Soldiers in Combat Training

Images show soldiers engaged in training exercises with weapons, focusing on marksmanship and tactical skills in preparation for real-world scenarios.

Airman 1st Class George Zapata, convoy response force leader at the 90th Missile Security Operations Squadron, sweeps a tree line for adversaries after a simulated payload transporter attack in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, March 30, 2022. The 90th Security Forces Group conducted full mission profile training to further develop response capabilities to contingency situations during a PT movement.

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, fires their M4A1 Carbine. Regular range visits allow soldiers to hone their marksmanship and ensure their weapon is functional.

Spc. Timothy West, an infantryman assigned to U.S. Army Alaska and a native from Kingwood, Texas, fires a M249 squad automatic weapon at the multiple weapon scenario-based marksmanship event during the 2022 U.S. Army Pacific's Best Warrior Competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, June 8, 2022. The USARPAC BWC 2022 is an annual week-long competition consisting of competitors from multiple USARPAC units across the Indo-Pacific. The noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted Soldiers are evaluated in several categories such as general military knowledge, basic Soldier skills, and physical fitness.

U.S. Army Spc. Joshua Davis, a scout with 1-6 Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, pulls security while his squad leader performs a map check during the III Armored Corps Best Squad Competition at Fort Hood, Texas, June 23, 2022. The III Armored Corps pulled only the best from across its divisions and separate brigades to compete in this years inaugural competition. The best squad goes on to compete at the U.S. Army Forces Command competition at Fort hood in August.

A U.S. Marine with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, sets security with an M240B machine gun during exercise Bougainville II at Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, Hawaii, Oct. 31, 2022. 3d MLR interdicted a notional adversary maritime surface platform to set conditions for joint force follow on actions. BVII is a field exercise that allows the MLR and its subordinate units to conduct expeditionary advanced base operations across the island of Oahu. BVII displays the MLRs ability to rapidly establish and displace EABs while executing command and control in a dispersed environment. 3d MLRs Bougainville II is integrated into the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training rotation 23-01 that strengthens defense relationships, fosters multinational interoperability, increase readiness, and reinforces the unified regional land power network of the Joint Force. This rotation of JPRMC includes participants from all U.S joint servic

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, test fire their 50 Caliber Heavy Machine Gun. Regular range visits allow soldiers to hone their marksmanship and ensure their weapon is functional.

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to Company A, 173rd Airborne Brigade Special Troops Battalion engages a target during a combined defensive live-fire exercise March 6, 2015, at the 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command in Grafenwoehr, Germany. Paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade and Dutch sappers from the 411th Armored Engineers of the Royal Dutch Army participated in the combined defensive exercise to promote interoperability and strengthen the NATO alliance.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldier Staff Sgt. Joshua Hammock, assigned to the 982nd Combat Camera Company (Airborne) conducts M4 Carbine marksmanship qualifications on Fort Jackson, SC, April 9, 2022. Soldiers qualify their marksmanship every year in order to maintain combat readiness.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Gabriel Fortier, a knowledge operations technician with the 260th Air Traffic Control Squadron, fires a rifle during a weapons qualification course at Fort Devens, Mass., Sep 11, 2022. The 260th participated in two days of firearms training as part of an on-going effort to increase mobility readiness.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Philip Amick, representing the U.S. Army Reserve, competing in the Army Best Squad Competition conducts weapons qualification on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. The Squad extends beyond a traditional infantry squad to any small-unit group of Soldiers, connected by a squad leader, who has the most direct impact on their lives. Soldiers never fight alone, the unbreakable bonds forged through shared hardship and unending support for one another are the hallmark of our most successful small units.

