th ECES is to maintain functional operations for each team at the location by doing any repairs if needed.

Cadets of 11th Regiment, Advanced Camp, complete the 12-mile foot march during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., August 13, 2022. The 12 mile foot march is the final event Cadets must complete as a graduation requirement for CST. | Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

U.S. Army Sgt. Austin Manville, assigned to the U.S. Army National Guard, prepares to engage the board panel while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

U.S. Marine Platoon Commander at a Small Combat Outpost in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

American soldier in army combat uniform

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Levi Dube, a platoon sergeant with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, flattens the land for artillery position during Exercise Rolling Thunder at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 21, 2022. Im doing the same thing my father did 20-plus years ago in the same unit as he did it with, explained Dube. We have both served as a heavy equipment operator in the 10th Marine Regiment, which is pretty special to me. This exercise is a 10th Marines-led live fire artillery event that tested the units abilities to operate in a simulated littoral environment against a peer threat in a dynamic and multi-domain scenario.

Senior Airman Caros Palomino, 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron aerial port specialist, stands on a K-loader and prepares to push cargo onto a KC-10 Extender during a humanitarian aid mission at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Feb. 21, 2024. The 19th Airlift Wing has many mission sets, one of which is to provide and support humanitarian aid missions across the globe. Air Force

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

Military working dog Alan assigned to the 8th Security Forces Squadron, receives a pet at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 22, 2022. Alan performed more than 70,000 Search Hours, 1,500 vehicle inspections and 400 aircraft sweeps. Alan served as a force multiplier to fire teams across 36 peninsula operational readiness exercises.

U.S. Soldiers with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, deployed to Africa as part of Task Force Paxton, pose for a photo after a physical training event, February 2024. TF Paxton is supporting Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa's mission of conducting operations to enhance partner nation capacity, promote regional stability, dissuade conflict and protect U.S. and coalition interests. Army

U.S. Marine Corps crewmen with Kilo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), Huntsville, Alabama, discuss loading procedures during Emerald Warrior 22.1 at Hurlburt Field, Florida, May 3, 2022. Emerald Warrior focused on U.S. and partner nation relationships while emphasizing joint force interoperability.

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, senoir leaders across the Army, and civillians honor the heroic actions of D-Day at the Airborne Memorial Ceremony in Normandy, France, June 6, 2022. Paratroopers come to Normandy to celebrate the triumph and victory of the 82nd Airborne Division in liberating Normandy from Nazi rule.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Keeny, 45th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tilar Brooks 45th SFS MWD handler, walks across the flightline with Debra, 45th SFS MWD, on August 23, 2022, Patrick Space Force Base, Fla. MWDs provide security to Patrick SFB and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and are trained to ensure mission readiness.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Marie Miller, 386th Expeditionary Medical Squadron bioenvironmental engineering NCOIC, is responsible for conducting health risk assessments for occupational hazards such as noise, hazardous chemicals, and air quality, and recently Miller had a chance to put this to practice during Operation Agile Spartan III at an undisclosed location, September 8, 2022. The best part about this experience is being the only bio person out here. So usually there's a team of bioenvironmental engineers. Now I'm the only one. It's nice to have all these skills and then put them to real world use.

U.S. Army Capt. Melissa Parmenter and therapy dog Ace sit for a portrait in front of the New Jersey National Guards Joint Force Headquarters on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 12, 2019. Parmenter and Ace are both part of the New Jersey Army National Guards a Behavioral Health Office. This photo was features multiple images stitched together.

Born and raised in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Sgt. Yahdiel Bruno Cameron is a 15Y (AH-64 Armament / Electrical / Avionic Systems Repairer) in 4-6 Air Cavalry Squadron, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade."I'm big on family tradition, so because my father and grandfathers were in the military that's all the motivation I needed to join," Sgt. Bruno said. "I love being in the CAB because it's a family environment that makes me feel like I'm a part of something special."Since 1775, the U.S. Army has been an institution built by many people of different backgrounds; all able to leverage their heritage to contribute unique perspectives, skills and talents to help us fight and win our nation's wars.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Muniz poses for an environmental portrait at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., Oct. 13, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Aaron Corns, a security forces specialist assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, conducts a ruck march during an Agile Combat Employment training event at the 180FW in Swanton, Ohio, March 30, 2023. Agile Combat Employment allows Airmen to widen capabilities by training in adjacent career fields, creating Multi-Capable Airmen that can operate in a contested, degraded and operationally limited environment.

Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Pulcher, operations watch NCO for U.S. Army Central, takes notes during Exercise Lucky Strike 2022 at Fort Gordon, Georgia, Sept. 21, 2022. During Exercise Lucky Strike, USARCENT deployed its contingency command post, demonstrating an ability to rapidly deploy within its area of responsibility.

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division march to Sainte-Mère-Église following the Airborne Memorial Ceremony in Normandy, France, June 6, 2022. Paratroopers come to Normandy to celebrate the triumph and victory of the 82nd Airborne Division in liberating Normandy from Nazi rule.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 22, 2022) Australian Army Soldier, Corporal Sonny Huynh, a command support clerk from 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Hawaii during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Photo by Royal Australian Air Force Cpl. John Solomon)

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