Soldiers in Prayer and Reflection

Military personnel participating in moments of reflection and prayer during gatherings, demonstrating camaraderie and solidarity among troops.

A Signal Sgt. with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division shows Soldiers how to conduct proficiency tests on their equipment Aug. 9 at Fort Carson, Colo. Soldiers paid full attention as they used the Tactical Communication Node to acquire a line of sight communications which allows Soldiers to maintain readiness and lethality.

Maj. Joshua Mixon prays alongside other Soldiers and civilians at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Members of various faiths joined together in solidarity to celebrate the National Day of Prayer.

U.S. Army Capt. Charley Falletta, the commanding officer of the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade conducts an after action review 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, 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 State with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the National Guard Bureaus State Partnership Program next year.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Newell, assigned to Chaos Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, leads an after action review with the Soldiers after completing a squad live-fire exercise at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, July 13, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, stands on the small arms range in Poland. Regular range visits allow soldiers to hone their marksmanship and ensure their weapon is functional.

A Signal Sgt. with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division shows Soldiers how to conduct proficiency tests on their equipment Aug. 9 at Fort Carson, Colo. Soldiers paid full attention as they used the Tactical Communication Node to acquire a line of sight communications which allows Soldiers to maintain readiness and lethality.

060219-A-5745M-185. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MNT 2ND BDE

Command Sgt. Maj. William Frank addresses the attendees after assuming responsibility of the 208th RTI during a Change of Responsibility ceremony held at the Regional Training Institute Plaza, Fort Harrison, Mont. on July 19.

Sgt. 1st Class John Celani, with the 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, briefs his platoon on convoy operations prior to departing to a Hurricane Dorian relief staging area in Jacksonville, Florida, September 1, 2019. Florida Army National Guardsmen across the state are preparing to assist with any possible Hurricane Dorian relief efforts. The Florida National Guard has approximately 12,000 Soldiers and Airmen assigned, and can activate personnel as needed and directed by Governor Ron DeSantis.

From left, U.S. Army Spc. Ryan Ruffolo, tank loader and 1st Lt. Samuel Burke, tank commander from 1st Battalion, 252nd Armored Regiment, listen to instruction during Armor Accuracy Checks (AACs) on day three of the Sullivan Cup, at Fort Benning, Ga., April 27, 2022. AACs help to ensure that the tank's fire control system is operational and verifies that special inputs to the ballistic solutions are implemented properly for fire control components and all main gun ammunition.

Maintainers from the 151st Air Refueling Wing train Sailors assigned the Naval Air Station about essential procedures about the KC-135R Stratotanker during an unprecedented joint exercise on Aug. 30, 2022 at Fallon, Navada. This joint force exercise incorporates more than seven military entities across three branches creating innovative operational concepts to allow quick response to an ever changing wartime horizon

Soldiers from Charlie Company, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion, practiced weapons handling, fast loading, and engagement skills during the first week of annual training.The 2022 annual training exercises for the Idaho Army National Guard are the last mass field exercises for the 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team before deploying in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Staff Sgt. Mark Owens & Spc. Brady Dunn, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians with 759th Ordnance Company, competes at the all army team of the year (ToY) competition at Fort Carson, Colorado, May 15, 2022. This year, 71st Ordnance Group hosts the All Army ToY where teams 52nd Ordnance Group, 71st Ordnance Group, 48th Chemical Brigade, 303rd Ordnance Battalion, and 718th Ordnance Company, put their skills to the test to tasks in a physically and mentally demanding training environment.

Col. Brian Gunderson awards the Nevada Medal of Valor to Tech. Sgt. Cody Sharkey during the April unit training assembly roll call at Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nev. Sharkey distinguished himself by rendering first aid to an injured motorist after pulling the motorist from their smoking vehicle that had been struck by another vehicle on Oct. 20, 2020. Later in November of 2020, he witnessed another accident and blocked traffic to prevent additional accidents. This award is presented for heroism on or off duty involving voluntary risk of life while serving in any capacity with the Nevada National Guard.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the North Carolina Air National Guard enjoy food, beverages, provided during a grand-opening of the Epic Center held at the North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, April 2, 2022. The Epic Center boasts plenty of space for ceremonies, large-gatherings indoors and outdoors, as well as an outdoor fire place with cover and space heaters.

