Tactical Training Exercises

Photos depicting soldiers engaged in training activities, emphasizing combat readiness, skill competitions, and physical endurance in varied environments.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group coordinate to set up a perimeter during a Mission Sustainment Team field exercise at Austere Field #6, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. The perimeter helps to guide Airmen on where tents need to be assembled.

Spc. Trejahn Manning, a Health Care Specialist with the Iowa National Guards C Company, 334 Brigade Support Battalion, takes part in the Army Warrior Tasks lane during the Region IV Best Warrior Competition at Camp Ripley, Minnesota on May 13, 2022. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Bob Brown.)

Second Lt. Isabel LaPrad, assigned to the "Can Do Battalion," 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, tests at one of the medical lane tasks and transports a casualty to safety on day three of the Expert Infantryman and Expert Soldier Badge qualification at Fort Stewart, Georgia, April 6, 2022. The EIB/ESB qualification is part of individual training designed to increase Soldier proficiency in the Army Warrior Tasks to increase lethality and unit readiness.

Sgt. Drake Turner of Squad 12, representing the U.S Army Special Operations Command, conducts a stress shoot during the Army Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 5, 2022. The week-long competition will assess each squad on their technical and tactical proficiency, as well as their ability to work as a disciplined and cohesive team, featuring a multitude of fitness, knowledge and combat-related events.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group coordinate to set up a perimeter during a Mission Sustainment Team field exercise at Austere Field #6, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. The perimeter helps to guide Airmen on where tents need to be assembled.

Australian Army combat shooting instructors with 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 7th Brigade, demonstrate combat shooting techniques to U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Ground Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, during exercise Southern Jackaroo 22 at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, May 18, 2022. Southern Jackaroo is a multilateral exercise carried out by Marines with MRF-D, the Australian Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers, focusing on live-fire and combined arms training.

British Royal Marines conduct shooting drills with the Marine Corps Shooting Team during Operation Longshot at the pistol range on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Feb. 28, 2024. Operation Longshot exchanges service members from the two countries to share shooting techniques, evaluate each members skillset, and builds rapport amongst the two services. Marine Corps

A competitor in the National Guard Region V Best Warrior competition fires his weapon during a marksmanship evaluation at Camp Gruber Training Center, Okla., May 18, 2022. Army National Guard Soldiers from across six states test their physical and mental proficiency to earn the title Best Warrior at Camp Gruber Training Center, near Braggs, Okla., May 15-20, 2022. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Caleb Stone)

Sergeant Gregoron Keeter, a cannon crewmember assigned to the Savannah-based 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment prepares his fires computer system for his team's M119 towed howitzer weapon system June 18, 2022, at Fort Stewart, Ga.

Spc. Cayleb Ebey, a military policeman with the 88th Military Police Company, fires an M4 Carbine weapon at a qualification ranger here in Camp Shelby, Mississippi as part of Titan Warrior. Titan Warrior is a two-week long exercise that involves units from the 290th Military Police Brigade.

The solders are from Maryland and the D.C. area, 151st LOD (Legal Operations Detachment). They are on Range 28A on the Fort Dix Range Complex during range training for M16A1. The object is to train and test soldiers on the skills necessary to detect, identify, engage and defeat stationary personnel targets in a tactical array. The secondary purpose is to provide realistic and effective marksmanship training. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade provide a mortar barrage for paratroopers advancing on an objective during a combined arms live fire exercise on a maneuver range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 23, 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.

010718-F-7203T-053. Base: Fort Dix State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Louisiana National Guard Soldiers with the 61st Troop Command qualify with their M4 rifles during annual training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, May 13, 2022. Training on the M4 rifle is a requirement with new qualification tables for all Soldiers.

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston participates in the 82nd Airborne Division Little Group of Paratroopers (LGOP) range on Fort Bragg, N.C. on Apr. 4, 2022. This stress shoot is designed to measure the physical fitness and shooting capabilities of a Paratrooper in a stressful environment.

