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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brooke Thompson, an avionics technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, poses for a photo in front of an F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 20,2022. Thompson was awarded the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal for her meritorious service since her arrival to MCAS Iwakuni in 2018, where she held multiple billets, and supported multiple exercises and operations across the Indo-Pacific. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brooke Thompson, an avionics technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, poses for a photo in front of an F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 20,2022. Thompson was awarded the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal for her meritorious service since her arrival to MCAS Iwakuni in 2018, where she held multiple billets, and supported multiple exercises and operations across the Indo-Pacific.

Marines of Battery M, 3rd Battalion 14th Marine Regiment, Marine Forces Reserve, march together at the Methodist Church in Hixson, Tennessee, July 24, 2015. The Marines attended the funeral of their fallen brother, Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt, one of five service members killed by a gunman at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center on July 16, 2015. Wyatt was taken to the Chattanooga National Cemetery after the church service to be laid to rest with full military honors. - Marines of Battery M, 3rd Battalion 14th Marine Regiment, Marine Forces Reserve, march together at the Methodist Church in Hixson, Tennessee, July 24, 2015. The Marines attended the funeral of their fallen brother, Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt, one of five service members killed by a gunman at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center on July 16, 2015. Wyatt was taken to the Chattanooga National Cemetery after the church service to be laid to rest with full military honors.

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.

U.S. Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, make their way toward an objective before conducting a squad attack exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 28. Approximately 50 Marines with the unit participated in the training, which helped build unit cohesion and fire and maneuver skills. - U.S. Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, make their way toward an objective before conducting a squad attack exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 28. Approximately 50 Marines with the unit participated in the training, which helped build unit cohesion and fire and maneuver skills.

A landing craft, utility assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay, lowers its ramp to unload a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System from 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, as part of a simulated amphibious raid, at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 14, 2019. This simulated amphibious raid marks the first time that HIMARS have been inserted by landing craft, utility, demonstrating the Marine Air-Ground Task Force’s ability to conduct combined-arms maneuver from amphibious shipping. - A landing craft, utility assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay, lowers its ramp to unload a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System from 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, as part of a simulated amphibious raid, at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 14, 2019. This simulated amphibious raid marks the first time that HIMARS have been inserted by landing craft, utility, demonstrating the Marine Air-Ground Task Force’s ability to conduct combined-arms maneuver from amphibious shipping.

Retired Lt. Col. Frederick Grant retired Jan. 27, 2017, after 54 years of continuous service to the Marine Corps. Grant served as the director of the Tactical Exercise Control Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, after 38 years of service as an enlisted Marine and officer. Grant, from Emporia, Virginia, enlisted Oct. 2, 1963, and served as an infantryman in Vietnam in addition to various other enlisted and officer billets. - Retired Lt. Col. Frederick Grant retired Jan. 27, 2017, after 54 years of continuous service to the Marine Corps. Grant served as the director of the Tactical Exercise Control Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, after 38 years of service as an enlisted Marine and officer. Grant, from Emporia, Virginia, enlisted Oct. 2, 1963, and served as an infantryman in Vietnam in addition to various other enlisted and officer billets.

The tower, where air traffic control Marines work, overlooks the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. - The tower, where air traffic control Marines work, overlooks the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. Each member of ATC safely organizes and regulates the flow of air traffic within MCAS Miramar’s airspace and prevents collisions between aircraft.

Since 2005, a nominee from each of the services has received the Spirit of Hope award for reflecting the selfless spirit and dedication of Bob Hope. The award was presented to the Quantico Injured Military Sportsman Association as the Marine Corps 2015 winner at the Pentagon Oct. 16th, 2015. - Since 2005, a nominee from each of the services has received the Spirit of Hope award for reflecting the selfless spirit and dedication of Bob Hope. The award was presented to the Quantico Injured Military Sportsman Association as the Marine Corps 2015 winner at the Pentagon Oct. 16th, 2015.

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.

