Soldiers in Action

Photos of soldiers aiming various firearms in outdoor settings, capturing intensity and focus during military training and operations.

Soldier Soldier in camouflage aiming with his rifle outdoor with lens flare effect ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/tudorxantonelxadrianx 2097844 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

Soldier Soldier in camouflage aiming with his rifle outdoor with lens flare effect ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/tudorxantonelxadrianx 2097844 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

GREYWOLF Trooper, Spc. Anthony Samson, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducts weapons qualification with the Browning M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun, Nov. 3, 2022. Soldiers qualify with various weapons systems to ensure readiness and verify that they know the weapons operating procedures.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Corbin Weber, an air traffic controller with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, shoots the course of fire during the June Warrior Games on MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, June 24, 2022. The Warrior Games are a monthly competition hosted in an effort to promote camaraderie within the H&HS family.

030327-A-4835R-016. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: ADI Ghar Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Dillon Mills, Lightweight Machine Gun Course student, checks his surroundings prior to firing a M240B medium machine gun during a live-fire exercise at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis Military Training Reservation, Texas, Oct. 4, 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.

010508-F-3820W-011. Subject Operation/Series: GUARDIAN CHALLENGE 01 Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, conduct a team live-fire exercise, with M4 rifle, as part of exercise Repel Resolve II at Monte Romano Italian training area, Italy, Jan. 22, 2024. The Repel Resolve exercise series develops small-team lethality and experience, increasing the battalion's ability to operate across the Brigade Support Area of operation. 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. Marine With M16 During Combat Operation in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

DM-SC-86-05700. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine Aims His M16 During a Firefight in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

031018-F-7234P-007. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 82nd Airborne Division

Staff Sgt. Carlos Butriago trains with a Barrett sniper rifle at the Suffolk County firing range in Westhampton Beach, N.Y., July 27, 2015. Butriago is a member of the 106th Security Forces Squadron.

Navy Seal in training laying on the beach aiming a gun in San Diego, California.

U.S. Army ranger sniper

Cpl. Brandon Legendre, a police sergeant with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, sights in to fire on a target during infantry tactics training at Graze Range at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, Oct. 18, 2009. Comprised of Marines with noninfantry specialties, the Camp Lejeune, N.C.-based company is preparing to operate as an infantry company during their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in the spring of 2010.

DF-ST-88-03802. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD Country: Honduras (HND)

030429-M-5607A-021. Base: An Nu' Maniyah Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, complete Basic Warrior Training (BWT) aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., May 12, 2022.During BWT recruits complete a practical application exam where they must demonstrate correct hand and arm signals, fireteam formations, and other field skills they were taught over the week long event.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Todd Sager, assistant team leader with 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, sights in during stage one of the School of Infantry-East Scout Sniper Challenge on Camp Geiger, North Carolina, April 25, 2022. The purpose of this challenge was to test snipers in communication, marksmanship and teamwork throughout various competitive relays.

An Airman takes up a firing position during an Exercise Eagle Flag scenario.

050125-N-5027S-009. Base: Portsmouth State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine With M16 During Combat Operation in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

040504-F-8584G-010. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

A U.S. Marine with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, fires a M320 grenade launcher for company attacks during exercise Bougainville III at Pohakuloa Training Area, Feb. 7, 2024. Bougainville III is a 3d LCT live-fire exercise focused on decentralized operations to prepare the battalion to command and control forces from dispersed locations. Marine Corps

020112-F-6020H-501. Base: Fort Dix State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

U.S. Army Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, playing the opposing force returns simulated fire on the assaulting element on Pohakuloa Training Grounds, Nov. 2, 2022. Realistic training exercises, like JPMRC 23-01, strengthen defense relationships, foster multinational interoperability, increase U.S. readiness, and reinforce the unified regional land power network that supports a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

030829-M-5578G-010. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST MARDIV

070309-M-3095K-012. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: BLT 3/8

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. John Lopez, a food service specialist with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fires an M16A4 service rifle during a table three through six range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 8, 2022. The purpose of the range was to improve Marines combat marksmanship in preparation for future operations. 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. Lopez, a native of El Paso, Texas, graduated from Americas High School in 2020 and enlisted out of Recruiting Station El Paso in 2021.

