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Second lieutenant Lillian Polatchek poses in front of an M1A1 Abrams tank at Fort Benning, Georgia. Polatchek is the first female Marine Tank Officer after graduating as the distinguished honor graduate of her Army’s Armor Basic Officer Leaders Course on April 12, 2017. - Second lieutenant Lillian Polatchek poses in front of an M1A1 Abrams tank at Fort Benning, Georgia. Polatchek is the first female Marine Tank Officer after graduating as the distinguished honor graduate of her Army’s Armor Basic Officer Leaders Course on April 12, 2017.

Sgt. 1st Class Midsru Miyazaki, center, coordinates with Marines assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 204 during a pre-flight brief at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., April 7, 2017. Miyazaki has been training to become the first Japanese MV-22 Osprey crew chief. VMMT-204’s mission is to provide training to Osprey pilots, crew chiefs and units in the use and maintenance of the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. VMMT-204 is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. - Sgt. 1st Class Midsru Miyazaki, center, coordinates with Marines assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 204 during a pre-flight brief at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., April 7, 2017. Miyazaki has been training to become the first Japanese MV-22 Osprey crew chief. VMMT-204’s mission is to provide training to Osprey pilots, crew chiefs and units in the use and maintenance of the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. VMMT-204 is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

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A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, taxis to the flight line during aviation delivered ground refueling training with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 11, 2017. The ADGR marked the first evolution of this form of refueling for VMFA-121’s F-35B Lightning II aircraft, and it increases the squadron’s ability to refuel by C-130 aircraft in austere locations when other resources may not be available. - A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, taxis to the flight line during aviation delivered ground refueling training with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 11, 2017. The ADGR marked the first evolution of this form of refueling for VMFA-121’s F-35B Lightning II aircraft, and it increases the squadron’s ability to refuel by C-130 aircraft in austere locations when other resources may not be available.

A Marine prepares for a 600 meter conditioning swim during Water Survival-Advanced training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 4, 2017. WSA is a week-long course that tests Marines on rescues, strokes and distance swimming. The Marine is a student in the course, which is run by 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion. - A Marine prepares for a 600 meter conditioning swim during Water Survival-Advanced training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 4, 2017. WSA is a week-long course that tests Marines on rescues, strokes and distance swimming. The Marine is a student in the course, which is run by 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion.

Marines conduct a timed 20 kilometer ruck run during a scout sniper screener at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 3, 2017. The screener tested the Marines physical and mental limits through rigorous training. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. - Marines conduct a timed 20 kilometer ruck run during a scout sniper screener at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 3, 2017. The screener tested the Marines physical and mental limits through rigorous training. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division.

Donald Irwin, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, shakes Lance Cpl. Hui Xue’s hand, April 7, 2017, on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Irwin, who served aboard a number of ships during World War II, fought at Midway and Guadalcanal and survived the sinking of the USS Colhoun during the Battle of Okinawa. Irwin returned to Okinawa and exchanged stories with the Marines and Sailors stationed on the island. Irwin is a San Jose, California native, and Xue, a native of New York, is an aviation life support system technician with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Donald Irwin, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, shakes Lance Cpl. Hui Xue’s hand, April 7, 2017, on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Irwin, who served aboard a number of ships during World War II, fought at Midway and Guadalcanal and survived the sinking of the USS Colhoun during the Battle of Okinawa. Irwin returned to Okinawa and exchanged stories with the Marines and Sailors stationed on the island. Irwin is a San Jose, California native, and Xue, a native of New York, is an aviation life support system technician with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

A Marine throws an M67 fragmentation grenade during a grenade range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 31, 2017. The training helped Marines build trust and confidence in each other by refining the skills needed to operate in a combat environment. The Marines are with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. - A Marine throws an M67 fragmentation grenade during a grenade range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 31, 2017. The training helped Marines build trust and confidence in each other by refining the skills needed to operate in a combat environment. The Marines are with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion.

