Nighttime Military Operations

Images captured under low light using night vision, showcasing troops conducting operations at night, enhancing tactical capabilities.

U.S. Army Sgt. Sean Cheker from 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, conducts a patrol on Jan. 14, Baghdad, Iraq.

060219-A-7603W-323. Subject Operation/Series: VAULTED RAMPART Base: Grafenwoehr State: Bayern Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A Philippine Marine conducts a night patrol using a night optic during KAMANDAG 6 in San Vicente, Philippines, Oct. 4, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military, designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

041028-F-3431H-009. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

SKYROS, Greece (May 24, 2022)-U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2d Marine Division, assigned to Task Force 61/2, conduct a nighttime simulated raid with Hellenic Special Forces during exercise Alexander the Great 22, Greece, May 24, 2022. Task Force 61/2 is deployed in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and Partner interests.

051005-A-3240S-030. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

011206-F-8018T-009. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM. Country: Unknown

Light enhanced photography, fisheye lens view, showing the aircrew of a US Air Force (USAF) C-130E Hercules aircraft assigned to the 41st Airlift Squadron (AS), 43rd Operations Group (OG), preparing for their first combat Container Delivery System (CDS) airdrop using night vision goggles, at an undisclosed location during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

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.

U.S. Army Sgt. Sean Cheker from 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, conducts a patrol on Jan. 14, Baghdad, Iraq.

A U.S. Air Force flight engineer monitors the evening light in preparation for the nighttime tilt-rotor air-to-air refueling of a 352d Special Operations Wing CV-22B Osprey, U.K., Aug. 2, 2022. The aircrafts tilt-rotor design allows it to take off and land vertically, but the rotors must be tilted to fly as a plane for refueling to take place — requiring precision flying and communication to dock with the drogue of the refueling aircraft at night.

060120-A-7969G-011. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Cook State: Taji Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Army Rangers, assigned to Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, looks over their mission objectives during their annual Task Force Training at Fort Knox, KY., April 22, 2014. Rangers are constantly training to maintain the highest level of tactical proficiency. The training was to ensure all Soldiers are proficient in warrior skills and tasks in preparation for their upcoming deployment.

US Air Force (USAF) STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Michael Pemberton, with the 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron (ESFS) checks vehicles as they enter the perimeter of Kirkuk Air Base (AB), Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Kirkuk Country: Iraq (IRQ)

France, Brittany, Morbihan, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon on 2022-03-30. Students from the Ecole Militaire Interarmes (EMIA), the military academy responsible for training army officers recruited internally, i.e. from the ranks of non-commissioned officers and other ranks, take part in a training course at Fort de Penthievre, a fortified structure on the Quiberon peninsula that has become a training base. Photograph by Martin Bertrand.France, Bretagne, Morbihan, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon le 2022-03-30. Les eleves de l' ecole militaire interarmes ( EMIA ), l' ecole militaire chargee de la formation des officiers de l' armee de Terre issus du recrutement interne, c'est-a-dire issus des rangs des sous-officiers et des militaires du rang, participe a un stage d'aguerrissment au Fort de Penthievre, un ouvrage fortifie sur la presqu'ile de Quiberon devenu une base d'entrainement. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

040409-A-1581H-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Kut State: Wasit Country: Iraq (IRQ)

060125-A-1211S-052. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Loyalty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

051005-A-3240S-035. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

040803-A-6748E-015. Base: Bayji State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHEAST

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, and Marine Special Operations Command work together to eliminate an objective 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.

A U.S. Air Force Loadmaster with the 352d Special Operations Wing assist Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) Airmen set up fuel hoses during a capabilities demonstration in Croatia, May 11, 2022. FARP enables the MC-130J Commando II, along with other aircraft, the ability to refuel 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.

Seen through night-vision lenses aboard amphibious transport dock USS Ponce, the guided missile destroyer USS Barry fires Tomahawk cruise missiles in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn. This was one of approximately 110 cruise missiles fired from U.S. and British ships and submarines that targeted about 20 radar and anti-aircraft sites along Libya's Mediterranean coast. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and

Seen in the green glow of a night scope, HH-60H Seahawk helicopters assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine 4 (HAS 4) based at Norfolk, Virginia wait for their next mission on the flightline at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, during DESERT RESCUE IX exercise. Desert Rescue is the premiere Search And Rescue (SAR) training exercise involving Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine personnel. It is conducted at the ranges of Fallon Naval Air Station, Nevada. 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

U.S. Army Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition participate in a night land navigation course on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept 29, 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 endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

A UH-60 Black Hawk operated by Company A, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, flies off after picking up a 4,000 lb. weight during night sling load operations with the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion on June 5, 2014, in Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The 642nd and 142nd, both under the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, New York Army National Guard, are deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (N.Y. Army National Guard

U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, fire an M777 Howitzer during Exercise Hide and Seek on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 27, 2022. Hide and Seek is a true force-on-force exercise in which participating forces thoroughly test and document tactics, techniques and procedures for observation in the information environment in support of expeditionary advanced base operations and stand-in forces.

