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U.S. Marines and soldiers from the Republic of Georgia conduct a squad-patrol and Close Air Support familiarity exercise as part of the Georgia Deployment Program- ISAF at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 10, 2014. What was formerly known as GDPI has now transitioned to Resolute Support Mission, in which Georgian soldiers and Marines focus on training, advising and assisting Afghan Security forces in ensuring stability and security in the region. - U.S. Marines and soldiers from the Republic of Georgia conduct a squad-patrol and Close Air Support familiarity exercise as part of the Georgia Deployment Program- ISAF at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 10, 2014. What was formerly known as GDPI has now transitioned to Resolute Support Mission, in which Georgian soldiers and Marines focus on training, advising and assisting Afghan Security forces in ensuring stability and security in the region.

Armed Forces of the Philippines engineers, from the 552nd Engineer Construction Battalion, U.S. Navy Seabees, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, and U.S. Marine engineers, from the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, are ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ as they pass buckets filled with concrete for placement at Don Joaquin Elementary School in Tapaz, Philippines, during Balikatan 2015, April 9. The engineers, part of the Combined-Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force located on the island of Panay, are constructing two classrooms at the school. Balikatan, which means “shoulder to shoulder” in Filipino, is an annual bilateral training exercise aimed at improving the ability of Philippine and U.S. military forces to work together during planning, contingency, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. - Armed Forces of the Philippines engineers, from the 552nd Engineer Construction Battalion, U.S. Navy Seabees, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, and U.S. Marine engineers, from the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, are ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ as they pass buckets filled with concrete for placement at Don Joaquin Elementary School in Tapaz, Philippines, during Balikatan 2015, April 9. The engineers, part of the Combined-Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force located on the island of Panay, are constructing two classrooms at the school. Balikatan, which means “shoulder to shoulder” in Filipino, is an annual bilateral training exercise aimed at improving the ability of Philippine and U.S. military forces to work together during planning, contingency, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

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Corporal Gerard V. Scparta, a military policeman and dog handler with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and his working dog, Quick, prepare to conduct a vehicle search during Exercise Desert Scimitar 2015 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 9, 2015. Desert Scimitar enables 1st Marine Division to test and refine its command and control capabilities while providing the opportunity for supporting units to hone essential warfighting skills. - Corporal Gerard V. Scparta, a military policeman and dog handler with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and his working dog, Quick, prepare to conduct a vehicle search during Exercise Desert Scimitar 2015 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 9, 2015. Desert Scimitar enables 1st Marine Division to test and refine its command and control capabilities while providing the opportunity for supporting units to hone essential warfighting skills.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, prepare to begin an assault on a simulated enemy base during movement to contact training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2015. Once the assault was completed, the Marines were required to prepare a defense in case of a counterattack. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, prepare to begin an assault on a simulated enemy base during movement to contact training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2015. Once the assault was completed, the Marines were required to prepare a defense in case of a counterattack.

Marines participate in a jump drill from an MV-22 Osprey with Air Delivery Platoon, 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2015. Parachute Riggers, who must perform at least one jump per quarter, soared out of the Osprey to carry combat gear safely to the ground. - Marines participate in a jump drill from an MV-22 Osprey with Air Delivery Platoon, 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2015. Parachute Riggers, who must perform at least one jump per quarter, soared out of the Osprey to carry combat gear safely to the ground.

Virginia Blazer, center, the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to Tanzania, poses for a photo with Marines and Sailors assigned to a Security Cooperation Team with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, and more than 40 Tanzanian park rangers following a graduation ceremony on the Selous Game Reserve in Matambwe, Tanzania, March 27, 2015. The park rangers graduated from counter illicit-trafficking training, which was the first-ever engagement between U.S. Service members and Tanzanian park rangers. The Marines and Sailors taught the park rangers infantry skills in an attempt to help counter illicit-trafficking in the region. - Virginia Blazer, center, the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to Tanzania, poses for a photo with Marines and Sailors assigned to a Security Cooperation Team with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, and more than 40 Tanzanian park rangers following a graduation ceremony on the Selous Game Reserve in Matambwe, Tanzania, March 27, 2015. The park rangers graduated from counter illicit-trafficking training, which was the first-ever engagement between U.S. Service members and Tanzanian park rangers. The Marines and Sailors taught the park rangers infantry skills in an attempt to help counter illicit-trafficking in the region.

Lt. Col. Jason Holden, right, commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163, and a Woodbridge, Virginia native, shakes the hand of Cpl. Andrew Sturgess, his crew chief and a Sidney, Indiana, native, after a successful training flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 10. This training operation marks the last time the commanding officer of VMM-163 will participate in a squadron-sized event before relinquishing command. - Lt. Col. Jason Holden, right, commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163, and a Woodbridge, Virginia native, shakes the hand of Cpl. Andrew Sturgess, his crew chief and a Sidney, Indiana, native, after a successful training flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 10. This training operation marks the last time the commanding officer of VMM-163 will participate in a squadron-sized event before relinquishing command.

Corporal Ryan Harney, a team leader with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, and St. Charles, Mo. native, fires at an oppositional force member in the offense during Military Operations in Urban Terrain, or MOUT, training aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 8, 2015. The training included Marines going out in squad-sized elements to attack an objective being held by Marines in the defensive position after the squad leaders built terrain models and informed their Marines on avenues of approach and objectives. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Krista James/Released) - Corporal Ryan Harney, a team leader with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, and St. Charles, Mo. native, fires at an oppositional force member in the offense during Military Operations in Urban Terrain, or MOUT, training aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 8, 2015. The training included Marines going out in squad-sized elements to attack an objective being held by Marines in the defensive position after the squad leaders built terrain models and informed their Marines on avenues of approach and objectives. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Krista James/Released)

Lance Cpl. Austin Steifer, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fires the M32 grenade launcher during a live-fire range aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2015. The M32 is a semi-automatic grenade launcher capable of holding up to six 40mm rounds and reaching a distance up to 400 meters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Dye/Released)  - Lance Cpl. Austin Steifer, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fires the M32 grenade launcher during a live-fire range aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2015. The M32 is a semi-automatic grenade launcher capable of holding up to six 40mm rounds and reaching a distance up to 400 meters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Dye/Released) 

Marines from the decontamination platoon put a child pretending to be injured on a backboard during Exercise Silent Ghost outside St. Elizabeths East hospital in Washington, D.C. April 7, 2015. The exercise was a simulated chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high yield explosive incident. - Marines from the decontamination platoon put a child pretending to be injured on a backboard during Exercise Silent Ghost outside St. Elizabeths East hospital in Washington, D.C. April 7, 2015. The exercise was a simulated chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high yield explosive incident.

Marines with 2nd Intelligence Battalion fire M16A4 service rifles and M4 carbines at targets during a battalion field exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 6, 2015. Approximately 220 Marines with the unit qualified with the weapons during day and night combat marksmanship training. - Marines with 2nd Intelligence Battalion fire M16A4 service rifles and M4 carbines at targets during a battalion field exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 6, 2015. Approximately 220 Marines with the unit qualified with the weapons during day and night combat marksmanship training.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany observes National Child Abuse Prevention Month by providing information and resources to the base community. - April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany observes National Child Abuse Prevention Month by providing information and resources to the base community.

Marine scout snipers with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conduct high angle shooting on Range 10 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii April 8, 2015. The training was different from their typical flat level or slight elevation ranges. The high angle is considered anything 30 degrees or greater. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sarah Dietz) - Marine scout snipers with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conduct high angle shooting on Range 10 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii April 8, 2015. The training was different from their typical flat level or slight elevation ranges. The high angle is considered anything 30 degrees or greater. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sarah Dietz)

Robert “Bob” Klingman flew his F4U Corsair with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 in support of the Battle of Okinawa near the close of World War II. During operations he flew into Marine Corps history when he used his propellor to chop off the tail of Japanese aircraft. - Robert “Bob” Klingman flew his F4U Corsair with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 in support of the Battle of Okinawa near the close of World War II. During operations he flew into Marine Corps history when he used his propellor to chop off the tail of Japanese aircraft.

