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U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Southern Command and soldiers from Joint Task Force-Bravo’s 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment arrive by CH-53E Super Stallion, CH-47 Chinook, and UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters at Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Oct. 6, 2016. These vertical take-off assets will prove critical in gaining access to areas that are otherwise unreachable due to Hurricane Matthew. The Marines and soldiers are a part of Joint Task Force Matthew, a U.S. Southern Command-directed team deployed to Port-au-Prince at the request of the Government of Haiti, on a mission to provide humanitarian and disaster relief assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. - U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Southern Command and soldiers from Joint Task Force-Bravo’s 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment arrive by CH-53E Super Stallion, CH-47 Chinook, and UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters at Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Oct. 6, 2016. These vertical take-off assets will prove critical in gaining access to areas that are otherwise unreachable due to Hurricane Matthew. The Marines and soldiers are a part of Joint Task Force Matthew, a U.S. Southern Command-directed team deployed to Port-au-Prince at the request of the Government of Haiti, on a mission to provide humanitarian and disaster relief assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.

U.S. members of the Joint Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team board an MV-22 Osprey aircraft during Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33, Oct. 2, 2016. PHIBLEX is a bilateral training exercise designed to improve the interoperability, readiness and professional relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps and partner nations. - U.S. members of the Joint Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team board an MV-22 Osprey aircraft during Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33, Oct. 2, 2016. PHIBLEX is a bilateral training exercise designed to improve the interoperability, readiness and professional relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps and partner nations.

Marines with various Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalions ready their weapons and vehicles for the first-ever Bushmaster Challenge at range SR-7 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2016. The Bushmaster table is fabricated to replicate the enemy using a hole-down position with hidden vehicles, combining elements taken from what has been seen during the times of OIF/OEF, as well as adding motorcycles and friendly buildings or vehicles that the Marines must be consciously aware of during live-fire events. - Marines with various Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalions ready their weapons and vehicles for the first-ever Bushmaster Challenge at range SR-7 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2016. The Bushmaster table is fabricated to replicate the enemy using a hole-down position with hidden vehicles, combining elements taken from what has been seen during the times of OIF/OEF, as well as adding motorcycles and friendly buildings or vehicles that the Marines must be consciously aware of during live-fire events.

Marines from I Marine Expeditionary Force joined firefighters from the San Francisco area to learn about urban search and rescue techniques Oct. 5, 2016 at building 600 on Treasure Island. The service members learned how to cut through concrete and metal bars, reinforce structures, and move 3-5,000 pounds of concrete with wooden sticks. - Marines from I Marine Expeditionary Force joined firefighters from the San Francisco area to learn about urban search and rescue techniques Oct. 5, 2016 at building 600 on Treasure Island. The service members learned how to cut through concrete and metal bars, reinforce structures, and move 3-5,000 pounds of concrete with wooden sticks.

A Marine with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin stands under the Southern Cross star constellation during Exercise Koolendong 16 at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia, Aug. 16, 2016. Koolendong is a trilateral exercise between the Australian Defence Force, U.S. Marine Corps and French Armed Forces New Caledonia. - A Marine with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin stands under the Southern Cross star constellation during Exercise Koolendong 16 at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia, Aug. 16, 2016. Koolendong is a trilateral exercise between the Australian Defence Force, U.S. Marine Corps and French Armed Forces New Caledonia.

Veterans and members of the Semper Fi Society of St. Louis admire Marines in the color guard as they enter the room for the 7th Annual Gold Star Luncheon in St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 1, 2016. Sgt. Taylor Woods, Sgt. John Jaimes, Cpl. Matthew Huckabee and Cpl. Jeremy Patania from 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, formed the color guard for the event. - Veterans and members of the Semper Fi Society of St. Louis admire Marines in the color guard as they enter the room for the 7th Annual Gold Star Luncheon in St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 1, 2016. Sgt. Taylor Woods, Sgt. John Jaimes, Cpl. Matthew Huckabee and Cpl. Jeremy Patania from 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, formed the color guard for the event.

Micah Daily, a 9-year-old boy at the time, drew a photo of a robot and wrote a note addressed to Marine Corps Recruiting Command aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., in 2015. Capt. David P. Foley wrote and hand-delivered a note to Micah to attend the Modern Day Marine Military Exposition later that year, but could not because his grandmother became deathly ill. Foley extended the invitation to the next year, where Micah, his grandmother and his father attended the 2016 MDMME. Foley is the adjutant officer for MCRC. - Micah Daily, a 9-year-old boy at the time, drew a photo of a robot and wrote a note addressed to Marine Corps Recruiting Command aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., in 2015. Capt. David P. Foley wrote and hand-delivered a note to Micah to attend the Modern Day Marine Military Exposition later that year, but could not because his grandmother became deathly ill. Foley extended the invitation to the next year, where Micah, his grandmother and his father attended the 2016 MDMME. Foley is the adjutant officer for MCRC.

Lance Cpl. Conrad Jepson, a rifleman with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and a Boston, Massachusetts native, interacts with role players during a patrol part of Exercise Island Viper aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Sept. 29, 2016. Exercise Island Viper is a 3-week-long battalion level training evolution workup that focuses on sharpening the infantry skills of the individual, team and squad. - Lance Cpl. Conrad Jepson, a rifleman with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and a Boston, Massachusetts native, interacts with role players during a patrol part of Exercise Island Viper aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Sept. 29, 2016. Exercise Island Viper is a 3-week-long battalion level training evolution workup that focuses on sharpening the infantry skills of the individual, team and squad.

Col. Reginald Hairston, Commanding Officer, Security and Emergency Services Battalion, was presented with the North San Diego County NAACP’s 2016 Military Advocacy Award during the organization’s annual Blue and Gold Freedom Fund Awards Gala, Oct. 1, 2016. - Col. Reginald Hairston, Commanding Officer, Security and Emergency Services Battalion, was presented with the North San Diego County NAACP’s 2016 Military Advocacy Award during the organization’s annual Blue and Gold Freedom Fund Awards Gala, Oct. 1, 2016.

Marines prepare to be dunked in a simulated helicopter crash during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 26, 2016. The Modular Amphibious Egress Training, also known as the Helo Dunker, teaches Marines survival techniques to use if a helicopter lands in the water. The Marines conducting the training are with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. - Marines prepare to be dunked in a simulated helicopter crash during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 26, 2016. The Modular Amphibious Egress Training, also known as the Helo Dunker, teaches Marines survival techniques to use if a helicopter lands in the water. The Marines conducting the training are with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.

Marines with Infantry Officer Course conduct lane training at Range 220, the Combat Center’s largest military operations on urbanized terrain facility, Sept. 22, 2016, as part of Exercise Talon Reach. This exercise is the IOC students’ last training event before graduation. - Marines with Infantry Officer Course conduct lane training at Range 220, the Combat Center’s largest military operations on urbanized terrain facility, Sept. 22, 2016, as part of Exercise Talon Reach. This exercise is the IOC students’ last training event before graduation.

Marines rehearse salvaging an aircraft during a field exercise at Marine Corps Outlying Field Camp Davis, N.C., Sept. 22, 2016. Support squadrons across the Marine Corps conduct these exercises to remain ready for any challenge they may face in forward deployed environments. This exercise featured training that included auxiliary airfield construction, ground security and airfield damage repair. The squadron's capabilities contribute to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's role in the Marine Air Ground Task Force's mission accomplishment. The Marines participating in the exercise are assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd MAW. - Marines rehearse salvaging an aircraft during a field exercise at Marine Corps Outlying Field Camp Davis, N.C., Sept. 22, 2016. Support squadrons across the Marine Corps conduct these exercises to remain ready for any challenge they may face in forward deployed environments. This exercise featured training that included auxiliary airfield construction, ground security and airfield damage repair. The squadron's capabilities contribute to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's role in the Marine Air Ground Task Force's mission accomplishment. The Marines participating in the exercise are assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd MAW.