Special forces operators in a military kayak.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Zachary McKinley, a primary marksmanship instructor with Range Company, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, fires the M16A4 Service Rifle during and advanced marksmanship training (AMT) course at Edson Range, Camp Pendleton, California, June 27, 2022. AMT is designed to give Marines a more practical understanding of their service issued weapons.

An Idaho Army National Guard Sniper peers downrange at a target.While commonly known as snipers, the official term used by U.S.Army is designated marksman. The U.S. Army Sniper Course is a seven-week training course at Fort Benning. With most formal training courses, skill training is an ongoing process throughout the year. The snipers of the 2-116th CAB trained for a full week separate from the main body of units in the field during annual training 2022. Their training encompassed individual qualifications, timed shooting exercises and movement to a covered location without being detected, identifying adversaries, engagement and withdrawal without being sighted. U.S.Army, Idaho Army National Guard, Sniper, Infantry, Orchard Combat Training Center, Operation Spartan Shield

Operators from the 20th Special Forces Group change the barrel of an M240B machine gun while providing fire support to an assault team clearing a simulated enemy compound during a live fire training exercise near Chester Township, Michigan, August 6, 2022. The mission was part of Northern Strike, an annual multinational joint training event headquartered at the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center in Michigan.

U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Ayala, tank gunner, 4th Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, inserts a headspace and timing gauge into an M2 .50 caliber machine gun during Gunnery Skills Test (GST) on day 4 of the Sullivan Cup Competition, at Fort Benning, Ga., April 28, 2022. GST is designed to develop and test the proficiency of Abrams and Bradley crews, and individual armor crewmen on their ability to properly use and maintain their weapon systems and execute gunnery techniques.

US Marine Corps (USMC) Marine attending the Small Arms Weapons Instructor Course fires the M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun (JCSC), on the range at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Quantico, Virginia (VA). (Substandard image). Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060503-N-6889J-010. Base: Camp Shelby State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220712-M-WC972-1315 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 12, 2022) A Tongan Marine assigned to His Majestys Armed Forces, checks for the approval to begin firing at a target during a squad live-fire range in support of Rim on the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

A US Marine Corps (USMC) Marine assigned to Weapons Platoon, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1ST Marine Regiment, mans a 7.62mm M240G machine gun from a defensive position at the cloverleaf outside Highway One, near the city of Fallujah, Iraq. The Marines cut off traffic to the city in an operation to isolate and root out terrorists responsible for recent attacks on Coalition Forces during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A US Navy SEAL, from SEAL Team 8, shoots a Colt 5.56mm M-4 Carbine rifle on a firing range in Kuwait as part of the Southwest Asia buildup. Country: Kuwait (KWT)

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. 14, 2024. Combat marksmanship training increases team lethality, builds cohesion, and provides integrated training to new members of the unit. Army

Brig. Gen. Jack L. Briggs, the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, test fires the M14, an enhanced battle rifle, during a training mission at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Sept. 24, 2010. The training mission, led by the 33rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, provided a glimpse of what the 33rd ERQS brings to the fight.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl Adam Colvin, an assaultman with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conducts a firing range after fast roping drills aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7), in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 24, 2022. The fast rope, shooting drill combo prepares Marines for inserting to a contested area. 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.

030217-M-3692W-127. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: Echo Co

A U.S. Coast Guardsman attached to a Marine Security Response Team participates in an encounter exercise (ENCOUNTEREX) simulation as a part of Operation Nanook, Northern Atlantic Ocean Aug. 6, 2022. An MSRT unit embedded with USCGC Bear (WMEC 901) for Operation Nanook to showcase specialized Coast Guard law enforcement capabilities to partner nations.

Tech Sgt. Kelly Sessions with the Utah Air National Guard engages targets during the Army rifle qualification as part of the Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Camp Williams, Utah, Oct. 17, 2022. The Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition is an annual event that brings together Soldiers and Airmen from the major commands to compete for the title of Soldier/Airman-of-the-Year, Noncommissioned Officer-of-the-Year and Senior NCO-of-the-Year. The Army winners of this competition will represent the Utah Army National Guard at the Region VII Best Warrior Competition next spring.