Female Marines look at brochures of information during the education fair at the fourth annual Vivian A. Holmes Female Marine Symposium at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, March 26, 2015. During the symposium, female Marines received informational classes, participated in guided discussions and attended an education-station fair to get information on resources directly related to female Marines and their families. - Female Marines look at brochures of information during the education fair at the fourth annual Vivian A. Holmes Female Marine Symposium at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, March 26, 2015. During the symposium, female Marines received informational classes, participated in guided discussions and attended an education-station fair to get information on resources directly related to female Marines and their families.

Gen. Joseph Dunford, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks with Marines on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, March 26. Dunford traveled to the Marine bases on Okinawa from March 24 to the 26 to talk with Marines about his expectations for the Marines and the Corps. “My priorities are to make sure we have the warfighting capabilities we need, to address the maturity of our leaders and to make sure they have the training, education and the experience that they need to be successful on the battlefield,” said Dunford. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Thor J. Larson/Released) - Gen. Joseph Dunford, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks with Marines on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, March 26. Dunford traveled to the Marine bases on Okinawa from March 24 to the 26 to talk with Marines about his expectations for the Marines and the Corps. “My priorities are to make sure we have the warfighting capabilities we need, to address the maturity of our leaders and to make sure they have the training, education and the experience that they need to be successful on the battlefield,” said Dunford. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Thor J. Larson/Released)

A Marine with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion shoots the M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun at targets placed at unknown distances at range SR-7 aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 7, 2015. Approximately 30 Marines from the battalion conducted a two-day, machine-gun range in which they shot the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, M240 Bravo medium machine gun, and the .50-caliber heavy machine gun from both the mounted and un-mounted positions at targets placed at unknown distances. - A Marine with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion shoots the M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun at targets placed at unknown distances at range SR-7 aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 7, 2015. Approximately 30 Marines from the battalion conducted a two-day, machine-gun range in which they shot the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, M240 Bravo medium machine gun, and the .50-caliber heavy machine gun from both the mounted and un-mounted positions at targets placed at unknown distances.

A Marine with 2nd Intelligence Battalion fires an M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun during a live-fire range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 2, 2015. Marines conducted the range to familiarize themselves with the weapon system as well as bolster their confidence in employing it. - A Marine with 2nd Intelligence Battalion fires an M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun during a live-fire range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 2, 2015. Marines conducted the range to familiarize themselves with the weapon system as well as bolster their confidence in employing it.

Private First Class Tre Newell, an infantryman with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, rappels off the rappel tower aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 2, 2015. Each rappel station had a trained helicopter rope suspension techniques master, who instructed the Marines how to properly maneuver down the wall. Marines were positioned at the bottom to brake the Marines rappelling if necessary. - Private First Class Tre Newell, an infantryman with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, rappels off the rappel tower aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 2, 2015. Each rappel station had a trained helicopter rope suspension techniques master, who instructed the Marines how to properly maneuver down the wall. Marines were positioned at the bottom to brake the Marines rappelling if necessary.

Marine Administrative Messages 151/15 was signed March 24, which outlines current and revised maximum leave accrual for fiscal year 2013. Marines, who have accumulated more than 60 days of leave have until Oct. 1, 2015 to either take it as vacation or cash out before they lose those days. - Marine Administrative Messages 151/15 was signed March 24, which outlines current and revised maximum leave accrual for fiscal year 2013. Marines, who have accumulated more than 60 days of leave have until Oct. 1, 2015 to either take it as vacation or cash out before they lose those days.

Private First Class Mitchell Coyle, a mortarman with Scout Sniper Platoon, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fires an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during the Table 1 Machine Gun Qualification aboard Camp Lejeune, April 6, 2015. The platoon executed a combined machine gun and sniper rifle range, with the Marines getting valuable experience on both weapon systems. Machine gunners play an integral role in the scout sniper platoons, and it is imperative each Marine in the platoon has a working understanding of how they operate. - Private First Class Mitchell Coyle, a mortarman with Scout Sniper Platoon, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fires an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during the Table 1 Machine Gun Qualification aboard Camp Lejeune, April 6, 2015. The platoon executed a combined machine gun and sniper rifle range, with the Marines getting valuable experience on both weapon systems. Machine gunners play an integral role in the scout sniper platoons, and it is imperative each Marine in the platoon has a working understanding of how they operate.

Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, prepare a timed explosive during a live-fire raid at Range 226 aboard Camp Pendleton, California, April 1, 2015. The company conducted the live-fire exercise as part of a pre deployment workup in support of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Joseph Scanlan / released) - Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, prepare a timed explosive during a live-fire raid at Range 226 aboard Camp Pendleton, California, April 1, 2015. The company conducted the live-fire exercise as part of a pre deployment workup in support of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Joseph Scanlan / released)

A U.S. Marine F/A-18 Hornet provides close air support March 28 at Pilsung Range in South Korea. U.S. Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, completed a week of fire support coordination training with Republic of Korea Marines, coordinating close air support with both ROK and U.S. aircraft for the training. The training is part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-14.2, a small-unit training exercise, which enhances the combat readiness and interoperability of ROK-U.S. forces. - A U.S. Marine F/A-18 Hornet provides close air support March 28 at Pilsung Range in South Korea. U.S. Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, completed a week of fire support coordination training with Republic of Korea Marines, coordinating close air support with both ROK and U.S. aircraft for the training. The training is part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-14.2, a small-unit training exercise, which enhances the combat readiness and interoperability of ROK-U.S. forces.

Gunnery Sgt. Brian C. Jacklin, a critical skills operator with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, will be awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions while deployed to Afghanistan in 2012. - Gunnery Sgt. Brian C. Jacklin, a critical skills operator with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, will be awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions while deployed to Afghanistan in 2012.

Sgt. Maj. Garritt E. Duncan with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division jumps out the back of an aircraft during monthly airborne jumps aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 1, 2015. Jumping at 12,500 feet above ground level, the Marines free-fall for about a minute before they release their parachutes near 5,000 feet and descend onto the landing zone. - Sgt. Maj. Garritt E. Duncan with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division jumps out the back of an aircraft during monthly airborne jumps aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 1, 2015. Jumping at 12,500 feet above ground level, the Marines free-fall for about a minute before they release their parachutes near 5,000 feet and descend onto the landing zone.

John ‘Jack’ Cassidy, World War II and Navy veteran reaches out to shake someone’s hand before a wreath laying ceremony in honor of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa at the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on April 1, 2015. On April 1, 1945, allied forces invaded the island of Okinawa. The battle lasted 82 days amassed high totals of allied, japanese and civilian casualties. - John ‘Jack’ Cassidy, World War II and Navy veteran reaches out to shake someone’s hand before a wreath laying ceremony in honor of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa at the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on April 1, 2015. On April 1, 1945, allied forces invaded the island of Okinawa. The battle lasted 82 days amassed high totals of allied, Japanese and civilian casualties.

Aircraft Rescue Firefighters with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron work together to evacuate a casualty during the mass casualty exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 3, 2015. MCAS Iwakuni conducted the exercise in preparation for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day 2015 Air Show. The exercise simulated an aircraft crash and oil spill in a crowded area. - Aircraft Rescue Firefighters with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron work together to evacuate a casualty during the mass casualty exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 3, 2015. MCAS Iwakuni conducted the exercise in preparation for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day 2015 Air Show. The exercise simulated an aircraft crash and oil spill in a crowded area.

Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, await extraction in a field during a live-fire raid at Range 226 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 1, 2015. The company conducted the live-fire exercise as part of a predeployment workup in support of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, await extraction in a field during a live-fire raid at Range 226 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 1, 2015. The company conducted the live-fire exercise as part of a predeployment workup in support of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Thomas Harding shows a Republic of Korea Marine his M27 infantry automatic rifle during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15 in the vicinity of Pohang, South Korea, March 29, 2015. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in KMEP 15. The overall objective of KMEPs are to enhance amphibious operations between ROK and U.S. forces that contributes to security and stability on the Korean Peninsula as well as the entire Asia-Pacific region. The ROK Marines are with 33rd Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division, and the U.S. Marines are with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Thomas Harding shows a Republic of Korea Marine his M27 infantry automatic rifle during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15 in the vicinity of Pohang, South Korea, March 29, 2015. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in KMEP 15. The overall objective of KMEPs are to enhance amphibious operations between ROK and U.S. forces that contributes to security and stability on the Korean Peninsula as well as the entire Asia-Pacific region. The ROK Marines are with 33rd Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division, and the U.S. Marines are with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU.

Recently the Marine Corps underwent another change in its training and education spectrum as Marine Corps Bulletin 1500, in its third iteration, was altered Feb. 20 to enhance the overall quality of operational readiness and the commander’s flexibility in training. The motivation for this set of changes to Marine Corps Bulletin 1500, a comprehensive list of all required annual training, was to optimize available training time so unit commanders can be provided with more flexible training schedules to conduct mission-oriented tasks. - Recently the Marine Corps underwent another change in its training and education spectrum as Marine Corps Bulletin 1500, in its third iteration, was altered Feb. 20 to enhance the overall quality of operational readiness and the commander’s flexibility in training. The motivation for this set of changes to Marine Corps Bulletin 1500, a comprehensive list of all required annual training, was to optimize available training time so unit commanders can be provided with more flexible training schedules to conduct mission-oriented tasks.

Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford addresses Okinawa-based personnel during a town hall meeting March 25 at the Camp Foster Theater. Dunford traveled to Okinawa to speak about his planning guidance, which outlines his vision for the Marine Corps. Dunford also answered questions, touching on topics such as women in the infantry, the growing field of cyber warfare and the Corps’ tattoo policy. - Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford addresses Okinawa-based personnel during a town hall meeting March 25 at the Camp Foster Theater. Dunford traveled to Okinawa to speak about his planning guidance, which outlines his vision for the Marine Corps. Dunford also answered questions, touching on topics such as women in the infantry, the growing field of cyber warfare and the Corps’ tattoo policy.

Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, walk through a heavily-wooded area during a land navigation training exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 30, 2015. Collectively working as a team, camaraderie is maintained throughout the exercise when overcoming obstacles, said Sgt. Michael J. Hall, a platoon sergeant with Golf Company, 2/2. - Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, walk through a heavily-wooded area during a land navigation training exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 30, 2015. Collectively working as a team, camaraderie is maintained throughout the exercise when overcoming obstacles, said Sgt. Michael J. Hall, a platoon sergeant with Golf Company, 2/2.

A U.S. Marine fast-ropes out of an MV-22B Osprey during an exercise on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard, at sea, Feb. 18, 2015. Each Marine had a chance to go down the rope multiple times. After fast-roping, the Marines practiced rappelling from the Osprey. The Marines are with Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and the Osprey is from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262. The Marines are currently participating in the MEU’s annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - A U.S. Marine fast-ropes out of an MV-22B Osprey during an exercise on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard, at sea, Feb. 18, 2015. Each Marine had a chance to go down the rope multiple times. After fast-roping, the Marines practiced rappelling from the Osprey. The Marines are with Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and the Osprey is from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262. The Marines are currently participating in the MEU’s annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Donald L. Harmon, a Cleveland, Ohio, native, takes a picture of evidence at Osan Air Base in the Republic of Korea March 19. Scene preservation was one of the response scenarios during a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear joint training exercise with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1 CBRN and 51st Civil Engineer Squadron CBRN. The week-long bilateral training event enabled Marines and airmen to learn different tactics, techniques and procedures. Harmon is a CBRN Defense Specialist with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. ( - U.S. Marine Cpl. Donald L. Harmon, a Cleveland, Ohio, native, takes a picture of evidence at Osan Air Base in the Republic of Korea March 19. Scene preservation was one of the response scenarios during a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear joint training exercise with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1 CBRN and 51st Civil Engineer Squadron CBRN. The week-long bilateral training event enabled Marines and airmen to learn different tactics, techniques and procedures. Harmon is a CBRN Defense Specialist with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (

Private First Class Nathan Culver, an engineer equipment mechanic with Engineer Support Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, removes the safety pins from an M67 fragmentation grenade in preparation to throw it aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 27, 2015. The training ensured junior Marines still remembered how to handle a live grenade, and also served as a refresher for more seasoned Marines who haven’t used these skills in quite some time. - Private First Class Nathan Culver, an engineer equipment mechanic with Engineer Support Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, removes the safety pins from an M67 fragmentation grenade in preparation to throw it aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 27, 2015. The training ensured junior Marines still remembered how to handle a live grenade, and also served as a refresher for more seasoned Marines who haven’t used these skills in quite some time.

Marine students at the Methods of Entry School brace as explosives go off to breach a door during a test exercise at the Goettge Demolition Range in this undated photo. - Marine students at the Methods of Entry School brace as explosives go off to breach a door during a test exercise at the Goettge Demolition Range in this undated photo.

Infantrymen with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, and artillerymen with Echo Battery, 2/6, prepare to begin the live-fire portion of their non-lethal weapons training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 25, 2015. The Marines participated in a two-week NLW course that teaches various riot-control methods. - Infantrymen with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, and artillerymen with Echo Battery, 2/6, prepare to begin the live-fire portion of their non-lethal weapons training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 25, 2015. The Marines participated in a two-week NLW course that teaches various riot-control methods.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. John Hall, a rifleman with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, fires an AT-4 anti-armor weapon during a live-fire training exercise in Sierra Del Retin, Spain, March 24, 2015. Marines with SPMAGTF-CR-AF conducted a live-fire training exercise at the Spanish Marines’ training facility to maintain and uphold their infantryman skills. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. John Hall, a rifleman with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, fires an AT-4 anti-armor weapon during a live-fire training exercise in Sierra Del Retin, Spain, March 24, 2015. Marines with SPMAGTF-CR-AF conducted a live-fire training exercise at the Spanish Marines’ training facility to maintain and uphold their infantryman skills.

Marines with Golf Company and Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment practice riot-control and non-lethal techniques aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 27, 2015. The Marines conducted two weeks of non-lethal weapons training in preparation for an upcoming deployment. - Marines with Golf Company and Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment practice riot-control and non-lethal techniques aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 27, 2015. The Marines conducted two weeks of non-lethal weapons training in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

Georgian soldiers and U.S. Marines perform a ceremonial departure in front of their leaders, Maj. Gen. Vakhtang Kapanadze, Chief of Defense of Georgian Armed Forces, and Brig. Gen. Norma L. Cooling, deputy commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, during a ceremony, March 24 in Vaziani Training Area. The Georgian 43 rd Light Infantry Battalion and U.S. Marines, who have worked together since October as part of the Georgia Deployment Program, will contribute to NATO’s Resolute Support in Afghanistan. - Georgian soldiers and U.S. Marines perform a ceremonial departure in front of their leaders, Maj. Gen. Vakhtang Kapanadze, Chief of Defense of Georgian Armed Forces, and Brig. Gen. Norma L. Cooling, deputy commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, during a ceremony, March 24 in Vaziani Training Area. The Georgian 43 rd Light Infantry Battalion and U.S. Marines, who have worked together since October as part of the Georgia Deployment Program, will contribute to NATO’s Resolute Support in Afghanistan.

A Marine staff sgt. raises his right hand during a ceremony at an undisclosed location. Marine administrative message 160/15 announces the fiscal year 2015 Reserve Career Transition command visits will be conducted from April through July 2015, at designated commands. - A Marine staff sgt. raises his right hand during a ceremony at an undisclosed location. Marine administrative message 160/15 announces the fiscal year 2015 Reserve Career Transition command visits will be conducted from April through July 2015, at designated commands.

