Soldiers In Tactical Operations

Images of soldiers engaged in various tactical scenarios, showcasing military uniforms, weapons, and a focus on security and operations in challenging environments.

Portrait of a special forces soldier with rifle in the desert.

US Marine Corps (USMC) Lance Corporal (LCPL) Darvy Perez, assigned to Charlie Company, 1ST battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, conducts a security patrol on a rooftop in the City of Ramadi, Iraq. The Marines of 1ST Marine Division are conducting Security and Stabilization Operations (SASO) in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Ar Ramadi State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

040916-M-0706S-013. Base: Ar Ramadi State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 2ND BCT

Low angle view of special forces soldier in field uniform with weapon.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alejandro Partida, 99th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), participates in a Green Flag-West 24-04 training exercise on Nellis AFB, Nevada, Feb. 13, 2024. The tactical development exercise is designed to ensure EOD Technicians are prepared to carry out the 99th Civil Engineer Squadrons mission both at home and in a deployed environment. Air Force

Portrait of a special forces soldier with rifle in the desert.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Dylan Guggenmos, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, sights in during a dry fire event at Saylor Creek Range in Grasmere, Idaho during exercise Garnet Rattler April 18, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint exercise between Marines, Soldiers and Airmen to train and qualify Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) to be more efficient and lethal in a realistic training environment.

A Marine with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment passes through an opening in a mud wall, just moments before insurgents opened fire on their position, while the Marines were on the patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 18, 2010. Patrols have been increased in an effort to push the Taliban back and create a buffer for villages friendly towards coalition forces in the region.

060105-A-3283V-019. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Diwaniyah State: Qadisiyah Country: Iraq (IRQ)

110510-N-QP268-040MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 10, 2011) A Marine assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) fires an M16 service rifle during a platoon live-fire weapons training aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41). Whidbey Island is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, fires an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during exercise Intrepid Maven 22.4 in the United Arab Emirates, Sept. 23, 2022. Intrepid Maven 22.4 is a U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command engagement series designed for bilateral and multilateral training engagements with partner nations and Marine Corps forces.

A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, fires an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during exercise Intrepid Maven 22.4 in the United Arab Emirates, Sept. 23, 2022. Intrepid Maven 22.4 is a U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command engagement series designed for bilateral and multilateral training engagements with partner nations and Marine Corps forces.

A Marine with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, provides suppressive fire during an exercise to evaluate Marines ontheir abilities on the M136 AT4 rocket launcher at Range 104 April 11. The Marines first conducted a dry-fire run before turning to live-fire.

060227-A-5747J-181. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Brassfield-Mora State: Salah Al Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

060424-A-0559K-018. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A Marine with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, simulates engaging a potential threat as part of a mechanized raid training event during Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), May 20. COMPTUEX is the second at-sea period during the 11th MEU's predeployment cycle, during which the MEU will conduct concurrent mission planning and execution integrated across all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force while supporting Amphibious Squadron 5 in their evaluated training.

A U.S. Marine with 2d Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division fires an M240B machine gun during an Annual Field Exercise (AFX) on Marine Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 27, 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

060221-A-7969G-006. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Summerall State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: A1-187

AL HAMRA, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (June 19, 2022) - A U.S. Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command fires an M-27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a small arms range as part of exercise Iron Defender 22 at Al Hamra training camp, UAE, June 19. Iron Defender is an annual bilateral training event between U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and forces from the United Arab Emirates. The exercise focuses on maritime security operations, mine countermeasures and harbor defense.

United States Marine aims an M-16 rifle during a combat operation in Afghanistan's Helmand Province, wide view

060314-A-2718K-033. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Army Pfc. Andrew Reinke scans his sector for snipers during operations with Iraqi army soldiers in the Khamaliyah area of Baghdad, Iraq, June 27, 2007.

040906-F-2034C-026. Base: Balad State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Marine with 1st Reconnaisance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, provides ground security during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

U.S. Army commandos during an enemy reconnaissance mission in the desert.

U.S. Army Pfc. Joshua Smith and Sgt. Trent Boone, both of Alpha Troop, 27th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, provide security during a good neighbor mission in Mosul, Iraq, Sept. 19, 2007.

U.S. Marines with 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, and French Marines with 3rd Regiment D'artillerie de Marine load an M777 howitzer during Exercise Rolling Thunder at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 16, 2022. This exercise is a 10th Marines-led live fire artillery event that tested the units abilities to operate in a simulated littoral environment against a peer threat in a dynamic and multi-domain scenario.

U.S. Army Spc. Cooley, assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, pulls security near an open poppy field in a local village, April 24, in the Siah Choy subdistrict of Zhari district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Cooley pulls security to provide cover for troop movements through the local villages.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Anthony Ruiz, a rifleman assigned to Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, moves to a security position during tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel training with Italian marines from the San Marco Marine Brigade in Grottaglie, Italy, July 21, 2022. The training highlighted the exchanging of ideas and practices between the two NATO nations and further developed their interoperability. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. special operations forces moving forward with caution in the desert during a reconnaissance mission.

Close-up of U.S. Marine shot from below.

U.S. Army Sgts. Matthew Caulifield and Andrew Britt look for insurgents during a firefight in Rashid, Iraq, June 2, 2007. Both men are with Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, out of Fort Lewis, Wash.

A Jordanian Soldier assigned to the Quick Response Force Brigade fires her weapon during an all-female marksmanship subject matter expert exchange between U.S. Marines and Jordanian Soldiers in Zarqa, Jordan, Feb. 22, 2024. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command and the Jordanian Armed Forces developed the exchange to highlight the similarities in marksmanship training and the impacts that inclusivity has within our militaries. Marine Corps

Cpl. Logan Orr, a landing support specialist and Johnson City, Tenn., native with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires at popup targets during unknown distance small-arms live-fire training, Aug. 13, 2012, on Udairi Range, Kuwait. The Marines are in Kuwait as part of a 24th MEU sustainment training package. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Team of United States airborne infantry men in action in the desert.

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Spc. Timothy Marshall, Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team security force from Grennville, R.I., scans his area during a visit to the Dahla Dam Sept. 20. The PRT SECFOR supplied security during a dam assessment with the Canadian International Development Agency Sept 21. The Kandahar PRT is a civilian-military organization whose mission is to improve security, governance and infrastructure capacity throughout Kandahar Province.

Tech. Sgt. Stacia Zachary, AFCENT Combat Camera Combat Correspondent, takes notes as she covers Joint Terminal Air Control Airmen from the 807th Air Support Operations Squadron, Forward Operating Base Lagman as they make sure a dirt landing zone in the Zabul Province of Afghanistan was safe for a cargo carrying C-130 Hercules to land and provided the aircrew with any pertinent information via radio communications. The aircrew was delivering needed cargo for one of the nearby military outposts.

Idaho National Guard 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team's 2nd of the 116th Combined Arms Battalion teamed up with the Idaho Army National Guards 1st of the 183 Assault Helicopter Battalion to conduct medevac training at the Orchard Combat Training Center on March 30, 2022. The training simulated emergency evacuations of sick or wounded Soldiers from a battlefield. Ground medics preformed medical care on the ground before rushing them to the flight medics aboard the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter who continued medical care while they were flown to the nearby medical facility. This training is a portion of combat training the 2nd of the 116th CAB conducted in preparation to deploy to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield later this year.

Low angle view of United States airborne infantry.

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

An 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support) Headquarter and Headquarters Company soldier clears their assigned M4 at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho on Oct. 15, 2022. The headquarters company conducted their annual weapons qualification to maintain unit readiness.

Spc. James Fitzpatrick, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 163rd Cavalry Regiment, fires blank rounds during a simulated ambush as a part of the U.S. Army Central 2022 Best Squad Competition at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, May 5, 2022. BSC 2022 measures the abilities of squads to perform physical and mental challenges as a cohesive team.

Fully equipped and armed special forces soldier with sniper rifle in the desert.

U.S. Marines with Ground Base Air Defense, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), identify a target during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22, at Auxiliary Airfield II, near Yuma, Arizona, April 5, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 6th Squad, White Platoon, based out of Fort Irwin California, move tactfully towards the next area of the Urban Training exercise of U.S. Army Forscom Best Squad Competition, at Military Operations Urban Terrain site, here, at Fort Hood, Texas, August 18, 2022. The Best Squad Competition reinforces fundamental Soldier skills and squad level tactics.

Zaragoza April 8, 2014 maneuvers of the Guadarrama XII Armored Brigade in San Gregorio photo Fabián Simón archdc.

Portrait of United States airborne infantry corporal with rifle.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 12, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Timothy M. Kaufusi, left, team leader, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, assists a Tongan Marine from his Majestys Armed Forces while conducting a live fire exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 12. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Orlando Quinones, combat arms training and maintenance instructor, 156th Security Forces Squadron, supervises .50 caliber machine gun firing in Little Falls, Camp Ripley, Minn., Aug. 8, 2022. Quinones is training the familiarizing cause to other Airmen so they can become comfortable with the new tactics in a controlled environment before using them.

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Pfc. Justin Cobbs, a radio operator assigned to 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, takes a break in a dried riverbed during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 16, 2010. The patrol focused on speaking with the local population to assess their needs and surveying the security of the area

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Brady Carpenter, a native of Claremore, Oklahoma, and a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistic Battalion 8, Combat Logistic Regiment, Marine Logistics Group, secures a utility task vehicle during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 on Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 9, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event, hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, which emphasizes the development of small task-organized unit experimentation across all warfighting functions, as well as enhance the battalion's ability to conduct command and control, fire-support planning, intelligence functions, and logistical support to distributed company level operations. This exercise continues support of 2d Marine Divisions experimental battalion's assessment and mission essential task list-based pre-deployment training progression.

120313-A-RR514-085 U.S. Army 1st Lt. Spencer Tadken (right) reviews aiming techniques with an Afghan soldier during training at Forward Operating Base Shank, in Logar province, Afghanistan, on March 13, 2012. Tadken is with the 1st Armored Division's 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Assaultmen with Company B, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment fire, a Shoulder Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW) towards an enemy bunker during a training exercise at range 410A at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., June 18. Range 410A allows Marines the opportunity to work on small unit leadership by completing a series of obstacles that involve a platoon size element. It is part of Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 4-13, a cornerstone of the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Program, it is the largest annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve training exercise; helping establish best practices, refine planning guidance and baseline requirements for future Reserve units.

U.S. Marines 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, takes cover during Marine Warfighting Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, May 3, 2022. This exercise is the culminating event of the Service Level Training Exercise, challenging the MAGTF to fight against a free thinking adversary with similar capabilities in a force-on-force environment.

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait- Spc. Kyle Union assigned to the 1-153 Cavalry Regiment aims his rifle during a mission lane at the U.S. Army Central Best Squad Competition May 5, 2022 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. BSC 2022 measures the abilities of squads to perform physical and mental challenges as a cohesive team.

U.S. Soldiers with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment discuss their sectors of fire during an area reconnaissance mission off Highway 1 in Zabul province, Afghanistan, Oct. 1, 2010.

CAMP TITIN, Jordan - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Luc Bongiovanni, assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command (FASTCENT), conducts a live fire squad attack range during Exercise Eager Lion 22 at Camp Titin, Jordan, September 7, 2022. Eager Lion 22 is a multilateral exercise hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, designed to exchange military expertise, and improve interoperability among partner nations, and considered the capstone of a broader U.S. military relationship with the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF). Jordan is one of U.S. Central Commands (USCENTCOM) strongest and most reliable partners in the Levant sub-region.

U.S. Army Ranger in Afghanistan combat scene.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Josue Flores, a fire support Marine with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marines Expeditionary Force Information Group, observes a target area with a Common Laser Range Finder- Integrated Capability during a live-fire, close-air support exercise at Barry M. Goldwater Range, Gila Bend, Arizona, July 20, 2022. 1st ANGLICO trains to enhance proficiency in CAS and expand digital communications capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Chambers, incoming commander of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, looks through the scope of an M240B machine gun at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, May 28, 2022. Chabelley Airfield, operated by the 776th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron, provides intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance for AFRICOM and CENTCOM.

