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The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller approved lock and twist hairstyles in uniform, Dec. 14, 2015. The results of Uniform Board 214 and 215 were released as part of Marine Administrative Message 622/15. - The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller approved lock and twist hairstyles in uniform, Dec. 14, 2015. The results of Uniform Board 214 and 215 were released as part of Marine Administrative Message 622/15.

A Marine with 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Headquarters Group, checks on his team members during a casualty evacuation drill at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., during a Security Assistance Liaison Team training exercise to improve their ability to work with coalition forces, Dec. 10, 2015. The Security Assistance Liaison Team will support Operation Resolute Support in Afghanistan under the authority of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2189. - A Marine with 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Headquarters Group, checks on his team members during a casualty evacuation drill at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., during a Security Assistance Liaison Team training exercise to improve their ability to work with coalition forces, Dec. 10, 2015. The Security Assistance Liaison Team will support Operation Resolute Support in Afghanistan under the authority of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2189.

Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers run to a notional injured soldier during a tactical combat casualty care exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 30, 2015. The UPDF medics and U.S. Navy corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, are training together to improve tactical medical care skills while strengthening the bond between the partner nations. - Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers run to a notional injured soldier during a tactical combat casualty care exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 30, 2015. The UPDF medics and U.S. Navy corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, are training together to improve tactical medical care skills while strengthening the bond between the partner nations.

An MV-22B Osprey with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa carves through mountain terrain during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise, Dec. 7, 2015 near Albacete, Spain. The TRAP is part of a month-long training curriculum hosted by the Tactical Leadership Programme, a 10 NATO nation collaboration, who train future flight commanders. - An MV-22B Osprey with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa carves through mountain terrain during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise, Dec. 7, 2015 near Albacete, Spain. The TRAP is part of a month-long training curriculum hosted by the Tactical Leadership Programme, a 10 NATO nation collaboration, who train future flight commanders.

Cpl. Candice Lopez, a U.S. Marine with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, scans the identification bands of evacuees, preparing them to be flown to a safe haven during a simulated noncombatant evacuation as part of Certification Exercise, Dec. 8, 2015. Noncombatant evacuations are one of the MEU's mission essential tasks, which it is specially trained to complete anywhere in the world within hours of notification. CERTEX is the final evaluation of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Boxer ARG prior to deployment and is intended to certify their readiness to conduct integrated missions across the full spectrum of military operations. - Cpl. Candice Lopez, a U.S. Marine with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, scans the identification bands of evacuees, preparing them to be flown to a safe haven during a simulated noncombatant evacuation as part of Certification Exercise, Dec. 8, 2015. Noncombatant evacuations are one of the MEU's mission essential tasks, which it is specially trained to complete anywhere in the world within hours of notification. CERTEX is the final evaluation of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Boxer ARG prior to deployment and is intended to certify their readiness to conduct integrated missions across the full spectrum of military operations.

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A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment advances down range during a battalion exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 10, 2015. The battalion-wide exercise reinforced basic infantry skills and brought junior Marines up to optimal operability across the companies. - A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment advances down range during a battalion exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 10, 2015. The battalion-wide exercise reinforced basic infantry skills and brought junior Marines up to optimal operability across the companies.

Cpl. Ryan Gilligan, a fire direction control man, with the 120mm Mortar Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), records information passed to him from the forward observers for a notional fire mission, during mission processing training in the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 8, 2015. The platoon conducts training while afloat in order to maintain readiness to support the 26th MEU. The MEU is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - Cpl. Ryan Gilligan, a fire direction control man, with the 120mm Mortar Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), records information passed to him from the forward observers for a notional fire mission, during mission processing training in the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 8, 2015. The platoon conducts training while afloat in order to maintain readiness to support the 26th MEU. The MEU is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

A Marine escorts an ambulatory HMMWV to a Shock Trauma Platoon during Exercise Steel Night’s mass casualty drill at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 12, 2015. The drill tested the 1st Marine Division’s ability to react to a large influx of injuries and wounds from battling the enemy. Steel Knight provides tough, realistic training for the Marines and sailors of 1st Marine Division. - A Marine escorts an ambulatory HMMWV to a Shock Trauma Platoon during Exercise Steel Night’s mass casualty drill at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 12, 2015. The drill tested the 1st Marine Division’s ability to react to a large influx of injuries and wounds from battling the enemy. Steel Knight provides tough, realistic training for the Marines and sailors of 1st Marine Division.

