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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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

A Marine with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I MEF practices his community engagement with a role-player during mobile immersion training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 20, 2015. Mobile immersion training is a scenario-based training exercise in which the Marines engage in locating, apprehending and transporting a high-value individual. - A Marine with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I MEF practices his community engagement with a role-player during mobile immersion training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 20, 2015. Mobile immersion training is a scenario-based training exercise in which the Marines engage in locating, apprehending and transporting a high-value individual.

U.S. Marine combat engineers with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, assist Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers nail in one of the wall frames during a civil engineering exercise at Camp Singo, Nov. 19, 2015. The exercise helps the partner nations fortify their civil engineering skills while strengthening the bond between the two. - U.S. Marine combat engineers with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, assist Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers nail in one of the wall frames during a civil engineering exercise at Camp Singo, Nov. 19, 2015. The exercise helps the partner nations fortify their civil engineering skills while strengthening the bond between the two.

Lt. Col. David Morris (right) and Lt. Col. Lauren Edwards (left) review the battalion during the 8th Engineer Support Battalion change of command ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 30, 2015. Edwards took command of the battalion from Morris. Edwards’ new responsibility, as the first female commander of an ESB, will be to provide engineer support to II Marine Expeditionary Forces. - Lt. Col. David Morris (right) and Lt. Col. Lauren Edwards (left) review the battalion during the 8th Engineer Support Battalion change of command ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 30, 2015. Edwards took command of the battalion from Morris. Edwards’ new responsibility, as the first female commander of an ESB, will be to provide engineer support to II Marine Expeditionary Forces.

Cpl. Darion Binder,a fire supportman with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment radios in during a live-fire training event at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 19, 2015. The Marines conducted this training in order to test the new M1122 training round. - Cpl. Darion Binder,a fire supportman with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment radios in during a live-fire training event at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 19, 2015. The Marines conducted this training in order to test the new M1122 training round.

Lance Cpl. Taylor Drake, a combat engineer with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, prepares for breaching and room clearing drills aT Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 8, 2015. Drake, a Phoenix native, joined the Marine Corps to carry on the legacy of his family. - Lance Cpl. Taylor Drake, a combat engineer with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, prepares for breaching and room clearing drills aT Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 8, 2015. Drake, a Phoenix native, joined the Marine Corps to carry on the legacy of his family.

Lance Cpl. Alexander Sieck, a Greenville, Calif. and data network specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 11, 1st Marine Logistics Group, remains vigilant on a patrol during the certification portion of the Basic Combat Skills Course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 20, 2015. BCSC serves as a refamiliarization course for non-infantry Marines, teaching the fundamental skills needed to operate in a deployed environment. - Lance Cpl. Alexander Sieck, a Greenville, Calif. and data network specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 11, 1st Marine Logistics Group, remains vigilant on a patrol during the certification portion of the Basic Combat Skills Course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 20, 2015. BCSC serves as a refamiliarization course for non-infantry Marines, teaching the fundamental skills needed to operate in a deployed environment.

Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force move forward from the 15-yard line on a range during a close-quarters combat engagement qualification during Urban Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 26, 2015. If any of the Marines missed more than 18 rounds, they have one more chance to qualify. - Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force move forward from the 15-yard line on a range during a close-quarters combat engagement qualification during Urban Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 26, 2015. If any of the Marines missed more than 18 rounds, they have one more chance to qualify.

An Amphibious Assault Vehicle and its’ crew with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, prepares to begin the Heavy Brigade Combat Team qualification course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 20, 2015. The HBCT qualification is a requirement for the AAV crew in order to deploy or attach to a Marine Expeditionary Unit.  - An Amphibious Assault Vehicle and its’ crew with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, prepares to begin the Heavy Brigade Combat Team qualification course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 20, 2015. The HBCT qualification is a requirement for the AAV crew in order to deploy or attach to a Marine Expeditionary Unit. 

Captain Ericka Johnson, a Legal Service Support Section defense attorney, conducts egress training at the Quantico Reserve Support Unit High Mobility-Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HUMMWV) Egress Assistance Trainer (HEAT) Nov. 20 to practice rollover training. The repetitive training exercise duplicates the effort required to exit an inverted vehicle. - Captain Ericka Johnson, a Legal Service Support Section defense attorney, conducts egress training at the Quantico Reserve Support Unit High Mobility-Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HUMMWV) Egress Assistance Trainer (HEAT) Nov. 20 to practice rollover training. The repetitive training exercise duplicates the effort required to exit an inverted vehicle.

Brig. Gen. Terry V. Williams, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Eastern Recruiting Region, speaks during the 75th anniversary of Officer Candidate School on Brown Field ceremony and candidate graduation at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Nov. 24, 2015. The mission of OCS is to educate and train officer candidates in Marine Corps knowledge and skills within a controlled, challenging and chaotic environment. (U. S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Erasmo Cortez III) - Brig. Gen. Terry V. Williams, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Eastern Recruiting Region, speaks during the 75th anniversary of Officer Candidate School on Brown Field ceremony and candidate graduation at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Nov. 24, 2015. The mission of OCS is to educate and train officer candidates in Marine Corps knowledge and skills within a controlled, challenging and chaotic environment. (U. S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Erasmo Cortez III)

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A Marine Raider with 1st Marine Raider Battalion and two Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion prepare to clear a building during a night raid at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility at Camp Shelby, Miss., Nov. 17. The raid was part of a 10-day exercise in the Gulf Coast region to maintain unit readiness. The 2nd CEB Marines participated in the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command exercise to strengthen and enhance Special Operations Forces and Marine Air Ground Task Force interoperability. - A Marine Raider with 1st Marine Raider Battalion and two Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion prepare to clear a building during a night raid at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility at Camp Shelby, Miss., Nov. 17. The raid was part of a 10-day exercise in the Gulf Coast region to maintain unit readiness. The 2nd CEB Marines participated in the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command exercise to strengthen and enhance Special Operations Forces and Marine Air Ground Task Force interoperability.

Service members come together Nov. 19, 2015, to participate in a joint service event as part of Warrior Care Month. Warrior Care Month was created on Nov. 2, 2010 as a way to help wounded, ill or injured service members recover. This month, service members got the chance to compete in two different joint service events, the first being wheelchair rugby and the second being sitting volleyball. - Service members come together Nov. 19, 2015, to participate in a joint service event as part of Warrior Care Month. Warrior Care Month was created on Nov. 2, 2010 as a way to help wounded, ill or injured service members recover. This month, service members got the chance to compete in two different joint service events, the first being wheelchair rugby and the second being sitting volleyball.

Marines with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Improved Ribbon Bridge Platoon check in with the safety boat while taking part in a Zodiac operator’s course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 19, 2015. This course was a brief instruction on maintaining, handling and basic maneuverability and safety with the Zodiac. (U.S. Marine Corps Video illustration by Lance Cpl. Preston McDonald/Released) - Marines with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Improved Ribbon Bridge Platoon check in with the safety boat while taking part in a Zodiac operator’s course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 19, 2015. This course was a brief instruction on maintaining, handling and basic maneuverability and safety with the Zodiac. (U.S. Marine Corps Video illustration by Lance Cpl. Preston McDonald/Released)

U.S. Marine Pfc. Beto Chavarria sucks the blood from the head of a python in a jungle survival course during Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise 2015 in Tanduo, Malaysia on Nov. 11. Chavarria is an automatic rifleman with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. During the course, Marines learned how to trap, clean, and cook wild life. The purpose of the exercise was to strengthen military cooperation in the planning and execution of amphibious operations between Malaysian armed forces and U.S. Marines. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. - U.S. Marine Pfc. Beto Chavarria sucks the blood from the head of a python in a jungle survival course during Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise 2015 in Tanduo, Malaysia on Nov. 11. Chavarria is an automatic rifleman with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. During the course, Marines learned how to trap, clean, and cook wild life. The purpose of the exercise was to strengthen military cooperation in the planning and execution of amphibious operations between Malaysian armed forces and U.S. Marines. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Bob Opett, a Hazardous Material Awareness and Operations course instructor, shows service members and firefighters how to properly seal the HazMat suit during the course at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 18, 2015. Provided by Bucks County Community College Department of Public Safety from Doylestown, Penn., the course is used to make individuals more aware of potential hazards and teach them initial response procedures. - Bob Opett, a Hazardous Material Awareness and Operations course instructor, shows service members and firefighters how to properly seal the HazMat suit during the course at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 18, 2015. Provided by Bucks County Community College Department of Public Safety from Doylestown, Penn., the course is used to make individuals more aware of potential hazards and teach them initial response procedures.

