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A Marine posts security March 15 in the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in amphibious assault training in order to hone their amphibious capabilities. - A Marine posts security March 15 in the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in amphibious assault training in order to hone their amphibious capabilities.

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A member of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 30th Infantry Regiment, 12th Brigade, Eastern Army practices fast roping out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft during Forest Light 17-1 at Camp Soumagahara, Japan, on March 9, 2017. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise conducted by U.S. and Japan forces in order to strengthen our interoperability and combined capabilities in defense of the U.S.-Japan alliance. - A member of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 30th Infantry Regiment, 12th Brigade, Eastern Army practices fast roping out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft during Forest Light 17-1 at Camp Soumagahara, Japan, on March 9, 2017. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise conducted by U.S. and Japan forces in order to strengthen our interoperability and combined capabilities in defense of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

A Marine launches a Raven small unmanned aircraft system into the air at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 27, 2017. Marines conducted aerial training exercises at Tactical Landing Zone Dove to demonstrate the capabilities and build familiarization with the SUAS. The Marines are intelligence specialists with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. - A Marine launches a Raven small unmanned aircraft system into the air at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 27, 2017. Marines conducted aerial training exercises at Tactical Landing Zone Dove to demonstrate the capabilities and build familiarization with the SUAS. The Marines are intelligence specialists with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment.

Marines with 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company enter the water during a ship-to-shore diving operation exercise at Pensacola, Fla., March 23, 2017. The exercise focused on performing sustainment training on Marine combative dive tactics. The training will enhance the company’s capability conduct specialized insertion and extraction tasks. - Marines with 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company enter the water during a ship-to-shore diving operation exercise at Pensacola, Fla., March 23, 2017. The exercise focused on performing sustainment training on Marine combative dive tactics. The training will enhance the company’s capability conduct specialized insertion and extraction tasks.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Ysac Perez, the air base ground defense staff non-commissioned officer in charge for Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, observes how Marines deal with the set objectives during exercise Tanuki Wrath on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 22, 2017. MWSS-171 conducted the exercise to help train Marines to set up security around a downed aircraft and how to control a riot. - U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Ysac Perez, the air base ground defense staff non-commissioned officer in charge for Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, observes how Marines deal with the set objectives during exercise Tanuki Wrath on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 22, 2017. MWSS-171 conducted the exercise to help train Marines to set up security around a downed aircraft and how to control a riot.

Dutch Marines prepare to breach a building while training with U.S. Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 23, 2017. During the integrated training exercise, Dutch and U.S. Marines worked with canine units, coordinated air assets and exchanged tactics between services in order to strengthen cohesion and interoperability between the partner two allied nations. - Dutch Marines prepare to breach a building while training with U.S. Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 23, 2017. During the integrated training exercise, Dutch and U.S. Marines worked with canine units, coordinated air assets and exchanged tactics between services in order to strengthen cohesion and interoperability between the partner two allied nations.

U.S. Marine Corps Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 conducted exercise Tanuki Wrath on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 22, 2017. MWSS-171 conducted the exercise to help train Marines to set up security around a downed aircraft and how to control a riot. - U.S. Marine Corps Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 conducted exercise Tanuki Wrath on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 22, 2017. MWSS-171 conducted the exercise to help train Marines to set up security around a downed aircraft and how to control a riot.

Landing signal officers communicate with a pilot preparing to land on a simulated aircraft carrier aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, March 22, 2017. The LSOs analyze the glide slope path and the movement of the carrier to decide whether the aircraft can land. The LSOs are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, Marine Aircraft Group 31. - Landing signal officers communicate with a pilot preparing to land on a simulated aircraft carrier aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, March 22, 2017. The LSOs analyze the glide slope path and the movement of the carrier to decide whether the aircraft can land. The LSOs are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

Lance Cpl. Milton Torres, a Marine with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, prepares a hose for a decontamination drill at Guardian Centers in Perry, Ga., March 20, 2017, during Exercise Scarlet Response 2017. The exercise, which goes from March 20 – 25, is the largest annual event for CBIRF, and it tests the unit’s capabilities to react and respond to threats and disasters such as nuclear detonations. - Lance Cpl. Milton Torres, a Marine with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, prepares a hose for a decontamination drill at Guardian Centers in Perry, Ga., March 20, 2017, during Exercise Scarlet Response 2017. The exercise, which goes from March 20 – 25, is the largest annual event for CBIRF, and it tests the unit’s capabilities to react and respond to threats and disasters such as nuclear detonations.