Special guests observe a ground breaking outside the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia, March 27, 2015. The ground breaking is the ceremonial initation of the construction of an expansion to the site that will update the museum on the Marine Corps history during the Post-Vietnam War era. - Special guests observe a ground breaking outside the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia, March 27, 2015. The ground breaking is the ceremonial initation of the construction of an expansion to the site that will update the museum on the Marine Corps history during the Post-Vietnam War era.

James "Jimmy" Sosinski from Haymarket, Virginia crosses the finish line of the 17.75K race in Prince William County, Virginia March 28, 2015. Sosinski completed the race first with a time of one hour, nine minutes and five seconds. - James "Jimmy" Sosinski from Haymarket, Virginia crosses the finish line of the 17.75K race in Prince William County, Virginia March 28, 2015. Sosinski completed the race first with a time of one hour, nine minutes and five seconds.

Col. Scott Erdelatz, Director of the Lejeune Leadership Institute, speaks about innovation in relation to leaders in the Marine Corps during a Leadership Development Program workshop at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, March 18, 2015. The goal of the workshop was to provide training to commanders and "key leaders" from Headquarters and Service Battalion to implement a unit leadership development program. - Col. Scott Erdelatz, Director of the Lejeune Leadership Institute, speaks about innovation in relation to leaders in the Marine Corps during a Leadership Development Program workshop at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, March 18, 2015. The goal of the workshop was to provide training to commanders and "key leaders" from Headquarters and Service Battalion to implement a unit leadership development program.

More than 5,000 marchers participated the Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sand Missile Range, New Mexico March 22. The event is the 73rd commemoration of the Bataan Death March when more than 60,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war endured a 60-mile forced march. These men endured severe physical abuse at the hands of their captors the Japanese Imperial army, many succumbing to the wounds and abuse they endured on the trek. - More than 5,000 marchers participated the Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sand Missile Range, New Mexico March 22. The event is the 73rd commemoration of the Bataan Death March when more than 60,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war endured a 60-mile forced march. These men endured severe physical abuse at the hands of their captors the Japanese Imperial army, many succumbing to the wounds and abuse they endured on the trek.

The United States Marine Corps has landed on mobile devices with its official application, Marines Mobile, which puts the story of the Corps in the hands of users. The free app is designed for anyone, who wants access to: news, press releases, videos, photos, Marine administrative messages, directives and orders and a social pulse which combines official social media feeds from Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and Twitter all found under one icon. - The United States Marine Corps has landed on mobile devices with its official application, Marines Mobile, which puts the story of the Corps in the hands of users. The free app is designed for anyone, who wants access to: news, press releases, videos, photos, Marine administrative messages, directives and orders and a social pulse which combines official social media feeds from Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and Twitter all found under one icon.

A U.S. Marine with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, watches over the objective during an airfield seizure mission as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise on San Clemente Island, California., March 22, 2015. These Marines inserted onto the island to execute a raid and practice their urban combat skills. - A U.S. Marine with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, watches over the objective during an airfield seizure mission as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise on San Clemente Island, California., March 22, 2015. These Marines inserted onto the island to execute a raid and practice their urban combat skills.

A 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion critical skills operator waits to enter a pool at the Army Special Forces Underwater Operations Training School, Feb. 16, 2015, in Key West, Fla. The operator’s team spent a week in Key West practicing various maritime operations skill sets, further solidifying the development of their techniques, tactics and procedures and their standard operating procedures. - A 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion critical skills operator waits to enter a pool at the Army Special Forces Underwater Operations Training School, Feb. 16, 2015, in Key West, Fla. The operator’s team spent a week in Key West practicing various maritime operations skill sets, further solidifying the development of their techniques, tactics and procedures and their standard operating procedures.

Marines from Bridge Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, conduct a bridge exercise at Lake Elsinore, California, March 24, 2015. Marines built an improved ribbon bridge and a medium girder bridge. This event marks the first time a continuous span bridge from shore to shore has been built since 2002. - Marines from Bridge Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, conduct a bridge exercise at Lake Elsinore, California, March 24, 2015. Marines built an improved ribbon bridge and a medium girder bridge. This event marks the first time a continuous span bridge from shore to shore has been built since 2002.