News

Maj. Gen. Brian Beadreault, 2nd Marine Division Commanding General, runs alongside Gunnery Sgt. Justin Hickman, a combat engineer with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, during the “Sapper 50” memorial at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 4, 2016. The run was to honor the 29 fallen 2nd CEB Marines who gave their lives during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The Marines ran as a large group to demonstrate their mission to always remain faithful toward the members of the battalion. - Maj. Gen. Brian Beadreault, 2nd Marine Division Commanding General, runs alongside Gunnery Sgt. Justin Hickman, a combat engineer with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, during the “Sapper 50” memorial at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 4, 2016. The run was to honor the 29 fallen 2nd CEB Marines who gave their lives during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The Marines ran as a large group to demonstrate their mission to always remain faithful toward the members of the battalion.

Marines with Bravo Company, 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion prepare to fire tracer rounds from AT-4 rocket launchers at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C. June 3, 2016. The unit took to the firing line to broaden their mission capabilities and prepare for real world scenarios. - Marines with Bravo Company, 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion prepare to fire tracer rounds from AT-4 rocket launchers at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C. June 3, 2016. The unit took to the firing line to broaden their mission capabilities and prepare for real world scenarios.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division prepare to launch an attack during the Eager Lion 16 final exercise in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 24, 2016. Eager Lion is a recurring exercise between partner nations designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability, and enhance regional security and stability. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division prepare to launch an attack during the Eager Lion 16 final exercise in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 24, 2016. Eager Lion is a recurring exercise between partner nations designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability, and enhance regional security and stability.

Lance Cpl. Devin Kato, a small arms repair technician with II Marine Headquarters Group, inspects his final product during the 3D printer class at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 2, 2016. Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, allows Marines to produce parts quickly, with exact specifications and at almost any location. - Lance Cpl. Devin Kato, a small arms repair technician with II Marine Headquarters Group, inspects his final product during the 3D printer class at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 2, 2016. Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, allows Marines to produce parts quickly, with exact specifications and at almost any location.

Navy Corpsmen with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command asses a role player at an evacuation control center during a simulated natural disaster that displaced the local populace as part the unit’s Certification Exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, May 13, 2016. Marines from SPMAGTF-SC put months of pre-deployment training to the test during the three-day exercise, which evaluated the unit's ability to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. - Navy Corpsmen with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command asses a role player at an evacuation control center during a simulated natural disaster that displaced the local populace as part the unit’s Certification Exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, May 13, 2016. Marines from SPMAGTF-SC put months of pre-deployment training to the test during the three-day exercise, which evaluated the unit's ability to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Staff Sgt. Lynn Kinney, the Public Affairs Chief for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, receives a graduation certificate from Col. Ian R. Clark, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, after the first annual year class of Career Course Seminar on Camp Pendleton May 26, 2016. Career Course is required for promotion to gunnery sergeant. The 15-week seminar requires staff sergeants to attend a three-hour class, once a week and complete homework assignments and participate in small group discussions. - Staff Sgt. Lynn Kinney, the Public Affairs Chief for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, receives a graduation certificate from Col. Ian R. Clark, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, after the first annual year class of Career Course Seminar on Camp Pendleton May 26, 2016. Career Course is required for promotion to gunnery sergeant. The 15-week seminar requires staff sergeants to attend a three-hour class, once a week and complete homework assignments and participate in small group discussions.

Marine Administrative Message 579/10 states that “there has been a surge in Marines and sailors using both legal and illegal substances, which affects efficiency, discipline and good order of Marine units.” The recently updated message provides information on the dangers of abusing legal and illegal substances, compounds, controlled substances and mixtures used to get intoxicated. Outlined within the message are the legal consequences of such action and provides leaders with guidance to combat substance abuse. - Marine Administrative Message 579/10 states that “there has been a surge in Marines and sailors using both legal and illegal substances, which affects efficiency, discipline and good order of Marine units.” The recently updated message provides information on the dangers of abusing legal and illegal substances, compounds, controlled substances and mixtures used to get intoxicated. Outlined within the message are the legal consequences of such action and provides leaders with guidance to combat substance abuse.

Cpl. Joshua Bettis, an outbound clerk at distribution management office, Henderson Hall, kneels at the grave of his great-great-uncle Army Pfc. Alfred H. Carlton at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville sur Mer, France, May 25, 2016. Carlton died from wounds in the D-Day invasion during World War II in Normandy, France. Bettis was the first person in his family to visit the gravesite. - Cpl. Joshua Bettis, an outbound clerk at distribution management office, Henderson Hall, kneels at the grave of his great-great-uncle Army Pfc. Alfred H. Carlton at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville sur Mer, France, May 25, 2016. Carlton died from wounds in the D-Day invasion during World War II in Normandy, France. Bettis was the first person in his family to visit the gravesite.

Scout snipers with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, board a CH-53 ‘Super Stallion’ for extraction from the Combat Ville training area aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., during Integrated Training Exercise 3-16, May 29, 2016. - Scout snipers with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, board a CH-53 ‘Super Stallion’ for extraction from the Combat Ville training area aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., during Integrated Training Exercise 3-16, May 29, 2016.

Marines from Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment’s “Kings of Battles,” fire off an artillery round from an M777 Lightweight 155mm howitzer during Spartan Fury, an annual pre-deployment exercise, aboard the Schofield Range Facility on May 4th, 2016. Spartan Fury is one of three annual battalion level exercises to help improve sustainment training for future deployments. The objective of this five-day exercise is to support 3rd Regiment by providing direct and indirect artillery strikes. - Marines from Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment’s “Kings of Battles,” fire off an artillery round from an M777 Lightweight 155mm howitzer during Spartan Fury, an annual pre-deployment exercise, aboard the Schofield Range Facility on May 4th, 2016. Spartan Fury is one of three annual battalion level exercises to help improve sustainment training for future deployments. The objective of this five-day exercise is to support 3rd Regiment by providing direct and indirect artillery strikes.

The Marine Corps has released a new tattoo policy that seeks to balance the personal desires of Marines with high standards of professional military appearance and heritage. The Marine Corps Bulletin 1020, released June 2, 2016, explains the new Marine Corps tattoo policy, which replaces all previous tattoo policy guidance. - The Marine Corps has released a new tattoo policy that seeks to balance the personal desires of Marines with high standards of professional military appearance and heritage. The Marine Corps Bulletin 1020, released June 2, 2016, explains the new Marine Corps tattoo policy, which replaces all previous tattoo policy guidance.

U.S. Marines assigned to Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment conduct an amphibious transition from ship to shore at Tanduo Beach, Malaysia, May 30, 2016. The Marines are embarked aboard the USS Ashland (LSD 48) in support of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training. CARAT is a series of annual, bilateral maritime exercises between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations to include Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Timor-Leste.The Ashland is assigned to U.S. 7th Fleet. - U.S. Marines assigned to Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment conduct an amphibious transition from ship to shore at Tanduo Beach, Malaysia, May 30, 2016. The Marines are embarked aboard the USS Ashland (LSD 48) in support of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training. CARAT is a series of annual, bilateral maritime exercises between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations to include Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Timor-Leste.The Ashland is assigned to U.S. 7th Fleet.

Marines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall and Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., take photos of the grave marker for Lt. j.g. Weedon Osborne the only Medal of Honor recipient interred at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Belleau, France, May 26, 2016. Osborne was a dentist who served as corpsman for the 6th Marine Regiment and was killed in action trying to carry an injured Marine to safety June 6, 1918. - Marines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall and Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., take photos of the grave marker for Lt. j.g. Weedon Osborne the only Medal of Honor recipient interred at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Belleau, France, May 26, 2016. Osborne was a dentist who served as corpsman for the 6th Marine Regiment and was killed in action trying to carry an injured Marine to safety June 6, 1918.

Marines from 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division perform a rifle salute during a Memorial Day ceremony performed alongside the French Army at the Aisne-Marne American Memorial Cemetery in Belleau, France, May 29, 2016. The French and the Americans gathered together, as they do every year, to honor those service members from both countries who have fallen in WWI, Belleau Wood and throughout history, fighting side by side. The Marines also remembered those they lost in the Battle of Belleau Wood 98 years ago. - Marines from 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division perform a rifle salute during a Memorial Day ceremony performed alongside the French Army at the Aisne-Marne American Memorial Cemetery in Belleau, France, May 29, 2016. The French and the Americans gathered together, as they do every year, to honor those service members from both countries who have fallen in WWI, Belleau Wood and throughout history, fighting side by side. The Marines also remembered those they lost in the Battle of Belleau Wood 98 years ago.