2nd Lt. Veronica Sheppard, Army health services admin with the 421st Medical Battalion-Multifunctional, fires her issued M4 Carbine while in the standing supported stance during the 30th Medical Brigade Best Squad Competition at Franken Kaserne military base, Ansbach, Germany on Feb. 29, 2024. The M4 Carbine has been in service since the 1990s and is the main weapon used by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps. Events like these are used as a test of grit and toughness, foster readiness and esprit de corps, and are a fundamental part of the Brigade's method of building lethal, cohesive teams and expert leaders. Army

A U.S. Marine with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division sets security during Exercise Summer Pioneer on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 23, 2022. Summer Pioneer 2022 is designed to evaluate the companys ability to conduct a regimental-sized assault breach with combined arms attack.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Eli Dodson, a radio technician assigned to 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, fires a M4 carbine while conducting the table three course of fire during Warfighter Week on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 18, 2022. Warfighter Week provides the opportunity to train to specific objectives that enhance lethality and sustain readiness.

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, fires their M4A1 Carbine. Regular range visits allow soldiers to hone their marksmanship and ensure their weapon is functional.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Hunter Cazier, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fires an M240B machine gun during a live fire range in the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 13, 2022. The Marines fired the M240B machine gun and the Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun to increase their lethality and proficiency with the weapon systems. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Spc. Lawrence Renas, a healthcare specialist with the 88th Military Police Company, fires an M4 Carbine weapon at a qualification ranger here in Camp Shelby, Mississippi as part of Titan Warrior. Titan Warrior is a two-week long exercise that involves units from the 290th Military Police Brigade training on job-specific tasks and basic soldiering skills.

U.S. Army Sgt. John Barrett, a sniper assigned to 3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, spots a target as U.S. Army Spc. Parker Henss, a sniper with 3-66 AR, aims at it during the Latvia International Snipers Competition as part of Defender Europe at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, May 13, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises 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.

U.S. Marine Corps recruit Rudy Cervantes with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, fires his rifle during table two on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California July 19, 2022. All recruits must participate in the table two rifle qualification course during the 3rd phase of recruit training.

Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rodriguez from 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fires the M17 Pistol during the 2023 Best Mortar Competition, April 10, 2023, Fort Benning, Georgia. Staff Sgt. Rodriquez's unit returned to Fort Carson after a several-month rotation in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve just months ago.

Soldiers with the 370th Chemical Company participate in weapons qualifications on ranges at Fort McCoy, Wis., as part of the Red Dragon exercise in August, 2022. U.S. Army photo by Kevin W. Clark

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jayvon Weakly, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fires an M240B medium machine gun during a training range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 16, 2022. Weakly, a native of Layton, Utah, enlisted out of Recruiting Substation South Agden, Tenessee, in 2021. Marines with CLB-4 conducted TCCC training and a live-fire M240B medium machine gun range to foster combat skills and enhance force readiness.

Cadet Tyler Hansen, from Marquette Universitys five-person team division, shoots an M4 carbine rifle Friday on Range 7 during the 3rd Brigade ROTC Ranger Challenge competition, which took place Friday and Saturday at locations across Fort Leonard Wood. The weapons challenge was one of the seven events in which Marquettes five-person team scored highest.

A U.S. Army Soldier qualifies with the M4 carbine during a Infantry Advanced Leaders Course on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 5, 2022. The Advanced Leaders Course, hosted by the 254th Regional Training Institute, New Jersey Army National Guard, is a branch-specific course that provides Soldiers selected for promotion to Staff Sgt. an opportunity to enhance leadership, technical skill, tactical expertise and experience needed to lead squad-size units. Class 22-02 has Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division, 82nd Airborne Division, and the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Sgt. Garrett Robinson, infantryman with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fires at targets during an M4 carbine qualifying range June 10 at Fort Carson, Colorado. Mountain Warriors maintain readiness and lethality by familiarizing and training on their assigned weapons systems.

Staff Sgt. Caleb Stinson, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, fires his weapon during the firing portion of the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The event included the Army Combat Fitness Test, warrior training, obstacle course, M-16 qualification, warrior tasks and battle drills, day and night land navigation, a Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and 20-kilometer foot march.

New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers of Bravo Co., 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, provide perimeter security during a live-fire training at the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise on July 12, 2022 at Fort Drum, New York. More than 2,500 Soldiers are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win.

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, test fires an M17 pistol. Regular range visits allow soldiers to hone their marksmanship and ensure their weapon is functional.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division participate in an M240B machine gun range during Resolute Dragon 22 at Shikaribetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 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. Army Spc. Courtney Natal qualifies with the M4 rifle during the New York Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Camp Smith Training Site March 30, 2017. The Best Warrior competitors represent each of New York's brigades after winning competitions at the company, battalion, and brigade levels. At the state level they are tested on their physical fitness, military knowledge, endurance, marksmanship, and land navigation skills. The two winners of the competition, one junior enlisted and one NCO, advance to compete at the regional level later this year.

U.S. Army Soldiers of Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, participate in a stress shooting exercises at the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, Vt., Aug. 13, 2022. Soldiers negotiate obstacles and fire live rounds using M4 carbines and squad automatic weapons. The goal of the training is to build individual Soldier skills and confidence in a scenario replicating movement in combat.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldier Sgt. Kelson Brooks, assigned to the 982nd Combat Camera Company (Airborne), loads a 10-round magazine into his M4 Carbine rifle during a marksmanship qualifications on Fort Jackson, SC, April 9, 2022. Soldiers qualify their marksmanship every year in order to maintain combat readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Taylor Benson sites in with an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during Korea Viper 24.1 at Camp Mujuk Range Zero, Feb. 6, 2024. Live-Fire training enhances Marines capabilities by making them more proficient and lethal warfighters with their weapon systems. 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. Benson, a native of North Carolina, is a rifleman with 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

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, conduct a live-fire unknown distance range during Resolute Dragon 22 on Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 3, 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.

Airmen from the 820th Base Defense Group, MacDill AFB, Nellis AFB and Langley AFB conduct pre-Ranger Assessment Preparation Course training, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, October 31-November 4, 2022. The candidates executed a variety of tasks that they'll be expected to perform at Ranger School such as an official Ranger Physical Fitness Test, a Combat Water Survival Test, day and night land navigation, weapons firing, and a 9-mile ruck. The course is designed to equip Ranger School candidates for the physical and mental elements of the U.S. Army Ranger Assessment Course.

U.S. Army Spc. Diercks, Nicholas, assigned to the 21ST TSC team, conducts weapon familiarization with an M17 Pistol during day two of the U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 9, 2022. Teams across U.S. Army Europe and Africa test their tactical proficiency, communication, and overall cohesion as they compete for the title of Best Squad. Winners of this competition will advance to represent U.S. Army Europe and Africa at the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina later this year.

A U. S. Army paratrooper assigned to the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, engages targets with the M4 Carbine during a live-fire exercise as part of Castle Dvorac 24 in Slunj, Croatia, Jan. 23, 2024. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployableforces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployedacross Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships andstrengthen the alliance.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Division conduct M17 and M4 individual weapons qualification ranges at Udairi Ranges, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022.

U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, provide supporting fire during the Sapper Leaders Course on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 11, 2022. The Sapper Leaders Course provides combat engineer squad leaders with the technical and tactical proficiency required to provide mobility, counter mobility and survivability to infantry company commanders.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 10th Special Forces Group train on the M136 AT4 light anti-tank weapon during a live-fire exercise at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 16, 2022.

Sgt. 1st Class Oluwaseun Akinrolabu fires an M4 during a weapons qualification event during AMC's Best Warrior Competition at Fort Benning, Ga., August 14-17.

U.S. Soldiers shoot for the German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship (Schützenschnur) during a Bundeswehr-hosted qualification at the Grafenwoer Training Area, Germany, July 19, 2022. The Schützenschnur qualification consists of two parts where Soldiers shoot the G36 assault rifle and P8 pistol for a rating of bronze, silver, or gold.