Airman 1st Class Noah Huse and Tech Sgt Colin Drew, Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element Airmen assigned to 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida, survey the area before a C-17 Globemaster III lands in a dry lake bed during Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 12, 2022. Participants conducting training missions during Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 are able to test and perfect Agile combat employment operating concept for how the U.S. combat forces will fight in a modern, contested environment.

U.S. Marines with Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct a live-fire close quarters battle exercise at the Tier 1 Group (T1G) compound near Memphis, Tennessee, April 4, 2023. The training at T1G enhanced MSPFs knowledge of weapons and tactics, breaching, operational medicine, and lethality in preparation for the 26th MEUs upcoming deployment.

060316-M-9019H-008. Base: Hit State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marines with All-Domain Effects Team, 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, call fire support during Exercise Gunslinger 2022 in Salina, Kansas, June 16, 2022. The ADET can provide and synchronize lethal and non-lethal effects across all domains with a combination of sensors and marksmen that enhance lethality and interoperability with joint and reserve forces of maneuver forces.

United States Army ranger in the mountains.

041113-M-2353F-001. Base: Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Anthony Moore, from Corpus Christi, Texas, a radio operator with 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group moves to an observation point to assist in controlling various forms of fires including fixed-wing, rotary-wing, artillery, and mortar assets during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at Observation Point Sunkist (OP Sunkist), Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, California, Oct. 4, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

A U.S. Army Soldier with 2nd Brigade Infantry Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, crouches in the grass and assumes a security posture during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Training Center rotation 23-01 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Oct. 31, 2022. JPMRC 23-01 is a regional combat training center (CTC) rotation that builds combat readiness in Americas Pacific Division and is a key way the Army forces engage in a joint environment with our regional allies and partners.

060807-A-0559K-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Dagger State: Tikrit Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHWEST

KHOST PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Army Master Sgt. Philip Barker and his Soldiers provide security during a civil assistance mission along the Khost-Gardez Pass in eastern Afghanistan, March 29. The Afghan National Army, aided by Coalition forces, organized the mission, coordinated the movement of supplies and controlled the missions security element while passing out school supplies to villagers. Barker is with the Indiana National Guard and assigned to the Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in Indiana.

A U.S. Marine Machine Gunner Sprints Across a Field During a Combat Operation in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Nathan Cotter, a mortarman with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires a mortar during an exercise on Range 410 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, June 7, 2022. The 13th MEU is currently conducting Realistic Urban Training exercise to enhance the integration and collective capability of the MEU's command, air, ground, and logistics elements and prepare the 13th MEU to meet the nation's crisis response needs during their upcoming overseas deployment.

A U.S. Marine assigned to the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) 19.2, relays a message over a radio during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel (TRAP) exercise on Karan Island, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, April 23, 2020. The exercise affords the SPMAGTF an opportunity to sustain its critical mission capabilities, demonstrate its ability to rapidly respond to emergent threats and crises, and improve its ability to project power in the maritime domain.

Soldiers with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Arrow Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade are evaluated by observer, coach/trainers (OC/Ts) from the 174th Infantry Brigade during their post mobilization exercise on Fort Bliss, Texas, Jan 22, 2024. The OC/Ts assessed their reaction and response capabilities by observing multiple training exercises incorporating realistic and dynamic simulations to prepare for an upcoming deployment. Realistic training alongside subject matter experts aims to boost proficiency in adeptly reacting and responding across various scenarios, equipping individuals comprehensively for anticipated deployment challenges.

Kentucky U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), conduct squad live-fire exercise in Djibouti at Arta range complex, Djibouti, June 8, 2022. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, is a dynamic operational headquarters, supporting missions to counter violent extremist organizations, responding to crises and enhancing stability in East Africa.

After delivering U.S. Soldiers and Iraq dignitaries to their final destinations, Crew Chief Sgt. Fred Oser, A. Co. 2-25, Combat Aviation Brigade, attached to 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, dismounts the 240 Bravo Machine Guns from the UH-60 Black Hawk used during the mornings mission to several Combined Security Checkpoints in the Ninewa Province, Iraq, July 2.

100612-A-1619C-191 U.S. Army Spc. Brandon Rodriguez, a combat infantryman from 1st Platoon, Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army Europe, carries an M-4 carbine as he maneuvers through rough terrain during a patrol outside Forward Operating Base Baylough in Zabul province, Afghanistan, on June 12, 2010.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Stryder Rodriguez, a machine gunner with Weapons Company, 3d Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, checks for effective suppression while conducting Range 400 as a part of Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 3-22 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 8, 2022. ITX is a month-long training evolution comprised of multiple ranges to refine combined arms maneuver in offensive and defensive combat operations.

U.S. Senior Airman Caleb Farnworth, a structural journeyman assigned to the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron, aims an M4 carbine during a simulated response exercise at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Feb. 22, 2024. The training tested the squadrons ability to properly respond to an aircraft crash under strenuous conditions and brought several different organizations across base together to maximize a realistic atmosphere and maintain security. Air Force

A U.S. Marine Holds an M4 in One Hand and a Stray Puppy in His Other at a Combat Outpost in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

U.S. Marines with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, hold security during 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. Marine half-turned to the camera. His brother-soldier looking in the same direction.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, shoots a table one course of fire at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 9, 2022. The table one course of fire covers the basic fundamentals of marksmanship and rifle safety. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob Hutchinson)

Two soldiers in the mountains during a military operation.

U.S. Army Ranger in Afghanistan combat scene.

U.S. Marine forward observers with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, 1 Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, prepares to assist in close air support operations on Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 2, 2022. 1st ANGLICO practices CAS exercises to ensure the Ground Combat Element and the Air Combat Element are in sync and ready to accomplish mission tasking around the world.

A paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Divisions 1st Brigade Combat Team pulls security during a combat operation June 2, 2012, in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. His fellow paratroopers and Afghan soldiers inserted into the rugged mountain terrain via helicopter.

Marines with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/2, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) participate in the culminating event in an exercise in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility, a platoon sized mechanized raid with armor and close air support, April 30, 2013. The 26th MEU is currently deployed as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. The 26th MEU operates continuously across the globe, providing the president and unified combatant commanders with a forward-deployed, sea-based quick reaction force. The MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations.

Green Berets U.S. Army Special Forces Group soldier in action.

070410-A-9834L-010SANGIN, Afghanistan - A special operations force Soldier assigned to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan fires on a Taliban fighting position during an afternoon battle in the Sangin District area of Helmand Province April 10.

A U.S. Marine assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, buddy rushes while completing Range 800 during a battalion field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 20, 2022. Range 800 improved Alpha Companys efficiency in independent platoon operations and basic fire support team skills during the larger FEX, intended to increase the battalions combat readiness.

United States marine rider in helmet, camouflage uniform and hidden behind mask and glasses face, carrying satellite communication system on back, walking in desert area with service rifle in hands. Armed marine corps rider patrolling in desert area

U.S. Marine with rifle and warpaint on face.

PŌHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii (July 16, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nathanial Brunett, a Helena, Mont., native and cannoneer with 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division, sits on an M777 towed 155 mm howitzer between missions at Pōhakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, July 16, 2022. Marines with 1/12 conducted fire missions as part of Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2022. 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 the series that began in 1971.

041223-M-2353F-013. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM II Base: Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Equipped and armed special forces soldier with sniper rifle.

Sitting atop Light Armored Vehicle-25 (LAV-25), US Marine Corps (USMC) Marines with the 7th Marines, Twentynine Palms, California (CA), listen to a visiting General speak and answers questions at Camp Coyote, Kuwait during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The USMC Marines are armed with 5.56 mm M16A2 assault rifles. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Coyote Country: Kuwait (KWT)

041109-M-2789C-108. Base: Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

060322-F-7823A-090. Base: Tall Afar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Pfc. Heather De La Vega, personal security detail medic assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, takes direction from Sgt. John Maziarz and her assistant gunner, Sgt. Isiah Selby, personal security detail soldiers also assigned to HHC 37th IBCT, as she fires her M240B machine gun during qualification at Camp Mike Spann, Afghanistan, Feb. 7, 2012. The 37th IBCT is deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Green Berets U.S. Army Special Forces Group soldier.

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