Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, Christopher Maier meets with Marines, Sailors, and civilians from Marine Forces Special Operations Command on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 16, 2024. During his visit, Maier had the opportunity to learn about MARSOC’s current and future operations as well as the programs they use to keep Marine Raiders in the fight. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Henry Rodriguez) - Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, Christopher Maier meets with Marines, Sailors, and civilians from Marine Forces Special Operations Command on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 16, 2024. During his visit, Maier had the opportunity to learn about MARSOC’s current and future operations as well as the programs they use to keep Marine Raiders in the fight. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Henry Rodriguez)

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) 4 connect a power cable to an AN/MRQ-13 communications system during the Nyutabaru Aviation Training Relocation at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Dec. 9, 2023. The ATR program allows U.S. aviation units in the Indo-Pacific, such as MACS-4 and Marine Aircraft Group 12, to train away from their home station to reduce local noise impacts while increasing operational readiness and interoperability. During this year’s ATR program at Nyutabaru Air Base, MAG-12 forces trained alongside the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s 305th Tactical Fighter Squadron to build upon each other’s tactics and reinforce their combined operational readiness through safe and realistic training. - U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) 4 connect a power cable to an AN/MRQ-13 communications system during the Nyutabaru Aviation Training Relocation at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Dec. 9, 2023. The ATR program allows U.S. aviation units in the Indo-Pacific, such as MACS-4 and Marine Aircraft Group 12, to train away from their home station to reduce local noise impacts while increasing operational readiness and interoperability. During this year’s ATR program at Nyutabaru Air Base, MAG-12 forces trained alongside the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s 305th Tactical Fighter Squadron to build upon each other’s tactics and reinforce their combined operational readiness through safe and realistic training.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Johnson Truong, an air support operations operator with Marine Air Support Squadron 3, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, coordinates fire missions from the Multifunction Air Operations Center in support of Exercise Steel Knight 23.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 6, 2023. The MAOC provides expeditionary aviation command and control and air surveillance to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Steel Knight 23.2 is a three-phase exercise designed to train I Marine Expeditionary Force in the planning, deployment and command and control of a joint force against a peer or near-peer adversary combat force and enhance existing live-fire and maneuver capabilities of the MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Johnson Truong, an air support operations operator with Marine Air Support Squadron 3, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, coordinates fire missions from the Multifunction Air Operations Center in support of Exercise Steel Knight 23.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 6, 2023. The MAOC provides expeditionary aviation command and control and air surveillance to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Steel Knight 23.2 is a three-phase exercise designed to train I Marine Expeditionary Force in the planning, deployment and command and control of a joint force against a peer or near-peer adversary combat force and enhance existing live-fire and maneuver capabilities of the MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs)

U.S. Marines selected to serve on the Silent Drill Platoon pose for a photo at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., January 22, 2024. Silent Drill Selection is a course designed to assess the capabilities of prospective Silent Drill Platoon Marines. - U.S. Marines selected to serve on the Silent Drill Platoon pose for a photo at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., January 22, 2024. Silent Drill Selection is a course designed to assess the capabilities of prospective Silent Drill Platoon Marines.

An AN/PRC-117G Adaptive Networking Wideband Waveform operates during a communications set up practical application on an MV-22 Osprey aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., on March 23, 2016. This practical application was apart of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI 2-16), a seven week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) cadre. MAWTS-1 provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. - An AN/PRC-117G Adaptive Networking Wideband Waveform operates during a communications set up practical application on an MV-22 Osprey aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., on March 23, 2016. This practical application was apart of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI 2-16), a seven week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) cadre. MAWTS-1 provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Eric Pak, a forward air controller officer with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, observes the landing zone of a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47J Chinook during joint terminal attack controller training at Irisuna Island, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 15, 2023. The training tested U.S. and Japanese service members’ ability to enhance and sustain tactics and procedures for terminal control of fires. 5th ANGLICO provides the Marine Air Ground Task Force Commander with a liaison capability to plan, coordinate, employ, and conduct terminal control of fires in support of joint, allied, and coalition forces. Pak is a native of Los Angeles. - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Eric Pak, a forward air controller officer with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, observes the landing zone of a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47J Chinook during joint terminal attack controller training at Irisuna Island, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 15, 2023. The training tested U.S. and Japanese service members’ ability to enhance and sustain tactics and procedures for terminal control of fires. 5th ANGLICO provides the Marine Air Ground Task Force Commander with a liaison capability to plan, coordinate, employ, and conduct terminal control of fires in support of joint, allied, and coalition forces. Pak is a native of Los Angeles.