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Staff Sgt. Randall Lester (left) points toward aircraft as Maj. Lauchlin Byrd (center) and Maj. Thomas Short (right) scan the skies during close air support operations at a range near Fort Drum, N.Y., March 16, 2017. Marines assigned to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, worked in conjunction with Marines assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, to complete the training. - Staff Sgt. Randall Lester (left) points toward aircraft as Maj. Lauchlin Byrd (center) and Maj. Thomas Short (right) scan the skies during close air support operations at a range near Fort Drum, N.Y., March 16, 2017. Marines assigned to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, worked in conjunction with Marines assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, to complete the training.

Staff Sgt. Kiriden Benny, the cyber network systems chief with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, practices breathing compressed air during Underwater Egress Training at the Water Survival Training Facility on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 8, 2017. The purpose of the training is to teach Marines lifesaving skills in the event of an aircraft mishap in the water. - Staff Sgt. Kiriden Benny, the cyber network systems chief with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, practices breathing compressed air during Underwater Egress Training at the Water Survival Training Facility on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 8, 2017. The purpose of the training is to teach Marines lifesaving skills in the event of an aircraft mishap in the water.

Karen Delich, a health specialist from Colorado Springs addresses students attending Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-17 and Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One staff during a tactical risk management period of instruction at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., March 15, 2017. WTI is a seven week event hosted by MAWTS-1. MAWTS-1 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. - Karen Delich, a health specialist from Colorado Springs addresses students attending Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-17 and Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One staff during a tactical risk management period of instruction at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., March 15, 2017. WTI is a seven week event hosted by MAWTS-1. MAWTS-1 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. Sean Taylor, a radio operator with Headquarters Battalion, catches his breathe after finishing a 3-mile run during a Physical Fitness Test at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 14, 2017. The PFT is an evaluation conducted throughout the Marine Corps annually to assess the level of fitness. For more information on the PFT updates, utilize Marine Corps Bulletin 6100. - Lance Cpl. Sean Taylor, a radio operator with Headquarters Battalion, catches his breathe after finishing a 3-mile run during a Physical Fitness Test at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 14, 2017. The PFT is an evaluation conducted throughout the Marine Corps annually to assess the level of fitness. For more information on the PFT updates, utilize Marine Corps Bulletin 6100.

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

Sgt. Maj. Brad Kasal, I Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks with noncommissioned officers assigned to 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 14, 2017. During the talk, Kasal spoke about the need for all Marines and sailors to exercise the same devotion to one another every day that they would show while in combat. - Sgt. Maj. Brad Kasal, I Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks with noncommissioned officers assigned to 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 14, 2017. During the talk, Kasal spoke about the need for all Marines and sailors to exercise the same devotion to one another every day that they would show while in combat.

Marine Air Control Group 38 conducted Exercise Lightning Sword, a Marine Air Command and Control System integrated training exercise, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, MCAS Camp Pendleton, California and MCAS Yuma, Arizona, March 6 to 17. Lightning Sword provided MACG-38 an opportunity to exercise a fully capable MACCS in a constructed marine expeditionary force level scenario. - Marine Air Control Group 38 conducted Exercise Lightning Sword, a Marine Air Command and Control System integrated training exercise, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, MCAS Camp Pendleton, California and MCAS Yuma, Arizona, March 6 to 17. Lightning Sword provided MACG-38 an opportunity to exercise a fully capable MACCS in a constructed marine expeditionary force level scenario.

Marines with Transportation Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 conduct external lift training at Landing Zone West Field at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. This training improves proficiency for the pilots when moving supplies while Marines on the ground conditioned themselves to safely prepare dual and single load lifts. - Marines with Transportation Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 conduct external lift training at Landing Zone West Field at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. This training improves proficiency for the pilots when moving supplies while Marines on the ground conditioned themselves to safely prepare dual and single load lifts.

Gunnery Sgt. Lawrence Smith, a faculty advisor at the Marine Corps Base Quantico Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy, leads a guided discussion during a Career Course classroom session at MCB Quantico, Virginia, Mar. 8, 2017. Enlisted Marines come to Quantico in order to be qualified and teach as a faculty advisor, a role that helps facilitate hundreds of Marines a year in their resident professional military education. - Gunnery Sgt. Lawrence Smith, a faculty advisor at the Marine Corps Base Quantico Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy, leads a guided discussion during a Career Course classroom session at MCB Quantico, Virginia, Mar. 8, 2017. Enlisted Marines come to Quantico in order to be qualified and teach as a faculty advisor, a role that helps facilitate hundreds of Marines a year in their resident professional military education.

Marines and sailors with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 30th Infantry Regiment, 12th Brigade, Eastern Army practice casualty evacuation drills during Forest Light 17-1 at Camp Soumagahara, Mar. 9, 2017. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise conducted by U.S. and JGSDF in order to strengthen interoperability and combined capabilities in defense of the U.S.-Japan alliance. - Marines and sailors with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 30th Infantry Regiment, 12th Brigade, Eastern Army practice casualty evacuation drills during Forest Light 17-1 at Camp Soumagahara, Mar. 9, 2017. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise conducted by U.S. and JGSDF in order to strengthen interoperability and combined capabilities in defense of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

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Enjoying a little bit of sunshine, Shalisa Davis stands in front of the start/finish in Singapore Beach, Singapore after finishing lucky number two. - Enjoying a little bit of sunshine, Shalisa Davis stands in front of the start/finish in Singapore Beach, Singapore after finishing lucky number two.

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Gunnery Sgt. Todd Groves and Bokusei Kinjo at Kinjo’s farm, near Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 23, 2017. Groves is a maintenance chief with Small Craft Repair Platoon, Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Kinjo is a local Japanese farmer. Groves, from Fulton, Missouri, was a pig farmer growing up and has now found a place he can call home on Kinjo’s farm. He has helped to take care of the land and the animals on Kinjo’s farm for the last two years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bernadette Wildes) - Gunnery Sgt. Todd Groves and Bokusei Kinjo at Kinjo’s farm, near Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 23, 2017. Groves is a maintenance chief with Small Craft Repair Platoon, Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Kinjo is a local Japanese farmer. Groves, from Fulton, Missouri, was a pig farmer growing up and has now found a place he can call home on Kinjo’s farm. He has helped to take care of the land and the animals on Kinjo’s farm for the last two years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bernadette Wildes)

A Lockheed C-130 Hercules drops Marines from 4000ft for a static line jump at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bouge, North Carolina, Feb. 23, 2017. These Marines are required to perform a certain number of various altitude jumps to remain certified annually. The Marines are with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. - A Lockheed C-130 Hercules drops Marines from 4000ft for a static line jump at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bouge, North Carolina, Feb. 23, 2017. These Marines are required to perform a certain number of various altitude jumps to remain certified annually. The Marines are with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion.

A Percussion Actuated Neutralizer tool disables an Improvised Explosive Device with a high impact round activated by Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians who took cover out of the blast radius during an IED training exercise on Camp Pendleton, Feb. 22, 2017. The EOD Technicians, like all other forces of the 15th MEU, undergo critical training prior to deploying to ensure they can operate in any hostile mission area. - A Percussion Actuated Neutralizer tool disables an Improvised Explosive Device with a high impact round activated by Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians who took cover out of the blast radius during an IED training exercise on Camp Pendleton, Feb. 22, 2017. The EOD Technicians, like all other forces of the 15th MEU, undergo critical training prior to deploying to ensure they can operate in any hostile mission area.

1st Lt. Morgan White, right, instructs her Marines during a squadron-wide gear inspection aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 6, 2017. White states that the training she has received in the Marine Corps helped develop her leadership and decision-making skills. “The Marine Corps teaches you to make hard decisions,” said White. “When life throws us questions that we don’t know the answer to, we’ve learned to quickly think on our feet.” White is the communications officer for Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. - 1st Lt. Morgan White, right, instructs her Marines during a squadron-wide gear inspection aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 6, 2017. White states that the training she has received in the Marine Corps helped develop her leadership and decision-making skills. “The Marine Corps teaches you to make hard decisions,” said White. “When life throws us questions that we don’t know the answer to, we’ve learned to quickly think on our feet.” White is the communications officer for Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

SENOOR BEACH, Oman (Feb. 15, 2017) U.S. Marine Cpl. Johnathan Riethmann, a mortarman with Company A, Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 4th Marines, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, walks to a staging area at Senoor Beach, Oman, in preparation for Exercise Sea Soldier, Feb. 15. Sea Soldier 2017 is an annual, bilateral exercise conducted with the Royal Army of Oman designed to demonstrate the cooperative skill and will of U.S. and partner nations to work together in maintaining regional stability and security. USS Somerset, with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce and enhance regional stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Robert B. Brown Jr.) - SENOOR BEACH, Oman (Feb. 15, 2017) U.S. Marine Cpl. Johnathan Riethmann, a mortarman with Company A, Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 4th Marines, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, walks to a staging area at Senoor Beach, Oman, in preparation for Exercise Sea Soldier, Feb. 15. Sea Soldier 2017 is an annual, bilateral exercise conducted with the Royal Army of Oman designed to demonstrate the cooperative skill and will of U.S. and partner nations to work together in maintaining regional stability and security. USS Somerset, with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce and enhance regional stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Robert B. Brown Jr.)

U.S. Marines and Royal Thai Marines discuss training techniques during Exercise Cobra Gold 17 with Royal Thai Marines Feb. 14, 2017 at Ban Chan Krem, Thailand. Cobra Gold is the largest Theater Security Cooperation exercise in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and is an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region. During patrols of the Indo-Asia Pacific region, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit engages partner nations to sustain theater security and continue integrated bilateral training, furthering cohesion between our militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards/Released) - U.S. Marines and Royal Thai Marines discuss training techniques during Exercise Cobra Gold 17 with Royal Thai Marines Feb. 14, 2017 at Ban Chan Krem, Thailand. Cobra Gold is the largest Theater Security Cooperation exercise in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and is an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region. During patrols of the Indo-Asia Pacific region, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit engages partner nations to sustain theater security and continue integrated bilateral training, furthering cohesion between our militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards/Released)

Lance Cpl. Tyler Pratt, an ordnance technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 “Death Rattlers,” attaches ordnance to an F/A-18C Hornet at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev., Feb. 15. The Death Rattlers, one of two Marine Hornet squadrons to deploy aboard Navy aircraft carriers, trained at NAS Fallon to strengthen tactical air integration, fulfill predeployment requirements and build rapport with the Navy squadrons they will deploy with in summer 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Lillian Stephens/Released) - Lance Cpl. Tyler Pratt, an ordnance technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 “Death Rattlers,” attaches ordnance to an F/A-18C Hornet at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev., Feb. 15. The Death Rattlers, one of two Marine Hornet squadrons to deploy aboard Navy aircraft carriers, trained at NAS Fallon to strengthen tactical air integration, fulfill predeployment requirements and build rapport with the Navy squadrons they will deploy with in summer 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Lillian Stephens/Released)

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, begin offloading from a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462 during the insertion drill of their Mountain Exercise training at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Feb. 3. On and offload drills also help air crew and pilots refine their tactics, techniques and procedures during real-time training. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, begin offloading from a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462 during the insertion drill of their Mountain Exercise training at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Feb. 3. On and offload drills also help air crew and pilots refine their tactics, techniques and procedures during real-time training.