A Marine provides security during a patrol as part of a training exercise at the Kahuku Training Facility, Hawaii, Sept. 20, 2016. The exercise is part of a 7-week-long training event known as the Advance Infantry Course. The Advance Infantry Course, which is conducted by the Advance Infantry Battalion, Detachment Hawaii, is an advanced 0311 rifleman Military Occupational Specialty course for squad leaders who are currently serving in the operating field. - A Marine provides security during a patrol as part of a training exercise at the Kahuku Training Facility, Hawaii, Sept. 20, 2016. The exercise is part of a 7-week-long training event known as the Advance Infantry Course. The Advance Infantry Course, which is conducted by the Advance Infantry Battalion, Detachment Hawaii, is an advanced 0311 rifleman Military Occupational Specialty course for squad leaders who are currently serving in the operating field.

A Marine with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion rides a Light Armored Vehicle Anti-Tank onto a range during a combined weapons range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 20-21, 2016. The LAV-AT uses Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided missiles to fight tanks during battle. The training increased the Marines’ proficiency on various weapons platforms and improved their tactical mindset. Instead of focusing on one skill, this training combined multiple weapon systems and vehicles to show the Marines how to use each asset effectively and accomplish the mission. - A Marine with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion rides a Light Armored Vehicle Anti-Tank onto a range during a combined weapons range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 20-21, 2016. The LAV-AT uses Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided missiles to fight tanks during battle. The training increased the Marines’ proficiency on various weapons platforms and improved their tactical mindset. Instead of focusing on one skill, this training combined multiple weapon systems and vehicles to show the Marines how to use each asset effectively and accomplish the mission.

Mongolian Armed Forces Senior Sgt. Mandaa Bayarsukh discusses riot control techniques with U.S. Marines with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, during Non-Lethal Executive Seminar 2016 at the Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia, Sept. 19, 2016. Mongolian soldiers and National Police rehearsed various riot control formations. Non-lethal weapons are designed to incapacitate equipment and personnel while minimizing fatalities and permanent injury to personnel, and undesired collateral damage to property. - Mongolian Armed Forces Senior Sgt. Mandaa Bayarsukh discusses riot control techniques with U.S. Marines with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, during Non-Lethal Executive Seminar 2016 at the Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia, Sept. 19, 2016. Mongolian soldiers and National Police rehearsed various riot control formations. Non-lethal weapons are designed to incapacitate equipment and personnel while minimizing fatalities and permanent injury to personnel, and undesired collateral damage to property.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct the first ever hot load on the F-35B Lightning II in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 1-17 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Sept. 22, 2016. The exercise is part of WTI 1-17, a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One cadre. MAWTS-1 provides standardized tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. - U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct the first ever hot load on the F-35B Lightning II in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 1-17 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Sept. 22, 2016. The exercise is part of WTI 1-17, a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One cadre. MAWTS-1 provides standardized tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Buley, Tropospheric Scatter Microwave Radio Terminal operator with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18 adjusts the radio terminal’s trajectory allowing it to receive and transmit data during Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. The radio terminal provided uninterruptable communications between Guam and Tinian. VS16 is a biennial, U.S.-only, field training exercise that focuses on joint training with U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force to increase interoperability and working relationships. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Buley, Tropospheric Scatter Microwave Radio Terminal operator with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18 adjusts the radio terminal’s trajectory allowing it to receive and transmit data during Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. The radio terminal provided uninterruptable communications between Guam and Tinian. VS16 is a biennial, U.S.-only, field training exercise that focuses on joint training with U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force to increase interoperability and working relationships.

Retired Marine Maj. Gen. Anthony Jackson, now a board member with the Marines’ Memorial Association, laughs with a range safety officer after shooting an M4A1 carbine aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 19, 2016. Members of the MMA interacted with active duty Marines to reconnect and familiarize themselves with the 1st Marine Division and Camp Pendleton. - Retired Marine Maj. Gen. Anthony Jackson, now a board member with the Marines’ Memorial Association, laughs with a range safety officer after shooting an M4A1 carbine aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 19, 2016. Members of the MMA interacted with active duty Marines to reconnect and familiarize themselves with the 1st Marine Division and Camp Pendleton.

