Night Training Operations

Military personnel conduct training exercises at night using night vision equipment. The images depict tactical movements, checkpoints, and aerial operations in a green-lit environment.

Members from the 512th and 436th security forces squadrons defend themselves against a simulated enemy attack during the Liberty Eagle Readiness Exercise at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July 14, 2022. Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 512th Airlift Wing and active-duty Airmen from the 436th Airlift Wing demonstrated their combat capabilities while wearing mission oriented protective posture gear at a simulated forward operating base, located on Dover AFB, July 11-15, 2022. The purpose of this exercise was to validate both wings' ability to generate, employ and sustain airpower across the world in a contested and degraded operational environment.

Members from the 512th and 436th security forces squadrons defend themselves against a simulated enemy attack during the Liberty Eagle Readiness Exercise at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July 14, 2022. Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 512th Airlift Wing and active-duty Airmen from the 436th Airlift Wing demonstrated their combat capabilities while wearing mission oriented protective posture gear at a simulated forward operating base, located on Dover AFB, July 11-15, 2022. The purpose of this exercise was to validate both wings' ability to generate, employ and sustain airpower across the world in a contested and degraded operational environment.

U.S. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provide aid to a simulated casualty 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.

Spc. Jin Wang, A Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, mans a checkpoint during a training raid early Aug. 5. The 2-1 Infantry Soldiers took part in a variety of training missions including civil military meetings, raids and cordon and searches during the week-long training beginning here at Fort Lewis and eventually ending at Yakima Training Center Aug. 6.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, roll a simulated casualty onto a litter during a night casualty evacuation exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 12, 2022. 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.

101st Combat Aviation Brigade CH-47 Chinook helcopter door gunners survey the ground during a night flight June 26, in southern Afghanistan.

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)

031018-F-6655M-008. Base: Naes Lakehurst State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

070102-A-1985S-006. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Johann Cardona, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 465, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, surveys the environment during Marine Air-Ground Task Force Training Command Distributed Maneuver Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 10, 2024. MDMX is designed to train combined-arms operations in a hostile environment to seize key maritime terrain and allow the Joint Force to conduct decisive strikes. Marine Corps

060306-A-1211S-147. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Normandy State: Diyala Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: A

060306-A-1211S-223. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Normandy State: Diyala Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: A

SSgt Tina Ryder from the 149th Fighter Wing security forces squadron refreshed her night proficiency training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, May 16, 2021.

Cpl. Richard Hardeman, a rifleman with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires an M-249 squad automatic weapon during nighttime live-fire training on the ship's flight deck as he sails across the Atlantic Ocean, April 5, 2012. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is deploying to the European and Central Command theaters of operation to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

041113-A-1067B-036. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 2-7 CAV

Left side rear view medium shot at nighttime through a Starlight System as a U.S. Air Force C-130 aircraft from the 37th Airlift Squadron, 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, delivers U.S. personnel and supplies to Beira, Mozambique before returning to Hoedspruit Air Force Base, South Africa, where they are deployed during Operation Atlas Response. The U.S. aircraft are deployed to South Africa to provide humanitarian relief to the people (not shown) forced from their homes in the flooded regions of Mozambique. Subject Operation/Series: ATLAS RESPONSE Base: Hoedspruit Air Force Base Country: South Africa (ZAF)

U.S. Army Soldiers with 95th Chemical Company wait for commands during a low light training event as part of exercise Keen Sword 23 at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 17, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self-Defense Force. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assess a simulated casualty during a night casualty evacuation exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 11, 2022. This integrated training establishes confidence and familiarity between the Marines and Sailors for in-flight medical treatment. 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.

Left side rear view medium shot at nighttime through a Starlight System as USAF1st. Lieutenant Andrew M. Smith, left, conducts pre-flight operations with other crewmembers at the tarmac at Fallon Navel Air Station, Nevada, of a HH-60G helicopter assigned to the 41st Rescue Recovery Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. This flight will familiarize the crew of the ranges at Fallon, and provide training in preparation for upcoming Desert Rescue exercises. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A lead element of more than forty-five Jordanian Special Forces soldiers stationed outside of Aman, Jordan, arrived in Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Mazar-E Sharif Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 11, 2022) Lt. Daniel Mullen, from San Diego, assigned to the Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, requests for an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter support during a helicopter visit, board, search and seizure (HVBSS) training 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.

060520-N-8604L-055. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A U.S. Soldier competing in the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition prepares a sector sketch on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 4, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt-to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events, evaluating their physical and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue.

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.

U.S. Army combat engineers from the 70th Brigade Engineer Battalion and medics from the from the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division, stage themselves to respond to any emergencies during a low-light airborne operation in support of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Husky Drop Zone, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, March 27, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 helps Soldiers and leaders develop and refine the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to successfully operate in remote and extreme Arctic winter conditions and overcome environmental and military challenges.

070102-A-1985S-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A United Arab Emirates soldier prepares for a night exercise with U.S. Marines from Headquarters Company, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Oct. 3, 2022. The training focused on developing the intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance capabilities of the UAE service members.

980425-F-7910D-001. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, provide suppressive fire during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 4, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

U.S. Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition conduct a 12 mile ruck march on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, OCT. 3, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue.

Combat Camera personnel from the Air Force, Navy, and British Army reserves use night scopes and night-vision goggles to observe their perimeter for suspicious activity. The students learn to live, survive, and operate in the field at the Combat Support Operations Course (CSOC) school at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Base: Fort Dix State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 taxi the flight deck aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) while underway, June 24, 2022. VMFA-121 is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

031202-F-9629J-012. Base: Al Hawijah State: Diyala Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

A U.S. Army soldier with the 1331 Operation Detachment Alpha looks through his night vision goggles while participating in Rigid Pulse 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, August 18, 2022. Rigid Pulse 22-1 is a readiness culmination exercise used to validate mission essential task lists to support personnel recovery operations in a deployed environment and to refine and exercise agile combat employment capabilities.

U.S. Airmen and Soldiers load a training patient onto an HH-60M MedEvac Black Hawk helicopter, assigned to Task Force Longhorn, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, July 14, 2022. TF Longhorn in partnership with the attending point of care units conducted a large-scale joint force MedEvac litter load training and K9 environment conditioning. Army MedEvac capabilities allow USCENTCOM forces to expedite casualties to next-level care and augment base medical capabilities.

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. Joshua Kruse and Senior Airman Nate Simonson, 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron pararescuemen, rappel from an HH-60G pave hawk during a night training exercise here Oct. 20, 2009. The exercise simulated a nighttime extraction scenario emphasizing the rappelling portion of the pararescue mission.

041012-M-0173F-010. Base: Ar Ramadi State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

060103-A-6365W-065. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Loyalty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

030320-A-XXXXX-2461. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp New Jersey Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marines with 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, fire an M777 howitzer during Exercise Rolling Thunder at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 16, 2022. 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.

Soldiers of Squad 3, representing the U.S. Army Europe and Africa, rush down the ladder exit of a cleared building during the live-fire event of the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct 4, 2022. The live fire event tests squads on not only their physical capabilities but their mental ones as well.

041026-F-3963C-006. Subject Operation/Series: EXERCISE Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Marines with 2nd Radio Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, Royal Marines with Y Squadron, 3 Commando Brigade, 30 Commando, Royal Marines and soldiers with 7th Signal Regiment, Australian Army, participate in Radio Reconnaissance Operators Course (RROC) participants of RROC ride to an infiltration point aboard a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter during a training mission on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 12, 2022. RROC is specifically tailored for Radio Reconnaissance Marines and combines skills taught in various existing signals intelligence, electronic warfare and reconnaissance courses and puts them into an intense training evolution. This is the first time RROC has been conducted on Camp Lejeune with the goal of establishing a training environment beneficial to strengthening relationships with our allies and partners

A squad conducts a night mystery weapon event during the Army's first-ever Best Squad Competition on Salerno Drop Zone, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 5, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events, evaluating their physical endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires 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 special tactics Airmen with the 320th Special Tactics Squadron prepare for a static line jump from an MC-130J Commando II over Ie Shima, Japan, March 29, 2023. The static line is a cord that is attached to the parachute deployment bag at one end, and hooked to the aircraft at the other end. As the jumpers exit the aircraft, the line is drawn taut and the parachute is pulled from the deployment bag.

U.S. Army soldiers from Charlie Troop, 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry (2-38th), patrol an area of the Shorbak Desert, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Dec. 11, 2011. The soldiers of the 2-38th are in the area to speak with locals to better understand the area.

Members of the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC, hook up their static lines to the anchor cable on a US Air Force C-130 Hercules prior to their parachute jump. The paratroopers will jump over the Holland drop zone at Fort Bragg, NC, for the exercise. The photograph was taken with night vision equipment. Subject Operation/Series: BIG DROP II Base: Fort Bragg State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A team of military police conduct a night fire during the team weapons skills test on the final night of the Warfighter Challenge. The 14th Annual Warfighter Challenge at Ft. Leonard Wood Missouri brings military police units throughout the Army together to determine who is the best in the MP field.

020323-M-3022S-003. Base: Fort A. P. Hill State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 24 MEU

020323-M-3022S-004. Base: Fort A. P. Hill State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 24 MEU

A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, receives 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.

220624-N-XN177-1048 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 24, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 refuels during night flight operations aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 24, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Forward area refueling point (FARP) specialists and a loadmaster assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, prepare for an MQ-9 Reaper to take off within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 16, 2023. FARP specialists provide a unique refueling capability, extending the reach of a variety of aircraft in austere locations across the CENTCOM AOR.

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, writes down information during a night casualty evacuation exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 12, 2022. 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.

Air and Marine Operations air crews respond to affected areas along Florida's coast after Hurricane Ian made landfall. Crews are ready with hoist-capable aircraft to assist anyone in need of emergency extraction. Photo by Ozzy Trevino

Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, review situation notes during a night-time casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) training at Fort Pickett, Virginia on Jan. 6, 2022. A CASEVAC is the transportation of a wounded military personnel, usually by air, from a combat area to an area where proper medical care can be provided. The Department of Defense, through the U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan.

Members of the 715th and 815th Tanker Airlift Control Element (TACE), Travis AFB, California, download vehicles and cargo from a C-17 Globemaster III at a forward operating location. Members of the 615th TALCE forward deployed to several locations 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 Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Boatswains Mate Seaman James Reyes-Ramirez signals to the pilots of an MH-60R Sea Hawk attached to the Spartans of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 on the flight deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, on Nov. 11, 2022, during exercise Silent Wolverine. Exercise Silent Wolverine is a U.S.-led, combined training exercise that tests Ford-class aircraft carrier capabilities through integrated high-end naval warfare scenarios alongside participating allies in the Easter Atlantic Ocean. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is conducting their first deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations.

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

Disassembled small-arms weapons parts, used for testing the assembly and function check speed and accuracy of competing Soldiers in the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition, sit in a box on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 4, 2022. The week-long competition will assess each squad on their technical and tactical proficiency, as well as their ability to work as a disciplined and cohesive team, featuring a multitude of fitness, knowledge and combat-related events.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dong Yoo, a ground support equipment mechanic with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533, prepares to transport equipment at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, May 26, 2022. Marines with VMFA(AW) 533 traveled from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to enhance squadron readiness and conduct joint-level training as part of an Aviation Training Relocation Program.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christian Montemayor, a fire support Marine, with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, maps a target with a CLRF 25C during a communications field exercise, Rapid Tanto at Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 6, 2024. The exercise allowed Marines to conduct communication training including 9-line casualty evacuation request with field radios. Using off-the-shelf radars and low-signature equipment, 5th ANGLICO and 3rd Intelligence Battalion demonstrated proficiency in planning, coordination, and execution of dynamic targeting capable of supporting maritime campaigns in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific. Montemayor is a native of San Diego. Marine Corps

060418-A-6365W-126. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Remagen State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dustin Tran, joint terminal attack controller assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, battle tracks friendly and enemy maneuvering units during Rigid Pulse 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, August 19, 2022. Rigid Pulse 22-1 is a readiness culmination exercise used to validate mission essential task lists to support personnel recovery operations in a deployed environment and to refine and exercise agile combat employment capabilities.

