National Guard Competitions

Images depict competitions among National Guard soldiers, focusing on skills, camaraderie, and recognition of excellence in military operations.

From left, U.S. Army Lt. Col Brian M. Travis outgoing commander of Allied Forces South Battalion (AFSOUTH), Col. Miles T. Gengler, U.S. Army NATO Brigade Commander and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ebrima F. MBai incoming commander, during a change of command ceremony at Joint Forces Command Naples, Italy, June, 22, 2022

Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Soper, Minnesota National Guard's Command Senior Enlisted Leader, speaks with visiting CSEL's during the Region IV Best Warrior Competition on May 12, 2022. Twelve National Guard Soldiers are competing in 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 Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette.)

Brig. Gen Kevin Meisler from 311th Signal Command visits 304th Signal battalion, and recognizes soldiers for their hard work.

Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Gen. Daniel Hokanson, speaks to a formation of Soldiers assigned to 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, June 12, 2022. Hokanson, who is touring different areas of operations throughout the european theater, stopped in Grafenwoehr Germany to see soldiers from the Florida National Guard responsible for the Joint Multinational Training Group Ukraine mission.

From left, U.S. Army Lt. Col Brian M. Travis outgoing commander of Allied Forces South Battalion (AFSOUTH), Col. Miles T. Gengler, U.S. Army NATO Brigade Commander and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ebrima F. MBai incoming commander, during a change of command ceremony at Joint Forces Command Naples, Italy, June, 22, 2022

U.S. ARMY JAPAN held a patching ceremony at Yano Field in CAMP ZAMAJAPAN on JUNE 17th, 2022, authorizing both U.S Army Soldiers and JapanSelf-Defense Force members to wear the new patch that symbolizes theirenduring bilateral relationship.

Alaska Air and Army National Guardsmen return to Fairbanks, Alaska, Sept. 30 from assisting Nome community residents affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of storm-related debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

Maj. Gen. Dennis LeMaster, the outgoing commander of the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, hands the unit colors to Lt. Gen. Theodore Martin, commanding general U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, KS, as he relinquishes command at a ceremony held at MacArthur Field, Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, June 23, 2022. The passing of the colors during the ceremony signifies the change of leadership to Maj. Gen. Mike Talley, the incoming commander. Looking on is Command Sgt. Maj. Clark Charpentier, MEDCoE command sergeant major and senior enlisted leader. Photo by Francis Trachta, Army Medical Department Museum.

Brig. Gen. Lori Robinson, Deputy Commanding General of Support with 2nd Infantry Division/ROK Combined Division, conducts a maintenance terrain walkthrough of the 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade footprint on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Sept. 15, 2022. The purpose of the maintenance terrain walkthrough is to ensure a high level of awareness and command interest in field maintenance by ensuring senior Command Groups understand how their maintenance program operates.

U.S. Army Col. Richard J. Ikena, left, commander of the 1st Infantry Division Artillery, receives U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III, commanding general for 1st Infantry Division, at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, June 16, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division 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.

Maj. Gen. JP McGee, commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Veronica Knapp, command sergeant major, of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Soldiers award the sports competition trophy to the command team of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," Col. Mark Frederovich and Command Sgt. Maj. Eddie Brewer, Jr., during the Division Pass and Review during Week of the Eagles at Fort Campbell, Ky., May 26, 2022. The Pass and Review, which allows the commanding general to review the division as a whole, was the culminating event of the 2022 Week of the Eagles, a celebration of the past, present, and future of the 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) and allows Soldiers to compete on behalf of their brigades in multiple competitions throughout the week.

Command Sgt. Maj. Mario Terenas of the 10th Mountain Division expresses enthusiastic approval of Pvt. Thornhill, a Soldier with 10th MTN DIV and recipient of the Expert Infantryman Badge, during an award ceremony at Sexton Field on Fort Drum, N.Y., May 26, 2022.

Gen. Christopher Cavoli, United States Army Europe and Africa commanding general, visits troops from the 16th Sustainment Brigade and presents coins at Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany on April 26, 2022. Gen. Cavoli thanked them for all the hard work the Soldiers have done and sacrifices them and their families have made during the past few months.

U. S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard (MANG), gives Spc. Trent Rodrigues, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, MANG, The Adjutant Generals Coin, for his outstanding performance during the eXportable Combat Training Capability exercise July 22, 2022, at Ft. Drum, N. Y. More than 2,500 Soldiers are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight and win.

Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Gonzales salutes Cpt. Zemas K. Andargachew during the activation ceremony for Delta Battery, 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, on Fort Hood, Texas, Sept. 7. Andargachew assumed command of the newly formed battery, while Gonzales assumed responsibility as the acting first sergeant.

Soldiers from the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, Wyoming Army National Guard, demonstrate maintenance procedures to the Tunisian Army in Sheridan, Wyoming, May 17, 2022, during a State Partnership Program visit. The purpose of the SPP is to enhance military ties and strengthen partnerships with countries worldwide. The Wyoming National Guard partnered with the African nation of Tunisia in 2004 and continues to further their relationship with educational exchanges like these.

U.S. Space Force Gen. John W. "Jay" Raymond, left, Chief of Space Operations, greets U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tom James, center, commander of the Joint Task Force-Space Defense and U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Jeramey Conley, right, command senior enlisted leader of the JTF-SD during his visit to the organization at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, Sept. 6, 2022. During the visit, Raymond and his team learned about the JTF-SD's protect and defend mission and its critical command and control networks. The JTF-SD, and its National Space Defense Center, provide unprecedented unity of effort with the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community and National Reconnaissance Office to protect and defend against threats in the space domain.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Horacio Morfin, operations noncommissioned officer in charge for the California Army National Guards 185th Military Police Battalion, 49th Military Police Brigade, talks to the mission command team at the Randall Road Debris Basin, Jan. 13, 2023, in Montecito, California, while the 649th Engineer Company works to reroute the water flow as part of the states storm response. The basin is in the same area where a deadly mudflow hit in 2018. The engineers are supporting the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management through the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services.

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. - Members from the Robins Air Force Base Airmen Leadership Course, Class-22 Foxtrot, retire the flag during a retreat ceremony at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Aug. 26th, 2022. Retiring the flag is representative of two things- the end of the official duty day and paying respect to the flag and what it stands for.

Airman 1st Class Justin Andersen and Airman 1st Class Christian Anderson of The United States Air Force Honor Guard raise the American flag during the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., Sept. 9, 2022. The annual event is held in honor of those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, and in remembrance of those who responded.

Staff Sgt. Alexander Makaron, assigned to the 27th Finance Battalion, New York Army National Guard, is presented with a 1st place award for the Individual Pistol Competition and awarded an Army Achievement Medal following The Adjutant General Combat Marksmanship Skills Competition (TAG Match) at Camp Smith Training Site, N.Y., June 5, 2022. The TAG Match is a 3-day event conducted by the New York Army National Guard to promote excellence in marksmanship training and offer Soldiers, Airmen and State Militia the opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a battle-focused environment

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Mennes, deputy commanding general, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C., conducts a walk through at the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks, Aug. 29, 2022. Fort Bragg has started to move Soldiers to other barracks throughout the installation from the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks.

Members across Joint Base San Antonio participate with the Police Week retreat ceremony, May 20, 2022, at JBSA-Randolph, Texas. The week of May 9-15 was observed around the country to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement. It began in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, National Police Week.

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Francis V. Famularcano, outgoing Senior Enlisted Advisor passes the unit colors to Col. Shane A. Roach, U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center-Europe, outgoing commander during a change of command & relinquishment of responsibility ceremony, July 8, 2022 at Kaiserslautern, Germany. Col. Deon D. Maxwell Sr. assumed command of the unit from Roach and Master Sgt. Charles W. Douglas assumed responsibility from Famularcano.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Latoya M. Manzey, left, commander of the 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stands at attention next to U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy M. Barr, incoming command sergeant major assigned to the 588th BSB during a change of responsibility ceremony at Żagań, Poland, Sept. 12, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

1st Armored Division Deputy Command General - Maneuver Brigadier Richard Bell welcomed the 4th Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery to the division during a ceremony at Fort Sill Nov. 21. Bell "patched" both the Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Alex Corby and Command Sgt. Maj. Bryant Massey.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Eaglin, 18th Wing commander, addresses a crowd during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 8, 2023. The Kadena food pantry is the first military affiliated food pantry located on Okinawa.

Lt. Col. Sam M. Pearson, commander of the 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment passes the guidon flag to Cpt. Zemas K. Andargachew during Delta Battery, 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment's, activation ceremony on Fort Hood, Texas, Sept. 7. This gesture symbolized Andargachew's assumption of command of Delta Battery.

U.S. Soldiers congratulate U.S. Army Sgt. Jamil Joe, and U.S. Army Spc. Nicholas Kennerson, both assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Infantry Division Artillery, during their promotion ceremony at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, July 1, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division Artillery is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), commanding general, observes the tactical command post teams communication abilities during the Tent Exercise (TENTEX) on Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Dec. 1, 2022. The TENTEX is designed to validate the tactical capability of the contingency command post and to maintain unit readiness to support SETAF-AF operations and joint exercises in Africa.

U.S. Army V Corps Commanding General Lt. Gen. John S. Kolasheski and Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond S. Harris, V Corps command sergeant major, observe a multinational live-fire display during Exercise Dynamic Front 2022, Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, July 20, 2022. DF22, led by 56th Artillery Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa directed, is the premiere U.S.-led NATO Allies and Partners- integrated fires exercise in the European theater focusing on fire interoperability and increasing readiness, lethality and interoperability across the human, procedural and technical domains. V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe, works alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, like this, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European theater.

U.S. Army Col. Shane A. Roach (right) USAMMC-E, outgoing commander passes the unit colors to Col. Anthony Nesbitt (left) Army Medical Logistics Command commander during a change of command & relinquishment of responsibility ceremony, July 8, 2022 at Kaiserslautern, Germany. Col. Deon D. Maxwell Sr. assumed command of the unit from Roach and Master Sgt. Charles W. Douglas assumed responsibility from Sgt. Maj. Francis V. Famularcano.

Col. Steve Mattingly, 138th Field Artillery Brigade commander, pins the Combat Action Badge onto Sgt. Jared Tyler of the 1-158 Inf. Reg. C. Co. during the Combat Action Badge ceremony, Jordan, Feb. 13, 2024. The Combat Action Badge (CAB) is a United States military award given to soldiers of the U.S. Army for being present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy. (

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Jerry Manzanares, the senior enlisted advisor for operations and training for 3rd Infantry Division, gives a welcome brief during the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 25, 2022. The Best Squad Competition tests squads physical, technical and tactical abilities under stress and fatigue to determine which squad from the XVIII Airborne Corps will advance to the Forces Command Best Squad Competition in the coming months.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Douglas Clark, left, an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment, Connecticut Army National Guard, is presented with an Army Commendation Medal by U.S. Army Col. Lesbia Nieves, right, brigade commander of the 85th Troop Command, Connecticut Army National Guard, during a command visit at the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site, Jericho, Vermont, July 16, 2022. Clark received the award for training 95 soldiers on the M17 service pistol over the course of three days, for preparing two tactical vehicles for the 235 mile convoy movement for annual training and for performing exceptionally as a platoon sergeant, a role above his current pay grade.

Soldiers from the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School

Tough Ombres from the 883rd Quarter Master Company out of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma conquer the confidence course on Fort Knox, Kentucky during annual training. Col. Steve Pazak, 90th Sustainment Brigade Commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Brenda Acosta conducted a site visit to see the Soldiers and talk about how todays training is shaping tomorrows outcomes.

