Soldiers in Obstacle Training

Captures of soldiers participating in physical training challenges, including climbing and rope courses during best warrior competitions.

Members of the U.S. Southern Command Situational Assessment Team build a tent during a capability exercise at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Jan. 9, 2024. The S-SAT is a quick-reaction deployable team comprised of experts that provide the commander of the U.S. Southern Command an immediate assessment of conditions and unique requirements needed during a Humanitarian Assistance or Disaster Response event in the Central America AOR.

040316-M-5753Q-034. Base: Hadithah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Spc. Nathaniel Miska completes an obstacle during the National Best Warrior Competition, July 26, 2022, Volunteer Training Site Milan, Tennessee. Miska and Sgt. Richard Carlson placed first in both the Minnesota and Region IV Best Warrior Competition, securing their spot in this National Competition. Fourteen National Guard Soldiers are competing in the All-Guard National Best Warrior Competition July 24-29, 2022, primarily at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee.(Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Army National Guardsman climbs a rope for an obstacle course at the National Best Warrior Competition July 26, 2022 in Milan, Tennessee. Each competitor has trained for this and earned their spot for an opportunity to win this title - these are the best of the best.

Soldiers from around the Alabama National Guard gather at Pelham Range in Anniston to compete in various warrior tasks to find out who is Alabama's best warrior. The winner of the state competition will represent the Alabama National Guard in the Reginal Best Warrior Competition in May 2021.

Lance Cpl. Spurgeon W. Centers III, with Transportation and Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, attempts to do a pull-up during a fire team challenge at Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 27, 2013. Marines with the unit competed against each other to receive a meritorious mast from the company commander.

A U.S. Marine with 3d Marine Division traverses the obstacle course during a squad competition on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, May 23, 2022. The week-long competition was held to test squads from across the Marine Corps in their mastery of warfighting skills. (U.S. Marine Corps photo Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart)

U.S Marine Corps recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct the obstacle course on Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, April 8, 2022. This course is used as one of many physical training challenges to prepare recruits to become United States Marines.

Sgt. 1st Class Cory Fowler from Madigan Army Medical Center, crawls under the Low Wire during the Obstacle Course Test in the 2022 Medical Readiness Command, Pacific Best Medic Competition Wednesday, October 26th 2022 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Members of the U.S. Southern Command Situational Assessment Team build a tent during a capability exercise at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Jan. 9, 2024. The S-SAT is a quick-reaction deployable team comprised of experts that provide the commander of the U.S. Southern Command an immediate assessment of conditions and unique requirements needed during a Humanitarian Assistance or Disaster Response event in the Central America AOR.

U.S. Army Pfc. Patrick Sullivan, an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle driver assigned to 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, lifts a 120MM dummy round over his head during the Sullivan Cup's Starry Physical Proficiency Test on Fort Benning, Georgia, May 5, 2022. The Sullivan Cup requires mastery of individual tasks, technical and tactical competence, and the ability to demonstrate an array of maneuver, sustainment and gunnery skills.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. David Gwin, 736th Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of training operations, rappels down a U.S. Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal Tower on Naval Base, Guam, Oct. 21, 2022. The 736 SFS, 554th Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers and 36th Contingency Response Squadron partook in a training exercise that aimed toward updating and refreshing their skills in rappelling.

Air Force Senior Airman Jimmie Shepherd, a medic with the 181st Medical Group assigned to the 19th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosives Enhanced Response Force Package Search and Extraction element, Indiana National Guard provides medical assessment and first aid to victims in a simulated disaster site during a pre-external evaluation sustainment year collective training event at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Ind., Aug. 11, 2022. Airmen from the 181st Medical Group are embedded with S&E teams to provide immediate on-scene emergency medical support during the search and extraction phase of emergency and disaster incidents. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. L. Roland Sturm)

Sergeat 1st Class Jason Pate, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, negotiates obstacles to test his physical capabilities during 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.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, takes part in the obstacle course on Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, April 8, 2022. This course is used as one of many physical training challenges to prepare recruits to become United States Marines.