U.S. Army Reserve Spc William Barrett, right, assigned to the 452nd Combat Support Hospital, 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support) based in Milwaukee, asks for advice from Spc. Ashley Carson as he prepares to drag a collapsible litter holding a "casualty" under a wire obstacle during a litter obstacle course on Fort McCoy, Wis., Sept. 16, 2022. Spc. Nicholas Radtke, left, and Sgt. Matthew Breitrick look on.

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, complete the Day Movement Course during Basic Warrior Training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Mar. 29, 2023. Basic Warrior Training is a one week-long training event that teaches recruits the basics of combat survival and rifle maneuvers.

Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Alexander Lacourse ensures soldier safety during the 2022 Best Squad Competition's M4 Qualification Range event at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, on May 16, 2022. Approximately 50 Soldiers from across the nation travelled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022. The 2022 BSC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers and squads from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of "Best Warrior" and "Best Squad" among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue. (Army Reserve photo by Sgt. David Barrette)

A soldier of 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), fires at a target during an M4 qualification range in the first annual Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Campbell, Ky, July 11, 2022. The inaugural event is part of Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grintons initiative to assess small groups of soldiers on their technical and tactical proficiency, as well as their cohesiveness and ability to work together.

A U.S. Army soldier assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division pulls the charging handle on a Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun during the E3B competition at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, February 6, 2024. E3B refers to the combined testing for the Expert Infantryman Badge, Expert Soldier Badge and Expert Field Medical Badge. Army

EFMB Candidate conducts the one person carry with weapon during the evacuation lane.

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - Training Cadre from the Kansas Army National Guard and the Oklahoma Army National Guard discuss strategies for training evaluation at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, June 4, 2022. Cadets and instructors from the Kansas and Oklahoma Army National Guard trained together to combine resources and experience.

Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School run from building to building as they participate in Basic Urban Combat training during the Tactical Skills portion of the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) at Camp Mackall, North Carolina January 6, 2023. Soldiers participated in SFQC training that tested their knowledge of small unit tactics and basic urban operations to ensure they possess the combat skills required to successfully operate on a Special Forces Operational Detatchment Alpha.

U.S. Army Spc. Grayson Vaughn alongside U.S. Army Spc. Nicklaus Johnson assist each other to conduct adjustments to their individual weapons at the zeroing range, July 24, at Tullahoma's Volunteer Training Site. All competitors were able to help each other have precise equipment before advancing to the next events.

Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School take a knee during reconnaissance training as part of the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) at Camp Mackall, North Carolina January 9, 2023. Soldiers participated in SFQC training that tested their knowledge of small unit tactics and basic urban operations to ensure they possess the combat skills required to successfully operate on a Special Forces Operational Detatchment Alpha.

Competitors fire M4s during a weapons qualification event of AMC's Best Warrior Competition at Fort Benning, Ga., August 14-17.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 115th Signal Battalion, Alabama National Guard zero their M249 squad automatic weapons at Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 4, 2022. The signal battalion, based out of Florence, Alabama, 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.

Chilean Marine Alan Barrera-Latin, navigates the challenges on the obstacle course during the Texas Military Department Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas, May 5, 2022. The friendly, three-day competition challenges service members on professional military knowledge, marksmanship, obstacle course and land navigation. The Army winners of this event will move on to represent Texas at the National Guards Region V Best Warrior Competition. (Photo by Warrant Officer 1 Gregory Illich)

Soldiers listen to their team captain during a field training exercise mission brief.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tory Elrich, left, brigade operations non-commissioned officer-in-charge, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, salutes U.S. Army Capt. Kathryn Banks, right, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, during a ceremony at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 24, 2022. The ceremony was held to honor Elrich for his promotion to Sergeant First Class, recognizing his continued service, dedication, patriotism, valor, fidelity, and professional excellence.

U.S. Marines with 10th Marine Regiment load a reduced range practice rocket in a M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during Exercise Rolling Thunder 22-2 on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April. 4, 2022. This exercise is a 10th Marines-led live-fire artillery event that tests the unit's abilities to operate in a simulated littoral environment against a peer threat in a dynamic and multi-dominated scenario.