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Marines perform a weapons functional test on an F-35B Lightning II aircraft during Exercise Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 10, 2015. The F-35B is a single seat, single engine stealth multi-role fighter bringing the Marine Corps into a whole new generation of aircraft. Exercise Steel Knight allowed for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 and Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron 22 to train on integrating the F-35B and find its place in the Marine Air Ground Task Force, while giving the ground forces of 1st Marine Division the ability to become familiar with it. - Marines perform a weapons functional test on an F-35B Lightning II aircraft during Exercise Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 10, 2015. The F-35B is a single seat, single engine stealth multi-role fighter bringing the Marine Corps into a whole new generation of aircraft. Exercise Steel Knight allowed for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 and Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron 22 to train on integrating the F-35B and find its place in the Marine Air Ground Task Force, while giving the ground forces of 1st Marine Division the ability to become familiar with it.

A Marine holds security during a route clearance drill as a part of Exercise Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 13, 2015. The Marine is with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion. During route clearance Marines use a variety of vehicles to search for improvised explosive devices, mines and other dangerous obstructions. Steel Knight is a 1st Marine Division led exercise, which enables the Marines and sailors to operate in a realistic environment to develop skill sets necessary to maintain a fully capable Marine Air Ground Task Force. - A Marine holds security during a route clearance drill as a part of Exercise Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 13, 2015. The Marine is with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion. During route clearance Marines use a variety of vehicles to search for improvised explosive devices, mines and other dangerous obstructions. Steel Knight is a 1st Marine Division led exercise, which enables the Marines and sailors to operate in a realistic environment to develop skill sets necessary to maintain a fully capable Marine Air Ground Task Force.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Peter A. Lawson, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, uses an EOD hook and line kit to maneuver an inert 82mm mortar shell replica during an EOD demonstration aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge in the Arabian Gulf Dec. 12, 2015. The EOD exploration event afforded Marines in other occupations the opportunity to learn about the equipment and responsibilities of EOD Marines. The 26th MEU is embarked on the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Peter A. Lawson, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, uses an EOD hook and line kit to maneuver an inert 82mm mortar shell replica during an EOD demonstration aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge in the Arabian Gulf Dec. 12, 2015. The EOD exploration event afforded Marines in other occupations the opportunity to learn about the equipment and responsibilities of EOD Marines. The 26th MEU is embarked on the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit transported a purification system with a CH-53E helicopter from the USS New Orleans to the Purple Islands Dec. 7, 2015, as part of Operation Intrinsic Fidelity. - U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit transported a purification system with a CH-53E helicopter from the USS New Orleans to the Purple Islands Dec. 7, 2015, as part of Operation Intrinsic Fidelity.

An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 taxis down the runway after refueling at Red Beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015. This is the first time that the F-35 conducted close air support missions in support of exercise Steel Knight. - An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 taxis down the runway after refueling at Red Beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015. This is the first time that the F-35 conducted close air support missions in support of exercise Steel Knight.

U.S. Marine Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, swears in U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell as the third senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during a change of responsibility ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Dec. 11, 2015. It included a ceremony honoring outgoing SEAC Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, who's scheduled to retire in April 2016 after nearly 36 years of service. - U.S. Marine Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, swears in U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell as the third senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during a change of responsibility ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Dec. 11, 2015. It included a ceremony honoring outgoing SEAC Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, who's scheduled to retire in April 2016 after nearly 36 years of service.

Lance Cpl. Quentin J. Stallings, left, and Lance Cpl. Kyle H. Clemens, right, configure the settings on a water pump and filter at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Dec. 9, 2015. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Engineer Company participated in a cantonment and capabilities field exercise to practice and improve their knowledge of their jobs while in a deployed environment. The week-long exercise featured events such as airfield damage repair, water purification, medium and heavy lifting missions, with the construction of an expedient road for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft pad. Stallings and Clemens are both water support technicians with MWSS-271. - Lance Cpl. Quentin J. Stallings, left, and Lance Cpl. Kyle H. Clemens, right, configure the settings on a water pump and filter at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Dec. 9, 2015. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Engineer Company participated in a cantonment and capabilities field exercise to practice and improve their knowledge of their jobs while in a deployed environment. The week-long exercise featured events such as airfield damage repair, water purification, medium and heavy lifting missions, with the construction of an expedient road for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft pad. Stallings and Clemens are both water support technicians with MWSS-271.