Gunnery Sgt. Joseph A. Purdy tightens the straps on a parachute before an air-drop delivery jump at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., March 27, 2017. The training was part of field exercise Bold Bronco 17, which demonstrated the units ability to provide transportation support via air, land or sea. Purdy is a jumpmaster with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. - Gunnery Sgt. Joseph A. Purdy tightens the straps on a parachute before an air-drop delivery jump at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., March 27, 2017. The training was part of field exercise Bold Bronco 17, which demonstrated the units ability to provide transportation support via air, land or sea. Purdy is a jumpmaster with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group.

Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 load ordnance on an F-35B Lightning II aircraft during hot-reload training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 6, 2017. This signified the first time the squadron loaded ordnance onto a running F-35B Lightning II aircraft at the air station in order to prepare for real-world scenarios. - Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 load ordnance on an F-35B Lightning II aircraft during hot-reload training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 6, 2017. This signified the first time the squadron loaded ordnance onto a running F-35B Lightning II aircraft at the air station in order to prepare for real-world scenarios.

Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 prepare to conduct a hot load on an F-35B Lightning II at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 4. Marines with VMFA-211 along with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron (MAWTS) 1, conducted hot loads during the semiannual Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) 2-17. Lasting seven weeks, WTI is a training event hosted by MAWTS-1 that provides standardized advanced and tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness. - Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 prepare to conduct a hot load on an F-35B Lightning II at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 4. Marines with VMFA-211 along with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron (MAWTS) 1, conducted hot loads during the semiannual Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) 2-17. Lasting seven weeks, WTI is a training event hosted by MAWTS-1 that provides standardized advanced and tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness.

HM2 Spencer Eastman reloads a Mossberg 500 shotgun after shooting a round through a simulated door during a breaching exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 29, 2017. The Marines and sailors practiced techniques on how to successfully get through locked doors using shotguns and explosive charges. Eastman is a corpsman with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. - A Sailor reloads a Mossberg 500 shotgun after shooting a round through a simulated door during a breaching exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 29, 2017. The Marines and sailors practiced techniques on how to successfully get through locked doors using shotguns and explosive charges. The Sailor is a corpsman with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion.

Cpl. Zachary Taylor instructs a Marine on how to use an M2 Browning .50-caliber machine gun at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 30, 2017. The Marines conducted a live-fire from the turrets of Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement trucks, as part of a culminating event for the Combat Logistics Regiment 25 Command Post Exercise. Taylor is with the Battle Skills Training School, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. - Cpl. Zachary Taylor instructs a Marine on how to use an M2 Browning .50-caliber machine gun at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 30, 2017. The Marines conducted a live-fire from the turrets of Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement trucks, as part of a culminating event for the Combat Logistics Regiment 25 Command Post Exercise. Taylor is with the Battle Skills Training School, 2nd Marine Logistics Group.

U.S Marine Pfc. Brad A. Clark inspects the rigged aerial delivery systems of Joint Precision Airdrops during a Weapons and Training Instructor Course March 30, 2017, at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. Clark is an airborne delivery specialist with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. The JPADS uses a GPS system and a modular autonomous guidance unit to get to their targeted drop zones. - U.S Marine Pfc. Brad A. Clark inspects the rigged aerial delivery systems of Joint Precision Airdrops during a Weapons and Training Instructor Course March 30, 2017, at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. Clark is an airborne delivery specialist with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. The JPADS uses a GPS system and a modular autonomous guidance unit to get to their targeted drop zones.

A Japanese MCH-101 airborne mine countermeasures helicopter lands on a heliport designated by Marine Air Control Squadron 4 Detachment B during a cross-training exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 30, 2017. The purpose of the exercise was to simulate a forward arming and refueling points operation, where Marines communicated with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter pilots to perform austere landings on a heliport that acted as an expeditionary runway. - A Japanese MCH-101 airborne mine countermeasures helicopter lands on a heliport designated by Marine Air Control Squadron 4 Detachment B during a cross-training exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 30, 2017. The purpose of the exercise was to simulate a forward arming and refueling points operation, where Marines communicated with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter pilots to perform austere landings on a heliport that acted as an expeditionary runway.

Marines with Engineer Platoon, Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, carve wood at Guardian Centers in Perry, Georgia, March 23, 2017, during Exercise Scarlet Response 2017. During a 36-hour field operation, the Marines with CBIRF were tested on their ability to perform their skills during nighttime scenarios. Engineering Platoon used wooden planks to support collapsed structures. - Marines with Engineer Platoon, Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, carve wood at Guardian Centers in Perry, Georgia, March 23, 2017, during Exercise Scarlet Response 2017. During a 36-hour field operation, the Marines with CBIRF were tested on their ability to perform their skills during nighttime scenarios. Engineering Platoon used wooden planks to support collapsed structures.

A Marine posts security March 15 in the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in amphibious assault training in order to hone their amphibious capabilities. - A Marine posts security March 15 in the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in amphibious assault training in order to hone their amphibious capabilities.

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A member of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 30th Infantry Regiment, 12th Brigade, Eastern Army practices fast roping out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft during Forest Light 17-1 at Camp Soumagahara, Japan, on March 9, 2017. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise conducted by U.S. and Japan forces in order to strengthen our interoperability and combined capabilities in defense of the U.S.-Japan alliance. - A member of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 30th Infantry Regiment, 12th Brigade, Eastern Army practices fast roping out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft during Forest Light 17-1 at Camp Soumagahara, Japan, on March 9, 2017. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise conducted by U.S. and Japan forces in order to strengthen our interoperability and combined capabilities in defense of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

A Marine launches a Raven small unmanned aircraft system into the air at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 27, 2017. Marines conducted aerial training exercises at Tactical Landing Zone Dove to demonstrate the capabilities and build familiarization with the SUAS. The Marines are intelligence specialists with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. - A Marine launches a Raven small unmanned aircraft system into the air at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 27, 2017. Marines conducted aerial training exercises at Tactical Landing Zone Dove to demonstrate the capabilities and build familiarization with the SUAS. The Marines are intelligence specialists with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment.

Capt. Christopher Lavergne, a KC-130J Super Hercules pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, proudly displays the 2017 Marine Corps Aviation Association Henry Wildfang award in front of a KC-130J at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 27. VMGR-352 received the Henry Wildfang award for successful mission accomplishments and the most mishap free hours. - Capt. Christopher Lavergne, a KC-130J Super Hercules pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, proudly displays the 2017 Marine Corps Aviation Association Henry Wildfang award in front of a KC-130J at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 27. VMGR-352 received the Henry Wildfang award for successful mission accomplishments and the most mishap free hours.

Marines with 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company enter the water during a ship-to-shore diving operation exercise at Pensacola, Fla., March 23, 2017. The exercise focused on performing sustainment training on Marine combative dive tactics. The training will enhance the company’s capability conduct specialized insertion and extraction tasks. - Marines with 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company enter the water during a ship-to-shore diving operation exercise at Pensacola, Fla., March 23, 2017. The exercise focused on performing sustainment training on Marine combative dive tactics. The training will enhance the company’s capability conduct specialized insertion and extraction tasks.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Ysac Perez, the air base ground defense staff non-commissioned officer in charge for Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, observes how Marines deal with the set objectives during exercise Tanuki Wrath on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 22, 2017. MWSS-171 conducted the exercise to help train Marines to set up security around a downed aircraft and how to control a riot. - U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Ysac Perez, the air base ground defense staff non-commissioned officer in charge for Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, observes how Marines deal with the set objectives during exercise Tanuki Wrath on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 22, 2017. MWSS-171 conducted the exercise to help train Marines to set up security around a downed aircraft and how to control a riot.