Operators from the 20th Special Forces Group conduct an aerial assault mission during a training exercise near Chester Township, Michigan, on 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 Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Division conduct M17 and M4 individual weapons qualification ranges at Udairi Ranges, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, train on M240b machine guns at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 23, 2023. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment provides V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps, with combat-credible forces capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater to defend the NATO alliance.

U.S. military forces compete to earn the German Shutzenschner at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo August 27, 2022. The Shutzenschner, or German Armed Forces Badge for Weapons Proficiency, is a decoration of the Bundeswehr, the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany worn by enlisted Soldiers.

A U.S. Army soldier fires a Barrett M82A1 rifle on a range, Kunduz, Afghanistan.

U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) and Italian San Marco Brigade Marines conduct close quarters battle training during a bilateral exercise at Massafra, Italy, Feb. 24, 2024. The 26th MEU(SOC), embarked aboard USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), conducted Marine Air-Ground Task Force interoperability training with Italian San Marco Brigade Marines and maritime forces to sustain readiness in core mission essential tasks. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jordan U. Staats, a field artillery cannoneer with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve provides security during exercise Arctic Edge 2024, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 24, 2024. Staats was a part of a group tasked to provide security during a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) convoy resupply. Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. militarys capabilities in extreme cold weather, joint force readiness, and U.S. military commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the Arctic region. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Trevor Hancock, a team leader with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2ndMarine Division, racks an M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System during an Urban Sniper Course on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 25, 2022. The Urban Sniper Course was led by Marines with the Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, to enhance sniper skills in urban environments through precision fire, engaging targets through glass, urban tactical movement, marksmanship during the day and the night, planning, and stalking in urban terrain.

A Tactical Air Control Party specialist fires his weapon from cover while participating in a field training exercise, or FTX, at Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center in Arkansas, April 14, 2018. The FTX, April 13-17, 2018, took place at the end of a two-month Initial Combat Skills Training Course, which is hosted by the 138th Combat Training Flight at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma City, and is the only one of its kind in the U.S. Air Force.

U.S. Marines with the Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), engage targets during a live-fire exercise part of security element and enablers course (SEEC) on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 24, 2022. SEEC provides advanced combat marksmanship and small unit tactical training in order to provide the 26th MEU with an element capable of supporting and reinforcing the reconnaissance detachment assault element while deployed.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jailyn Reed, an installation entry controller assigned to the 647th Security Forces Squadron, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, shoots at targets at various ranges during the Advanced Combat Skills Assessment at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, May 19, 2022. ACSA is a week-long competition that showcases the combat capability of security forces as a human weapon system.

A Marine with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) completes M4 rifle qualification requirements July 26, 2022, on Range 18 on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 24th Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 was holding annual training at Fort McCoy.

A Combat Leaders Course student provides cover-fire to a fire team during a field training exercise on Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, May 2, 2016. CLC is designed to hone the leadership skills of security forces NCOs prior to being deployed down range. The five-week course focuses on land navigation skills, mission planning and strategy.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Sebastian Islas Ottone, a Jacksonville, Florida native and rifleman with Echo Company, 2d Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, sights in the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a Annual Field Exercise (AFX) at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 7, 2024. AFX incorporates a range of realistic urban warfare training created to challenge the unit's combat capabilities in an urban environment in both offensive and defensive operations. Marine Corps

Tennessee Army National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Christopher Thomas, from the 117th Regional Training Institute, fires his weapon at the zero range during the Tennessee State Best Warrior Competition in Tullahoma, Feb. 23, 2024. All competitors zeroed their M-4 weapons prior to continuing with a series of battle stations. Army National Guard

Staff Sgt. Ashely Froberg, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) specialist assigned to 21st CBRN Company, fires her M4 carbine rifle during the weapons qualification portion of the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command's Best Squad and Best Warrior Competition July 12 at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. Froberg served as squad leader for the Fort Hood, Texas-based 48th Chemical Brigade, which ultimately took home top honors as the 20th CBRNE Command's 2022 Best Squad.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kenneth Culp, a special warfare mission support Airman assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, fires the M4 carbine during small arms live-fire training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 22, 2022. The special warfare Airmen conducted shooting drills that honed reaction time, speed reloading and clearing weapon malfunctions utilizing the M18 Modular Handgun System and the M4 carbine.