U.S. Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group conduct a notional 5-line close air support mission during a communications field exercise, Rapid Tanto, at Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 6, 2024. The exercise allowed Marines to conduct communications training to include 9-line casualty evacuation requests 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. Marine Corps

A U.S. Army Soldier with 95th Chemical Company takes simulated chemical readings 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.

060120-A-7969G-019. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Cook State: Taji Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, and Dutch Marines with Marine Squadron Carib, Netherlands Marine Corps, conduct a night raid during Exercise Caribbean Coastal Warrior in Savaneta, Aruba, June 28, 2022. This bilateral training exercise allows 2d Recon to expand its knowledge and proficiency when operating in littoral and coastal regions. Caribbean Coastal Warrior continues to increase global interoperability between the U.S. Marines and the Dutch Marines as well as Caribbean Urban Warrior, an annual training evolution conducted on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, suppress a simulated enemy force from a set defensive position while conducting a tactical exercise during exercise Archipelago Endeavor 22 (AE22), at Berga Naval Base, Sweden, Sept. 21, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

A U.S. Marine with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Units (Special Operations Capable) (26 MEU(SOC)) Ground Combat Element, fires an M27 infantry automatic rifle during a night range aboard harpers ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD-50), Feb. 5, 2024. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26 MEU(SOC) 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. Marine Corps

A night vision photo of US Marine Corps (USMC) members from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) putting on their gear before moving to a plane which will carry them to Iraq. (Substandard image). Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Kuwait (KWT)

Army Best Medic Competition Foot March Completion 01

041018-F-2034C-028. Base: Fob Mackenzie State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Marine with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets up security for an air-delivered ground refueling during Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise (MEUEX) I at Marine Corps Outlying Field Oak Grove, North Carolina, Dec. 13, 2022. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced) and the BLT conducted flight operations heading to a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) during MEUEX I. FARPs are designed to supply fuel and ordnance necessary during helicopter and fixed-wing operations.

MASTER Sergeant (MSGT) Ron Pierce, a C-17 Loadmaster from the 7th Airlift Squadron (AS), McChord Air Force Base, Washington, gives the thumbs up as the High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) air drop pallets are released over northern Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

U.S. Marine Corps infantrymen with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, practices checking documents during a Noncombatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) exercise as part of Assault Support Tactics 3 (AST-3), Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23, at Twentynine Palms, California, Oct. 21, 2022. AST-3 is a multi-mission evolution consisting of a NEO as well as Foreign Humanitarian Assistance operations. This evolution allows the prospective WTIs to plan, brief and execute both missions while shifting their focus towards an in-depth review and dissection of rules of engagement, military authorities and civil considerations.

Nightscope shot as a US Army (USA) UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter comes in for a landing near Kirkuk, Iraq. The USA Special Forces Soldiers are on hand to advise Iraqi Army Soldiers on a coordinated ground and air assault operation in search of suspected terrorists, weapons, and munition caches in the area during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

060206-A-6311S-090. Subject Operation/Series: SAFE PASSAGE Base: Southern Mamadia Country: Iraq (IRQ)

At night, as seen through the green glow of a night scope, an E-3C (AWACS) moves into the pre-contact position behind a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 319th Air Refueling Squadron, 319th Air Expeditionary Group, for an aerial refueling mission. The 319th AEG is 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

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, conduct a patrol 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 Lance Cpl. Adrian Ortiz, from Dalton, Ga. with Tactical Air Control Party, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), coordinates a close air support mission during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23, at Yodaville, near Yuma, Arizona, Sept. 28, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

070115-A-0101A-031. State: Um Al Atham Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: SOUTHEAST

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Daniel Pfeifer, a Formal Marksmanship Training Center instructor with Marine Corps Installations Pacific, fires an M18 pistol during a live fire range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 25, 2022. The range was held as a tryout for III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific Marines to represent their individual units at the upcoming Far East Division Matches shooting competition.

060103-A-6365W-123. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Loyalty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

060321-A-7969G-038. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Bayji State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

040513-F-9085B-008. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Air Force (USAF) SENIOR AIRMAN (SRA) Morgan Davis, 52nd Security Forces Squadron (SFS), uses a night vision monocular to scan the perimeter, while deployed with the 398th Air Expeditionary Group (AEG) to provide personnel recovery and emergency evacuation capability for the Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team (HAST) and the Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST), at Lungi, Sierra Leone, in support of Joint Task Force (JTF) Liberia. Subject Operation/Series: JTF LIBERIA Base: Lungi Country: Sierra Leone (SLE)

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)

030116-F-7203T-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

011230-F-3961R-010. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: army

U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Chuck Massing, a C-130 loadmaster assigned to the 6th Special Operations Squadron Hurlburt Field, Fla., unloads gear to be loaded onto a C-130E before departing for Haiti, Jan. 13, 2010. Airmen assigned to the 1st SOW will be part of a U.S. humanitarian relief mission to the earthquake stricken country.

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Towanga Dyson, native of Fayetteville, N.C., flies over Baghdad, Iraq on a UH-60 Black Hawk during a leaflet drop mission on Aug, 3, 2008. The U.S. Soldier is part of 312th Psychological Operation Company,4th Infantry Division.

060418-A-6365W-067. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Remagen State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

Corporal Stephen P Rutherford, USMC, Radio Operator, 9th Communication BN, Camp Pendleton, CA op checks his PSC-5 Field Radio in support of Combined Joint Task Force, Camp Doha, Kuwait in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Doha Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: MARCENT ASSESSMENT TEAM

041112-F-1740G-006. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

Idaho Army National Guard pilots and crew members from the 112th Service and Support Battalion conducted night hoist rescue training with the UH-72 Lakota helicopters using night vision goggle equipment on July 21, 2020 near Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho. The unit regularly conducts nighttime rescue training to be ready when the call comes for an emergency situation during the night. Specialized night vision camera lenses allowed for night photography to capture operations in the dark.

Soldiers take cover in the trenches during battle, with gunfire and flares in sky above.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ronald Clayberg, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, 3rd Airlift Squadron loadmaster, works alongside 36th Logistics Readiness Squadron Airmen during a hot pit refuel during Exercise GOLDEN BEE on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 26, 2022. Exercise GOLDEN BEE is a joint readiness exercise designed to provide training integration and rehearse strategic and operational objectives in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Tech. Sgt. Brandon Tran, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with the 19th Civil Engineer Squadrons EOD flight, investigates a possible improvised explosive device during a mock exercise at the Air Force EOD Team of the Year Grand Finale competition held at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Indiana, July 25-27, 2022. Hosted by the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, the competition seeks to drive innovation, restore readiness, and develop and retain leaders within the EOD career field.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade conduct night operations while participating in Exercise Immediate Response at Pocek Training Area, Slovenia, May 15, 2019. Exercise Immediate Response is a multinational exercise co-led by Croatian Armed Forces, Slovenian Armed Forces, and U.S. Army Europe. The logistics-focused exercise is designed to test and improve the ability to move forces and equipment rapidly from one location to another. The exercise will improve readiness and interoperability among participating allied and partner nations.

040303-M-3980Y-006. Subject Operation/Series: BALIKATAN 2004 Base: Crow Valley Country: Philippines (PHL)

Two U.S. Army soldiers, silhouetted by the sun, assigned to the SEATAF Infantry Brigade, Vicenza, Italy provide security for the airport. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Base: Kigali Country: Russia (RUS)

040409-A-1581H-006. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Kut State: Wasit Country: Iraq (IRQ)

CAMP FUJI, Japan Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment plot a point on a map during the night land navigation portion of the U.S. Army Japan Expert Soldier Badge training week April 14.The two-week ESB training and testing identifies soldiers who possess the mastery of skills integral to ensuring combat readiness, including weapons proficiency, land navigation, patrolling and medical comprehension. Stay tuned as only those who meet the standards by demonstrating combat readiness and proficiency skills will be awarded the coveted ESB next week.

The Idaho National Guards 101st Civil Support Team partnered with the Boise Fire Department Technical Rescue Team to participate in a ropes rescue course taught by Boise firefighters. The course, which served as an annual recertification for the CST Guardsmen, entailed two weeklong sessions for the 22-member team. The first week, Oct. 10th through the 14th, 2022, started with the classroom portion of learning about ropes rescue as a prerequisite for the hands-on portion of the training. Using what they learned about the ropes, the CST Guardsmen rappelled from tops of buildings at the Boise Fire Departments Fire Training Center. Once the Guardsmen were proficient at ropes rappelling, they practiced ropes rescues using wire rescue baskets at cliffs near the Table Rock trails in the Boise foothills to simulate a large-scale rescue of multiple people. The second weeklong training, Oct. 24th through 28th, 2022, focused on confined space rescues at Boises Lucky Peak Power Plant. The training

220903-N-GF955-1170BALTIC SEA (Sept. 3, 2022) U.S. Navy Boatswains Mate 3rd Class Neil Kennedy, from Key West, Florida, guides an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, to land on the flight deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117), Sept. 3, 2022. Paul Ignatius is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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.

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. Army paratroopers assigned to 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment fire a M119A3 during a company live-fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 23, 2022.The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army photograph by Staff Sgt. John Yountz)

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 prepares to take off from the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) while underway, June 25, 2022. VMM-262 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.

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, observes an objective 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.

U.S. Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (conduct maintenance on a CH-53E Super Stallion during Mountain Training Exercise 1-23 (MTX) at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., Oct. 6, 2022. HMH-462 supported 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division during MTX while enhancing self-deployment capability and advancing mission skill progression in a high-altitude, austere environment.

230203-N-TD381-2022 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 3, 2023) Sailors assigned to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) install the barrel of a M2HB .50 caliber machine gun during a live-fire exercise on the fantail. Vinson is currently underway conducting routine maritime operations.

Operation Iraqi Freedom, April 1, 2003 - Traffic ceases at the Iraq border at sunset during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 lands 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.

Members of the 16th Special Operations Wing (SOW) offload a MH-53J Pave Low helicopter from a C-17 Globemaster III, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: AFSOC

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Martin Barbosa, Lightweight Machine Gun Course instructor and noncommissioned officer in charge, sets up and inspects a M249 light machine gun prior to a nighttime live-fire exercise at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis Military Training Reservation, Texas, Oct. 5, 2022. The two-week LMGC culminates in a three-day live-fire weapons familiarization designed to prepare students for day-one mission demands at future assignment locations where this training is not available.

Firefighters from the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron adjusts participate in live fire training at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Sept. 19, 2022. This training provided firsthand experience for potential real-world scenarios.

060502-A-1067B-004. Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020221-F-9032T-001. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

020524-F-9085B-022. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Fob 31 Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Navy Sailors with Bravo Surgical Company, 3d Medical Battalion, 3d Marine Logistics Group, prepare to conduct a nighttime medical treatment training event, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 19, 2022. The training was conducted in order to familiarize members of Bravo Surgical Company with patrolling, resuscitation, surgical treatment, and evacuation of injured service members in a nighttime environment.

View from the boom operators position through a Starlight system as an F-15C gets an in-flight fillup from a KC-135 during a combat air patrol. This F-15 was credited with a MIG-29 kill tonight. He and several others (not shown) are providing fighter cover for tankers and strike aircraft during the first night of NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Country: Unknown

Operations for defending the air base are monitored from inside the control tent during Exercise Reforger '81. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '81 Base: Hahn Air Base Country: Federal Republic Of Germany (FRG)

980609-F-4116M-003. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Kuwait International Airport Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

060131-A-6365W-006. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Loyalty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

Silhouette of army soldier, special forces infantry in full ammunition, carrying backpack, armed with assault rifle, walking and patrolling at night time with starry sky and shiny moon on background. Equipped army elite soldier on march at night

010924-F-4177H-005. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Sept. 29, 2018) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) transits the Mediterranean Sea, Sept. 29, 2018. Ross, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on its seventh patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests Europe and Africa.

As seen through a night vision lens, a ground controller prepares to guide a 37th Tactical Fighter Wing (37th TFW) F-117A aircraft onto the flight line during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

220627-N-XN177-3034 EAST CHINA SEA (June 27, 2022) - Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Christopher Innocent moves an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 on the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 27, 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.

Staff Sgt. Mitchell Hinton, a Soldier representing the United States Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), plots points on a map with his team for a night land navigation course during the 2022 Combined Best Warrior Competition at Fort Hunter-Liggett, California, April 1. 15 Soldiers traveled to compete in this years Best Warrior, hosted by USACAPOC(A), 84th Training Command, and 108th Training Command (IET) from March 31 through April 5, 2022. Competitors are evaluated on their individual ability to adapt and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, which test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

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

220701-N-XN177-1054 EAST CHINA SEA (July 1, 2022) - Sailors refuel an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), July 1, 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.

Silhouette of a soldier standing amongst smoke, armed with an assault rifle.

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)

060108-A-4545F-035. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Bayji State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mason Flores with the 138th Security Forces Squadron (SFS), Squad 1, Fire Team Charlie, takes a moment to survey the scene in the pre-dawn light after preparing targets for upcoming M-4 qualifications. The 138th SFS deployed from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, for weapons training and qualifications in preparation for an upcoming temporary duty assignment.

040825-F-5789F-019. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Balad Air Base 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

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