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Spanish, U.S. and British Royal Marines pose for a group photo aboard the USNS Spearhead, March 22, 2015. This multinational group of Marines spent three months traveling to four different African countries working with the militaries of Ghana, Angola, Cameroon and Gabon on basic infantry skills, marksmanship, small-boat operations and search and seizure techniques. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenan O'Connor/Released) - Spanish, U.S. and British Royal Marines pose for a group photo aboard the USNS Spearhead, March 22, 2015. This multinational group of Marines spent three months traveling to four different African countries working with the militaries of Ghana, Angola, Cameroon and Gabon on basic infantry skills, marksmanship, small-boat operations and search and seizure techniques. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenan O'Connor/Released)

Lance Cpl. Richard Emmis, a rifleman with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment and native of Corona, California, posts security during a patrol to identify improvised explosive devices aboard Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, April 21, 2015. Locating IEDs prepares Marines with 1st Bn., 2nd Marines for their upcoming deployment to Okinawa, Japan this fall. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Immanuel Johnson/Released) - Lance Cpl. Richard Emmis, a rifleman with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment and native of Corona, California, posts security during a patrol to identify improvised explosive devices aboard Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, April 21, 2015. Locating IEDs prepares Marines with 1st Bn., 2nd Marines for their upcoming deployment to Okinawa, Japan this fall. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Immanuel Johnson/Released)

Two chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense specialists ensure gas masks are properly fitted prior to leak, seal, package and decontamination training April 21 at the gas chamber on Camp Hansen, Okinawa. The CBRN defense specialists assisted in familiarizing explosive ordnance disposal technicians with decontamination procedures following the leak, seal, package process used to mitigate CBRN-related hazards. The EOD technicians and CBRN defense specialists used protective equipment to perform general decontamination of the affected area and prepare the leaking ordnance for safe containment and transport before completing the decontamination process. The training instilled the Marines’ confidence in their safety equipment and procedures used to mitigate CBRN-related hazards. The Marines are with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, and Marine Logistics Group Headquarters Regiment, 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Two chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense specialists ensure gas masks are properly fitted prior to leak, seal, package and decontamination training April 21 at the gas chamber on Camp Hansen, Okinawa. The CBRN defense specialists assisted in familiarizing explosive ordnance disposal technicians with decontamination procedures following the leak, seal, package process used to mitigate CBRN-related hazards. The EOD technicians and CBRN defense specialists used protective equipment to perform general decontamination of the affected area and prepare the leaking ordnance for safe containment and transport before completing the decontamination process. The training instilled the Marines’ confidence in their safety equipment and procedures used to mitigate CBRN-related hazards. The Marines are with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, and Marine Logistics Group Headquarters Regiment, 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Pfc. Kevin J. Oronaponce, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, applies a tourniquet to a mannequin during the final test for the Combat Trauma Care Course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 24, 2015. The mannequins were equipped with a system that allows artificial blood to bleed from various wounds and recorded voices to talk, providing a more realistic experience. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. David N. Hersey/Released) - Pfc. Kevin J. Oronaponce, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, applies a tourniquet to a mannequin during the final test for the Combat Trauma Care Course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 24, 2015. The mannequins were equipped with a system that allows artificial blood to bleed from various wounds and recorded voices to talk, providing a more realistic experience. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. David N. Hersey/Released)

Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Newkirt (left) and Petty Officer 3rd Class Sebastian Quiceno (right), corpsmen with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, check the vitals of a role-player with notional symptoms of concussion at the casualty control point during a foreign humanitarian assistance exercise at Kiwanis Park, Yuma, Arizona, as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-15, April 17. Role-players yelled in pain and pretended to be unconscious, providing a realistic scenario for the evaluated Sailors and Marines during the exercise. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Charles Santamaria/Released) - Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Newkirt (left) and Petty Officer 3rd Class Sebastian Quiceno (right), corpsmen with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, check the vitals of a role-player with notional symptoms of concussion at the casualty control point during a foreign humanitarian assistance exercise at Kiwanis Park, Yuma, Arizona, as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-15, April 17. Role-players yelled in pain and pretended to be unconscious, providing a realistic scenario for the evaluated Sailors and Marines during the exercise. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Charles Santamaria/Released)

Mr. David M. Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Cp-CEO of the Carlysle group, and Mr. Jonathan B. Jarvis, 18th Director of the National Park Service, Mr. Dan Wenk, Interim President of Washington DC, and Maj. Gen. Michael R. Regner, Staff Director at Headquarters Marine Corps, prepare to be seated at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial Donation Announcement Ceremony, in Arlington, Virginia, on April 29, 2015. Rubenstein donated $5.37 million to the National Park Foundation to restore U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. - Mr. David M. Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Cp-CEO of the Carlysle group, and Mr. Jonathan B. Jarvis, 18th Director of the National Park Service, Mr. Dan Wenk, Interim President of Washington DC, and Maj. Gen. Michael R. Regner, Staff Director at Headquarters Marine Corps, prepare to be seated at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial Donation Announcement Ceremony, in Arlington, Virginia, on April 29, 2015. Rubenstein donated $5.37 million to the National Park Foundation to restore U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial.

U.S. Marines from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade conduct shoulder-to-shoulder communications training with their Philippine Marine counterparts from WESCOM's 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade as part of exercise Balikatan 2015. The exercise is an opportunity for the two nations' militaries to share capabilities and best practices, and to build their partnership. - U.S. Marines from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade conduct shoulder-to-shoulder communications training with their Philippine Marine counterparts from WESCOM's 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade as part of exercise Balikatan 2015. The exercise is an opportunity for the two nations' militaries to share capabilities and best practices, and to build their partnership.

A Marine with Bravo Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion prepares to jump from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter at an altitude of 6,000 feet during a four-day certification exercise aboard Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, N.C., April 23, 2015. Marines commenced the exercise performing inserts through helocasting and double-bag static lines to collect information on the objective. - A Marine with Bravo Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion prepares to jump from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter at an altitude of 6,000 feet during a four-day certification exercise aboard Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, N.C., April 23, 2015. Marines commenced the exercise performing inserts through helocasting and double-bag static lines to collect information on the objective.

Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, train with the M203 40mm grenade launcher during live-fire training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 23, 2015. They also trained with the shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon, an 83mm portable weapon system that can fire high explosive, dual purpose rockets and high explosive anti-armor rockets. - Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, train with the M203 40mm grenade launcher during live-fire training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 23, 2015. They also trained with the shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon, an 83mm portable weapon system that can fire high explosive, dual purpose rockets and high explosive anti-armor rockets.

Commodore Brenton Smyth returns a salute to U.S. Marines with Company A during the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Day Parade April 25 in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. ANZAC Day commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops on the Gallipoli peninsula April 25, 1915. This year marked the 100th anniversary of the landing. Smyth is the commander of Northern Command, Australian Defence Force. Company A is with 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force - Darwin. MRF-D is an excellent opportunity to improve our knowledge of one another’s customs and traditions which ultimately strengthen our military interoperability. - Commodore Brenton Smyth returns a salute to U.S. Marines with Company A during the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Day Parade April 25 in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. ANZAC Day commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops on the Gallipoli peninsula April 25, 1915. This year marked the 100th anniversary of the landing. Smyth is the commander of Northern Command, Australian Defence Force. Company A is with 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force - Darwin. MRF-D is an excellent opportunity to improve our knowledge of one another’s customs and traditions which ultimately strengthen our military interoperability.

Lance Cpl. Grant R. Burch, a rifleman with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, simulates clearing a room during urban warfare training during Exercise Arctic Eagle at Camp Grayling, Michigan, April 24, 2014. Marines joined members of the Army National Guard and the Danish Home Guard at this exercise to train counterinsurgency tactics and urban warfare. - Lance Cpl. Grant R. Burch, a rifleman with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, simulates clearing a room during urban warfare training during Exercise Arctic Eagle at Camp Grayling, Michigan, April 24, 2014. Marines joined members of the Army National Guard and the Danish Home Guard at this exercise to train counterinsurgency tactics and urban warfare.

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Pfc. John Fronbach, a combat engineer with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and a Berlin, Maryland. native, posts security in a patrol base built by the unit during a week-long survivability exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 20-24, 2015. The Marines conducted the exercise to remain proficient in their military occupational specialty and to build camaraderie between the non-commissioned officers and the junior Marines of the battalion. - Pfc. John Fronbach, a combat engineer with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and a Berlin, Maryland. native, posts security in a patrol base built by the unit during a week-long survivability exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 20-24, 2015. The Marines conducted the exercise to remain proficient in their military occupational specialty and to build camaraderie between the non-commissioned officers and the junior Marines of the battalion.

Navy corpsmen from 2nd Medical Battalion, along with supplemental Health Services Augmented Personnel, practice loading and unloading of simulated patients into the search and rescue aircraft during a field training exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 23, 2015. The purpose of the exercise was to train and prepare the HSAP’s for deployment to exercises African and Eager Lion. - Navy corpsmen from 2nd Medical Battalion, along with supplemental Health Services Augmented Personnel, practice loading and unloading of simulated patients into the search and rescue aircraft during a field training exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 23, 2015. The purpose of the exercise was to train and prepare the HSAP’s for deployment to exercises African and Eager Lion.

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.

Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico personnel, from Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., hike through Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg, Maryland April 24, 2015. The hike and battle study was a professional military education opportunity and unit cohesion building event. - Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico personnel, from Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., hike through Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg, Maryland April 24, 2015. The hike and battle study was a professional military education opportunity and unit cohesion building event.

April is the month of the Military Child. The Month of the Military Child honors all military children and the daily sacrifices and challenges they make. - April is the month of the Military Child. The Month of the Military Child honors all military children and the daily sacrifices and challenges they make.

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U.S. Marines bow their heads as a chaplain prays during the Australian-New Zealand Army Corps Australian-New Zealand Army Corps Day Ceremony April 25, 2015, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The day commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign, fought by Australian-New Zealand Army Corps forces in World War I. The battle is remembered for the valiant men and the significant losses the nations both suffered. Those who fought are known as “ANZACS” and are honored in one of the most recognized holidays in the South Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Sarah Anderson) - U.S. Marines bow their heads as a chaplain prays during the Australian-New Zealand Army Corps Australian-New Zealand Army Corps Day Ceremony April 25, 2015, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The day commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign, fought by Australian-New Zealand Army Corps forces in World War I. The battle is remembered for the valiant men and the significant losses the nations both suffered. Those who fought are known as “ANZACS” and are honored in one of the most recognized holidays in the South Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Sarah Anderson)

U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy Sailors with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and amphibious assault ship USS Wasp man the rails of the Wasp as it travels up the Mississippi River for Navy Week 2015 April 23, 2015. Marines and Sailors of the MEU, from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., participated in Navy Week New Orleans April 23-29. The purpose of Navy Week was to showcase the strength and capabilities of the Navy and Marine Corps team through tours, static displays and community relations events, and to provide the public the opportunity to meet and interact with Marines and Sailors. - U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy Sailors with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and amphibious assault ship USS Wasp man the rails of the Wasp as it travels up the Mississippi River for Navy Week 2015 April 23, 2015. Marines and Sailors of the MEU, from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., participated in Navy Week New Orleans April 23-29. The purpose of Navy Week was to showcase the strength and capabilities of the Navy and Marine Corps team through tours, static displays and community relations events, and to provide the public the opportunity to meet and interact with Marines and Sailors.

Marine Capt. Katie Higgins, the first female pilot with the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, or Blue Angels, speaks with media aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, April 9, 2015. The Severna Park, Maryland native is now the newest pilot of "Fat Albert," a C-130 Hercules flown by the Blue Angels. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Olivia G. Ortiz/Released) - Marine Capt. Katie Higgins, the first female pilot with the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, or Blue Angels, speaks with media aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, April 9, 2015. The Severna Park, Maryland native is now the newest pilot of "Fat Albert," a C-130 Hercules flown by the Blue Angels. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Olivia G. Ortiz/Released)

Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment clear a building in a simulated combat town during the culminating event of Division School’s Urban Leaders Course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 22, 2015. The three-week course is designed to prepare Marines to lead in an urban environment. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment clear a building in a simulated combat town during the culminating event of Division School’s Urban Leaders Course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 22, 2015. The three-week course is designed to prepare Marines to lead in an urban environment.

An aircraft mechanic Marine with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 wipes down the tail of an AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter during a routine maintenance inspection during Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 2-15 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 22, 2015. The maintenance that they provide ensures all pilot candidates complete every mission safely. WTI is a seven-week course hosted by MAWTS-1 that provides advanced tactical training to certify Marine pilots as weapons and tactics instructors, preparing them to return to the fleet and serve in key training officer billets. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Cody Haas) - An aircraft mechanic Marine with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 wipes down the tail of an AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter during a routine maintenance inspection during Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 2-15 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 22, 2015. The maintenance that they provide ensures all pilot candidates complete every mission safely. WTI is a seven-week course hosted by MAWTS-1 that provides advanced tactical training to certify Marine pilots as weapons and tactics instructors, preparing them to return to the fleet and serve in key training officer billets. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Cody Haas)

Marines with Charlie Compnay, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, conduct patrols through an urban training town during a counter improvised explosive device training exercise, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 22, 2015. The Marines were faced with the threat of simulated improvised explosive devices and mock-enemies throughout their patrols. They wore masks to protect their faces while using simulated rounds to suppress the enemies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kaitlyn Klein/Released) - Marines with Charlie Compnay, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, conduct patrols through an urban training town during a counter improvised explosive device training exercise, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 22, 2015. The Marines were faced with the threat of simulated improvised explosive devices and mock-enemies throughout their patrols. They wore masks to protect their faces while using simulated rounds to suppress the enemies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kaitlyn Klein/Released)

Dr. Robert Weisenmiller, left, chair of the California Energy Commission, the Honorable Dennis McGinn, center, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Energy, Installations and Environment) and Brig. Gen. Edward D. Banta, left, Commanding General, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Installations - West, California, pose for a photograph during the Department of Navy – California Agency Meeting held at the Pacific Views Events center, April 23. The Honorable McGinn chaired the conference, which covered energy opportunities and solutions, energy and utilities infrastructures, alternative fuel sources and vehicles, state energy legislations, and coverage of the California drought and desalination throughout the course of the conference. - Dr. Robert Weisenmiller, left, chair of the California Energy Commission, the Honorable Dennis McGinn, center, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Energy, Installations and Environment) and Brig. Gen. Edward D. Banta, left, Commanding General, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Installations - West, California, pose for a photograph during the Department of Navy – California Agency Meeting held at the Pacific Views Events center, April 23. The Honorable McGinn chaired the conference, which covered energy opportunities and solutions, energy and utilities infrastructures, alternative fuel sources and vehicles, state energy legislations, and coverage of the California drought and desalination throughout the course of the conference.

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A group of students attended that the sixth annual Education Symposium to answer a question asked of the them by educators at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia April 16. The symposium was hosted by Quantico’s school liaison officers and held at The Clubs at Quantico. The students came from both Quantico Middle/High School and off-base schools in the local area. From the left are student Aliyah, Dutch, Emily and Donovan. - A group of students attended that the sixth annual Education Symposium to answer a question asked of the them by educators at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia April 16. The symposium was hosted by Quantico’s school liaison officers and held at The Clubs at Quantico. The students came from both Quantico Middle/High School and off-base schools in the local area. From the left are student Aliyah, Dutch, Emily and Donovan.

Clockwise from top left, 1st Lieutenant John Neail, tank commander, Cpl. Christian Bills, gunner, Lance Cpl. Robert Benaridez driver, Lance Cpl. Patrick Bellinger, loader, the crew for the M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank named “Star Lord” participated in Desert Scimitar aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California. Desert Scimitar enables 1st Marine Division to test and refine its command and control capabilities and ensures 1st Marine Division units remain committed to consistently improving the quality of their training efforts and their resultant warfighting capabilities. - Clockwise from top left, 1st Lieutenant John Neail, tank commander, Cpl. Christian Bills, gunner, Lance Cpl. Robert Benaridez driver, Lance Cpl. Patrick Bellinger, loader, the crew for the M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank named “Star Lord” participated in Desert Scimitar aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California. Desert Scimitar enables 1st Marine Division to test and refine its command and control capabilities and ensures 1st Marine Division units remain committed to consistently improving the quality of their training efforts and their resultant warfighting capabilities.

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The Marine Corps takes measures to educate and train Marines on sexual assault prevention and response and its effect on our brothers and sisters in arms. The frontline representatives for this effort are known as uniformed victim advocates, or UVAs.Advocates not only provide support, education, and training to Marines, they also play a large part in preventing sexual assault. - The Marine Corps takes measures to educate and train Marines on sexual assault prevention and response and its effect on our brothers and sisters in arms. The frontline representatives for this effort are known as uniformed victim advocates, or UVAs.Advocates not only provide support, education, and training to Marines, they also play a large part in preventing sexual assault.

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Lance Cpl. Cedric Hargrove enters data into Global Combat Support System-Marine Corps uses a laptop in a motor bay at The Basic School aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Thanks to a recent GCSS-MC software update, Marines will be able to make better use of the logistics and resource management software system in limited-connectivity environments. - Lance Cpl. Cedric Hargrove enters data into Global Combat Support System-Marine Corps uses a laptop in a motor bay at The Basic School aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Thanks to a recent GCSS-MC software update, Marines will be able to make better use of the logistics and resource management software system in limited-connectivity environments.

Reconnaissance Training Company Marines received an aerial view of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California during Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction training at San Mateo Landing Zone, April 17. The Marines, students of the Basic Reconnaissance Course, took turns being hoisted into the air by helicopter during the SPIE portion of their Helicopter Rope Suspension Training. During the course of HRST the students learn SPIE rigging, rappelling and fast rope techniques. - Reconnaissance Training Company Marines received an aerial view of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California during Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction training at San Mateo Landing Zone, April 17. The Marines, students of the Basic Reconnaissance Course, took turns being hoisted into the air by helicopter during the SPIE portion of their Helicopter Rope Suspension Training. During the course of HRST the students learn SPIE rigging, rappelling and fast rope techniques.

Corporal Osmar S. Gorish, a section chief for Battery A, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, returns to his team with the new orders from his executive officer during Exercise Desert Scimitar 2015 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., April 20, 2015. The tough, realistic live-fire training central to Desert Scimitar allows Division units to train in order to maintain readiness and meet current and real-world operational demands. - Corporal Osmar S. Gorish, a section chief for Battery A, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, returns to his team with the new orders from his executive officer during Exercise Desert Scimitar 2015 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., April 20, 2015. The tough, realistic live-fire training central to Desert Scimitar allows Division units to train in order to maintain readiness and meet current and real-world operational demands.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Sean M. Stephenson poses for a photo in front of his AV-8B Harrier on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) March 17, 2015. Stephenson started out his career as an enlisted band member and then persued his dream of becoming a pilot. Stehenson is a Harrier pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 231, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Sean M. Stephenson poses for a photo in front of his AV-8B Harrier on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) March 17, 2015. Stephenson started out his career as an enlisted band member and then persued his dream of becoming a pilot. Stehenson is a Harrier pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 231, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Two Marines from 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, sight in on their targets during a Designated Marksman Course with the Division Combat Skills Center, April 6-17, 2015, aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. The Marines learned range calls, wind estimation, and other basics of long range marksmanship. - Two Marines from 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, sight in on their targets during a Designated Marksman Course with the Division Combat Skills Center, April 6-17, 2015, aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. The Marines learned range calls, wind estimation, and other basics of long range marksmanship.

Approximately 65 Kosovo Security Force members and nine U.S. Marines discussed command-and-control, the combat operations center and company-level tactical planning at Camp Adem Jashari in Pristina, Kosovo, April 14-24, 2015. The workshops ended with applying the information gained into a practical application Command Post Exercise scenario. - Approximately 65 Kosovo Security Force members and nine U.S. Marines discussed command-and-control, the combat operations center and company-level tactical planning at Camp Adem Jashari in Pristina, Kosovo, April 14-24, 2015. The workshops ended with applying the information gained into a practical application Command Post Exercise scenario.

Private First Class John McGraw, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division and native of Ashland, Kentucky, collapses during the initial blast of an improvised explosive device during a training exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 15, 2015. Another Marine steps up and assumes the role and responsibilities that belonged to that Marine that was affected allowing the patrol to continue. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Immanuel Johnson/Released) - Private First Class John McGraw, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division and native of Ashland, Kentucky, collapses during the initial blast of an improvised explosive device during a training exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 15, 2015. Another Marine steps up and assumes the role and responsibilities that belonged to that Marine that was affected allowing the patrol to continue. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Immanuel Johnson/Released)

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U.S. Marines, students attending Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 1-15, are given a check-in brief by 1st Lt. Richard Hayek, Adjutant, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, Aug. 31, 2014.The course is a seven-week training event hosted by the squadron's cadre. The squadron provides standardized tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. - U.S. Marines, students attending Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 1-15, are given a check-in brief by 1st Lt. Richard Hayek, Adjutant, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, Aug. 31, 2014.The course is a seven-week training event hosted by the squadron's cadre. The squadron provides standardized tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

Lance Cpl. Matthew Ross, a machine gunner and student at the Advanced Machine Gunner Course, Advanced Infantry Training Battalion-East, performs “burpees” in the mud as part of physical training during AMGC, aboard Camp Geiger, N.C., April 20, 2015. The goal of physical training throughout this course is to push the students past their limits to build a strong mind and body. - Lance Cpl. Matthew Ross, a machine gunner and student at the Advanced Machine Gunner Course, Advanced Infantry Training Battalion-East, performs “burpees” in the mud as part of physical training during AMGC, aboard Camp Geiger, N.C., April 20, 2015. The goal of physical training throughout this course is to push the students past their limits to build a strong mind and body.

Marines with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion traverse the desert on the way to set up a forward combat operations center during Exercise Desert Scimitar, April 12, 2015, aboard the Combat Center. Division-level exercises, such as Desert Scimitar, allow division units to train in order to maintain mission readiness. - Marines with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion traverse the desert on the way to set up a forward combat operations center during Exercise Desert Scimitar, April 12, 2015, aboard the Combat Center. Division-level exercises, such as Desert Scimitar, allow division units to train in order to maintain mission readiness.

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U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew Sprouse, left, a combat engineer with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, introduces himself to Philippine Navy Seaman Apprentices Raymond Baclason, center, and Arturo Arandela, both Seabees with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 2nd Naval Mobile Construction Battalion, at the site of a new classroom they are helping build at San Rafael Elementary School in San Rafael, on the island of Palawan, Philippines, April 16. The three are part of a larger group of service members from the AFP and U.S. militaries, constructing five new buildings across the island of Palawan as part of humanitarian civic assistance projects taking place during exercise Balikatan 2015. Balikatan, a Filipino word meaning "shoulder-to-shoulder," is an annual bilateral exercise with the AFP and U.S. militaries, which helps increase combined military-to-military training and build relationships in order to support future engagements. ( - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew Sprouse, left, a combat engineer with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, introduces himself to Philippine Navy Seaman Apprentices Raymond Baclason, center, and Arturo Arandela, both Seabees with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 2nd Naval Mobile Construction Battalion, at the site of a new classroom they are helping build at San Rafael Elementary School in San Rafael, on the island of Palawan, Philippines, April 16. The three are part of a larger group of service members from the AFP and U.S. militaries, constructing five new buildings across the island of Palawan as part of humanitarian civic assistance projects taking place during exercise Balikatan 2015. Balikatan, a Filipino word meaning "shoulder-to-shoulder," is an annual bilateral exercise with the AFP and U.S. militaries, which helps increase combined military-to-military training and build relationships in order to support future engagements. (

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.

Private First Class Brenen Tischner, left, a motor transportation operator, with 1st Transport Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, attaches a fuel hose to an AMK-23 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement with the help of two other Marines during routine refueling maintenance on the outskirts of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 10, 2015. Tischner inspects vehicles like this each day to ensure optimum reliability for logistic units supporting the bi-annual, seven-week long Weapons Tactics and Instructor course at MCAS Yuma and the surrounding area. WTI, hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1, provides advanced tactical training to certify Marine pilots as weapons and tactics instructors, preparing them to serve in key training officer billets in the fleet Marine force. (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Cody Haas/Released) - Private First Class Brenen Tischner, left, a motor transportation operator, with 1st Transport Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, attaches a fuel hose to an AMK-23 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement with the help of two other Marines during routine refueling maintenance on the outskirts of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 10, 2015. Tischner inspects vehicles like this each day to ensure optimum reliability for logistic units supporting the bi-annual, seven-week long Weapons Tactics and Instructor course at MCAS Yuma and the surrounding area. WTI, hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1, provides advanced tactical training to certify Marine pilots as weapons and tactics instructors, preparing them to serve in key training officer billets in the fleet Marine force. (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Cody Haas/Released)

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An amphibious assault vehicle belonging to 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion splashes into the Atlantic Ocean from the well-deck of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) April 13, 2015. The platoon used their amphibious assault vehicles to transport Marines from 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment in support of a ship-to-shore exercise off the coast of Onslow Beach, Camp Lejeune, N.C. - An amphibious assault vehicle belonging to 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion splashes into the Atlantic Ocean from the well-deck of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) April 13, 2015. The platoon used their amphibious assault vehicles to transport Marines from 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment in support of a ship-to-shore exercise off the coast of Onslow Beach, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Staff Sgt. Steven M. Smith, a team leader with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Headquarters Battalion, wears a bomb suit and prepares to conduct mechanical entry of a car utilizing hook and line during a International Association of Bomb Technicians & Investigators conference aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 15, 2015. - Staff Sgt. Steven M. Smith, a team leader with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Headquarters Battalion, wears a bomb suit and prepares to conduct mechanical entry of a car utilizing hook and line during a International Association of Bomb Technicians & Investigators conference aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 15, 2015.