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Marines from the Royal Thai Marine Corps Secuity Regiment stand in formation Feb. 13, 2018, during the opening ceremony of Exercise Cobra Gold 2018 at U-Tapao International Airport, Ban Chang district, Rayong province, Thailand. Exercise Cobra Gold, in its 37th iteration, is designed to advance regional security and ensure effective responses to regional crises by bringing together a robust multinational force to address shared goals and security commitments in the Indo-Pacific region. The annual exercise is conducted in the Kingdom of Thailand held from Feb. 13-23 with seven full participating nations. - Marines from the Royal Thai Marine Corps Secuity Regiment stand in formation Feb. 13, 2018, during the opening ceremony of Exercise Cobra Gold 2018 at U-Tapao International Airport, Ban Chang district, Rayong province, Thailand. Exercise Cobra Gold, in its 37th iteration, is designed to advance regional security and ensure effective responses to regional crises by bringing together a robust multinational force to address shared goals and security commitments in the Indo-Pacific region. The annual exercise is conducted in the Kingdom of Thailand held from Feb. 13-23 with seven full participating nations.

U.S. Marine pilots prepare to disembark an AH-1Z Viper at U-Tapao International Airport, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 10, 2018. The Marines of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 ‘Gunfighters’ arrive to the Kingdom of Thailand to participate in Cobra Gold, one of the largest theater security cooperation exercises in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. HMLA-369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, is currently forward deployed under the unit deployment program with MAG-36, 1st MAW. Exercise Cobra Gold 2018 is an annual exercise conducted in the Kingdom of Thailand held from Feb. 13-23 with seven full participating nations. - U.S. Marine pilots prepare to disembark an AH-1Z Viper at U-Tapao International Airport, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 10, 2018. The Marines of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 ‘Gunfighters’ arrive to the Kingdom of Thailand to participate in Cobra Gold, one of the largest theater security cooperation exercises in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. HMLA-369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, is currently forward deployed under the unit deployment program with MAG-36, 1st MAW. Exercise Cobra Gold 2018 is an annual exercise conducted in the Kingdom of Thailand held from Feb. 13-23 with seven full participating nations.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Eades shows Marines and Sailors the remains of materials after a detonation, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Feb. 1. Staff Sergeant Eades is an EOD Technician with Marine Wing Support Detachment 31. - Staff Sgt. Matthew Eades shows Marines and Sailors the remains of materials after a detonation, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Feb. 1. Staff Sergeant Eades is an EOD Technician with Marine Wing Support Detachment 31.

U.S. Marines from 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, conduct the first amphibious landing in an Assault Breacher Vehicle with a Modified Full Width Mine Plow prototype during Exercise Steel Knight on the west coast. Marine Corps Systems Command tested the prototype which will make it easier to transport the ABV from ship to shore. - U.S. Marines from 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, conduct the first amphibious landing in an Assault Breacher Vehicle with a Modified Full Width Mine Plow prototype during Exercise Steel Knight on the west coast. Marine Corps Systems Command tested the prototype which will make it easier to transport the ABV from ship to shore.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Karissa Tanguay-Jones, a native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, sits in the back of an MV-22 Osprey during a recent training flight in California. Tanguay-Jones stars in "A Nation's Call," the latest advertisement released under the Marine Corps' “Battles Won” strategy. The commercial unfolds by showcasing the full power of the United States Marine Corps engaged in an assault mission. Depicting a 5th Generation Marine Corps operation (naval integration, ship-to-objective, technology-fueled). As the Marines move toward the objective, each layer of ships, tanks, armored vehicles, planes and helicopters is removed. This visual story, in combination with the voiceover, will communicate and emphasize to the audience that, when the Nation faces any battle, the Marines themselves—with their fighting spirit—are the greatest weapon in the United States Marine Corps’ arsenal. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Karissa Tanguay-Jones, a native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, sits in the back of an MV-22 Osprey during a recent training flight in California. Tanguay-Jones stars in "A Nation's Call," the latest advertisement released under the Marine Corps' “Battles Won” strategy. The commercial unfolds by showcasing the full power of the United States Marine Corps engaged in an assault mission. Depicting a 5th Generation Marine Corps operation (naval integration, ship-to-objective, technology-fueled). As the Marines move toward the objective, each layer of ships, tanks, armored vehicles, planes and helicopters is removed. This visual story, in combination with the voiceover, will communicate and emphasize to the audience that, when the Nation faces any battle, the Marines themselves—with their fighting spirit—are the greatest weapon in the United States Marine Corps’ arsenal.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Darren Broughton reads Where the Wild Things Are to children during a visit to Namisato Preschool in Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 30, 2018. Marines visited the school as a community relations event that helps the children learn basic English. Broughton, an Odessa, Texas native, is a team leader with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.. Marines continue fostering relations with the local population and building bonds with allies. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Darren Broughton reads Where the Wild Things Are to children during a visit to Namisato Preschool in Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 30, 2018. Marines visited the school as a community relations event that helps the children learn basic English. Broughton, an Odessa, Texas native, is a team leader with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.. Marines continue fostering relations with the local population and building bonds with allies.