First Lieutenant Gabriel Walton talks to the Marines about the Battle of Antietam at the Antietam National Battlefield at Sharpsburg, Maryland, April 23. The officers in the unit were in charge of leading the professional military education on the Battle of Antietam. - First Lieutenant Gabriel Walton talks to the Marines about the Battle of Antietam at the Antietam National Battlefield at Sharpsburg, Maryland, April 23. The officers in the unit were in charge of leading the professional military education on the Battle of Antietam.

Saryi, age 9, looks out of the side hatch of a light armored vehicle April 18 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. In honor of the Month of the Military Child, Marines from Delta Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, brought the LAV to the parking lot of the main exchange for children to explore. - Saryi, age 9, looks out of the side hatch of a light armored vehicle April 18 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. In honor of the Month of the Military Child, Marines from Delta Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, brought the LAV to the parking lot of the main exchange for children to explore.

A U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle assigned to 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, transporting Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st MARDIV, maneuvers through the water as part of Quarterly Underway Amphibious Readiness Training off the coast of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 28, 2024. QUART is a joint training exercise designed to develop and sustain essential amphibious skills for effective operations in maritime environments while reinforcing the Navy-Marine Corps partnership. As part of QUART, Marines with 3rd AA Bn. were certified to conduct ship-to-shore operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan) - A U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle assigned to 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, transporting Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st MARDIV, maneuvers through the water as part of Quarterly Underway Amphibious Readiness Training off the coast of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 28, 2024. QUART is a joint training exercise designed to develop and sustain essential amphibious skills for effective operations in maritime environments while reinforcing the Navy-Marine Corps partnership. As part of QUART, Marines with 3rd AA Bn. were certified to conduct ship-to-shore operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan)

A Marine escorts an ambulatory HMMWV to a Shock Trauma Platoon during Exercise Steel Night’s mass casualty drill at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 12, 2015. The drill tested the 1st Marine Division’s ability to react to a large influx of injuries and wounds from battling the enemy. Steel Knight provides tough, realistic training for the Marines and sailors of 1st Marine Division. - A Marine escorts an ambulatory HMMWV to a Shock Trauma Platoon during Exercise Steel Night’s mass casualty drill at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 12, 2015. The drill tested the 1st Marine Division’s ability to react to a large influx of injuries and wounds from battling the enemy. Steel Knight provides tough, realistic training for the Marines and sailors of 1st Marine Division.

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Sgt. Antuan D. Martin, lead instructor of Raider Reconnaissance Operator Course, instructs Marines on amphibious operations during an exercise aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, June 15, 2017. Martin demonstrated how to safely launch and beach their Zodiac inflatable craft with several surf passage exercises. - Sgt. Antuan D. Martin, lead instructor of Raider Reconnaissance Operator Course, instructs Marines on amphibious operations during an exercise aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, June 15, 2017. Martin demonstrated how to safely launch and beach their Zodiac inflatable craft with several surf passage exercises.

A Marine with 1st Marine Raider Battalion fires a .50 caliber Special Application Scoped Rifle during a Company Collective Exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 7, 2015. Marine Special Operations Company C, 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command spent the first phase of their three-phase Company Collective Exercise practicing Foreign Internal Defense aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 5-8. - A Marine with 1st Marine Raider Battalion fires a .50 caliber Special Application Scoped Rifle during a Company Collective Exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 7, 2015. Marine Special Operations Company C, 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command spent the first phase of their three-phase Company Collective Exercise practicing Foreign Internal Defense aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 5-8.

A critical skills operator with 3rd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Raider Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the Silver Star aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 6, 2018. - A critical skills operator with 3rd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Raider Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the Silver Star aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 6, 2018. The Silver Star is awarded to service members who display conspicuous gallantry in action while serving the U.S. in operational environments and is the third highest award that can be given to a member of the U.S. armed forces. The Marine Raider received the award for outstanding leadership and acts of bravery while leading a small team to rescue over 170 hostages taken by a terrorist group in Mali in 2015. Their actions saved more than 150 lives and bolstered the relationship between the U.S. and the partner nation.