PORT HUENEME, Calif. (Aug. 10, 2022) Construction Electrician 1st Class Kevin Murphy, right, communicates with the reaction team while Construction Electrician 1st Class Gary Chin, left, protects him during a simulated enemy attack during Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 18s Field Training Exercise (FTX). FTX is designed to analyze a battalions construction capability, expeditionary logistics, and combat operations to support major combat operations, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ahmier Fillmore isolates an adjacent building during Korea Viper 24.1 at Camp Mujuk, Republic of Korea, Feb. 7, 2024. Urban operations training strengthens Marines' proficiency in navigating and engaging in urban terrain, ensuring readiness through realistic training of close-quarters combat scenarios. In its first iteration, Korea Viper demonstrates the ROK-US Marine Corps ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust between the two allies. Fillmore, a native of New Jersey, is a rifleman 2d Battalion, 7th Marines. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Marine Corps

PFC Palmer Olrun, a member of Co. C, 2nd Bn., 297th Infantry Group (Scout), Alaska National Guard, scans the area for aggressor forces during exercise Kernal Potlatch '89. Subject Operation/Series: KERNAL POTLATCH '89 Base: Amchitka Island State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DA-SC-84-04319. Subject Operation/Series: OPPORTUNE JOURNEY 4-83 Base: Pohakuloa Training Area State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030318-M-4544K-019. Base: Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kashigo Meade, a machine gunner with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, participates in bilateral force-on-force training 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. Meade is a native of Columbus, Georgia.

Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conclude their multi-day qualifications with the firing of AT4, recoilless smoothbore anti-tank weapon, at Fort Campbell, KY, March 31, 2022.The AT4 Anti-Armor System is an indispensable asset for infantry units, allowing the Iron Rakkasans the ability to stay highly mobile and agile while still allowing effective incapacitation of larger target.

070324-M-2166H-012. Complete Scene Caption: An Iraqi Army Soldier in the School of Infantry (SOI) simulates setting an ambush during a practice exercise at Camp Yasser on Al Asad Air Base, Iraq on March 24, 2007. SOI is a ten day training school that teaches advanced fighting techniques and tactics to new Iraqi Army Soldiers before they report to their battalions. 2nd Battalion 7th Iraqi Army Division Military Transition Team is deployed as a part of MNF-W in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Anbar province of Iraq to develop the Iraqi Security Forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance CPL. Michael L. Haas) (Released) Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: MITT 2-7

Spc. Malcolm Tillman from 1st Battlion, 501 Parachute Infantry Regiment (Geronimo), 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division conducts disassembling M240B Machine Gun test during the Basic Soldiers Tasks lanes march June 29 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for the Best Squad Competition. The Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition is a single event used to select the U.S. Army Best Squad of the Year, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Soldier of the Year. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Christopher B. Dennis/11th Airborne Division Public Affairs NCO)

Under a cloud of simulated gas, US Air Force AIRMAN Scott J. Paneton and US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Ronald L. Helm, from the US Air Force in Europe command, fire their M60 machine guns down range during the combat weapons competition at Camp Bullis, Texas, during DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000. Defender Challenge is the annual Air Force wide competition sponsored by Air Force Security Forces. This competition showcases the talents and capabilities of 13 international Security Forces teams in seven physical fitness, base defense and policing skills over six days. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE '00 Base: Camp Bullis State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Man in military camouflage uniform and mask, equipped tactical ammunition, standing on sand dune with service rifle replica in hands, cloudy sky on background. Airsoft player taking part in war games. Airsoft player witt gun taking part in war games

040812-M-4358R-030. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM II Base: An Najaf Country: Iraq (IRQ)

LCPL Michael F. Medina of the air station's security force company mans an M-60E3 machine gun while taking cover behind a vehicle during an exercise. Base: Naval Air Station, Alameda State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine conducts his annual rifle qualification at Range 116A, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 11, 2022. Camp Pendletons Marksmanship Training Division trains 22,000 Marines and sailors each year across the installation to effectively engage targets with both rifles and pistols. The ARQ is a timed course of fire, ranging from 500 yards down to 15 yards.

Master Sgt. Elizabeth Miller, of the 119th Security Forces Squadron, makes her way through the Camp Ripley, Minnesota, military operations on urban terrain (MOUT) village during force on force training May 20, 2022. The Camp Ripley MOUT village provides a realistic environment for the security forces personnel to practice tactics they would use in deployed locations. The security forces personnel are firing M-4 weapons loaded with simunition rounds that are similar to paintball rounds, so they can identify adversaries that have been hit.