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Marines and sailors with I Marine Expeditionary Force salute the flag during the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl National Anthem, Dec. 28, 2017. In 2017, I MEF Marines and Sailors supported more than 140 community events. - Marines and sailors with I Marine Expeditionary Force salute the flag during the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl National Anthem, Dec. 28, 2017. In 2017, I MEF Marines and Sailors supported more than 140 community events.

"A Nation's Call" is the latest advertisement released under the “Battles Won” strategy. “A Nation’s Call” unfolds by showcasing the full power of the United States Marine Corps engaged in an assault mission. Depicting a 5th Generation Marine Corps operation (naval integration, ship-to-objective, technology-fueled). As the Marines move toward the objective, each layer of ships, tanks, armored vehicles, planes and helicopters is removed. This visual story, in combination with the voiceover, will communicate and emphasize to the audience that, when the Nation faces any battle, the Marines themselves—with their fighting spirit—are the greatest weapon in the United States Marine Corps’ arsenal. - "A Nation's Call" is the latest advertisement released under the “Battles Won” strategy. “A Nation’s Call” unfolds by showcasing the full power of the United States Marine Corps engaged in an assault mission. Depicting a 5th Generation Marine Corps operation (naval integration, ship-to-objective, technology-fueled). As the Marines move toward the objective, each layer of ships, tanks, armored vehicles, planes and helicopters is removed. This visual story, in combination with the voiceover, will communicate and emphasize to the audience that, when the Nation faces any battle, the Marines themselves—with their fighting spirit—are the greatest weapon in the United States Marine Corps’ arsenal.

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, march on the pier towards the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) in Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 1, 2018. The Marines are preparing to embark on the USS Bonhomme Richard going to Thailand to participate in Exercise Cobra Gold 2018. Cobra Gold 18 is an annual exercise conducted in the Kingdom of Thailand and runs from Feb. 13-23 with seven full participating nations. - U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, march on the pier towards the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) in Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 1, 2018. The Marines are preparing to embark on the USS Bonhomme Richard going to Thailand to participate in Exercise Cobra Gold 2018. Cobra Gold 18 is an annual exercise conducted in the Kingdom of Thailand and runs from Feb. 13-23 with seven full participating nations.

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A U.S. Marine Corps infantryman with Detachment 4th Force Reconnaissance Company conducts a pool training event, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Jan. 22, 2018. - A U.S. Marine Corps infantryman with Detachment 4th Force Reconnaissance Company conducts a 1km swim during a pool training event, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Jan. 22, 2018. The event consisted of various exercises, including a 25 meter underwater swim, static breath holds, treading exercises, and gear retrievals. The unit’s training program aims to prepare students for the stresses of the BRC by offering a broad, realistic curriculum, challenging them both mentally and physically.

Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 and Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39 chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) prepare for detailed aircraft decontamination training at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Jan. 25. HMLA-267 Marines learned the five station, five-stage process and will now serve as subject matter experts on aircraft decontamination for their respective unit’s aircraft. - Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 and Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39 chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) prepare for detailed aircraft decontamination training at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Jan. 25. HMLA-267 Marines learned the five station, five-stage process and will now serve as subject matter experts on aircraft decontamination for their respective unit’s aircraft.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Jason Cheama posts security during Exercise Samurai Jan. 23, 2018, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Division trained to refine their skills for Division operations in an expeditionary environment. Cheama, a native of Zuni, New Mexico, supported the exercise as an assistant team leader in a provisional rifle squad. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Jason Cheama posts security during Exercise Samurai Jan. 23, 2018, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Division trained to refine their skills for Division operations in an expeditionary environment. Cheama, a native of Zuni, New Mexico, supported the exercise as an assistant team leader in a provisional rifle squad.

Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Marines extinguish a jet fuel training fire aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jan. 19. The Marines are with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. - Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Marines extinguish a jet fuel training fire aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jan. 19. The Marines are with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron.

Vuong saved the life of a UPS driver by using his Marine training to remove him from his wrecked truck. Vuong waited with the driver until emergency medical personnel arrived. - Staff Sgt. Hai Vuong, an imagery analyst from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, received the Liberty Mutual Lifesaver Award from Liberty Mutual Insurance and UPS at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Jan. 26. Vuong saved the life of a UPS driver by using his Marine training to remove him from his wrecked truck. Vuong waited with the driver until emergency medical personnel arrived.

The exercise enabled Reserve Marines to spend two weeks working together, battling the elements to ensure that they are ready to fight tonight and respond to the nation’s calls. - Marines with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division, navigate the route to their next checkpoint during the final exercise of exercise Nordic Frost on Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, Vt., Jan. 22, 2018. The exercise allowed Marines to demonstrate their ability to operate in a cold weather mountainous environment, conducting land navigation, marksmanship training, demolitions, call for fire training and other core competencies.

During the exercise, Marines refine their skills to better support Division operations in an expeditionary environment. - U.S. Marines receive their final orders to establish a forward operations center Jan. 23, 2018 on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, for Exercise Samurai. During the exercise, Marines refine their skills to better support Division operations in an expeditionary environment. The Marines are assigned Headquarters and Service Battalion, 3rd Marine Division.

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Raney is a recruiter currently stationed as with Recruiting Station Nashville, 6th Marine Corps District, Eastern Recruiting Region, Marine Corps Recruiting Command. - U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Brian D. Raney and Raven Campbell dance at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, on Jan. 20, 2018. Raney stepped in as the father figure for the father-daughter dance. Raney is a recruiter currently stationed with Recruiting Station Nashville, 6th Marine Corps District, Eastern Recruiting Region, Marine Corps Recruiting Command.

The race was a way for the local and U.S. communities to bond through friendly competition and learn the importance of traffic safety. - MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan – Marine Corps’ team Alpha pose for a photo with their first place trophy at the 41st Annual Ginowan City Traffic Safety Campaign Road Race Jan. 20 on Marine Corps Air Station, Okinawa, Japan. The Marine Corps’ teams, team Alpha and team Omega, competed in the race. The Marines Corps’ Alpha team won the race for first time in three years while the Marine Corps’ team Omega came in 5th place.

Marines conducted live-fire ranges where they rehearsed rocket battle drills and fire team attacks. - Lance Cpl. Jonathan Whitfield, a fire team leader with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division engages a target with an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a Tactical Small Unit Leaders Course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 16, 2017. Marines conducted live-fire ranges where they rehearsed rocket battle drills and fire team attacks. The Marines used the M72AS 21mm Trainer System, M72 Lightweight Anti-Tank Weapon, AT-4 rocket launcher, M203 grenade launcher, M32 grenade launcher and M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle.

The Marine Corps partners with organizations that share its core values of honor, courage, and commitment. Rugby, which is well-known for instilling discipline, physical fitness, and mental toughness on its players, was a natural choice for the Marines. As an official partner of USAR, Marines will have the opportunities to attend several USAR events such as training and education seminars, college championships, and high school regional cup tournaments. - Sgt. Maj. Mike Lanpolsaen (left), Maj. Gen. Paul Kennedy, Dan Payne, Maj. Benjamin Heredia and Sgt. Maj. Jon Jerome pose for a photo during the USA Rugby 2018 National Development Summit in Denver, Colorado, January 19, 2018. During the summit, Kennedy announced a new partnership between the Marine Corps and USA Rugby. The Marine Corps partners with organizations that share its core values of honor, courage, and commitment. Rugby, which is well-known for instilling discipline, physical fitness, and mental toughness on its players, was a natural choice for the Marines. As an official partner of USAR, Marines will have the opportunities to attend several USAR events such as training and education seminars, college championships, and high school regional cup tournaments. Lanpolsaen is the sergeant major of Marine Corps Recruiting Command . Kennedy is the commanding general of Marine Corps Recruiting Command. Payne is the chief executive officer of USAR. Heredia is the commanding officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Denver. Jerome is the sergeant major of Recruiting Station Denver.