2nd Cavalry Regiment hosts a military-to-military engagement with Macedonian allies at Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany, Sept. 28, 2022. This engagement familiarized Macedonians with Stryker maintenance.

U.S. servicemembers with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) drape a flag over a casket during a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, August 11, 2022. The disinterred remains were transferred to the DPAA laboratory for identification. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our Nation.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guards 56th Striker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, prepare to board a plane at Harrisburg International Airport on Jan. 1, 2024. The Soldiers are leaving their homes and families for about a year to deploy to Africa to support U.S. Africa Command and partner forces with security objectives in the region. Maj. Gen. Mark McCormack, the commanding general of the 28th Infantry Division, Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, the Deputy Adjutant General-Army, Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Phillips, the State Command Sergeant Major, and other officials greeted Soldiers as they boarded their planes to leave Pennsylvania.

U.S. Army Pfc. Collin Wunsch, a paratrooper assigned to Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, Arctic Angels, pauses for a photograph after completing airborne training at Malemute Drop Zone, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Nov. 9, 2022. The 2/11 IBCT (A) is the only airborne infantry brigade combat team in the Arctic and Pacific theaters, providing the combatant commander with the unique capability to project an expeditionary force by air. Wunsch is from Clearwater Beach, Fla.

Students in the 335th Training Squadron gather for a weather training session outside of the Joint Weather Training Facility at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, July 21, 2022. The weather apprentice course, which graduated 650 students this past year, takes 151 academic days to complete. Approximately 7,400 students go through the 335th TRS's 13 Air Force Specialty Codes each year.

040414-M-9362G-001. Base: Mcagcc, Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. sailors with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Five (EODMU 5), collect timed-fuse setup wires prior to rapid explosive hazard mitigation (REHM) training during Valiant Shield 2022 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 7, 2022. The training focused on the rapid clearing of unexploded ordnance in response to a simulated airfield attack allowing for safe airfield repair and continued operations.

Spc. Amanuel Gebre (right), 1229th Transportation Company, removes an empty pallet from a medium tactical vehicle in Edgemere, Maryland, on May 14, 2020. The Soldiers will transport the medical equipment and supplies to facilities in Olney, Clinton, and Hagerstown. Maryland National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have been activated to support Marylands response to COVID-19 utilizing capabilities such as medical augmentation, transportation support, and more.

Staff Sgt. Anthony Robbins and Pfc. Janelle Bradshaw, members of Task Force Thunder, stand at parade rest during the visit of U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Derrick C. Garner of Security Assistance Group- Ukraine at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 19, 2024. While visiting, Garner interacted with and recognized Soldiers that are part of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission.

Lt. Col. Gregory Polk, the Task Force Pioneer commander, gives a speech during an award ceremony at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 22, 2022. As part of Army tradition, Task Force Pioneer facilitates mass ceremonies to present awards and recognize exemplary accomplishments.

Tunisia Maj. Wagdi Nehdi, Logistical Commander of the Tunisian Army and two of his Master Sergeants observes maintenance equipment explained by U.S. Army 1LT Stewart Farrar, Maintenance Platoon Leader for the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, Wyoming Army National Guard, in Sheridan, Wyoming, May 17, 2022, on a State Partnership Program visit. The purpose of the SPP is to enhance military ties and strengthen partnerships with countries worldwide. The Wyoming National Guard partnered with the African nation of Tunisia in 2004 and continues to further their relationship with educational exchanges like these.

Members of the 913th Airlift Group conduct multiple scenarios during the group's Agile Herk Exercise, March 30, 2023, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The Reservists worked over the course of two days to fulfill readiness and annual training requirements during their super drill weekend.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John Payne, 36th Wing command chief, makes a speech about U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brandon Ogle, a firefighter with the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron, during a Linebacker of the Week presentation at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, April 27, 2022. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens Mission, Vision and Priorities.

