News

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

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.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

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.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

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.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

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.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

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)

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

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.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

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)

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

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.

Marines with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group fire at targets over 300 meters away with the M2 .50-caliber machine gun during a live-fire training exercise at a multipurpose machine gun range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 14, 2015. The hard work, time and effort put into the training helps the Marine Corps maintain mission readiness consistently by providing Marines with knowledge and experience, and strengthens their ability to work effectively in real situations by maintaining unit cohesion, said Bradley Marsh, an 8th ESB motor transportation Marine. - Marines with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group fire at targets over 300 meters away with the M2 .50-caliber machine gun during a live-fire training exercise at a multipurpose machine gun range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 14, 2015. The hard work, time and effort put into the training helps the Marine Corps maintain mission readiness consistently by providing Marines with knowledge and experience, and strengthens their ability to work effectively in real situations by maintaining unit cohesion, said Bradley Marsh, an 8th ESB motor transportation Marine.

Marines with 2nd Platoon, 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force are instructed on the course of fire before participating in a live-fire exercise during a close-quarters combat tactics course at range K-501A aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 14, 2015. Marines built upon training in techniques and tactics in preparation for the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit slated to deploy in 2016. - Marines with 2nd Platoon, 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force are instructed on the course of fire before participating in a live-fire exercise during a close-quarters combat tactics course at range K-501A aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 14, 2015. Marines built upon training in techniques and tactics in preparation for the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit slated to deploy in 2016.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

Light armored vehicle crewmen with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion man a crew-served M240 Bravo medium machine gun during a live-fire platoon attack exercise on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 15, 2015. The unit utilized machine guns, which stood in for the battalion’s light armored vehicles for the exercise, but the weapon systems still provided an opportunity for Marines to maintain their combat skills. - Light armored vehicle crewmen with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion man a crew-served M240 Bravo medium machine gun during a live-fire platoon attack exercise on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 15, 2015. The unit utilized machine guns, which stood in for the battalion’s light armored vehicles for the exercise, but the weapon systems still provided an opportunity for Marines to maintain their combat skills.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Thomas Savage, right, commanding officer, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, shakes hands with a Portuguese Marine after an assault training exercise near Lisbon, Portugal, April 10, 2015. Marines stationed out of Moron Air Base, Spain, traveled to Portugal to utilize a variety of different ranges and training exercises alongside with the Portuguese Marines. After a week of training together, Marines and Fuzileiros were more familiar with each other's tactics and operating procedures. (U.S. Marine Corps photograph by Lance Cpl. Christopher Mendoza/Released) - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Thomas Savage, right, commanding officer, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, shakes hands with a Portuguese Marine after an assault training exercise near Lisbon, Portugal, April 10, 2015. Marines stationed out of Moron Air Base, Spain, traveled to Portugal to utilize a variety of different ranges and training exercises alongside with the Portuguese Marines. After a week of training together, Marines and Fuzileiros were more familiar with each other's tactics and operating procedures. (U.S. Marine Corps photograph by Lance Cpl. Christopher Mendoza/Released)

Cpl. Martin Quevedo-Chirinos, a joint fires observer with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, reviews gridded reference graphics of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, during simulated close air support training April 12-13, 2015. The training allowed Marines to receive valuable training with various types of equipment. - Cpl. Martin Quevedo-Chirinos, a joint fires observer with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, reviews gridded reference graphics of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, during simulated close air support training April 12-13, 2015. The training allowed Marines to receive valuable training with various types of equipment.

Sgt. Maya Marin C. Garnica, anti-tank missileman, Anti-Armor Section, Weapons Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, carries a tube-launched, optically-tracked, wire-guided missile to the firing line during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 107, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 12, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. - Sgt. Maya Marin C. Garnica, anti-tank missileman, Anti-Armor Section, Weapons Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, carries a tube-launched, optically-tracked, wire-guided missile to the firing line during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 107, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 12, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks.

Marines with Company C, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, provide security for their team during a simulated casualty evacuation aboard Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, April 10, 2015. Marines with the company operated in remote locations of the wilderness and provided surveillance of the surrounding area to paint the commander a picture of the battlefield. During the patrol, the reconnaissance men navigated through several kilometers of thick brush and provided surveillance on numerous named areas of interest. The patrol was one of many exercises the company will complete as part of a combat readiness evaluation in preparation for an upcoming deployment.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Joseph Scanlan / released) - Marines with Company C, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, provide security for their team during a simulated casualty evacuation aboard Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, April 10, 2015. Marines with the company operated in remote locations of the wilderness and provided surveillance of the surrounding area to paint the commander a picture of the battlefield. During the patrol, the reconnaissance men navigated through several kilometers of thick brush and provided surveillance on numerous named areas of interest. The patrol was one of many exercises the company will complete as part of a combat readiness evaluation in preparation for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Joseph Scanlan / released)

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 22, prepares to take off while on top of a mountain during a flight aboard Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico, April 2, 2015. During the flight the Marines conducted low visibility landing, flew through mountainous terrain and at low altitudes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andy J. Orozco/Released) - An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 22, prepares to take off while on top of a mountain during a flight aboard Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico, April 2, 2015. During the flight the Marines conducted low visibility landing, flew through mountainous terrain and at low altitudes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andy J. Orozco/Released)

Marines from Company I, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment depart from an MV-22B Osprey to conduct a simulated embassy reinforcement training exercise at Joint Reserve Training Center Los Alamitos, California, April 11, 2015. The embassy reinforcement operation was a part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s certification exercise, the last training exercise the MEU conducts before deployment. - Marines from Company I, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment depart from an MV-22B Osprey to conduct a simulated embassy reinforcement training exercise at Joint Reserve Training Center Los Alamitos, California, April 11, 2015. The embassy reinforcement operation was a part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s certification exercise, the last training exercise the MEU conducts before deployment.

Plane captain Lance Cpl. Joseph Crescenzo, of Ocala, Fla., signals stand clear to maintainers while directing an AV-8B Harrier assigned to the Bulldogs of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 at Key West, Florida March 24. Naval Air Station Key West is a state-of-the-art facility for air-to-air combat fighter aircraft of all military services and provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Morales/ Released) - Plane captain Lance Cpl. Joseph Crescenzo, of Ocala, Fla., signals stand clear to maintainers while directing an AV-8B Harrier assigned to the Bulldogs of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 at Key West, Florida March 24. Naval Air Station Key West is a state-of-the-art facility for air-to-air combat fighter aircraft of all military services and provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Morales/ Released)