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The medium terminals in the Very Small Aperture Terminal Family of Systems undergo interoperability evaluations at Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. A Request for Information for a VSAT-medium replacement was released by Marine Corps Systems Command to industry in October 2017 to develop and deliver an updated, cost-effective, reliable solution. - The medium terminals in the Very Small Aperture Terminal Family of Systems undergo interoperability evaluations at Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. A Request for Information for a VSAT-medium replacement was released by Marine Corps Systems Command to industry in October 2017 to develop and deliver an updated, cost-effective, reliable solution.

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ITX is a large-scale, combined-arms training exercise conducted on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms conducted to continue increasing the units’ readiness as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. - Marines standby for their departure to Integrated Training Exercise 2-18 from Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Jan. 12, 2018. ITX is a large-scale, combined-arms training exercise conducted on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms conducted to continue increasing the units’ readiness as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The participation from the Hawaii-based units includes 3d Marine Regiment; 2d Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment; 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment and Combat Logistics Battalion 3. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez)

Nagitsy is enlisted in the Shoshone-Bannock tribes of southeastern Idaho and has bloodlines of four tribes; Northern Cheyenne, Eastern Shoshone, Shoshone-Bannock and Navajo. He will leave for Marine Corps Recruit Depot for recruit training on Jan. 16, 2018. - Devin Nagitsy, Future Marine from Fort Hall, ID, dresses in traditional Native American regalia for dancing during celebrations and social events. Nagitsy is enlisted in the Shoshone-Bannock tribes of southeastern Idaho and has bloodlines of four tribes; Northern Cheyenne, Eastern Shoshone, Shoshone-Bannock and Navajo. He will leave for Marine Corps Recruit Depot for recruit training on Jan. 16, 2018. (Courtesy Photo)

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CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan – A needle and tubing is taped down Jan. 11 at the Single Marine Program blood drive aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. - CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan – A needle and tubing is taped down Jan. 11 at the Single Marine Program blood drive aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The blood drive was to get units of blood for Cobra Gold. The SMP blood drive had a goal of 20 units and completed it with 30 units of blood collected. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Kelcey Seymour)

Claudio D’Augustino stands in front of his sculpture during a dedication ceremony at the Officers’ Club aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Jan. 9, 2018. The sculpture was donated to the Combat Center during the ceremony to express D’Augustino’s appreciation for members of the armed services. - Claudio D’Augustino stands in front of his sculpture during a dedication ceremony at the Officers’ Club aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Jan. 9, 2018. The sculpture was donated to the Combat Center during the ceremony to express D’Augustino’s appreciation for members of the armed services.

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Air transportation division conducts ribbon cutting for air freight facility - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard F. Fuerst, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, senior-ranking leadership and guests pose for a picture during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 8, 2018. The ceremony was held by the air transportation division (ATD) to celebrate the full operability of a nearly 50,000-square-foot air freight facility that opened October 2017 but wasn’t fully functional until recently. The new facility increases ATD’s capability to conduct cargo and sustainment operations in support of the growing air station. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Jones)

Coordinating together guarantees mission success - A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 sits idle before MK-82 High Explosive General Purpose bombs are loaded onto the aircraft during hot-pit refueling and hot-load training at Naval Air Station Pohang, Republic of Korea, Dec. 12, 2017. The purpose of the exercise was to show that the Marines could effectively establish a forward arming and refueling point with supporting entities and conduct the training evolutions on foreign soil. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen Campbell)

1st Lt. Aaron Cranford speaks in an interview with Justin Kinjo and Yusuke Teruya, divers who almost lost their lives at the hands of a rip current, after the he receives the Navy and Marine Corps Medal on Jan. 8, 2017, at the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion Headquarters building on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. Cranford was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for risking his life while rescuing three divers and a local Okinawan who were caught in rip current during a recreational dive at Onna Point, Okinawa, Japan on April 23, 2017. Cranford, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, is a supply officer with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. - 1st Lt. Aaron Cranford speaks in an interview with Justin Kinjo and Yusuke Teruya, divers who almost lost their lives at the hands of a rip current, after the he receives the Navy and Marine Corps Medal on Jan. 8, 2017, at the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion Headquarters building on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. Cranford was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for risking his life while rescuing three divers and a local Okinawan who were caught in rip current during a recreational dive at Onna Point, Okinawa, Japan on April 23, 2017. Cranford, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, is a supply officer with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division.

Chikako McMasters, a Vietnam war hero’s daughter, stands in front of a portrait and biography of her father that are located at the entrance of Dorris Hall - Chikako McMasters, a Vietnam war hero’s daughter, stands in front of a portrait and biography of her father that are located at the entrance of Dorris Hall, the renamed staff non-commissioned officer barracks on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 22, 2017. Recently, Chikako discovered she was the daughter of Staff Sgt. Claude H. Dorris, a Navy Cross recipient in Vietnam, which gave her a deeper connection to the Marine Corps. McMasters is a native of Okinawa, Japan.

U.S. FIFTH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 22, 2017) – Marines and Sailors with USS San Diego and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit pass boxes during a replenishment at sea. San Diego, with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. - U.S. FIFTH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 22, 2017) – Marines and Sailors with USS San Diego and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit pass boxes during a replenishment at sea. San Diego, with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.

Colonel Giles R. Boyce, the commanding officer for Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, renames the staff non-commissioned officer barracks on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 22, 2017. Dorris Hall is named after the Navy Cross recipient, Staff Sgt. Claude H. Dorris, a squad leader with the Combined Action Program during the Vietnam War, who went above and beyond the call of duty. - Colonel Giles R. Boyce, the commanding officer for Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, renames the staff non-commissioned officer barracks on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 22, 2017. Dorris Hall is named after the Navy Cross recipient, Staff Sgt. Claude H. Dorris, a squad leader with the Combined Action Program during the Vietnam War, who went above and beyond the call of duty.

Marine Corps Base Quantico welcomes Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Microsoft Software and Systems Academy, Jan. 8, which will allow Marines to get training for promising careers in information technology and various STEM fields. - Marine Corps Base Quantico welcomes Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Microsoft Software and Systems Academy, Jan. 8, which will allow Marines to get training for promising careers in information technology and various STEM fields.

Sergeant Sara McGaffee, a Sioux Falls, S.D., native, poses for a photo with her friends and family after the Marines of Recruiting Sub Station Sioux Falls presented her with the Purple Heart Medal. On Oct. 20th, 2010, while deployed with Combat Logistics Battalion 3, McGaffee’s vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device while conducting convoy operations in support of Operation Steel Dawn II in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. McGaffee was awarded her Purple Heart, Dec. 16, 2017 in Sioux Falls, S.D., in front of a detail of Marines and her local friends and family. - Sergeant Sara McGaffee, a Sioux Falls, S.D., native, poses for a photo with her friends and family after the Marines of Recruiting Sub Station Sioux Falls presented her with the Purple Heart Medal. On Oct. 20th, 2010, while deployed with Combat Logistics Battalion 3, McGaffee’s vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device while conducting convoy operations in support of Operation Steel Dawn II in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. McGaffee was awarded her Purple Heart, Dec. 16, 2017 in Sioux Falls, S.D., in front of a detail of Marines and her local friends and family.

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French forces secure the area in preparation to depart the simulated tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel mission during Alligator Dagger. Alligator Dagger, led by Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Expedition Brigade, is a dedicated, bilateral combat rehearsal that combines U.S. and French forces to practice, rehearse and exercise integrated capabilities available to U.S. Central Command both afloat and ashore. - French forces secure the area in preparation to depart the simulated tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel mission during Alligator Dagger. Alligator Dagger, led by Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Expedition Brigade, is a dedicated, bilateral combat rehearsal that combines U.S. and French forces to practice, rehearse and exercise integrated capabilities available to U.S. Central Command both afloat and ashore.

