Night Operations and Training

Nighttime military operations featuring personnel using thermal and night vision equipment, emphasizing preparation and tactical readiness.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to fire during a deck shoot aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 3, 2022. Combat Marksmanship Program is designed to sustain a units lethality. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Seen through the green glow of a night scope, HH-60H Seahawk helicopter crewmember Aviation Ordnance One (AW1) Scott Lambright (Hometown: Springtown, Texas) assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4 (HAS 4) based at Norfolk, Virginia, assists naval friendly forces during a night mission of DESERT RESCUE IX exercise at the ranges at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada. Desert Rescue is the premiere Search And Rescue (SAR) training exercise involving Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine personnel. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE IX Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: HAS 4

060322-M-0374B-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fallujah Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST PLT, ECO, 2/6

070401-A-1985S-015. Base: Salman Pak State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHWEST

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cody Young, Lightweight Machine Gun Course instructor, center, instructs Airman First Class Rankle Lewis Adam on the proper use of a thermal scope mounted on an M249 light machine gun prior to a nighttime live-fire exercise as part of the LMGC at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis Military Training Reservation, Texas, Oct. 5, 2022. The two-week course culminates in a three-day live-fire weapons familiarization designed to prepare students for day-one mission demands at locations where this training is not available.

040315-F-2828D-224. Base: Port-Au-Prince Country: Haiti (HTI)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to fire during a deck shoot aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 3, 2022. Combat Marksmanship Program is designed to sustain a units lethality. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

US Air Force (USAF) STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Greg Patterson, a Boom Operator onboard a KC-135 Stratotanker, from the 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron (EARS), reads a letter from home under an instrument panel light during a Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

040703-A-3978J-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 2-3 INF

060321-A-7969G-030. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Bayji State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

US Marine Corps (USMC) M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank (MBT) personnel from Charlie Company, 1ST Tank Battalion, wait at a refueling position after dark in the vicinity of Al Nassaria, along route Tampa in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. (Substandard image). Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Soldiers from the Alpha Company Engineers, Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Division search for possible improvise explosive devices hidden on the side of a main road on East Baghdad, Iraq on January 10, 2006. The 101st Division is currently deployed in Iraq supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Soldiers of Squad 1, representing U.S. Army Forces Command at the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition, prepare to be tested with the unknown contents of a box on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 4, 2022. The box contained disassembled small arms weapons that squad members had to assemble while being timed; testing their teamwork, technical knowledge and battle-readiness.

Light enhanced photography showing US Air Force (USAF) Airmen assigned to the 615th Air Mobility Operations Group (AMOG), conducting nighttime cargo loading operations at a forward-deployed location near Kirkuk, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Kirkuk Country: Iraq (IRQ)

011006-F-1644L-028. Complete Scene Caption: An Air Force C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster looks outside, into the night sky, before dropping his cargo of Tri-Wall Aerial Delivery System (TRIADS) loaded with Humanitarian Daily Rations (HDRs). Air Force C-17s delivered HDRs in Support of ENDURING FREEDOM from Germany to Afghan refugees who have massed inside the borders of Afghanistan. The C-17s carried over 35,000 HDRs packaged in 84 TRIAD boxes, measuring 80 inches tall and 48 by 48 inches square, each filled with 420 HDRs. The HDRs were delivered in a first of its kind, high altitude airdrop. This is the first operational TRIAD delivery from C-17 aircraft and the first combat airdrop mission performed by a C-17. In addition to the humanitarian efforts, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM is in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad, after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The US is continuing its bu

Black KnightsHelicopter Antisubmarine Squadron FourUS Navy

US Navy (USN) Sailor Lou Robinson from Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, gives landing signals to a US Marine Corps (USMC) AH-1W Super Cobra from Helicopter Marine Light Attack Squadron 773 (HMLA-773) aboard the Helicopter Landing Trainer craft Baylander (IX-514). Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060113-A-7359K-176. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Mchenry State: Hawijah Country: Iraq (IRQ)

M2A2 Bradley Fighting VehicleSamarraIraq

060125-A-1211S-103. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Loyalty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

060120-A-7969G-015. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Cook State: Taji Country: Iraq (IRQ)

060321-A-7969G-035. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Bayji State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, fires his weapon during a night raid as part of a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Atlantic Airfield, North Carolina, June 13, 2022. This type of training evolution is the culminating event aimed at validating the units readiness to conduct combat operations.

060118-N-7027P-087. Base: USS Comstock (LSD 45) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

As seen in the green glow of the night scope, a C-17 Globemaster III from Charleston AFB, South Carolina, takes-off, lights out, from a forward operating location after downloading cargo and personnel in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush initiated Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines conduct squad attacks during Fuji Viper 22.5 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Sept. 8, 2022. Exercise Fuji Viper exemplifies a commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Light enhanced photography, fisheye lens view, showing a US Air Force (USAF) UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter assigned to the 41st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (ERQS), in flight refueling from a USAF HC-130P Hercules aircraft, during an exercise flow in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Light enhanced photography, fisheye lens view, showing a US Air Force (USAF) UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter assigned to the 41st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (ERQS), in flight refueling from a USAF HC-130P Hercules aircraft, during an exercise flow in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

041028-F-5388P-044. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Drug Enforcement Administration agents prepare to breach a building during a drug raid on a high value target, at the Stennis Space Center, Miss., in support of Emerald Warrior, March 3, 2011. Emerald Warrior is a U.S. Special Operations Command-sponsored, multiservice exercise designed to leverage lessons learned from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to provide trained and ready forces to combatant commanders

060326-A-1211S-286. Base: Kana Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Special Operations Forces assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), participate in a combat marksmanship exercise at Panzer Range, in Boeblingen, Germany, Feb. 15, 2024. Combat marksmanship training increases team lethality, builds cohesion, and provides integrated training to new members of the unit. Army

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

041028-F-5388P-034. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire during a deck shoot aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 3, 2022. The Combat Marksmanship Program is designed to sustain a unit's lethality. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Chaos Troop, 1st Squadron - Airborne, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Diviion takes cover from the icy propeller wash of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter on Yukon Training Area, April 3rd, 2023, as they prepare to air assault an objective in support of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center - Alaska 23-02.JPMRC-AK 23-02 is a display of the 11th Airborne Divisions ability to survive and thrive in the Arctic, and its soldiers ability to fight and win our nations wars anywhere.

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Strike Eagle pilot performs a pre-flight inspection of his aircraft before flying a mission against targets in Yugoslavia (not shown), April 19, 1999. Members of the 494th Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, are deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. This image was shot through a Starlight System. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

A U.S. Marine with 2d Marine Division participates in an infantry skills test during the Division Leader Assessment Program 4-22 on Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, Sept. 12, 2022. The assessment program provides Marines with learning and mentorship opportunities, which helps train and develop Marines that demonstrate an apex level of lethality, endurance and comprehensive warfighting ability.

060615-N-8252B-141. Base: Ash Shumali Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense specialists from units across the III Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Army 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, and U.S. Air Force 18th Civil Engineer Group conduct a casualty decontamination after returning from a search for hazardous material during exercise Toxic Bayou at Kadena Air base, Okinawa, Japan, Aug.15, 2022. The Marines conducted exercise Toxic Bayou to refine their skills in Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction operations across unique and challenging environments. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Light enhanced photography, fisheye lens view, showing US Air Force (USAF) Airmen assigned to the 621st Air Mobility Group (AMG), Mission Support Team, offloading a pallet of humanitarian assistance cargo from a C-130 Hercules aircraft at Baghdad International Airport (IAP), Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ)

On long air refueling missions, US Air Force (USAF) STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Greg Patterson, a Boom Operator onboard a KC-135 Stratotanker, with the 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron (EARS), plays a game of solitaire, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

030524-M-8683D-048. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD 2003 Base: Pong Nam Ran Country: Thailand (THA)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Michael Mauch, a pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, monitors aircraft systems at Ie Shima, Japan, Oct. 15, 2022. VMGR-152 supported Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, transporting personnel, equipment, and fuel across the Indo-Pacific region.

020601-A-6771R-007. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: 2/187, 101ST RAKHASSAN

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to fire during a deck shoot aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 3, 2022. The Combat Marksmanship Program is designed to sustain a unit's lethality. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Jason Elam, 14th Airlift Squadron pilot, looks over a map during a routine training night-flight over the coast of South Carolina, July 25, 2022. Training to master nighttime operations enables a pilot to utilize a vast set of tools and strategies to increase their lethality in combat situations.

A U.S. Air Force Airman with the 352d Special Operations Wing connects a fuel hose during a Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) capabilities demonstration in Croatia, May 11, 2022. FARP enables the MC-130J Commando II to refuel other aircraft in austere locations where traditional refueling is not possible. This demonstration was part of Trojan Footprint, the premier Special Operations Forces exercise in Europe that focuses on improving the ability of SOF to counter myriad threats, increases integration with conventional forces and enhances interoperability with NATO allies and European partners.

060103-A-6365W-035. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Loyalty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. William Cheyne, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, posts security during Exercise Bold Quest on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 10, 2022. Bold Quest is an annual collaborative joint and multinational enterprise in which nations, services, and programs pool their resources in a recurring cycle of capability development to demonstrate a joint capability to link sensors to shooters across air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Alivia Roskovich, a platoon commander with Bravo Company, 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group conducts a brief prior to a night convoy at Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, May 25, 2022. 3rd LSB conducted convoys with simulated opposition forces to prepare for future operations and foster force readiness. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, conduct a live-fire exercise with a M2A1 machine gun during the Adversary Force Exercise (AFX) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, April 16, 2022. The purpose of AFX is to create a credible, realistic threat for the exercise forces participating in the Integrated Training Exercise to engage against during the upcoming MAGTF Warfighting Exercise in a force-on-force, unscripted wargame.

060120-A-7969G-034. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Cook State: Taji Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Army joint terminal attack controllers and Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) members calls-for-fire to a U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider during Exercise KEEN SWORD 23 at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov 17, 2022. Keen Sword allows JSDF and U.S. military forces to work together across various areas to enhance the already broad interoperability of U.S. and Japanese forces.

A US Marine Corps (USMC) M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank (MBT) from Charlie Company, 1ST Tank Battalion, displays the number of kills it has, on its turret thermal panel during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

060423-A-7969G-015. Subject Operation/Series: SWIFT SWORD Base: Mara State: Salah Ah Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST AB DIVISION

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, receive a brief during a night-driving course on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. During the course, Marines conducted black-out driving which allows for the tactical movements of vehicles to remain concealed in darkness. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Army National Guard medics with the South Carolina Army National Guard conduct a field training exercise as culmination of their medical sustainment training at McCrady Training Center, July 7, 2022, Eastover, South Carolina. The collective technical and tactical training was 12 days long and consisted of updated information and re-certification of the medics National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Certification. This was also an opportunity to amplify proficiency in critical skills needed when providing tactical combat casualty care. During the final field training exercise, medics established an aid station for acute care and delayed evacuation casualty care, and replicated extracting casualties under low light, while under simulated indirect fire and machine gun fire.

A U.S. Air Force Airman with the 352d Special Operations Wing trains a Croatian Air Force member during a Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) capabilities demonstration in Croatia, May 11, 2022. FARP enables the MC-130J Commando II to refuel other aircraft in austere locations where traditional refueling is not possible. This demonstration was part of Trojan Footprint 22, the premier Special Operations Forces exercise in Europe that focuses on improving the ability of SOF to counter myriad threats, increases integration with conventional forces and enhances interoperability with NATO allies and European partners.

060306-A-1211S-127. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Normandy State: Diyala Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: A

Viewed through the green glow of a night scope, STAFF Sergeant Max Morkin, a boom operator from the 319th Air Refueling Squadron, 319th Air Expeditionary Group (AEG), uses the dim red nightlights to finalize his refueling checklist, prior to a night aerial refueling of an E-C3 (AWACS). The 319th AEG deployed to a classified location in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, which is in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

050411-A-3240S-006. Base: Camp Victory, Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

SamarraIraq

Right side front view from a low angle up at a nighttime shot through a Starlight System as US Navy HH-60 Seahawk helicopters assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron-Wing Pacific, come in for an assault landing to pick up down crewmen (not shown). Desert Rescue is the premiere Search And Rescue (SAR), training conducted at the ranges of Fallon Naval Air Station, Nevada. This mission is indirect support of Exercise Desert Rescue VIII. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060227-A-5747J-130. Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION KATRINA/IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Brassfield-Mora State: Salah Al Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION

A U.S. Marine Corps H142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), is loaded aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft after a HIMARS rapid infiltration exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at Dugway Proving Ground, Dugway, Utah, on Oct. 12, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardization advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness and assist in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, execute a night reconnaissance exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, May 24, 2022. The Marines performed a culminating live-fire night exercise in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

MASTER Sergeant Stephen Lord provides lighting assistance as STAFF Sergeant Ronald Kellerman checks weather conditions at a drop zone. Both men are members of Detachment 3, 5th Weather Squadron, an Air Force unit which provides airborne weather teams to support the Army's XVIII Airborne Corps and subordinate units, including the 82nd Airborne Division, 1ST Special Operations Command and the 7th Special Forces Group. State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marines with Battery M, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division load an M777 lightweight 155mm Howitzer for firing during Exercise DESERT SCIMITAR aboard Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. May 2, 2013. Exercise DESERT SCIMITAR was conducted to allow 1st Marine Division the opportunity to sustain their ability to plan and execute all aspects of its operations in offensive and defensive scenarios.

A US Marine Corps (USMC) an AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter from Helicopter Marine Light Attack 773 (HMLA-773) lands on the deck of the US Navy (USN) Helicopter Landing Trainer, Baylander (IX-514), while underway in Pensacola Bay, Florida (FL). State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II aircraft while Lt. Col. Onier Villarreal, a flight surgeon assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, watches from the ramp during a mission rehearsal in support of Exercise Agile Spartan within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 20, 2023. Exercise Agile Spartan is a combined, joint training exercise that enhances international partnerships and regional security in the USCENTCOM AOR.

From the left, Senior Airman Frankie Arceo and Tech. Sgt. Tayonn Harvey, both 3rd Airlift Squadron loadmasters, prepare for a combat backing aboard a C-17 Globemaster III during a local training flight at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Oct. 24, 2022. The 3rd AS provides global support through delivery of time critical assets including cargo and people. The squadron routinely flies training missions to stay ready for global airlift.

Armed with a Colt 5.56mm M16A2 Assault Rifle, US Air Force (USAF) STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Dwaine Shephard of the 366th Security Forces Squadron (SFS), 366th Fighter Wing (FW), Mountain Home Air Force Base (AFB), Idaho (ID), keeps a protective watch over fellow 366th Gunfighters during Exercise Coronet White, the wing's Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI). Base: Mountain Home Air Force Base State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040706-F-5789F-002. Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 147th Assault Helicopter Battalion, Michigan Army National Guard (1-147AHB), prepares to land at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug. 16, 2022. 1-147AHB trained with U.S. Army National Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Air National Guard units during joint exercise Northern Strike 22-2.

070504-A-5406P-009.JPG - Sgt. Robert Brogdon, of Erie, Penn., a squad leader with B Co, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 82nd Airborne Division, checks his position on a GPS while conducting a nighttime foot patrol in Sha'ab, Baghdad May 4.

030116-M-9892R-009. State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: HMLA-367

United Kingdom Royal Marines from 45 Commando and U.S. Army Green Berets from 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) lock and load their weapons before moving out on a training mission at Grafenwöhr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 22, 2022. This Special Forces-led exercise is designed to improve their ability to work with the United Kingdoms commando forces in a time of crisis.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 31, 2015) Lt. j.g. P. G. Fabbri tracks the course of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) from the ship's bridge. Harry S. Truman is underway conducting an ordnance-handling evolution.

FAPR operators

Members of 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) and The Kopassus, an Indonesian Army Special Forces Group, conduct a night time assault and sabotage rehearsal during Super Garuda Shield 22 in Baturaja, Indonesia, Aug 6, 2022. Garuda Shield, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. military, Indonesia National Armed Forces, reinforces the U.S. commitments to our allies, and other regional partners reinforcing joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together. #SuperGarudaShield #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific (U.S. Army Photos by Staff Sgt. Matthew Crane)

As seen through a night vision lens, two Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, based in Corry, Pa., scan the Iraqi countryside north of Camp Taji in the early morning hours of May 31. The Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers, with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, deter possible placement of weapon caches by observing the area after it is lighted by illuminating artillery rounds fired from Camp Taji.

060116A-1211S-016. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Loyalty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: A

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 23, 2015) Sailors participate in a low light small arms training exercise aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71). Ross is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, refuels from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron over the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 2, 2022. Bomber missions contribute to joint force lethality and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific by demonstrating the U.S. Air Forces ability to operate anywhere in the world at any time.

A United Kingdom Royal Marine from 45 Commando sits in a Razor all-terrain vehicle during a live-fire training mission at Grafenwöhr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 22, 2022. This Special Forces-led exercise is designed to improve their ability to work with the United Kingdoms commando forces in a time of crisis.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Dale Wei, a team leader with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, pauses during a patrol during a field exercise at Range 800 on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 18, 2022. The FEX was designed to improve the battalions combat and contingency capabilities in preparation for future deployments.

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 7, 2022) Seaman Kaleb Prater, from Jacksonville, Fla., acts as the nighttime aircraft handling officer for a landed MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the Raptors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Seen through the green glow of a night scope, AIRMAN First Class Salvatore Lione, a maintainer with the 41st Rescue Squadron, checks the engine of an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter. The 41st Rescue Squadron is taking part in the DESERT RESCUE IXexercise at Fallon Naval Air Station (NAS), Nevada. Desert Rescue is a Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) exercise bringing together elements from all branches of the service in a series of real world rescue and combat scenarios. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE IX Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

021122-M-1037T-032. Base: Camp Mu Juk Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: 2ND BN 7TH MARINES

A US Marine Corps (USMC) vehicle from the 1ST Tank Battalion, Charlie Company, waits in the in the Dispersal Area (DA) near the Iraqi border in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. (Substandard image). Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Kuwait (KWT)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 822nd Base Defense Squadron security forces conduct a night training mission at Avon Park Auxillary Airfield, July 26, 2022. The 822 BDS was participating in Agile Flag 22-2, marking Air Combat Command's first contributing certifying event for its Lead Wings.

A U.S. Army Paratrooper assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, recovers his parachute at Sicily Drop Zone, Fort Liberty, North Carolina, Jan. 22, 2024. 24.The Paratrooper participated in a night airborne operation that marked the start of Operation Devil Strike. 1st BCT conducted Devil Strike to validate their preparedness for their upcoming ration at the Joint Readiness Training Center on Fort Johnson, Louisiana, and test their ability to deploy, fight and win anywhere in the world within 18 hours.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Juan Carlos, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Logistics Combat Element, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, searches a weapons cache during Ground Interoperability Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 28, 2022. The focus of the Maritime Raid Force Interoperability Exercise is to integrate all elements of the MRF into a comprehensive and cohesive raid force, capable of conducting and supporting MEU operations while forward deployed to the Indo-Pacific region.

SRA Steven Pawlowski marshalls out an F-15 Strike Eagle flying a mission against targets in Yugoslavia, April 19, 1999. Pawlowski, of Southington, Ohio, assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom is deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, observe from a tower during a night raid as part of a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Atlantic Airfield, North Carolina, June 13, 2022. This type of training evolution is the culminating event aimed at validating the units readiness to conduct combat operations.

060218-A-5745M-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MNT 2ND BDE

041116-M-3658J-001. Base: Camp Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CSSB-1

Idaho National Guard 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team's 2nd of the 116th Combined Arms Battalion teamed up with the Idaho Army National Guards 1st of the 183 Assault Helicopter Battalion in the dark hours of the early morning on March 31, 2022, to conduct tactical air insertion missions. By using the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to provide movement of ground-based Soldiers, it allowed the Soldiers to seize and secure terrain on a simulated village located within the Orchard Combat Training Center. Soldiers used night vision goggles to maneuver through the darkness. This training is a portion of combat training the 2nd of the 116th CAB conducted in preparation to deploy to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield later this year.

A U.S. Marine with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, guides in a CH-57 Chinook helicopter with the United Arab Emirates Presidential Guard for landing during Exercise Intrepid Maven 22.4 in the UAE, Sept. 26, 2022. Intrepid Maven is a bilateral exercise between U.S. and UAE armed forces to train with and strengthen our relationships with allied nations in the CENTCOM area of operations.

of 2