Melanie Stam (left), Colin Ayers (center) and Ben Stilin (left) ascend toward the Quien Sabe Glacier in North Cascades National Park, Washington, Sept. 10, 2016. After encountering an exhausted 77-year-old Norman Petty on a hike with his wife Barbara, photographer Capt. Nick Anthony, the pictured climbers and Catherine Mitchell (not pictured) led the couple visiting from Dunwoody, Georgia, to safety by transporting Norman Petty more than three miles using an impromptu support system. Anthony, from Norman, Oklahoma, is a U.S. Marine Corps recruiting management officer based in Seattle. Ayers, from Spokane, Washington, is a University of Washington chemical engineering student. Mitchell, from Seattle, is a content project manager at Microsoft. Stam, from Atlanta, is a Microsoft data analyst. Stilin, from Seattle, is a ski instructor at Husky Winter Sports. - Melanie Stam (left), Colin Ayers (center) and Ben Stilin (left) ascend toward the Quien Sabe Glacier in North Cascades National Park, Washington, Sept. 10, 2016. After encountering an exhausted 77-year-old Norman Petty on a hike with his wife Barbara, photographer Capt. Nick Anthony, the pictured climbers and Catherine Mitchell (not pictured) led the couple visiting from Dunwoody, Georgia, to safety by transporting Norman Petty more than three miles using an impromptu support system. Anthony, from Norman, Oklahoma, is a U.S. Marine Corps recruiting management officer based in Seattle. Ayers, from Spokane, Washington, is a University of Washington chemical engineering student. Mitchell, from Seattle, is a content project manager at Microsoft. Stam, from Atlanta, is a Microsoft data analyst. Stilin, from Seattle, is a ski instructor at Husky Winter Sports.

A cliff used for rappelling overlooks the Jungle Warfare Training Center Sept. 20 on Okinawa, Japan. Since 1958, the Jungle Warfare Training Center has provided terrain and climate-specific training to units serving across the Asia-Pacific region. The training area stretches over more than 17,000 acres and the courses offered reinforce service members’ ability to carry out tactical operations in the jungle. This training area made up more than 17,000 acres of mountains and jungle, is the only one of its kin din the entire Department of Defense. - A cliff used for rappelling overlooks the Jungle Warfare Training Center Sept. 20 on Okinawa, Japan. Since 1958, the Jungle Warfare Training Center has provided terrain and climate-specific training to units serving across the Asia-Pacific region. The training area stretches over more than 17,000 acres and the courses offered reinforce service members’ ability to carry out tactical operations in the jungle. This training area made up more than 17,000 acres of mountains and jungle, is the only one of its kin din the entire Department of Defense.

British Royal Marines discuss their scheme of maneuver during an assault on Range 205 as part of Exercise Black Alligator aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Sept. 13, 2016. Black Alligator, an annual training exercise, consists of approximately 1,000 British Royal Marines and 170 Dutch Royal Army soldiers who train aboard the installation in excess of 45 days to conduct relevant live-fire combined arms training, urban operations, and joint and coalition-level integration alongside more than 300 U.S. Marines consisting of artillerymen, engineers and tankers. - British Royal Marines discuss their scheme of maneuver during an assault on Range 205 as part of Exercise Black Alligator aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Sept. 13, 2016. Black Alligator, an annual training exercise, consists of approximately 1,000 British Royal Marines and 170 Dutch Royal Army soldiers who train aboard the installation in excess of 45 days to conduct relevant live-fire combined arms training, urban operations, and joint and coalition-level integration alongside more than 300 U.S. Marines consisting of artillerymen, engineers and tankers.

A MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 departs USS Bataan during Amphibious Squadron Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training at sea, Sept. 15 2016. PMINT familiarizes Marines and sailors with amphibious operations and to safely execute embarkation training in preparation for future pre-deployment exercises. - A MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 departs USS Bataan during Amphibious Squadron Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training at sea, Sept. 15 2016. PMINT familiarizes Marines and sailors with amphibious operations and to safely execute embarkation training in preparation for future pre-deployment exercises.

Sgt. Aaron Meares, a competitor with the Marine Corps Shooting Team, prepares to fire an SA80 A2 rifle, Sept. 11, 2016, at Altcar Training Camp, Merseyside, England. The Marines will be firing these weapons during the Royal Marines Operational Shooting Competition from September 6-22, 2016. The U.S. Marines are competing against the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps and the Royal Marines. The U.S. Marines are with Weapons Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. - Sgt. Aaron Meares, a competitor with the Marine Corps Shooting Team, prepares to fire an SA80 A2 rifle, Sept. 11, 2016, at Altcar Training Camp, Merseyside, England. The Marines will be firing these weapons during the Royal Marines Operational Shooting Competition from September 6-22, 2016. The U.S. Marines are competing against the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps and the Royal Marines. The U.S. Marines are with Weapons Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, practice treating a simulated casualty during a combat lifesaving course for the Frontline Leaders Course at Robertson Barracks, Australia, Sept. 6, 2016. The Frontline Leaders Course is designed to give U.S. Marines and Australian soldiers an opportunity to learn and improve their leadership skills and tactics during the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin. - U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, practice treating a simulated casualty during a combat lifesaving course for the Frontline Leaders Course at Robertson Barracks, Australia, Sept. 6, 2016. The Frontline Leaders Course is designed to give U.S. Marines and Australian soldiers an opportunity to learn and improve their leadership skills and tactics during the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin.

An airframes mechanic assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 performs maintenance on an F/A-18D Hornet after a flight mission during Exercise Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. Powerliners, airframes mechanics, communication navigation, and ordnance technicians, work around the clock to ensure flight schedules are met for aviation operations during the exercise. During this U.S.-only, biennial field training exercise, F/A-18D Hornets flew in a plethora of missions that emphasize joint integration, interoperability and expeditionary readiness. - An airframes mechanic assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 performs maintenance on an F/A-18D Hornet after a flight mission during Exercise Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. Powerliners, airframes mechanics, communication navigation, and ordnance technicians, work around the clock to ensure flight schedules are met for aviation operations during the exercise. During this U.S.-only, biennial field training exercise, F/A-18D Hornets flew in a plethora of missions that emphasize joint integration, interoperability and expeditionary readiness.

U.S. Aviation Ordnance Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron12 prepare ordnance for aviation squadrons participating in Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, September 12, 2016. The ordnance constructed, provided the Marines of MALS-12 valuable experience assembling live ordnance to be used during VS16 for a sinking exercise. VS16 is a biennial U.S. only, field training exercise that focuses on joint training with U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps to increase interoperability and working relationships. - U.S. Aviation Ordnance Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron12 prepare ordnance for aviation squadrons participating in Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, September 12, 2016. The ordnance constructed, provided the Marines of MALS-12 valuable experience assembling live ordnance to be used during VS16 for a sinking exercise. VS16 is a biennial U.S. only, field training exercise that focuses on joint training with U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps to increase interoperability and working relationships.

Staff Sgt Craig W. Harriman, left, speaks to Cpl. Andrea N. Villacis about her career progression aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 12, 2016. Harriman was awarded Career Planner of the Year for fiscal year 2016 and has been recently selected to instruct at the Basic Career Planners Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif. He attributes his success to the leadership and mentoring he received during his years in the Corps. Harriman is the staff noncommissioned officer in charge of career planners assigned to Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Villacis is an administrative clerk with the unit. - Staff Sgt Craig W. Harriman, left, speaks to Cpl. Andrea N. Villacis about her career progression aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 12, 2016. Harriman was awarded Career Planner of the Year for fiscal year 2016 and has been recently selected to instruct at the Basic Career Planners Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif. He attributes his success to the leadership and mentoring he received during his years in the Corps. Harriman is the staff noncommissioned officer in charge of career planners assigned to Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Villacis is an administrative clerk with the unit.

U.S. Army Cpl. Gregory McLellan and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Clinton Smith, Joint Corporals Leadership Development Course students, plot grid points during the land navigation portion of Camp Lemonnier's Joint Corporal’s Leadership Development Course at Arta, Djibouti, March 3, 2016. During the evaluation ‎Soldiers, ‎Sailors, ‎Airmen, and ‎Marines had to find eight different points and navigate to those points in a timed event. - U.S. Army Cpl. Gregory McLellan and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Clinton Smith, Joint Corporals Leadership Development Course students, plot grid points during the land navigation portion of Camp Lemonnier's Joint Corporal’s Leadership Development Course at Arta, Djibouti, March 3, 2016. During the evaluation ‎Soldiers, ‎Sailors, ‎Airmen, and ‎Marines had to find eight different points and navigate to those points in a timed event.

