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A Marine with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division lands at his designated drop zone following a High Altitude – High Opening insertion event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 17, 2015. The goal of the training was to sharpen a skill set that is of great advantage to expeditionary forces, allowing the jumpers to infiltrate locations where access would be too difficult for vehicles. - A Marine with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division lands at his designated drop zone following a High Altitude – High Opening insertion event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 17, 2015. The goal of the training was to sharpen a skill set that is of great advantage to expeditionary forces, allowing the jumpers to infiltrate locations where access would be too difficult for vehicles.

Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, depart the training area in an M1 Abrams tank following a vehicle breaching exercise aboard Engineer Training Area 2, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 17, 2015. The exercise brought together mechanized crews with 2nd Tanks and 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion to breach through and over a high berm. - Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, depart the training area in an M1 Abrams tank following a vehicle breaching exercise aboard Engineer Training Area 2, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 17, 2015. The exercise brought together mechanized crews with 2nd Tanks and 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion to breach through and over a high berm.

Captain Guy Lee, the I Marine Expeditionary Force chaplain introduces a panel of subject matter experts that were present during the second battle for Fallujah, Iraq. Navy Chaplains and Religious Program Specialists gathered Sept. 18, 2015 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., to discuss the roles of religious personnel during times of heavy combat; specifically revisiting the events of the second battle of Fallujah during Operation Phantom Fury. - Captain Guy Lee, the I Marine Expeditionary Force chaplain introduces a panel of subject matter experts that were present during the second battle for Fallujah, Iraq. Navy Chaplains and Religious Program Specialists gathered Sept. 18, 2015 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., to discuss the roles of religious personnel during times of heavy combat; specifically revisiting the events of the second battle of Fallujah during Operation Phantom Fury.

Donnelly, Idaho, native, Sgt. Elizabeth Azcuenaga, an enlisted aircrew training manager with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 (HMLA-169), Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, fires a GAU-17 machine gun from the door of a UH-1Y Huey while the pilot simultaneously launches a rocket aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 17, 2015. Azcuenaga fired the weapon during a weapons proficiency range designed to help new pilots and crew chiefs become more effective with their respective weapons systems. - Donnelly, Idaho, native, Sgt. Elizabeth Azcuenaga, an enlisted aircrew training manager with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 (HMLA-169), Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, fires a GAU-17 machine gun from the door of a UH-1Y Huey while the pilot simultaneously launches a rocket aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 17, 2015. Azcuenaga fired the weapon during a weapons proficiency range designed to help new pilots and crew chiefs become more effective with their respective weapons systems.

A Marine with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, fires behind cover at simulated targets during immediate action drills aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 9, 2015. The drills were part of a 2-week training schedule used to build on basic infantry skills for an upcoming deployment with a Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tony Simmons/RELEASED) - A Marine with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, fires behind cover at simulated targets during immediate action drills aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 9, 2015. The drills were part of a 2-week training schedule used to build on basic infantry skills for an upcoming deployment with a Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tony Simmons/RELEASED)

Marines, sailors and members of the Canadian Army conduct an amphibious landing at Evangola State Park, New York, Sept. 11, 2015. The landing was part of exercise Lake Effect, which was a joint exercise focusing on patrolling and strengthening the interoperability between each service. The Marines are with Charlie Co, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, the Canadians are with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Wentworth Regiment and the sailors are with full time service support staff in Buffalo, U.S. Navy mid Atlantic Reserve Component Command. - Marines, sailors and members of the Canadian Army conduct an amphibious landing at Evangola State Park, New York, Sept. 11, 2015. The landing was part of exercise Lake Effect, which was a joint exercise focusing on patrolling and strengthening the interoperability between each service. The Marines are with Charlie Co, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, the Canadians are with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Wentworth Regiment and the sailors are with full time service support staff in Buffalo, U.S. Navy mid Atlantic Reserve Component Command.