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364 “Purple Foxes” lands during section and division confined area landings at Holtville Airfield, Calif., May 20. The training was conducted to familiarize both pilots and crew chiefs with landing in a small area around other aircraft. - An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364 “Purple Foxes” lands during section and division confined area landings at Holtville Airfield, Calif., May 20. The training was conducted to familiarize both pilots and crew chiefs with landing in a small area around other aircraft.

Marines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall and Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. listen as a French guide at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial explains how American troops landed at Omaha Beach, June 6, 1944, during World War Two in Coleville sur Mer, France, May 25, 2016. The cemetery overlooks Omaha Beach and is the final resting place of more than 9,000 American service members and honors more than 1,500 American service members who are missing in action. - Marines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall and Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. listen as a French guide at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial explains how American troops landed at Omaha Beach, June 6, 1944, during World War Two in Coleville sur Mer, France, May 25, 2016. The cemetery overlooks Omaha Beach and is the final resting place of more than 9,000 American service members and honors more than 1,500 American service members who are missing in action.

Marines and sailors stand in front of the Veterans of Foreign Wars detachment in the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson prior to a wreath-laying ceremony meant to honor fallen veterans, May 29, 2016. This year is the 28th year New York has hosted Fleet Week. U.S. Marines and sailors are in New York to interact with the public, demonstrate capabilities and teach the people of New York about America’s sea service. - Marines and sailors stand in front of the Veterans of Foreign Wars detachment in the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson prior to a wreath-laying ceremony meant to honor fallen veterans, May 29, 2016. This year is the 28th year New York has hosted Fleet Week. U.S. Marines and sailors are in New York to interact with the public, demonstrate capabilities and teach the people of New York about America’s sea service.

Lance Cpl. Kurt Spinney, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, teaches New Yorkers about the M249B machine gun during Military Day as part of Fleet Week at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, New York, May 28, 2016. The Marines and sailors are visiting to interact with the public, demonstrate capabilities and teach the people of New York about America’s sea services. - Lance Cpl. Kurt Spinney, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, teaches New Yorkers about the M249B machine gun during Military Day as part of Fleet Week at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, New York, May 28, 2016. The Marines and sailors are visiting to interact with the public, demonstrate capabilities and teach the people of New York about America’s sea services.

Pfc. Miguel Ramirez Collon, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, selects gifts while building care packages with children during a Project HOPE event that brought aid to children and families in need during a Project HOPE event that brought aid to children and families in need at Times Square Church in New York, May 28, 2016. Fleet Week New York is an opportunity for the public to interact with service members from America’s sea services, spreading awareness of the Navy and Marine Corps’ missions at home and abroad. - Pfc. Miguel Ramirez Collon, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, selects gifts while building care packages with children during a Project HOPE event that brought aid to children and families in need during a Project HOPE event that brought aid to children and families in need at Times Square Church in New York, May 28, 2016. Fleet Week New York is an opportunity for the public to interact with service members from America’s sea services, spreading awareness of the Navy and Marine Corps’ missions at home and abroad.

Cpl. Austin Richards, a flight equipment technician with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, paints the gymnasium of the Graham Windham’s Manhattanville Cornerstone Community Center in Manhattan, New York, May 27, 2016. The Marines are visiting the city to interact with the public, demonstrate capabilities and teach the people of New York about America's sea services. - Cpl. Austin Richards, a flight equipment technician with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, paints the gymnasium of the Graham Windham’s Manhattanville Cornerstone Community Center in Manhattan, New York, May 27, 2016. The Marines are visiting the city to interact with the public, demonstrate capabilities and teach the people of New York about America's sea services.

A CH-53 Super Stallion with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit demonstrates a landing at Massapequa High School in Long Island, New York, May 26, 2016. The Marines are visiting the city to interact with the public, demonstrate capabilities and teach the people of New York about America's sea services. - A CH-53 Super Stallion with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit demonstrates a landing at Massapequa High School in Long Island, New York, May 26, 2016. The Marines are visiting the city to interact with the public, demonstrate capabilities and teach the people of New York about America's sea services.

An MV-22B Osprey is displayed on the flight deck of the USS Bataan (LHD 5) for residents during Fleet Week New York, May 27, 2016. This year is the 28th year the New York has hosted Fleet Week. - An MV-22B Osprey is displayed on the flight deck of the USS Bataan (LHD 5) for residents during Fleet Week New York, May 27, 2016. This year is the 28th year the New York has hosted Fleet Week.

Staff Sgt. Stephanie A. Guebara reloads the M1 Garand during a World War II themed event at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 25, 2016. This course replicated fighting in trenches and the use of weapons by Marines in World War II. - Staff Sgt. Stephanie A. Guebara reloads the M1 Garand during a World War II themed event at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 25, 2016. This course replicated fighting in trenches and the use of weapons by Marines in World War II.

Aurora flight sciences tests its newly updated Autonomous Aerial Cargo/Utility System in Bealeton, Virginia, May 25, 2016. The AACUS system was created to simplify a pilot’s job in a combat environment. - Aurora flight sciences tests its newly updated Autonomous Aerial Cargo/Utility System in Bealeton, Virginia, May 25, 2016. The AACUS system was created to simplify a pilot’s job in a combat environment.

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, fire a 155mm M777A2 Light-weight Towed Howitzer in the Black Top Training Area aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., May 18, 2016. Various units from 2nd Marine Division participated in Integrated Training Exercise 3-16 in preparation for their deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa. - Marines with 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, fire a 155mm M777A2 Light-weight Towed Howitzer in the Black Top Training Area aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., May 18, 2016. Various units from 2nd Marine Division participated in Integrated Training Exercise 3-16 in preparation for their deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa.

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), boards the USS Wasp (LHD-1), to bring Marines back from a tactical recovery of aircraft and personal mission May 19, 2016. The 22nd MEU and Amphibious Squadron Six (PHIBRON-6) are underway for composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX). - An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), boards the USS Wasp (LHD-1), to bring Marines back from a tactical recovery of aircraft and personal mission May 19, 2016. The 22nd MEU and Amphibious Squadron Six (PHIBRON-6) are underway for composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX).

Firefighters with the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Fire Department decontaminate a Marine with Explosive Ordnance Disposal after he entered the contaminated area during a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosives exercise at the gas chamber aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 19, 2016. The exercise revolved around PMO, the Miramar Fire Department, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting working together to identify and eliminate the threat of a simulated clandestine drug lab. - Firefighters with the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Fire Department decontaminate a Marine with Explosive Ordnance Disposal after he entered the contaminated area during a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosives exercise at the gas chamber aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 19, 2016. The exercise revolved around PMO, the Miramar Fire Department, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting working together to identify and eliminate the threat of a simulated clandestine drug lab.

Sgt. Jacques Yves Duroseau fires rounds at a moving target after maneuvering in a simulated battle environment at Puckapunyal Military Area, Victoria, Australia, May 11, 2016. Duroseau competed with the Marine Corps Shooting Team in the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting 2016, a multinational event that evaluated military marksmen’s skill with firearms against their peers. During the match, competitors had to quickly maneuver to each target through a course. - Sgt. Jacques Yves Duroseau fires rounds at a moving target after maneuvering in a simulated battle environment at Puckapunyal Military Area, Victoria, Australia, May 11, 2016. Duroseau competed with the Marine Corps Shooting Team in the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting 2016, a multinational event that evaluated military marksmen’s skill with firearms against their peers. During the match, competitors had to quickly maneuver to each target through a course.

Members of the Jordanian 77th Marines Battalion engage targets during a squad attacks exercise in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 19, 2016. Eager Lion is a recurring exercise between partner nations designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability, and enhance regional security and stability. - Members of the Jordanian 77th Marines Battalion engage targets during a squad attacks exercise in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 19, 2016. Eager Lion is a recurring exercise between partner nations designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability, and enhance regional security and stability.

U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa form a wall of shields to protect a simulated U.S. Embassy during a riot-control exercise at the National Gendarmerie Training Center in St. Astier, France, May 13, 2016. The Marines trained alongside the French National Gendarmerie to operate through dense smoke and CS gas while maintaining tightly organized formations. - U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa form a wall of shields to protect a simulated U.S. Embassy during a riot-control exercise at the National Gendarmerie Training Center in St. Astier, France, May 13, 2016. The Marines trained alongside the French National Gendarmerie to operate through dense smoke and CS gas while maintaining tightly organized formations.

Sgt. Jose Arroyo, a competitor with the Marine Corps Shooting Team, fires his M16A4 service rifle during the section match May 17, 2016 at Puckapunyal Military Area, Victoria, Australia. The event is part of Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting 2016, a competitive marksmanship event that evaluates the shooting skills of the competitors. The section match consisted of two running portions and two firing portions where teams were evaluated on both skill and swiftness as a marksman. - Sgt. Jose Arroyo, a competitor with the Marine Corps Shooting Team, fires his M16A4 service rifle during the section match May 17, 2016 at Puckapunyal Military Area, Victoria, Australia. The event is part of Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting 2016, a competitive marksmanship event that evaluates the shooting skills of the competitors. The section match consisted of two running portions and two firing portions where teams were evaluated on both skill and swiftness as a marksman.

Master Sgt. Michael J. Decker, Current Operations Chief, discusses the closing evolutions of Exercise Eager Lion 2016, in Amman, Jordan, May 24, with his Jordanian Armed Forces counterpart and Master Sgt. Linda K. Junjak, the Current Operations SNCOIC and Texarkana. A new administrative order MARADMIN 016/06 allows reservists to conduct annual training in an imminent danger pay area. - Master Sgt. Michael J. Decker, Current Operations Chief, discusses the closing evolutions of Exercise Eager Lion 2016, in Amman, Jordan, May 24, with his Jordanian Armed Forces counterpart and Master Sgt. Linda K. Junjak, the Current Operations SNCOIC and Texarkana. A new administrative order MARADMIN 016/06 allows reservists to conduct annual training in an imminent danger pay area.

U.S. Marine riflemen provide field care to a simulated casualty in a training area outside of Robertson Barracks, Northern Territory, Australia, on May 20, 2016. Marines with Marine Rotational Force - Darwin simulated causality evacuations with a UH-1Y Venom helicopter. MRF-D is a six-month deployment of Marines into Darwin, Australia, training in a new environment. - U.S. Marine riflemen provide field care to a simulated casualty in a training area outside of Robertson Barracks, Northern Territory, Australia, on May 20, 2016. Marines with Marine Rotational Force - Darwin simulated causality evacuations with a UH-1Y Venom helicopter. MRF-D is a six-month deployment of Marines into Darwin, Australia, training in a new environment.

Tents, communication networks and vehicles are set up for Marines to operate during MEFEX 16 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 16, 2016. MEFEX 16 is a command and control exercise conducted in a simulated deployed environment designed to synchronize and bring to bear the full spectrum of II Marine Expeditionary Force's C2 capabilities in support of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Conducting exercises of this nature ensures II MEF remains ready to provide the Marine Corps with an experienced staff capable of integrating with international allies and partner nations in a combined joint task force, charged with accomplishing a wide range of military operations. - Tents, communication networks and vehicles are set up for Marines to operate during MEFEX 16 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 16, 2016. MEFEX 16 is a command and control exercise conducted in a simulated deployed environment designed to synchronize and bring to bear the full spectrum of II Marine Expeditionary Force's C2 capabilities in support of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Conducting exercises of this nature ensures II MEF remains ready to provide the Marine Corps with an experienced staff capable of integrating with international allies and partner nations in a combined joint task force, charged with accomplishing a wide range of military operations.

Cpl. Matthew Maenner, crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced) observes the other MV-22B Osprey returning from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and landing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 17. Marines with VMM0-163 (Rein.) supported the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit during a simulated raid and supplied four MV-22B Ospreys, two AH-1W Cobras, two UH-1Y Hueys and one CH-53E Super Stallion. - Cpl. Matthew Maenner, crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced) observes the other MV-22B Osprey returning from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and landing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 17. Marines with VMM0-163 (Rein.) supported the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit during a simulated raid and supplied four MV-22B Ospreys, two AH-1W Cobras, two UH-1Y Hueys and one CH-53E Super Stallion.

Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion detonate a charge while formed up in their stack during breaching operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 19, 2016. The unit built, placed, and detonated charges to practice gaining entry and clearing an enemy-occupied building in preparation for an upcoming deployment. - Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion detonate a charge while formed up in their stack during breaching operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 19, 2016. The unit built, placed, and detonated charges to practice gaining entry and clearing an enemy-occupied building in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

Marines with the Fire Support Team for Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, watch a Jordanian armed forces’ AH-1 Cobra engage a simulated target during combined arms live-fire event during exercise Eager Lion 2015 in Jordan, May 18, 2015. Eager Lion is a recurring multi-national exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability between partner nations and enhance regional security and stability. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - Marines with the Fire Support Team for Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, watch a Jordanian armed forces’ AH-1 Cobra engage a simulated target during combined arms live-fire event during exercise Eager Lion 2015 in Jordan, May 18, 2015. Eager Lion is a recurring multi-national exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability between partner nations and enhance regional security and stability. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Reserve Marines with 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, patrol the Serbian countryside during exercise Platinum Wolf 2016 at Peacekeeping Operations Training Center South Base, Bujanovac, Serbia, May 16, 2016. The Marines are working with the partner nations of Bosnia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia and Serbia to share new ideas, build interoperability, and master peacekeeping operations. - Reserve Marines with 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, patrol the Serbian countryside during exercise Platinum Wolf 2016 at Peacekeeping Operations Training Center South Base, Bujanovac, Serbia, May 16, 2016. The Marines are working with the partner nations of Bosnia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia and Serbia to share new ideas, build interoperability, and master peacekeeping operations.

A reconnaissance man with the Maritime Raid Force, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, secures his parachute after an air insert into a reconnaissance and surveillance mission at a MEU field exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 12, 2016. The Maritime Raid Force provides a unique capability to the MEU commander and can respond to a number of mission requirements the MEU may respond to such as visit, board, search and seizure, reconnaissance and surveillance, and direct action raids. - A reconnaissance man with the Maritime Raid Force, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, secures his parachute after an air insert into a reconnaissance and surveillance mission at a MEU field exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 12, 2016. The Maritime Raid Force provides a unique capability to the MEU commander and can respond to a number of mission requirements the MEU may respond to such as visit, board, search and seizure, reconnaissance and surveillance, and direct action raids.

Master Sgt. Leroy A. Forbes reads off names for accountability for Task Force Koa Moana at Tengan Pier, Okinawa, Japan on May 18, 2016. The task force is responsible for conducting a series of bilateral, multi-national exercises involving a company-sized element of Marines and Sailors from different units within III Marine Expeditionary Force. They will be traveling to countries in the Asia-Pacific region aboard the USNS Sacagawea, a Marine Prepositioning Force ship. The ship is normally a mobile warehouse for Marines’ supplies; however, during this exercise, it will serve to transport personnel to multiple nations, where they will conduct basic military training and cultural exchange to increase relations and interoperability between participating nations. Forbes, from Hartford, Conn., is a combat engineer with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and is the task force’s senior enlisted in charge for the series of exercises. - Master Sgt. Leroy A. Forbes reads off names for accountability for Task Force Koa Moana at Tengan Pier, Okinawa, Japan on May 18, 2016. The task force is responsible for conducting a series of bilateral, multi-national exercises involving a company-sized element of Marines and Sailors from different units within III Marine Expeditionary Force. They will be traveling to countries in the Asia-Pacific region aboard the USNS Sacagawea, a Marine Prepositioning Force ship. The ship is normally a mobile warehouse for Marines’ supplies; however, during this exercise, it will serve to transport personnel to multiple nations, where they will conduct basic military training and cultural exchange to increase relations and interoperability between participating nations. Forbes, from Hartford, Conn., is a combat engineer with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and is the task force’s senior enlisted in charge for the series of exercises.

Members of the Jordanian 77th Marines Battalion advance to clear a room during a military operation in urban terrain tactics exercise in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 16, 2016. Eager Lion is a recurring exercise between partner nations designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability, and enhance regional security and stability. - Members of the Jordanian 77th Marines Battalion advance to clear a room during a military operation in urban terrain tactics exercise in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 16, 2016. Eager Lion is a recurring exercise between partner nations designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability, and enhance regional security and stability.

Lt. Col. Regina Gustavsson and Sgt. Peter Apiag discuss reporting requirements for their section for a simulated mishap during II Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 16 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., May 11, 2016. MEFEX 16 is a command and control exercise conducted in a deployed environment designed to synchronize and bring to bear the full spectrum of II Marine Expeditionary Force's C2 capabilities in support of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. - Lt. Col. Regina Gustavsson and Sgt. Peter Apiag discuss reporting requirements for their section for a simulated mishap during II Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 16 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., May 11, 2016. MEFEX 16 is a command and control exercise conducted in a deployed environment designed to synchronize and bring to bear the full spectrum of II Marine Expeditionary Force's C2 capabilities in support of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, rush to the first building while the Bulgarian T-72 tank to provides cover for the assault on Military Operations on Urban Terrain Town during Platinum Lion 16-3 at the Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, May 10, 2016. Hundreds of troops from five NATO countries came together to train with mechanized assets and demonstrate the ability to work seamlessly as one force. - U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, rush to the first building while the Bulgarian T-72 tank to provides cover for the assault on Military Operations on Urban Terrain Town during Platinum Lion 16-3 at the Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, May 10, 2016. Hundreds of troops from five NATO countries came together to train with mechanized assets and demonstrate the ability to work seamlessly as one force.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division arrive at a training area to conduct squad-level exercises in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 14. Eager Lion is a recurring exercise between partner nations designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability, and enhance regional security and stability. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division arrive at a training area to conduct squad-level exercises in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 14. Eager Lion is a recurring exercise between partner nations designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability, and enhance regional security and stability.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

Navy Lt. Daniel Glenn runs with the American flag at the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon in Fredericksburg, Virginia, May 15, 2016. Despite being exhausted and in pain from his 85 pound bomb suit, Glenn, with a large group of Marines at his back, charged the final leg of the course to complete the half marathon. - Navy Lt. Daniel Glenn runs with the American flag at the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon in Fredericksburg, Virginia, May 15, 2016. Despite being exhausted and in pain from his 85 pound bomb suit, Glenn, with a large group of Marines at his back, charged the final leg of the course to complete the half marathon.

A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, fire a 155mm M777A2 Lightweight Towed Howitzer in the Lead Mountain Training Area at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, May 3, 2016. This firing exercise was focused on the ability of the M776 Chrome Tubes to resist the formation of hardened downbore residue when firing the M232A1 Propelling Charge 5H (top zone charges). - A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, fire a 155mm M777A2 Lightweight Towed Howitzer in the Lead Mountain Training Area at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, May 3, 2016. This firing exercise was focused on the ability of the M776 Chrome Tubes to resist the formation of hardened downbore residue when firing the M232A1 Propelling Charge 5H (top zone charges).

Col. John E. Walker Jr., right, Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Intelligence Schools, and Master Sgt. Eldar Krueger, MCIS S-6 Chief, display the Department of Defense Intelligence and Security Learning Enterprise Gold Level of Achievement Award for 2015. MCIS received the Gold Level award for being the top school, chosen from a field of 52 formal learning centers encompassing $2 billion in resources and assets across the Department of Defense. - Col. John E. Walker Jr., right, Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Intelligence Schools, and Master Sgt. Eldar Krueger, MCIS S-6 Chief, display the Department of Defense Intelligence and Security Learning Enterprise Gold Level of Achievement Award for 2015. MCIS received the Gold Level award for being the top school, chosen from a field of 52 formal learning centers encompassing $2 billion in resources and assets across the Department of Defense.

Cpl. Joseph A. Myers, a military policeman with 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, participates in the oleoresin capsicum qualification course during exercise Platinum Wolf 16 at Peacekeeping Operations Training Center South Base, Serbia, May 11, 2016. Exercise Platinum Wolf 16 is designed to seamlessly integrate Reserve Marines with the active component while demonstrating interoperability with partner nations in the region. - Cpl. Joseph A. Myers, a military policeman with 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, participates in the oleoresin capsicum qualification course during exercise Platinum Wolf 16 at Peacekeeping Operations Training Center South Base, Serbia, May 11, 2016. Exercise Platinum Wolf 16 is designed to seamlessly integrate Reserve Marines with the active component while demonstrating interoperability with partner nations in the region.

Sgt. Doug Hardy, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician with EOD Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, shows a student how to operate a robot during a robotics demonstration at Swansboro High School in Swansboro, N.C., May 10, 2016. Marines with EOD Co. demonstrated the capabilities of two robotics platforms to Swansboro High School's robotics club to help the students imagine the endless creative possibilities of robotics and engineering. - Sgt. Doug Hardy, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician with EOD Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, shows a student how to operate a robot during a robotics demonstration at Swansboro High School in Swansboro, N.C., May 10, 2016. Marines with EOD Co. demonstrated the capabilities of two robotics platforms to Swansboro High School's robotics club to help the students imagine the endless creative possibilities of robotics and engineering.