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Marines with Transportation Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 conduct external lift training at Landing Zone West Field at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. This training improves proficiency for the pilots when moving supplies while Marines on the ground conditioned themselves to safely prepare dual and single load lifts. - Marines with Transportation Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 conduct external lift training at Landing Zone West Field at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. This training improves proficiency for the pilots when moving supplies while Marines on the ground conditioned themselves to safely prepare dual and single load lifts.

Gunnery Sgt. Lawrence Smith, a faculty advisor at the Marine Corps Base Quantico Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy, leads a guided discussion during a Career Course classroom session at MCB Quantico, Virginia, Mar. 8, 2017. Enlisted Marines come to Quantico in order to be qualified and teach as a faculty advisor, a role that helps facilitate hundreds of Marines a year in their resident professional military education. - Gunnery Sgt. Lawrence Smith, a faculty advisor at the Marine Corps Base Quantico Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy, leads a guided discussion during a Career Course classroom session at MCB Quantico, Virginia, Mar. 8, 2017. Enlisted Marines come to Quantico in order to be qualified and teach as a faculty advisor, a role that helps facilitate hundreds of Marines a year in their resident professional military education.

Marines and sailors with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 30th Infantry Regiment, 12th Brigade, Eastern Army practice casualty evacuation drills during Forest Light 17-1 at Camp Soumagahara, Mar. 9, 2017. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise conducted by U.S. and JGSDF in order to strengthen interoperability and combined capabilities in defense of the U.S.-Japan alliance. - Marines and sailors with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 30th Infantry Regiment, 12th Brigade, Eastern Army practice casualty evacuation drills during Forest Light 17-1 at Camp Soumagahara, Mar. 9, 2017. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise conducted by U.S. and JGSDF in order to strengthen interoperability and combined capabilities in defense of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

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Enjoying a little bit of sunshine, Shalisa Davis stands in front of the start/finish in Singapore Beach, Singapore after finishing lucky number two. - Enjoying a little bit of sunshine, Shalisa Davis stands in front of the start/finish in Singapore Beach, Singapore after finishing lucky number two.

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit man the rails as amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) prepares to go underway for deployment March 1, 2017. The 24th MEU will operate in Europe and the Middle East in the coming months providing crisis response and contingency support for combatant commanders, including maritime security operations, humanitarian assistance, and advance force operations. - Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit man the rails as amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) prepares to go underway for deployment March 1, 2017. The 24th MEU will operate in Europe and the Middle East in the coming months providing crisis response and contingency support for combatant commanders, including maritime security operations, humanitarian assistance, and advance force operations.

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Gunnery Sgt. Todd Groves and Bokusei Kinjo at Kinjo’s farm, near Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 23, 2017. Groves is a maintenance chief with Small Craft Repair Platoon, Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Kinjo is a local Japanese farmer. Groves, from Fulton, Missouri, was a pig farmer growing up and has now found a place he can call home on Kinjo’s farm. He has helped to take care of the land and the animals on Kinjo’s farm for the last two years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bernadette Wildes) - Gunnery Sgt. Todd Groves and Bokusei Kinjo at Kinjo’s farm, near Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 23, 2017. Groves is a maintenance chief with Small Craft Repair Platoon, Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Kinjo is a local Japanese farmer. Groves, from Fulton, Missouri, was a pig farmer growing up and has now found a place he can call home on Kinjo’s farm. He has helped to take care of the land and the animals on Kinjo’s farm for the last two years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bernadette Wildes)

A Lockheed C-130 Hercules drops Marines from 4000ft for a static line jump at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bouge, North Carolina, Feb. 23, 2017. These Marines are required to perform a certain number of various altitude jumps to remain certified annually. The Marines are with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. - A Lockheed C-130 Hercules drops Marines from 4000ft for a static line jump at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bouge, North Carolina, Feb. 23, 2017. These Marines are required to perform a certain number of various altitude jumps to remain certified annually. The Marines are with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion.