041205-F-8362B-217. Base: Avon Park Air Force Range State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party specialists from the 18th Air Support Operations Group compete in Dragon Challenge 2022 at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina. The annual competition is designed to identify the best Joint Terminal Attack Controller teams within the group by testing the competitors steadfast physical, technical, tactical, and field-knowledge skills under mocked combat conditions.

A Soldier low crawls beneath barbed wire during the obstacle course portion of the Pennsylvania National Guard's Ranger and Sapper Assessment Program on April 22, 2022. The low crawl was one of several obstacles that the service members had to overcome during this portion of RSAP

Staff Sergeant Andrei M. Ciont, 264th Medical Battalion Drill Instructor,climbs The Wall obstacle during the best medic competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The event included the Army Combat Fitness Test, obstacle course, M-4 qualification, warrior tasks and battle drills, land navigation, a Tactical Combat Casualty Care assessment and 12-Mile Ruck March.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, low crawls under barbed wire at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr obstacle course, Germany, June 28, 2022. The training at the obstacle course is designed to improve physical fitness and build teamwork.

Two sapper competitors emerge from a water-filled pit as they traverse the obstacle course during the Best Sapper Competition. The Best Sapper Competition gives engineers throughout the Army the opportunity to compete in a grueling six phase and three day competition to determine who are the best engineers in the Army.

FORT BENNING, Ga. - Cadre assigned to the 4th Ranger Training Battalion, Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade, demonstrate skills Ranger students learn during the 60-day course at Rangers in Action September 16, 2022, at Victory Pond, Fort Benning, Georgia. The performance is conducted before a Ranger School graduation ceremony to give Families and friends of graduates an idea of the caliber of training their Service Member experienced during their time in training. Demonstrations include, combatives, rappelling, helocasts, explosives, a Combat Water Survival Assessment and more.

Texas Army National Guard Spc. Fernando Torres, 133rd Field Artillery Regiment El Paso, navigates the weaver during the obstacle course portion of the Texas Military Departments Best Warrior Competition at Fort Hood on Mar. 30, 2023. The annual competition strengthens ties and fosters institutional relationships encompassing 95 partner nations.

Staff Sgt. Caleb Stinson, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, negotiates obstacles to test his physical capabilities during 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.

Soldiers and NCOs from the West Virginia and District of Columbia National Guards compete in their annual Best Warrior Competition, held at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia, April 22, 2022. Best Warrior is an annual event where participants compete in a series of military tasks including weapons proficiency, endurance, physical fitness, medical skills, communications, and professional development activities. Winners of the local Best Warrior will compete at the regional level in May, also at Camp Dawson.

U.S. Airmen secure a High Multipurpose Mobility Wheeled Vehicle towing a satellite transportation terminal on a C-17 Globemaster III at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, May 16, 2022. This tactical command post movement supports the 1st Theatre Sustainment Commands theater optimization strategic plan in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Sgt. Ethan Catanach, an infantryman assigned to U.S. Army Alaska stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, jumps over wooden planks June 7 at Lightning Academy, Schofield Barracks East Range, Hawaii, during the obstacle course for the 2022 USARPACs Best Warrior Competition. 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. Marine Corps recruits with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, participates in an obstacle during the crucible at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 28, 2023. The crucible is a 54-hour exercise where recruits apply the knowledge they learned throughout recruit training to earn the title United States Marine.

Master Sgt. Joseph Cole vaults over a high hurdle obstacle at the Camp Humphreys obstacle course.First Sgt. Christopher Stevens of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade and Master Sgt. Joseph Cole of the 602nd Aviation Support Battalion competed in the obstacle course event of the mungadai. Originating back in the 13th century, Genghis Khan used this test to select his elite Mongolian cavalry forces. Now it is used to test the leadership and build esprit de corps among Soldiers. The U.S. Forces Korea mungadai is a one week event designed to test these very skills.

Specialist Donald Snyder jumps over an obstacle during the Oregon National Guards 2009 Soldier of the Year/NCO of the Year competition, Feb. 27-March 1, at Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Ore. Snyder, of Tri-Cities, Wash., won the title of the Oregon National Guards 2009 Soldier of the Year. Snyder, of Tri-Cities, Wash., is a medic with Detachment 1, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry.

U.S. Army Spc. Jessica Miano, of the Connecticut Army National Guard, tackles the kirby obstacle course during the 2007 Army National Guard Non-commissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year competition at the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Ga., Aug. 3, 2007.

First Sgt. Christopher Stevens low crawls on his back under barbed wire at the Camp Humphreys obstacle course.First Sgt. Christopher Stevens of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade and Master Sgt. Joseph Cole of the 602nd Aviation Support Battalion competed in the obstacle course event of the mungadai. Originating back in the 13th century, Genghis Khan used this test to select his elite Mongolian cavalry forces. Now it is used to test the leadership and build esprit de corps among Soldiers. The U.S. Forces Korea mungadai is a one week event designed to test these very skills.

Master Sgt. Eric Harder, left, a rappel master, guides a cadet down the rappel tower on Fort Knox, Ky, June 20. Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 399th Regiment, will lead thousands of Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets from across the country through the confidence/obstacle course and rappel tower at Fort Knox this summer starting in early June.

Army Sgt. Alonso Delgado, Headquarter and Headquarters Battalion, Division Artillery, 1st Armored Division, swings on the monkey bars during the Iron Signalier competition for day two of Torch Week on Fort Bliss, Texas, Nov 2, 2022. The Iron Signalier competition tested the physical and technical skills of signal soldiers stationed on Fort Bliss.

MIDN Jonathan Rodriguez (right), a midshipman at The University of New Mexico, prepares to fast rope during Helicopter Rope Suspension Training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 19, 2022. The Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps midshipmen, as part of the First Class Marine Option, visit different Marine bases and units over a six-week period for leadership training.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, climb a rope wall during a confidence course event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 7, 2023. Recruits became physically and mentally stronger by overcoming obstacles that require strength, balance, and determination.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Todd Wallingford, intermediate repair company training non-commissioned officer, climbs on top of an obstacle during the Iron Mike competition at The Basic School on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 7, 2022. Competitors from across the Marine Corps were given 12 hours to complete the over 20 mile course, which culminated the use of core skills with multiple physical challenges. Wallingford is a native of Vinton, Ohio.

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

CIOR competitor, Army Reserve Sgt.1st Class Charles Blackwell, 108th Training Command, squeezes through a hole on an obstacle course near Hammelburg, Germany on July 26, 2022. The Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers Military Competition (CIOR MILCOMP) is a three-day team competition consisting of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations in Europe. It has been around since 1957. The competition is open to all reserve components for both NCO and officer. It is now run on a volunteer basis and funded by former competitors through an alumni association.

Army Staff Sgt. Erich Friedlein, with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, high crawls under barbed wire while negotiating the Darby Queen portion of the Lt. Gen. David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition Sunday, at Fort Benning, Georgia. Friedlen and teammate Army Capt. Robert Killian, took third place in this year's competition. Last year the duo took first place, the first time the competition had been won by an Army Guard team.

Staff Sgt. Andrei Ciont, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, negotiates obstacles to test his physical capabilities during the Best Medic Competition, Sep. 29, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Tx. The competition is open to all soldiers who have earned the Expert Field Medical Badge or the Combat Medical Badge. Medics are tested on pistol and rifle marksmanship, land navigation and hands-on medical tasks over a 30-mile course, according to the release.

U.S. Soldiers in the South Carolina National Guard's 4-118th Infantry Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, conduct tryouts on the obstacle course for air assault school at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Dec. 21, 2019. The unit is deployed for Operation Spartan Shield in the Middle East and is offering schools to Soldiers who want to continue professional development.