Cpl. Joshua Hodel, Stone Bay target shed noncommissioned officer in charge, fires an M4 service rifle in a 3-gun shooting competition coordinated by the Combat Marksmanship Trainer Course at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 1, 2016. The competition enabled CMT students to become familiar with how to set up and run a range and range personnel were also able to hone their marksmanship skills. - Cpl. Joshua Hodel, Stone Bay target shed noncommissioned officer in charge, fires an M4 service rifle in a 3-gun shooting competition coordinated by the Combat Marksmanship Trainer Course at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 1, 2016. The competition enabled CMT students to become familiar with how to set up and run a range and range personnel were also able to hone their marksmanship skills.

U.S. Navy Lt. Scott Keelan, a Patrol Squadron 46 pilot, operates a P-3 Orion aircraft during a sinking exercise Sept. 13, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during Valiant Shield 2016. SINKEX provided service members the opportunity to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting, and live firing against a surface target at sea. Valiant Shield is a biennial, U.S. -only field-training exercise with a focus on integration of joint training among U.S. forces. - U.S. Navy Lt. Scott Keelan, a Patrol Squadron 46 pilot, operates a P-3 Orion aircraft during a sinking exercise Sept. 13, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during Valiant Shield 2016. SINKEX provided service members the opportunity to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting, and live firing against a surface target at sea. Valiant Shield is a biennial, U.S. -only field-training exercise with a focus on integration of joint training among U.S. forces.

A U.S. Marine conducts a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 9, 2016. Participants climbed six floors multiple times for a total of 110 floors while empty handed or carrying a fire hose, simulated casualty or firefighting gear. Pictures lined the walls of the sixth floor to provide examples and visuals of the attacks. - A U.S. Marine conducts a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 9, 2016. Participants climbed six floors multiple times for a total of 110 floors while empty handed or carrying a fire hose, simulated casualty or firefighting gear. Pictures lined the walls of the sixth floor to provide examples and visuals of the attacks.

Gen. Glenn M. Walters, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, gives a speech during a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 11, 2016. Marine Week Nashville is an opportunity to commemorate the unwavering support of the American people, and show the Marine Corps' continued dedication to protecting the citizens of this country. - Gen. Glenn M. Walters, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, gives a speech during a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 11, 2016. Marine Week Nashville is an opportunity to commemorate the unwavering support of the American people, and show the Marine Corps' continued dedication to protecting the citizens of this country.

U.S. Marine participants of Exercise Kowari pose for a group photo at Daly River region, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 8, 2016. The purpose of Exercise Kowari is to enhance the United States, Australia, and China’s friendship and trust, through trilateral cooperation in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. - U.S. Marine participants of Exercise Kowari pose for a group photo at Daly River region, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 8, 2016. The purpose of Exercise Kowari is to enhance the United States, Australia, and China’s friendship and trust, through trilateral cooperation in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

A group of Nashville resident conduct physical training with the Marines, Sept. 8, 2016, during the public PT event at the Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville as part of Marine Week. Marine Week provides an opportunity for the Marine Corps to visit a city that normally doesn’t have opportunities to interact with Marine on a regular basis. - A group of Nashville resident conduct physical training with the Marines, Sept. 8, 2016, during the public PT event at the Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville as part of Marine Week. Marine Week provides an opportunity for the Marine Corps to visit a city that normally doesn’t have opportunities to interact with Marine on a regular basis.

Marines from Bravo Company, “Black Sheep,” 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, eat chow during an intermission during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 06, 2016. Marines from Bravo Co., “Black Sheep,” 1st Bn., 12th Marines, participated in exercise Spartan Fury 16.4. Spartan Fury is a pre-deployment exercise in which service members conduct live-fire artillery training and unit leaders are able to further assess and improve the lethality of the battalion. - Marines from Bravo Company, “Black Sheep,” 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, eat chow during an intermission during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 06, 2016. Marines from Bravo Co., “Black Sheep,” 1st Bn., 12th Marines, participated in exercise Spartan Fury 16.4. Spartan Fury is a pre-deployment exercise in which service members conduct live-fire artillery training and unit leaders are able to further assess and improve the lethality of the battalion.