Lance Cpl. Levi Hall with Golf Company, Black Sea Rotational Force, sights in on the M240B medium machine gun at the support-by-fire position during the dry-run of the U.S. and Romanian platoon attacks at Babadag Training Area, July 2. This week-long engagement is part of a continuous military skills series between BSRF and the Romanian 307th Naval Infantry. - Lance Cpl. Levi Hall with Golf Company, Black Sea Rotational Force, sights in on the M240B medium machine gun at the support-by-fire position during the dry-run of the U.S. and Romanian platoon attacks at Babadag Training Area, July 2. This week-long engagement is part of a continuous military skills series between BSRF and the Romanian 307th Naval Infantry.

Civilian employees use hand signals to lower the M1A1 “Abrams” tank onto the rail cars aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., July 7. - Civilian employees use hand signals to lower the M1A1 “Abrams” tank onto the rail cars aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., July 7.

Lance Cpl. Michael Miller and Lance Cpl. Kyle Osborne, Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 5, Camp Pendleton, Calif., oversee unloading of equipment with solders from 1st Cavalry Division out of Ft. Hood, Texas, as part of their Railway Operations training at the Yermo Annex on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Feb. 11. The 80-hour RailOps training is now being offered through Marine Corps Training Information Management System and includes class instruction and hands-on learning - Lance Cpl. Michael Miller and Lance Cpl. Kyle Osborne, Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 5, Camp Pendleton, Calif., oversee unloading of equipment with solders from 1st Cavalry Division out of Ft. Hood, Texas, as part of their Railway Operations training at the Yermo Annex on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Feb. 11. The 80-hour RailOps training is now being offered through Marine Corps Training Information Management System and includes class instruction and hands-on learning

A Marine student with the Tactical Air Control Party course, conducted by Expeditionary Warfare Training Group-Atlantic, determines the range of enemy targets during a two-day live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 20-21, 2016. The five-week course certifies Marines in safely and efficiently employing fixed and rotor-wing aircraft in close proximity to friendly forces. - A Marine student with the Tactical Air Control Party course, conducted by Expeditionary Warfare Training Group-Atlantic, determines the range of enemy targets during a two-day live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 20-21, 2016. The five-week course certifies Marines in safely and efficiently employing fixed and rotor-wing aircraft in close proximity to friendly forces.

Cpl. Dustin Deloris relays orders over the radio during the mechanized assault portion of the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 8, 2015. The purpose of a MCCRE is to evaluate Marines’ collective performance in specific mission requirements that will prepare them for their upcoming deployment rotation. Deloris is a team leader with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. - Cpl. Dustin Deloris relays orders over the radio during the mechanized assault portion of the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 8, 2015. The purpose of a MCCRE is to evaluate Marines’ collective performance in specific mission requirements that will prepare them for their upcoming deployment rotation. Deloris is a team leader with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.

Col. William Seely III, Director of Intelligence Headquarters Marine Corps, gives feedback to a team in Stafford, Virginia, June 17, 2016. Seely reviewed the team’s idea and gave constructive criticism about their proposed solution to problems they had seen in the intelligence community. - Col. William Seely III, Director of Intelligence Headquarters Marine Corps, gives feedback to a team in Stafford, Virginia, June 17, 2016. Seely reviewed the team’s idea and gave constructive criticism about their proposed solution to problems they had seen in the intelligence community.

A Marine provides security for his team during the night portion of a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, or TRAP, training scenario at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 8, 2016. TRAP is used to tactically recover personnel, equipment or aircraft by inserting the recovery force to the objective location. The Marine is with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. - A Marine provides security for his team during the night portion of a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, or TRAP, training scenario at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 8, 2016. TRAP is used to tactically recover personnel, equipment or aircraft by inserting the recovery force to the objective location. The Marine is with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.