A United Arab Emirates soldier from the 11th Mountain Battalion provides security during a live fire rehearsal while participating in Joint Readiness Training Center Rotation 23-04, Feb. 21, 2023. United Arab Emirate soldiers from the 11th Mountain Battalion are participating in the training rotation alongside U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade. UAE soldiers will train alongside a U.S. Army brigade throughout this JRTC rotation to increase tactical interoperability and readiness.

Soldiers with Charlie Company 1st Battalion 149th Infantry conduct military operations on urbanized terrain (MOUT) training near Mitrovica, Kosovo July 18, 2022. KFOR and its multinational partners are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in Kosovo in a fair and impartial manner.

031015-M-9382M-062. A US Marine Corps (USMC) member with the 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, operates an FNMI 7.62mm M240 Machine Gun, during Exercise ROLLING THUNDER 2003, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

U.S. Army Pfc. Isaiah Gough, an infantryman assigned to 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Kansas Army National Guard, pulls security while conducting squad situational training exercise rehearsals at the Army Central Command Readiness Training Center, Camp Buehring, Kuwait, on Aug. 7, 2018. The 2-137 IN is deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division fire an M2 .50 Caliber machine gun during Resolute Dragon 22 at Shikaribetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 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.

First Lt. Lyndon Hill, assigned to 30th Medical Command, fires the M9 pistol during U.S. Army Europe's Best Junior Officer Competition in Grafenwoehr, Germany, July 24, 2012. The BJOC, unique to the U.S. Army in Europe, is a training event for company-grade officers ranking from second lieutenant to captain meant to challenge and refine competitors' leadership and cognitive decision-making skills in a high-intensity environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Lee Garcia, an engineer equipment operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, sets security while participating in a patrol, during exercise Eagle Wrath 22 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, May 11, 2022. Eagle Wrath is an annual MWSS-171 exercise at CATC Camp Fuji, Japan, designed to increase squadron proficiency in conducting real-world contingency missions while in a forward operating environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Deric Fresne, a ground electronics transmission systems maintainer with 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, posts rear security while participating in urban terrain training during Warfighter Week, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 16, 2022. Warfighter Week provides the opportunity to train to specific objectives that enhance lethality and sustain readiness.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fire M16A4 service rifles and M4 carbines 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.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, sights in on a target during grass week at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 24, 2022. Recruits will spend numerous hours over the next week mastering the fundamentals of marksmanship before moving on to live fire drills.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl Salvador Ortiz, an engineer equipment operator with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conducts a building clearing drill at Military Operations in Urban Terrain Town, Eastern Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, July 19, 2022. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, test fires an M17 pistol. Regular range visits allow soldiers to hone their marksmanship and ensure their weapon is functional.

A Soldier assigned to 2nd Infantry Division shoots at the Bayonet Blitz range during the 7ID Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 21, 2022. The three-day competition was held to recognize the best Soldier and noncommissioned officer in the division through various tests including a ruck march, obstacle course, land navigation, R2 performance test and a board.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. David George, a Reserve Marine and scout sniper platoon commander, assigned to Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, fires an M40A6 sniper rifle during an unknown distance range at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, May 18, 2022. Marines from the across 3/23 met at Fort Campbell for a mission rehearsal exercise to prepare for the upcoming Integrated Training Exercise 4-22 in the summer of 2022. The Marines conducted specific long-range precision fire training with multiple weapons systems to hone marksmanship skills.