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Local dignitaries from Nashville, Tenn., enjoy their military experience with the crew of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 during the MV-22B Osprey flights over Nashville as part of Marine Week. Marine Week Nashville is an opportunity to showcase the Marines and help people understand the capabilities of the Marine Corps. - Local dignitaries from Nashville, Tenn., enjoy their military experience with the crew of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 during the MV-22B Osprey flights over Nashville as part of Marine Week. Marine Week Nashville is an opportunity to showcase the Marines and help people understand the capabilities of the Marine Corps.

Darryl Worley, center-right, performs with the San Diego Marine Rock Band during the opening ceremony of Marine Week Nashville in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 7, 2016. Marine Week is an opportunity for the people of the greater Nashville area to connect with Marines and learn about Corps’ history and capabilities. - Darryl Worley, center-right, performs with the San Diego Marine Rock Band during the opening ceremony of Marine Week Nashville in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 7, 2016. Marine Week is an opportunity for the people of the greater Nashville area to connect with Marines and learn about Corps’ history and capabilities.

Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 based out of New River, N.C., Nashville, Tenn. Public Library Staff and local residents pose for a photograph Sept. 7, 2016. The Marines read and spoke to children as part of Marine Week Nashville, which allows citizens of the greater Nashville area to connect with the Marines. - Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 based out of New River, N.C., Nashville, Tenn. Public Library Staff and local residents pose for a photograph Sept. 7, 2016. The Marines read and spoke to children as part of Marine Week Nashville, which allows citizens of the greater Nashville area to connect with the Marines.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Landis Lied, an embarkation and logistics specialist assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, helps a student with multiplication at MacFarlane Primary School in Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 1, 2016. Marines are invited to mentor and teach students every iteration of Southern Frontier, a three week unit level training conducted by U.S. Marines at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal. The primary school’s student population is 92 percent indigenous and is very transient. Classes are designed to provide students structure and a consolidated education in literacy, numeracy, respect and behavior management. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Landis Lied, an embarkation and logistics specialist assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, helps a student with multiplication at MacFarlane Primary School in Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 1, 2016. Marines are invited to mentor and teach students every iteration of Southern Frontier, a three week unit level training conducted by U.S. Marines at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal. The primary school’s student population is 92 percent indigenous and is very transient. Classes are designed to provide students structure and a consolidated education in literacy, numeracy, respect and behavior management.

Sgt. Timothy Solano, explosive ordnance disposal technician with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, CBIRF, right, speaks to retired Israeli Defense Force Brig. Gen. Moshe Edri, Assistant Minister of Defense for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense, Government of Israel, center, with during an official visit Aug. 29, 2016. Solano showcased some of the equipment EOD Marines use while forward-deployed with an Initial Response Force or IRF. - Sgt. Timothy Solano, explosive ordnance disposal technician with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, CBIRF, right, speaks to retired Israeli Defense Force Brig. Gen. Moshe Edri, Assistant Minister of Defense for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense, Government of Israel, center, with during an official visit Aug. 29, 2016. Solano showcased some of the equipment EOD Marines use while forward-deployed with an Initial Response Force or IRF.

Nashville, Tenn. residents view a display of an MK 1 Mod 0 MTRS Packbot during a static display in Nashville, Sept. 6. Marine Week Nashville brings more than 800 Marines to the greater Nashville area to showcase the Marine Corps’ capabilities. - Nashville, Tenn. residents view a display of an MK 1 Mod 0 MTRS Packbot during a static display in Nashville, Sept. 6. Marine Week Nashville brings more than 800 Marines to the greater Nashville area to showcase the Marine Corps’ capabilities.

Multinational service members stand in formation during the opening ceremony for ASEAN Exercise 16-3 at 14th Military Circle Airfield, Chonburi Province, Thailand, Sept. 5, 2016. AEX 16-3 is a small-scale humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise consisting of 18 nations and co-hosted by Thailand, Japan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Russian Federation. It is the third iteration of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting plus multinational exercise program in 2016. - Multinational service members stand in formation during the opening ceremony for ASEAN Exercise 16-3 at 14th Military Circle Airfield, Chonburi Province, Thailand, Sept. 5, 2016. AEX 16-3 is a small-scale humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise consisting of 18 nations and co-hosted by Thailand, Japan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Russian Federation. It is the third iteration of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting plus multinational exercise program in 2016.