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Honor Guard render salutes during a transfer of remains of a service member recovered during Operation Colony Glacier at JBER, Alaska, June 26, 2022. The transfer cases will go to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, for identification of remains and personal effects before being returned to families. Operation Colony Glacier is an effort to recover the remains of service members and wreckage from a 1952 flight which had 52 military members on board. As of June 2022, 47 of the 52 service members remains have been recovered and identified.

Members of the Idaho Army National Guards Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st of the 148th Field Artillery Regiment conducted air medical evacuation and casualty treatment, along with members of Detachment 1, Company Golf, 1st of the 168th General Support Aviation Battalion at the Orchard Combat Training Center, May 17.

U.S. Army Spc. Logan Speakman, a Blackhawk Maintainer/Crew Chief assigned to the Falcon team at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, poses for a photo inside a hangar in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 29, 2022.

Staff Sgt. Austin Sturtz, Virginia Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion, poses for a candid portrait during the 2022 National Guard Bureau Region 2 Best Warrior Competition, held May 17-20, 2022, at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia. The Best Warrior Competition is a physically and mentally challenging three-day competition that tests competitors on a wide range of technical and tactical skills relevant to todays combat operating environment. Region 2 consists of competitors from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional winners from across the nation will advance to compete at the national-level competition this summer.

U.S. Soldiers from 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division arrive in Poznan, Poland, July 18, 2022. The 3/1 ABCT, and Finish and British army units trained in Finland to further strengthen the relations and interoperability between the nations.

Maj. Gen. Greg Brady, Commanding General of the 10th AAMDC, gifts a commanders challenge coin to the Slovak Ambassador to the U.S. Radovan Javorcik on July 1, 2022, during a tour of a U.S. Patriot battery forward deployed to Slovakia.Bravo Battery, 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment deployed to NATOs Eastern flank in Slovakia after that country generously transferred their S300 missiles to aid Ukraine in the defense of its airspace. Bravo Batterys deployment is just another example of our commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory including the skies.

220510-A-ST150-GR22-Photo 82// Spc. Christian Cote, a public affairs specialist with the 372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, captures photos of a platoon level decontamination team responding to a simulated nuclear disaster with mass casualties, at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Ind., May 5, 2022. The simulated nuclear disaster is a part of Guardian Response, a multi-component Homeland Emergency Response Exercise conducted by the Army Reserves 78th Training Division.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Steven Bastardo, a motor transport sergeant with the 369th Sustainment Brigade, and lead marksmanship instructor gives a mechanical lesson on the M4 rifle at Ft. Hood, TX, Oct. 7, 2022. The M4 rifle is the most basic weapon a U.S. Army Soldier qualifies on.

Volunteer Training Site Tullahoma, Tennessee - U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brad Warren with the 129th Army Band gives a brief to Soldiers who will be qualifying with the M-249 at the qualification range on Jan 05, 2024 at Volunteer Training Site Tullahoma, Tennessee. The Individual Weapons Qualification (IWQ) was assigned to members of the 118th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment due to the nature of their unit.

Soldiers from Charlie Company, 501st Brigade Support Battalion set up the site where they will live and train for the duration of their training exercise, May 19, 2022, on Rodriguez Live Fire Range, Republic of Korea. C Co., 501st BSB is the medical evacuation company of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, and trained to further real-world response to medical situations.

Join us in welcoming newly promoted Sgt. Kenneth Moye!Join us in a round of applause for newly promoted Sgt. Kenneth Moye, who has been an exceptional soldier here at the 1st Theater Sustainment Command!Keep up the great work! #StrongSergeants

Competitors participate in a 12-mile Ruck March during the 2022 National Guard Bureau Region 2 Best Warrior Competition, held May 17-20, 2022, at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia. The Best Warrior Competition is a physically and mentally challenging three-day competition that tests competitors on a wide range of technical and tactical skills relevant to todays combat operating environment. Region 2 consists of competitors from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional winners from across the nation will advance to compete at the national-level competition this summer.

Maj. Timothy Ladwig (right), plans officer in charge, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, thanks his friends and family for their support during his award ceremony at Fort Knox, Kentucky, June 14, 2022.