1st Lt. Ryan Harakel, an Army Reserve Medical Service Officer from Des Moines, Iowa, is tested on night land navigation skills while Spc. Heather Fitzwater, a Reserve dental technician from Lubbock, Texas observes, during an Expert Field Medical Badge event held May 16-22, 2021 at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. This EFMB event is the first hosted by the Army Reserve, and offers an opportunity for Soldiers in the medical field to earn the special skill award by demonstrating exceptional competence and outstanding performance in Soldier and medical tasks. Less than twenty percent of candidates pass the challenging test.

040805-F-1351B-005. Base: Sadr City State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

US Marine Corps (USMC) M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks (MBT) and various other combat vehicles from the 1ST Tank Battalion, Charlie Company, traverse a sand-barrier opened by US Marine Corps (USMC) Combat Engineers near the Kuwaiti boarder at the start of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. (Substandard image). Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Greg Everette, a Loadmaster with the 517 Airlift Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska prepares to airdrop cargo as his aircraft approaches the drop zone during Exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2001. The image is photographed using a night vision lens. US Air Force Staff Sergeant Greg Everette, a Loadmaster with the 517 Airlift Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska prepares to airdrop cargo as his aircraft approaches the drop zone during Exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2001. The image is photographed using a night vision lens.

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct a blank firing iteration at night during a combined arms maneuver live fire exercise (CAMLFEX) on Dec. 9, 2022, at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. Our commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the United States will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO allies. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs.)

Night vision view of U.S. Special Forces on patrol in a special operation vehicle.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Conner Walsh and Tech Sgt. Chad Bennett, both 628th Civil Engineering Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technicians, map out night routes during their annual combat readiness training Nov. 1, 2022 at North Auxiliary Air Field, South Carolina. The 628th Civil Engineering Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technicians perform training annually to ensure all members are proficient in tactics, techniques and procedures for combat readiness.

220714-N-TP544-1472 ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 14, 2022) A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), idles on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during night flight operations, July 14, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) jump from a MC-130 during a joint Special Operations exercise between the United States and Great Britain.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: ROARING LION Country: Unknown

110811-N-ZZ999-113PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 11, 2011) Naval Aircrewman 1st Class Andrew Reischauer waits to board an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter between flight cycles aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific Ocean and Arabian Gulf.

A U.S. Air Force operator with the 24th Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida, boards an MC-130J Commando II from the 27th Special Operations Wing, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, during Emerald Warrior 22.1 in Fort Knox, Kentucky, May 11, 2022. Emerald Warrior is the largest joint special operations exercise involving U.S. Special Operations Command forces training for response to various threats above and below the threshold of armed conflict.

030322-F-9171L-010. Complete Scene Caption: A nightscope view of night operations near a US Air Force (USAF) MC-130H Combat Talon II, 1ST Special Operation Squadron (SOS), Kadena Air Base (AB), Okinawa, as a US Army (USA) CH-47 Chinook, 160th Special Operations Air Regiment (SOAR) comes in for a landing at Tague AB, Korea. The nighttime operations are part of RECEPTION STAGING ONWARD MOVEMENT and INTEGRATION (RSO&I), and FOAL EAGLE which are joint and combined exercises for soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. They gather in Korea to work hand-in -hand with their South Korean counterparts for the purpose of showing the resolve of US forces to defend the Republic of Korea (ROK). It also gives the war fighters and planners an opportunity to operate in a joint (interservice) and combined (multinational) environment to safeguard the security of the ROK. Subject Operation/Series: FOAL EAGLE and RSO&I Base: Taegu Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 30, 2013) An aircraft launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

041203-F-2014R-202. Base: Andersen Air Force Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jael Laborn, 1st Combat Camera Squadron aerial program manager, conducts a ruck during Exercise Green Goblin at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Dec. 6, 2022. This four-day exercise provides relevant and essential night-vision training to prepare combat camera Airmen with enhanced photographic and video capabilities required to capture imagery in low-light and no-light environments.