Lance Cpl. Miguel Salazar, an unmanned aerial vehicle technician with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 4, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, returns an RQ-7 Shadow to the VMU-4 hanger at Camp Wilson, Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, June 22, 2017. VMU-4 provided aerial reconnaissance in support of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, MARFORRES final battalion exercise of ITX 4-17. - Lance Cpl. Miguel Salazar, an unmanned aerial vehicle technician with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 4, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, returns an RQ-7 Shadow to the VMU-4 hanger at Camp Wilson, Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, June 22, 2017. VMU-4 provided aerial reconnaissance in support of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, MARFORRES final battalion exercise of ITX 4-17.

Brig. Gen. Jason Bohm, (Far right), Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Monssen (Far left) and retired Lt. Gen. William Faulkner pose with the winners of the Training Command’s Commanding General’s Writing Competition at Marine Corps Base Quantice, Virginia, Dec. 14, 2017. Capt. Kyle Tucker-Davis, GySgt. William Callen and Sgt. Matthew Harrison, won 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. Bohm is the commanding general for Training Command. Monssen is the Sergeant Major for Training Command. - Brig. Gen. Jason Bohm, (Far right), Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Monssen (Far left) and retired Lt. Gen. William Faulkner pose with the winners of the Training Command’s Commanding General’s Writing Competition at Marine Corps Base Quantice, Virginia, Dec. 14, 2017. Capt. Kyle Tucker-Davis, GySgt. William Callen and Sgt. Matthew Harrison, won 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. Bohm is the commanding general for Training Command. Monssen is the Sergeant Major for Training Command.

171210-M-QL632-085 DJIBOUTI, Djibouti (Dec. 14, 2017) – U.S. Marines and French military forces disembark a French roll-on/roll-off catamaran landing craft during Alligator Dagger. Alligator Dagger, led by Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Expedition Brigade, is a dedicated, bilateral combat rehearsal that combines U.S. and French forces to practice, rehearse and exercise integrated capabilities available to U.S. Central Command both afloat and ashore. - DJIBOUTI, Djibouti (Dec. 14, 2017) – U.S. Marines and French military forces disembark a French roll-on/roll-off catamaran landing craft during Alligator Dagger. Alligator Dagger, led by Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Expedition Brigade, is a dedicated, bilateral combat rehearsal that combines U.S. and French forces to practice, rehearse and exercise integrated capabilities available to U.S. Central Command both afloat and ashore.

Thinking outside the box - Capt. Christopher R. Preusser, the Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 11 aviation safety officer, designed a quick-charge docking station with 12 charging ports that use one cord to connect to a power source. It’s similar to the shape or design of an engine block. The docking station is printed upside down, and the charger is one piece with 12 smaller USB cords woven inside and linked to its specific chamber. Preusser has printed six docking stations which are currently used by all of the squadrons along the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, flight line.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion compete in the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion annual Warrior Challenge on Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, December 15, 2017. The events included the basic skills and knowledge of the reconnaissance operations fields. - U.S. Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion compete in the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion annual Warrior Challenge on Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, December 15, 2017. The events included the basic skills and knowledge of the reconnaissance operations fields.

A drill instructor figurine, part of a much larger statue, holds a steady salute on its day of unveiling at the National Marine Corps Museum in Triangle, Virginia, Dec. 13, 2017. At Their Core, one of three statutes that were unveiled, was crafted by Kris Kuksi for Marine Corps Recruiting Command’s Battles Won brand idea, but also to represent the irreducible fighting spirit of Marines. Kuksi is an artist contracted to work with MCRC's contracted advertisement agency, J. Walter Thompson. - A drill instructor figurine, part of a much larger statue, holds a steady salute on its day of unveiling at the National Marine Corps Museum in Triangle, Virginia, Dec. 13, 2017. At Their Core, one of three statutes that were unveiled, was crafted by Kris Kuksi for Marine Corps Recruiting Command’s Battles Won brand idea, but also to represent the irreducible fighting spirit of Marines. Kuksi is an artist contracted to work with MCRC's contracted advertisement agency, J. Walter Thompson.