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Marines look over the hill tops at their targets as the sun sets at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 13, 2016. The Marines are a mix of Joint Tactical Attack Controllers and Joint Fire Observers who are responsible for directing fires of artillery and aircraft. The Marines are with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines look over the hill tops at their targets as the sun sets at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 13, 2016. The Marines are a mix of Joint Tactical Attack Controllers and Joint Fire Observers who are responsible for directing fires of artillery and aircraft. The Marines are with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

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.

Cpl. Willis Shifflett, a squad leader with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, performs first-aid on a simulated civilian casualty during the Infantry Immersion Trainer at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 9, 2015. The IIT is used to allow Marines to put themselves into a deployment scenario and take constructive criticism after their mission is completed. - Cpl. Willis Shifflett, a squad leader with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, performs first-aid on a simulated civilian casualty during the Infantry Immersion Trainer at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 9, 2015. The IIT is used to allow Marines to put themselves into a deployment scenario and take constructive criticism after their mission is completed.

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An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, forward deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, taxis into an ordnance loading area after landing at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, July 21, 2016. VMFA-122 traveled to RAAF Base Tindal for the first time to participate in Pitch Black 2016 and unit level training known as Southern Frontier. Pitch Black affords Marines with VMFA-122 the opportunity to integrate and increase interoperability with regional joint and coalition partners, while developing operational concepts for conducting sustained combat operations. Southern Frontier will help the squadron gain experience and qualifications in low altitude, air-ground, high explosive ordnance delivery at the unit level. - An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, forward deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, taxis into an ordnance loading area after landing at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, July 21, 2016. VMFA-122 traveled to RAAF Base Tindal for the first time to participate in Pitch Black 2016 and unit level training known as Southern Frontier. Pitch Black affords Marines with VMFA-122 the opportunity to integrate and increase interoperability with regional joint and coalition partners, while developing operational concepts for conducting sustained combat operations. Southern Frontier will help the squadron gain experience and qualifications in low altitude, air-ground, high explosive ordnance delivery at the unit level.

U.S. Marines and U.S. Airmen work together during a simulated contamination control area in preparation of Vigilant Ace 17-1 at Osan Air Base, Korea, Nov. 17, 2016. Vigilant Ace is a biannual, bilateral training event that exercises U.S. military and Republic of Korea Air Force interoperability through simulated wartime tasking. - U.S. Marines and U.S. Airmen work together during a simulated contamination control area in preparation of Vigilant Ace 17-1 at Osan Air Base, Korea, Nov. 17, 2016. Vigilant Ace is a biannual, bilateral training event that exercises U.S. military and Republic of Korea Air Force interoperability through simulated wartime tasking.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 502, front, and an F-35C Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, rear, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a formation as part of Project Legacy off the coast of San Diego, March 4, 2025. The Project Legacy flight was a unique opportunity for all aircraft platforms across MAG-11 to fly as one team, practice tight formations, and take part in the documentation of a historical flight. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez) - A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 502, front, and an F-35C Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, rear, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a formation as part of Project Legacy off the coast of San Diego, March 4, 2025. The Project Legacy flight was a unique opportunity for all aircraft platforms across MAG-11 to fly as one team, practice tight formations, and take part in the documentation of a historical flight. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, exit from a U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle assigned to Charlie Company, BLT 1/7, 31st MEU, during a simulated force-on-force mechanized raid at Combat Town, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 24, 2025. The purpose of the exercise was to create a challenging, realistic training environment with the integration of the newly fielded ACV that produces combat-ready forces in urban terrain. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca) - U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, exit from a U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle assigned to Charlie Company, BLT 1/7, 31st MEU, during a simulated force-on-force mechanized raid at Combat Town, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 24, 2025. The purpose of the exercise was to create a challenging, realistic training environment with the integration of the newly fielded ACV that produces combat-ready forces in urban terrain. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

A U.S. Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicle with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit provides security for aerial insertion while executing an amphibious assault during Composite Training Unit Exercise on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 2, 2023. The amphibious assault rehearsed the utilization of Marines to move from ship to shore and secure objectives for follow-on actions. C2X is the last exercise in the pre-deployment training program for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. - A U.S. Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicle with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit provides security for aerial insertion while executing an amphibious assault during Composite Training Unit Exercise on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 2, 2023. The amphibious assault rehearsed the utilization of Marines to move from ship to shore and secure objectives for follow-on actions. C2X is the last exercise in the pre-deployment training program for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group.

