U.S. Army Competitions

Soldiers participating in competitive events testing their physical endurance, teamwork, and military skills during training exercises.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jacob Pagano, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Division Artillery, 1st Armored Division, completes the12-mile tactical foot march during the Iron Squad Competition at Fort Bliss, Texas, April 19, 2022. The Iron Squad Competition is a four-day event designed to test each squad and individual competitors physical stamina, Warrior Tasks and Battle Drill skills and military knowledge. The winning squad will advance to compete in the III Corps Best Squad Competition later this year at Fort Hood.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jacob Pagano, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Division Artillery, 1st Armored Division, completes the12-mile tactical foot march during the Iron Squad Competition at Fort Bliss, Texas, April 19, 2022. The Iron Squad Competition is a four-day event designed to test each squad and individual competitors physical stamina, Warrior Tasks and Battle Drill skills and military knowledge. The winning squad will advance to compete in the III Corps Best Squad Competition later this year at Fort Hood.

U.S. Army Sgt. Jerry Billingsley, 1st Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, conducts an after action review (AAR) following a training exercise near Fort Bliss, Texas, Oct. 8, 2022. After action reviews allow for Soldiers to recognize and understand how the training was effective and what can be improved upon during the next iteration of training to better achieve mission excellence.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Nathan Ortiz, weapons load crew member from the 60th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, performs tool checks during the quarterly weapons load competition April 15, 2022, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The 60th AMU stood up with the newly re-activated 60th Fighter Squadron.

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

Sgt. Jefferson Gwynn, West Virginia Army National Guard 119th Engineer Co., 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. Army Soldiers from Operations Group (OPSGRP), National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., receive a familiarization medical rehearsal from 3d Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Range Operations, and Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) personnel at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Oct. 21, 2022. JPMRC 23-01 brings Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, Sailors, and three additional partner Indo-Pacific nations together to evaluate and provide realistic training in the conditions they will most likely face in a crisis or conflict to strengthen their defense relationships and multinational interoperability.

U.S. Army Spc. Nathan Roy, U.S. Army Regional Correctional Activity-Europe, stands in front of the U.S. Army Regional Correction Facility-Europe after being recognized by Maj. Gen. James Smith, commanding general, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, during a guided tour of the facility at Sembach Kaserne, Germany, Nov. 22, 2022.

U.S. Army SSG Chad Redman, 3-238th General Support Aviation Battalion, Company E from Grand Ledge Army Aviation Support Facility, Grand Ledge, Michigan, supports a wet-wing defueling of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 191st Air Refueling Group, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan at Sawyer International Airport, Marquette, Michigan, during the Northern Agility 22-1 exercise, June 27, 2022. The Northern Agility 22-1 exercise tests the rapid insertion of an Air Expeditionary Wing into a bare-base environment, to establish logistics and communications and enhance the ability to operate in austere environments.

(1/3) Capt. Nathan Hoeger, commander of the 186th Military Police Company, stands for a portrait outside the Iowa National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, on April 8, 2022. Hoeger is a commander who is invested in taking a preventative, rather than reactive, approach to sexual assault and harassment. Like many Iowa Soldiers and Airmen, he has a wife, mom and sister. He knows the importance of treating others with respect and refuses to let SHARP training be a check the box subject. He believes Soldiers dont care what you know, they just want to know that you care. During Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, Hoeger was recognized by his peers for implementing effective training and raising awareness to fight back against sexual violence in Iowa's ranks. "Its time to try to change the culture. The first sergeant, platoon leaders and platoon sergeants go around asking Soldiers in the company about SHARP related topics. Who can you go report to What are the diff

Sgt. Blakeman from the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, Wyoming Army National Guard, participates in a training exercise in Sheridan, Wyoming, May 17, 2022.

Sgt. Blakeman from the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, Wyoming Army National Guard, participates in a training exercise in Sheridan, Wyoming, May 17, 2022.

Army Maryland National Guard Staff Sgt. James Hamilton observes 3rd platoon, 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team during eXportable Combat Training Capability 22-01 at Fort Drum, New York July 17, 2022. Hamilton joined ARNG-OGW, headquartered at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, from the Warrior Training Unit at Fort Benning, Georgia, in June 2021. Its long days and little sleep, said Hamilton. But thats the mission. We are helping them develop and refine their tactics and processes to become more proficient as an element. (Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Amberlee Medina)

Staff Sgt. Tabitha Moore, a combat medic from Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital Emergency Department, recently achieved three major milestones in her career. The junior noncommissioned officer won the BJACH NCO of the year competition, was selected as one of the Regional Health Command Central Best Junior NCOs, and earned her Expert Field Medical Badge in recent months.

Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau visits the National Guards citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait Feb. 27 - March 4 through dozens of formal briefings, town hall meetings and tours to “gauge their thoughts” about the missions they are accomplishing. Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw Jr., assistant to Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, Michael T. Mosley and the Guard Bureaus Command Sgt. Maj. David Hudson accompanied him.

Staff Sergeant Taylor Sealock is a 91D, Power Generation Specialist from the Headquarter Support Company, 777th Aviation Support Battalion. Sealock is also qualified in a secondary MOS--42A, Human Resources Specialist. Several members of Sealock's family were enlisted, including her father and grandfather; she continued the line by enlisting in 2014 out of Florida, her home state, then transferred to the Arkansas National Guard. She joined to help pay for college but quickly realized she thoroughly enjoyed the military lifestyle. "I like the physical demand," Sealock explained. "But I like feeling needed more than anything else."In the beginning, she felt a little lost, as many lower enlisted do, but as she began to advance in rank, taking on more responsibilities, she found her purpose. Sealock takes great pride in passing on crucial bits of knowledge and helping the soldiers underneath her in any capacity she can. The military has helped Sealock grow professionally and personally; it

U.S. Army Soldier Spc. Jeremy Roup, infantryman, assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, stands in front of the weaver obstacle in the 3IBCT headquarters at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, after returning from U.S. Army Ranger School Oct. 19, 2022. Roup graduated from the U.S. Army Ranger School after 209 consecutive days, demonstrating his unwavering grit and determination.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tristan Vagts, 325th Maintenance Squadron armament journeyman, rests beneath a tree during a Shoot-Move-Communicate exercise as part of the 325th Fighter Wing Augmentation Program at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 20, 2022. The 325th Security Forces Squadron has trained more than 43 Airmen across Tyndall as SF augmentees to aid in manpower during the installations rebuild. Augmentees are given a foundational understanding of SF throughout a five-day course to include combative and use-of-force training so that when needed, they can post alongside defenders and contribute to the SF mission of integrated installation defense.

U.S. Air Force Col. Robert McAllister, 87th Air Base Wing Vice Commander, greets friends and family at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurt, N.J., Oct. 5, 2022. McAllister has returned to JB MDL from his six month deployment

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U.S. Army Soldiers from around the United States Army Pacific and 25th Infantry Division perform a Combat Water Survival Assessment during Jungle School at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Oct. 11, 2022. The Combat Water Survival Assessment includes soldiers performing dawn and ditch, a 5m platform jump with a weapon, a 5-minute tread, and a 50m swim.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kalvin Gilhousin, 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron functional systems administrator non commissioned officer in charge poses for portrait at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, September 26, 2020. Gilhousin was awarded by Retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Jim Mattis the Fairbanks Outstanding Community Member Award, signed by both senators of Alaska. This award not only highlighted the cartridge program but also his work as the Adopt-A-Highway coordinator for the 354th LRS stretch of highway in North Pole, Alaska, for his involvement in Operation Underground Railroad, and for being a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response volunteer victim advocate.

Master Sgt. Brandon Blake, Detachment Superintendent and a Registered Respiratory Care Practitioner for the Special Operations Surgical Team, Detachment 1, 720th Operations Support Squadron, Birmingham, Ala. poses for photos as part of being recognized as a recipient of the U.S. Air Force 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year 2022, Hurlburt Field, Florida, July 29, 2022. Blake was chosen for this award based on superior leadership, job performance and personal achievements including his lifesaving role in Operation Allies Refuge.

A U.S. Air Force Airman exerts assists his team with pushing a Humvee during the Police Week Defenders Challenge at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 16, 2022. Teams from across the base tested their mental and physical skills while competing in the timed event.

Tech. Sgt. Brendon Bowman, 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight examiner and emergency medical paramedic, waits for a patient to arrive at Vilnius International Airport, Lithuania, April 6, 2023. As an Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, they pick up patients in varying medical conditions and provide patients with transportation and care to ensure they reach a location that provides the highest level of care.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Kyle Folkers, a combat engineer with 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, joined the United States Marine Corps because he wanted to better himself and set up opportunities for his future.I wasnt ready for college yet, Folkers said, This would really give me the chance to figure out what I can do in the future.Folkers is currently participating in his unit's Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation. When asked why he continues to do what he does in the Marines, he responded with I enjoy doing this, the camaraderie I get with my team and squad is amazing also, being able to work and train with them is a real privilege.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Brian Chandler, with Bravo Company, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, stands for a portrait at the Fort Dix Ranges on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 26, 2023.

