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U.S. Marine Pfc. Jacob Piazza, right, fires a .50-caliber machine gun at targets during realistic urban training aboard Camp Roberts, Calif., Dec. 14, 2014. Piazza is a rifleman with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The training prepares the 15th MEU’s Marines for their upcoming deployment, enhancing their combat skills in environments similar to those they may find in future missions. - U.S. Marine Pfc. Jacob Piazza, right, fires a .50-caliber machine gun at targets during realistic urban training aboard Camp Roberts, Calif., Dec. 14, 2014. Piazza is a rifleman with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The training prepares the 15th MEU’s Marines for their upcoming deployment, enhancing their combat skills in environments similar to those they may find in future missions.

Burundian soldiers inspect targets and receive sight adjustments from Marines to their rifles during a live fire range in Bujumbura, Burundi, Dec. 2, 2014. Marines and Sailors with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa trained alongside the Burundi National Defense Force, providing expertise in logistics and engineering disciplines for approximately 3-months from October to December. - Burundian soldiers inspect targets and receive sight adjustments from Marines to their rifles during a live fire range in Bujumbura, Burundi, Dec. 2, 2014. Marines and Sailors with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa trained alongside the Burundi National Defense Force, providing expertise in logistics and engineering disciplines for approximately 3-months from October to December.

U.S. Marine Capt. Nathan D. Bedle, with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response – Africa, and a Spanish soldier with 1st Mountain Troops Command conduct a trail recon a during mountain warfare training in Candanchu, Spain, Dec. 16, 2014. The exercise, which was conducted with the Spanish, allowed the Marines to gain greater knowledge of mountain warfare tactics, techniques and procedures while enhancing interoperability with the Spanish and strengthening the U.S. partnership with Spain. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is a self-mobile crisis response force that conducts missions to protect U.S. personnel, property, and interests in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. - U.S. Marine Capt. Nathan D. Bedle, with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response – Africa, and a Spanish soldier with 1st Mountain Troops Command conduct a trail recon a during mountain warfare training in Candanchu, Spain, Dec. 16, 2014. The exercise, which was conducted with the Spanish, allowed the Marines to gain greater knowledge of mountain warfare tactics, techniques and procedures while enhancing interoperability with the Spanish and strengthening the U.S. partnership with Spain. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is a self-mobile crisis response force that conducts missions to protect U.S. personnel, property, and interests in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Janneh Felix conducts classroom training on outboard engines with members of the Beninese Navy in Cotonou, Benin, Nov. 18, 2014. Felix, a New York, N.Y., native, is part of a team of Marines and Coast Guardsmen from SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa, working alongside the Beninese Navy, trading knowledge of mechanical tactics, techniques and procedural skills while conducting engine maintenance on Honda BF225 outboard engines. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Janneh Felix conducts classroom training on outboard engines with members of the Beninese Navy in Cotonou, Benin, Nov. 18, 2014. Felix, a New York, N.Y., native, is part of a team of Marines and Coast Guardsmen from SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa, working alongside the Beninese Navy, trading knowledge of mechanical tactics, techniques and procedural skills while conducting engine maintenance on Honda BF225 outboard engines.

A service member with the Togolese Armed Forces conducts a personnel search on 1st Lt. Kyle Faherty during a armed sentry training engagement with U.S. Marines in Lome, Togo, Dec. 4, 2014. In Togo, the Marines trained alongside 20 students from the Togoloese Army, Air Force, Navy and the Gendarmerie forces. Training in both regions focused on weapons safety and handling, rules of engagement, escalation of force, personnel and vehicle searches, vehicle entry points as well as entry control points—ending with a final exercise that tested the collective tactical knowledge learned over the course of the training engagement. Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa conducted the theater security cooperation engagement to help develop and enhance armed sentry skills sharing tactics, techniques and procedures with the Togolese Armed Forces. - A service member with the Togolese Armed Forces conducts a personnel search on 1st Lt. Kyle Faherty during a armed sentry training engagement with U.S. Marines in Lome, Togo, Dec. 4, 2014. In Togo, the Marines trained alongside 20 students from the Togoloese Army, Air Force, Navy and the Gendarmerie forces. Training in both regions focused on weapons safety and handling, rules of engagement, escalation of force, personnel and vehicle searches, vehicle entry points as well as entry control points—ending with a final exercise that tested the collective tactical knowledge learned over the course of the training engagement. Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa conducted the theater security cooperation engagement to help develop and enhance armed sentry skills sharing tactics, techniques and procedures with the Togolese Armed Forces.

U.S. Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response – Africa and Police with Mobile Gendarmeries Armored Group and practice crowd and riot control techniques on National Center for Training of Police Forces of France, St. Astier, France, Dec 2, 2014. The training enhanced mission readiness and help build relationships between the two militaries. - U.S. Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response – Africa and Police with Mobile Gendarmeries Armored Group and practice crowd and riot control techniques on National Center for Training of Police Forces of France, St. Astier, France, Dec 2, 2014. The training enhanced mission readiness and help build relationships between the two militaries.

On Nov. 25, Staff Sgt. Adam Jacks became the first amputee to graduate from the Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival course. Over the three-week course the students swim 59 miles, complete timed drills and swims, and learn rescue techniques. They are now certified as MCIWS instructors and Red Cross lifeguards. - On Nov. 25, Staff Sgt. Adam Jacks became the first amputee to graduate from the Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival course. Over the three-week course the students swim 59 miles, complete timed drills and swims, and learn rescue techniques. They are now certified as MCIWS instructors and Red Cross lifeguards.

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys with SPMAGTF - Crisis Response - Africa prepare to fly at night as part of required training standards in order for pilots to continue to be qualified to carry passengers at night. while in support of Operation United Assistance in Monrovia, Liberia, Nov. 16, 2014. United Assistance is a Department of Defense operation to provide command and control, logistics, training and engineering support to U.S. Agency for International Development- led efforts to contain the Ebola virus outbreak in West African nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andre Dakis/SP-MAGTF Crisis Response Africa Combat Camera/Released) - U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys with SPMAGTF - Crisis Response - Africa prepare to fly at night as part of required training standards in order for pilots to continue to be qualified to carry passengers at night. while in support of Operation United Assistance in Monrovia, Liberia, Nov. 16, 2014. United Assistance is a Department of Defense operation to provide command and control, logistics, training and engineering support to U.S. Agency for International Development- led efforts to contain the Ebola virus outbreak in West African nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andre Dakis/SP-MAGTF Crisis Response Africa Combat Camera/Released)

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While teaching a counter-IED class, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician points out a simulated IED hidden in a tree to soldiers with the Uganda People’s Defense Force in Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 4, 2014. EOD Technicians with SPMAGTF-Crisis Response-Africa are working alongside the UPDF, helping hone their skills in countering-improvised explosive devices during a logistics and engineering training engagement. - While teaching a counter-IED class, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician points out a simulated IED hidden in a tree to soldiers with the Uganda People’s Defense Force in Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 4, 2014. EOD Technicians with SPMAGTF-Crisis Response-Africa are working alongside the UPDF, helping hone their skills in countering-improvised explosive devices during a logistics and engineering training engagement.

U.S. Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response - Africa and Spanish soldiers with Transport Helicopter Battalion 5, prepare to sling a truck to the bottom of the Spanish Army CH-47 Chinook, at Colmenar de Viejo, Spain, Nov. 19, 2014. The long distance transportation of vehicles by air can be used when conducting a disaster relief mission where vehicles are needed but key road and bridges are destroyed. The training conducted by the Marines and soldiers enhanced mission readiness and help build relationships between the two militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl Jeraco Jenkins/Released). - U.S. Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response - Africa and Spanish soldiers with Transport Helicopter Battalion 5, prepare to sling a truck to the bottom of the Spanish Army CH-47 Chinook, at Colmenar de Viejo, Spain, Nov. 19, 2014. The long distance transportation of vehicles by air can be used when conducting a disaster relief mission where vehicles are needed but key road and bridges are destroyed. The training conducted by the Marines and soldiers enhanced mission readiness and help build relationships between the two militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl Jeraco Jenkins/Released).

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command, prepare to board MV-22B Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, SPMAGTF-CR-CC, during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel rehearsal drill in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, Oct. 25, 2014. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-CR-CC serve as an expeditionary, crisis-response force tasked with supporting operations, contingencies and security cooperation in Marine Corps Forces Central Command and CENTCOM. - U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command, prepare to board MV-22B Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, SPMAGTF-CR-CC, during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel rehearsal drill in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, Oct. 25, 2014. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-CR-CC serve as an expeditionary, crisis-response force tasked with supporting operations, contingencies and security cooperation in Marine Corps Forces Central Command and CENTCOM.

U.S. Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), celebrate the 239th birthday of the United States Marine Corps during sustainment training in D'Arta Plage, Djibouti, Nov. 10. The 11th MEU is deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and 5th Fleet area of responsibility. - U.S. Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), celebrate the 239th birthday of the United States Marine Corps during sustainment training in D'Arta Plage, Djibouti, Nov. 10. The 11th MEU is deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A Marine with 1st Marine Division Schools, pre-scout sniper course snaps in before engaging his target. Division schools recently began the second week of training for Marines attending the pre-scout sniper course aboard Camp Pendleton California, Oct. 27 2014. - A Marine with 1st Marine Division Schools, pre-scout sniper course snaps in before engaging his target. Division schools recently began the second week of training for Marines attending the pre-scout sniper course aboard Camp Pendleton California, Oct. 27 2014.

First Lt. Thomas Heemer, the logistics officer for Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses with his Marine Corps Marathon bib on “Broadway,” a passageway aboard the USS New York, Oct. 26, 2014. Due to pre-deployment training with the 24th MEU, Heemer ran the MCM on a treadmill aboard the New York, finishing under the four-hour mark. The 24th MEU is conducting its final pre-deployment training exercise before a deployment at the end of the year. - First Lt. Thomas Heemer, the logistics officer for Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses with his Marine Corps Marathon bib on “Broadway,” a passageway aboard the USS New York, Oct. 26, 2014. Due to pre-deployment training with the 24th MEU, Heemer ran the MCM on a treadmill aboard the New York, finishing under the four-hour mark. The 24th MEU is conducting its final pre-deployment training exercise before a deployment at the end of the year.

Marines and sailors with Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan load onto a KC-130 aircraft on the Camp Bastion flightline, Oct. 27, 2014. The Marine Corps ended its mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, the day prior and all Marines, sailors and service members from the United Kingdom withdrew from southwestern Afghanistan. - Marines and sailors with Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan load onto a KC-130 aircraft on the Camp Bastion flightline, Oct. 27, 2014. The Marine Corps ended its mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, the day prior and all Marines, sailors and service members from the United Kingdom withdrew from southwestern Afghanistan.

Marine Corps 1st Lt. Sy Poggemeyer stands in front of the USS Peleliu (LHA-5) in port, Oct. 21, 2014. Poggemeyer’s stepfather, Navy Capt. Michael Krieger, served on the USS Peleliu 20 years ago, the same ship that Poggemeyer is currently deployed on with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU/Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group recently participated in Amphibious Landing Exercise 15 in the Philippines as part of a regularly-scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - Marine Corps 1st Lt. Sy Poggemeyer stands in front of the USS Peleliu (LHA-5) in port, Oct. 21, 2014. Poggemeyer’s stepfather, Navy Capt. Michael Krieger, served on the USS Peleliu 20 years ago, the same ship that Poggemeyer is currently deployed on with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU/Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group recently participated in Amphibious Landing Exercise 15 in the Philippines as part of a regularly-scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

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Cpl. Robert Modar, a cannoneer with Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, pulls the lanyard on an M327 Expeditionary Fire Support System Oct. 7, 2014 during a training and readiness evaluation. The Marines from 1st Bn., 12th Marines, were getting evaluated on timeliness of getting the 120 mm rounds fired off as preparation for an upcoming deployment. - Cpl. Robert Modar, a cannoneer with Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, pulls the lanyard on an M327 Expeditionary Fire Support System Oct. 7, 2014 during a training and readiness evaluation. The Marines from 1st Bn., 12th Marines, were getting evaluated on timeliness of getting the 120 mm rounds fired off as preparation for an upcoming deployment.

U. S. Marines with Co. K, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, attached to 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit walk toward an MV-22B Osprey, belonging to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), during Amphibious Landing Exercise 15 aboard the USS Peleliu, at sea, Oct. 2, 2014. PHIBLEX 15 is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. Marines and Navy to strengthen interoperability across a range of capabilities to include disaster relief and contingency operations. - U. S. Marines with Co. K, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, attached to 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit walk toward an MV-22B Osprey, belonging to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), during Amphibious Landing Exercise 15 aboard the USS Peleliu, at sea, Oct. 2, 2014. PHIBLEX 15 is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. Marines and Navy to strengthen interoperability across a range of capabilities to include disaster relief and contingency operations.

As the final days in his Marine Corps career end, Lt. Gen. Robert E. Milstead Jr. Reflects on his past experiences and how he has molded his career to guide and inspire younger Marines. - As the final days in his Marine Corps career end, Lt. Gen. Robert E. Milstead Jr. Reflects on his past experiences and how he has molded his career to guide and inspire younger Marines.

Brigadier Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, left, commander, Regional Command and Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan, awards Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Van Horn, a corpsman with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device during an award ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 17, 2014. Van Horn received the award for heroic achievement while being a first responder to Marine casualties after their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. - Brigadier Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, left, commander, Regional Command and Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan, awards Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Van Horn, a corpsman with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device during an award ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 17, 2014. Van Horn received the award for heroic achievement while being a first responder to Marine casualties after their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.

Sgt. Richard Flavell, (left), and Lance Cpl. Michael Ciavirella (right rear), lead the Senegalese Companie de Fusilier Marine Commandos, or COFUMACO, in a fire and movement drill in Toubacouta, Senegal, Aug. 28, 2014. During the drill, the man bounding has to catch a ball and throw it back, forcing him to maintain situational awareness while bounding. The drill was part of a joint training engagement between U.S. Marines, Coast Guard, and the COFUMACO. (Courtesy Photo by Lance Cpl. Jonathan Neumann) - Sgt. Richard Flavell, (left), and Lance Cpl. Michael Ciavirella (right rear), lead the Senegalese Companie de Fusilier Marine Commandos, or COFUMACO, in a fire and movement drill in Toubacouta, Senegal, Aug. 28, 2014. During the drill, the man bounding has to catch a ball and throw it back, forcing him to maintain situational awareness while bounding. The drill was part of a joint training engagement between U.S. Marines, Coast Guard, and the COFUMACO. (Courtesy Photo by Lance Cpl. Jonathan Neumann)

Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force practice loading and unloading inert rounds into the Non-Lethal, Tube-Launched Munitions System during their practical application training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 14, 2014. Marine Corps Systems Command Optics and Non-Lethal Systems is fielding the system that sends non-lethal munitions out as far as 500 meters and uses an audible bang to deter a crowd or a person with mal-intent. Its intended use is for military checkpoints. - Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force practice loading and unloading inert rounds into the Non-Lethal, Tube-Launched Munitions System during their practical application training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 14, 2014. Marine Corps Systems Command Optics and Non-Lethal Systems is fielding the system that sends non-lethal munitions out as far as 500 meters and uses an audible bang to deter a crowd or a person with mal-intent. Its intended use is for military checkpoints.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Divers look upon the sunken remains of a Vietnam-era amphibious landing craft, that allegedly went under during a demonstration for the Secretary of the Navy on Pyramid Rock Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. (Courtesy photo from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) - MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Divers look upon the sunken remains of a Vietnam-era amphibious landing craft, that allegedly went under during a demonstration for the Secretary of the Navy on Pyramid Rock Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. (Courtesy photo from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force fire the Non-Lethal, Tube-Launched Munitions System from a vehicle at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 14, 2014. The live fire showcased the versatility and shock and awe effect of the NLTLMS and how effective it can be at a vehicle checkpoint. Marine Corps Systems Command Optics and Non-Lethal Systems is fielding the system that sends non-lethal munitions out as far as 500 meters and uses an audible bang to deter a crowd or a person with mal-intent. - Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force fire the Non-Lethal, Tube-Launched Munitions System from a vehicle at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 14, 2014. The live fire showcased the versatility and shock and awe effect of the NLTLMS and how effective it can be at a vehicle checkpoint. Marine Corps Systems Command Optics and Non-Lethal Systems is fielding the system that sends non-lethal munitions out as far as 500 meters and uses an audible bang to deter a crowd or a person with mal-intent.

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – The families of Cpl. Johnathan T. Yale and Lance Cpl. Jordan C. Haerter bow their heads in prayer during a dedication ceremony to rename the Wallace Creek Dining Hall in honor of the two Marines Aug. 28, 2014, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Yale and Haerter died protecting their fellow Marines in Iraq when they engaged and stopped a truck loaded with 2,000 pounds of explosives before it reached its intended target in April 2008. Both Marines were posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for heroism. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle M. Mohn) - MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – The families of Cpl. Johnathan T. Yale and Lance Cpl. Jordan C. Haerter bow their heads in prayer during a dedication ceremony to rename the Wallace Creek Dining Hall in honor of the two Marines Aug. 28, 2014, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Yale and Haerter died protecting their fellow Marines in Iraq when they engaged and stopped a truck loaded with 2,000 pounds of explosives before it reached its intended target in April 2008. Both Marines were posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for heroism. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle M. Mohn)

Col. Clifford Weinstein, commanding officer, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., left, and Col. Darren Richardson, deputy commander of the 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans, and Col. Gerard Wynn, assistant chief of staff for operations and plans at the Marine Corps Forces Command Individual Mobilization Augmentee, engage in a discussion during the “Senior Planners Course” on Aug. 20 at Marine Corps University aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. - Col. Clifford Weinstein, commanding officer, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., left, and Col. Darren Richardson, deputy commander of the 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans, and Col. Gerard Wynn, assistant chief of staff for operations and plans at the Marine Corps Forces Command Individual Mobilization Augmentee, engage in a discussion during the “Senior Planners Course” on Aug. 20 at Marine Corps University aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico.

Marines and a sailor, with a sea services color guard, observe the “Undaunted in Battle” memorial in Bladensburg, Maryland Aug. 23, 2014. The monument was dedicated as a part of the 200 Year Commemoration of the Battle of Bladensburg. - Marines and a sailor, with a sea services color guard, observe the “Undaunted in Battle” memorial in Bladensburg, Maryland Aug. 23, 2014. The monument was dedicated as a part of the 200 Year Commemoration of the Battle of Bladensburg.