U.S. Army Pvt. Jayden Cordero, assigned to Viper Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), aims his M249 light machine gun towards the treeline simulating sector of fire coverage during a combined situational training exercise at Sodankyla, Finland, July 20, 2022. The 2nd BCT is assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), under command and control of V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Corban Lundborg, assigned to 4th Combat Camera Squadron, 315th Airlift Wing, participate in soldier skill lanes while competing in the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 19, 2022. The annual multi-day competition tests the physical, tactical and technical proficiency of visual information and public affairs specialists across the DOD and participating international competitors.

CAMP FUJI, Japan (Feb. 9, 2021) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Neil Rioja, from Jacksonville, Fla, assigned to 3d Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division, participates in live-fire M240B machine gun range training during Artillery Relocation Training Program 20.4 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb. 9, 2021. This training contributes to the defense of Japan and the U.S.-Japan Alliance as the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christopher English, a fire team member with the 908th Security Forces Squadron, provides cover fire for the members of his team as they move into position during a shoot move and communicate drill, Sept. 11 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Members of the 908th SFS carried out the training in order to build on their fundamental tactics to prepare for a real-world combat situation.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Daniel Brady, United States Forces Japan facilities and real estate branch chief, fires in the sitting position during the Excellence in Competition Sept. 15, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The three-day competition hosted more than 70 participants from the Air Force and other service branches.

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Alaska Air National Guard Capt. Maria Settanni, 176th Force Support Squadron operations officer, rapidly engages targets, June 3, 2022, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson during the 2022 The Adjutant General Match. Teams of four service members competed throughout the week in a series of combat pistol and rifle marksmanship tests for a spot on the Governors Twenty marksmanship team. (Alaska Air National Guard photo by David Bedard)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Trevor Turcotte, an infantry Marine with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, clears a corner of a concrete room with his M27 Infantry Assault Rifle, while conducting close quarters combat (CQC) training during exercise Tradewinds 2022 (TW22) at Hattieville, Belize, on May 14, 2022. CQC is a tactic used within a very short range of enemy combatants that involves a firefight. TW22 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored Caribbean-focused multi-dimensional exercise conducted in the ground, air, sea, and cyber domains, designed to provide participating nations opportunities to conduct joint, combined, and interagency training focused on increasing regional cooperation and interoperability in complex multinational security operations.

Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, practice proper techniques to clear a stairway during an Urban Operations exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 9, 2014. Each building is designed differently to offer an unpredictable layout that Marines would normally experience in UO. The rooms are filled with distracting elements including holes in the walls, open ceilings and multiple doorways.

The U.S. Army Reserves Warrior Exercise 78-22-02 brought units and Soldiers from across the country to build on their readiness levels. Excercises trained and evaluated Soldiers on Army Warrior Skill-level 10 tasks. WAREX serves as an annual training opportunity for U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers

An Airman talks with her teammate during part of the Defender Challenge event May 17 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Teams competed in various timed challenges related to the security forces experience. The Challenge was part the 96th Security Forces Squadrons Police Week activities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

1st Lt. Aaron Arturi (front) and 1st Lt. John Ryan from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), takes aim at stress shoot event at the Annual Best Ranger Competition in Fort Benning, Ga on April 9th, 2022. Ryan is aiming down range at the targets while Arturi is spotting him. The spotter helps the sniper stay on track so they can hit their target.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Mabel RivaDeNeira, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fires an M240B machine gun during a live fire range in the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 13, 2022. The Marines fired the M240B machine gun and the Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun to increase their lethality and proficiency with the weapon systems. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Joint Readiness Training Center at Ft. Polk

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers from Charlie Company 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry conduct joint marksmanship training with Soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland near Mitrovica, Kosovo June 28, 2022. Internally, Kosovo Forces cooperation occurs between all of our valued, troop-contributing nations.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Trevor Curry, an expeditionary airfield technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, conducts urban operations training during a field exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 8, 2022. MWSS-171 conducted this exercise in order to familiarize themselves with expeditionary advanced base operations, demolition operations, urban operations, and different weapon systems.

Two U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) specialist take part in the marksmanship portion of the TACP Lightning Challenge 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Nov. 4, 2022. Lightning Challenge tests United States Air Force TACP Airmen through competition in agile combat employment, physical ability and marksmanship in order to identify the most outstanding multi-capable Airman in the world, prepared to fight and win on the all-domain battlefields of the future.

Staff Sgt. Derrick Banks, attached to 555th Engineer Brigade, takes a seated position and aims at a target during the First Corps marksmanship competition on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, February 29, 2024. Banks is assigned to Team 8 in this years marksmanship competition. Army

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. McDaniel Sharber, commanding officer of 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, participates in Table 3A course of fire range during ANGLICO Basic Course 1-22 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 5, 2022. Sharber showed his support for this basic training course in order to enhance the comradery and capabilities of his ANGLICO Marines.

Senior Airman Shaun Jones, 436th Security Forces Squadron Raven, fires blank ammunition at simulated armed attackers outside the camp perimeter during Liberty Eagle Readiness Exercise 2022 at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July 14, 2022. The 436th and 512th Airlift Wings tested their ability to generate, employ and sustain airpower across the world in a contested and degraded operational environment.

Tech. Sgt. Joshua Aanderud, a Defender from the 403rd Security Forces Squadron, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, fires toward a target during a move, shoot, communicate course, May 13, 2022, at Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center, Ohio. The event was part of the two-week Integrated Defense Leadership Course, based at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, and using training grounds at CJAG. IDLC was designed to provide Reserve Defenders with intensely focused hands-on training to achieve and maintain combat readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo/Eric M. White)

1st Lt. Thaddaeus Meyer Bravo Company 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Alaska fires an M9 during a weapons qualification range near Fort Wainwright, Alaska May 11, 2022. Soldiers train as often as possible to maintain readiness.

U.S. Army Special Operations Soldiers conduct fast rope insertion training aboard a Black Hawk (UH-60) helicopter operated by pilots with the 8-229 Assault Helicopter Battalion, 244th Expeditionary Air Combat Brigade, during Operation Viking at Joint Base Cape Cod, Mass., July 18, 2022. Operation Viking is an intense joint task force exercise designed to prepare Soldiers with realistic training simulating deployment of civil affairs units in direct support of contigency operation in Africa.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Chris Beckham, a motor transport operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, conducts urban operations training during a field exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 8, 2022. MWSS-171 conducted this exercise in order to familiarize themselves with expeditionary advanced base operations, demolition operations, urban operations, and different weapon systems.

Recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, practice the prone shooting position during Grass Week aboard Marine Corp Recruit Depot Parris Island Nov. 29, 2022. Qualifying with the M16-A4 Service Rifle teaches recruits to understand the weapon system in order to keep with the concept Every Marine a Rifleman.

Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Orzysz, Poland - Spc. Brandon Lopez, a Soldier a part of Bravo Company, 185th Infantry Regiment, California Army National Guard, looks down the sight of his weapon to observe possible enemy movement during the last training day of exercise Thunderbolt Focus 2022, April 27. U.S. Soldiers among others from allied nations worked together in dynamic teams against tactics, techniques, and procedures used by enemy forces that allowed the Battle Groups to practice, refine, and validate all warfighting, interoperability and control skills.

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.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (July 4, 2022) Australian Army soldier Private Lucas Hinselwood from 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment goes through room clearing drills alongside marines from the Mexican Naval Infantry during Urban Close Combat training on Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. The Australian Army led Multi-National Landing Force is leading an Urban Close Combat course for multiple participating nations at the Military Operations in Urban Terrain facility on Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four 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 t

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