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules taxis shortly after touching down at a landing zone at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2024. Several Airmen from airfield operations career fields earned their landing zone safety officer certification by setting up a landing zone and successfully landing and launching aircraft. This special experience identifier allows them to perform the LZSO function in all environments. Air Force

United Arab Emirates soldiers prepare to load onto LAV-25 Light Armored Vehicles during a bilateral training mission with U.S. Marines from Headquarters Company, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Oct. 5, 2022. The training focused on developing the intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance capabilities of the UAE service members.

U.S. Marines with the Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), parachute during a free fall insertion on Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina, Dec. 1, 2022.This was one of multiple training events during a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Interoperability Course which provided an evaluation from the Expeditionary Operations Training Group in combining elements of a MAGTF during the intermediate training phase of the 26th MEU pre-deployment training program.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. JJuventino Gutierrez, a field radio operator with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, conducts a radio test before a night convoy on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 24, 2022. 3rd LSB conducted a battalion field exercise to train core mission essential tasks and rehearse emerging warfighting concepts in preparation for future exercises and operations. 3d MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hunter Barber)

U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, fire an M240B medium machine gun during an Expeditionary Operations Training Group amphibious raid course at Red Beach on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 22, 2022. During the course, the Marines gained proficiency in small boat operations and tactics to increase their capability to operate in a littoral environment.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), maneuvers during a Helicopter Support Team (HST) exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2022. HST training increases the Marines proficiency in the loading of gear and supplies with military helicopters allowing for quicker and more efficient insert and extract of heavy cargo. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct a blank firing iteration at night during a combined arms maneuver live fire exercise (CAMLFEX) on Dec. 9, 2022, at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. Our commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the United States will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO allies. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs.)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, supported by 1-52nd General Support Aviation Battalion CH-47 Chinooks, assault a landing zone during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, March 30, 2023. The Arctic is unforgiving and requires deliberate, purposeful leaders who are meticulous in their planning and approach to their warfighting, and JPMRC-AK 23-02 is key to testing the divisions leaders and soldiers.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conduct 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.

Airman 1st Class Wilson Liu, 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman, left, and Airman 1st Class Brandon DiNoto, 374th AMXS crew chief review blueprints for armor assembly aboard a C-130J Super Hercules during a Wing Readiness Inspection at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 17, 2022. The level of protection the armor provides allows a greater probability of mission success in harsh environments or potential conflicts.

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

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, signal during a boat launch sustainment exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 4, 2022. Launching from the well deck provides the MEU a ship-to-shore capability. 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. Army Spc. Mariano Gonzales assigned to the 1065th Medical Company Area Support, 101st Troop Command of the Puerto Rico Army National Guard awaits casualties inside an ambulance during a field training exercise at Camp Santiago Joint Training Center, Salinas, Puerto Rico, July 15, 2022. The medics were tested on various tasks, including providing immediate treatment of casualties by element, with a trauma section, laboratory, and X-ray services for prompt and accurate diagnostics as part of their training requirements as combat medics for future deployments.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participates in an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise (EDRE) at CSL Manda Bay, Kenya, June 17, 2022. Shawley flew in with the East Africa Response Force (EARF) to observe and assess the exercise as well as visit with senior leaders and Soldiers. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

U.S. Air Force loadmaster from the 165th Airlift Wing load a P-19C Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle onto a C-130H3 Hercules at Savannah Air National Guard Base, Savannah, Feb. 25, 2020. This is the first time this generation of P-19 has been loaded onto a C-130 which was purchased and coordinated through Air Force Civil Engineering Center.

120306-N-UM734-355ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 6, 2012) The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) conducts night flight operations. Kearsarge is underway, completing Afloat Training Group 1.3 basic phase training.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, supported by 1-52nd General Support Aviation Battalion CH-47 Chinooks, assault a landing zone during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, March 30, 2023. The Arctic is unforgiving and requires deliberate, purposeful leaders who are meticulous in their planning and approach to their warfighting, and JPMRC-AK 23-02 is key to testing the divisions leaders and soldiers.

Army soldiers from the 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment Long Range Surveillance Team from Fort Bliss, Texas, prepare to conduct a personnel drop for the Joint Forcible Entry Exercise at Pope Air Force Base, N.C.

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