U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Michael Spragg, Bravo Company, 2/417 of 3rd Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training) navigates the Ranger Malvesti obstacle course event during the 98th Training Division Best Warrior Competition at Fort Moore, Georgia February 8-11, 2024.Spragg won the 2024 Drill Sergeant of the Year title and will go on the represent the Division at the 108th Training Command (IET) Best Warrior/Best Squad Competition in March.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dillon Buck, combat videographer, Communication Strategy and Operations, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC), clears an obstacle during the French Armed Forces Pentathlon course in Arue, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Aug. 29, 2022. The event provided a bilateral training opportunity between the French Armed Forces and Marines with MARFORPAC. The nine Marines and Sailor from Headquarters and Service Battalion participated in the bilateral training with the French Armed Forces in order to strengthen relationships with the region.

The Week of the Warrior is in full swing, as competitors from the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division complete the challenges presented to them on the second day of the competition, May 3, 2022, on Camp Casey, Republic of Korea. The Soldiers participated in a combat run, confidence course, stress shoot, and a M4 familiarization qualification.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Marcus Rivera, Martial Arts Instructor (MAI) Course student, conducts a physical training exercise at Ellis Field, Courthouse Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, April 6, 2022. The MAI course is a three-week course designed to prepare Marines to teach and instruct the fundamentals of hand-to-hand combat.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), 21st Signal Brigade, conduct Modern Army Combatives training at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, July 22, 2022. Combatives is the term for hand-to-hand combat training and techniques within the Army branch of the United States military.

Air Assault candidates rappel off the rappel towers on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, February 20, 2024. After successfully rappeling from the towers, candidates will rappel out of rotary wing aircraft. Army

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 117th Engineer Brigade, South Carolina National Guard, participate in the Best Engineer Competition held at McCrady Training Center in Eastover, South Carolina, Feb. 10-11, 2024. Members of 125th Multi-Role Bridge Company (125 MRBC) hammer down stakes for concertina wire for the engineer competition. The teams had to set up the obstacles that they would later breach and clear. Army National Guard

U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Michael Spragg, Bravo Company, 2/417 of 3rd Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training) navigates the Ranger Malvesti obstacle course event during the 98th Training Division Best Warrior Competition at Fort Moore, Georgia February 8-11, 2024.Spragg won the 2024 Drill Sergeant of the Year title and will go on the represent the Division at the 108th Training Command (IET) Best Warrior/Best Squad Competition in March.

Soldier jumping over log

Army Reserve Spc. Arthur Potas hurdles a wall during the 2022 Best Squad Competition's Conditioning Course at Fort McCoy, WI, on May 15, 2022. Approximately 50 Soldiers from across the nation travelled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022. The 2022 BSC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers and squads from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of "Best Warrior" and "Best Squad" among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

Spc. Liam Lee, a member of the 101st Airborne Divisions Best Squad, crosses monkey bars during an obstacle course as part of the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, June 27, 2022. The obstacle course was one of several events during the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition that tested each squads physical fitness and endurance.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade test their medical skills during the week-long training as part of the Expert Infantryman Badge, Expert Soldier Badge and Expert Field Medical Badge training at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Oct 28, 2022. Soldiers must complete a number of prerequisites and pass a battery of graded tests on basic Infantry skills. The purpose of this training is to build confidence and competence within our formations on basic Soldier skills and tactics, and help sustain the Army's role as an organization of lethal, disciplined and professional soldiers. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

Spc. Jason Hernandez, Headquarters and Company A., 1st Cyber Battalion, uses a firemans carry to evacuate a simulated casualty during the medical evacuation portion of the Cyber Protection Brigades Best Squad Competition, June 9 at Fort Gordon, Ga.

1st Lt. Nicholas Chatel from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), is a member of one of the four teams of the 101st at the Annual Best Ranger Competition in Fort Benning, Ga on April 8th, 2022. There are 51 total teamsThe competition has 33 events throughout the three days. 101st rangers have prepared hard for this.