U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group man the rails aboard the USS Boxer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickman Pier, Hawaii, Aug. 29, 2016. The 13th MEU, embarked on the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Pacific region. - U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group man the rails aboard the USS Boxer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickman Pier, Hawaii, Aug. 29, 2016. The 13th MEU, embarked on the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Pacific region.

Lance Cpl. Christopher Courchain prepares his weapon for loading during a live-fire training exercise conducted by 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 29-30. The exercise allowed Marines to re-familiarize themselves and qualify with the M-240 Bravo machine gun, M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, and the M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun during the unknown distance live-fire exercise. Courchain is a gunner with 2nd LAAD, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. - Lance Cpl. Christopher Courchain prepares his weapon for loading during a live-fire training exercise conducted by 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 29-30. The exercise allowed Marines to re-familiarize themselves and qualify with the M-240 Bravo machine gun, M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, and the M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun during the unknown distance live-fire exercise. Courchain is a gunner with 2nd LAAD, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Operational Test & Evaluation Squadron 1 fires an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile during U.S. Marine F-35B operational tests. These employment scenarios differed from those conducted in Developmental Tests in that they were specifically designed around operational employment scenarios with the aim of further validating and developing tactics, techniques, and procedures for all three variants of the F-35. The tests began August 9 and ended September 1, 2016. - An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Operational Test & Evaluation Squadron 1 fires an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile during U.S. Marine F-35B operational tests. These employment scenarios differed from those conducted in Developmental Tests in that they were specifically designed around operational employment scenarios with the aim of further validating and developing tactics, techniques, and procedures for all three variants of the F-35. The tests began August 9 and ended September 1, 2016.

A maintenance shed is set in front of a Tactical Elevated Antenna Mast System during a field exercise conducted by Alpha Company, Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., August 23, 2016. The two-week exercise occurs annually to satisfy training and readiness requirements and serve as an opportunity for Marines to reaffirm previously learned skill sets. - A maintenance shed is set in front of a Tactical Elevated Antenna Mast System during a field exercise conducted by Alpha Company, Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., August 23, 2016. The two-week exercise occurs annually to satisfy training and readiness requirements and serve as an opportunity for Marines to reaffirm previously learned skill sets.

An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 approaches for landing during Southern Frontier at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, August 31, 2016. VMFA-122 executed close air support, air ground, high explosive ordnance delivery and low altitude tactics during the three week unit level training. - An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 approaches for landing during Southern Frontier at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, August 31, 2016. VMFA-122 executed close air support, air ground, high explosive ordnance delivery and low altitude tactics during the three week unit level training.

PERRY, Ga. - Marines with technical rescue and motor transport section, Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, CBIRF, prepare to reinforce a trench using plywood and gas struts in order to extract a simulated victim stuck inside a crashed vehicle, during Exercise Scarlet Response 2016 at Guardian Centers, Perry, Ga., Aug. 22, 2016. This exercise is the unit’s capstone event, testing the levels of each individual CBIRF capability with lane training and culminating with a 36-hour simulated response to a nuclear detonation. CBIRF is an active duty Marine Corps unit that, when directed, forward-deploys and/or responds with minimal warning to a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or high-yield explosive threat or event in order to assist local, state, or federal agencies and the geographic combatant commanders in the conduct of CBRNE response or consequence management operations, providing capabilities for command and control; agent detection and identification; search, rescue, and decontamination; and emergency medical care for contaminated personnel. - PERRY, Ga. - Marines with technical rescue and motor transport section, Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, CBIRF, prepare to reinforce a trench using plywood and gas struts in order to extract a simulated victim stuck inside a crashed vehicle, during Exercise Scarlet Response 2016 at Guardian Centers, Perry, Ga., Aug. 22, 2016. This exercise is the unit’s capstone event, testing the levels of each individual CBIRF capability with lane training and culminating with a 36-hour simulated response to a nuclear detonation. CBIRF is an active duty Marine Corps unit that, when directed, forward-deploys and/or responds with minimal warning to a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or high-yield explosive threat or event in order to assist local, state, or federal agencies and the geographic combatant commanders in the conduct of CBRNE response or consequence management operations, providing capabilities for command and control; agent detection and identification; search, rescue, and decontamination; and emergency medical care for contaminated personnel.