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Lance Cpl. Colten Corsetti, right, military working dog handler with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, escorts Cpl. Brendon Teague, military working dog handler with H&HS, while Corsetti’s K-9 provides security during night training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 9, 2015. To ensure the safety of personnel on the air station, this training is conducted to keep military working dogs familiarized with the installation as its landscape continues to develop with the Defense Policy Review Initiative. Military working dogs are trained in different abilities such as locating narcotics or explosives and conducting patrol work. - Lance Cpl. Colten Corsetti, right, military working dog handler with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, escorts Cpl. Brendon Teague, military working dog handler with H&HS, while Corsetti’s K-9 provides security during night training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 9, 2015. To ensure the safety of personnel on the air station, this training is conducted to keep military working dogs familiarized with the installation as its landscape continues to develop with the Defense Policy Review Initiative. Military working dogs are trained in different abilities such as locating narcotics or explosives and conducting patrol work.

Lt. Col. Robert B. Green runs football players through drills during practice Nov. 17, 2015, at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Green recently was appointed the outside linebacker coach of the team. Green is a Naval Academy graduate, and played on the football team as a defensive back during the 1993-1996 seasons. - Lt. Col. Robert B. Green runs football players through drills during practice Nov. 17, 2015, at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Green recently was appointed the outside linebacker coach of the team. Green is a Naval Academy graduate, and played on the football team as a defensive back during the 1993-1996 seasons.

Marines with Battery I, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, fire an M777 Howitzer¬ during the opening day of live-fire operations for Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, on Dec. 10, 2015. The tough, realistic training is intended to develop combat skills necessary to operate as the ground combat element of the I Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines with Battery I, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, fire an M777 Howitzer¬ during the opening day of live-fire operations for Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, on Dec. 10, 2015. The tough, realistic training is intended to develop combat skills necessary to operate as the ground combat element of the I Marine Expeditionary Force.

Hospital corpsmen lift a simulated casualty into M997 ambulance during a casualty evacuation drill at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan Dec. 8, 2015. The casevac course is two weeks long and gives the students a better understanding of what it means to be a corpsman. The corpsmen are with various units with III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Hospital corpsmen lift a simulated casualty into M997 ambulance during a casualty evacuation drill at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan Dec. 8, 2015. The casevac course is two weeks long and gives the students a better understanding of what it means to be a corpsman. The corpsmen are with various units with III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Lt. Gen. Larry Nicholson, the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, right, presents Lt. Gen. Sang Hoon Lee, commandant of the of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, left, with a gift Dec. 11, 2015 at III MEF Headquarters, Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan. Lee was on Okinawa from Dec. 11 to increase awareness of senior leader collaboration and oneness as the Combined Marine Component Command. The CMCC is a focused combined force designed to protect the safety and security of the people of Korea. - Lt. Gen. Larry Nicholson, the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, right, presents Lt. Gen. Sang Hoon Lee, commandant of the of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, left, with a gift Dec. 11, 2015 at III MEF Headquarters, Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan. Lee was on Okinawa from Dec. 11 to increase awareness of senior leader collaboration and oneness as the Combined Marine Component Command. The CMCC is a focused combined force designed to protect the safety and security of the people of Korea.

Marines introduced the concept of Company Level Intelligence Cells to Land Forces brigade officers and noncommissioned officers of the Baltic allies in Lithuania from Nov. 24- Dec. 3, 2015. The training was conducted as part of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa’s focused implementation plan for military intelligence engagements. In both Baltic nations, small military intelligence corps can benefit from increasing their tactical information-gathering capabilities using concepts like CLIC. - Marines introduced the concept of Company Level Intelligence Cells to Land Forces brigade officers and noncommissioned officers of the Baltic allies in Lithuania from Nov. 24- Dec. 3, 2015. The training was conducted as part of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa’s focused implementation plan for military intelligence engagements. In both Baltic nations, small military intelligence corps can benefit from increasing their tactical information-gathering capabilities using concepts like CLIC.