Sgt. Colton Platzke, Delaware Army National Guard 1049th Transportation Company, participates in a stress-shoot event 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.

Spc. Jacob Allard of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Checks his face paint application at the start of Sabre Junction 2022 at Aviano Airbase, Italy. 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 from August 29 to September 20, 2022. (U.S. Army Photo SSG Brandon Rickert)

Senior Airman Jacob Bates, 31st CES pavements and heavy equipment journeyman, operates an excavator at Aviano Air Base, Italy, July 31, 2022. As a member of the 31st CESs Dirt Boyz section, Bates is responsible for any CE project that involves construction and repair on runways, roads, sidewalks and more.

Pfc. Jesus Arteaga, a water treatment specialist with the 1387th Quartermaster Company, 184th Sustainment Command, Mississippi Army National Guard, poses for a photo at Davis Road Park near Jackson, Mississippi, Sept. 7, 2022. "I serve because I wanted to do something different with my life. I also wanted to be able to help my parents attain citizenship here. And I wanted to be able to pay for college." Arteaga is a native of Lake Village, Arkansas.

Tech Sgt. Matthew Smith from the 134th Maintenance Group assists guests with entry to the Smoky Mountain Air Show September 11, 2022.Members of the 134th Air Refueling Wing were on hand to assist the public at the Smoky Mountain Air Show, taking place at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base on September 10-11th, 2022.

Spc. Pelesala Faleseu, ammunition specialist, 1st Theater Sustainment Command stationed on Fort Knox, Kentucky. Faleseu's mother is from American Samoa and his father is from Western Samoa. Falseu said, Samoans are big on God and family.” May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a celebration of the innumerable contributions, vibrant cultures, and rich heritage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

1st Lt. Zachary Rojas, a medical surgical nurse at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and native of San Antonio, competes in Regional Health Command Europe's Best Leader Competition, May 24, for a chance to advance and represent Army Medicine Europe at the U.S. Army Medical Command Best Leader Competition later this summer.

U.S. Air Force Col. Robert McAllister, 87th Air Base Wing Vice Commander, greets friends and family at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurt, N.J., Oct. 5, 2022. McAllister returned to JB MDL from his six month deployment

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Caleb Daugherty, a heavy equipment operator with Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, poses for a photo while participating in a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE) on Bogue Airfield in Bogue, North Carolina, Aug. 21, 2022. CLB-22s MCCRE is the battalion's final evaluation to demonstrate combat readiness through proficiency in core mission essential tasks before they begin a change of operational control (CHOP) to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Airman 1st Class Corey Ruffule, 509th Security Forces Squadron security response team member, rucks during the annual police week memorial ruck march on Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., May 16, 2022. Participants rucked four miles stopping at eight different stations to honor fallen defenders, doing various exercises at each station.

U.S. Soldiers with the 28th Financial Management Support Unit, 213th Regional Support Group, Pennsylvania National Guard, deactivate their unit and activate the 28th Finance Battalion during a ceremony in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Feb. 4, 2024. The incoming commander for the battalion, Lt. Col. Glenn Sudol, was welcomed while the outgoing commander of the 28th FMSU, Maj. Scott Buckmaster, was recognized for his service. Army National Guard

Marine First Lieutenant Lennon with Alpha Company, Second Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) poses for a portrait behind one of his LAV-25s (Light Armored Vehicles) on patrol near the Kandahar International Airport, Kandahar, Afghanistan, during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kandahar International Airport Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: 26 MEU

Senior Airman Herschel Harden, an Airman with the 152nd Security Forces Squadron, secures the airfield perimeter during the Ready Roller exercise at Amedee Army Airfield in Herlong, Calif. October 15, 2022. The intent of the exercise was to test capabilities in a simulated contested environment, utilizing the Agile Combat Employment concept

U.S. Army Maj. Derek Torrez, the assessment branch deputy and force manager, assigned to Joint Modernization Command, folds arm for photo in front of JMCs trailer after describing the function of Table of Knowledge during Project Convergence - Capstone 4 at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 21, 2024. Army

220921-N-OX321-1022 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Sept. 21, 2022) U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alan Pulido, from Kissimmee, Fla., smiles at the camera from his desk in the 7th Reconnaissance Squadron building as the In the Spotlight selection for the base paper The Signature on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sept. 21, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

U.S Air Force Airman 1st Class Jose Quintero, an air transportation specialist with the 62d Aerial Port Squadron, participates in a Hispanic Heritage Month campaign at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 20, 2022. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices Hispanics have made to the United States in all walks of life.

Spc. Michael Magland, District of Columbia Army National Guard 104th Maintenance Company, 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.

Airman 1st Class Justin Nystrom, 45th Logistics Readiness Squadron fleet management analysis technician, poses for a portrait at Patrick Space Force Base, Fla., Nov. 30, 2022. Nystrom provided medical aid to a citizen involved in a car crash on Sep. 5, 2022.

Throughout the days and nights of Oct. 24th through Oct. 26th, 2022, four planes full of National Guard Soldiers arrived at Fort Bliss, Texas, after a yearlong deployment overseas. Leadership from Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Florida, shook the hands of more than 1,000 Soldiers to welcome them home upon their arrival. The majority of the Soldiers are from the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team headquartered in Boise, Idaho, with components in Montana, Nevada and Oregon. Soldiers from the Florida National Guard joined the deployment as an augmentation. The Soldiers returned home from Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield and were part of Task Force Griz, which deployed last November.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Demarion Davis, 48th Fighter Wing Communications Squadron cybersecurity manager, poses for a photo after being selected to be one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the year at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, July 26, 2022. This award recognises 12 outstanding enlisted personnel for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements.

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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.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brahe Gazzelli, a weather forecaster with the 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron, is responsible for providing 24/7 weather support, specifically advance warning of inclement weather for Air Base 201, Niger. The advance warning allows service members and civilians on base to seek shelter and prepare equipment for the storms impact.

U.S. Army Sgt. Sean Bean, a Nodal Network Systems Operator assigned to U.S. Army Network Enterprise Center Belgium, 39th Strategic Signal Battalion, poses after finishing first in the ruck march as he competes for the unit's quarterly Best Warrior Competition, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Dec. 08, 2022.

Tennessee Army National Guardsman Spc. Guillermo Rodriguez, from the 230th Sustainment Brigade, performs radio-loading procedures during the Tennessee State Best Warrior Competition, in Tullahoma, Feb. 23, 2024. This event graded competitors on assembling a radio and calling in a combat injury. Army National Guard

Distinguished Honor Graduate Lawton Fort Sill, Oklahoma - PV2 Ethan Coakley was awarded the Distinguished Honor Graduate award by Bravo Battery 1-22nd Field Artillery Battalion, 434th Field Artillery Brigade on January 26th, 2024 for excelling above his peers during Basic Combat Training.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Bryan Kummer, with the U.S. Army National Guard, prepares to answer questions during a board while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

The 100th Security Forces Squadron hosted a Military Working Dog competition at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, May 13, 2022. The MWD competition was hosted in recognition of National Police Week, a time to pay homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. (U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mackenzie Mendez)

120217-N-ZZ999-120 ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 17, 2012) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Buyannemek Tsoctbaatar pays his respects to Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Kyler L. Estrada during a memorial service aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Estrada was assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) and died while conducting night live-fire and maneuver training in Djibouti, Africa. Makin Island and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th MEU are deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Joshua Davis poses for a photo as he is selected as Navy Talent Acquisition Group Nashville's Recruiter in the Spotlight.

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

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Michael Vasquez, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron electronic warfare systems specialist, poses for a photo at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Dec. 13, 2022. Peer supporters within a squadron or unit offer emotional support and connections to various helping agencies on base to colleagues in need with the distinct benefit of having similar experiences and an understanding of a shared work center culture.

U.S. Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Jared Mengenhausen, 114th Security Forces Squadron squad leader, guards an F-16 from the 114th Fighter Wing on Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 8, 2022. Mangenhausen was part of a dedicated patrol team that maintained security of assets and personnel from the 114th Fighter Wing during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Luis Barrientos, 517th Training Group Arabic military language instructor, engages students at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Presidio of Monterey, Calif., May 11, 2022. Barrientos learned English as a second language as a child, when he joined the Air Force he was sent to DLIFLC and graduated from two separate language courses. He returned a third time as an instructor after 13 years in the Air Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cameron Ross, Barboursville, West Virginia native, is a combat videographer with 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, Communication Strategy and Operations (COMMSTRAT). COMMSTRAT is an occupational field that documents the Naval and Marine Corps story; documentation styles vary from photos, videos, print journalism, and even graphic design.

Maj. Vincent Bain, from Circle Pines, Minnesota, a chaplain at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), poses for a photo in the chapel at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Oct. 6, 2022. WRNMMCs clergy were being celebrated in honor of Clergy Appreciation Day. Clergy Appreciation Day is a National holiday to recognize the work of ministers, pastors, and priests.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Joseph Delaney, 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, won Marauder of the Week at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, November 4, 2022. "It can be kind of difficult but it's not as bad as you would think. You are totally surrounded by some of the best in the business and the Air Force family."

Cadet 2nd Class Luke Robinson, a United States Air Force Academy cadet, ask Col. Julie Gaulin, 374th Airlift Wing vice commander, a question at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 27, 2022. Operation Air Force is a two week long academy summer program that sends cadets entering their third and fourth years of training to bases around the world to experience what active duty Airmen from all areas of expertise do to support the Department of Defense mission for U.S. Military Forces.

Alaska Army National Guard Sgt. Dempsey Woods, a small arms artillery repairman from Nome, Alaska, receives a travel brief in the armory on Joint Base Elemendorf-Richardson, Sept. 21, 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. (Alaska Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Bradford Jackson)

Alaska Army National Guard Sgt. Dempsey Woods, a small arms artillery repairman from Nome, Alaska, receives a travel brief in the armory on Joint Base Elemendorf-Richardson, Sept. 21, 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. (Alaska Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Bradford Jackson)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. James Graves Jr., 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron heavy equipment operator, poses for a photo at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, July 14, 2022. Graves uses the life lessons he's learned from his mother and father to better himself and those around him.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Baird, National Geospatial-intelligence Agency command senior enlisted leader, crawled into a training foxhole to meet 344th Military Intelligence Battalion students who were participating in their capstone assessment at Forward Operating Base Sentinel, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, May 12, 2022. Baird gauged the training environment by asking the students questions.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Anthony Henderson presents a commemorative plaque to Col. David Everly on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 18, 2022. Henderson is the commanding general of 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Everly is the Chief of Staff of 2d MEB.

U.S. Army Sgt. Sidney Perry, assigned to 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), 21st Signal Brigade, participates in soldier skill lanes while competing in the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 19, 2022. The annual multi-day competition tests the physical, tactical and technical proficiency of visual information and public affairs specialists across the DOD and participating international competitors.

GARRETT HEDLUND in BILLY LYNN HALFTIME WALK (2016), directed by ANG LEE.

U.S. Army Spc. Wyatt Walls, assigned to the U.S. Army National Guard, prepares to engage the board panel while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Ratliff, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief, gets promoted during a ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. He was promoted by Lt. Col. Sylvester dAgrella, 386th ECES commander, on Sept. 17, 2022. Ratliffs family was able to watch his promotion ceremony via cellphone streaming. Nearly 100 firefighters, friends, fellow chiefs and leaders took part in the ceremony. Ratiff, who is deployed from the 132nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Iowa Air National Guard, joined the top 1-percent of enlisted members upon promoting to his new rank.

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U.S. Army Spc. Samuel Alvarez, assigned to U.S. Army Forces Command, participates in a board while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

Tunisia Maj. Wagdi Nehdi, Logistical Commander of the Tunisian Army, poses for a photo during the educational exchange with 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.

Military Intelligence (MI) branch officers and warrant officers from Fort Gordon units attend Fort Gordon's first-ever Military Intelligence Career Day, Aug. 8, 2022. Intended to compliment the Army's Assignment Interactive Module 2.0, the event provided MI officers the opportunity to meet and discuss available assignments on Fort Gordon prior to their movement cycle. (Photo by Capt. Rebecca Harr)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Seth Sarrett, 374th Operations Support Squadron survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialist, shows his smile after landing a drop zone during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 22, 2022. A six member team comprised of U.S. Air Force and JGSDF paratroopers, conducted a military free fall demonstration to show their capabilities during the festival. During the two-day festival, more than 110,000 attendees came to Yokota to experience the event. The festival is aimed at increasing bilateral relationships between U.S. and Japanese communities and allows people to see U.S. and Japanese military capabilities first-hand.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Wesley Sackville, a 673d Logistics Readiness Squadron petroleum, oils and lubricants technician, refuels a Royal Air Force C-130J Hercules assigned to No. 47 Squadron, RAF Brize Norton, England, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 10, 2022. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-directed field training exercise, allowing forces to practice interoperability by providing unique opportunities to integrate into joint and multilateral training.

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U.S. Army Sgt. Aldane Wellington with Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment stands for a photo after the troops situational training exercise at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Oct. 18, 2022. 2CR provides V Corps 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.

U.S. Army Spc. Alexander Maiden, a Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer assigned to Charlie Company, 237th Support Battalion, holds up his injury card depicting a simulated eye wound during a training exercise at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 11, 2022. Maiden operated as a simulated casualty during the medical training event, which helped Soldiers of C Co better prepare for similar situations they may encounter when deployed.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Collin Strubel, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania, native and a mortarman with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, poses for a photo during a range at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 13, 2022. Marine Corps Scout Snipers are experts in enemy surveillance, marksmanship, as well as stealth and concealment and can engage individual targets without collateral damage while using precise weapons to deny the enemy freedom of movement or disrupt operations by targeting high-valued individuals.

Commander 42 (NL) Battlegroup, SFIR-3, Lieutenant Colonel Richard van Harskamp.

Chaplain Capt. Sam Houston, a division operations chaplain assigned to the 34th Infantry Division "Red Bulls" poses for a portrait at Fort Cavazos, Texas Feb. 28, 2024. The chaplain team is headed to the Middle East to participate in Operation Spartan Shield. (Minnesota National Guard

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Joshua S. Pulfer, a munitions systems specialist, poses in front of the heritage A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard, May 15, 2022. Pulfer was awarded as an honoree in the Forty Under 40 Class of 2022.

U.S. Army Col. Scott P. Nicholas, commander of Task Force Mustang, poses in front of 36th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) colors during a Transfer-of-Authority ceremony held at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. 27, 2022. 36th CAB, mobilized as Task Force Mustang, is deployed in support of the Combine Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of Daesh, the common Arabic term for ISIS, within designated areas of Iraq and Syria.

U.S. Navy Hospitalman Jason Toro, with 3d Medical Battalion, 3d Marine Logistics Group is one of several U.S. Marines and Sailors that provided emergency medical aid to locals involved in a traffic accident Oct. 7, 2022 in Luzon, Philippines. These service members are deployed in support of KAMANDAG, an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

An Airman assigned to the 79th Fighter Generation Squadron stands at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 21, 2022. The 20th Fighter Wing is delivering ready forces for combat operations with Airmen who are expertly trained and prepared to deploy at any time.

A U.S. Army Soldier with 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division (25th ID), poses for a photo after defending an objective as the opposing force during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center rotation 23-01 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Nov. 2, 2022. JPMRC uses training scenarios specific to certain environments to train the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th ID with joint, allied and partnered forces in conditions in which they would fight.

U.S. Navy Lt. Aure Stewart, Medical Effects of Ionizing Radiation Course director assigned to the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, teaches a lesson on using radiation detection devices at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Dec. 7, 2022. The course curriculum included hands-on exercises with radiation detectors and lessons covering topics such as diagnosing and treating radiation injuries, psychological effects of radiation exposure, and radioprotection. Students in attendance included Airmen, Soldiers and civilians assigned to units across the country.

Caucasian soldier in uniform

A Fort Jackson trainee braves the rain to carry a box of paper from a car to a shred truck during America Recycles Day at the Recycle Center, Nov. 15.

The 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division kicks off their Week of the Warrior competition May 2, 2022 on Camp Casey, Republic of Korea. The first day consisted of an Army Combat Fitness Test, land navigation, Engagement Skills Trainer scenario engagements, and Combat Water Survival Training.

U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations, Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, presides over the Space Operations Command (SpOC) Change of Command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, January 9th, 2023. Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, SpOCs first commander, handed the reins over Lt. Gen. David N. Miller, Jr.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (April 15, 2022) - Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Kirk Bishop, assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Great Lakes, poses for a photo after being announced as MEDLANT Sailor of the Year, April 15, 2022. Naval Medical Forces Atlantic provides well-trained medical experts, operating as high performance teams, to project medical power in support of naval superiority.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ivan Morffi, a Cape Coral, Florida, native and a antitank missile gunner with 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, retrieves grid coordinates prior to firing a TOW missile system on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. In order to enhance the Marine Corps capability to control littoral areas with a reduced footprint, 2d LAR facilitated the employment of a TOW missile fired from a LAV-AT utilizing an radio frequency signal between the launch tube and missile.

U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Nathan Caldwell, a musician with the 208th Army Band, watches the sound check for the West Point band at the U.S. Military Academy Saturday, July 2, 2022. Caldwell is being honored for writing At the Point, one of the musical scores performed by the West Point Band.

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