A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, looks a through compass during a 60mm mortar live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 19, 2015. Despite heavy rainfall and wind, the Marines completed the mortar shoot in order to retain and refine their skills with the weapons system and prove they could complete a fire mission under any conditions. - A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, looks a through compass during a 60mm mortar live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 19, 2015. Despite heavy rainfall and wind, the Marines completed the mortar shoot in order to retain and refine their skills with the weapons system and prove they could complete a fire mission under any conditions.

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Marine students attending the 8th Engineer Support Battalion Medium Girder Bridge Master’s Course lift a bridge part during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 18, 2015. The course, now in its final week, teaches Marines to lead the bridge building process, and is hosting Marines from 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, based at Marine Corps Base Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. - Marine students attending the 8th Engineer Support Battalion Medium Girder Bridge Master’s Course lift a bridge part during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 18, 2015. The course, now in its final week, teaches Marines to lead the bridge building process, and is hosting Marines from 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, based at Marine Corps Base Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan.

Marines with the Ground Combat Element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force post security on a simulated casualty as part of a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel mission during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct 23-Nov. 15, 2015. The GCE provides a fighting force capable of executing a wide range of mission sets for the MAGTF. - Marines with the Ground Combat Element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force post security on a simulated casualty as part of a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel mission during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct 23-Nov. 15, 2015. The GCE provides a fighting force capable of executing a wide range of mission sets for the MAGTF.

Marines with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, act as the opposing forces for a movement-to-contact training mission, Exercise Watchtower, Nov. 9, 2015. The exercise provided the Marines an opportunity to better themselves securing areas and locating opposing forces, as well as enabling the leaders of the various teams with the ability to make crucial decisions in the fog of war. - Marines with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, act as the opposing forces for a movement-to-contact training mission, Exercise Watchtower, Nov. 9, 2015. The exercise provided the Marines an opportunity to better themselves securing areas and locating opposing forces, as well as enabling the leaders of the various teams with the ability to make crucial decisions in the fog of war.

A Norwegian cadet pulls himself under barbed wire while completing the Combat Course at Officer Candidate School.While most candidates arrive at OCS via a combination of air and personal vehicle travel, the Norwegian cadets sailed a 101-year-old, three-masted steel bark known as the “Statsraad Lehmkuhl” from Norway to Baltimore. - A Norwegian cadet pulls himself under barbed wire while completing the Combat Course at Officer Candidate School.While most candidates arrive at OCS via a combination of air and personal vehicle travel, the Norwegian cadets sailed a 101-year-old, three-masted steel bark known as the “Statsraad Lehmkuhl” from Norway to Baltimore.

U.S. Marines and U.K. Royal Marine Commandos teach Nigerian sailors weapons handling skills and marksmanship, Oct. 22, in Sekondi, Ghana. U.S. Marines and U.K. Royal Marine Commandos trained the Nigerian sailors as part of the Africa Partnership Station, which is a U.S. Naval Forces Africa initiative that aims to increase the maritime safety and security capacity of African partners through collaboration and regional cooperation through engagement exercises that build toward self-sustained African security of the maritime domain. The training came at the request of U.S. Naval Forces Africa and U.K. Royal Navy to support NAVAF’s APS missions in the Gulf of Guinea. Six U.S. Marines and one U.S. Navy sailor from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa took part in the training, alongside their U.K. Royal Marine Commando counterparts, which also included visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), immediate action drills, patrolling and combat lifesaver training. The APS also made stops in Ghana, Angola and Togo. - U.S. Marines and U.K. Royal Marine Commandos teach Nigerian sailors weapons handling skills and marksmanship, Oct. 22, in Sekondi, Ghana. U.S. Marines and U.K. Royal Marine Commandos trained the Nigerian sailors as part of the Africa Partnership Station, which is a U.S. Naval Forces Africa initiative that aims to increase the maritime safety and security capacity of African partners through collaboration and regional cooperation through engagement exercises that build toward self-sustained African security of the maritime domain. The training came at the request of U.S. Naval Forces Africa and U.K. Royal Navy to support NAVAF’s APS missions in the Gulf of Guinea. Six U.S. Marines and one U.S. Navy sailor from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa took part in the training, alongside their U.K. Royal Marine Commando counterparts, which also included visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), immediate action drills, patrolling and combat lifesaver training. The APS also made stops in Ghana, Angola and Togo.

Reconnaissance, surveillance and decontamination Marines don 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-171s annual unit level chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training that enables combat proactivity and readiness. - Reconnaissance, surveillance and decontamination Marines don 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-171s annual unit level chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training that enables combat proactivity and readiness.

Spanish Brig. Gen. Juan Cifuentes Álvarez gives a ‘thumbs-up’ to a young paratrooper during bilateral training with U.S. Marines from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, Nov. 13, 2015 in Zaragoza, Spain. More than 25 Spanish paratroopers with Spanish Parachute Brigade jumped out of a KC-130J Hercules, reinforcing mutual defense relationships between U.S. and Spain. - Spanish Brig. Gen. Juan Cifuentes Álvarez gives a ‘thumbs-up’ to a young paratrooper during bilateral training with U.S. Marines from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, Nov. 13, 2015 in Zaragoza, Spain. More than 25 Spanish paratroopers with Spanish Parachute Brigade jumped out of a KC-130J Hercules, reinforcing mutual defense relationships between U.S. and Spain.

Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment engage the enemy during a counterattack as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Nov. 11, 2015. The counterattack was part of the Battalion Assault Course, a three-day culminating event at the end of ITX. - Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment engage the enemy during a counterattack as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Nov. 11, 2015. The counterattack was part of the Battalion Assault Course, a three-day culminating event at the end of ITX.

The Command Element Marine Forces Central Command Forward guidon is retired during the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade activation ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Oct. 15, 2015. Command Element Marine Forces Central Command Forward was re-designated as the 5TH MEB to more accurately reflect Marine Corps organizational doctrine, and will continue to provide a forward-deployed headquarters in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility - The Command Element Marine Forces Central Command Forward guidon is retired during the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade activation ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Oct. 15, 2015. Command Element Marine Forces Central Command Forward was re-designated as the 5TH MEB to more accurately reflect Marine Corps organizational doctrine, and will continue to provide a forward-deployed headquarters in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility

Cpl. Mark McNulty provides security while his fire team searches a Marine from the opposing side in Central Training Area’s Combat Town in Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 6, 2015. A fire team of Marines entered and cleared a building with special effect small-arms marking system rounds with an opposing force hiding a hostage. The scenario was conducted on the final day of a three day training event aimed at improving skills clearing buildings. McNulty is from Scranton, Pennsylvania, and is a military policeman with Military Police Detachment, Combat Logistic Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. - Cpl. Mark McNulty provides security while his fire team searches a Marine from the opposing side in Central Training Area’s Combat Town in Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 6, 2015. A fire team of Marines entered and cleared a building with special effect small-arms marking system rounds with an opposing force hiding a hostage. The scenario was conducted on the final day of a three day training event aimed at improving skills clearing buildings. McNulty is from Scranton, Pennsylvania, and is a military policeman with Military Police Detachment, Combat Logistic Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

A Marine with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment prepares to fire during the counterattack of the Battalion Assault Course, the culminating event for Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 6, 2015. The BAC integrates all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force in order to defeat a large simulated enemy force. - A Marine with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment prepares to fire during the counterattack of the Battalion Assault Course, the culminating event for Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 6, 2015. The BAC integrates all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force in order to defeat a large simulated enemy force.

Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific salute Cpl. Roger K. Nielson during a dignified transfer of remains at the Honolulu International Airport, Nov. 12, 2015. Nielson was a World War II Marine assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, who was killed during the battle of Tarawa, where more than 18,000 Marines fought and more than 1,000 were killed over three days of fighting. - Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific salute Cpl. Roger K. Nielson during a dignified transfer of remains at the Honolulu International Airport, Nov. 12, 2015. Nielson was a World War II Marine assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, who was killed during the battle of Tarawa, where more than 18,000 Marines fought and more than 1,000 were killed over three days of fighting.