STAFF SGT. Bill McArthur works his way through the weaver, a wooden beam obstacle on the obstacle course. McArthur is taking part in Combat Lightning '92, a world-wide competition for tactical air combat control teams. Subject Operation/Series: COMBAT LIGHTNING '92 Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Nicholas J. Weston with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, completes the run-jump-swing obstacle during the confidence course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Oct. 31, 2022. The confidence course is composed of a series of obstacles built to test recruits' physical and mental endurance and strength. Weston was recruited out of Wilson, Wyo., with Recruiting Substation Idaho Falls, Idaho.

U.S. Army Spc. Joseph Lezman, a combat medic with the 1436th Engineer Vertical Construction Company, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher Jordan, a structural craftsman with the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, change a cable on a clamshell door at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aug. 8, 2022. The 1436th EVCC augments a variety of 378th ECES shops, including the structures shop, the water and fuel systems shop, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning shop, and the pavements and construction equipment shop. The structures shop handles the construction and repair of PSAB infrastructure. To do this Airmen and Soldiers erect tents and buildings, and replace or reinforce damaged or worn-out structural parts. Though PSAB will remain semi-permanent, construction and maintenance occur to accept follow-on forces, increase air and land power capabilities, and reaffirm the U.S.s growing partnership with the KSA.

PHIL SUSSMANSgt. 1st Class Jeff Iliff maneuvers down a rope on the confidence course Nov. 24 as part of the 8th Squadron 1st Cavalry Regiment Spur Ride.

U.S. Army Cadet Jasmine Valentine, 2nd regiment from the University of North Georgia, participates in the Rappel Tower and Confidence Course at Fort Knox, Ky., June 15, 2022. Valentine completed both the wall and open side of the tower despite her fear of heights. Photo by Savannah Baird.

U.S. Army Sgt. Christian Reim, assigned to the United States Army Garrison Benelux, low crawls through the Wire Crawl obstacle during an obstacle course for the Installation Management Command-Europe Best Warrior competition at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, April 3, 2023. The competition enhances expertise, training, and understanding of the skills needed to be a well-rounded Soldier. Winners will go on to compete at the Installation Management Command level.

U.S. Army Soldiers with Task Force Sinai, participate in a Best Squad Competition at South Camp, Egypt, April 11-12, 2022; culminating in an awards ceremony April 14, 2022. The Soldiers conducted a series of events to measure their physical fitness, military discipline and team cohesion to include an Army Combat Fitness Test, stress shoot, medical lane, forced march, obstacle course and squad board.

Recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, tackle the rappel tower at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Jan. 9, 2023.The 47-foot-tall rappel tower helps recruits overcome their fear of heights and to trust their gear.

Capt. Rebekah McNeilly, a team leader with Company B, 399th Regiment (Cadet Summer Training), negotiates the wing stop and jump obstacle June 5 on the confidence course on Fort Knox, Ky. Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 399th Regiment, will lead thousands of Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets from across the country through the confidence/obstacle course and rappel tower at Fort Knox this summer starting in early June.

U.S. Army Pfc. Alex House, Alpha Company, 325th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Battalion, 336th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, Military Intelligence Readiness Command intelligence analyst, competes on an obstacle course during the Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Feb. 22, 2024. Participants underwent rigorous evaluations by seasoned leaders who are subject matter experts in their respective fields. The assessments encompassed a wide range of military skills tests, including physical fitness, weapons knowledge, marksmanship, land navigation, general military knowledge and more. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Courtney Herll, 23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron environmental and safety noncommissioned officer in charge, connects a hose to a fuel bladder at Avon Park, Florida, July 23, 2022. The fuel bladder connects to the strategic aircraft refueling cart, the STARCART then pumps fuel from the bladder to the aircraft. Agile Flag 22-2 is Air Combat Command's first lead-wing certification event designed to demonstrate the 23rd Wing's capability to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the Wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment.