Corpsmen transport a notional patient onto an aircraft during a Tactical Combat Casualty Care training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 6-10, 2017. The TCCC teaches corpsmen new communication skills and how to care for a patient in a combat zone. The corpsmen are with 2nd Medical Battalion. - Corpsmen transport a notional patient onto an aircraft during a Tactical Combat Casualty Care training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 6-10, 2017. The TCCC teaches corpsmen new communication skills and how to care for a patient in a combat zone. The corpsmen are with 2nd Medical Battalion.

Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, worked with 1st Marine Logistics Group, 1st Supply Battalion, Supply Company Marine Air Ground Task Force, MAGTF Marine Materiel Distribution Center to prepare equipment for transport with RFID tags and SHOUT nano devices, tracking equipment from Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California, and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms, to and from the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Feb. 7. - Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, worked with 1st Marine Logistics Group, 1st Supply Battalion, Supply Company Marine Air Ground Task Force, MAGTF Marine Materiel Distribution Center to prepare equipment for transport with RFID tags and SHOUT nano devices, tracking equipment from Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California, and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms, to and from the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Feb. 7.

Marines participate with 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion in a grenade assault course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 9, 2017. The course prepared Marines to use the M67 fragmentation hand grenade. The exercise was in preparation for an upcoming Integrated Training Exercise 3-17 at Marine Air-Ground Combat Center Twenty-Nine Palms, California. - Marines participate with 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion in a grenade assault course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 9, 2017. The course prepared Marines to use the M67 fragmentation hand grenade. The exercise was in preparation for an upcoming Integrated Training Exercise 3-17 at Marine Air-Ground Combat Center Twenty-Nine Palms, California.

A Marine with Task Force Southwest catches the Instant Eye small unmanned aerial system following a flight at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 8, 2017. The drone allows operators to record surveillance and execute reconnaissance in small, confined areas which are otherwise inoperable with larger aircraft. Approximately 300 Marines are assigned to Task Force Southwest, whose mission will be to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Army 215th Corps and 505th Zone National Police. - A Marine with Task Force Southwest catches the Instant Eye small unmanned aerial system following a flight at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 8, 2017. The drone allows operators to record surveillance and execute reconnaissance in small, confined areas which are otherwise inoperable with larger aircraft. Approximately 300 Marines are assigned to Task Force Southwest, whose mission will be to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Army 215th Corps and 505th Zone National Police.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 refuel an F-35B Lighting II at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Jan. 31, 2017. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 refuel an F-35B Lighting II at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Jan. 31, 2017.

Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 “Heavy Haulers” prepare to conduct cold weather training at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., Feb.1, 2017. The CH-53E Super Stallion’s versatility and maneuverability is an important asset in the terrain surrounding MCMWTC and facilitates mission during the training exercise. - Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 “Heavy Haulers” prepare to conduct cold weather training at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., Feb.1, 2017. The CH-53E Super Stallion’s versatility and maneuverability is an important asset in the terrain surrounding MCMWTC and facilitates mission during the training exercise.

Marines with Weapons Co., 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, hold M821A2 High Explosive mortar rounds in preparation to fire at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 8, 2017. The Marines fired off red phosphorous and high explosive rounds during a training exercise where they were able to coordinate with Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic during their qualification training for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. - Marines with Weapons Co., 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, hold M821A2 High Explosive mortar rounds in preparation to fire at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 8, 2017. The Marines fired off red phosphorous and high explosive rounds during a training exercise where they were able to coordinate with Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic during their qualification training for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.

Sgt. Justin Adams, an instructor with 1st Marine Division Schools ‘Pre-Scout Sniper Course’ observes a soldier with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force during a known distance range conducted at during Exercise Iron Fist 2017, aboard Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 7, 2017. The range consisted of known distances of targets from 100 to 550 meters. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral training exercise where U.S. and Japanese service members train together and share techniques, tactics and procedure to improve their combined operational capabilities. - Sgt. Justin Adams, an instructor with 1st Marine Division Schools ‘Pre-Scout Sniper Course’ observes a soldier with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force during a known distance range conducted at during Exercise Iron Fist 2017, aboard Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 7, 2017. The range consisted of known distances of targets from 100 to 550 meters. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral training exercise where U.S. and Japanese service members train together and share techniques, tactics and procedure to improve their combined operational capabilities.

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A Marine with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rappels down a cliff at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 24, 2017. JWTC exposes Marines to training situations and environments unique to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region which sustain operational readiness and enhance forward deployed capabilities. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Indo-Asia- Pacific region. - A Marine with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rappels down a cliff at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 24, 2017. JWTC exposes Marines to training situations and environments unique to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region which sustain operational readiness and enhance forward deployed capabilities. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Indo-Asia- Pacific region.

The Marine Corps Program Executive Officer Land Systems is expected to deliver 144 Utility Task Vehicles to the regiment-level starting in February 2017. The rugged all-terrain vehicle can carry up to four Marines or be converted to haul 1,500 pounds of supplies. With minimal armor and size, the UTV can quickly haul extra ammunition and provisions, or injured Marines, while preserving energy and stealth. - The Marine Corps Program Executive Officer Land Systems is expected to deliver 144 Utility Task Vehicles to the regiment-level starting in February 2017. The rugged all-terrain vehicle can carry up to four Marines or be converted to haul 1,500 pounds of supplies. With minimal armor and size, the UTV can quickly haul extra ammunition and provisions, or injured Marines, while preserving energy and stealth.

Lance Cpl. Emmitt Aimino, a rifleman with Company C, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, secures his snow shoes during exercise Riley Xanten II, in Burwash, Ontario, Feb. 3-5, 2017. During the exercise, the Marines joined soldiers from the Canadian Armed Forces to exchange knowledge and increase proficiency in cold weather tactics, survival skills, shelter building, ice fishing, and more. - Lance Cpl. Emmitt Aimino, a rifleman with Company C, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, secures his snow shoes during exercise Riley Xanten II, in Burwash, Ontario, Feb. 3-5, 2017. During the exercise, the Marines joined soldiers from the Canadian Armed Forces to exchange knowledge and increase proficiency in cold weather tactics, survival skills, shelter building, ice fishing, and more.

An F-18D Hornet taxis down the flight line for a training exercise during the Marine Division Tactics Course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jan. 27, 2017. One pilot and one Weapons System Operator were selected from each squadron to participate in MDTC to hone their skills in air to air tactics. The Marines are with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, Marine Aircraft Group 31. - An F-18D Hornet taxis down the flight line for a training exercise during the Marine Division Tactics Course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jan. 27, 2017. One pilot and one Weapons System Operator were selected from each squadron to participate in MDTC to hone their skills in air to air tactics. The Marines are with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Louis Simon, executive officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, acts as the commander of troops during the opening ceremony of Exercise Iron Fist 2017, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 6, 2017. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral training exercise where U.S. and Japanese service members train together and share techniques, tactics and procedures to improve their combined operational capabilities. - U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Louis Simon, executive officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, acts as the commander of troops during the opening ceremony of Exercise Iron Fist 2017, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 6, 2017. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral training exercise where U.S. and Japanese service members train together and share techniques, tactics and procedures to improve their combined operational capabilities.

Pfc. Jacob Maze peers through his scope during Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Military Operations in Urban Terrain training aboard Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, N.C., Feb. 2, 2017. With corporal being the highest rank participating in the building-clearing, small unit leadership was tested with constantly shifting leadership positions. “My end goal is to ensure any of my Marines are able to take my place if the situation arises,” said Cpl. Christian Leishman, a squad leader for the exercise. Maze is an engineer equipment operator with MWSS-271, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released) - Pfc. Jacob Maze peers through his scope during Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Military Operations in Urban Terrain training aboard Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, N.C., Feb. 2, 2017. With corporal being the highest rank participating in the building-clearing, small unit leadership was tested with constantly shifting leadership positions. “My end goal is to ensure any of my Marines are able to take my place if the situation arises,” said Cpl. Christian Leishman, a squad leader for the exercise. Maze is an engineer equipment operator with MWSS-271, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released)