220712-M-WC972-1252 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 12, 2022) A Tongan Marine assigned to His Majestys Armed Forces prepares to participate in a squad live-fire range in support of Rim on the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 12. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

During firing exercises snipers frequently check target location, record data and adjust rifle sights to compute firing information. Sniper solders typically work in teams of shooter and spotter and pass data back and forth to ensure accuracy.While commonly known as snipers, the official term used by U.S.Army is designated marksman. The U.S. Army Sniper Course is a seven-week training course at Fort Benning. With most formal training courses, skill training is an ongoing process throughout the year. The snipers of the 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion trained for a full week separate from the main body of units in the field during annual training 2022. Their training encompassed individual qualifications, timed shooting exercises and movement to a covered location without being detected, identifying adversaries, engagement and withdrawal without being sighted.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines fire an M2 .50 caliber machine gun during Exercise Fuji Viper 22.5 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Sept. 14, 2022. Exercise Fuji Viper exemplifies a commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Army Soldiers from Bravo Company 169th Infantry, 1st Platoon, clean their weapons at Manda Bay, Kenya, October 27, 2022. An increased frequency and range of patrols helps counter the enduring threat of violent extremism.

DA-ST-85-09714. Base: Romulus State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Portrait of sniper Portrait of sniper in camouflage uniform in action ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/SergeyxSukhorukovx 1703378 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Luis Marsh, a scout sniper with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, fires on a target during a sniper range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 6, 2023. Marines with the scout sniper platoon rehearse engaging targets as a team to build cohesion in a tactical scenario. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

A 1ST Battalion recruit checks the sights on his M-16A2 rifle, which is equipped with an M-203 grenade launcher. Base: Usmc Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 1st Armored Division search for insurgents in houses located across the street from Outpost 293 in Ramadi, Iraq, after a mortar attack and gunfire were received on the outpost July 24, 2006.

US soldier aiming with his assault rifle

Cpl. Robert Basting, a machine gunner with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, assigned to Black Sea Rotational Force 14, fires a M240G machinegun from a fire support position during a platoon attack at Camp Adazi, Latvia, April 9, 2014. The live fire event was designed to train the Marines and sailors how to breach an obstacle during an assault. This is the 11th iteration of the Summer Shield exercise, a joint staff planning and combined arms live fire maneuver event designed to enhance the Latvian Land Forces capacity and capability to integrate fires and maneuver at the battalion and brigade level as well as increase partner capacity, promote regional stability and to continue to develop Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian and U.S. interoperability.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (Aug. 1, 2022) A Malaysian Marine posts security during an amphibious raid for a multinational littoral operations exercise as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, Aug. 1. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

220603-N-BR419-1438 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 3, 2022) Members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, attached to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70, deployed aboard the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), conduct a maritime interdiction exercise with Republic of Korea special forces aboard ROKS Marado (LPH 6112) during Carrier Strike Group Exercise 2022. Carrier Strike Group Exercise is a bilateral exercise between the U.S. Navy and Republic of Korea Navy. This exercise allows our navies to refine operations and engagement to strengthen future cooperation while supporting the alliance that remains vital to the security interests of both nations and to stability in Northeast Asia.

Military members from the Kenya Defence Forces provide security as part of an urban operations course during exercise Justified Accord 2024 (JA24), at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations Training Centre, Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 28, 2024. JA24 is U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa, running from Feb. 26 - March 7. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), and hosted in Kenya, this year's exercise will incorporate personnel and units from 23 nations. This multinational exercise builds readiness for the U.S. joint force, prepares regional partners for UN and AU mandated missions, and increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance, disaster response and crisis response. Army

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Caleb Edens, an infantry Marine with the maritime raid force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sights in from a UH-1Y Venom during a visit, board, search, and seizure exercise aboard the USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5), in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 11, 2024. VBSS is part of maritime interception operations that aim to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces or supplies in the maritime domain. 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. Edens is a native of Montana. Marine Corps

A Marine with second platoon, Bravo Company, Marine Barracks Washington (MBW), fires an M16A4 rifle during infantry training at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., April 13, 2022. Marines with MBW conducted an air insert in MV-22 Ospreys, foot patrols, and live-fire training to hone infantry proficiency.

030322-F-2573S-028. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

During a final phase of training, the Idaho Army National Guard Sniper Team was required to move to a location without detection, set up a firing position in a covered facility, identify a target and possible hostage and neutralize the target. After firing the team was then tasked with leaving the secured facility without detection.While commonly known as snipers, the official term used by U.S.Army is designated marksman. The U.S. Army Sniper Course is a seven-week training course at Fort Benning. With most formal training courses, skill training is an ongoing process throughout the year. The snipers of the 2-116th CAB trained for a full week separate from the main body of units in the field during annual training 2022. Their training encompassed individual qualifications, timed shooting exercises and movement to a covered location without being detected, identifying adversaries, engagement and withdrawal without being sighted. U.S.Army, Idaho Army National Guard, Sniper, I

Airmen take cover during Liberty Eagle Readiness Exercise at Dover Air Force Base, Del., July 14, 2022. The purpose of the exercise was to validate the 426th Airlift Wing and the 512th Airlift Wings ability to generate, employ and sustain airpower across the world in a contested and degraded operational environment.

A U.S. Air Force security forces Airman, assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, fires an M240 machine gun during a heavy weapons training event at Fort Custer in Augusta, Mich., Jan. 9, 2024. The training gives Airmen hands-on experience with various heavy weapons, ensuring they are prepared for any situation around the world. (Air National Guard

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Alexander Lavare, a Tampa, Florida native, infantry Marine with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, aims down sight on an M240 machine gun during a Marine Air-Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise as part of Service Level Training Exercise 2-24 at Range 220, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 21, 2024. MWX is the culminating event for SLTE 2-24 that improves U.S. and allied service members operational capabilities and lethality as a MAGTF. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, clear rooms as part of Marine Littoral Regiment Training Exercise (MLR-TE) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Jan. 28, 2023. MLR-TE is a large-scale, service-level exercise designed to train, develop, and experiment with the 3d MLR as part of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force, led by 3d Marine Division, operating as a Stand-in Force across a contested and distributed maritime environment.

Iraqi soldier in the desert talking on a portable radio station.

040312-M-9382M-007. Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

While commonly known as snipers, the official term used by U.S.Army is designated marksman. The U.S. Army Sniper Course is a seven-week training course at Fort Benning. With most formal training courses, skill training is an ongoing process throughout the year. The snipers of the 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion trained for a full week separate from the main body of units in the field during annual training 2022. Their training encompassed individual qualifications, timed shooting exercises and movement to a covered location without being detected, identifying adversaries, engagement and withdrawal without being sighted.

Lance Corporal Giuliano A. Centofanti, rifleman, Bravo Company, Marine Barracks Washington D.C. provides security during military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) training at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Feb. 27, 2024. MOUT training provides the organization, planning, and knowledge needed to be successful when conducting operations in an urban environment. Marine Corps

Marines from the Wing Support Squadron 371 (MWSS-371) aims a 249 Squad Assault Weapon (SAW) during Weapons and Tactics Instructions Class (WTI) 2-99. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An M240B machine gun is aimed down range during a 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 21, 2022. The training enhanced automatic-weapons proficiency and combat readiness.

An Austrian soldier, using a 5.56mm AUG rifle practices defensive warfare techniques at the Military Operations in Urban Terrain training facility during Situational Training Exercise Two (STX-2). STX Two trains troops on the use of defensive techniques in urban environments. Subject Operation/Series: COOPERATIVE OSPREY '96 Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Yakima, Wash.- U.S. Army cadets train with 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) while engaged in a simulated fire fight at Yakima Training Center, on June 19, 2022. Sage Eagle is a training event where U.S. Army Infantry, Special Operations Forces and Marines share skillsets and best practices with cadets from around the country to better equip them as leaders in combat. During the training the service members conducted various battlefield operations to include civil affairs operations, tactical combat casualty care, close-quarters battle, land navigation and multiple insertion methods in a combat environment.

US Marine Corps (USMC) Lance Corporal (LCPL) Gary R. Nichols, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), fires an M136 AT4 light anti-armor weapon (LAW) at a target during fire and maneuver training near Camp Bucca, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Base: Camp Bucca State: Al Basrah Country: Iraq (IRQ)

030407-M-4588D-005. Base: Marine Corps Base, Hawaii State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 3rd Marine Regiment MC

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