An explosive ordnance disposal Marine explains how a metal detector works to an onlooker during San Diego Fleet Week 2015 at Naval Base Coronado, Calif., Sept. 20, 2015. Thirty-seven Marines from 7th ESB presented static displays during the event to demonstrate the quality of military assets to the citizens of San Diego. - An explosive ordnance disposal Marine explains how a metal detector works to an onlooker during San Diego Fleet Week 2015 at Naval Base Coronado, Calif., Sept. 20, 2015. Thirty-seven Marines from 7th ESB presented static displays during the event to demonstrate the quality of military assets to the citizens of San Diego.

Marines with 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, look over a map of the surrounding area during Operation Firestorm, and exercise to prepare the unit for their upcoming exercise, Rolling Thunder, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 15, 2015. The operation is a week-long field operation and is designed to ensure that communication and logistics capabilities are up to par before pushing out to Fort Bragg for Rolling Thunder. - Marines with 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, look over a map of the surrounding area during Operation Firestorm, and exercise to prepare the unit for their upcoming exercise, Rolling Thunder, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 15, 2015. The operation is a week-long field operation and is designed to ensure that communication and logistics capabilities are up to par before pushing out to Fort Bragg for Rolling Thunder.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, stationed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, settles in at Camp Aibano, Japan, Sept. 7, 2015, in support of Exercise Forest Light 16-1. MWSS-171’s main purpose during this exercise is to provide aviation fuel support for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, who will have two CH-53 Super Stallions coming in for hot fuel in an area far away from any airport or fuel line. - Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, stationed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, settles in at Camp Aibano, Japan, Sept. 7, 2015, in support of Exercise Forest Light 16-1. MWSS-171’s main purpose during this exercise is to provide aviation fuel support for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, who will have two CH-53 Super Stallions coming in for hot fuel in an area far away from any airport or fuel line.

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An anti-tank missileman with Combined Anti-Armor Team (CAAT) Red within Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/1, the ground combat element for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, perfoms pre-fire inspections on a Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) Missile before he and fellow Marines practice hunter-killer techniques on Aug. 21, 2015. The CAAT, composed of heavy machine gunners and anti-tank missilemen, is used to combat hardened targets as well as provide security. - An anti-tank missileman with Combined Anti-Armor Team (CAAT) Red within Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/1, the ground combat element for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, perfoms pre-fire inspections on a Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) Missile before he and fellow Marines practice hunter-killer techniques on Aug. 21, 2015. The CAAT, composed of heavy machine gunners and anti-tank missilemen, is used to combat hardened targets as well as provide security.

Modern Day Marine Military Exposition offers vendors, manufacturers, and industry the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the Marine Corps to evaluate how to apply these goods and technologies in their duties and missions. - Modern Day Marine Military Exposition offers vendors, manufacturers, and industry the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the Marine Corps to evaluate how to apply these goods and technologies in their duties and missions.

Cpl. Jacob Gomez, a rifleman with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and a Lubbock, Texas native, walks across a log while running through the obstacle course at Boondocker Training Area aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 15, 2015. Marines from Bravo Co. 1st Bn., 3rd Marines conducted sustainment training to ensure they keep their combat mindset sharp and intact before embarking on their upcoming Unit Deployment Program. Training like this supports the mission of Marine Corps Base Hawaii by enhancing and sustaining combat readiness. - Cpl. Jacob Gomez, a rifleman with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and a Lubbock, Texas native, walks across a log while running through the obstacle course at Boondocker Training Area aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 15, 2015. Marines from Bravo Co. 1st Bn., 3rd Marines conducted sustainment training to ensure they keep their combat mindset sharp and intact before embarking on their upcoming Unit Deployment Program. Training like this supports the mission of Marine Corps Base Hawaii by enhancing and sustaining combat readiness.

Marines with Co. C, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, and members of the Canadian Army Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Wentworth Regiment, conduct patrols at Evangola State Park, New York, during exercise Lake Effect, Sept. 12, 2015. The Canadians divided up among the Marine platoons to strengthen the interoperability amongst the services and learn new training techniques and tactics. - Marines with Co. C, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, and members of the Canadian Army Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Wentworth Regiment, conduct patrols at Evangola State Park, New York, during exercise Lake Effect, Sept. 12, 2015. The Canadians divided up among the Marine platoons to strengthen the interoperability amongst the services and learn new training techniques and tactics.

Pfc. William K. Blackwood communicates with members of his convoy during a combat convoy simulator at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 9, 2015. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion tested their combat skills and decision making as they maneuvered through a simulated desert, mimicking the possible scenarios they could encounter while in a real-life scenario. The training simulator allowed the Marines to efficiently train in a controlled environment without sacrificing safety or accuracy. Blackwood is a low altitude air defense gunner with 2nd LAAD based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. - Pfc. William K. Blackwood communicates with members of his convoy during a combat convoy simulator at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 9, 2015. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion tested their combat skills and decision making as they maneuvered through a simulated desert, mimicking the possible scenarios they could encounter while in a real-life scenario. The training simulator allowed the Marines to efficiently train in a controlled environment without sacrificing safety or accuracy. Blackwood is a low altitude air defense gunner with 2nd LAAD based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.

Lance Cpl. Aaron Philson fires a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun during a weapons familiarization range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 27, 2015. More than 100 Marines from Marine Air Support Squadron 1 honed their weapons skills with the M240B machine gun, Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun and the M1014 combat shotgun. Marines from various military job specialties received hands-on experience that allows them to improve crucial skills and become well-rounded war fighters. Philson is an aviation communications technician with MASS-1. - Lance Cpl. Aaron Philson fires a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun during a weapons familiarization range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 27, 2015. More than 100 Marines from Marine Air Support Squadron 1 honed their weapons skills with the M240B machine gun, Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun and the M1014 combat shotgun. Marines from various military job specialties received hands-on experience that allows them to improve crucial skills and become well-rounded war fighters. Philson is an aviation communications technician with MASS-1.

Marines retire the American flag for the last time in the city of Phoenix at Civic Space Park Sept. 13, 2015. More than 800 Marines participated in Marine Week Phoenix to give the citizens of the Valley of the Sun the opportunity to meet the individual Marines and celebrate community, country and Corps. - Marines retire the American flag for the last time in the city of Phoenix at Civic Space Park Sept. 13, 2015. More than 800 Marines participated in Marine Week Phoenix to give the citizens of the Valley of the Sun the opportunity to meet the individual Marines and celebrate community, country and Corps.

A wreath is laid beside the silhouette of a combat videographer following the unveiling of the Marine Week Phoenix mural in Scottsdale, Ariz., Sept. 12, 2015. The silhouette memorializes Lance Cpl. Jacob Hug, a Scottsdale native, who perished in a helicopter crash while the Corps was providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Nepal. - A wreath is laid beside the silhouette of a combat videographer following the unveiling of the Marine Week Phoenix mural in Scottsdale, Ariz., Sept. 12, 2015. The silhouette memorializes Lance Cpl. Jacob Hug, a Scottsdale native, who perished in a helicopter crash while the Corps was providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Nepal.

A UH-1Y Huey lands at Arizona State University Tempe Campus, Sept. 10, 2015, as part of Marine Week Phoenix. Marine Week Phoenix allows the Marine Corps to showcase its capabilities to the people of Phoenix who may not know about the Marine Corps. - A UH-1Y Huey lands at Arizona State University Tempe Campus, Sept. 10, 2015, as part of Marine Week Phoenix. Marine Week Phoenix allows the Marine Corps to showcase its capabilities to the people of Phoenix who may not know about the Marine Corps.

Marines listen to a veteran share his story during their visit to the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center, Phoenix, Sept. 10, 2015. Marine Week Phoenix is a chance to reconnect with Marines, sailors, veterans and their families from different generations. - Marines listen to a veteran share his story during their visit to the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center, Phoenix, Sept. 10, 2015. Marine Week Phoenix is a chance to reconnect with Marines, sailors, veterans and their families from different generations.

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Marines set up a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun prior to a weapons familiarization range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 27, 2015. More than 100 Marines from Marine Air Support Squadron 1 honed their weapons skills with the M240B machine gun, Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun and the M1014 combat shotgun. Marines from various military job specialties received hands-on experience that allowed them to improve crucial skills and become well-rounded war fighters. - Marines set up a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun prior to a weapons familiarization range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 27, 2015. More than 100 Marines from Marine Air Support Squadron 1 honed their weapons skills with the M240B machine gun, Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun and the M1014 combat shotgun. Marines from various military job specialties received hands-on experience that allowed them to improve crucial skills and become well-rounded war fighters.

A Marine Corps color guard prepares to raise the colors at Civic Space Park on Sept. 9, 2015 as part of Marine Week Phoenix. This event allows the Marine Corps to showcase its traditions, history, and values. - A Marine Corps color guard prepares to raise the colors at Civic Space Park on Sept. 9, 2015 as part of Marine Week Phoenix. This event allows the Marine Corps to showcase its traditions, history, and values.

Mexican Navy sailors stand in formation on the deck of Mexican ship ARM Usumacinta during a media visit held in conjunction with Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015, Sept. 6. Mexican Naval Forces are participating as observers in Exercise Dawn Blitz for the first time in 2015, with the hope of developing a stronger and more effective amphibious presence. - Mexican Navy sailors stand in formation on the deck of Mexican ship ARM Usumacinta during a media visit held in conjunction with Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015, Sept. 6. Mexican Naval Forces are participating as observers in Exercise Dawn Blitz for the first time in 2015, with the hope of developing a stronger and more effective amphibious presence.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division use a compass to determine their left and right lateral limits on the beaches of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015, Sept. 5, 2015. Dawn Blitz is a multinational training exercise designed to enhance Expeditionary Strike Group Three and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ability to conduct sea-based operations, amphibious landings, and command and control capabilities alongside Japan, Mexico and New Zealand. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division use a compass to determine their left and right lateral limits on the beaches of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015, Sept. 5, 2015. Dawn Blitz is a multinational training exercise designed to enhance Expeditionary Strike Group Three and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ability to conduct sea-based operations, amphibious landings, and command and control capabilities alongside Japan, Mexico and New Zealand.

Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment provide security on the beach following an amphibious landing as part of Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 5, 2015. Dawn Blitz is a multinational, amphibious training exercise designed to hone the amphibious landing skills of I Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Expeditionary Strike Group Three and allies of the United States. - Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment provide security on the beach following an amphibious landing as part of Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 5, 2015. Dawn Blitz is a multinational, amphibious training exercise designed to hone the amphibious landing skills of I Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Expeditionary Strike Group Three and allies of the United States.

Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, roll through smoke to meet Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, during an integrated exercise at Landing Zone Dodo, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 2, 2015. The purpose of the exercise was to allow Marine infantry and tankers to work together. - Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, roll through smoke to meet Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, during an integrated exercise at Landing Zone Dodo, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 2, 2015. The purpose of the exercise was to allow Marine infantry and tankers to work together.

Members of the Montford Point Marine Association carry the casket of Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen, Jr. (ret.) during his memorial service at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., Sept. 3, 2015. Petersen died Aug. 25, 2015, after succumbing to lung cancer. Petersen was the first African-American Marine Corps aviator and general officer. - Members of the Montford Point Marine Association carry the casket of Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen, Jr. (ret.) during his memorial service at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., Sept. 3, 2015. Petersen died Aug. 25, 2015, after succumbing to lung cancer. Petersen was the first African-American Marine Corps aviator and general officer.

Rear Adm. Brent W. Scott, the Chaplain of the United States Marine Corps, delivers remarks during the Remembrance Ceremony for Company “H”, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines held at the Marine Corps War Memorial at Arlington, Va., Sept. 3. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the unit and those Marines and sailors, who gave their lives to accomplish their mission. - Rear Adm. Brent W. Scott, the Chaplain of the United States Marine Corps, delivers remarks during the Remembrance Ceremony for Company “H”, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines held at the Marine Corps War Memorial at Arlington, Va., Sept. 3. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the unit and those Marines and sailors, who gave their lives to accomplish their mission.

Cpl. Tristofer Ducharme, operator, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1, dons the joint service, lightweight, integrated suit technology during an individual equipment confidence course at building 1980 aboard the Combat Center, Aug. 27, 2015. The JSLIST is designed to protect the wearer from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear contamination. - Cpl. Tristofer Ducharme, operator, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1, dons the joint service, lightweight, integrated suit technology during an individual equipment confidence course at building 1980 aboard the Combat Center, Aug. 27, 2015. The JSLIST is designed to protect the wearer from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear contamination.

Lance Cpl. Gabriel J. Weaver, rifleman with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, provides cover fire for his squad during an assault course as part of Exercise Chosin, a squad-level training evolution, at Range 410, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Aug. 26, 2015. - Lance Cpl. Gabriel J. Weaver, rifleman with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, provides cover fire for his squad during an assault course as part of Exercise Chosin, a squad-level training evolution, at Range 410, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Aug. 26, 2015.

A squad with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, consolidate and debrief after a round of military operations in urban terrain training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 26, 2015. Debreifing the Marines lets them know what they did right, and what they could improve on. - A squad with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, consolidate and debrief after a round of military operations in urban terrain training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 26, 2015. Debreifing the Marines lets them know what they did right, and what they could improve on.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Phillip Lopez (front) and Seaman Jordan Saco, U.S. Navy Corpsmen with Shock Trauma Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 13, the logistics combat element for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, carry a simulated casualty on a stretcher to the rear of a medical aid vehicle at Fort Hunter Liggett, California, during training to familiarize medical personnel with attending to casualties arriving on the flight line at Realistic Urban Training (RUT) Exercise, Sept. 2, 2015. RUT is the final ground-based training requirement prior to deployment as the 13th MEU moves toward operating embarked at sea. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Phillip Lopez (front) and Seaman Jordan Saco, U.S. Navy Corpsmen with Shock Trauma Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 13, the logistics combat element for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, carry a simulated casualty on a stretcher to the rear of a medical aid vehicle at Fort Hunter Liggett, California, during training to familiarize medical personnel with attending to casualties arriving on the flight line at Realistic Urban Training (RUT) Exercise, Sept. 2, 2015. RUT is the final ground-based training requirement prior to deployment as the 13th MEU moves toward operating embarked at sea.

U.S. Marines Lance Cpl. Chevon Ferrel, left, and Cpl. Justine Woodend demonstrate searching techniques during a subject matter expert exchange with the Qatari Internal Security Forces Female VIP Protection Unit in Qatar. Ferrel is an ammunition technician and Woodend is a motor transportation operator with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. They are members of the Female Partner Force Engagement Team. The FPFET was comprised of U.S. Marines with the 15th MEU as well as soldiers and sailors with Special Operations Command Central-Forward and Joint Special Operations Task Force-Arabian Peninsula. During the SMEE they covered medical care, marksmanship, and personal security detail strategies. - U.S. Marines Lance Cpl. Chevon Ferrel, left, and Cpl. Justine Woodend demonstrate searching techniques during a subject matter expert exchange with the Qatari Internal Security Forces Female VIP Protection Unit in Qatar. Ferrel is an ammunition technician and Woodend is a motor transportation operator with the 15th Marine Expeditionary. They are members of the Female Partner Force Engagement Team. The FPFET was comprised of U.S. Marines with the 15th MEU as well as Soldiers and Sailors with Special Operations Command Central-Forward and Joint Special Operations Task Force-Arabian Peninsula. During the SMEE they covered medical care, marksmanship, and personal security detail strategies.

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A new order was released that grants a total of 126 days of convalescent leave to new mothers in the Marine Corps is now in effect. Marine Corps Administrative Message 421/15, which went into effect on August 26, states that all Marines who have had a child since January 1, 2015 and all future mothers within the Marine Corps are entitled to 84 days of leave in addition to the 42 days of convalescent leave that immediately follows release from the medical facility. - A new order was released that grants a total of 126 days of convalescent leave to new mothers in the Marine Corps is now in effect. Marine Corps Administrative Message 421/15, which went into effect on August 26, states that all Marines who have had a child since January 1, 2015 and all future mothers within the Marine Corps are entitled to 84 days of leave in addition to the 42 days of convalescent leave that immediately follows release from the medical facility.

Marines with Alpha Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company move down a flight of stairs after utilizing a flash bang at a shoot house aboard the Northwest Annex during Advanced Urban Combat Training Aug. 28. The training allowed the Marines to use live rounds and flash bang grenades throughout the training to test them under a stressful situation. - Marines with Alpha Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company move down a flight of stairs after utilizing a flash bang at a shoot house aboard the Northwest Annex during Advanced Urban Combat Training Aug. 28. The training allowed the Marines to use live rounds and flash bang grenades throughout the training to test them under a stressful situation.

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The barrel of an M1A1 Abrams main battle tank from Bravo Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, aims down toward its target during an offensive and defensive maneuver exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 26, 2015. Platoons from the company practiced searching and clearing operational areas to reinforce their basic skills. The tank has a 120mm M256 smoothbore gun on the front capable of firing several types of explosive rounds. - The barrel of an M1A1 Abrams main battle tank from Bravo Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, aims down toward its target during an offensive and defensive maneuver exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 26, 2015. Platoons from the company practiced searching and clearing operational areas to reinforce their basic skills. The tank has a 120mm M256 smoothbore gun on the front capable of firing several types of explosive rounds.

Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Regiment, advance on a simulated village during a field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 25, 2015. They assaulted a simulated town, set up a defensive position and waited to repel simulated attacks in preparation for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response. - Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Regiment, advance on a simulated village during a field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 25, 2015. They assaulted a simulated town, set up a defensive position and waited to repel simulated attacks in preparation for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response.

Marines with Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, conducted a raid demonstration in a simulated town and practiced the proper procedures of apprehending detainees during an amphibious raid demonstration in conjunction with a visit from the secretary of defense, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27, 2015. The Marines were transported to shore in amphibious assault vehicles with 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, after exiting the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) while 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion provided additional security. - Marines with Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, conducted a raid demonstration in a simulated town and practiced the proper procedures of apprehending detainees during an amphibious raid demonstration in conjunction with a visit from the secretary of defense, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27, 2015. The Marines were transported to shore in amphibious assault vehicles with 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, after exiting the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) while 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion provided additional security.

The U.S. Secretary of Defense, the honorable Mr. Ashton Carter congratulates a young reconnaissance Marine on a job well done following a combined arms raid aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27, 2015. Carter met with senior military leaders and service members and witnessed ship-to-shore operations, a capability synonymous with Navy and Marine Corps teams in order to assess the need to better support military capabilities. - The U.S. Secretary of Defense, the honorable Mr. Ashton Carter congratulates a young reconnaissance Marine on a job well done following a combined arms raid aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27, 2015. Carter met with senior military leaders and service members and witnessed ship-to-shore operations, a capability synonymous with Navy and Marine Corps teams in order to assess the need to better support military capabilities.

Two MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced) prepare for a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel mission aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 18. Marines conducted casualty evacuation drills as part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit predeployment training. - Two MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced) prepare for a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel mission aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 18. Marines conducted casualty evacuation drills as part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit predeployment training.

Pfc. Stephanie Brown, student, Low Altitude Air Defense Gunner’s Course 3-15, performs the 13 critical checks on the FIM-92 Stinger Missile, prior to firing it as part of the class’ culminating exercise aboard Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., Aug. 22, 2015. The purpose of the 13 critical checks is to ensure the issued weapon is ready and functional with no discrepancies. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Charles Santamaria/ Released) - Pfc. Stephanie Brown, student, Low Altitude Air Defense Gunner’s Course 3-15, performs the 13 critical checks on the FIM-92 Stinger Missile, prior to firing it as part of the class’ culminating exercise aboard Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., Aug. 22, 2015. The purpose of the 13 critical checks is to ensure the issued weapon is ready and functional with no discrepancies. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Charles Santamaria/ Released)

