Soldiers Training with Firearms

Military personnel engage in marksmanship training, showcasing various shooting positions and weapon systems in outdoor environments.

A Paratrooper assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, participates in a stress shoot at Fort Bragg, N.C. on Janurary 7, 2021. The event is designed to measure the physical fitness and shooting capabilities of a Paratrooper in a stressful environment. The stress shoot challenged Paratroopers to overcome multiple challenges in addition to firing their weapons including a sled drag, kettlebell run, and wheelbarrow push.

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

A Paratrooper assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, participates in a stress shoot at Fort Bragg, N.C. on Janurary 7, 2021. The event is designed to measure the physical fitness and shooting capabilities of a Paratrooper in a stressful environment. The stress shoot challenged Paratroopers to overcome multiple challenges in addition to firing their weapons including a sled drag, kettlebell run, and wheelbarrow push.

Spc. Cassandrew Delicieux, a wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 3rd Battalion of the 20th Special Forces Group under 83rd Troop Command, fires weapons system in the Region 3 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition held at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Fla., on May 9th, 2022. Soldiers in the Army National Guard gather to compete, build esprit de corps, and represent their respective states for the upcoming national competition.

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

Spc. Robert Buck, with the 130th Engineer Company, shoots his M4 carbine rifle during the weapons skills portion of the State's Best Warrior competition at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Nov. 10, 2022. These Soldiers are representing their units and brigades in an intense gauntlet to find out who will advance onto the Regional Best Warrior Competition.

Staff Sgt. James Rowan, 49th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, assembles a rifle during the Defender Challenge at the Security Forces Training Complex May 11, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The event saw four-person teams navigate through a series of obstacles and challenges ranging from weapon disassembly/reassembly to sweeping and clearing rooms of simulated enemy threats.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kymani Stewart, 100th Security Forces Squadron defender, scans the area through the sight of an M4A1 carbine during a field training exercise (FTX) at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Feb. 29, 2024. Defenders went through two weeks of training prior to the 48-hour FTX. Air Force

A U.S. Army infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division pulls security during a platoon dismounted situational training as part of Defender 22 at Bucierz Range, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 6, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

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

050323-F-9629D-056. Base: Rodriquez Live Fire Complex Country: Republic Of Korea (ROK)

Florida Army National Guards Warrant Officer Richard Shirley, with the 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, participates in the 2022 Adjutant General (TAG) match, September 10th, 2022, at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Florida. The TAG Match brings together soldiers who wish to test their skills in pistol and rifle drills and firing sequences against skilled peers.

Staff Sgt. Clement Gray, with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), shoots out of a window after breaching a door with a battering ram during the Week of the Eagles Stress Shoot Competition May 23, Fort Campbell, Ky. The stress shoot competition consisted of eight different teams competing to see which team could be the fastest at clearing the course while also being the most accurate.

Spc. Samuel Alverez of Squad 1, representing U.S. Army Forces Command in the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition, reloads his M4A1 carbine during the weapon qualification course on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt-to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events; evaluating their physical and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Moss with Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, holds security while conducting a simulated Improvised Explosive Device lane in Military Operations on Urban Terrain, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 13, 2022. The purpose of the training was to increase readiness and operability in urban terrain.

Midshipman Brian Sebring, with the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, operates the M27 assault rifle during a live-fire range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 26, 2022. The Career Orientation and Training for Midshipmen program is a basic introduction and training event to familiarize NROTC Midshipmen with the primary warfare designators that they will eventually serve in, as well as provide them with exposure to what is often their first fleet experience.

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, posts security during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 9, 2022. This type of training evolution is a culminating event designed to formally evaluate a units combat readiness operation abilities.

British Soldiers from the Experimental Trials Group assault through a training village during Project Convergence 2022 at Fort Irwin, California, Oct. 27, 2022. PC22 experimentation incorporates technologies and concepts from all services and from multinational partners, including in the areas of autonomy, augmented reality, tactical communications, advanced manufacturing, unmanned aerial systems and long-range fires.