Staff Sgt. Marcus Greene, Company D, 1st Battalion, 145th Aviation Regiment, teaches hand and arm signals to Soldiers in the Aviation Basic Officer Leaders Course as part of small unit tactics training at Fort Rucker April 4, 2022. Small unit tactics training is designed to teach the fundamentals of Team and Squad level tactics.

A Soldier from Charlie Battery, 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade participates in a stress shoot during the XVIII Airborne Corps Separate Brigades Best Squad Competition on Ft. Bragg, N.C. Dec. 6 and 7. The stress shoot is the culminating event for the best squad competition.

U.S. Soldiers with 207th Military Intelligence Brigade fire M17 pistols during the Brigade's yearly exercise Lightning Focus at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 24, 2023. Lightning Focus 2023 provides an opportunity for increasing individual & crew weapons proficiency, training on Basic Soldier Skills, junior Soldier and NCO development, improving unit cohesion & team-building, and scenario-based operational intelligence support training to certify intelligence platforms, building readiness in support of SETAF-AF, USAREUR-AF and USAFRICOM.

220607-N-FV745-1026 RAVLUNDA, Sweden (June 7, 2022) Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8 prepare fuses during a Swedish explosive familiarization training while at exercise BALTOPS 22, June 7, 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.

Recruits with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, aim at a practice target during grass week aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., October 18, 2022. Recruits will spend numerous hours over the week mastering the fundamentals of marksmanship before moving on to live fire drills

Air Defenders from 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery conducted a culminating Field Training Exercise with both their legacy Avenger and new Maneuver Short Range Air Defense systems at Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany October 17-21, 2022. This FTX provided an opportunity for each platoon to react to mock contact, movement and maneuver techniques. During the exercise Air Defenders also conducted extraction of a stuck vehicle, calling up a 9-line medical evacuation request, evacuating personnel by air, navigation in low visibility conditions, and responding to enemy fire.

Tech. Sgt. Joshua Aanderud and Senior Airman Greg Allen run to a new location while Senior Airman Delario Smith and Tech. Sgt. Rachel Harris lay down covering fire during a move, shoot, communicate course, May 13, 2022, at Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center, Ohio. All four Airmen are Defenders with the 403rd Security Forces Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. The event was part of the two-week Integrated Defense Leadership Course, based at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, and using training grounds at CJAG. IDLC was designed to provide Reserve Defenders with intensely focused hands-on training to achieve and maintain combat readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo/Eric M. White)

U.S. Army National Guard and Reserve Soldiers conduct urban operations training July 27, 2021, during the 11B Infantry Transition Course, taught by the 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute at Fort Pickett, Virginia. This training event served as the culminating event for the 25 Soldiers enrolled in the course, who will earn the 11B Infantryman military occupational speciality after successful completion of three weeks of hands-on infantry training.

A Soldier with 1245th Transportation Company, Oklahoma Army National Guard, prepares to secure a load to a truck during the Timber Haul mission in support of the Golden Coyote Training Exercise at Camp Rapid, South Dakota, June 13, 2022. Golden Coyote is a three-phase scenario driven exercise conducted in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, which enables Commanders to focus on mission essentials warrior tasks and drills.

Pfc. Anthony Davis, a petroleum supply specialist (92F) with the 1018thQuartermaster Company, prepares to run the "pig," a rubber object, through afuel pipeline during the Quartermaster Liquid Logistics Exercise (QLLEX) atFort Pickett, Virginia which ran from June 12 through June 26, 2022,overseen by instructors from the 80th Training Command (TASS). The two-weekexercise allowed Soldiers to get hands-on training with equipment they woulduse while deployed, including the Inland Petroleum Distribution System, orIPDS, which is a bulk fuel storage and pipeline system designed to movemassive amounts of fuel forward in a theater of operations.

Combat medics with the 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment and 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry Regiment, came together to conduct task familiarization and a litter obstacle course during the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team annual training on June 12 at Fort McCoy, Wis. This training was geared towards gaining knowledge and skills while also encouraging these soldiers to consider pursuing the Expert Field Medical Badge during their careers as medics.

Twelve National Guard Soldiers are competing in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David McCartney (left), a native of Hiawatha, Kansas, and Lance Cpl. Nikolas Pelligrini, a native of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, both combat engineers with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, place a post for concertina wire during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 28, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

Spc. Nathaniel Miska walks back to the firing line during the day live fire events as part of the National Best Warrior Competition, July 27, 2022, Volunteer Training Site in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Miska and Sgt. Richard Carlson placed first in both the Minnesota and Region IV Best Warrior Competition, securing their spot in this National Competition. Fourteen National Guard Soldiers are competing in the All-Guard National Best Warrior Competition July 24-29, 2022, primarily at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee.(Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Soldiers and Katusa's conduct an M4 range on Camp Yongsan-Casey, September 9th 2022.The M4 carbine is a 5.56×45mm NATO, gas-operated,b magazine-fed, carbine developed in the United States during the 1980s. It is a shortened version of the M16A2 assault rifle.

Staff Sgt. Michael Breault of Squad 12, representing the U.S Army Special Operations Command, drags a sled during the stress shoot portion of the Army Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 5, 2022. The week-long competition will assess each squad on their technical and tactical proficiency, as well as their ability to work as a disciplined and cohesive team, featuring a multitude of fitness, knowledge and combat-related events.

U.S. Marines participate in the Marine Corps Championships hosted by Weapons Training Battalion on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, March 30, 2023. Marines who place in the top 10-percent at their respective Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition receive an invitation to participate in the Marine Corps Championships that consists of 10 days of competition in precision rifle, action rifle, precision pistol, action pistol, and multi gun action shooting.

U.S. Army Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition participate in a night land navigation course on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept 29, 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 that test their physical endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

The 351st PSYOP Company is on the Fort Dix Range Complex on Range 34 completing their Table VI Qualification on the M4. This Army Reserve Unit is from Queens, NY and based at Fort Totten. Table VI, Qualification, is the Army-standard record course of fire (COF) used to determine live-fire proficiency on an assigned weapon. Soldiers receive their rating in multiples stages to be considered qualified for collective live fire or a marksmanship rating. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

Security Forces trainees at the 343rd Training Squadron move through a series of obstacles during the Individual Tactics and Techniques basic course at Joint Base San Antonio - Camp Bullis on Sept. 20, 2022. The exercise is designed to teach the trainees how to shoot, move, and communicate through tactical environments. The 37th Training Wing and 343rd Training Squadron provide the initial training for all Air Force security forces.

Combat Airmen Skills Training students, conduct a chalk walk during their field training exercise on Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas. Nov. 19, 2013. CAST was designed by Air Education and Training Command to standardize pre-deployment combat training for Air Force personnel.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers, assigned to 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade, fires a M17 Pistol down range during Operation Viking at Joint Base Cape Cod, July 22, 2022. Operation Viking is an intense joint task force exercise designed to prepare Soldiers with realistic training simulating the deployment of civil affairs units in direct support of a contingency operation in Africa.

Soldiers participating in the Spartan Warrior III exercise conduct training at Fort McCoy, WI.

U.S. Soldiers complete the squat press at the first station during the urban obstacle course of the 2022 Regional Health Command-Central Best Leader Competition in Fort Bliss, Texas, April 10, 2022. The squat press station consisted of 70-pound weights with each soldier conducting 10 sets. The competition promotes esprit de corps throughout the Army while recognizing soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and officers who demonstrate commitment to the Army values and embody the warrior ethos. The competition challenges the Armys best leaders in a demanding, continuous, and realistic simulated operational environment.

Tech. Sgt. Michael Mattern, 94th Security Forces Squadron, security forces Airman, performs a defensive measure as he secures the front gate during a simulated exercise at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga, Sept. 22. Dobbins ARB hosted, coordinated, and participated in a base-wide exercise from Sept. 19-25 called United Force 22-01 to test readiness capabilities.

Various units train at the Fort Dix MSCT (Medical Simulation Training Center) during their Combat Lifesaver Course. Army combat medics play a critical role by applying first aid and trauma care to simulated wounded Soldiers, but in some situations the first person to assist isn't always a certified medic. The course is intended to provide an intermediate step between the buddy aid-style basic life support taught to every soldier, and the advanced life support skills. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

U.S. Army Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers with the Lawrenceville-based Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, conduct urban attack training during Exportable Combat Training Capabilities Exercise at Fort Stewart, Ga., June 21, 2022. XCTC is the U.S. Army National Guards program of record that enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained Platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win battles throughout the world. The XCTC exercise will include approximately 4,400 brigade personnel from throughout Georgia.U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tori Miller.

A U.S. Air Force Air Traffic Controller fires his pistol during Fieldcraft Hostile (FCH) at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on Aug. 10, 2022. FCH places students in realistic and strenuous training scenarios used to teach skills such as weapons control, combative techniques, communications, mounted and dismounted individual and team movements and land navigation.

Staff Sgt. Adam King, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal team leader, returns to a safe area to evaluate inert explosives during EOD training at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Dec. 1, 2022. EOD Airmen identified explosives through measurements, inspections and evaluations through software in order to render the explosive safe for disposal.

Air Force ROTC cadets from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Det. 605, participate in small-unit tactics during field day training at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, April 21, 2022. During the training, teams of cadets moved between barriers, covered one another and communicated with each other in order to progress forward.

U.S. Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, and Philippine Marines with Force Reconnaissance Group, conduct a close quarters battle range during Balikatan 22 at Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim, Cavite, Philippines, April 2, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, is a long-standing bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. BK22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Matthew Park, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, posts security during Exercise Bold Quest on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 16, 2022. Bold Quest is an annual collaborative joint and multinational enterprise in which nations, services, and programs pool their resources in a recurring cycle of capability development to demonstrate a joint capability to link sensors to shooters across air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace.

British soldiers, assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Royal Irish Regiment, 16th Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, refine tactics, techniques and procedures during a close-quarters battle training event during Exercise Platinum Lion 2022 at Novo Selo Training Area, July 30, 2022. Exercise Platinum Lion is a battalion-level event designed to provide quality, organized and realistic training for designated military units from the United States, United Kingdom and Bulgaria. The exercise reinforces relationships in a combined training environment, builds understanding of partner nation tactics, techniques and procedures and increases interoperability with these NATO Allies and partner forces.

Sgt. Kim Jun Hyuk, a Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army Soldier, connects an antenna to a Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) for situational training exercise (STX) lanes during the 2022 Eighth Army Best Warrior and Squad Competition at Camp Casey, South Korea, May 11, 2022. The Eighth Army Best Warrior and Squad Competition is a week-long event consisting of several tests of the participants general Army knowledge and skills.

U.S. Army Best Squad competitors zero their weapons at range 41 on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 2, 2022. The week-long competition assessed each squad on their technical and tactical proficiency, as well as their ability to work as a disciplined and cohesive team, featuring a multitude of fitness, knowledge, and combat-related events. (U.S. Army photos by Spc. Lilliana Magoon)

Explosive Ordinance Disposal Specialists from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, inspect and discard a simulated improvised explosive device during exercise Raging Gunfighter 22-2 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 20, 2022. Raging Gunfighter is an exercise designed to simulate operating Lead Wing concepts from an austere environment and prepare the 366th Fighter Wing for potential future operations in accordance with the National Defense Strategy.

FORT HOOD, Texas - U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathan Villarreal, the Squad Leader for 2nd Squad, representing III Armored Corps, applies a medical gauze to a training mannequin at Medical Simulation Training Center, Fort Hood, Texas, August 17, 2022. The Best Squad Competition promotes esprit de corps and recognizes Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to Army Values and embody the Warrior Ethos.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, conduct a security sweep during Exercise Bold Quest on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 16, 2022. Bold Quest is an annual collaborative joint and multinational enterprise in which nations, services, and programs pool their resources in a recurring cycle of capability development to demonstrate a joint capability to link sensors to shooters across air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace.

Two U.S. Army soldiers from I Company, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany, breach a wire obstacle during a Situational Training Exercise on Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 22, 2012.

Louisiana National Guard Soldiers with the 61st Troop Command conduct demolition training during annual training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, May 15, 2022. Annual training is a two week required training period for all National Guard Soldiers.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, serves as a spotter to a Soldier zeroing his sniper rifle 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.

ROTA, Spain (Feb. 20, 2020) An explosive ordnance technician from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8, assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Force Europe-Africa/Task Force (CTF) 68, rappels down a tower as part of helicopter rope suspension technique (HRST) cast master renewal training for explosive ordnance disposal technicians and initial training for support personnel, Feb. 20, 2020. CTF 68 provides explosive ordnance disposal operations, naval construction, expeditionary security, and theater security efforts in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Army Spc. Angel Rodríguez, assigned to Alpha Battery, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, performs qualification tasks for M109 Paladin howitzer crews at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, July 1, 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.

A Soldier from Charlie Company, Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, conducts a site sketch to identify the simulated remains of a fallen Soldier during unit mortuary affairs team training at Fort Stewart, Georgia June 28, 2022. The training is being held to ensure each company within the brigade has trained personnel to identify and process casualties potentially experienced during a contingency deployment. (Photo by Sgt. Elorina Santos, 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs)

A U.S. Army Soldier qualifies with the M4 carbine during a Infantry Advanced Leaders Course on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 5, 2022. The Advanced Leaders Course, hosted by the 254th Regional Training Institute, New Jersey Army National Guard, 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. Class 22-02 has Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division, 82nd Airborne Division, and the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 173rd Airborne Brigade compete in a best squad ruck march during Bayonet Week at Grafenwoehr, Germany, June 28, 2023. Bayonet Week is a series of competitive events within the 173rd Airborne Brigade that inspire all Sky Soldiers to honor their heritage during the last week of June. These events take place in both Germany and Italy and consist of tournament-style competitions that test strength, endurance, speed, knowledge and indomitable spirit as individuals and teams.

A U.S. Army soldier assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division measures detonation wire for a Claymore mine during the E3B competition at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, February 6, 2024. E3B refers to the combined testing for the Expert Infantryman Badge, Expert Soldier Badge and Expert Field Medical Badge. Army

U.S. Army Spc. David Scott, assigned to Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry Regiment (Mountain), Vermont National Guard, fires a .50 Caliber machine gun, while being instructed by Sgt. Travis Rock with Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry Regiment (Mountain), at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site (CEATS), Jericho, Vt., May 18, 2016. During annual training, Soldiers had an opportunity to train on multiple weapon systems while at CEATS.

U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve combat medic trainees prepare simulated casualties to be evacuated by helicopter at Stones Ranch Military Reservation, East Lyme, Connecticut, July 13, 2022. As part of the Combat Medic Transition Course administered by the 169th Regional Training Institute, soldiers training to become combat medics learned how to prepare casualties for transport via helicopter and how to load and unload casualties from air ambulances utilizing stretchers.

A U.S. Marine with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fast-ropes during a fast rope qualification course as part of Realistic Urban Training (RUT) on Fort Barfoot, Virginia, Jan. 14, 2023. RUT provides the 24th MEU the opportunity to operate in unfamiliar environments, integrate the units of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and train towards being designated as special operations capable.

U.S. Police Officers assigned to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams from police departments across South Carolina participate in advanced firearms drills during the 2022 SWAT Summit at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, Columbia, South Carolina, Sept. 28, 2022. The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy hosted a weeklong Federal Bureaus of Investigation Special Weapons and Tactics summit to train law enforcement officers in firearms, close quarters combat, tactical medical care, patrolling tactics and familiarize officers with improvised explosive devices.

U.S. Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition participate in land navigation course on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept. 29, 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 that test their physical and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army photo Cpl. Deandre Dawkins)

An Expert Field Medical Badge candidate performs a carry, May 23, 2022, during the 10th Mountain Divisions EFMBs evacuation lane on Fort Drum, New York. The 10th Mountain Division is conducting E3B, which encompasses Expert Infantry, Soldier and Field Medical Badge, from May 16 to 26.

Here at Fort Dix during their Exercise Gotham Justice” training the 352nd Military Police Company is completing the CPQC Automated M17 training on the Fort Dix complex on Range 28A. The reserve unit is here at Fort Dix training and is based out of Rockville, Maryland.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fire their M110 semi-automatic sniper systems during sniper training at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, July 20, 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.

Competitors participate in the stress shoot portion of the Army Futures Commands Best Squad Competition, held at Camp Bullis, Texas, June 6, 2022. The Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition is a single event used to select the U.S. Army Best Squad of the Year, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Soldier of the Year. The Armys Best Squad is a loyal group of professionals who treat each other with dignity and respect, have the highest esprit de corps and are trained and proficient in their warrior tasks and battle drills.

Recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct the Table 1 course of fire and operate the targets during firing week aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., April 28, 2022. During firing week, half of the recruits in a series fire their rifles while the other half raises, lowers, marks, and scores the targets in a sheltered area known as the "pits."

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brandon Steinbaugh, a security forces specialist assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, pulls the release pin on a stun grenade during a less-lethal grenade qualification course at the Owens Community College for Emergency Preparedness in Findlay, Ohio, Aug. 6, 2022. The 180FW conducts realistic training in a variety of environments to ensure Airmen are trained for Domestic Operations around the state and in defense of the installation.

Soldiers from U.S. Army Medical Command, competing in the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition, prepare for a warrior task medical lane assessment on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept. 30, 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 endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

Soldiers from U.S. Army Medical Command, competing in the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition, prepare for a warrior task medical lane assessment on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept. 30, 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 endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor (MAI) Course students execute the obstacle course at Ellis Field, Courthouse Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, April 7, 2022. The three-week course develops Marines as MAIs to teach and instruct the fundamentals of hand-to-hand combat to other Marines stationed on MCB Camp Lejeune.

040806-M-5324O-008. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) lead an M240B machine gun live-fire range with Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen during their Summer Training Program at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 13, 2022. NROTC Midshipmen Summer Training develops and trains Midshipmen in order to provide the Fleet a competent and professional Naval Service Commissioned Officer.

Staff Sgt. Adam King, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal team leaders, inspects inert explosives during EOD training, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Dec. 1, 2022. EOD teams are dispatched to neutralize highly dangerous materials after a safe perimeter has been established around the device.

Pfc. Codie Wescott, assigned to the 10th Division Sustainment Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade, conducts burpees during a stress shoot for the 10th MDSB's Best Sustainer competition, July 19, 2022, on Fort Drum, New York. The shoot was one of the events of the 10th MDSB's Best Sustainer Competition. The remaining events included a ranger physical fitness test, 12-mile ruck march, combat water survival test, land navigation and an oral board.

U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Service Rifle Team Soldiers compete in the 61st Interservice Rifle Championships in Quantico, Virginia. The unique Army unit claimed wins in every team match and nine out of 13 individual matches, and has a history of strong performances at this match.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jordan Miller, a small arms repairer/technician with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3d Marine Logistics Group, fires an M18 pistol during a live fire range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 25, 2022. The range was held as a tryout for III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific Marines to represent their individual units at the upcoming Far East Division Matches shooting competition. 3d 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.

Spc Kendyll Revis, expert soldier badge competitor, assigned to 1st Battalion 187th Infantry Regiment 3rd Brigade Combat Team Rakkasans, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), checks compass for land navigation section of the Expert Infantry Badge (EIB) or Expert Soldier Badge (ESB) on January 24, 2022 at Fort Campbell, Ky. The compass gives you a sense of direction when trying to find grid points on a map.(U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Kelvin Johnson Jr, 40th Public Affairs Detachment )

U.S. Navy Corpsmen with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) participate in a Valkyrie Whole Blood Transfusion Course on July 26, 2022, at Range 18 at Fort McCoy, Wis. Valkyrie is the whole blood transfusion program run by 1st Marine Division aboard Camp Pendleton (Calif.) that teaches all of their Corpsmen how to perform field blood transfusions. 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.

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