1st Infantry Division Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher L. Mullinax (right), and 1st Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General-Support, U. S. Army Brig. Gen. Niave F. Knell (left), salute after laying a ceremonial wreath at the foot of the Vietnam Veteran's Monument during The Big Red One Vietnam War Remembrance Ceremony on July 4th, 2022, at the Vietnam Veterans Monument in Heritage Park, Junction City, KS. The wreath-laying ceremony allowed attendees to reflect on the sacrifices made by the 1st Infantry Division during the Vietnam War, particularly the actions taken during Operation Junction City in 1967.

U.S. Army Maj. Paul Ambrose, commander of the 153rd Medical Detachment (Blood Support), 56th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 62nd Medical Brigade, awards a coin to Staff Sgt. Zachary Collins, a decontamination specialist with the Washington National Guards 10th Homeland Response Force on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Sept. 23, 2022. Potter, with two other 10th HRF subject matter experts, taught a 2-day introductory course on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incident basics, proper wear of protective gear, and hazardous material detection and monitoring.

"When we put a second rocker on a noncommissioned officer, that's a mark of professionalism in our profession," said Maj. Gen. Kenneth Kamper, commanding general Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill after pinning Sergeant First Class rank on Michael Nazarko, an instructor with Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 78th Field Artillery.

Iowa National Guard Soldiers salute as reveille is played during an annual command retreat at the historic Camp Dodge Pool Pavilion in Johnston, Iowa, on May 26, 2022. Historically, reveille was sounded at sunset to signal sentries to begin their watch and direct Soldiers to their quarters for the evening. Today, command retreats are held to honor the American flag as it is raised and lowered. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Tawny Schmit)

2nd Lt. Nicholas Carano, the medical plans officer with the New England Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield explosive Enhanced Response (CBRNE) Element presents Gen. Daniel Hokanson, Chief, National Guard Bureau, with a 29th CBRNE Medical Element coin at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire, May 3, 2022. Hokanson is the 29th chief of the National Guard Bureau. (U.S. Air National Guard photo Staff Sgt. Victoria Nelson)

From left to right: U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gregory J. Brady, outgoing 10th AAMDC commander, Gen. Darryl A. Williams, U.S. Army Europe and Africa commander and Brig. Gen. Maurice O. Barnett, incoming 10th AAMDC commander render honors during the playing of the German and American National Anthem at a change of command ceremony, July 12, 2022 at Sembach Kaserne, Germany. The command's lineage dates from July 1, 1942 when it was first constitutes as the 10th Coast Artillery (Harbor Defense) at Fort Adams, Rhode Island. It deploys worldwide to conducts joint and combined/coalition air and missile defense operations in the U.S. European command area of operations.

Lt. Col. Erica Kane (far left) assumed command of the U.S. Army Health Clinic Wiesbaden (WAHC) during a change of command ceremony at U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, June 10. WAHC, the home of Army Medicine in Wiesbaden, Germany, provides patient-centered care to over 10,000 beneficiaries.

U.S. Army Col. Jake Miller, 128th Aviation Brigade commander, presents Lt. Col. Steven Conrad, 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment, with the Meritorious Service Medal during a ceremony June 15, 2022 at Fort Eustis, Virginia

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class John Jackson with the 117th Air Control Squadron, Georgia Air National Guard, receives the Air Force Achievement Medal on May 5, 2022, in Savannah, Georgia. Jackson was instrumental during the annual field traning last year in the implementation of the Public Address system ensuring the safety and security of the sixty-five personnel assigned to the Air Battle Element.

A group of U.S. Army Rangers, assigned to 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. Army Maj. Obach, with the 86th TD, conducts a sand table briefing with a group of joint service members and NATO partners for the Combat Support Training Exercise on Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, August 08, 2022. CSTX 22-02 provides integrated training environments to replicate a near-peer threat during large-scale combat operations within multi-domain operations.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jaime Lopez, the senior enlisted advisor for 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, shakes hands with Sgt. 1st. Class Christopher Fort, a newly inducted member of the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club, during a SAMC induction ceremony at Cashe Garden at Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sept. 28, 2022. Members of the prestigious club exemplify leadership characterized by personal concern for the needs, training, development and welfare of Soldiers and concern for their Families.

Oklahoma Army National Guard Lt. Col. Tonia Toben relinquishes her command of the 345th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 90th Troop Command, to Lt. Col. Darrin Fox during a change of command ceremony held at Camp Gruber Training Center, near Braggs, Oklahoma, May 14, 2022. Toben served as the 345th CSSB commander for more than three years. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

Master Sgt. Matthew McGrath, operations noncommissioned officer in charge, 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment, passes the organizational colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Martin Cortese, outgoing command sergeant major, to begin the change of responsibility ceremony at Howze Parade Field, Fort Rucker, Alabama, March 30, 2022.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1 ABCT) and members of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Poland participate in a NATO patch ceremony, where they symbolically replace the 1st Cavalry Division patch worn on the left sleeve, with the NATO Battlegroup patch representing their commitment to the NATO mission at Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Oct. 21, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

The US Army Support Activity, Fort Dix, NJ had a Change of Responsibility” on 29 April 2022. The outgoing base Command Sergeant Major was CSM Tamara A. Edwards passing the colors to CSM James W. Van Zlike. Both Commanders spoke during this Ceremony along with the US Army Support Activity Commander COL Jon A. Brierton. The families of outgoing and incoming were in attendance. This event was held on Sharp Field, Fort Dix, NJ. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix [TSC Training Support Center)

Gen. James C. McConville, chief of staff of the Army, and Gen. Edward Daly, commanding general of the U.S. Army Materiel Command, take a moment to speak during their visit to Project Convergence 22 at Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 21. During the first of two demonstration days for Project Convergence 22, All-Service and Multinational leaders gathered at Camp Pendleton to discuss lessons learned and ways ahead after several weeks of transformational future force experimentation.

040114-A-1915L-020. Base: Camp Santiago State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Gen. Bashkim Jashari, commander of the Kosovo Security Force, greets a KSF member while he practices warrior tasks and battle drills with the 209th Medical Company (Area Support) at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on May 17, 2022. Several members of the KSF are completing annual training with the 209th MCAS to cross train and increase interoperability. Jashari was accompanied by the KSF senior enlisted leader, the Iowa National Guard Adjutant General and the IANG senior enlisted leader for a tour of Camp Dodge facilities, which kicked off their week-long visit. The IANG is partnered with Kosovo as part of the Department of Defenses State Partnership Program, which affords unique opportunities for joint training.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Patricio Recalde Jr., right, an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician with EOD Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion (ESB), Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, is congratulated by his fellow Marines following his award ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 7, 2022. Recalde received the Certificate of Excellent Personal Action for saving a life while he was on leave. Recaldes personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and reflect great credit upon himself and 8th ESB, EOD Company.

From left to right: U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Omar A. Mascarenas, Brig. Gen. Clinton K. Murray, both with the Regional Health Command-Europe and Maj. Gen. Dennis P. LeMaster, Deputy Commanding General (Support), Medical Command and the 19th Chief, Medical Service Corps render honors during the redesignation ceremony on Sep. 30, 2022 in Landstuhl, Germany. RHC-Europe redesignated to Medical Readiness Center-Europe.

Maj. Gen. William Dyer III assumed duties as the commander of the 108th Training Command (Initial Entry Training) from Maj. Gen. Andrew Juknelis during a Change of Command Ceremony November 20 at the units new headquarters in Charlotte, NC. Maj. Gen. Eugene LeBoeuf, the deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army Reserve, presided over the ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice Williams, right, command chief, Air National Guard, addresses Airmen of the 239th Combat Communications Squadron, 131st Bomb Wing, Missouri National Guard at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. During his visit, Williams spoke with leadership and Airmen about the importance of the mission, leadership qualities and the Airmen's impact on the future of the Air Force.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Mulcahey, Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry Regiment (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, left, bids farewell to HHT's retiring U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Douglas Stewart at Ethan Allen Firing Range, Jericho, Vt., Oct. 15, 2022. This formation marks the last in which Stewart participates before retirement from service.