A Soldier from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard fires the M110A1 rifle during Squad Designated Marksmanship Training May 23, 2022, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. Soldiers from across the Pennsylvania National Guard were challenged with a week of learning to shoot distant targets with the M4 Carbine before they transitioned to the M110A1

030913-M-9023R-010. Subject Operation/Series: CROCODILE 2003 Base: Camp Samuel Hill State: Queensland Country: Australia (AUS) Scene Major Command Shown: Golf 2nd Bn 3rd Mar

U.S. Air Force Capt. Travis Hunt, a tactical air control party specialist and commanding officer of Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, operates the M18 Modular Handgun System during small arms live-fire training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 22, 2022. The special warfare Airmen conducted shooting drills that honed reaction time, speed reloading and clearing weapon malfunctions utilizing the M18 Modular Handgun System and the M4 carbine.

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

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jonathan Over, a V Corps historian, fires the M17 pistol at a target during an weapons qualification, July 27, 2022, in Zlotkowo, Poland. V Corps Soldiers conducted these realistic training to further develop cohesive teams of Army professionals who can operate and thrive in ambiguous, complex, and challenging situations.

010802-F-1631A-001. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A U.S. Army Soldier, with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, fires the M249 light machine gun during a field mission at the Fort Dix Ranges on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 25, 2023. The 114th Infantry Regiment had a four day drill weekend to better prepare for JRTC.

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

DF-SD-03-06124. Base: Lackland Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jonathan Yacono, assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, participates in a training event in Ventspil, Latvia, during exercise BALTOPS 22, June 12, 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 combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

U.S. Army paratroopers with 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, conduct platoon live-fire training during exercise Rock Dawn in Latvia, May 16, 2022. 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. (U.S. Army photograph by Sgt. Luke Michalski)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jared Earp, a combat engineer with Bravo Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, sets up an ambush as part of a force-on-force training iteration during exercise Eagle Wrath 22 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, May 17, 2022. Eagle Wrath is an annual MWSS-171 exercise at CATC Camp Fuji, Japan, designed to increase squadron proficiency in conducting real-world contingency missions while in a forward operating environment.

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

Over the shoulder view of a marksman pointing his rifle with optical sight.

020919-F-3805C-008. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Army Spc. Michael Shirley, a signal specialist, Bravo Company, 115th Signal Battalion, Alabama National Guard, zeros his M249 squad automatic weapon at Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 4, 2022. The signal company, based out of Haleyville, Ala., is conducting their annual training at Northern Strike 22-2. This years exercise brings 7,400 people from 19 states and 4 coalition countries to Northern Michigan.

040814-M-3658J-020. Base: Mcb Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Joshua Chase, a motor vehicle operator with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, provides security for Landing Zone Alpha, Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, May 24, 2022. Bravo Company Marines conducted convoys with simulated opposition forces to prepare for future operations and foster force readiness. 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.

1st Lt. Michael Singer from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), qualifies on the machine gun range at the Annual Best Ranger Competition in Fort Benning, Ga on April 8th 2022. Soldiers will have to prove their marksmanship, qualifying in a variety of weapons.

An Army Reserve Soldier fires a M249 light machine gun on the range at McCoy, Wisconsin, April 3, 2022. Soldiers qualify their marksmanship every year in order to maintain combat readiness.

Tennessee Army National Guardsman Spc. Joshua Seder, from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, pulls security during the final portion of the valor run at the Tennessee State Best Warrior Competition, in Tullahoma, Feb. 24, 2024. After calling for fire and requesting a medical evacuation, Seder helped the Soldier into the aircraft and layed down to ensure no enemies would attempt to return fire. Army National Guard

U.S Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Hayden, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, posts security during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 27, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

Sgt. Richard Carlson, a Health Care Specialist with the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Battalion, 94th Cavalry Regiment takes aim with the Croatian service rifle as part of the weapons qualification task during the Croatian Best Soldier Competition on May 24, 2022, near Slunj, Croatia. Croatia and Minnesota have worked together for over 25 years as part of the National Guards State Partnership Program which enable them to particpate in events like this. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette)

U.S. Air Force Airman Basic Grace Ponnath, student, sends bullets down the target range from a M249 light machine gun during the live firing portion of the Lightweight Machine Gun Qualification course at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Oct. 3, 2022. The course is two-weeks long culminating in three days where students familiarize themselves with weapons by live firing in multiple conditions and is designed to ready students for mission demands on day-one of assignment at their new base where this training is not available.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division participate in an M240B machine gun range during Resolute Dragon 22 at Shikaribetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

U.S. Army soldier assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) conducts a functions check on the M2 Browning .50 cal machine gun during an Expert Soldier Badge practice lane on Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Oct. 14, 2022. The U.S. Army ESB measures a soldiers proficiency in physical fitness, marksmanship, land navigation and other critical warfighting tasks. The ESB was implemented in the 2020 fiscal year.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Eloy Huertas, a corrections and detention specialist with the 42nd Military Police Brigade, I Corps, fires a pistol at a target during a 3-gun marksmanship competition for the I Corps Best Squad Competition, June 21, 2022, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Eleven squads competed over five competition days in events including marksmanship, fitness tests, field exercises, obstacle courses, a ruck march and a review board.

SSGT Stan Mason, 475th Security Police Squadron, sights in with his M-16 rifle during the ground base defense exercise Foal Eagle '91. The M-16 is equipped with a blank firing device.. Subject Operation/Series: FOAL EAGLE '91 Country: South Korea

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Trent Weber, a rifleman with Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, fires an M27 infantry automatic rifle during his annual rifle qualification at Range 116A on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 11, 2022. Camp Pendletons Marksmanship Training Division trains 22,000 Marines and sailors each year across the installation to effectively engage targets with both rifles and pistols. The ARQ is a timed course of fire, ranging from 500 yards down to 15 yards. Weber is a native of Chicago.

Cpl. Ryan M. Rosemore engages targets during the 3rd Marine Division Annual Squad Competition December 7, 2017, at the Jungle Warfare Training Center in Okinawa, Japan. The squad competition is conducted to test and compare each unit to see which is the fittest for combat. The squads are with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment; 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment; 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and Combat Assault Battalion. Rosemore, a Aitkin, Minnesota native, is a rifleman assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. The Hawaii-based battalion is forward deployed to Okinawa, Japan as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Soldier aiming machine gun

U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion (CEB), 2d Marine Division (MARDIV), aim their weapons during the SAPPER Squad Competition on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 10, 2022. During this exercise, Marines from 1st CEB, 1st MARDIV, and 2d CEB conducted urban demolition training during the annual SAPPER Squad Competition. The competition consisted of a wide array of mission essential tasks under a stressful environment and recognized top talent within the Marine Corps combat engineer community.

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

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Chaos Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, set up an M240B machine gun before a machine gun qualification at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, July 27, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Yaret Garcia Hernandez, a machine gunner with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division fires an M240B machine gun during Resolute Dragon 22 at Shikaribetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains. Yaret is a native of Oakland, California.

Air Force Materiel Command's STAFF Sergeant Timothy A. Kane (Grenadier and kneeling) and US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Jerry W. Zaborksky (Rifleman and lying down) fire at targets down range as an evaluator looks on during the combat weapons competition at DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 at Camp Bullis, 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, base defense and policing skills over six days. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 Base: Camp Bullis State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An Albanian special operations forces soldier ducks behind a wooden barrier and fires his rifle during a stress fire exercise as part of a joint combined exchange training (JCET) near Tirana, Albania, Feb. 27, 2024. Albania special operations forces and the 10th SFG(A) conducted JCET to enhance interoperability and strengthen military readiness, teamwork, and joint confidence while promoting peace and stability in Europe. Army

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

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

040318-M-8683D-009. Base: Camp Stonewall, Bagram Airfield Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Lane Peebles, a combat engineer with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6), Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, reloads a M4A1 rifle during a barricade range in preparation for exercise Freezing Winds 22 in Syndalen, Finland, Oct. 11, 2022. Task Force Red Cloud, headquartered by elements of CLB-6, is deployed to Finland in support of Exercises SYD 2022 and Freezing Winds 2022 to enhance U.S. and Finnish select interdependence in the maritime domain; solidify bilateral maritime maneuver within the Finnish littoral environment; and foster strong relationships between U.S. Marine Corps and Finnish Defense Force sustainment units.

Staff Sgt. Troy Cline, first squad team member with the 442d Security Forces Squadron, dons a gas mask during exercise Ozark Thunder, April 3, 2022, at Camp Clark, in Nevada, Mo. The gas mask, along with other mission oriented protective posture gear, is meant to protect against chemical or biological agents during enemy attack.

ARTA, Djibouti (Sep. 22, 2022) - U.S. Navy Sailors from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti conduct a live-fire exercise to maintain operational efficiency at Djibouti Range Complex, Sep. 22, 2022. Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti serves as an expeditionary base for U.S. military forces providing support to ships, aircraft and personnel that ensure security throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. The base enables maritime and combat operations ing the Horn of Africa and Southwest Asia. The base enables maritime and combat operations in the Horn of Africa while fostering positive U.S. Africa relations.

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

U.S. Army Spc. Devin Kiser, Bradley driver, 4th Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, checks the chamber of an M240 machine gun during Gunnery Skills Test (GST) on day 4 of the Sullivan Cup Competition, at Fort Benning, Ga., April 28, 2022. GST is designed to develop and test the proficiency of Abrams and Bradley crews, and individual armor crewmen on their ability to properly use and maintain their weapon systems and execute gunnery techniques.

Soldiers from the Alabama National Guard's 31st CBRN Brigade and Romania's 72nd NBC Defense Battalion join forces to crosstrain on tactics, techniques, procedures, and equipment at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, April 24-30, 2022. The troops integrated into combined teams for exercises involving hazardous material reconnaissance, analysis and decontamination; Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) operations; site security; medevac; M4 carbine marksmanship; machine gunnery and more. The force-to-force engagement was the second part of a two-part event, with the first held in Romania in September 2021. Both engagements focused on maintaining readiness and enabling troops from both nations to work together in the same environments to defend against imminent threats from near-peer adversaries in the Black Sea region.

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

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Wayne Bahr, 219th Security Forces Squadron, red hat, provides overwatch and instruction for Senior Airman Mary Andrzejek, of the 133rd Medical Group, as she operates an Mk 19 grenade launcher (pronounced Mark 19) an American 40mm belt-fed automatic grenade launcher during stationary turret training held at Camp Ripley Minnesota July 26, 2022. Airman received both stationary and mobile training on the Mark 19 as part of their qualify course to prepare them for real world missile fields and deployments.

U.S Army Soldiers from Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve forces take part in a field training exercise during the 1-254th Regional Training Institute's Infantry Advanced Leaders Course 22-02 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 9, 2022. The Infantry Advanced Leaders Course is a branch-specific course that provides Soldiers selected for promotion to Staff Sgt. an opportunity to enhance leadership, technical skill, tactical expertise and experience needed to lead squad-size units.

030412-F-5789F-003. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM, USAF Base: Bashur Air Field Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade provide suppressive fire on an objective during a combined arms live fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 22, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Thomas Sullivan, a Warrenton, Virginia, native and assistant team leader with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, engages a target during a regimental field exercise on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 6, 2022. Marines conducted the FEX to enhance combat capabilities while maintaining operational readiness throughout the regiment.

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, holds security during a helicopter raid exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 03, 2022. The exercise trained Marines on securing an objective, defending it, and creating a forward arming and refueling point. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

A Ranger assigned to the United Kingdoms 4th Ranger Battalion, fires from a window as part of the final lane during the Mentons Best Sniper Competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Dec. 6, 2022.

Australian Servicemembers prepare to breach a mock door during Subject Matter Expert exchanges training in support of Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023 on Dodiklatpur Rindam V, East Java, Indonesia., Sept. 1, 2023. Super Garuda Shield 2023 is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in scope and size since 2009. SGS2023 is the second consecutive time this exercise has grown into a combined and joint event, highlighting the 7 participating and 12 observing nations' commitment to partnership and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Army Soldier with the 1-114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, zero fires the M4 carbine before a range qualification on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Oct. 22, 2022. Soldiers with the 1-114th Infantry Regiment conducted day and night range qualifications during their drill weekend.

Young male sniper in camouflage with gun in the desert.

A member of the Belize Defence Force fires downrange during a media day for Tradewinds 2022 in Hattieville, Belize, on May 17, 2022. Tradewinds 2022 focuses on foreign military interaction, maritime interdiction, ground security, and field training exercises supporting U.S. SOUTHCOM's Campaign Plan.

U.S. Army Spc. Todd Hall, a sniper assigned to 3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, removes a spent round from his rifle as U.S. Army Spc. Izik Schmidt, a sniper assigned to 3-66 AR, aims at a target atop a vehicle during the Latvia International Snipers Competition as part of Defender Europe at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, May 13, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. Trent Swearengen, defender with the 161st Security Forces Squadron, fires his M4 carbine from simulated cover at Kirtland AFB, July 10, 2022. The 161st conducted their annual training alongside the 162nd Security Forces Squadron to share ideas, tactics and techniques, equipment uses.

Senior Airman Harley Hoogendoorn, Aviation resource management, 114th Fighter Wing, assumes the prone position during a simulated ground attack during Lobo Trident at Volk Field Air National Guard Base near Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, March 28, 2023. Lobo Trident is a large-scale readiness exercise used to demonstrate the 114th Fighter Wings capability to support adaptive operations in a contested environment.

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

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

modern warfare soldier in action aiming at weapon laser sight optics in combat position while searching for a target in battle

Staff Sgt. Blake Bethel, fire team leader, returns fire with a M4 carbine to members of a fictional insurgency group attacking a decommissioned power plant in rural West Virginia as part of a training event. The squadron conducted the all-day field training exercise at the plant on June 9, using blank rounds of ammunition and blank-firing attachments on their firearms to force negative pressure back into the barrel, chambering the next round of ammunition and providing a realistic effect.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, adjust the scope of an M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle as part of the zeroing step before Defender 2022 at Oberlausitz Training Area, Germany, April 27, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Anthony Bechtold, Air Force Special Operations Command, fires his M16A2 rifle down range during the combat rifle competition at Camp Bullis, Texas, during DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000. Defender Challenge is the annual Air Force wide competition sponsored by Air Force Security Forces. This competition showcases the talents and capabilities of 13 international Security Forces teams in seven physical fitness, base defense and policing skills over six days. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE '00 Base: Lackland Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

Air Force Materiel Command PETTY Officer Second Class Scott S. Faculak, fires at targets to zero his power M60 weapon during the combat weapons competition of DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 at Camp Bullis, 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, base defense and policing skills over six days. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 Base: Camp Bullis State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Spc. Brock Mudge, an infantryman with the Washington Army National Guards C Company, 3rd Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, engages targets with a Mark 19 automatic grenade launcher while competing in the 2017 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Camp Ripley, Minn., Tuesday, July 18, 2017. The competition is a mentally and physically challenging three-day event that tests Soldiers on a variety of tactical and technical skills to determine the Army Guards Soldier and noncommissioned of the year. The winners move on to compete in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition, battling it out with Soldiers from throughout the Army to be named the Armys Soldier and NCO of the year.

An Australian Solider and a U.S. Marine, conducts Individual Movement Techniques with their assigned weapon during Exercise Super Garuda Shield on Dodiklatpur Rindam V, East Java, Indonesia., September 1, 2023. Super Garuda Shield 2023 is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in scope and size since 2009. SGS2023 is the second consecutive time this exercise has grown into a combined and joint event, highlighting the 6 participating and 12 observing nations' commitment to partnership and a free and open indo-pacific.

050126-F-5388P-038. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U. S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Juan Vera, assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company Europe (FASTEUR), participates in a shooting competition with members of the Spanish National Police's Grupo Especial de Operaciones (GEO), May 19, 2022. FASTEUR is deployed 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. Air Force Staff Sgt. Benjamin Leavitt, a tactical air control party specialist assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, fires the M4 carbine during small arms live-fire training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 22, 2022. The special warfare Airmen conducted shooting drills that honed reaction time, speed reloading and clearing weapon malfunctions utilizing the M18 Modular Handgun System and the M4 carbine.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 173rd Airborne Brigade pull security and maintain fighting positions during Saber Junction 22 in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 12, 2022. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Armys 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Armys Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Luke VanBrocklin, water support technician, Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 273, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, reloads during a short-range course of fire (table 5) at Ft. Stewart, Georgia, Oct. 31, 2022. Marines with MWSS-273 and Combat Logistics Company 23 improved their combat capability and exercised their proficiency with M4 carbine rifles and M16A4 service rifles. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin)

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

A Paratrooper with Company D, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment fires at the enemy with a M240 Bravo machine gun during a combat patrol exercise, Aug 5, 2008. During the exercise, paratroopers experienced many scenarios which they may face in combat such as combating an insurgent cell.

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

060427-A-6365W-142. Base: Osha City State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, serves as a spotter during the zeroing of an M110 semi-automatic sniper at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 7, 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, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

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