News

Marines with Bridge Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, march to their training site for a rafting exercise on the Colorado River in Laughlin, Nev., March 17-21, 2014. More than 60 Marines trained in moving heavy equipment, to include 7-tons and Humvees, across a flowing body of water using Bridge Erection Boats and an Improved Ribbon Bridge. The IRB is a multi-piece floating bridge that can function as a raft. Despite being accustomed to training in a bay with little to no current, these Marines managed to transport two 7-tons up the river at the same time. - Marines with Bridge Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, march to their training site for a rafting exercise on the Colorado River in Laughlin, Nev., March 17-21, 2014. More than 60 Marines trained in moving heavy equipment, to include 7-tons and Humvees, across a flowing body of water using Bridge Erection Boats and an Improved Ribbon Bridge. The IRB is a multi-piece floating bridge that can function as a raft. Despite being accustomed to training in a bay with little to no current, these Marines managed to transport two 7-tons up the river at the same time.

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Gold shooters aim modified M16s at targets during the 7th Regiment Midrange Rifle Competition aboard the Combat Center, March 14, 2015. During the two day event, participants competed as individuals and as four man teams. - Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Gold shooters aim modified M16s at targets during the 7th Regiment Midrange Rifle Competition aboard the Combat Center, March 14, 2015. During the two day event, participants competed as individuals and as four man teams.

Lance Corporals Brittany R. Dunklee, left, gunner, and Ashleigh Howell, center, driver, both with Light Armored Vehicle Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, carry a simulated casualty while Cpl. Benjamin Alexander, right, vehicle commander, provides security, during the CASEVAC portion of a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 500, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, March 12, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. - Lance Corporals Brittany R. Dunklee, left, gunner, and Ashleigh Howell, center, driver, both with Light Armored Vehicle Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, carry a simulated casualty while Cpl. Benjamin Alexander, right, vehicle commander, provides security, during the CASEVAC portion of a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 500, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, March 12, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks.

Lance Cpl. Dwayne Adams, a marksmanship instructor attached to II MEF Headquarters Group and Bronx, N.Y., native, provides security during the practical application portion of a class on combat formations during a MHG field exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 12-19, 2015. The purpose of the FEX was to allow the Marines the opportunity to test their skill sets and find areas of improvement. - Lance Cpl. Dwayne Adams, a marksmanship instructor attached to II MEF Headquarters Group and Bronx, N.Y., native, provides security during the practical application portion of a class on combat formations during a MHG field exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 12-19, 2015. The purpose of the FEX was to allow the Marines the opportunity to test their skill sets and find areas of improvement.

Marines in a jumpmaster course wait to board a C-130 aircraft at Bogue Airfield, Bogue, N.C., March 11, 2015. Army instructors from Fort Benning, Ga., came to Camp Lejeune to teach Marines what they need to know to be a jumpmaster, including how to perform personnel inspections, how to react to certain malfunctions and how to jump with several types of equipment. - Marines in a jumpmaster course wait to board a C-130 aircraft at Bogue Airfield, Bogue, N.C., March 11, 2015. Army instructors from Fort Benning, Ga., came to Camp Lejeune to teach Marines what they need to know to be a jumpmaster, including how to perform personnel inspections, how to react to certain malfunctions and how to jump with several types of equipment.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

A U.S. Army Special Forces team assaults a building during a close quarters battle demonstration for Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa in Baumholder, Germany, March 9, 2015. The ability to rapidly secure buildings allows Special Forces teams to complete a variety of missions ranging from hostage rescue to the suppression of enemy forces in an urban environment. - A U.S. Army Special Forces team assaults a building during a close quarters battle demonstration for Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa in Baumholder, Germany, March 9, 2015. The ability to rapidly secure buildings allows Special Forces teams to complete a variety of missions ranging from hostage rescue to the suppression of enemy forces in an urban environment.

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, communicate between buildings through windows during a military operations on urban terrain training exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 11, 2015. Constant communications between squads and platoons was vital to completing the mission of clearing the MOUT town of enemy role players with minimal friendly casualties. - Marines with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, communicate between buildings through windows during a military operations on urban terrain training exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 11, 2015. Constant communications between squads and platoons was vital to completing the mission of clearing the MOUT town of enemy role players with minimal friendly casualties.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

James "Jim" Krodel, a Marine veteran and survivor of the battle for Iwo Jima from Quitman, Texas, poses for a photo during the Iwo Jima Battle Survivors and Family Association 70th anniversary reunion at Wichita Falls, Texas, February 14, 2015. Krodel served in the Marines 1944-1946. - James "Jim" Krodel, a Marine veteran and survivor of the battle for Iwo Jima from Quitman, Texas, poses for a photo during the Iwo Jima Battle Survivors and Family Association 70th anniversary reunion at Wichita Falls, Texas, February 14, 2015. Krodel served in the Marines 1944-1946.

Lance Cpl. David Wadleigh, military working dog handler, Military Working Dog Platoon, 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, posts security during the patrol with his dog, Hugo. Marines with MWD Platoon, 1st LEB and Assault Breacher Vehicle Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Combat Engineers Battalion, participated in Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training aboard Camp Pendleton, California, March 10, 2015. - Lance Cpl. David Wadleigh, military working dog handler, Military Working Dog Platoon, 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, posts security during the patrol with his dog, Hugo. Marines with MWD Platoon, 1st LEB and Assault Breacher Vehicle Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Combat Engineers Battalion, participated in Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training aboard Camp Pendleton, California, March 10, 2015.

Lance Cpl. Zackary Bowen, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, scans a field for anything that could damage the MV-22B Osprey he is in while landing. As a crew chief, Bowen and another crew chief constantly monitor the aircraft’s components and make changes as necessary to ensure the safety of the crew and personnel within. - Lance Cpl. Zackary Bowen, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, scans a field for anything that could damage the MV-22B Osprey he is in while landing. As a crew chief, Bowen and another crew chief constantly monitor the aircraft’s components and make changes as necessary to ensure the safety of the crew and personnel within.

Lance Cpl. Jeremy R. Everett, an automotive maintenance technician with 8th Communication Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, practices driving a Humvee to gain his operator’s license during 8th Comm.’s field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 12, 2015. During the Humvee licensing course, motor transportation Marines participated in a class followed by a practice course and a set amount of miles driven on the road. - Lance Cpl. Jeremy R. Everett, an automotive maintenance technician with 8th Communication Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, practices driving a Humvee to gain his operator’s license during 8th Comm.’s field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 12, 2015. During the Humvee licensing course, motor transportation Marines participated in a class followed by a practice course and a set amount of miles driven on the road.

Lance Cpl. David Wadleigh, military working dog handler, Military Working Dog Platoon, 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, posts security during the patrol with his dog, Hugo. Marines with MWD Platoon, 1st LEB and Assault Breacher Vehicle Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Combat Engineers Battalion, participated in Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 10, 2015. - Lance Cpl. David Wadleigh, military working dog handler, Military Working Dog Platoon, 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, posts security during the patrol with his dog, Hugo. Marines with MWD Platoon, 1st LEB and Assault Breacher Vehicle Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Combat Engineers Battalion, participated in Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 10, 2015.

Marines, veterans, and international allies compete a wheelchair basketball game during the Marine Corps Trials in various Paralympic events at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California March 4-12. Other events include: archery, cycling, field, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming and track. - Marines, veterans, and international allies compete a wheelchair basketball game during the Marine Corps Trials in various Paralympic events at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California March 4-12. Other events include: archery, cycling, field, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming and track.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

A Marine with 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion sets up an explosive charge to detonate during a dynamic entry sustainment course at a Military Operations in Urban Terrain exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 9, 2015. Safety was a key aspect when conducting dynamic entry with explosive charges and Marines rehearsed each set up before going live. - A Marine with 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion sets up an explosive charge to detonate during a dynamic entry sustainment course at a Military Operations in Urban Terrain exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 9, 2015. Safety was a key aspect when conducting dynamic entry with explosive charges and Marines rehearsed each set up before going live.

Sgt. Hannah S. Jacobson, machine gunner with Weapons Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, provides close supporting fires for their squad while engaging targets with the M240B Medium Machine Gun during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 107, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, March 10, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. - Sgt. Hannah S. Jacobson, machine gunner with Weapons Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, provides close supporting fires for their squad while engaging targets with the M240B Medium Machine Gun during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 107, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, March 10, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks.

U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force prepare to disembark the USS Essex during Amphibious Squadron/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training off the coast of San Diego March 4, 2015. These Marines are practicing a variety of full-mission profiles so they are well-prepared for anything that comes up during their deployment. - U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force prepare to disembark the USS Essex during Amphibious Squadron/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training off the coast of San Diego March 4, 2015. These Marines are practicing a variety of full-mission profiles so they are well-prepared for anything that comes up during their deployment.

Sgt. Kassie McDole, top, crew chief, and Cpl. Kelsey Darling, rear crewman, both with Amphibious Assault Vehicle Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, assist each other in weapons mounting during the assessment at Range 500, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, March 5, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. - Sgt. Kassie McDole, top, crew chief, and Cpl. Kelsey Darling, rear crewman, both with Amphibious Assault Vehicle Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, assist each other in weapons mounting during the assessment at Range 500, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, March 5, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks.

James Panceyres, a cycling coach for the 2015 Marine Corps Trials, passes on knowledge of cycling on the road to wounded warriors that are joining him for a bike ride aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 6, 2015. Panceyres has been passing on cycling knowledge to wounded warriors ever since he became a coach for the Marine Corps Trials. - James Panceyres, a cycling coach for the 2015 Marine Corps Trials, passes on knowledge of cycling on the road to wounded warriors that are joining him for a bike ride aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 6, 2015. Panceyres has been passing on cycling knowledge to wounded warriors ever since he became a coach for the Marine Corps Trials.

Members of the Marine Corps Historical Company present an Iwo Jima Flag Raising Tableau during the Iwo Jima Commemorative Banquet for the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 7. The evening included a sunset memorial, 21-gun salute, banquet and a video message for veterans from Commandant of the Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford. “Your legacy is the young men and women who use your example of courage and commitment to inspire them to confront and overcome the challenges that they face today … I pledge that today’s Marines will keep the spirit of Iwo Jima alive,” said Dunford. - Members of the Marine Corps Historical Company present an Iwo Jima Flag Raising Tableau during the Iwo Jima Commemorative Banquet for the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 7. The evening included a sunset memorial, 21-gun salute, banquet and a video message for veterans from Commandant of the Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford. “Your legacy is the young men and women who use your example of courage and commitment to inspire them to confront and overcome the challenges that they face today … I pledge that today’s Marines will keep the spirit of Iwo Jima alive,” said Dunford.

Marines work through the night to move the forward command element March 5 during Dragon Fire Exercise 15-2 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Kona, Hawaii. Night movement provides an edge over the enemy, and provides Marines with cover and concealment during their move. The Marines are with Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines work through the night to move the forward command element March 5 during Dragon Fire Exercise 15-2 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Kona, Hawaii. Night movement provides an edge over the enemy, and provides Marines with cover and concealment during their move. The Marines are with Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Cpl. Dillon F. Lauesen, a Combat Engineer with Mobility Assault Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, provides rear security while a Marine places a window charge at the bottom of a window during an urban breaching course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 3, 2015. During this exercise the Marines were reminded to keep situational awareness and to provide security whenever necessary. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Justin T. Updegraff) - Cpl. Dillon F. Lauesen, a Combat Engineer with Mobility Assault Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, provides rear security while a Marine places a window charge at the bottom of a window during an urban breaching course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 3, 2015. During this exercise the Marines were reminded to keep situational awareness and to provide security whenever necessary. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Justin T. Updegraff)

A fire team with 2nd Force Reconnaissance Detachment 6 moves outside after clearing a building during a close-quarters tactics training event at Expeditionary Operations Training Group compound at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 6, 2015. Marines with 2nd FRD 6 clear and extract unknown targets in a building with narrow hallways and small rooms using tactics and safety standards they learned while at the reconnaissance and surveillance course conducted by EOTG. - A fire team with 2nd Force Reconnaissance Detachment 6 moves outside after clearing a building during a close-quarters tactics training event at Expeditionary Operations Training Group compound at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 6, 2015. Marines with 2nd FRD 6 clear and extract unknown targets in a building with narrow hallways and small rooms using tactics and safety standards they learned while at the reconnaissance and surveillance course conducted by EOTG.

Lance Cpl. Daniel Skora signals Lance Cpl. Aaron Stidham to stop lifting a crate at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, North Carolina, Feb. 25, 2015. More than 100 Marines with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, participated in exercise Lagoon Breach, an integrated exercise conducted to test Marines ability to operate in an austere environment and practice their field expediency. Skora is an engineer equipment electrical systems technician and Stidham is an engineer equipment operator, both with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 at Cherry Point. - Lance Cpl. Daniel Skora signals Lance Cpl. Aaron Stidham to stop lifting a crate at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, North Carolina, Feb. 25, 2015. More than 100 Marines with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, participated in exercise Lagoon Breach, an integrated exercise conducted to test Marines ability to operate in an austere environment and practice their field expediency. Skora is an engineer equipment electrical systems technician and Stidham is an engineer equipment operator, both with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 at Cherry Point.

The third gun of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment fires a 155 mm howitzer under camouflage netting on Pohakuloa Training Area during Operation Spartan Fury 15.2, March 2, 2015. The training was part of Operation Spartan Fury 15.2. - The third gun of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment fires a 155 mm howitzer under camouflage netting on Pohakuloa Training Area during Operation Spartan Fury 15.2, March 2, 2015. The training was part of Operation Spartan Fury 15.2.

A U.S. Marine aircraft crewman with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, performs pre-flight checks on a KC-130J Hercules aircraft before takeoff in the Central Command area of operations, Feb. 23, 2015. The Marines, sailors and aircraft with VMGR 352 support SPMAGTF – CR – CC by transporting supplies, equipment, and personnel to various locations in the region. - A U.S. Marine aircraft crewman with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, performs pre-flight checks on a KC-130J Hercules aircraft before takeoff in the Central Command area of operations, Feb. 23, 2015. The Marines, sailors and aircraft with VMGR 352 support SPMAGTF – CR – CC by transporting supplies, equipment, and personnel to various locations in the region.

Snow falls over the command operations center during an entire day of a 2nd Marine Logistics Group command post exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 24, 2015. The Marines involved in the CPX battled multiple weather conditions such as snow, sleet and rain during the exercise designed to ensure logistical readiness and identify areas in need of improvement. - Snow falls over the command operations center during an entire day of a 2nd Marine Logistics Group command post exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 24, 2015. The Marines involved in the CPX battled multiple weather conditions such as snow, sleet and rain during the exercise designed to ensure logistical readiness and identify areas in need of improvement.

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force 1st Lt. Ryota Hasebe attached to 3rd Battalion 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force for two months starting Jan. 11 and ending March 13 poses for a photo at Camp Hansen, Okinawa. During those two months Hasebe learned about U.S. Marine Corps artillery and went to Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California for Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. Hasebe, 28, studied Chinese Literature and graduated from Kokugakuin University in Tokyo before joining the JGSDF in 2011. Hasebe is now the battalion fire direction control officer for 1st Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment in Fukuoka Japan. - Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force 1st Lt. Ryota Hasebe attached to 3rd Battalion 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force for two months starting Jan. 11 and ending March 13 poses for a photo at Camp Hansen, Okinawa. During those two months Hasebe learned about U.S. Marine Corps artillery and went to Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California for Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. Hasebe, 28, studied Chinese Literature and graduated from Kokugakuin University in Tokyo before joining the JGSDF in 2011. Hasebe is now the battalion fire direction control officer for 1st Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment in Fukuoka Japan.

Marines with 2nd Marine Logistics Group practice using the M26 Joint Service Transportable Decontamination System during a CBRN decontamination course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 4, 2015. Students of the week-long course learned about detection of and protection against CBRN agents and the processes of decontaminating troops, equipment and vehicles. - Marines with 2nd Marine Logistics Group practice using the M26 Joint Service Transportable Decontamination System during a CBRN decontamination course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 4, 2015. Students of the week-long course learned about detection of and protection against CBRN agents and the processes of decontaminating troops, equipment and vehicles.

The Marine Corps officially announced implementation of the Squad Leader Development Program and the new 0365 squad leader primary military occupational specialty today. - The Marine Corps officially announced implementation of the Squad Leader Development Program and the new 0365 squad leader primary military occupational specialty today.

William "Bill" Schott, a Marine veteran and survivor from the battle of Iwo Jima, poses for a photo at the Iwo Jima Battle Survivors and Family Association 70th anniversary reunion in Wichita Falls, Texas, February 14, 2015. Schott served in the Marine Corps from 1943 to 1947. - William "Bill" Schott, a Marine veteran and survivor from the battle of Iwo Jima, poses for a photo at the Iwo Jima Battle Survivors and Family Association 70th anniversary reunion in Wichita Falls, Texas, February 14, 2015. Schott served in the Marine Corps from 1943 to 1947.

Sergeant Cody Olson, a main battle tank repairer/technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, assembles an M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun on an M88A2 Hercules Armored Recovery Vehicle during an exercise ashore in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Feb. 8, 2015. The 24th MEU is conducting theater security cooperation exercises to increase cooperation and interoperability, enhance relationships with existing partners and promote long-term regional stability within the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - Sergeant Cody Olson, a main battle tank repairer/technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, assembles an M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun on an M88A2 Hercules Armored Recovery Vehicle during an exercise ashore in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Feb. 8, 2015. The 24th MEU is conducting theater security cooperation exercises to increase cooperation and interoperability, enhance relationships with existing partners and promote long-term regional stability within the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Warrant Officer Program - Warrant Officer Program

Pfc. Jacob Chapman, an anti-tank missileman with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides security during a training patrol at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Feb. 2, 2015. A contingent of 24th MEU Marines is conducting scheduled sustainment training in Kuwait. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - Pfc. Jacob Chapman, an anti-tank missileman with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides security during a training patrol at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Feb. 2, 2015. A contingent of 24th MEU Marines is conducting scheduled sustainment training in Kuwait. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Soldiers from the 43rd Georgian Infantry Battalion post security as another soldier attends to a simulated casualty during the Mission Rehearsal Exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 22. The Mission Rehearsal Exercise is a month-long culminating event in which soldiers from the 43rd Georgian Infantry Battalion are tested in their abilities before being deployed to Afghanistan. - Soldiers from the 43rd Georgian Infantry Battalion post security as another soldier attends to a simulated casualty during the Mission Rehearsal Exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 22. The Mission Rehearsal Exercise is a month-long culminating event in which soldiers from the 43rd Georgian Infantry Battalion are tested in their abilities before being deployed to Afghanistan.

A member of the Malaysian Armed Forces watches as an MV-22B Osprey loaded with U.S. Marines approaches a landing zone Feb. 27 during a theater security cooperation event. The Marines are with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and are currently conducting the annual Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - A member of the Malaysian Armed Forces watches as an MV-22B Osprey loaded with U.S. Marines approaches a landing zone Feb. 27 during a theater security cooperation event. The Marines are with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and are currently conducting the annual Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

A Marine uses his newly learned helicopter rope suspension techniques while fast roping out of an MV-22B Osprey during a Fast Rope Operator Course training exercise at Stone Bay aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 5, 2015. Helicopters cannot always land in a landing zone and the squad must fast rope into an LZ in order to conduct operations in the area. The Fast-Rope Operators Course is a one week course that teaches Marines these needed techniques. - A Marine uses his newly learned helicopter rope suspension techniques while fast roping out of an MV-22B Osprey during a Fast Rope Operator Course training exercise at Stone Bay aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 5, 2015. Helicopters cannot always land in a landing zone and the squad must fast rope into an LZ in order to conduct operations in the area. The Fast-Rope Operators Course is a one week course that teaches Marines these needed techniques.

The QRF security element posts up four-corner security around an objective site during a Quick Reaction Force drill, as part of Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 2015 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 22, 2015. Marines with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion employed a QRF to combat imminent “enemy threats” during MEFEX-15. - The QRF security element posts up four-corner security around an objective site during a Quick Reaction Force drill, as part of Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 2015 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 22, 2015. Marines with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion employed a QRF to combat imminent “enemy threats” during MEFEX-15.

Cpl. Joseph Howell, a tactical switching operator with Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group, kneels down and takes account of his surroundings on a patrol during the Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise in Kansas City, Mo., Feb. 22, 2015. Howell was part of the acting guard force during the exercise with I MEF. The exercise enabled Marines to improve interoperability between the active and Reserve component, while preparing them with a realistic training environment at the force level. - Cpl. Joseph Howell, a tactical switching operator with Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group, kneels down and takes account of his surroundings on a patrol during the Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise in Kansas City, Mo., Feb. 22, 2015. Howell was part of the acting guard force during the exercise with I MEF. The exercise enabled Marines to improve interoperability between the active and Reserve component, while preparing them with a realistic training environment at the force level.

Cpl. Larry W. Danley prepares to shut down equipment following live-burn training Feb. 21 at the training pit on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Bulk fuel specialists dispensed fuel into the pit, and a Marine with Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting ignited the fluid. ARFF and bulk fuel specialist Marines then worked together to contain and extinguish the fire while enhancing communication and teamwork. Danley is a Houston, Texas, native and a truck master with Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Futenma. - Cpl. Larry W. Danley prepares to shut down equipment following live-burn training Feb. 21 at the training pit on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Bulk fuel specialists dispensed fuel into the pit, and a Marine with Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting ignited the fluid. ARFF and bulk fuel specialist Marines then worked together to contain and extinguish the fire while enhancing communication and teamwork. Danley is a Houston, Texas, native and a truck master with Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Futenma.

A 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion Marine cleans off excess dirt from a Light-Armored Vehicle equipped with a new Anti-Tank weapons system at the 3rd LAR ramp prior to operational testing on range 500 aboard the Combat Center, Feb. 10, 2015. 3rd LAR has been training alongside 1st Tank Battalion and 1st LAR during operational testing of the new system. - A 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion Marine cleans off excess dirt from a Light-Armored Vehicle equipped with a new Anti-Tank weapons system at the 3rd LAR ramp prior to operational testing on range 500 aboard the Combat Center, Feb. 10, 2015. 3rd LAR has been training alongside 1st Tank Battalion and 1st LAR during operational testing of the new system.

Recruits Jacob R. Kottman and Chainey L. Ellis, (left to right) Platoon 2105, Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, determine the direction to their mark during the Land Navigation Course at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 22. Going through the course with minimal, or at times no supervision, recruits had a chance to get a sense of the critical factor of learning and properly executing the techniques they were taught. - Recruits Jacob R. Kottman and Chainey L. Ellis, (left to right) Platoon 2105, Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, determine the direction to their mark during the Land Navigation Course at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 22. Going through the course with minimal, or at times no supervision, recruits had a chance to get a sense of the critical factor of learning and properly executing the techniques they were taught.

Cpl. James Marker, Marksmanship Training Unit Shooting Team, native of Wild Rose Wis., shoots a Harrington and Richardson .22 caliber rifle during the 3rd annual Smallbore and Air Rife Competition at Range 3 A, Feb. 21, 2015. Each participant had to load one round at a time and fire on five targets in a time limit of two and half minutes. - Cpl. James Marker, Marksmanship Training Unit Shooting Team, native of Wild Rose Wis., shoots a Harrington and Richardson .22 caliber rifle during the 3rd annual Smallbore and Air Rife Competition at Range 3 A, Feb. 21, 2015. Each participant had to load one round at a time and fire on five targets in a time limit of two and half minutes.

Republic of Korea Marines hike a 35- km path up a mountain Jan. 15 during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-3 in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea. The ROK Marines were training for mountain warfare and snow mobility warfare alongside their U.S. counterparts from Alpha Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The ROK Marines are force reconnaissance men with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. - Republic of Korea Marines hike a 35- km path up a mountain Jan. 15 during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-3 in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea. The ROK Marines were training for mountain warfare and snow mobility warfare alongside their U.S. counterparts from Alpha Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The ROK Marines are force reconnaissance men with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division.

Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion set up an explosive charge on a rooftop during their urban breaching training exercise on Engineer Training Area-1 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 19, 2015. During the training, the unit learned how to open any type of door, gate or roof using a variety of tools, from explosives to shotguns and sledge hammers. They learned to do whatever was necessary to allow the infantry squad they were supporting to enter the building. - Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion set up an explosive charge on a rooftop during their urban breaching training exercise on Engineer Training Area-1 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 19, 2015. During the training, the unit learned how to open any type of door, gate or roof using a variety of tools, from explosives to shotguns and sledge hammers. They learned to do whatever was necessary to allow the infantry squad they were supporting to enter the building.

Staff Sgt. Absalon A. Cabrera uses a radio to communicate with the 4th Marine Regiment’s combat operations center while transporting the commanding officer across the battle space Feb. 12 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, during the battalion assault course as part of Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. “I am very proud of all of my Marines,” said Cabrera. “They have accomplished a lot and it has been seen at different levels out here.” ITX 2-15 is designed to integrate combined arms and improve war fighting capabilities. Cabrera, a Los Angeles, California, native and an infantry unit leader, is the jump team commander for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Four with Headquarters Company, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Staff Sgt. Absalon A. Cabrera uses a radio to communicate with the 4th Marine Regiment’s combat operations center while transporting the commanding officer across the battle space Feb. 12 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, during the battalion assault course as part of Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. “I am very proud of all of my Marines,” said Cabrera. “They have accomplished a lot and it has been seen at different levels out here.” ITX 2-15 is designed to integrate combined arms and improve war fighting capabilities. Cabrera, a Los Angeles, California, native and an infantry unit leader, is the jump team commander for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Four with Headquarters Company, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

A Critical Skills Operator with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, teaches Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, shooting techniques before firing M4 carbine rifles and M9 service pistols at a range here, Feb. 10, 2015. Marines with 3rd MSOB participated in RAVEN 15-03, a 10-day realistic military training exercise to enhance the battalion’s readiness for worldwide support to global security. Marines with 2nd CEB played the role of a partner nation force during the exercise. - A Critical Skills Operator with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, teaches Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, shooting techniques before firing M4 carbine rifles and M9 service pistols at a range here, Feb. 10, 2015. Marines with 3rd MSOB participated in RAVEN 15-03, a 10-day realistic military training exercise to enhance the battalion’s readiness for worldwide support to global security. Marines with 2nd CEB played the role of a partner nation force during the exercise.

An assault breacher vehicle races towards the objective as artillery provides suppressing fire Feb. 9 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, during the battalion assault course at Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. ABV’s are used to clear areas of mines and other ordinance for ground troops and vehicles to move through. During the BAC the ABV’s fire a mine-clearing line charge to simulate destroying enemy ordinance. The Marines operating the ABV are with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force. - An assault breacher vehicle races towards the objective as artillery provides suppressing fire Feb. 9 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, during the battalion assault course at Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. ABV’s are used to clear areas of mines and other ordinance for ground troops and vehicles to move through. During the BAC the ABV’s fire a mine-clearing line charge to simulate destroying enemy ordinance. The Marines operating the ABV are with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.