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.

A U.S. Marine C-130 with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, takes off at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, June 9, 2023. 3rd Landing Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group is conducting Combined Distribution Exercise 23 in South Korea alongside the Republic of Korea Navy, the ROK Army, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy. 3rd LSB is providing fuel, water, ground and air transportation to enable the sustainment and distribution of the CDEX force. - A U.S. Marine C-130 with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, takes off at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, June 9, 2023. 3rd Landing Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group is conducting Combined Distribution Exercise 23 in South Korea alongside the Republic of Korea Navy, the ROK Army, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy. 3rd LSB is providing fuel, water, ground and air transportation to enable the sustainment and distribution of the CDEX force.

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

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Sgt. Rafael Cervantes Jr., a combat-injured Marine with Wounded Warrior Battalion West-Detachment Hawaii, raises his hand during his re-enlistment ceremony at the Pacific War Memorial aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 25, 2014. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Suzanna Knotts) - MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Sgt. Rafael Cervantes Jr., a combat-injured Marine with Wounded Warrior Battalion West-Detachment Hawaii, raises his hand during his re-enlistment ceremony at the Pacific War Memorial aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 25, 2014. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Suzanna Knotts)

A U.S. Marine Corps rifleman with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, fires rounds at an enemy as his fire team prepares to push towards their next objective in a mechanized assault course during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 30, 2015. Marines participate in a month-long field exercise demonstrating core mission essential tasks by conducting offensive, defensive and stability operations using combined arms, air integration, and battalion-level infantry tactics in order to strengthen operational readiness as they prepare for world-wide deployment. - A U.S. Marine Corps rifleman with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, fires rounds at an enemy as his fire team prepares to push towards their next objective in a mechanized assault course during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 30, 2015. Marines participate in a month-long field exercise demonstrating core mission essential tasks by conducting offensive, defensive and stability operations using combined arms, air integration, and battalion-level infantry tactics in order to strengthen operational readiness as they prepare for world-wide deployment.

Marines, veterans and their families gathered at the Yemassee train station for the 2nd Annual Yemassee Train Depot Reunion Oct. 16. Yemassee was the first stop for eager recruits seeking to earn the title United States Marine before reaching Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island from 1915 to 1965. Many Marines that fought in wars and conflicts spanning WWI through Vietnam began their transformation at the train station. - Marines, veterans and their families gathered at the Yemassee train station for the 2nd Annual Yemassee Train Depot Reunion Oct. 16. Yemassee was the first stop for eager recruits seeking to earn the title United States Marine before reaching Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island from 1915 to 1965. Many Marines that fought in wars and conflicts spanning WWI through Vietnam began their transformation at the train station.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alexander Hermann, a native of San Antonio, Texas, a joint tactical air controller with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, participates in a night mission during Exercise Caribbean Coastal Warrior on Savaneta Kamp, Aruba, June 27, 2021. The exercise allows 2nd Recon to expand its knowledge and proficiency when operating in littoral and coastal regions while increasing global interoperability with 32nd Raiding Squadron, Netherlands Marine Corps. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alexander Hermann, a native of San Antonio, Texas, a joint tactical air controller with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, participates in a night mission during Exercise Caribbean Coastal Warrior on Savaneta Kamp, Aruba, June 27, 2021. The exercise allows 2nd Recon to expand its knowledge and proficiency when operating in littoral and coastal regions while increasing global interoperability with 32nd Raiding Squadron, Netherlands Marine Corps.

Recon Challenge 2019: Team LOWLIFE proves bonds not broken by time - U.S. Marines with 3rd platoon, commonly known as “LOWLIFE,” Force Reconnaissance Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), pose for a photo in Helmand province, Afghanistan, in June of 2010. Nine years later, team “LOWLIFE” is participating in the annual Recon Challenge, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, May 16, 2019. The Recon Challenge is a 30-mile obstacle course held to honor fallen Reconnaissance Marines. The team will be carrying Jonathon Blank, who was medically retired after both of his legs were severed after stepping on an improvised explosive device, during a dismounted patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on Oct. 26, 2010. (Courtesy photo by Jonathon Blank.)

A Marine with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division lands at his designated drop zone following a High Altitude – High Opening insertion event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 17, 2015. The goal of the training was to sharpen a skill set that is of great advantage to expeditionary forces, allowing the jumpers to infiltrate locations where access would be too difficult for vehicles. - A Marine with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division lands at his designated drop zone following a High Altitude – High Opening insertion event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 17, 2015. The goal of the training was to sharpen a skill set that is of great advantage to expeditionary forces, allowing the jumpers to infiltrate locations where access would be too difficult for vehicles.

Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division conduct free fall jump training from a C-130 Hercules with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 16, 2015. 1st Recon conducted parachute operations in preparation for future deployments. - Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division conduct free fall jump training from a C-130 Hercules with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 16, 2015. 1st Recon conducted parachute operations in preparation for future deployments.

Marines and Sailors with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, pose for a photo atop of the USS Mississippi, a Virginia Class Block 5 submarine aboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Nov. 17, 2015. Company A toured the ship as part of a one-day Special Operations Forces capabilities training event, where they learned about lock-out submarine insertions. - Marines and Sailors with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, pose for a photo atop of the USS Mississippi, a Virginia Class Block 5 submarine aboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Nov. 17, 2015. Company A toured the ship as part of a one-day Special Operations Forces capabilities training event, where they learned about lock-out submarine insertions.

Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, perform last minute checks to their equipment aboard a C130J during intentional water training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina June 24, 2015. The training prepared the Marines for situations that require them to dive in an aquatic environment. - Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, perform last minute checks to their equipment aboard a C130J during intentional water training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina June 24, 2015. The training prepared the Marines for situations that require them to dive in an aquatic environment.

Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, prepare to dive and perform underwater knot-tying in a Special Operation Command screener during a pre-dive course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 25 – June 5, 2015. The students had to tie five knots underwater; having only five separate breathing opportunities with only 30 seconds on the surface of the water between tying each knot. - Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, prepare to dive and perform underwater knot-tying in a Special Operation Command screener during a pre-dive course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 25 – June 5, 2015. The students had to tie five knots underwater; having only five separate breathing opportunities with only 30 seconds on the surface of the water between tying each knot.

A Marine with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion performs rifle drills during a combat marksmanship program led by Expeditionary Operations Training Group March 17, 2016 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The shooting package helps to better prepare these Marines for an upcoming deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - A Marine with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion performs rifle drills during a combat marksmanship program led by Expeditionary Operations Training Group March 17, 2016 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The shooting package helps to better prepare these Marines for an upcoming deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, await extraction in a field during a live-fire raid at Range 226 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 1, 2015. The company conducted the live-fire exercise as part of a predeployment workup in support of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, await extraction in a field during a live-fire raid at Range 226 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 1, 2015. The company conducted the live-fire exercise as part of a predeployment workup in support of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, prepare a timed explosive during a live-fire raid at Range 226 aboard Camp Pendleton, California, April 1, 2015. The company conducted the live-fire exercise as part of a pre deployment workup in support of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Joseph Scanlan / released) - Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, prepare a timed explosive during a live-fire raid at Range 226 aboard Camp Pendleton, California, April 1, 2015. The company conducted the live-fire exercise as part of a pre deployment workup in support of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Joseph Scanlan / released)