Ukrainian Chief Master Sgt. Oleksandr Kosynskyi, the command senior enlisted leader of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, talks with Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead, the SEA to the chief, National Guard Bureau, during the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe International Command Senior Enlisted Conference in Casteau, Belgium, Sept. 7, 2022.

Spc. Blake Wright from 11th Airborne Division smiles for the camera while participating in the 12-mile ruck march on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson June 17 as the last requirement for Soldiers to graduate air assault training and get their badge. Instructors flew up from 25th Infantry Divisions Lightning Academy based in Hawaii to provide the training. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Christopher Dennis/11th Airborne Division Public Affairs NCO)

A U.S. Marine with 12th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division, establishes communications in preparation for exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Sept. 28, 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.

Tech Sgt. Justin Briggs, 110th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels technician, drives a fuel truck at Sawyer International Airport, Marquette, Michigan, during the Northern Agility 22-1 exercise, June 28, 2022. Briggs was prepping for a wet-wing defuel. A WWD transfers fuel from the wings of an aircraft to either another expeditionary fuel bladder or a fuel truck while the engines run.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason Tabor, an Automotive Maintenance Warrant Officer assigned to Alpha Company, 541st Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, leads maintenance training with Soldiers at the Rotational Unit Field Maintenance Area on Fort Irwin, California, August 14, 2022. Tabor conducted interactive training to ensure his Soldiers maintain equipment under their care.

A Soldier assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), stands for an interview after the completion of training on Dec. 2, 2022, at Grafenwoehr, Germany. Our commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the United States will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO allies. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs.)

Army Reserve Pfc. Kevin Nguyen stays vigilant in case medical intervention is needed during the 2022 Best Squad Competition's M4 Rifle Qualification event at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, on May 16, 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. (Army Reserve photo by Sgt. David Barrette)

U.S. Army Cpt. Melissa Vargas, assigned to Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) Warhog Observer Coach Trainer Team, explains military support planning to Georgian soldiers assigned to the NATO Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center as part of Exercise Combined Resolve 17 (CbR 17) at Hohenfels Training Area in Hohenfels, Germany, June 5, 2022. CbR 17 is a U.S. Army consisting of 5,600 service members, Allies, and partners from more than 10 countries, and is designed to assess units abilities to conduct combat operations effectively in a multi-domain battle space.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Mitchell Vanderkodde an AZ-1Z Viper pilot with the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a Joint Tactical Air Controller with the Latvian Armed Forces discuss flight plans during a simulated close air support exercise in Latvia, June 11, 2022. BALTOPS 22 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen the combined response capability critical to preserving the freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

U.S. Army Pfc. Brian Kelly, with the 437th Military Police Battalion, competes in the 73rd Troop Commands Best Warrior Competition at Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center in Ravenna, Ohio, Nov. 5, 2022. I joined the Ohio Army National Guard because when I was young, I was adopted from Bogota Columbia, and I just wanted to give back to the country that gave me the life I have today, Kelly said. I am competing in the Best Warrior Competition because my team leader competed last year and did really well, so I wanted to follow in his footsteps and to try it myself. I look up to him a lot and he has been teaching and preparing me since I came to the unit.

Yesterday the Iron Eagles welcomed Maj. Gen. Adam Joks, V Corps Deputy Commanding General for Interoperability, At the conclusion of the visit, Col. John Morris presented Joks with a 1AD patch symbolizing the enduring partnership of our two great nations.

Soldiers from the 720th Explosive Ordnance Disposal, in Baumholder, Germany, and their Moldovan counterparts, exchange knowledge in detection and marking of unexploded ordnance, at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, on October 7, 2022.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jamie Mutz, assigned to Palehorse Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, prepares to catch a PD-100 Black Hornet Nano Drone during a situational training exercise at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Oct. 13, 2022. 2CR provides the 7th ATC with a lethal and agile force capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater in order to assure allies, deter adversaries, and when ordered, defend the NATO alliance.

A U.S. Army jumpmaster assigned to the United States Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command inspects a French paratroopers static line during an airborne operation between U.S. and allied paratroopers at the Cherbourg-Manche Airport, France, on June 5, 2022, as part of the 78th D-Day Anniversary. On June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 troops of the Allied Forces invaded Normandy, France, by sea and air. More than 23,000 paratroopers participated in the invasion. 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.

Tech. Sgt. Alexander Stinauer, 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron aeromedical evacuation technician, middle, and Tech. Sgt. Brendon Bowman, 86th AES flight examiner and emergency medical paramedic, right, greets the Maj. Kirk Schlueter, 76th Airlift Squadron aircraft commander, left, at Ramstein Air Base, April 6, 2023. During this time the crew conducted aircraft familiarization and loaded equipment to ensure the safety and well-being of the onboard crew and patient in need of medical transfer.

Soldiers at Orange County Convention Center Community Based Testing Site continue to support the citizens of Florida for COVID-19 testing during inclement weather.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Mark Moore, the executive officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conducts an in-scenario interview during a simulated foreign disaster relief mission on Marine Corps Outlying Landing Field Atlantic, North Carolina, as part of a scenario during Realistic Urban Training (RUT) on Jan. 19, 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.

U.S. Air Force Col. Eric McKissick, vice commander of the 193rd Special Operations Wing, shares his insights from wing leadership during the leadership development program held at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, Pennsylvania September 20, 2022. The LDP, an initiative started in 2020, brought Airmen from around the wing together to learn what it means to be an NCO and to become better leaders of not only the wing, but around their communities.

Maj. Timothy Ladwig (left), plans officer in charge, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, is presented the Meritorious Service Medal by Dr. Steven Dewey, deputy support operations officer, 1st TSC at Fort Knox, Kentucky, June 14, 2022.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldier, Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Julio, a transportation manager with the 257th Movement Control Battalion, completes a pre-assessment ruck march on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Jan. 8, 2023. Soldiers were required to complete a 12-mile ruck march in under three hours to be eligible for Air Assault School.

Staff Sgt. Cameron Daniels, an instructor at the Mountain Training Group, 10th Mountain Division, plans his route down a mountain in preparation for the 22-mile Hale to Vail Traverse at Camp Hale, Colorado, on Feb. 20, 2024. Digging holes to shield from the wind while eating the Cold Weather MRE and navigating mountain descents with ropes, they're primed for the challenge ahead. This training not only sharpens their capabilities but also honors our division's legacy, connecting us with the National Ski Patrol and the historic training grounds of Camp Hale, Colorado, where Alpine Soldiers prepared for combat operations during World War II. Army

XVIII Airborne Corps Soldiers receive awards and metals for their rapid deployments to Europe, Dec. 12, 2022, Fort Bragg, N.C. XVIII Airborne Corps Soldiers deployment to Europe started February 2022 and ended Oct. 28, 2022. Elements of the XVIII Airborne Corps completed a nine-month deployment to Germany in support of the NATO Alliance. Personnel from the Corps headquarters element provided a Joint Task Force-capable headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany. The deployment was directed by the Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III as a response to a heightened security environment in Eastern Europe and to reinforce NATOs eastern flank.

Participants with the Educators Workshop from 9th Marine Corps District, Western Recruiting Region, watch as a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor with Delta Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, speaks to a new Marine during an Eagle, Globe and Anchor ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 8, 2023. The Educators Workshop is an opportunity for teachers and those who work with high school students to experience recruit training and learn about the transformation young people make to become Marines.

Army Master Sgt. Jesse Downs, a senior supply sergeant with the Vermont Army National Guard, talks about the Vermont National Guard Biathlon Program with a visitor at the Vermont National Guard Open House Sept. 11, 2022, in South Burlington, Vermont. The Vermont Guard has maintained a dedicated biathlon program at the Ethan Allen Firing Range since 1973.

Schofield Barracks, Hawaii native, Brig. Gen. Robert Brown, deputy commander, Multi-National Division-North, slaps a 25th Infantry Division combat patch onto the uniform of Lees Summit, Mo. native, Kyle Swope, platoon sergeant, 25th Inf. Div. Command Post North, during a combat patch ceremony, Mosul, Iraq, Jan. 5.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Stefan Lichtfuss, an air support control officer with Marine Air Support Squadron (MASS) 2, participates in a direct air support center (DASC) drill during a field exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 5, 2022. MASS-2 executed the DASC drill to simulate air control and integration of fires in an expeditionary environment.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Thacker, the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division command sergeant major, speaks on becoming the 1st Bn., 63rd Armor Regt., battalion command sergeant major during a change of responsibility ceremony at the Fort Riley, Kansas, Cavalry Parade Field, Oct. 27, 2022. The position of the command sergeant major is held by the senior non-commissioned officer of the unit. The command sergeant major is the guardian of the unit colors and the principal advisor to the battalion commander.

Staff Sgt. Loren Pope, 1st Brigade, 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), conducts a land navigation 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. At the end of the competition, Pope earned the title of 98th Training Divisions Drill Sergeant of the Year. (U.S. Army Reserve Photo by Sgt. Jeffery Harris

051201-A-9419D-040. Base: Lansing State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Axeo Gonzalez and Spc. Nicholas Broski, human resources postal operations specialists assigned to the 63rd Human Resources Company and the 444th Human Resources Company respectively, prepare to embark on a convoy operation during Exercise Postal Warrior, at Fort Dix, New Jersey, August 15th, 2022. Postal Warrior is a task-focused exercise, designed to train and challenge postal units in the skill sets and competencies needed to support Theater Postal Operations and increase individual and collective readiness.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Nicholas Simon, 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron ground transportation vehicle operator, waits to transport incoming personnel participating in Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 5, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Cole Holland, an E-3G Sentry crewman assigned to the 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron, reads the story of a prisoner of war during a National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sept. 16, 2022. The 968th EAACS held the ceremony to pay tribute to former U.S. prisoners of war and recommit to the difficult but essential task of seeking out answers for the families of those still missing.

Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, Fort Jackson commander, receives the Army Training Center colors from Maj. Gen. John D. Kline, commanding general of the U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training, during a change of command ceremony Aug. 31 at Victory Field.

U.S. Air Force airmen assigned to the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, assist an airmen with a simulated injury to a medical checkpoint during Raging Gunfighter 22-2 at Wendover Airfield, Wendover, Ut., 21 May 2022. Airmen during Raging Gunfighter 22-2 forward deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, to Wendover Airfield to operate in an austere environment.

Gen. James C. McConville, Chief of Staff of the United States Army, observes a Soldier working in a military vehicle on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 26, 2022. Coinciding with the launch of the Army's new Future Soldier Preparatory Course, McConville encouraged leaders to promote excellence while meeting the needs of their Soldiers.

U.S. Marines with the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Provost Marshal's Office Special Reaction Team debrief Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members at the conclusion of a bilateral training exercise at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, October 28, 2022. During the training, the Marines taught and practiced with JGSDF members structure clearing techniques, breaching and communication skills in preparation for Exercise Active Shield.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Aaron McNelley, an E-3G Sentry pilot assigned to the 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron, gives the open remarks to the National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sept. 16, 2022. The 968th EAACS held the ceremony to pay tribute to former U.S. prisoners of war and recommit to the difficult but essential task of seeking out answers for the families of those still missing.

Soldiers complete their final 12-mile ruck march during the U.S. Army Air Assault Course at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 28, 2022. The 7th Army Training Commands Combined Arms Training Center sponsored the ten-day air assault course provided by instructors from the Army National Guards Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia. The course trains Soldiers on air assault operations, sling-load operations, and rappelling to maximize the use of helicopter assets in training and combat. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christian Carrillo)

Sgts. Jeffrey Tyrus, left, and Dallas Fatheree, right, 11th Airborne Division Soldiers, practice tying a knots at the Rope Corral on Black Rapids Training Site 8 July. (Photo by Staff Sgt Christopher Dennis/11th Airborne Division Public Affairs NCO)

U.S. Army Spc. RJ Koreis, assigned to 3rd Psychological Operations Battalion (Airborne), 8th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), participate in tactical lanes while competing in the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 20, 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.

Company and battalion leadership from 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and 280th Romanian Mechanized Battalion engage with the media during Exercise Justice Sword in Romania from Oct. 23 to Nov. 10, 2022. Justice Sword, a joint training exercise at the Romanian Joint National Training Center, builds and enhances the interoperability and lethality of the Strike Brigade and our Romanian counterparts. The United States commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the United States will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO Allies.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass speaks U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Abernethy during a visit to Patch Barracks, Germany, Oct. 6, 2022. During her visit, the CMSAF hosted an all-call, visited with Airmen and met with senior U.S. European Command leaders.

Spc. Benjamin Wallace, 136th Manuever Enhancement Brigade, Texas Army National Guard, competes in a 6 mile foot march during the Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas, May 4, 2022. The friendly, three-day competition challenges service members on professional military knowledge, marksmanship, obstacle course and land navigation. The Army winners of this event will move on to represent Texas at the National Guards Region V Best Warrior Competition.

Pfc. Collin Butler, a military police Soldier with the 186th Military Police Company, Iowa Army National Guard, directs traffic to stop at the first COVID-19 drive-through testing site in Des Moines, Iowa, on April 27, 2020. Approximately 60 military police Soldiers were activated to support the testing site, and more than 850 Soldiers and Airmen in the Iowa National Guard have reported to state active duty to support various COVID-19 response efforts in the state.

Col. Christopher Meeker, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, fires the starting pistol for the 5-kilometer, the first race of the 2022 Air Force Marathon Sept. 17, at Wright State University, Fairborn, Ohio. More than 8,500 runners and 1,500 volunteers from all 50 states and 18 different countries came out to run in the races 26th year.

U.S. Army Soldiers from Charlie Company, 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division search a house during a patrol in Muqadiyah, Iraq, Sept. 21, 2007.

011119-F-4406B-009. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

U.S. Air Force Airman Paul Bates, 312th Training Squadron student, speaks with his Military Training Leader about developing a safety protocol, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 14, 2022. MTLs are responsible for ensuring every non-prior-service Airman is provided the direction, resources, and mentorship to thrive when learning their role in the profession of arms.

Staff Sgt. Lucas waits for fire mission during 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery's air land raid live fire exercise.

220330-N-KB401-1005 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (March 30, 2022) -- SEAC Ramón Colón-López, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, meets with leadership of Commander, Submarine Squadron 1 and the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) on the pier during a visit to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. SEAC Colón-López is visiting multiple commands to speak with Sailors that support maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Alaska Organized Militia members assigned to Joint Task Force Nome offload a 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska, Sept. 29, 2022. More than 130 members of the Alaska Organized Militia, which includes members of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline.

040105-F-9871C-003. Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Members of the 101st Air Refueling Wing hosted a tour for children from Downeast Horizons July 13th, 2022, Bangor, Me. Downeast Horizons is a non-profit organization that assists and supports individuals with developmental disabilities to live complete and fulfilling lives.

Sgt. Jacob Miller, a squad leader assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division discusses hasty ambush techniques with a New Zealand soldier during Exercise Cartwheel at Nausori Highlands Training Area, Fiji, September 17, 2022. Exercise Cartwheel is a multilateral military-to-military training exercise with the U.S., Republic of Fiji Military, Australian, New Zealand, and British forces that builds expeditionary readiness and interoperability by increasing the capacity to face a crisis and contingencies by developing and stressing units at the highest training levels.

General Wesley K. Clark offers Brig. GEN. Philip R. Kensinger, Jr., some sound advice at the Change of Command Ceremony. Base: Fort Clayton Country: Panama (PAN)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guards 56th Striker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, prepare to board a plane at Harrisburg International Airport, Jan. 1, 2024. The Soldiers are leaving their homes and families for about a year to deploy to Africa to support U.S. Africa Command and partner forces with security objectives in the region. Maj. Gen. Mark McCormack, the commanding general of the 28th Infantry Division, Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, deputy adjutant general-Army, Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Phillips, senior enlisted leader, Pennsylvania National Guard, and other officials greeted Soldiers as they boarded their planes to leave Pennsylvania.

U.S. Air Force Col. James Quinn (center), USAFE-AFAFRICA space forces director, chats with senior leaders from the Spanish air force during a key leader engagement at Exercise Real Thaw 22 on Beja Air Base, Portugal, July 5, 2022. These interactions enabled senior leadership from the participating NATO partner countries to observe this significant European exercise.

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