A student in the Martial Arts Instructor Course grapples with Staff Sgt. Roger Nelson, the chief instructor of the course, during a training session at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 4, 2015. The three-week long course will qualify its students to be Martial Arts instructors. The course’s development of endurance, strength, fighting ability and knowledge will benefit Marines for future operations in any location. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released) - A student in the Martial Arts Instructor Course grapples with Staff Sgt. Roger Nelson, the chief instructor of the course, during a training session at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 4, 2015. The three-week long course will qualify its students to be Martial Arts instructors. The course’s development of endurance, strength, fighting ability and knowledge will benefit Marines for future operations in any location. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

U.S. Navy corpsmen with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, and a member of the U.S. Army 772nd Forward Surgical Team, attached to Task Force Al Taqaddum, prepare an Iraqi soldier that sustained combat-related injuries for transport to the 115th Combat Support Hospital, attached to Task Force Al Taqaddum, Iraq, Nov. 28, 2015. Wounded Iraqi soldiers are occasionally transported from battlefields in Ramadi and Fallujah, Iraq, to Al Taqaddum to receive medical treatment from U.S. personnel. U.S. Navy corpsmen with “Bravo” Company, 1st Bn., 7th Marines, are the first responders to attend to the casualties. - U.S. Navy corpsmen with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, and a member of the U.S. Army 772nd Forward Surgical Team, attached to Task Force Al Taqaddum, prepare an Iraqi soldier that sustained combat-related injuries for transport to the 115th Combat Support Hospital, attached to Task Force Al Taqaddum, Iraq, Nov. 28, 2015. Wounded Iraqi soldiers are occasionally transported from battlefields in Ramadi and Fallujah, Iraq, to Al Taqaddum to receive medical treatment from U.S. personnel. U.S. Navy corpsmen with “Bravo” Company, 1st Bn., 7th Marines, are the first responders to attend to the casualties.

A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, awaits the order to lock down the hatches as the unit prepares to conduct company-level beach operations on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Dec. 5, 2015. During this exercise the unit conducted maneuvers as a mechanized infantry company in preparation for upcoming operations. - A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, awaits the order to lock down the hatches as the unit prepares to conduct company-level beach operations on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Dec. 5, 2015. During this exercise the unit conducted maneuvers as a mechanized infantry company in preparation for upcoming operations.

A Uganda People’s Defense Force soldier detonates an "oval charge" on desired entry point during a breaching exercise at Camp Singo, Dec. 8, 2015. The Marines and UPDF improved breaching capabilities as they prepare for their African Union Mission in Somalia. - A Uganda People’s Defense Force soldier detonates an "oval charge" on desired entry point during a breaching exercise at Camp Singo, Dec. 8, 2015. The Marines and UPDF improved breaching capabilities as they prepare for their African Union Mission in Somalia.

Marines and sailors train to float above water at the Aviation Water Survival Training Center at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 3, 2015. Aviation Water Survival Training is hosted every week, twice a week, and is mandatory for all pilots every four years. - Marines and sailors train to float above water at the Aviation Water Survival Training Center at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 3, 2015. Aviation Water Survival Training is hosted every week, twice a week, and is mandatory for all pilots every four years.

Veterans render a salute after laying wreaths during a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial on Dec. 7, 2015, in Washington, D.C.Veterans attended a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial. - Veterans render a salute after laying wreaths during a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial on Dec. 7, 2015, in Washington, D.C. Veterans attended a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial.

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Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announces his women in service review during a press brief at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Dec. 3, 2015. For the first time in U.S. military history, as long as they qualify and meet specific standards, the secretary said women will be able to contribute to the Defense Department mission with no barriers at all in their way. - Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announces his women in service review during a press brief at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Dec. 3, 2015. For the first time in U.S. military history, as long as they qualify and meet specific standards, the secretary said women will be able to contribute to the Defense Department mission with no barriers at all in their way.

A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 hovers over a landing pad during Field Carrier Landing Practices aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 2, 2015. Marines with HMH-361 conducted section Confined Area Landings and Field Carrier Landing Practices to fulfill training requirements for landing aboard a Navy ship. - A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 hovers over a landing pad during Field Carrier Landing Practices aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 2, 2015. Marines with HMH-361 conducted section Confined Area Landings and Field Carrier Landing Practices to fulfill training requirements for landing aboard a Navy ship.

Gunnery Sgt. Brandon Soetaert, the chief instructor trainer for the Marine Corps Instructor Course of Water Survival with Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Pacific and a Kansas City, Mo., native, instructs Cpl. Makiy Tamcke, a rifleman with 3rd Regiment, 3rd Marine Division and a Polson, Mont., native as he steps off the 15 foot diving at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec. 1, 2015. MCICWS is a course for noncommissioned officers and higher to become water survival instructors, whose purpose is to make sure Marines are safe during swim qualification. - Gunnery Sgt. Brandon Soetaert, the chief instructor trainer for the Marine Corps Instructor Course of Water Survival with Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Pacific and a Kansas City, Mo., native, instructs Cpl. Makiy Tamcke, a rifleman with 3rd Regiment, 3rd Marine Division and a Polson, Mont., native as he steps off the 15 foot diving at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec. 1, 2015. MCICWS is a course for noncommissioned officers and higher to become water survival instructors, whose purpose is to make sure Marines are safe during swim qualification.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Sean O’Hair (second from left), a combat engineer with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, is responsible for the safety of the Uganda’s People Defense Force soldiers during a breaching exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 25, 2015. The Marines and UPDF improved breaching capabilities as UPDF soldiers prepare for their African Union Mission in Somalia. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Sean O’Hair (second from left), a combat engineer with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, is responsible for the safety of the Uganda’s People Defense Force soldiers during a breaching exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 25, 2015. The Marines and UPDF improved breaching capabilities as UPDF soldiers prepare for their African Union Mission in Somalia.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Dillon G. Gilmore, a light armored vehicle repairman with Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), wipes off his hands after cleaning an LAV engine aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge Dec. 4, 2015. Repairmen with the company serviced an LAV engine with an oil leak. The 26th MEU is embarked on the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Dillon G. Gilmore, a light armored vehicle repairman with Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), wipes off his hands after cleaning an LAV engine aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge Dec. 4, 2015. Repairmen with the company serviced an LAV engine with an oil leak. The 26th MEU is embarked on the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment infantrymen tactically move from building to building in a simulated combat zone during Exercise Steel Knight 2016 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 4, 2015. 1st Marine Division has conducted Steel Knight for the past three years, making this the fourth iteration of the exercise. Steel Knight will test I Marine Expeditionary Force’s amphibious capabilities through realistic, scenario-driven training. - 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment infantrymen tactically move from building to building in a simulated combat zone during Exercise Steel Knight 2016 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 4, 2015. 1st Marine Division has conducted Steel Knight for the past three years, making this the fourth iteration of the exercise. Steel Knight will test I Marine Expeditionary Force’s amphibious capabilities through realistic, scenario-driven training.

An F-5N Tiger II taxis after landing at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. in Dec. 3, 2015 to support Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 in air-to-air training from Dec. 2-Dec. 11. Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 brought five F-5N Tiger II aircraft to support red air for VMFAT-501. Red air is the adversary forces for air-to-air training. - An F-5N Tiger II taxis after landing at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. in Dec. 3, 2015 to support Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 in air-to-air training from Dec. 2-Dec. 11. Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 brought five F-5N Tiger II aircraft to support red air for VMFAT-501. Red air is the adversary forces for air-to-air training.

An F/A- 18C Hornet rests on the flight line Dec. 1 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. after returning from Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., from Oct. 16- Nov. 20. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 conducted the training exercise to prepare for an upcoming deployment in early 2016 and to increase combat proficiency and readiness. The jet is with VMFA-122, Marine Aircraft Group 31. - An F/A- 18C Hornet rests on the flight line Dec. 1 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. after returning from Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., from Oct. 16- Nov. 20. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 conducted the training exercise to prepare for an upcoming deployment in early 2016 and to increase combat proficiency and readiness. The jet is with VMFA-122, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

The 26th Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Margaret G. Kibben presents the 33rd Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., center, the Church Pennant flown on the USS ESSEX as part of the 240th Anniversary of the Navy Chaplain Corps at Crawford Hall in Marine Barracks Washington, Dec. 3, 2015. - The 26th Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Margaret G. Kibben presents the 33rd Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., center, the Church Pennant flown on the USS ESSEX as part of the 240th Anniversary of the Navy Chaplain Corps at Crawford Hall in Marine Barracks Washington, Dec. 3, 2015.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Dan Barker, staff non-commissioned officer in charge, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, instructs the first Advance Explosive Ordnance Disposal Ordnance Exploitation Course hosted by the EOD Advanced Training Center at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 30, 2015. Eight select Marine EOD officers and enlisted members gathered from various Marine Corps installations to participate in the three-week course. - Master Gunnery Sgt. Dan Barker, staff non-commissioned officer in charge, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, instructs the first Advance Explosive Ordnance Disposal Ordnance Exploitation Course hosted by the EOD Advanced Training Center at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 30, 2015. Eight select Marine EOD officers and enlisted members gathered from various Marine Corps installations to participate in the three-week course.

A reconnaissance, surveillance and decontamination Marine assists a peer to suit up mission-oriented protective postures four gear during a simulated chemical attack at the Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 motor transportation at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 18, 2015. As part of an operational decontamination exercise, this is just a glimpse of MWSS-171's annual unit level chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training that enables combat proactivity and readiness. - A reconnaissance, surveillance and decontamination Marine assists a peer to suit up mission-oriented protective postures four gear during a simulated chemical attack at the Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 motor transportation at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 18, 2015. As part of an operational decontamination exercise, this is just a glimpse of MWSS-171's annual unit level chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training that enables combat proactivity and readiness.

Officer candidates from Class 220 recite the oath for commissioned officers during their commissioning ceremony Nov. 24, 2015 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va. These new second lieutenants now head to The Basic School. - Officer candidates from Class 220 recite the oath for commissioned officers during their commissioning ceremony Nov. 24, 2015 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va. These new second lieutenants now head to The Basic School.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason Scarborough, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician with EOD Company, begins to remove the explosive ordnance from the Griffin missile at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2015. A Griffin missile is an air and ground-launched, precise, low collateral-damage missile used for irregular warfare operations. - Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason Scarborough, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician with EOD Company, begins to remove the explosive ordnance from the Griffin missile at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2015. A Griffin missile is an air and ground-launched, precise, low collateral-damage missile used for irregular warfare operations.

Marines with 2nd Transport Support Battalion lie in the prone position during a nuclear explosion simulation during chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear defense training held at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2015. Marines applied information obtained in classes about an active chemical threat and the proper protective equipment to decontaminate themselves in a CBRN situation. - Marines with 2nd Transport Support Battalion lie in the prone position during a nuclear explosion simulation during chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear defense training held at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2015. Marines applied information obtained in classes about an active chemical threat and the proper protective equipment to decontaminate themselves in a CBRN situation.

Sgt. Ian Rivera, an intelligence analyst with Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, is responsible for the rescue of two people, including an Army captain, during a vehicular accident that occurred on Interstate 95, Nov. 25, 2015. Rivera is a native of Virginia Beach, Va. - Sgt. Ian Rivera, an intelligence analyst with Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, is responsible for the rescue of two people, including an Army captain, during a vehicular accident that occurred on Interstate 95, Nov. 25, 2015. Rivera is a native of Virginia Beach, Va.

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Staff Sgt. Alexander Panos, a trombone player with the 1st Marine Division Band, rehearses alongside his fellow Marines aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Nov. 23, 2015. Panos was recognized as the Marine Corps Musician of the Year Award for 2015. - Staff Sgt. Alexander Panos, a trombone player with the 1st Marine Division Band, rehearses alongside his fellow Marines aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Nov. 23, 2015. Panos was recognized as the Marine Corps Musician of the Year Award for 2015.

A drill instructor with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, corrects a recruit’s execution of a lead hand punch during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program session, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Nov. 25, 2015. For their first MCMAP event in recruit training, recruits began with a basic warrior stance. This technique is simply how to stand in a versatile position to be ready to strike or defend. Recruits then moved on to angles of movement, where they learned how to move step-by-step while keeping in the basic warrior position. Today, all males recruited from west of the Mississippi are trained at MCRD San Diego. The depot is responsible for training more than 16,000 recruits annually. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate Feb. 12. - A drill instructor with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, corrects a recruit’s execution of a lead hand punch during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program session, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Nov. 25, 2015. For their first MCMAP event in recruit training, recruits began with a basic warrior stance. This technique is simply how to stand in a versatile position to be ready to strike or defend. Recruits then moved on to angles of movement, where they learned how to move step-by-step while keeping in the basic warrior position. Today, all males recruited from west of the Mississippi are trained at MCRD San Diego. The depot is responsible for training more than 16,000 recruits annually. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate Feb. 12.