A Percussion Actuated Neutralizer tool disables an Improvised Explosive Device with a high impact round activated by Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians who took cover out of the blast radius during an IED training exercise on Camp Pendleton, Feb. 22, 2017. The EOD Technicians, like all other forces of the 15th MEU, undergo critical training prior to deploying to ensure they can operate in any hostile mission area. - A Percussion Actuated Neutralizer tool disables an Improvised Explosive Device with a high impact round activated by Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians who took cover out of the blast radius during an IED training exercise on Camp Pendleton, Feb. 22, 2017. The EOD Technicians, like all other forces of the 15th MEU, undergo critical training prior to deploying to ensure they can operate in any hostile mission area.

Jason Hessler, an Automated Message Handling System support engineer, trains Marines from Marine Corps Installations West G-6 on the Hyper-Converged Infrastructure system Jan. 11, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. HCI is a virtualization solution that replaces traditional servers, and combines storage and compute functions into a single machine to save cost, energy and space. Marine Corps Systems Command’s Information Systems and Infrastructure recently installed the technology at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Camp Pendleton, California, to support Organizational Messaging Service, which is used to send operational and administrative messages across the Corps. - Jason Hessler, an Automated Message Handling System support engineer, trains Marines from Marine Corps Installations West G-6 on the Hyper-Converged Infrastructure system Jan. 11, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. HCI is a virtualization solution that replaces traditional servers, and combines storage and compute functions into a single machine to save cost, energy and space. Marine Corps Systems Command’s Information Systems and Infrastructure recently installed the technology at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Camp Pendleton, California, to support Organizational Messaging Service, which is used to send operational and administrative messages across the Corps.

1st Lt. Morgan White, right, instructs her Marines during a squadron-wide gear inspection aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 6, 2017. White states that the training she has received in the Marine Corps helped develop her leadership and decision-making skills. “The Marine Corps teaches you to make hard decisions,” said White. “When life throws us questions that we don’t know the answer to, we’ve learned to quickly think on our feet.” White is the communications officer for Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. - 1st Lt. Morgan White, right, instructs her Marines during a squadron-wide gear inspection aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 6, 2017. White states that the training she has received in the Marine Corps helped develop her leadership and decision-making skills. “The Marine Corps teaches you to make hard decisions,” said White. “When life throws us questions that we don’t know the answer to, we’ve learned to quickly think on our feet.” White is the communications officer for Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

SENOOR BEACH, Oman (Feb. 15, 2017) U.S. Marine Cpl. Johnathan Riethmann, a mortarman with Company A, Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 4th Marines, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, walks to a staging area at Senoor Beach, Oman, in preparation for Exercise Sea Soldier, Feb. 15. Sea Soldier 2017 is an annual, bilateral exercise conducted with the Royal Army of Oman designed to demonstrate the cooperative skill and will of U.S. and partner nations to work together in maintaining regional stability and security. USS Somerset, with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce and enhance regional stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Robert B. Brown Jr.) - SENOOR BEACH, Oman (Feb. 15, 2017) U.S. Marine Cpl. Johnathan Riethmann, a mortarman with Company A, Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 4th Marines, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, walks to a staging area at Senoor Beach, Oman, in preparation for Exercise Sea Soldier, Feb. 15. Sea Soldier 2017 is an annual, bilateral exercise conducted with the Royal Army of Oman designed to demonstrate the cooperative skill and will of U.S. and partner nations to work together in maintaining regional stability and security. USS Somerset, with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce and enhance regional stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Robert B. Brown Jr.)