Soldiers from the 16th Military Police Brigade placed their unit insignia on the oar signifying being the best squad as they beat out seven other teams during the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition among Corps Separates at Fort Bragg, N.C., June 8, 2022. The competition was built with the “This Is My Squad” initiative and U.S. Armys Holistic Health and Fitness System and tested squads on their cohesion, physicality and lethality.

U.S. Army Soldiers receive new shoulder sleeve insignia during the reflagging ceremony of the 11th Airborne Division, June 6, 2022, at Pershing Parade Field, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The activation returns the historic 11th Airborne Division to an active Army role, with a focus on operations in extreme cold weather and mountainous high-altitude environments. The ceremonies at Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson reflagged the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, into the 1st and 2nd Brigade Combat Teams, 11th Airborne Division, respectively.

Staff Sgt. Jamie Bailey (left) 1st Battalion, 185th Aviation Regiment, 66th Troop Command, Mississippi Army National Guard, and Sgt. 1st Class Brian Alford, 1st Battalion, 204th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 66TC, MSARNG pose for a photo at the Thomas Cardozo Middle School in Jackson, Mississippi, Sept. 2, 2022. "I chose to serve so that I would be able to give back and serve others," said Bailey."Helping to give water to citizens of Mississippi, moments like these is why I chose to serve. Being able to serve at home is a unique benefit of serving in the Guard," said Alford.

Airmen from the 171st Air Refueling Wing and the 911th Airlift Wing take part in a Combat Lifesaver Course, May 15, 2022, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The students were run through a series of realistic trauma scenarios using tactical maneuvers to approach casualties then provide frontline life-saving medical treatment.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Aaron Lambert, an administrative clerk, with Recruiting Station Harrisburg is promoted to the rank of sergeant in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, Aug. 8, 2022. Lambert was promoted to the rank of sergeant for his hard work and dedication to RS Harrisburg and the Marine Corps mission.

During the initial planning conference for exercise Southern Vanguard 24 in Macapa, Brazil, Dec 5-8, 2022, Master Sgt. Rob Mitchell and a Brazilian army infantry officer discusses training scenarios, logistic requirements and training objectives for the forthcoming bilateral event that will take place in the fall of 2023. Southern Vanguard is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored, U.S. Army South-conducted exercise at the operational and tactical levels designed to increase interoperability between U.S. and Western Hemisphere forces.

Airmen assigned to the 4th Security Forces Squadron and Air Combat Command meet with security forces members at Berkeley Gate at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Oct. 17, 2022. During the visit, ACC members met for a unit immersion to talk about new changes coming to the 4th SFS enterprise and ACC.

Gen. James C. McConville, Chief of Staff of the United States Army, promotes a Soldier to the rank of private first class, on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 26, 2022. Coinciding with the launch of the Army's new Future Soldier Preparatory Course, McConville encouraged leaders to promote excellence while meeting the needs of their Soldiers.

A cadre member speaks with competitors Army Futures Commands Best Squad Competition, held at Camp Bullis, Texas, June 6, 2022. The Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition is a single event used to select the U.S. Army Best Squad of the Year, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Soldier of the Year. The Armys Best Squad is a loyal group of professionals who treat each other with dignity and respect, have the highest esprit de corps and are trained and proficient in their warrior tasks and battle drills.

Finnish soldiers assigned to the Pori Brigade, and U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, go over a sand table before a combined arms rehearsal at Niinisalo, Finland, July 21, 2022. The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and the Pori Brigade of the Finnish army began summer training in Finland to strengthen relations and help build interoperability between the two nations.

Members of the 47th Flying Training Squadron Security Forces stand for roll call during the Final Guardmount ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, May 20, 2022. The 47th Security Forces Squadron conducted the ceremony to conclude National Police Week. ( U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kailee Reynolds)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Paul Bodine, assigned to U.S. Army Network Enterprise Center Belgium, 39th Strategic Signal Battalion, orients himself during Land Navigation for Army Warrior Training, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, May 25, 2022. This training tested the proficiency of Soldiers based on the unit Mission Essential Tasks List.

Col. James Clark, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC) Detachment 9 commander, shakes hands with Maj. Melissa Jameson, 22nd Force Support Squadron commander, during a visit to the Child Development Center, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Dec. 8, 2022. AFIMSC aims to deliver integrated installation and mission support to increase warfighter readiness and lethality for the Air and Space Forces.

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

FORT MCCOY, WI - Capt. Richard Harris, Commander, 367th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (left), Spc. Lukas Sparks (center), 1st Sgt. Tracy Korff, (right), gather for a photo upon the completion of a promotion ceremony during annual training, Aug. 8, 2022 (Photo by U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Megan Fischer).

Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman (SEAC) U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black speaks with Coast Guardsmen assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard Special Missions Training Center during a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) demonstration at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 15, 2024. Black met with leaders and personnel to increase cross-service relationships while promoting Joint Warfighting and War-winning across domains, services, and the Total Force. Air Force

Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division participate in an airborne operation on August 12, 2022, at Sicily Drop Zone on Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The 82nd Airborne Division is constantly training and ensuring the ability to provide the Nations with ground forces who can deploy, fight, and win anywhere within 18 hours of notification.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. David Jenkins, assistant adjutant general, South Carolina National Guard and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Kyzer II, South Carolina Army National Guard State Command Sgt. Maj., visit soldiers with the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina National Guard during a joint Warfighter exercise with U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 10th Mountain Division, Ft. Drum, New York, June 11, 2022. Warfighter exercises are designed to test a commands ability to plan and execute tactical operations in phases. Soldiers are tested through virtual battlefield simulations.

U.S. Airmen with the 156th Wing, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, honor the nine Airmen who perished in the Rican 68 C-130 airplane crash in Savannah, Georgia, May 2, 2018, during a remembrance ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, May 2, 2022.

Military dorm residents enjoy free food during a Feed the Dorms event near the Hale Aina Dining Facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 29, 2022. The event was hosted by the Hickam Chiefs Group, providing residents with 100 free meals.

Command Sgt. Maj. Frederick Haerter addresses the attendees of a change of responsibility ceremony held on the Regional Training Institute Plaza at Fort Harrison July 19. Haerter relinquished responsibility of 95th Troop Command to Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Brown.

Command Sgt. Maj. Adam Nash, senior enlisted advisor, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson (left), congratulates and hugs Brig. Gen. Eric S. Strong, the Deputy Commander of the 4th Inf. Div. (right) during the annual Memorial/Retreat ceremony held on Founders Field, Fort Carson, Colorado, May 26, 2022. The Legion of Merit was presented to Strong for his selfless service and tireless dedication to duty during his time serving as the Deputy Commanding General for the Fourth Infantry Division.

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1AD CAB conducts a change of command ceremony for HHC Brigade, where CPT Stephen Balaze will relinquish command to CPT Darim Nessler.

U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Taylor (left), and Staff Sgt. Abdiel Colon (center), 810th Quartermaster Company, examine a gallons per hour (GPH) spreadsheet to verify the Tactical Water Purification System (TWPS) productivity during the Combat Support Training Exercise (CSTX) 86-22-02 hosted by the 86th Training Division (TD) on Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Aug. 11, 2022. CSTX is an exercise developed to train Army Reserve units and Soldiers to deploy on short-notice and bring capable, combat-ready, and lethal capabilities in support of the Army and our joint partners anywhere in the world.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Elizabeth Tacka, left, a sapper platoon leader with 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Scarborough, a combat engineer with 588th BEB, speak with U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly following a multinational training at Santahamina, Finland, June 30, 2022. The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and the Guard Jaeger Regiment of the Finnish army trained in Finland to strengthen relations and help build interoperability between the two nations.

U.S. Army Soldiers compete in the Best Medic Competition for Medical Readiness Command, East on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Nov. 6, 2022. The competition included the Army Combat Fitness Test, M4 Qualifications, Combat Water Survival Training, and a written exam on the first day.

The 96th Medical Group formation salutes during a retreat ceremony June 13 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The ceremony was held to honor of Brig. Gen. Scott Cain, 96th Test Wing commander, before his change of command June 30. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ilka Cole)

U.S. Army Sgt. Spencer Fayles, a combat medic with the 144th Area Support Medical Company, representing the Utah National Guard in the All Guard National Best Warrior Competition, speaks to Command Sgt. Maj. Spencer Nielsen, senior enlisted leader, Utah National Guard, during a grueling valor run in Tullahoma, Tennessee, July 26, 2022. The 3.4 mile valor run honored select Medal of Honor recipients at six different stations all designed to mimic the actions taken deserving of the award-putting each competitor through similar circumstances. Fourteen of the nations best National Guard junior enlisted Soldiers and noncommissioned officers participate in an intensive, six-day competition throughout Tennessee to determine who will be named the Army National Guard's best-of-the-best.

Spc. Arron Nunez, Arkansas National Guard, runs the final stretch of a 12 mile ruck march, a challenge at the National Guard Region V Best Warrior Competition, Camp Gruber Training Center, Okla., May 19, 2022. The Annual Competition brings together top-tier soldiers to challenge them on a variety of Army warrior tasks. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Reece Heck)

Today the 10th Mountain Division honored the Soldiers from Task Force 2-14 by participating in the Mogadishu Mile. The original mile was a route taken by Soldiers from a Blackhawk helicopter crash site to a rally point held by the 10th MTN DIV on National Street during the Battle of Mogadishu on October 4, 1993.

Soldiers from 11th Airborne Division stand at parade rest waiting to get pinned an award for earning perfect scores during the Expert Field Medical, Expert Infantry or Expert Soldier Badge testing on Pershing Field Sept. 30, 2022. The testing took place over the past three weeks and over 400 Soldiers received their specific Expert Skills Badge. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Christopher B. Dennis/ 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs Office)

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Elvis Garcia, officer-in-charge of the white cell, holds a walkie-talkie as he prepares to support Soldiers on their transport missions. Two-way radios can provide safety and security in different working environments.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jonathon N. Sims, 12th Marines Commanding Officer, and Japan Self- Defense Force Col. Watanabe Koki, 2d Division Chief of Staff, Northern Army, address participants during the opening ceremony of Resolute Dragon 22 at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 1, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

U.S. Army and KATUSA Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, USAG Humphreys celebrate winning the annual Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) Inclusion Cup at the BOSS 4th Quarter Awards Ceremony held at Humphreys Family Theater, Sept. 27, 2022. HHC also received an award for the Best BOSS Inclusion Video, Best Brigade BOSS Board, and Best Battalion BOSS Board in the USAG Humphreys BOSS Program for Fiscal Year 22.

U.S. Army and KATUSA Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, USAG Humphreys celebrate winning the annual Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) Inclusion Cup at the BOSS 4th Quarter Awards Ceremony held at Humphreys Family Theater, Sept. 27, 2022. HHC also received an award for the Best BOSS Inclusion Video, Best Brigade BOSS Board, and Best Battalion BOSS Board in the USAG Humphreys BOSS Program for Fiscal Year 22.

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U.S. Army Officer Candidate School cadet Matt Muniz, with the New Jersey Army National Guard, and Albanian Armed Forces OCS cadets participate in combined leadership and hilltop tactics familiarization at the Bunavi Individual Training Center, April 6, 2022, in Vlorë, Albania. New Jersey Army National Guard soldiers selected to Officer Candidate School, along with their leadership cadre, traveled to Albania to participate with AAF OCS cadets, strengthening the 20 year New Jersey-Albania Partnership, which is one of 22 European partnerships that make up the U.S. European Command State Partnership Program and one of 65 worldwide partnerships that make up the National Guard State Partnership Program.

U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno speaks to Sgt. Serina Glass, a Drill Sergeant from Echo Company, 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment, during his visit to Basic Training facilities at Fort Jackson, SC Oct. 25, 2012.

Green Berets of 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), salute during the playing of the national anthem at the annual Gold Star ceremony at Fort Campbell, Ky., May 21, 2022. The remembrance ceremony honors the families of fallen Special Operations heroes.

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