Dutch Marines prepare to breach a building while training with U.S. Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 23, 2017. During the integrated training exercise, Dutch and U.S. Marines worked with canine units, coordinated air assets and exchanged tactics between services in order to strengthen cohesion and interoperability between the partner two allied nations. - Dutch Marines prepare to breach a building while training with U.S. Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 23, 2017. During the integrated training exercise, Dutch and U.S. Marines worked with canine units, coordinated air assets and exchanged tactics between services in order to strengthen cohesion and interoperability between the partner two allied nations.

U.S. Marine Corps Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 conducted exercise Tanuki Wrath on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 22, 2017. MWSS-171 conducted the exercise to help train Marines to set up security around a downed aircraft and how to control a riot. - U.S. Marine Corps Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 conducted exercise Tanuki Wrath on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 22, 2017. MWSS-171 conducted the exercise to help train Marines to set up security around a downed aircraft and how to control a riot.

Iwo Jima veteran Francis Jackson participates in the 72nd Reunion of Honor commemorative service on Iwo To, Japan March 25, 2017. Jackson was one of eight veterans in attendance alongside American and Japanese distinguished guests, both military and civilian. This event presented the opportunity for the U.S. and Japanese people to mutually remember and honor thousands of service members who fought and died on the hallowed grounds of Iwo Jima. - Iwo Jima veteran Francis Jackson participates in the 72nd Reunion of Honor commemorative service on Iwo To, Japan March 25, 2017. Jackson was one of eight veterans in attendance alongside American and Japanese distinguished guests, both military and civilian. This event presented the opportunity for the U.S. and Japanese people to mutually remember and honor thousands of service members who fought and died on the hallowed grounds of Iwo Jima.

Landing signal officers communicate with a pilot preparing to land on a simulated aircraft carrier aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, March 22, 2017. The LSOs analyze the glide slope path and the movement of the carrier to decide whether the aircraft can land. The LSOs are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, Marine Aircraft Group 31. - Landing signal officers communicate with a pilot preparing to land on a simulated aircraft carrier aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, March 22, 2017. The LSOs analyze the glide slope path and the movement of the carrier to decide whether the aircraft can land. The LSOs are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

Lance Cpl. Milton Torres, a Marine with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, prepares a hose for a decontamination drill at Guardian Centers in Perry, Ga., March 20, 2017, during Exercise Scarlet Response 2017. The exercise, which goes from March 20 – 25, is the largest annual event for CBIRF, and it tests the unit’s capabilities to react and respond to threats and disasters such as nuclear detonations. - Lance Cpl. Milton Torres, a Marine with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, prepares a hose for a decontamination drill at Guardian Centers in Perry, Ga., March 20, 2017, during Exercise Scarlet Response 2017. The exercise, which goes from March 20 – 25, is the largest annual event for CBIRF, and it tests the unit’s capabilities to react and respond to threats and disasters such as nuclear detonations.

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Staff Sgt. Randall Lester (left) points toward aircraft as Maj. Lauchlin Byrd (center) and Maj. Thomas Short (right) scan the skies during close air support operations at a range near Fort Drum, N.Y., March 16, 2017. Marines assigned to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, worked in conjunction with Marines assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, to complete the training. - Staff Sgt. Randall Lester (left) points toward aircraft as Maj. Lauchlin Byrd (center) and Maj. Thomas Short (right) scan the skies during close air support operations at a range near Fort Drum, N.Y., March 16, 2017. Marines assigned to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, worked in conjunction with Marines assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, to complete the training.

Staff Sgt. Kiriden Benny, the cyber network systems chief with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, practices breathing compressed air during Underwater Egress Training at the Water Survival Training Facility on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 8, 2017. The purpose of the training is to teach Marines lifesaving skills in the event of an aircraft mishap in the water. - Staff Sgt. Kiriden Benny, the cyber network systems chief with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, practices breathing compressed air during Underwater Egress Training at the Water Survival Training Facility on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 8, 2017. The purpose of the training is to teach Marines lifesaving skills in the event of an aircraft mishap in the water.

Karen Delich, a health specialist from Colorado Springs addresses students attending Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-17 and Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One staff during a tactical risk management period of instruction at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., March 15, 2017. WTI is a seven week event hosted by MAWTS-1. MAWTS-1 provides standardized 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. - Karen Delich, a health specialist from Colorado Springs addresses students attending Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-17 and Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One staff during a tactical risk management period of instruction at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., March 15, 2017. WTI is a seven week event hosted by MAWTS-1. MAWTS-1 provides standardized 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.

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters past Mount Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan, March 12, 2017. The squadron, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the unit deployment program, validated the long-range capability of auxiliary fuel tanks on their H-1 platform helicopters by flying 314 nautical miles during one leg of the four-day mission, March 10. - Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters past Mount Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan, March 12, 2017. The squadron, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the unit deployment program, validated the long-range capability of auxiliary fuel tanks on their H-1 platform helicopters by flying 314 nautical miles during one leg of the four-day mission, March 10.

Lance Cpl. Sean Taylor, a radio operator with Headquarters Battalion, catches his breathe after finishing a 3-mile run during a Physical Fitness Test at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 14, 2017. The PFT is an evaluation conducted throughout the Marine Corps annually to assess the level of fitness. For more information on the PFT updates, utilize Marine Corps Bulletin 6100. - Lance Cpl. Sean Taylor, a radio operator with Headquarters Battalion, catches his breathe after finishing a 3-mile run during a Physical Fitness Test at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 14, 2017. The PFT is an evaluation conducted throughout the Marine Corps annually to assess the level of fitness. For more information on the PFT updates, utilize Marine Corps Bulletin 6100.

Lance Cpl. Nicholas Powell, a Marine with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, prepares to throw the Unmanned Aerial System at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. The UAS is mainly used for aerial reconnaissance and can also be used for observation, local security, targeting, and prosecuting. - Lance Cpl. Nicholas Powell, a Marine with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, prepares to throw the Unmanned Aerial System at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. The UAS is mainly used for aerial reconnaissance and can also be used for observation, local security, targeting, and prosecuting.

Sgt. Maj. Brad Kasal, I Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks with noncommissioned officers assigned to 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 14, 2017. During the talk, Kasal spoke about the need for all Marines and sailors to exercise the same devotion to one another every day that they would show while in combat. - Sgt. Maj. Brad Kasal, I Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks with noncommissioned officers assigned to 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 14, 2017. During the talk, Kasal spoke about the need for all Marines and sailors to exercise the same devotion to one another every day that they would show while in combat.

Marine Air Control Group 38 conducted Exercise Lightning Sword, a Marine Air Command and Control System integrated training exercise, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, MCAS Camp Pendleton, California and MCAS Yuma, Arizona, March 6 to 17. Lightning Sword provided MACG-38 an opportunity to exercise a fully capable MACCS in a constructed marine expeditionary force level scenario. - Marine Air Control Group 38 conducted Exercise Lightning Sword, a Marine Air Command and Control System integrated training exercise, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, MCAS Camp Pendleton, California and MCAS Yuma, Arizona, March 6 to 17. Lightning Sword provided MACG-38 an opportunity to exercise a fully capable MACCS in a constructed marine expeditionary force level scenario.

The Joint Operational Energy Command and Control program, initiated in 2014, is focusing on customizing commercial fuel monitoring systems to automate fuel tracking for fleet vehicles and generators. Still in testing, the system will read microchips embedded in the fuel valves of refueling trucks as they resupply fuel-powered assets. Data will then be sent wirelessly to the commander for a visual representation of energy consumption. - The Joint Operational Energy Command and Control program, initiated in 2014, is focusing on customizing commercial fuel monitoring systems to automate fuel tracking for fleet vehicles and generators. Still in testing, the system will read microchips embedded in the fuel valves of refueling trucks as they resupply fuel-powered assets. Data will then be sent wirelessly to the commander for a visual representation of energy consumption.

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)