Damaso Sutis and Gene E. Bell reminisce about their experiences during World War II. Camp Pendleton hosted a tour for Iwo Jima veterans, commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. - Damaso Sutis and Gene E. Bell reminisce about their experiences during World War II. Camp Pendleton hosted a tour for Iwo Jima veterans, commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Noah Vital, a motor transport mechanic with 3rd Transportation Support Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force plays a card game with Thai school children Feb. 15, 2017 at Ban Khok Wat School, Chanthaburi, Thailand. Thai, U.S. and partner nation service members participated in community relation projects at various locations throughout the Royal Kingdom of Thailand during Exercise Cobra Gold 2017. Similar to last year, Cobra Gold 17 emphasizes coordination on civic action, such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, seeking to expand regional cooperation and collaboration in these vital areas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards/Released) - U.S. Marine Cpl. Noah Vital, a motor transport mechanic with 3rd Transportation Support Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force plays a card game with Thai school children Feb. 15, 2017 at Ban Khok Wat School, Chanthaburi, Thailand. Thai, U.S. and partner nation service members participated in community relation projects at various locations throughout the Royal Kingdom of Thailand during Exercise Cobra Gold 2017. Similar to last year, Cobra Gold 17 emphasizes coordination on civic action, such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, seeking to expand regional cooperation and collaboration in these vital areas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards/Released)

U.S. Marines and Royal Thai Marines discuss training techniques during Exercise Cobra Gold 17 with Royal Thai Marines Feb. 14, 2017 at Ban Chan Krem, Thailand. Cobra Gold is the largest Theater Security Cooperation exercise in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and is an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region. During patrols of the Indo-Asia Pacific region, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit engages partner nations to sustain theater security and continue integrated bilateral training, furthering cohesion between our militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards/Released) - U.S. Marines and Royal Thai Marines discuss training techniques during Exercise Cobra Gold 17 with Royal Thai Marines Feb. 14, 2017 at Ban Chan Krem, Thailand. Cobra Gold is the largest Theater Security Cooperation exercise in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and is an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region. During patrols of the Indo-Asia Pacific region, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit engages partner nations to sustain theater security and continue integrated bilateral training, furthering cohesion between our militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards/Released)

Lance Cpl. Tyler Pratt, an ordnance technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 “Death Rattlers,” attaches ordnance to an F/A-18C Hornet at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev., Feb. 15. The Death Rattlers, one of two Marine Hornet squadrons to deploy aboard Navy aircraft carriers, trained at NAS Fallon to strengthen tactical air integration, fulfill predeployment requirements and build rapport with the Navy squadrons they will deploy with in summer 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Lillian Stephens/Released) - Lance Cpl. Tyler Pratt, an ordnance technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 “Death Rattlers,” attaches ordnance to an F/A-18C Hornet at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev., Feb. 15. The Death Rattlers, one of two Marine Hornet squadrons to deploy aboard Navy aircraft carriers, trained at NAS Fallon to strengthen tactical air integration, fulfill predeployment requirements and build rapport with the Navy squadrons they will deploy with in summer 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Lillian Stephens/Released)

Marine Corps F-35Bs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, transit the Pacific Northwest from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 9, 2017, its final destination being MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, to join 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. VMFA-121, originally an F/A-18 squadron, was redesignated as the Marine Corps’ first F-35 squadron in 2012. - Marine Corps F-35Bs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, transit the Pacific Northwest from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 9, 2017, its final destination being MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, to join 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. VMFA-121, originally an F/A-18 squadron, was redesignated as the Marine Corps’ first F-35 squadron in 2012.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, begin offloading from a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462 during the insertion drill of their Mountain Exercise training at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Feb. 3. On and offload drills also help air crew and pilots refine their tactics, techniques and procedures during real-time training. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, begin offloading from a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462 during the insertion drill of their Mountain Exercise training at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Feb. 3. On and offload drills also help air crew and pilots refine their tactics, techniques and procedures during real-time training.

Corpsmen transport a notional patient onto an aircraft during a Tactical Combat Casualty Care training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 6-10, 2017. The TCCC teaches corpsmen new communication skills and how to care for a patient in a combat zone. The corpsmen are with 2nd Medical Battalion. - Corpsmen transport a notional patient onto an aircraft during a Tactical Combat Casualty Care training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 6-10, 2017. The TCCC teaches corpsmen new communication skills and how to care for a patient in a combat zone. The corpsmen are with 2nd Medical Battalion.

Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, worked with 1st Marine Logistics Group, 1st Supply Battalion, Supply Company Marine Air Ground Task Force, MAGTF Marine Materiel Distribution Center to prepare equipment for transport with RFID tags and SHOUT nano devices, tracking equipment from Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California, and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms, to and from the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Feb. 7. - Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, worked with 1st Marine Logistics Group, 1st Supply Battalion, Supply Company Marine Air Ground Task Force, MAGTF Marine Materiel Distribution Center to prepare equipment for transport with RFID tags and SHOUT nano devices, tracking equipment from Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California, and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms, to and from the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Feb. 7.

Marine veterans and their families salute the 2nd Marine Division’s colors at a battle colors rededication ceremony for 2nd MarDiv at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 10, 2017. The ceremony consisted of veterans, who severed in different eras of American Conflict, awarding streamers to the division’s colors for maintaining the legacy passed down from generation to generation. The event coincides with the 76th birthday of the division. - Marine veterans and their families salute the 2nd Marine Division’s colors at a battle colors rededication ceremony for 2nd MarDiv at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 10, 2017. The ceremony consisted of veterans, who severed in different eras of American Conflict, awarding streamers to the division’s colors for maintaining the legacy passed down from generation to generation. The event coincides with the 76th birthday of the division.

Marines participate with 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion in a grenade assault course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 9, 2017. The course prepared Marines to use the M67 fragmentation hand grenade. The exercise was in preparation for an upcoming Integrated Training Exercise 3-17 at Marine Air-Ground Combat Center Twenty-Nine Palms, California. - Marines participate with 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion in a grenade assault course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 9, 2017. The course prepared Marines to use the M67 fragmentation hand grenade. The exercise was in preparation for an upcoming Integrated Training Exercise 3-17 at Marine Air-Ground Combat Center Twenty-Nine Palms, California.

A Marine with Task Force Southwest catches the Instant Eye small unmanned aerial system following a flight at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 8, 2017. The drone allows operators to record surveillance and execute reconnaissance in small, confined areas which are otherwise inoperable with larger aircraft. Approximately 300 Marines are assigned to Task Force Southwest, whose mission will be to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Army 215th Corps and 505th Zone National Police. - A Marine with Task Force Southwest catches the Instant Eye small unmanned aerial system following a flight at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 8, 2017. The drone allows operators to record surveillance and execute reconnaissance in small, confined areas which are otherwise inoperable with larger aircraft. Approximately 300 Marines are assigned to Task Force Southwest, whose mission will be to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Army 215th Corps and 505th Zone National Police.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 refuel an F-35B Lighting II at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Jan. 31, 2017. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 refuel an F-35B Lighting II at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Jan. 31, 2017.

Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 “Heavy Haulers” prepare to conduct cold weather training at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., Feb.1, 2017. The CH-53E Super Stallion’s versatility and maneuverability is an important asset in the terrain surrounding MCMWTC and facilitates mission during the training exercise. - Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 “Heavy Haulers” prepare to conduct cold weather training at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., Feb.1, 2017. The CH-53E Super Stallion’s versatility and maneuverability is an important asset in the terrain surrounding MCMWTC and facilitates mission during the training exercise.

Marines with Weapons Co., 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, hold M821A2 High Explosive mortar rounds in preparation to fire at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 8, 2017. The Marines fired off red phosphorous and high explosive rounds during a training exercise where they were able to coordinate with Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic during their qualification training for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. - Marines with Weapons Co., 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, hold M821A2 High Explosive mortar rounds in preparation to fire at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 8, 2017. The Marines fired off red phosphorous and high explosive rounds during a training exercise where they were able to coordinate with Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic during their qualification training for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.

Sgt. Justin Adams, an instructor with 1st Marine Division Schools ‘Pre-Scout Sniper Course’ observes a soldier with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force during a known distance range conducted at during Exercise Iron Fist 2017, aboard Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 7, 2017. The range consisted of known distances of targets from 100 to 550 meters. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral training exercise where U.S. and Japanese service members train together and share techniques, tactics and procedure to improve their combined operational capabilities. - Sgt. Justin Adams, an instructor with 1st Marine Division Schools ‘Pre-Scout Sniper Course’ observes a soldier with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force during a known distance range conducted at during Exercise Iron Fist 2017, aboard Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 7, 2017. The range consisted of known distances of targets from 100 to 550 meters. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral training exercise where U.S. and Japanese service members train together and share techniques, tactics and procedure to improve their combined operational capabilities.

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A Marine with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rappels down a cliff at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 24, 2017. JWTC exposes Marines to training situations and environments unique to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region which sustain operational readiness and enhance forward deployed capabilities. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Indo-Asia- Pacific region. - A Marine with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rappels down a cliff at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 24, 2017. JWTC exposes Marines to training situations and environments unique to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region which sustain operational readiness and enhance forward deployed capabilities. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Indo-Asia- Pacific region.

The Marine Corps Program Executive Officer Land Systems is expected to deliver 144 Utility Task Vehicles to the regiment-level starting in February 2017. The rugged all-terrain vehicle can carry up to four Marines or be converted to haul 1,500 pounds of supplies. With minimal armor and size, the UTV can quickly haul extra ammunition and provisions, or injured Marines, while preserving energy and stealth. - The Marine Corps Program Executive Officer Land Systems is expected to deliver 144 Utility Task Vehicles to the regiment-level starting in February 2017. The rugged all-terrain vehicle can carry up to four Marines or be converted to haul 1,500 pounds of supplies. With minimal armor and size, the UTV can quickly haul extra ammunition and provisions, or injured Marines, while preserving energy and stealth.

Lance Cpl. Emmitt Aimino, a rifleman with Company C, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, secures his snow shoes during exercise Riley Xanten II, in Burwash, Ontario, Feb. 3-5, 2017. During the exercise, the Marines joined soldiers from the Canadian Armed Forces to exchange knowledge and increase proficiency in cold weather tactics, survival skills, shelter building, ice fishing, and more. - Lance Cpl. Emmitt Aimino, a rifleman with Company C, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, secures his snow shoes during exercise Riley Xanten II, in Burwash, Ontario, Feb. 3-5, 2017. During the exercise, the Marines joined soldiers from the Canadian Armed Forces to exchange knowledge and increase proficiency in cold weather tactics, survival skills, shelter building, ice fishing, and more.

An F-18D Hornet taxis down the flight line for a training exercise during the Marine Division Tactics Course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jan. 27, 2017. One pilot and one Weapons System Operator were selected from each squadron to participate in MDTC to hone their skills in air to air tactics. The Marines are with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, Marine Aircraft Group 31. - An F-18D Hornet taxis down the flight line for a training exercise during the Marine Division Tactics Course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jan. 27, 2017. One pilot and one Weapons System Operator were selected from each squadron to participate in MDTC to hone their skills in air to air tactics. The Marines are with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Louis Simon, executive officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, acts as the commander of troops during the opening ceremony of Exercise Iron Fist 2017, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 6, 2017. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral training exercise where U.S. and Japanese service members train together and share techniques, tactics and procedures to improve their combined operational capabilities. - U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Louis Simon, executive officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, acts as the commander of troops during the opening ceremony of Exercise Iron Fist 2017, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 6, 2017. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral training exercise where U.S. and Japanese service members train together and share techniques, tactics and procedures to improve their combined operational capabilities.

Pfc. Jacob Maze peers through his scope during Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Military Operations in Urban Terrain training aboard Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, N.C., Feb. 2, 2017. With corporal being the highest rank participating in the building-clearing, small unit leadership was tested with constantly shifting leadership positions. “My end goal is to ensure any of my Marines are able to take my place if the situation arises,” said Cpl. Christian Leishman, a squad leader for the exercise. Maze is an engineer equipment operator with MWSS-271, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released) - Pfc. Jacob Maze peers through his scope during Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Military Operations in Urban Terrain training aboard Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, N.C., Feb. 2, 2017. With corporal being the highest rank participating in the building-clearing, small unit leadership was tested with constantly shifting leadership positions. “My end goal is to ensure any of my Marines are able to take my place if the situation arises,” said Cpl. Christian Leishman, a squad leader for the exercise. Maze is an engineer equipment operator with MWSS-271, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released)

Aircraft rescue and firefighting Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, climb the stairs to the inside of a Mobile Aircraft Firefighting Training Device aboard Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Feb. 1, 2017. The training offered a realistic experience of what an aircraft fire looks and feels like. This gave the Marines a unique opportunity to evaluate themselves on how they would handle and control a real-life emergency. - Aircraft rescue and firefighting Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, climb the stairs to the inside of a Mobile Aircraft Firefighting Training Device aboard Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Feb. 1, 2017. The training offered a realistic experience of what an aircraft fire looks and feels like. This gave the Marines a unique opportunity to evaluate themselves on how they would handle and control a real-life emergency.

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A member of the Special Response Team provides security during an anti-terrorism/force protection exercise on Parris Island, S.C., Feb. 2, 2017. The exercise simulated an active shooter and hostage situation and was designed to test various aspects of the depot’s emergency response capabilities. (NOTE: Faces of certain personnel have been blurred to protect their identity.) - A member of the Special Response Team provides security during an anti-terrorism/force protection exercise on Parris Island, S.C., Feb. 2, 2017. The exercise simulated an active shooter and hostage situation and was designed to test various aspects of the depot’s emergency response capabilities. (NOTE: Faces of certain personnel have been blurred to protect their identity.)

Members of the Defense industries show equipment to Marines from Camp Pendleton during the Marine West Expo, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb 1, 2017. The 2017 Marine West Exposition is a forum for defense contractors to display and promote their latest equipment and technology. - Members of the Defense industries show equipment to Marines from Camp Pendleton during the Marine West Expo, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb 1, 2017. The 2017 Marine West Exposition is a forum for defense contractors to display and promote their latest equipment and technology.

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The Marine Corps' Mounted Color Guard post for a portrait at the stables, aboard the Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow's Yermo Annex, Calif., Nov. 3. Left to right: Sgt. Monica Hilpisch, Sgt. Moses Machuca, Sgt. Terry Barker and Sgt. Jacob Cummins. - The Marine Corps' Mounted Color Guard post for a portrait at the stables, aboard the Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow's Yermo Annex, Calif., Nov. 3. Left to right: Sgt. Monica Hilpisch, Sgt. Moses Machuca, Sgt. Terry Barker and Sgt. Jacob Cummins.