CWO4 Jerod Murphy, assistant ordnance officer for 1st Marine Division, and Master Sgt. Shannon Sweeney, operations chief, ordnance officer and Inspector-Instructor for Combat Logistics Battalion 451, look at a make-shift memorial at what appears to be a former fountain in Biloxi, Miss., Aug. 12, 2015. Murphy and Sweeney were part of a team of Marines and sailors who rescued more than 200 people during and after Hurricane Katrina, August 2005. - CWO4 Jerod Murphy, assistant ordnance officer for 1st Marine Division, and Master Sgt. Shannon Sweeney, operations chief, ordnance officer and Inspector-Instructor for Combat Logistics Battalion 451, look at a make-shift memorial at what appears to be a former fountain in Biloxi, Miss., Aug. 12, 2015. Murphy and Sweeney were part of a team of Marines and sailors who rescued more than 200 people during and after Hurricane Katrina, August 2005.

Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen, Jr. (ret.) the first African-American Marine Corps aviator and the first African-American Marine Corps general, died Aug. 25, 2015. Petersen served during the Korean War in 1953 and Vietnam in 1968. During his career, he flew more than 350 combat missions and more than 4,000 hours in various military aircraft. - Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen, Jr. (ret.) the first African-American Marine Corps aviator and the first African-American Marine Corps general, died Aug. 25, 2015. Petersen served during the Korean War in 1953 and Vietnam in 1968. During his career, he flew more than 350 combat missions and more than 4,000 hours in various military aircraft.

Sgt. Jason Hunter, the training noncommissioned officer in charge of Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Regiment and a Murrieta, Calif., native, keeps his head low as he low crawls along Fort Hase Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii during Sergeants Course, Aug. 19, 2015. Hunter, along with the other sergeants in the course, were low crawling in a tricky scenario where they were outnumbered four to one, and needed to repair a broken down vehicle. Sergeants Course is a vital part of professional military education for any Marine and helps to maintain the standards amongst the NCOs of the Marine Corps. The course supports MCB Hawaii’s mission, which is to provide facilities, programs and services in direct support of units, individuals and families to enhance and sustain combat readiness for all operating forces and tenant organizations aboard the installation. - Sgt. Jason Hunter, the training noncommissioned officer in charge of Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Regiment and a Murrieta, Calif., native, keeps his head low as he low crawls along Fort Hase Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii during Sergeants Course, Aug. 19, 2015. Hunter, along with the other sergeants in the course, were low crawling in a tricky scenario where they were outnumbered four to one, and needed to repair a broken down vehicle. Sergeants Course is a vital part of professional military education for any Marine and helps to maintain the standards amongst the NCOs of the Marine Corps. The course supports MCB Hawaii’s mission, which is to provide facilities, programs and services in direct support of units, individuals and families to enhance and sustain combat readiness for all operating forces and tenant organizations aboard the installation.

Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion conduct the 1,000 meter open water fin training for a pre-dive course conducted aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. Aug. 18, 2015. During the course the Marines are critiqued on both their capabilities in a pool setting and in open water. After completion of the course, Marines who pass the final evaluation will go on to the Marine Combatant Diver Course at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, Panama City, Fla. - Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion conduct the 1,000 meter open water fin training for a pre-dive course conducted aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. Aug. 18, 2015. During the course the Marines are critiqued on both their capabilities in a pool setting and in open water. After completion of the course, Marines who pass the final evaluation will go on to the Marine Combatant Diver Course at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, Panama City, Fla.

Marines prepare F/A-18C Hornets to take off from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort to during Exercise Sentry Savannah 2015, Aug. 21. Several squadrons from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, including Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 flew training exercises for Sentry Savannah. The Marines are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group 31. - Marines prepare F/A-18C Hornets to take off from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort to during Exercise Sentry Savannah 2015, Aug. 21. Several squadrons from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, including Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 flew training exercises for Sentry Savannah. The Marines are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group 31.