Soldiers in Action

Dynamic images of soldiers engaged in various activities, including operations against illegal substances and preparing for missions, focusing on their commitment and training.

An Austrian Service Member, assigned to NATO Special Operations Headquarters secures M4 magazines in his pockets as U.S. Soldiers with 39th Strategic Signal Battalion qualify with the M4 carbine alongside NATO allies, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Aug. 18, 2022.

Soldiers and Airmen from the Oklahoma National Guard are briefed by Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics agents before assisting OBN to collect and transport illegally grown marijuana plants for destruction in Pawnee County, Oklahoma, Sept. 27, 2022. The Oklahoma National Guard is supporting OBN by providing service members and equipment to collect large amounts of illegally grown marijuana and transport them to an undisclosed location for destruction. (Oklahoma National Guard Photo by Anthony Jones)

closeup of modern warfare soldier hands putting protective battle gloves white background

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Casey Warren, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, loads 5.56 NATO ammunition into a magazine during a table three through six range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 7, 2024. The range was part of a battalion field exercise that rehearsed crucial logistical operations executed within an Alert Contingency Air-Ground Task Force, aimed at enhancing the capabilities and readiness of CLB-4. Warren is a native of Utah. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alex Camacho, a motor vehicle operator with 9th Engineer Support Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3d Marine Logistics Group, loads a magazine of 9mm rounds on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 23, 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. 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 Maj. Lucas Fields, Air Officer with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, overlooks the training area during a joint terminal air controllers training event at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 6, 2022. Marines with 3d MLR jointly operated with U.S. Army 25th Combat Aviation Brigade. Such training and collaboration improves the operational synergy within the Joint Force.

A U.S. Soldier with 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, cuts excess rubber bricks from an inert Mine Clearing Line Charge during a MICLIC certification at Bucierz Range, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 12, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises taking place in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

34th Infantry Division rallies together and teams up with the Gatesville Firefighters for group photos at Fort Cavazos, Texas, Feb.18, 2024. The Gatesville fighters assisted by allowing the public affairs team to use a flire truck to get a high angle for the group photo. (Minnesota National Guard

Recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct the rappel tower, November 14, 2022. The rappel tower test recruits fears of heights and builds confidence in their gear. (US Marine Corps Photos by Lance Cpl. Keegan Jones).

Members of the 129th Medical Group, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, stand in formation as the groups commander, is promoted to colonel during a ceremony, Sept. 10, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California.

An Austrian Service Member, assigned to NATO Special Operations Headquarters secures M4 magazines in his pockets as U.S. Soldiers with 39th Strategic Signal Battalion qualify with the M4 carbine alongside NATO allies, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Aug. 18, 2022.

Belgian military with rifles, pistols, weapons and protective vests during an exercise Belgian military with rifles, pistols, weapons and protective vests during an exercise in Brussels Copyright: xZoonar.com/ThomasxFuhrmannx 21653326

Soldiers assigned to Charlie Company, 50th Expeditionary Signal Battalion Enhanced , 35th Corps Signal Brigade, Partner with Soldiers Assigned to 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division to conduct sling load training at Fort Bragg, NC, May 24, 2022. Soldiers took part in this exercise in order to conduct realistic training which incorporates joint forcible entry (JFE) communications and challenges to demonstrate their readiness to deploy and fight globally.( U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Maxine Baen)

U.S. Army Paratroopers and International Paratroopers participate in the International Airborne Leapfest Competition in Exeter, Rhode Island, Aug. 1-10, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest-running, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Officer Candidate Deirdre Salvas)

U.S. Army soldier assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, stands by to help offload an Abrams M1A2 SEPV3 Main Battle Tank. The arrival of these tanks in Poland will help the 3ABCT produce combat-credible forces alongside NATO allies.

Republic of Korea Army Maj. Gen. Lee Seo-young (ret.), a former military attaché to the ROK embassy in the United States, presented a field jacket of the late Eighth Army honorary commander, Gen. Paik Sun-yup (ret.), to Lt. Gen. Bill Burleson, Eighth Army commanding general, at the Eighth Army and Korean Theater of Operations (KTO) Museum on Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Dec. 2, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Christopher Donelson, an explosive ordnance technician with 3rd EOD Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, tests communications during Jungle Crab 22 at Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, June 22, 2022. During Jungle Crab 22 EOD Marines prepared to support Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations by practicing survival methods in areas where logistical support may not be available. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

A U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party Airman from the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron conducts radio skills tests, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, December 7, 2022. Tactical Air Control Party Airmen from the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron and cyberspace operations personnel from the 38th Rescue Squadron attended a radio modernization course hosted by the 93 AGOW and the Special Programs Office in order to gain understanding about emerging innovative radio technologies.

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

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, loosens a sprocket nut of an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle during maintenance at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Aug. 31, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Shelby Lucas, 81st Medical Group cardiac catheterization lab NCO in charge, wears her 81st Healthcare Operations Squadron patch at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Aug. 30, 2022. The primary mission of the 81st MDG is to maintain medical readiness for worldwide contingencies by providing health care for more than 22,000 enrollees, including almost 4,500 active-duty members.

A Soldier from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade prepares their gear during dunker training (helicopter over-water survival training) from October 18-19, Bremerhaven, Germany. The training was conducted at the RelyOn Nutec training center and is designed to teach anyone traveling on or over water, how to react before, during, and after a helicopter becomes submerged in water. 12CAB is a team of disciplined warfighting professionals trusted to execute precision aviation operations. Ensuring Soldiers successfully complete dunker training is one of the many ways the Griffin Brigade constantly improves their readiness to support missions across the European Command area of operations.

Col. Isaac T. Bell, 366th Fighter Wing Deputy commander, toured the 366th Security Forces Squadron off-base shooting range on Oct. 5, 2022 outside of Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The tour was part of the immersion with the 366th SFS, which allows the commander to identify the needs of the squadron first hand.

Gloved hands loading shell into shotgun.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Michael Lesterick, an explosive ordinance disposal technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, wears his EOD pin during Exercise Cobra Gold in Chantaburi province, Kingdom of Thailand, March 3, 2023. Cobra Gold, now in its 42nd year, is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored training event that builds on the longstanding friendship between the two allied nations and brings together a robust multinational force to promote regional peace and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Soldiers from the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) arrive at Dugway Proving Ground in support of an unprecedented joint exercise on Sept. 8, 2022. This joint force exercise incorporates more than seven military entities across three branches creating innovative operational concepts to allow quick response to an ever changing wartime horizon.

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, prepares jump packs for an Airborne operation at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Sept. 10, 2022. The unit conducted non-tactical airborne operations at the Army Aviation Facility in order to maintain mission readiness and proficiency among their paratroopers with the assistance of two CH-47s out of Virginia.The Army Aviation Facility was created through a MILCON effort valued at 11.7 million dollars and made possible by the joint effort of ASA Fort Dix and the U.S. Marine Corps Marine Aircraft Group 49. The 2100 square foot building is host to an Army Ramp Management Area which provides a wide range of capabilities for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft such as the C-130, CH-47S, and UH-60S.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 assemble a joint chemical agent detector M4A1 in preparation of a chemical, biological, radioactive, and nuclear (CBRN) readiness exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sep. 9, 2022. Realistic CBRN training teaches Marines about proper protective measures, which increase their chances of survival during a CBRN attack, provides information about various contamination threats, and instills confidence in their equipment.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group (MLG), promotes Sgt. Zachary Allen, a radio operator with 2nd Landing Support Battalion, 2nd MLG, during the 2nd MLG command post exercise (CPX) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 1, 2022. During the CPX Marines were familiarized in the setup and usage of a combat operations center, while also certifying all gear was accounted for and functional.

U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, stand in line for the rappel tower at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, March 31, 2023. Rappel training was conducted to build confidence in Marines and prepared them for any circumstances they may encounter.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Patrick Castello, a combat engineer with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, prepares to zipline on a rope bridge during Summer Pioneer 2022 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 18, 2022. Summer Pioneer 2022 is a naval engineering exercise demonstrating integrated U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy formations to establish and sustain Expeditionary Advanced Bases (EAB) and contribute to Maritime Domain Awareness.

A U.S. Army Green Beret assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) discusses alternate extraction points on a map with Beninese soldiers from the 1st Commando Parachute Battalion during a Joint Combined Exercise Training (JCET) in Ouassa, Benin, Sept. 6, 2022. Partnerships and alliances are the foundation of U.S. defense and diplomatic engagement.

Lance Cpl. Roman Cannon, Alpha Company, communicates with Marines during a support live-fire at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 15, 2022. The range consisted of training with the M240B machine gun, while suppressing fire and denying the enemy from establishing firing positions for their fire support assets. The training hones the Marines capabilities as a squad that is capable of responding to a potential crisis or contingency.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Favin Castaneda-Rivera, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, loads a magazine during a table three through six range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 7, 2024. Castaneda-Rivera is a native of Oregon. The range was part of a battalion field exercise that rehearsed crucial logistical operations executed within an Alert Contingency Air-Ground Task Force, aimed at enhancing the capabilities and readiness of CLB-4. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Melvin Hernandez, a field radio operator with All Domain Effects Team (ADET), 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), III MarineExpeditionary Force, conducts communications drills at Iwo To, Japan, May 31, 2022. 5th ANGLICO ADETs are rapidly deployable, task-organized liaison teams thatcoordinate and synchronize multi-domain fires.

U.S. Army Sgt. Romario Williams, assigned to the Eisenhower Army Medical Center out of Fort Gordon, Ga., earns the Expert Field Medical Badge on his third attempt Oct. 28 on Pike Field at Fort Bragg, N.C. The EFMB is considered one of the most challenging skills badges in the U.S. Army as it tests the professional competence and physical endurance of the Army's medical professionals.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Nicholas Treadwell, a platoon sergeant with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, briefs a safety class before fast roping drills aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 9, 2022. Fast roping allows Marines flexibility with their entry points so they can insert into a variety of environments. 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. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prime a hose with seawater during bilateral water purification training for Iron Fist 24, at Kin Blue Beach Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 27, 2024. Bilateral training tests readiness and ability to respond to crises in challenging and time-sensitive conditions. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. Marine Corps

Royal Thai Armed Forces Col. Akkaradetch Sornpetch, right, Director of Demining Training Center, Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC), awards an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) badge to Royal Thai Army Sgt. Kittipop Somton, left, a student with TMAC, during a ceremony for an EOD level 1-2 course at Fort Bhanurangsi, Ratchaburi, Thailand, Feb. 8, 2024. Royal Thai and American Armed Forces work together to train TMAC students in EOD level 1-2 in order to develop an EOD capacity to assist TMACs mission of becoming landmine free. This partnership is aligned with the U.S. Department of Defenses Humanitarian Mine Action Program, which assists partnered nations affected by landmines, explosive remnants of war, and the hazardous effects of unexploded ordnance. Marine Corps

A Soldier with the 110th Composite Truck Company, attaches a trailer to a vehicle as evening falls on Thursday, September 13. Soldiers worked into the night preparing vehicles for rapid deployment to hurricane-affected areas along the American East Coast.

Recruits with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, begin the Crucible with a hike at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Jan. 12, 2023.The 5-mile hike marks the beginning of their 54-hour Crucible.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Toby Schindler, a basic security guard with Marine Corps Security Forces Training Company, reloads his magazine during the Marine Corps Championships on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, March 31, 2023. Marines who place in the top 10-percent at their respective Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition receive an invitation to participate in the Marine Corps Championships that consists of 10 days of competition in precision rifle, action rifle, precision pistol, action pistol, and multi gun action shooting.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kristopher Kooi, an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician with EOD Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, plants C-4 during a Base Recovery After Attack Training (BRAAT) range on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 23, 2022. U.S. Marine Corps EOD technicians perform BRAAT to enhance basic demolition readiness in order to restore mission capabilities after an enemy attack.

Airman 1st Class Dennis Nellessen performs a baggage check prior to loading patients onto an aircraft May 26, 2011, at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. Airman Nellessen is an aerospace medical technician assigned to the 451st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.

A 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron Airman pushes a rip cable through an individual combat equipment vest during a Prime Base Engineering Emergency Force and Prime Readiness in Base Services training day at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, May 19, 2022. The ICE rip cable is designed to help personnel quickly remove their body armor in case of an emergency.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Polen, 178th Operations Support Squadron intelligence superintendent, left and Tech. Sgt. Matthew Choiniere, 178 OSS noncommissioned officer in charge of intel training, participate in Spartan Warrior 22-9 at Einsiedlerhof Air Station Sept. 28, 2022. Ten NATO Allies took part in the advanced integration of rehearsals for large-scale combat operations.

Lance Cpl. Sammy Guajardo, a dog handler with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, looks out over a compound where he has taken shelter during the push into the city of Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb 14. Marines with Bravo and Alpha Co., 1/6 were inserted into the city at night by helicopters as part of a large-scale offensive aimed at routing the Taliban from their last-known stronghold in Helmand province.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt Chirstian Ramsey, an intelligence specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, clears a room during Caraibes 22 in Martinique, France, June 10, 2022. Exercise Caraibes 2022 is a French-led, large scale, joint training exercise in the Caribbean involving naval, air, and land assets, from the French, U.S., and regional forces focused on responding to natural disasters.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Anthony Salazar, a radio operator with Battalion Landing Team 1/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares radio communications for a visit, board, search, and seizure exercise on the USS Miguel Keith (ESB-5) in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 11, 2023. The VBSS exercise refined Marines skills in maritime interdiction operations by incorporating real world scenarios. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America 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.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Kilo Company, Third Recruit Training Battalion, stacks his rifle prior to conducting pugil sticks at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Oct. 13, 2022. Pugil sticks is designed to simulate fighting with fixed bayonets and provide practical application of Marine Corps Martial Arts techniques.

NORFOLK (Feb. 14, 2024) Command Master Chief Paul Dammon, Assigned to Amphibious Squadron Four (PHIBRON 4), places command patch on Cmdr. Jamie Joe Diaz, Chief of Staff, Assigned to Amphibious Squadron Four (PHIBRON 4), aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), Feb. 14, 2023. (US Navy Photo By Mass Communication Specialist Troy Davis)

Day two of the 310th ESC Best Warrior Competition started Feb. 5, 2024 with soldiers qualifying on M17 pistol at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.

Marine officer candidates from Arizona and New Mexico Marine Officer programs, and local Naval Reserve Training Corps units prepare for Officer Candidate School on April 16, 2022, at Camp Navajo, Flagstaff, Arizona. The training included practical application in land navigation, small unit leadership exercises and hiking.

A U.S. Marine with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, plots down a point while conducting land navigation during a tactical small unit leaders course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 1, 2022. 1st Radio Battalion participated in TSULC to give small unit leaders the confidence, knowledge and ability to better lead their Marines in combat situations.

A Kestrel is used by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Trevor Hancock, a team leader with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2ndMarine Division, uses a kestrel during an Urban Sniper Course on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 25, 2022. Kestrels measure real time weather data and connect to weather applications providing wind speed, barometric pressure, and temperature.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jacob Coby, a motor transport operator with Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, drives a tactical vehicle in route to Combat Support Center Omsaderh established in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during exercise Native Fury 22, Aug. 19, 2022. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enables U.S. Marine Corps Central Command and U.S. Central Command to receive and employ forces and resources rapidly in the region through a growing network of western geographic access and staging points.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brendan Hungerford, a corpsman with 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, fills out a casualty information card care during a mass casualty drill as part of Fuji Viper 23.2 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Jan. 30, 2023. Fuji Viper provides U.S. Marines operating in Japan with realistic training opportunities to exercise combined arms and maintain proficiency, lethality, and readiness. 3/4 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Hungerford is a native of Tioga, PA.

A Special Forces Soldier from the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) learns how to use a whiz wheel to calculate elevation and power on the M252 81mm mortar on Orchard Combat Training Center during Western Strike 22, June 12, 2022. Western Strike 22 is an eXportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise led by the 65th Field Artillery Brigade, Utah National Guard, that provides National Guard Soldiers immersed training similar to a combat training center and aims to increase participating unit's readiness and lethality.

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division prepares detonation cord for a field expedient demolition charge at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, May 11, 2022. This exercise tested and strengthened the Marines ability to conduct distributed operations, while demonstrating their readiness to rapidly secure and defend key terrain to maintain regional security. 1/3 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines as a part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Sailors assigned to Fleet Weather Center Norfolk re-enact Battle of Hampton Roads during a history program presented by Matt Headrick, Military Educator at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. The engaging presentation allowed Sailors to participate in the program by re-enacting the pivotal first battle between ironclads on March 8-9, 1862. The presentation took place inside of the U-40 auditorium onboard Naval Station Norfolk, and is part of the repertoire of free history and heritage programs available through the museum.

The mission of the 354th Force Support Squadron at the Two Seasons Dining facility is to provide a top-notch dining experience to the warfighters in support of the 354th Fighter Wing and Pacific Air Forces missions. These 354th FSS Airmen serve dorm residents who live on base, TDY service members participating in Red Flag Alaska, and cater to any distinguished visitors.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Steven M. Sutey, the 2d Marine Regiment commanding officer, pins an Annual Rifle Squad Competition badge on a Marine with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, during an award ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 23, 2022. The Marines were awarded for finishing first in the Annual Rifle Squad Competition while deployed to Okinawa, Japan.

New U.S. Marines with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, get their harnesses checked during the rappel tower event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Jan. 27, 2023. Rappel training was conducted to build confidence in Marines and prepare them for any circumstances they may encounter.

City Cesis, Latvian republic. Form of military police. Memorial event, 100 years after the battle. 22.06.2019.

U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Scottie Cox, command master chief of 2d Marine Division (2dMARDIV), receives the Fleet Marine Force device from Maj. Gen. Francis Donovan, former commanding general of 2d MARDIV, on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 7, 2022. The FMF pin signifies U.S. Naval officers and sailors who are trained and qualified to perform duties in support of the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Dimas, a machine gunner with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, from Laredo, Texas, annotates a casualty card during a combat lifesaver course on Fort Pickett, Virginia, Jan. 26, 2022. Reserve Marines, while supporting Operation Allies Welcome, are maintaining proficiency in their respective occupational specialties to ensure they are always ready to augment and reinforce the Active Component. 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. James Stanfield)

The HAF/DSI team takes a tour of the E-3 Sentry AWACS during the TFA health assessment at the 552nd Air Control Wing and 513th Air Control Group May 4, 2022, at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. The team, led by Maj. Gen. Randal Efferson, conducted several focus group interviews to improve the Total Force Association enterprise.

Ukrainian soldier holds in his hand the yellow-blue flag of the state, he pressed his hand to his chest, concept of the memory of the dead soldiers, close up

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Stacy Chapman, 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron pilot, operates a U.S. Air Force C-130H Hercules cargo aircraft during a routine mission from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 2, 2024. The C-130H, primarily responsible for performing tactical airlift missions, is capable of operating from rough terrain and is the primary transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas.

Helmet rests atop the Fallen Soldier Display in honor of Maj. Gen. Harold J. Greene during a memorial ceremony at the Pentagon, 13 Aug. 2014. Greene was killed Aug. 5 in an insider attack while deployed to Afghanistan. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery Aug. 14.

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

Airmen from the 386th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron Personnel Support for Contingency Operations team escort a group of Airmen inprocessing at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, July 16, 2022. Hundreds of military personnel are inprocessed by the 386th EFSS PERSCO team each month.

Soldier fighters standing together with guns. Group portrait of US army elite members, private military company servicemen, anti terrorist squad.. Soldier fighters standing together with guns. Group portrait of US army elite members, private military company servicemen, anti terrorist squad

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. - U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Adam Fewox, 633d Operational Medical Readiness Squadron medical technician, loads 10 rounds into his M-4 carbine rifle magazine in preparation for the live-firing test during a Combat Arms Training and Maintenance qualification course at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Nov. 30, 2022. The live-firing test consisted of Airmen firing four total magazines with 10 rounds each at various targets, some using iron-sights and others using reflex sights.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Stewart C. Smith takes command of the 6th Space Warning Squadron, Cape Cod Space Force Station, Massachusetts, June 23, 2022. Smith, an Air Force Academy graduate, previously served as Director, Force Development, Joint Task Force Space Defense at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Timothy C. Sheehan, outgoing 6th SWS commander, relinquished his charge to Col. Miguel A. Cruz, commander of Space Delta 4, Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado. Sheehan has served as 6th SWS commander since 2020.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Mardia Timoney, the Musician Technical Assistant for 6th Marine Corps District, pins the corporal insignia on Cpl. Yair Leon, an operations administrative clerk at 6MCD, at the headquarters building on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Sept. 29, 2022. Promotion ceremonies are a significant achievement in a service members career and are a testament to their commitment, mastery of duties and skills, and leadership capabilities.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Wilfredo Hernandez, an assault amphibious vehicle (AAV) crewman, and Voorhees, New Jersey native, with 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion (2d AABn), 2d Marine Division, attaches the main wing of a Puma Unmanned Aircraft System during a field exercise on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 25, 2022. 2d AABn tested the capability of an assault amphibious vehicle and a light armored vehicle with Remote Weapon Systems as a suitable land-based platform for mobile reconnaissance and scouting. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Ramsammy)

war, army and people concept - close up of young soldier in military uniform

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Harbin Dilley, a logistics embarkation specialist with 1st Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group secures a quadcon dry freight container in preparation for retrograde during exercise Native Fury 22 at Yanbu Commercial Port, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sept. 2, 2022. Native Fury 22 is a biennial exercise focused on the demonstration of the rapid offload and integration of a Maritime Prepositioned Force in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of regional security, crisis response, and contingency operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Melvin Hernandez, left, and Sgt. Lucas Principato with All Domain Effects Team (ADET), 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), IIIMarine Expeditionary Force, rehearse communications capabilities at Iwo To, Japan, May 31, 2022. 5th ANGLICO ADETs are rapidly deployable, task-organized liaison teams that coordinate and synchronize multi-domain fires.

Members of the Malawian Maritime Force get taught how to tie their weapons to themselves by a U.S. Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) team while doing maritime operations during a Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) in Monkey Bay, Malawi, June 16, 2022. JCETS enhance U.S. relationships with partner nations by developing and maintaining critical military-to-military connections and improving joint and allied readiness and interoperability.

A U.S. Marine with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, receives his Eagle Globe and Anchor during a ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, June 8, 2022. After completing the 54- hour culminating event, recruits were given their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, earning them the title United States Marine.

220913-N-UB993-1083NORFOLK, Va. (Sept. 13, 2022) A Sailor assigned to the nuclear aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 77) listens to Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea speak during an all-hands call at Naval Station Norfolk, Sept. 13, 2022. Honea conducted his first fleet visit to answer questions and discuss his priorities of warfighting competency, professional and character development, and quality of life.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrew Christy, a correctional specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, executes table 3 aboard the USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) during Caraibes 22 near Martinique, France, June 20, 2022 Exercise Caraibes 2022 is a French-led, large scale, joint training exercise in the Caribbean involving naval, air, and land assets, from the French, U.S., and regional forces focused on responding to natural disasters.

A U.S. Airman holds a program during a Distinguished Flying Cross ceremony presided over by Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force commander, at Travis Air Force Base, California, Dec. 9, 2022. Martin recognized 24 Airmen for their heroic actions during Operation Allies Refuge. The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any officer or enlisted person of the U.S. armed forces for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

vaccination, army and pandemic concept - close up of soldier in military uniform holding dog tag with qr code. close up of young soldier with qr code on dog tag

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division and members of the Northern Army, Japan Self-Defense Force, coordinate operations in the Bilateral Ground Tactical Control Center during Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 11, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Micha Keough, a joint fires observer, with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6), Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, plots points on a map before Finnish mortar range in Syndalen, Finland Nov. 1 2022. Task Force Red Cloud, headquartered by elements of CLB-6, is deployed to Finland in support of Exercises SYD 2022 and Freezing Winds 2022 to enhance U.S. and Finnish select interdependence in the maritime domain; solidify bilateral maritime maneuver within the Finnish littoral environment; and foster strong relationships between U.S. Marine Corps and Finnish Defense Force sustainment units. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl Jackson Kirkiewicz)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Taylor Tompkins, 786th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, takes measurements of an explosive ordnance prop during Operation Varsity at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 27, 2022. Operation Varsity is a readiness exercise enhancing the bases response to various attacks and situations, including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion holds his newly earned Eagle, Globe, and Anchor during the Crucible at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 27, 2022. The crucible was a 54- hour long culminating event at recruit training which finalized the transformation from recruit to Marine.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Edward J. Cochrane, a field medical service technician with Bravo Surgical Company, 3d Medical Battalion, is awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal from Chief Hospital Corpsman Elmer Aquino with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pearl Harbor, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, June 30, 2022. On Jan. 12, 2022, Cochrane saved the life of Aquino. After finding Aquino unconscious, Cochrane utilized his basic life support techniques to provide lifesaving intervention.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division conduct cold weather training on trucks during exercise Rolling Thunder on Fort Drum, New York, March 23, 2023. This exercise is a live-fire artillery event that tested the 10th Marine Regiments ability to operate in a simulated littoral environment against a peer threat in a dynamic and multi-domain scenario.

Close up horizontal image of pistol, pointing forward, with armed male soldier in background. Focus on front part of weapon with soldier blurred out.

Col. Brett Black relinquishes command of the 5th Mission Support Group to Col. Gregory Mayer on June 30, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. The 5 MSG provides full-spectrum operational and expeditionary support to the 5th Bomb Wing's 27 B-52 strategic bombers, the 91st Missile Wing's 165 Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic missiles and Launch control centers and the 54th Helicopter Squadrons eight UH-1 helicopters delivering global assurance, precision strike and nuclear deterrence to six combatant commanders. (U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, hold a log during log drills at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Nov. 14, 2022. The log drill exercise was used to develop a team building mentality and help form unit cohesion amongst recruits.

Recruits with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, practive techniques from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Oct. 20, 2022. Recruits are taught MCMAP to learn when and how to perform armed and unarmed techniques when using lethal and non-lethal force.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Alexander Morgan, an administrative specialist with, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, is pinned during a promotion to his current rank on, U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, Jan 3, 2024. MARFORK is the U.S. Marine Corps service component for United States Forces Korea and United Nations Command. It commands all U.S Marine Forces assigned to USFK and UNC; as well as advises on the Marine Corps capabilities, support and proper employment of Marine forces.

A Latvian National Guard soldier with 4th Brigade, 44th Infantry Battalion, observes a C-130 Hercules aircraft as it unloads an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) during Latvian-led field artillery live-fire exercise, NAMEJS, at Liepāja, Latvia, Sept. 26, 2022. Latvian forces are proudly working alongside the 1st Infantry Division, other NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Airman 1st Class Avery Ryan, Yokota base honor guard member, waits to play 'Taps' during a Retreat Ceremony as part of the 2022 Yokota Veterans Day Ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 10, 2022. The ceremony included a formation with service members from each U.S. military branch, as well as members of the Japan Self-Defense Force, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9555 and local Girl and Boy Scout troops. The ceremony served as a time to reflect on those who served generations past and commemorate their selfless and courageous actions in service to their country.

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