Sgt. Zachary L. Piepenhagen (left), shakes hands with Maj. Gen. David Coffman, deputy commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force, after being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 26, 2017. Piepenhagen was awarded the medal for saving the life of a distressed Sailor who climbed over the guard rail in an attempt to commit suicide while serving with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - Sgt. Zachary L. Piepenhagen (left), shakes hands with Maj. Gen. David Coffman, deputy commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force, after being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 26, 2017. Piepenhagen was awarded the medal for saving the life of a distressed Sailor who climbed over the guard rail in an attempt to commit suicide while serving with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 communicate to each other after loading quadcon shipping containers onto a seven-ton medium tactical vehicle replacement during exercise Kamoshika Wrath 17-1 at Haramura Maneuver Area, Hiroshima, Japan, Jan. 27, 2017. The Marines worked through inclement weather conditions and a short timeline to build a 96-foot by 96-foot vertical takeoff and landing pad. The exercise is a biannual, unit-level training exercise that is primarily focused on establishing a forward operating base and providing airfield operation services. MWSS-171 trains throughout the year completing exercises like Kamoshika Wrath to enhance their technical skills, field experience and military occupational specialty capability. - U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 communicate to each other after loading quadcon shipping containers onto a seven-ton medium tactical vehicle replacement during exercise Kamoshika Wrath 17-1 at Haramura Maneuver Area, Hiroshima, Japan, Jan. 27, 2017. The Marines worked through inclement weather conditions and a short timeline to build a 96-foot by 96-foot vertical takeoff and landing pad. The exercise is a biannual, unit-level training exercise that is primarily focused on establishing a forward operating base and providing airfield operation services. MWSS-171 trains throughout the year completing exercises like Kamoshika Wrath to enhance their technical skills, field experience and military occupational specialty capability.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, set up communication equipment in a tent city located in the Grouse Meadows training area during Mountain Training Exercise 1-17 in the vicinity of the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, Calif., Jan, 18, 2016. MCMWTC is one of the Marine Corps’ most secluded posts, comprised of approximately 46,000 acres of terrain with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 11,000 feet. During this iteration of MTX, the inclusion of the Artic Tent, designed to house up to 15 personnel, enabled the “Warlords” to be truly immersed in the frigid landscape throughout the full duration of the training. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, set up communication equipment in a tent city located in the Grouse Meadows training area during Mountain Training Exercise 1-17 in the vicinity of the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, Calif., Jan, 18, 2016. MCMWTC is one of the Marine Corps’ most secluded posts, comprised of approximately 46,000 acres of terrain with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 11,000 feet. During this iteration of MTX, the inclusion of the Artic Tent, designed to house up to 15 personnel, enabled the “Warlords” to be truly immersed in the frigid landscape throughout the full duration of the training.

Retired Lt. Col. Frederick Grant retired Jan. 27, 2017, after 54 years of continuous service to the Marine Corps. Grant served as the director of the Tactical Exercise Control Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, after 38 years of service as an enlisted Marine and officer. Grant, from Emporia, Virginia, enlisted Oct. 2, 1963, and served as an infantryman in Vietnam in addition to various other enlisted and officer billets. - Retired Lt. Col. Frederick Grant retired Jan. 27, 2017, after 54 years of continuous service to the Marine Corps. Grant served as the director of the Tactical Exercise Control Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, after 38 years of service as an enlisted Marine and officer. Grant, from Emporia, Virginia, enlisted Oct. 2, 1963, and served as an infantryman in Vietnam in addition to various other enlisted and officer billets.

Crew capsules of several Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicles, or M-ATV, sit awaiting repair and upgrade at Production Plant Barstow, Marine Depot Maintenance Command, on the Yermo Annex of Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Jan. 12, 2017. The artisans working the M-ATV line are refurbishing the 17-ton vehicles for both the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps for use in Afghanistan. The formidable M1 Abrams tanks usually used in the field are too wide for the narrow mountain roads found in abundance in that region. - Crew capsules of several Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicles, or M-ATV, sit awaiting repair and upgrade at Production Plant Barstow, Marine Depot Maintenance Command, on the Yermo Annex of Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Jan. 12, 2017. The artisans working the M-ATV line are refurbishing the 17-ton vehicles for both the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps for use in Afghanistan. The formidable M1 Abrams tanks usually used in the field are too wide for the narrow mountain roads found in abundance in that region.

A Marine with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division climbs a rope on the obstacle course during an event known as advanced course preparation training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 23, 2017. The event was a seven-mile course that served as an initial performance assessment and tested the Marines on basic knowledge and skills. It is a way for the Marines to know which skills to refine before they begin a military occupational specialty specific advanced course. - A Marine with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division climbs a rope on the obstacle course during an event known as advanced course preparation training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 23, 2017. The event was a seven-mile course that served as an initial performance assessment and tested the Marines on basic knowledge and skills. It is a way for the Marines to know which skills to refine before they begin a military occupational specialty specific advanced course.