U.S. Marines with the Maritime Special Purpose Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), rappels out of an MV-22 Osprey aircraft during a fast rope masters course at Stone Bay, on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 17, 2022. This training prepares service members for helicopter-borne insertion and extraction operations and certifies them to oversee rope operations with their respective units. The fast rope masters course is one of several Expeditionary Operations Training Group taught courses Marines and Sailors of the MEU receive prior to deployment.

A Soldier assigned to the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division climbs a cargo net during a spur ride at Hunter Army Airfield, GA, May 20, 2022. Soldiers from various units within the 3rd CAB participated in the spur ride, a 38-hour event that includes physical and mental challenges that Soldiers must successfully overcome as a team to earn their silver spurs.

Army Reserve Spc. Hallie Koches, assigned to the 78th Army Band, preforms the Three Rope Bridge obstacle on the Confidence Course during the Army Reserve Best Squad Competition, at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, on May 15, 2022. Approximately 40 soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022 BWBSC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers and squads from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of Best Warrior and Best Squad among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focus events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

Sgt. Joshua Stolz maneuvers over an obstacle during the 2022 SETAF-AF Best Warrior and Squad Competition on May 25, 2022 in Vicenza, Italy. The competition spans four physically and mentally demanding days where competitors are tested on a variety of tactical and technical skills as they vie to be named the best squad/ best warrior. Six squads and 38 individual Soldiers from nine units are competing to represent the Soldiers "South of the Alps".

Sgt. George Stephens, 1st Brigade of 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), high crawls under a barrier during an obstacle course as part of the 98th Training Divisions 2022 Best Warrior Competition at Fort Benning, Ga., on Jan. 28, 2022. The Best Warrior Competition recognizes Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to the Army values, embody the Warrior Ethos, and represent the Force of the Future. (U.S. Army Reserve Photo by Sgt. Jeffery Harris)

U.S. Army Capt. Leanne Demboski, a public affairs officer with the 109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 213th Regional Support Group, completes an obstacle course during the units annual training period, July 16, 2022 at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Anri Baril, a public affairs mass communication specialist with U.S. Army Central, weaves through an obstacle during the U.S. Army Central 2021 Best Warrior Competition obstacle course event at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, June 21, 2021. Best Warrior competitors had to complete 10 obstacles that tested their mental and physical fortitude.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, overcomes the monkey bars at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr obstacle course, Germany, June 28, 2022. The training at the obstacle course is designed to improve physical fitness and build teamwork.

A competitor assigned to the U.S. Army Medical Command climbs over an obstacle during the Expert Field Medic Badge competition (EFMB) at Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 26, 2022. The EFMB is the non-combat equivalent of the Combat Medical Badge and consists of a Physical Fitness Assessment, Written Test, Day and Night Land Navigation, Three Combat Testing Lanes, and a 12 Mile Foot March.

Lance Cpl. Michael A. Elhaj rappels down the face of a cliff June 10, 2014 as part of a Mountain Warfare Training Course at the 1st Republic of Korea Marine Division Mountain Warfare Training Center in Pohang, Republic of Korea. The U.S. Marines are in the Republic of Korea to take part in Korean Marine Exchange Program 14-8. KMEP is a series of continuous combined training exercises designed to enhance the ROK-U.S. alliance, promote stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthen ROK-U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. Elhaj is a military policeman with Company B, 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, jumps over a log during the obstacle course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 29, 2022. The "O-Course" is comprised of various obstacles and is designed to instill confidence in recruits by overcoming physical challenges.

France, Brittany, Coetquidan, Guer on 2021-09-23. Report on the training of the Inter-Arms Military School in Saint-Cyr Coetquidan in Morbihan. The EMIA recruits its students from among active non-commissioned officers and non-commissioned soldiers selected by competition. The cadets follow a two-year training course. At the end of the first year, they are appointed to the rank of second lieutenant, then lieutenant at the end of the second year. Photograph by Martin Bertrand. France, Bretagne, Coetquidan, Guer le 2021-09-23. Reportage sur la formation de l' Ecole militaire interarmes à Saint-Cyr Coetquidan dans le Morbihan. L'EMIA recrute ses eleves parmi les sous-officiers d'active et les militaires du rang selectionnes par concours. Les eleves-officiers suivent une formation de deux ans. A l'issue de la première annee, ils sont nommés au grade de sous-lieutenant, puis de lieutenant a la fin de la seconde annee. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ruby Akwei Luke Anthony, 6th Medical Group lab technician, drags a manikin to a safe location during a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) assessment at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, May 26, 2022. During TCCC, Airmen are taught to remove wounded members from the battlefield to secure locations once enemies are suppressed and the area is no longer under effective fire.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rilee Ross, a New York native, and rifleman with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), clears a staircase during military operations in urban terrain as part of Realistic Urban Training (RUT) on Fort Barfoot, Virginia, Jan. 18, 2024. RUT provides the 24th MEU the opportunity to operate in unfamiliar environments, integrate the units of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and train towards being designated as special operations capable.

An educator from the 9th Marine Corps District, descends the rappel tower during an Educators Workshop at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, May 17, 2022. The Educators' Workshop program provides selected educators, coaches, directors and influential community members with an experiential opportunity to see how the Marine Corps transforms young men and women into Marines. The program is designed to demystify recruit and officer candidate training, foster stronger relationships among recruiting personnel and the communities they serve, and increase advocacy among influencers who help shape decisions of young men and women.

Tech. Sgt. Clifford Abner, tactical response force member, 91st Missile Security Operation Squadron, pushes off the tower he is rappelling down on Jan. 25, 2022, at the Cheyenne Fire Tower, Cheyenne, Wyoming. Defenders from the 341st Missile Wing, 90th Missile Wing, and 91st Missile Wing attended a rappelling course on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, to learn new rappelling guidance and get certified in techniques such as knot tying, inspections, tower hookups and safety. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman Sarah Post)

Service members from the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina conduct rappelling training at Kasarna Manjaca, Dobrnja, Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 18, 2022. Guard members assigned to the State Medical Detachment and 1-169th Aviation Regiment, Maryland Army National Guard, trained alongside active duty Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina soldiers in tactics, aviation, medical, and non-commissioned officer development. The Maryland National Guard will celebrate 20 years of partnership with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the National Guard Bureaus State Partnership Program next year.

020508-F-3820W-024. Subject Operation/Series: GUARDIAN CHALLENGE 2002 Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. William Reckley, a Communication Strategy and Operations Officer with 2d Marine Division executes burpees during a workout of the day on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 20, 2022. This workout is in remembrance of Lance Cpl. Jacob A. Hug and Cpl. Sara A. Medina deployed to Kathmandu, Nepal with Joint Task Force 505 shortly after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the country on April 25, 2015. The task force was called upon by the Nepalese Government to provide humanitarian relief shortly after the earthquake. On May 12, another 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the country and JTF 505 continued to provide relief. That afternoon, while providing humanitarian aid, a UH-1Y Huey, with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, crashed eight miles north of Charikot, Nepal. Two Nepalese soldiers and six U.S. Marines died in the crash.

*TRAINING*TRAINING*TRAINING* Hospitalman Charles Fox treats applies a tourniquet to a mannequin during a training event held August 4 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Fox and other sailors assigned to Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point conducted the practical exercise as students in Tactical Combat Casualty Care, a course designed to sharpen their battlefield medicine skills.

Staff Sgt. Caleb Stinson, 68W Combat Medic, 232nd Medical Battalion, negotiates obstacles to test his physical capabilities during 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Carino Ochoalopez, an inventory management chief with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, helps his teammate through the confidence course during the Iron Mike competition at The Basic School on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 7, 2022. Competitors from across the Marine Corps were given 12 hours to complete the over 20 mile course, which culminated the use of core skills with multiple physical challenges. Ochoalopez is a native of Orange, Texas.

APRA HARBOR, Guam (Jan. 11, 2023) - Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 conduct an at sea damage repair exercise involving a simulated explosive hazard aboard the USNS Sgt. William R. Button (T-AK 3012) as part of an EODMU platoon certification. EODMU 5 is assigned to Commander, Task Force 75, which executes command and control of assigned Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces in the 7th Fleet area of operations. They plan and execute Naval Construction, Expeditionary Logistics, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Maritime Expeditionary Security, and Exploitation Forces assigned to Commander, 7th Fleet for crisis response, humanitarian assistance, and major combat operations.

Candidates of South Carolina Army National Guard's Palmetto Military Academy test their confidence at Fort Jackson's 70-foot Victory Tower June 1, 2013. PMA candidates conquer the tower's 40-foot cargo net and 40-foot rappelling wall to test their strength and self-confidence during Phase I of the 12-month quest to become an officer.

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Justin Kline, an Operations Sgt. Maj. assigned to the 157th Infantry Brigade, First Army Division East, and U.S. Army Maj. Nathaniel Bishop, an executive officer assigned to 174th Infantry Brigade, First Army Division West, climbs a rope during the obstacle course event for the Best Ranger, Best Sapper, and Best Medic assessment at Camp Atterbury, IN Nov. 8, 2022. First Army Soldiers tested their skills in multiple events including land navigation, tactical combat casualty care, and casualty evacuation.

980625-F-1108F-002. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Marine splashes as he makes his way through an obstacle course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 21. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Combat Camera and the Provost Marshal Office are training at the center to become effective fighters in a jungle environment.

LA VENTA, Honduras - Military forces pass through an obstacle course for Fuerzas Comando competition June 19, 2022, in La Venta, Honduras. Fuerzas Comando is a Foreign Military Interaction exercise designed to enhance multinational and regional cooperation, mutual trust and confidence and to improve the training, readiness, interoperability, and capability of regional Special Operations Forces (SOF).

Mountaineering instructors from Northern Warfare Training Center Staff Sgts. Jordan Weeg, left, and Garrett Phillips, right, rappel down a rock face during Advanced Military Mountaineering Course 8 July at Black Rapids Training Site. The purpose of the 14-day course is to train Soldiers on how to maneuver through mountainous terrain and then go back to their units and provide the techniques and procedures to get across the mountainous terrain of Alaska. (Photo provided by Staff Sgt. Christopher Dennis/ 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs NCO)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), 21st Signal Brigade, conduct Modern Army Combatives training at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, July 22, 2022. Combatives is the term for hand-to-hand combat training and techniques within the Army branch of the United States military.

Sgt. Joshua Kleinhans of Kiel, Wisconsin, a Fire Control Specialist with the Wisconsin National Guards B Battery, 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery Regiment takes on the obstacle course during the Region IV Best Warrior Competition on May 14, 2022. He is one of twelve National Guard Soldiers competing in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette.)

Guardsmen from the Puerto Rico National Guard, along with employees from the Aqueducts and Sewers Authority of Puerto Rico, distribute water for the communities of Utuado, P.R., Sept. 26.After the impact of Hurricane Maria, 2,175 service members, including the PRNG, had been mobilized in the territory to support the efforts of the government in the reconstruction of the island.

US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Daniel Dance, Air Force Special Operations Command, draws a clean line through the low crawl obstacle of the Fitness Challenge during DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. 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 events, base defense and policing skills over six days. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 Base: Lackland Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

LA VENTA, Honduras - U.S. Army service members pass through an obstacle course for Fuerzas Comando competition June 19, 2022, in La Venta, Honduras. Fuerzas Comando is a Foreign Military Interaction exercise designed to enhance multinational and regional cooperation, mutual trust and confidence and to improve the training, readiness, interoperability, and capability of regional Special Operations Forces.

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