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Systems Command, fire a Stinger Missile from a Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, December 13, 2023. The MADIS Mk1, pictured, and Mk2 form a complementary pair and will be the basic building block of the Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalions’ ground-based air defense capability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Virginia Guffey) - U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Systems Command, fire a Stinger Missile from a Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, December 13, 2023. The MADIS Mk1, pictured, and Mk2 form a complementary pair and will be the basic building block of the Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalions’ ground-based air defense capability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Virginia Guffey)

U.S. Marine Corps' Mounted Color Guard carries the American Flag and the Marine Corps Standard in the 135th Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2024. The Rose Parade is part of an annual celebration, Tournament of Roses, that includes various floats, bands, dancers and equestrian units, and is meant to showcase the beauty of Pasadena, Calif. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kristina Judy) - U.S. Marine Corps' Mounted Color Guard carries the American Flag and the Marine Corps Standard in the 135th Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2024. The Rose Parade is part of an annual celebration, Tournament of Roses, that includes various floats, bands, dancers and equestrian units, and is meant to showcase the beauty of Pasadena, Calif. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kristina Judy)

A U.S. Marine with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides security for the simulated surface raid bivouac site during Amphibious Squadron, MEU Integration on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 12, 2023. PMINT is the 24th MEU’s first opportunity in the pre-deployment training cycle to fully integrate with the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group. During PMINT, the Marines and Sailors are tested across required operational capabilities and projected operating environments through a variety of simulated and live events. - A U.S. Marine with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides security for the simulated surface raid bivouac site during Amphibious Squadron, MEU Integration on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 12, 2023. PMINT is the 24th MEU’s first opportunity in the pre-deployment training cycle to fully integrate with the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group. During PMINT, the Marines and Sailors are tested across required operational capabilities and projected operating environments through a variety of simulated and live events.

U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), board a CH-53E Super Stallion during an amphibious assault as part of Odyssey Encore, Volos, Greece, Jan. 8, 2024. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)’s Marine Air-Ground Task Force sustainment training enhances readiness and operational capabilities as the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command crisis response force and Joint Staff Immediate Response Force. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and partner interests. - U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), board a CH-53E Super Stallion during an amphibious assault as part of Odyssey Encore, Volos, Greece, Jan. 8, 2024. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)’s Marine Air-Ground Task Force sustainment training enhances readiness and operational capabilities as the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command crisis response force and Joint Staff Immediate Response Force. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and partner interests.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Orin Chacho provides security during Stand-in Force Exercise 24 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Dec. 4, 2023. SIFEX 24 is a division-level exercise involving all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. This exercise serves as a rehearsal for rapidly projecting combat power in defense of allies and partners in the region. Chacho, a native of Thoreau, New Mexico is a rifleman with 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales) - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Orin Chacho provides security during Stand-in Force Exercise 24 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Dec. 4, 2023. SIFEX 24 is a division-level exercise involving all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. This exercise serves as a rehearsal for rapidly projecting combat power in defense of allies and partners in the region. Chacho, a native of Thoreau, New Mexico is a rifleman with 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

U.S. Marines with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, extinguishes simulated aircraft fire at the installation, Dec. 15, 2023. ARFF performs routine training that equips Marines with the necessary skills and knowledge to efficiently respond to emergencies. - U.S. Marines with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, extinguishes simulated aircraft fire at the installation, Dec. 15, 2023. ARFF performs routine training that equips Marines with the necessary skills and knowledge to efficiently respond to emergencies.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Aaliyah Aguallo, an administrative specialist with Installation Personnel Administration Center, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, performs a duck walk during the culminating event of a Martial Arts Instructor Course on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 14, 2023. The MAI course is a three-week course that implements physical training and academic instruction for instructor trainees. The demanding physical intensity prepares trainees to perform Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques through the different elements of war. Coursework evaluations ensure that all newly graduated instructors have more than enough knowledge to carefully supervise and instruct Marines who are looking to make MCMAP belt advancements. Aguallo is native of Chicago, Ill. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Aaliyah Aguallo, an administrative specialist with Installation Personnel Administration Center, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, performs a duck walk during the culminating event of a Martial Arts Instructor Course on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 14, 2023. The MAI course is a three-week course that implements physical training and academic instruction for instructor trainees. The demanding physical intensity prepares trainees to perform Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques through the different elements of war. Coursework evaluations ensure that all newly graduated instructors have more than enough knowledge to carefully supervise and instruct Marines who are looking to make MCMAP belt advancements. Aguallo is native of Chicago, Ill. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng)