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A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, awaits the order to lock down the hatches as the unit prepares to conduct company-level beach operations on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Dec. 5, 2015. During this exercise the unit conducted maneuvers as a mechanized infantry company in preparation for upcoming operations. - A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, awaits the order to lock down the hatches as the unit prepares to conduct company-level beach operations on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Dec. 5, 2015. During this exercise the unit conducted maneuvers as a mechanized infantry company in preparation for upcoming operations.

A Uganda People’s Defense Force soldier detonates an "oval charge" on desired entry point during a breaching exercise at Camp Singo, Dec. 8, 2015. The Marines and UPDF improved breaching capabilities as they prepare for their African Union Mission in Somalia. - A Uganda People’s Defense Force soldier detonates an "oval charge" on desired entry point during a breaching exercise at Camp Singo, Dec. 8, 2015. The Marines and UPDF improved breaching capabilities as they prepare for their African Union Mission in Somalia.

Marines and sailors train to float above water at the Aviation Water Survival Training Center at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 3, 2015. Aviation Water Survival Training is hosted every week, twice a week, and is mandatory for all pilots every four years. - Marines and sailors train to float above water at the Aviation Water Survival Training Center at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 3, 2015. Aviation Water Survival Training is hosted every week, twice a week, and is mandatory for all pilots every four years.

Veterans render a salute after laying wreaths during a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial on Dec. 7, 2015, in Washington, D.C.Veterans attended a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial. - Veterans render a salute after laying wreaths during a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial on Dec. 7, 2015, in Washington, D.C. Veterans attended a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial.

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Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announces his women in service review during a press brief at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Dec. 3, 2015. For the first time in U.S. military history, as long as they qualify and meet specific standards, the secretary said women will be able to contribute to the Defense Department mission with no barriers at all in their way. - Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announces his women in service review during a press brief at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Dec. 3, 2015. For the first time in U.S. military history, as long as they qualify and meet specific standards, the secretary said women will be able to contribute to the Defense Department mission with no barriers at all in their way.

A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 hovers over a landing pad during Field Carrier Landing Practices aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 2, 2015. Marines with HMH-361 conducted section Confined Area Landings and Field Carrier Landing Practices to fulfill training requirements for landing aboard a Navy ship. - A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 hovers over a landing pad during Field Carrier Landing Practices aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 2, 2015. Marines with HMH-361 conducted section Confined Area Landings and Field Carrier Landing Practices to fulfill training requirements for landing aboard a Navy ship.

Gunnery Sgt. Brandon Soetaert, the chief instructor trainer for the Marine Corps Instructor Course of Water Survival with Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Pacific and a Kansas City, Mo., native, instructs Cpl. Makiy Tamcke, a rifleman with 3rd Regiment, 3rd Marine Division and a Polson, Mont., native as he steps off the 15 foot diving at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec. 1, 2015. MCICWS is a course for noncommissioned officers and higher to become water survival instructors, whose purpose is to make sure Marines are safe during swim qualification. - Gunnery Sgt. Brandon Soetaert, the chief instructor trainer for the Marine Corps Instructor Course of Water Survival with Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Pacific and a Kansas City, Mo., native, instructs Cpl. Makiy Tamcke, a rifleman with 3rd Regiment, 3rd Marine Division and a Polson, Mont., native as he steps off the 15 foot diving at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec. 1, 2015. MCICWS is a course for noncommissioned officers and higher to become water survival instructors, whose purpose is to make sure Marines are safe during swim qualification.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Sean O’Hair (second from left), a combat engineer with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, is responsible for the safety of the Uganda’s People Defense Force soldiers during a breaching exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 25, 2015. The Marines and UPDF improved breaching capabilities as UPDF soldiers prepare for their African Union Mission in Somalia. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Sean O’Hair (second from left), a combat engineer with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, is responsible for the safety of the Uganda’s People Defense Force soldiers during a breaching exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 25, 2015. The Marines and UPDF improved breaching capabilities as UPDF soldiers prepare for their African Union Mission in Somalia.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Dillon G. Gilmore, a light armored vehicle repairman with Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), wipes off his hands after cleaning an LAV engine aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge Dec. 4, 2015. Repairmen with the company serviced an LAV engine with an oil leak. The 26th MEU is embarked on the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Dillon G. Gilmore, a light armored vehicle repairman with Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), wipes off his hands after cleaning an LAV engine aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge Dec. 4, 2015. Repairmen with the company serviced an LAV engine with an oil leak. The 26th MEU is embarked on the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment infantrymen tactically move from building to building in a simulated combat zone during Exercise Steel Knight 2016 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 4, 2015. 1st Marine Division has conducted Steel Knight for the past three years, making this the fourth iteration of the exercise. Steel Knight will test I Marine Expeditionary Force’s amphibious capabilities through realistic, scenario-driven training. - 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment infantrymen tactically move from building to building in a simulated combat zone during Exercise Steel Knight 2016 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 4, 2015. 1st Marine Division has conducted Steel Knight for the past three years, making this the fourth iteration of the exercise. Steel Knight will test I Marine Expeditionary Force’s amphibious capabilities through realistic, scenario-driven training.

An F-5N Tiger II taxis after landing at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. in Dec. 3, 2015 to support Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 in air-to-air training from Dec. 2-Dec. 11. Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 brought five F-5N Tiger II aircraft to support red air for VMFAT-501. Red air is the adversary forces for air-to-air training. - An F-5N Tiger II taxis after landing at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. in Dec. 3, 2015 to support Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 in air-to-air training from Dec. 2-Dec. 11. Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 brought five F-5N Tiger II aircraft to support red air for VMFAT-501. Red air is the adversary forces for air-to-air training.

An F/A- 18C Hornet rests on the flight line Dec. 1 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. after returning from Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., from Oct. 16- Nov. 20. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 conducted the training exercise to prepare for an upcoming deployment in early 2016 and to increase combat proficiency and readiness. The jet is with VMFA-122, Marine Aircraft Group 31. - An F/A- 18C Hornet rests on the flight line Dec. 1 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. after returning from Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., from Oct. 16- Nov. 20. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 conducted the training exercise to prepare for an upcoming deployment in early 2016 and to increase combat proficiency and readiness. The jet is with VMFA-122, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

The 26th Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Margaret G. Kibben presents the 33rd Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., center, the Church Pennant flown on the USS ESSEX as part of the 240th Anniversary of the Navy Chaplain Corps at Crawford Hall in Marine Barracks Washington, Dec. 3, 2015. - The 26th Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Margaret G. Kibben presents the 33rd Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., center, the Church Pennant flown on the USS ESSEX as part of the 240th Anniversary of the Navy Chaplain Corps at Crawford Hall in Marine Barracks Washington, Dec. 3, 2015.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Dan Barker, staff non-commissioned officer in charge, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, instructs the first Advance Explosive Ordnance Disposal Ordnance Exploitation Course hosted by the EOD Advanced Training Center at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 30, 2015. Eight select Marine EOD officers and enlisted members gathered from various Marine Corps installations to participate in the three-week course. - Master Gunnery Sgt. Dan Barker, staff non-commissioned officer in charge, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, instructs the first Advance Explosive Ordnance Disposal Ordnance Exploitation Course hosted by the EOD Advanced Training Center at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 30, 2015. Eight select Marine EOD officers and enlisted members gathered from various Marine Corps installations to participate in the three-week course.

A reconnaissance, surveillance and decontamination Marine assists a peer to suit up mission-oriented protective postures four gear during a simulated chemical attack at the Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 motor transportation at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 18, 2015. As part of an operational decontamination exercise, this is just a glimpse of MWSS-171's annual unit level chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training that enables combat proactivity and readiness. - A reconnaissance, surveillance and decontamination Marine assists a peer to suit up mission-oriented protective postures four gear during a simulated chemical attack at the Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 motor transportation at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 18, 2015. As part of an operational decontamination exercise, this is just a glimpse of MWSS-171's annual unit level chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training that enables combat proactivity and readiness.

Officer candidates from Class 220 recite the oath for commissioned officers during their commissioning ceremony Nov. 24, 2015 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va. These new second lieutenants now head to The Basic School. - Officer candidates from Class 220 recite the oath for commissioned officers during their commissioning ceremony Nov. 24, 2015 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va. These new second lieutenants now head to The Basic School.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason Scarborough, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician with EOD Company, begins to remove the explosive ordnance from the Griffin missile at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2015. A Griffin missile is an air and ground-launched, precise, low collateral-damage missile used for irregular warfare operations. - Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason Scarborough, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician with EOD Company, begins to remove the explosive ordnance from the Griffin missile at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2015. A Griffin missile is an air and ground-launched, precise, low collateral-damage missile used for irregular warfare operations.

Marines with 2nd Transport Support Battalion lie in the prone position during a nuclear explosion simulation during chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear defense training held at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2015. Marines applied information obtained in classes about an active chemical threat and the proper protective equipment to decontaminate themselves in a CBRN situation. - Marines with 2nd Transport Support Battalion lie in the prone position during a nuclear explosion simulation during chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear defense training held at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2015. Marines applied information obtained in classes about an active chemical threat and the proper protective equipment to decontaminate themselves in a CBRN situation.

Sgt. Ian Rivera, an intelligence analyst with Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, is responsible for the rescue of two people, including an Army captain, during a vehicular accident that occurred on Interstate 95, Nov. 25, 2015. Rivera is a native of Virginia Beach, Va. - Sgt. Ian Rivera, an intelligence analyst with Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, is responsible for the rescue of two people, including an Army captain, during a vehicular accident that occurred on Interstate 95, Nov. 25, 2015. Rivera is a native of Virginia Beach, Va.

Staff Sgt. Alexander Panos, a trombone player with the 1st Marine Division Band, rehearses alongside his fellow Marines aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Nov. 23, 2015. Panos was recognized as the Marine Corps Musician of the Year Award for 2015. - Staff Sgt. Alexander Panos, a trombone player with the 1st Marine Division Band, rehearses alongside his fellow Marines aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Nov. 23, 2015. Panos was recognized as the Marine Corps Musician of the Year Award for 2015.

A drill instructor with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, corrects a recruit’s execution of a lead hand punch during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program session, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Nov. 25, 2015. For their first MCMAP event in recruit training, recruits began with a basic warrior stance. This technique is simply how to stand in a versatile position to be ready to strike or defend. Recruits then moved on to angles of movement, where they learned how to move step-by-step while keeping in the basic warrior position. Today, all males recruited from west of the Mississippi are trained at MCRD San Diego. The depot is responsible for training more than 16,000 recruits annually. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate Feb. 12. - A drill instructor with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, corrects a recruit’s execution of a lead hand punch during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program session, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Nov. 25, 2015. For their first MCMAP event in recruit training, recruits began with a basic warrior stance. This technique is simply how to stand in a versatile position to be ready to strike or defend. Recruits then moved on to angles of movement, where they learned how to move step-by-step while keeping in the basic warrior position. Today, all males recruited from west of the Mississippi are trained at MCRD San Diego. The depot is responsible for training more than 16,000 recruits annually. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate Feb. 12.

A Marine with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I MEF practices his community engagement with a role-player during mobile immersion training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 20, 2015. Mobile immersion training is a scenario-based training exercise in which the Marines engage in locating, apprehending and transporting a high-value individual. - A Marine with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I MEF practices his community engagement with a role-player during mobile immersion training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 20, 2015. Mobile immersion training is a scenario-based training exercise in which the Marines engage in locating, apprehending and transporting a high-value individual.

U.S. Marine combat engineers with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, assist Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers nail in one of the wall frames during a civil engineering exercise at Camp Singo, Nov. 19, 2015. The exercise helps the partner nations fortify their civil engineering skills while strengthening the bond between the two. - U.S. Marine combat engineers with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, assist Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers nail in one of the wall frames during a civil engineering exercise at Camp Singo, Nov. 19, 2015. The exercise helps the partner nations fortify their civil engineering skills while strengthening the bond between the two.

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Lt. Col. David Morris (right) and Lt. Col. Lauren Edwards (left) review the battalion during the 8th Engineer Support Battalion change of command ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 30, 2015. Edwards took command of the battalion from Morris. Edwards’ new responsibility, as the first female commander of an ESB, will be to provide engineer support to II Marine Expeditionary Forces. - Lt. Col. David Morris (right) and Lt. Col. Lauren Edwards (left) review the battalion during the 8th Engineer Support Battalion change of command ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 30, 2015. Edwards took command of the battalion from Morris. Edwards’ new responsibility, as the first female commander of an ESB, will be to provide engineer support to II Marine Expeditionary Forces.

Cpl. Darion Binder,a fire supportman with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment radios in during a live-fire training event at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 19, 2015. The Marines conducted this training in order to test the new M1122 training round. - Cpl. Darion Binder,a fire supportman with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment radios in during a live-fire training event at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 19, 2015. The Marines conducted this training in order to test the new M1122 training round.

Lance Cpl. Taylor Drake, a combat engineer with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, prepares for breaching and room clearing drills aT Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 8, 2015. Drake, a Phoenix native, joined the Marine Corps to carry on the legacy of his family. - Lance Cpl. Taylor Drake, a combat engineer with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, prepares for breaching and room clearing drills aT Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 8, 2015. Drake, a Phoenix native, joined the Marine Corps to carry on the legacy of his family.

Lance Cpl. Sean Sims, a Huntington, Texas, native and landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 11, 1st Marine Logistics Group, detains and searches a fellow Marine, posing as a simulated threat, as part of the Basic Combat Skills Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 20, 2015. BCSC serves as a refamiliarization course for non-infantry Marines, teaching the fundamental skills needed to operate in a combat zone. - Lance Cpl. Sean Sims, a Huntington, Texas, native and landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 11, 1st Marine Logistics Group, detains and searches a fellow Marine, posing as a simulated threat, as part of the Basic Combat Skills Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 20, 2015. BCSC serves as a refamiliarization course for non-infantry Marines, teaching the fundamental skills needed to operate in a combat zone.

Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force detonate a charge while practicing explosive breach during the Urban Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 30, 2015. Prior to the breach, the front man shielded the Marines from the explosion in order to prevent injury from the debris. - Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force detonate a charge while practicing explosive breach during the Urban Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 30, 2015. Prior to the breach, the front man shielded the Marines from the explosion in order to prevent injury from the debris.

A MK19 40mm automatic grenade launcher is fired from an Amphibious Assault Vehicle with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion during the Heavy Brigade Combat Team qualification course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 20, 2015. The qualification is a course of fire that requires crews to engage several targets while taking time and accuracy into account, and trying to score a possible 1,000 points. - A MK19 40mm automatic grenade launcher is fired from an Amphibious Assault Vehicle with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion during the Heavy Brigade Combat Team qualification course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 20, 2015. The qualification is a course of fire that requires crews to engage several targets while taking time and accuracy into account, and trying to score a possible 1,000 points.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, coordinate an aerial delivery of supplies during a mission readiness exercise at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia Nov. 24, 2015. The training exercise consisted of a scenario where a forward operating base in the area of responsibility required SPMAGTF-CR-CC reinforcement as part of its crisis response mission spanning 20 nations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. - U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, coordinate an aerial delivery of supplies during a mission readiness exercise at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia Nov. 24, 2015. The training exercise consisted of a scenario where a forward operating base in the area of responsibility required SPMAGTF-CR-CC reinforcement as part of its crisis response mission spanning 20 nations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Captain Ericka Johnson, a Legal Service Support Section defense attorney, conducts egress training at the Quantico Reserve Support Unit High Mobility-Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HUMMWV) Egress Assistance Trainer (HEAT) Nov. 20 to practice rollover training. The repetitive training exercise duplicates the effort required to exit an inverted vehicle. - Captain Ericka Johnson, a Legal Service Support Section defense attorney, conducts egress training at the Quantico Reserve Support Unit High Mobility-Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HUMMWV) Egress Assistance Trainer (HEAT) Nov. 20 to practice rollover training. The repetitive training exercise duplicates the effort required to exit an inverted vehicle.

Brig. Gen. Terry V. Williams, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Eastern Recruiting Region, speaks during the 75th anniversary of Officer Candidate School on Brown Field ceremony and candidate graduation at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Nov. 24, 2015. The mission of OCS is to educate and train officer candidates in Marine Corps knowledge and skills within a controlled, challenging and chaotic environment. (U. S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Erasmo Cortez III) - Brig. Gen. Terry V. Williams, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Eastern Recruiting Region, speaks during the 75th anniversary of Officer Candidate School on Brown Field ceremony and candidate graduation at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Nov. 24, 2015. The mission of OCS is to educate and train officer candidates in Marine Corps knowledge and skills within a controlled, challenging and chaotic environment. (U. S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Erasmo Cortez III)

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Motorcyclists from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, and the local Japanese community rode onto MCAS Iwakuni for the third-annual Toy Drive and Motorcycle Rally, Nov. 22, 2015. Riders decked-out their bikes in holiday decorations and donated toys at the Marine Thrift Store for Japanese orphans. The event concluded with a Thunder Ride around the air station. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released) - Motorcyclists from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, and the local Japanese community rode onto MCAS Iwakuni for the third-annual Toy Drive and Motorcycle Rally, Nov. 22, 2015. Riders decked-out their bikes in holiday decorations and donated toys at the Marine Thrift Store for Japanese orphans. The event concluded with a Thunder Ride around the air station. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released)

A Marine Raider with 1st Marine Raider Battalion and two Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion prepare to clear a building during a night raid at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility at Camp Shelby, Miss., Nov. 17. The raid was part of a 10-day exercise in the Gulf Coast region to maintain unit readiness. The 2nd CEB Marines participated in the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command exercise to strengthen and enhance Special Operations Forces and Marine Air Ground Task Force interoperability. - A Marine Raider with 1st Marine Raider Battalion and two Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion prepare to clear a building during a night raid at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility at Camp Shelby, Miss., Nov. 17. The raid was part of a 10-day exercise in the Gulf Coast region to maintain unit readiness. The 2nd CEB Marines participated in the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command exercise to strengthen and enhance Special Operations Forces and Marine Air Ground Task Force interoperability.

A Marine Raiders with Marine Special Operations Company Charlie, 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, breach a conex box with a saw during Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training, as part of a Company Collective Exercise, Oct. 15, 2015, in San Diego, California. - A Marine Raiders with Marine Special Operations Company Charlie, 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, breach a conex box with a saw during Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training, as part of a Company Collective Exercise, Oct. 15, 2015, in San Diego, California.

Service members come together Nov. 19, 2015, to participate in a joint service event as part of Warrior Care Month. Warrior Care Month was created on Nov. 2, 2010 as a way to help wounded, ill or injured service members recover. This month, service members got the chance to compete in two different joint service events, the first being wheelchair rugby and the second being sitting volleyball. - Service members come together Nov. 19, 2015, to participate in a joint service event as part of Warrior Care Month. Warrior Care Month was created on Nov. 2, 2010 as a way to help wounded, ill or injured service members recover. This month, service members got the chance to compete in two different joint service events, the first being wheelchair rugby and the second being sitting volleyball.

Marines with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Improved Ribbon Bridge Platoon check in with the safety boat while taking part in a Zodiac operator’s course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 19, 2015. This course was a brief instruction on maintaining, handling and basic maneuverability and safety with the Zodiac. (U.S. Marine Corps Video illustration by Lance Cpl. Preston McDonald/Released) - Marines with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Improved Ribbon Bridge Platoon check in with the safety boat while taking part in a Zodiac operator’s course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 19, 2015. This course was a brief instruction on maintaining, handling and basic maneuverability and safety with the Zodiac. (U.S. Marine Corps Video illustration by Lance Cpl. Preston McDonald/Released)

U.S. Marine Pfc. Beto Chavarria sucks the blood from the head of a python in a jungle survival course during Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise 2015 in Tanduo, Malaysia on Nov. 11. Chavarria is an automatic rifleman with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. During the course, Marines learned how to trap, clean, and cook wild life. The purpose of the exercise was to strengthen military cooperation in the planning and execution of amphibious operations between Malaysian armed forces and U.S. Marines. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. - U.S. Marine Pfc. Beto Chavarria sucks the blood from the head of a python in a jungle survival course during Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise 2015 in Tanduo, Malaysia on Nov. 11. Chavarria is an automatic rifleman with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. During the course, Marines learned how to trap, clean, and cook wild life. The purpose of the exercise was to strengthen military cooperation in the planning and execution of amphibious operations between Malaysian armed forces and U.S. Marines. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Bob Opett, a Hazardous Material Awareness and Operations course instructor, shows service members and firefighters how to properly seal the HazMat suit during the course at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 18, 2015. Provided by Bucks County Community College Department of Public Safety from Doylestown, Penn., the course is used to make individuals more aware of potential hazards and teach them initial response procedures. - Bob Opett, a Hazardous Material Awareness and Operations course instructor, shows service members and firefighters how to properly seal the HazMat suit during the course at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 18, 2015. Provided by Bucks County Community College Department of Public Safety from Doylestown, Penn., the course is used to make individuals more aware of potential hazards and teach them initial response procedures.

A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, looks a through compass during a 60mm mortar live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 19, 2015. Despite heavy rainfall and wind, the Marines completed the mortar shoot in order to retain and refine their skills with the weapons system and prove they could complete a fire mission under any conditions. - A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, looks a through compass during a 60mm mortar live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 19, 2015. Despite heavy rainfall and wind, the Marines completed the mortar shoot in order to retain and refine their skills with the weapons system and prove they could complete a fire mission under any conditions.

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The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert B. Neller steps out of a UH-1 Huey to talk with Marines Nov. 23 at the Camp Hansen Theater, Camp Hansen, Okinawa. Neller, and the Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Ronald L. Green visited service members with III Marine Expeditionary Force, the “tip of the spear,” in the Asia-Pacific region by traveling around and speaking with forward deployed Marines across the installations that comprise Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan. The Marine Corps must be maintained as a crisis response force and a force in readiness, to include the ability for Marines to remain forward deployed and ready to fight and win. - The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert B. Neller steps out of a UH-1 Huey to talk with Marines Nov. 23 at the Camp Hansen Theater, Camp Hansen, Okinawa. Neller, and the Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Ronald L. Green visited service members with III Marine Expeditionary Force, the “tip of the spear,” in the Asia-Pacific region by traveling around and speaking with forward deployed Marines across the installations that comprise Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan. The Marine Corps must be maintained as a crisis response force and a force in readiness, to include the ability for Marines to remain forward deployed and ready to fight and win.

Glenn LaMarque, an underwater trainer instructor, briefs Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion on the safety regulations and precautions prior to conducting modular amphibious egress training at the Water Survival Training Facility at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 18, 2015. The Marines participated in the training, which is designed to be a lifesaving course that provides service members with skills and the confidence to successfully and safely exit a helicopter that is submersed in a body of water. - Glenn LaMarque, an underwater trainer instructor, briefs Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion on the safety regulations and precautions prior to conducting modular amphibious egress training at the Water Survival Training Facility at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 18, 2015. The Marines participated in the training, which is designed to be a lifesaving course that provides service members with skills and the confidence to successfully and safely exit a helicopter that is submersed in a body of water.

A C-9B Skytrain launches down a Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. runway April 8, 2014. The C-9 is a Marine Transport Squadron 1 asset and is used for the transportation of essential personnel and equipment. - A C-9B Skytrain launches down a Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. runway April 8, 2014. The C-9 is a Marine Transport Squadron 1 asset and is used for the transportation of essential personnel and equipment.

Vietnam veteran Jim Alderman expresses thanks during his graduation from an inpatient post-traumatic stress disorder program for war veterans in the Bay Pines Veterans Administration Healthcare Center Oct. 30, 2015. DoD photo by EJ Hersom - Vietnam veteran Jim Alderman expresses thanks during his graduation from an inpatient post-traumatic stress disorder program for war veterans in the Bay Pines Veterans Administration Healthcare Center Oct. 30, 2015. DoD photo by EJ Hersom

Marine students attending the 8th Engineer Support Battalion Medium Girder Bridge Master’s Course lift a bridge part during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 18, 2015. The course, now in its final week, teaches Marines to lead the bridge building process, and is hosting Marines from 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, based at Marine Corps Base Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. - Marine students attending the 8th Engineer Support Battalion Medium Girder Bridge Master’s Course lift a bridge part during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 18, 2015. The course, now in its final week, teaches Marines to lead the bridge building process, and is hosting Marines from 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, based at Marine Corps Base Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan.