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Retired Marine Col. Christopher Starling, now the vice president and chief development officer of the Marines’ Memorial Association, sights in with an M4A1 carbine during a range safety brief aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 19, 2016. During their visit, members interacted with Marines to gain an understanding of the advancements in training and equipment the Marine Corps has recently made. - Retired Marine Col. Christopher Starling, now the vice president and chief development officer of the Marines’ Memorial Association, sights in with an M4A1 carbine during a range safety brief aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 19, 2016. During their visit, members interacted with Marines to gain an understanding of the advancements in training and equipment the Marine Corps has recently made.

Capt. Nick Anthony, a U.S. Marine Corps recruiting management officer based in Seattle, assisted in the rescue of an elderly man while climbing in North Cascades National Park, Washington, Sept. 10, 2016. After encountering an exhausted 77-year-old Norman Petty on a hike with his wife Barbara, Anthony and fellow climbers led the couple visiting from Dunwoody, Georgia, to safety by carrying Norman Petty more than three miles using an impromptu support system. As the executive officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Seattle, Anthony is the second-in-command for recruiting operations spanning Washington, northern Idaho and Montana. Anthony, 32, is from Norman, Oklahoma. - Capt. Nick Anthony, a U.S. Marine Corps recruiting management officer based in Seattle, assisted in the rescue of an elderly man while climbing in North Cascades National Park, Washington, Sept. 10, 2016. After encountering an exhausted 77-year-old Norman Petty on a hike with his wife Barbara, Anthony and fellow climbers led the couple visiting from Dunwoody, Georgia, to safety by carrying Norman Petty more than three miles using an impromptu support system. As the executive officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Seattle, Anthony is the second-in-command for recruiting operations spanning Washington, northern Idaho and Montana. Anthony, 32, is from Norman, Oklahoma.

Instructors demonstrate how to set up a pulley system to retain equipment in the jungle Sept. 20 at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan. The Jungle Warfare Training Center has provided terrain and climate-specific training to units serving across the Asia-Pacific region since 1958 and stretches over more than 17,000 acres. Training aboard the installation reinforces service members’ ability to carry out tactical operations in a jungle environment. - Instructors demonstrate how to set up a pulley system to retain equipment in the jungle Sept. 20 at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan. The Jungle Warfare Training Center has provided terrain and climate-specific training to units serving across the Asia-Pacific region since 1958 and stretches over more than 17,000 acres. Training aboard the installation reinforces service members’ ability to carry out tactical operations in a jungle environment.

British Royal Marines discuss their scheme of maneuver during an assault on Range 205 as part of Exercise Black Alligator aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Sept. 13, 2016. Black Alligator, an annual training exercise, consists of approximately 1,000 British Royal Marines and 170 Dutch Royal Army soldiers who train aboard the installation in excess of 45 days to conduct relevant live-fire combined arms training, urban operations, and joint and coalition-level integration alongside more than 300 U.S. Marines consisting of artillerymen, engineers and tankers. - British Royal Marines discuss their scheme of maneuver during an assault on Range 205 as part of Exercise Black Alligator aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Sept. 13, 2016. Black Alligator, an annual training exercise, consists of approximately 1,000 British Royal Marines and 170 Dutch Royal Army soldiers who train aboard the installation in excess of 45 days to conduct relevant live-fire combined arms training, urban operations, and joint and coalition-level integration alongside more than 300 U.S. Marines consisting of artillerymen, engineers and tankers.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit make their way off USS Bataan for a liberty period Sept. 12, 2016 at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia. Marines and sailors with the MEU recently cam aboard the ship for Amphibious Squadron 8 MEU integrated Training. PMINT allows the MEU to refine standard operating procedures for shipboard drills, safely conduct ship to shore execution of MEU missions and master the basics of shipboard life. - Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit make their way off USS Bataan for a liberty period Sept. 12, 2016 at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia. Marines and sailors with the MEU recently cam aboard the ship for Amphibious Squadron 8 MEU integrated Training. PMINT allows the MEU to refine standard operating procedures for shipboard drills, safely conduct ship to shore execution of MEU missions and master the basics of shipboard life.

A U.S. Marine with the Marine Corps Shooting Team fires at a target while in the prone position Sept. 14, 2016, at Altcar Training Camp, Merseyside, England. The Marines are competing in the Royal Marines Operational Shooting Competition, from September 6-22, 2016. The U.S. Marines are competing against the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps and the Royal Marines. The U.S. Marine is with Weapons Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. - A U.S. Marine with the Marine Corps Shooting Team fires at a target while in the prone position Sept. 14, 2016, at Altcar Training Camp, Merseyside, England. The Marines are competing in the Royal Marines Operational Shooting Competition, from September 6-22, 2016. The U.S. Marines are competing against the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps and the Royal Marines. The U.S. Marine is with Weapons Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, help one another complete an obstacle during the Frontline Leaders Course at Robertson Barracks, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 9, 2016. The course is intended to be an addition to the Marine Corps Lance Corporal’s Seminar, Corporal's Course, and Sergeant's Course. The course instills knowledge and leadership skills to positively impact those under their charge and the future of the Marine Corps. 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, created the course and this will be the first time the course has been officially conducted. - U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, help one another complete an obstacle during the Frontline Leaders Course at Robertson Barracks, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 9, 2016. The course is intended to be an addition to the Marine Corps Lance Corporal’s Seminar, Corporal's Course, and Sergeant's Course. The course instills knowledge and leadership skills to positively impact those under their charge and the future of the Marine Corps. 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, created the course and this will be the first time the course has been officially conducted.

Powerliners assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 perform maintenance on an F/A-18D Hornet after a flight mission during Exercise Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. Powerliners, airframes mechanics, communication navigation, and ordnance technicians, work around the clock to ensure flight schedules are met for aviation operations during the exercise. During this U.S.-only, biennial field training exercise, F/A-18D Hornets flew in a plethora of missions that emphasize joint integration, interoperability and expeditionary readiness. - Powerliners assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 perform maintenance on an F/A-18D Hornet after a flight mission during Exercise Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. Powerliners, airframes mechanics, communication navigation, and ordnance technicians, work around the clock to ensure flight schedules are met for aviation operations during the exercise. During this U.S.-only, biennial field training exercise, F/A-18D Hornets flew in a plethora of missions that emphasize joint integration, interoperability and expeditionary readiness.

U.S. Aviation Ordnance Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron12 prepare ordnance for aviation squadrons participating in Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, September 12, 2016. The ordnance constructed, provided the Marines of MALS-12 valuable experience assembling live ordnance to be used during VS16 for a sinking exercise. VS16 is a biennial U.S. only, field training exercise that focuses on joint training with U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps to increase interoperability and working relationships. - U.S. Aviation Ordnance Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron12 prepare ordnance for aviation squadrons participating in Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, September 12, 2016. The ordnance constructed, provided the Marines of MALS-12 valuable experience assembling live ordnance to be used during VS16 for a sinking exercise. VS16 is a biennial U.S. only, field training exercise that focuses on joint training with U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps to increase interoperability and working relationships.

U.S. Army Cpl. Gregory McLellan and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Clinton Smith, Joint Corporals Leadership Development Course students, plot grid points during the land navigation portion of Camp Lemonnier's Joint Corporal’s Leadership Development Course at Arta, Djibouti, March 3, 2016. During the evaluation ‎Soldiers, ‎Sailors, ‎Airmen, and ‎Marines had to find eight different points and navigate to those points in a timed event. - U.S. Army Cpl. Gregory McLellan and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Clinton Smith, Joint Corporals Leadership Development Course students, plot grid points during the land navigation portion of Camp Lemonnier's Joint Corporal’s Leadership Development Course at Arta, Djibouti, March 3, 2016. During the evaluation ‎Soldiers, ‎Sailors, ‎Airmen, and ‎Marines had to find eight different points and navigate to those points in a timed event.

Cpl. Joshua Hodel, Stone Bay target shed noncommissioned officer in charge, fires a Benelli M4 shotgun at a target during a 3-gun shooting competition coordinated by the Combat Marksmanship Trainer Course at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 1, 2016. The competition enabled CMT students to become familiar with how to set up and run a range and range personnel were also able to hone their marksmanship skills. - Cpl. Joshua Hodel, Stone Bay target shed noncommissioned officer in charge, fires a Benelli M4 shotgun at a target during a 3-gun shooting competition coordinated by the Combat Marksmanship Trainer Course at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 1, 2016. The competition enabled CMT students to become familiar with how to set up and run a range and range personnel were also able to hone their marksmanship skills.

U.S. Navy sailors of Patrol Squadron 46 load a P-3 Orion aircraft with AGM-65F MAVERICKS Air to Surface Missiles prior to a sinking exercise Sept. 13, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during Valiant Shield 2016. SINKEX provided service members the opportunity to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting, and live firing against a surface target at sea. Valiant Shield is a biennial, U.S. -only field-training exercise with a focus on integration of joint training among U.S. forces. - U.S. Navy sailors of Patrol Squadron 46 load a P-3 Orion aircraft with AGM-65F MAVERICKS Air to Surface Missiles prior to a sinking exercise Sept. 13, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during Valiant Shield 2016. SINKEX provided service members the opportunity to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting, and live firing against a surface target at sea. Valiant Shield is a biennial, U.S. -only field-training exercise with a focus on integration of joint training among U.S. forces.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Maxwell Martin arrives to a new location at Daly River region, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 4, 2016. The purpose of Exercise Kowari is to enhance the United States, Australia, and China’s friendship and trust, through trilateral cooperation in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Maxwell Martin arrives to a new location at Daly River region, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 4, 2016. The purpose of Exercise Kowari is to enhance the United States, Australia, and China’s friendship and trust, through trilateral cooperation in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

1st Lt. Edward Bennett, S-4 Alpha with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, shows how to do a proper push-up during the public physical training event, Sept. 8, 2016, at the Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville as part of Marine Week. This event was one of many events hosted during Marine Week to help promote a greater relationship between the community and the Marine Corps. - 1st Lt. Edward Bennett, S-4 Alpha with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, shows how to do a proper push-up during the public physical training event, Sept. 8, 2016, at the Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville as part of Marine Week. This event was one of many events hosted during Marine Week to help promote a greater relationship between the community and the Marine Corps.

Pfc. Jeremiah Overton, an artilleryman with Bravo Company, “Black Sheep,” 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, and a Loraine, Ohio, native, provides security with his M240 Machine Gun for M777 Light Weight Towed Howitzers and their artillerymen during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 06, 2016. Marines from Bravo Co., “Black Sheep,” 1st Bn., 12th Marines, participated in exercise Spartan Fury 16.4. Spartan Fury is a pre-deployment exercise in which service members conduct live-fire artillery training and unit leaders are able to further assess and improve the lethality of the battalion. - Pfc. Jeremiah Overton, an artilleryman with Bravo Company, “Black Sheep,” 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, and a Loraine, Ohio, native, provides security with his M240 Machine Gun for M777 Light Weight Towed Howitzers and their artillerymen during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 06, 2016. Marines from Bravo Co., “Black Sheep,” 1st Bn., 12th Marines, participated in exercise Spartan Fury 16.4. Spartan Fury is a pre-deployment exercise in which service members conduct live-fire artillery training and unit leaders are able to further assess and improve the lethality of the battalion.

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cody Braunscheidel, left, an aviation logistics information management systems specialist, and Cpl. Landis Lied, right, an embarkation and logistics specialist assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, pose with students from MacFarlane Primary School in Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 1, 2016. Marines are invited to mentor, teach and serve as role models to the students every iteration of Southern Frontier, a three week unit level training conducted by U.S. Marines at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal. With a population of 92 percent indigenous students, the school provides a structured educational environment to the students. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cody Braunscheidel, left, an aviation logistics information management systems specialist, and Cpl. Landis Lied, right, an embarkation and logistics specialist assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, pose with students from MacFarlane Primary School in Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 1, 2016. Marines are invited to mentor, teach and serve as role models to the students every iteration of Southern Frontier, a three week unit level training conducted by U.S. Marines at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal. With a population of 92 percent indigenous students, the school provides a structured educational environment to the students.

Retired Israeli Defense Force Brig. Gen. Moshe Edri, Assistant Minister of Defense for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense, Government of Israel, watches as Marines with Technical Rescue Platoon, Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, CBIRF, demonstrate rescuing a casualty from a trench in a contaminated environment during an official visit Aug. 29, 2016. CBIRF hosted officials from the Israeli Ministry of Defense for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defense to showcase their skills and techniques for responding to CBRN threats or events worldwide. - Retired Israeli Defense Force Brig. Gen. Moshe Edri, Assistant Minister of Defense for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense, Government of Israel, watches as Marines with Technical Rescue Platoon, Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, CBIRF, demonstrate rescuing a casualty from a trench in a contaminated environment during an official visit Aug. 29, 2016. CBIRF hosted officials from the Israeli Ministry of Defense for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defense to showcase their skills and techniques for responding to CBRN threats or events worldwide.

Multinational service members conduct a Search and Rescue demonstration during the opening ceremony for ASEAN Exercise 16-3 at 14th Military Circle Airfield, Chonburi Province, Thailand, Sept. 5, 2016. AEX 16-3 is a small-scale humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise consisting of 18 nations and co-hosted by Thailand, Japan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Russian Federation. It is the third iteration of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting plus multinational exercise program in 2016. - Multinational service members conduct a Search and Rescue demonstration during the opening ceremony for ASEAN Exercise 16-3 at 14th Military Circle Airfield, Chonburi Province, Thailand, Sept. 5, 2016. AEX 16-3 is a small-scale humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise consisting of 18 nations and co-hosted by Thailand, Japan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Russian Federation. It is the third iteration of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting plus multinational exercise program in 2016.

U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group man the rails aboard the USS Boxer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickman Pier, August 29, 2016. The 13th MEU, embarked on the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Pacific region. - U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group man the rails aboard the USS Boxer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickman Pier, August 29, 2016. The 13th MEU, embarked on the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Pacific region.

Lance Cpl. Marc Arrigo prepares to fire the M-240 Bravo as Lance Cpl. Mason McLaughlin acts as his spotter during a live-fire training exercise conducted by 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 29-30. The exercise allowed Marines to re-familiarize themselves and qualify with the M-240 Bravo machine gun, M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, and the M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun during the unknown distance live-fire exercise. Arrigo and McLaughlin are gunners with 2nd LAAD. - Lance Cpl. Marc Arrigo prepares to fire the M-240 Bravo as Lance Cpl. Mason McLaughlin acts as his spotter during a live-fire training exercise conducted by 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 29-30. The exercise allowed Marines to re-familiarize themselves and qualify with the M-240 Bravo machine gun, M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, and the M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun during the unknown distance live-fire exercise. Arrigo and McLaughlin are gunners with 2nd LAAD.

Lance Cpl. Hector Coronado tightens the stabilizing line to a Tactical Elevated Antenna Mast System during a field exercise conducted by Alpha Company, Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., August 23, 2016. The two-week exercise occurs annually to satisfy training and readiness requirements and serve as an opportunity for Marines to reaffirm previously learned skill sets. Coronado is a field radio operator with MWCS-28. - Lance Cpl. Hector Coronado tightens the stabilizing line to a Tactical Elevated Antenna Mast System during a field exercise conducted by Alpha Company, Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., August 23, 2016. The two-week exercise occurs annually to satisfy training and readiness requirements and serve as an opportunity for Marines to reaffirm previously learned skill sets. Coronado is a field radio operator with MWCS-28.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matt Heidtman, an airframes Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, tightens fasteners on an F/A-18C Hornet during Southern Frontier at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, August 31, 2016. The Marines perform maintenance on the aircraft in preparation for departure at the conclusion of Southern Frontier. This three week unit level training that helps pilots gain experience and qualifications in low-altitude tactics, close air support, and air ground, high explosive ordnance delivery. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matt Heidtman, an airframes Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, tightens fasteners on an F/A-18C Hornet during Southern Frontier at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, August 31, 2016. The Marines perform maintenance on the aircraft in preparation for departure at the conclusion of Southern Frontier. This three week unit level training that helps pilots gain experience and qualifications in low-altitude tactics, close air support, and air ground, high explosive ordnance delivery.

Sailors with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, CBIRF, examine a contaminated chamber using a Multi-Rae monitor while donning their Class A personal protective equipment which includes self-contained breathing apparatus during Exercise Scarlet Response 2016 at Guardian Centers, Perry, Ga., Aug. 23, 2016. This exercise is the unit’s capstone event, testing the levels of each individual CBIRF capability with lane training and culminating with a 36-hour simulated response to a nuclear detonation. CBIRF is an active duty Marine Corps unit that, when directed, forward-deploys and/or responds with minimal warning to a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or high-yield explosive threat or event in order to assist local, state, or federal agencies and the geographic combatant commanders in the conduct of CBRNE response or consequence management operations, providing capabilities for command and control; agent detection and identification; search, rescue, and decontamination; and emergency medical care for contaminated personnel. - Sailors with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, CBIRF, examine a contaminated chamber using a Multi-Rae monitor while donning their Class A personal protective equipment which includes self-contained breathing apparatus during Exercise Scarlet Response 2016 at Guardian Centers, Perry, Ga., Aug. 23, 2016. This exercise is the unit’s capstone event, testing the levels of each individual CBIRF capability with lane training and culminating with a 36-hour simulated response to a nuclear detonation. CBIRF is an active duty Marine Corps unit that, when directed, forward-deploys and/or responds with minimal warning to a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or high-yield explosive threat or event in order to assist local, state, or federal agencies and the geographic combatant commanders in the conduct of CBRNE response or consequence management operations, providing capabilities for command and control; agent detection and identification; search, rescue, and decontamination; and emergency medical care for contaminated personnel.

Two F/A-18C Hornets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122 fly over head during Southern Frontier at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 31, 2016. The Hornet squadron trained in low-altitude tactics, building pilots’ confidence and skills with low flying while performing air-to-surface maneuvers simultaneously. Southern Frontier is a three week unit level training helping pilots gain experience and qualifications in low-altitude tactics, close air support, and air ground, high explosive ordnance delivery. - Two F/A-18C Hornets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122 fly over head during Southern Frontier at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 31, 2016. The Hornet squadron trained in low-altitude tactics, building pilots’ confidence and skills with low flying while performing air-to-surface maneuvers simultaneously. Southern Frontier is a three week unit level training helping pilots gain experience and qualifications in low-altitude tactics, close air support, and air ground, high explosive ordnance delivery.

Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force, Crisis Response, Central Command, check role-players ID cards before screening them during a non-combatant evacuation operation exercise at Range 220, a military operations on urbanized terrain facility, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 24, as part of a Certification Exercise. - Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force, Crisis Response, Central Command, check role-players ID cards before screening them during a non-combatant evacuation operation exercise at Range 220, a military operations on urbanized terrain facility, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 24, as part of a Certification Exercise.

Brigadier Damian Cantwell, the Exercise Kowari commander, gives a patch to all the participants of Exercise Kowari at Larrakeyah Barracks, Northern Territory, Australia, August 26, 2016. The purpose of Exercise Kowari is to enhance the United States, Australia, and China’s friendship and trust, through trilateral cooperation in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Rim regions. - Brigadier Damian Cantwell, the Exercise Kowari commander, gives a patch to all the participants of Exercise Kowari at Larrakeyah Barracks, Northern Territory, Australia, August 26, 2016. The purpose of Exercise Kowari is to enhance the United States, Australia, and China’s friendship and trust, through trilateral cooperation in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Rim regions.

A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment helps the gunner fire a Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) missile during a battle drill at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 23, 2016. The more experienced Marines got up and helped guide the new Marines who were shooting the weapon system for the first time. - A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment helps the gunner fire a Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) missile during a battle drill at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 23, 2016. The more experienced Marines got up and helped guide the new Marines who were shooting the weapon system for the first time.

U.S. Marines from Provost Marshal’s Office K-9 unit trained with Hiroshima Prefectural Police Headquarters officers and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Repair and Supply Facility Petroleum Terminal unit military working dog handlers at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 24, 2016. Handlers and their military working dogs train regularly in a variety of areas such as locating explosives and narcotics, conducting patrols and human tracking in order to become a more effective team. - U.S. Marines from Provost Marshal’s Office K-9 unit trained with Hiroshima Prefectural Police Headquarters officers and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Repair and Supply Facility Petroleum Terminal unit military working dog handlers at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 24, 2016. Handlers and their military working dogs train regularly in a variety of areas such as locating explosives and narcotics, conducting patrols and human tracking in order to become a more effective team.

(Left to right) U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Roy Kitchener, the commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 2, speaks with Brig. Gen. Robert F. Castellvi, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, during a rehearsal of concepts drill as part of Bold Alligator 2016 in Norfolk, Virginia, Aug. 13, 2016. BA16 focuses on improving Navy-Marine Corps amphibious core competencies along with coalition, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Allied and partner nations as an investment in the current and future readiness of naval forces. BA16 is taking place Aug. 15-26, 2016, along the eastern seaboard. - (Left to right) U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Roy Kitchener, the commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 2, speaks with Brig. Gen. Robert F. Castellvi, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, during a rehearsal of concepts drill as part of Bold Alligator 2016 in Norfolk, Virginia, Aug. 13, 2016. BA16 focuses on improving Navy-Marine Corps amphibious core competencies along with coalition, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Allied and partner nations as an investment in the current and future readiness of naval forces. BA16 is taking place Aug. 15-26, 2016, along the eastern seaboard.

U.S. Marines moved gear onto the Bulgarian rail system, Aug. 23, 2016. The gear movement from Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, to Agile Spirit 16 in Tbilisi, Georgia, demonstrated the Marines’ ability to pack, load and transport gear quickly to support operations anywhere in the Black Sea region. - U.S. Marines moved gear onto the Bulgarian rail system, Aug. 23, 2016. The gear movement from Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, to Agile Spirit 16 in Tbilisi, Georgia, demonstrated the Marines’ ability to pack, load and transport gear quickly to support operations anywhere in the Black Sea region.

Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin box during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course at Quartier Gribeauval, New Caledonia, August 16, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations with our partners by exchanging a U.S. Marine Corps and French Armed Forces infantry platoon. While the U.S. Marines are in New Caledonia, the French infantry platoon traveled to Australia to participate in Exercise Koolendong 16 with U.S. and Australian forces. - Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin box during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course at Quartier Gribeauval, New Caledonia, August 16, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations with our partners by exchanging a U.S. Marine Corps and French Armed Forces infantry platoon. While the U.S. Marines are in New Caledonia, the French infantry platoon traveled to Australia to participate in Exercise Koolendong 16 with U.S. and Australian forces.

Sgt. Juan Gonzalez, paraloft chief for Company C, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, checks the distance left before a jump during Exercise Northern Strike 2016 at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, Mich., Aug. 16, 2016. Reserve Recon Marines practice jumping from the back of C-130s to meet their requirements and perfect their skills. Exercise Northern Strike 16 is a National Guard Bureau-sponsored exercise uniting approximately 5,000 Army, Air Force, Marine, and Special Forces service members from 20 states and three coalition countries. The exercise strives to provide accessible, readiness-building opportunities for military units from all service branches to achieve and sustain proficiency in conducting mission command, air, sea, and ground maneuver integration, and the synchronization of fires in a joint, multinational, decisive action environment. - Sgt. Juan Gonzalez, paraloft chief for Company C, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, checks the distance left before a jump during Exercise Northern Strike 2016 at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, Mich., Aug. 16, 2016. Reserve Recon Marines practice jumping from the back of C-130s to meet their requirements and perfect their skills. Exercise Northern Strike 16 is a National Guard Bureau-sponsored exercise uniting approximately 5,000 Army, Air Force, Marine, and Special Forces service members from 20 states and three coalition countries. The exercise strives to provide accessible, readiness-building opportunities for military units from all service branches to achieve and sustain proficiency in conducting mission command, air, sea, and ground maneuver integration, and the synchronization of fires in a joint, multinational, decisive action environment.

Lance Cpl. Vicente C. Spence, right, a motor transport operator with 4th Medical Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, receives a challenge coin from Rear Adm. Christina M. Alavarado, commander, reserve component expeditionary medicine, during Exercise Global Medic at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, August 19, 2016. Spence was presented the coin for the continuous hard work he did throughout the course of the exercise and for constantly maintaining a positive and upbeat attitude. - Lance Cpl. Vicente C. Spence, right, a motor transport operator with 4th Medical Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, receives a challenge coin from Rear Adm. Christina M. Alavarado, commander, reserve component expeditionary medicine, during Exercise Global Medic at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, August 19, 2016. Spence was presented the coin for the continuous hard work he did throughout the course of the exercise and for constantly maintaining a positive and upbeat attitude.

Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force and sailors with 553 Cyber Protection Team, monitor network activity during I MEF Large Scale Exercise 2016 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug 22, 2016. The overall purpose of the exercise was to practice the deployment of a fighting force of more than 50,000 military personnel to a partner nation and incorporate both live-fire and simulated combat scenarios against a near-peer enemy force. 553-CPT is a team of cyber defense specialists with Fleet Cyber Command. The team advised I MEF while setting up the command element’s networks. - Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force and sailors with 553 Cyber Protection Team, monitor network activity during I MEF Large Scale Exercise 2016 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug 22, 2016. The overall purpose of the exercise was to practice the deployment of a fighting force of more than 50,000 military personnel to a partner nation and incorporate both live-fire and simulated combat scenarios against a near-peer enemy force. 553-CPT is a team of cyber defense specialists with Fleet Cyber Command. The team advised I MEF while setting up the command element’s networks.

Second Lieutenant Trevor Weaser (third from the left), rows at a 2014 competition at Northeastern University in Boston, Mass. Weaser was commissioned a Marine Corps officer August 7th, 2016. - Second Lieutenant Trevor Weaser (third from the left), rows at a 2014 competition at Northeastern University in Boston, Mass. Weaser was commissioned a Marine Corps officer August 7th, 2016.

An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 taxis to the runway for a night flight during Exercise Pitch Black 2016 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 17, 2016. The flying squadron executed large force close air support, air interdiction, armed reconnaissance, and strike coordination and reconnaissance missions over the three week training evolution. The biennial, multinational exercise involves approximately 10 allied nations and prepares these forces for possible real-world scenarios. The bilateral effort amongst Exercise Pitch Black 2016 furthermore showcases the strength amongst various militaries and solidifies the relationship across the Pacific region. - An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 taxis to the runway for a night flight during Exercise Pitch Black 2016 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 17, 2016. The flying squadron executed large force close air support, air interdiction, armed reconnaissance, and strike coordination and reconnaissance missions over the three week training evolution. The biennial, multinational exercise involves approximately 10 allied nations and prepares these forces for possible real-world scenarios. The bilateral effort amongst Exercise Pitch Black 2016 furthermore showcases the strength amongst various militaries and solidifies the relationship across the Pacific region.

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U.S. Marines with Company A, Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, practice weapons tactics training during I Marine Expeditionary Force Large Scale Exercise 2016 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 17, 2016. LSE-16 is designed to enhance the command and control and interoperability between I MEF command element staff and its higher, adjacent and subordinate command headquarters. The exercise includes cyber and electronic warfare, information support operations, and simulated and live-fire events. - U.S. Marines with Company A, Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, practice weapons tactics training during I Marine Expeditionary Force Large Scale Exercise 2016 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 17, 2016. LSE-16 is designed to enhance the command and control and interoperability between I MEF command element staff and its higher, adjacent and subordinate command headquarters. The exercise includes cyber and electronic warfare, information support operations, and simulated and live-fire events.

A range safety officer spreads CS gas during a live fire range August 18, 2016, to simulate a chemical attack at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia. The range was the final training evolution of Exercise Koolendong 16, a trilateral exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps, Australian Defence Force and French Armed Forces New Caledonia. Marines held a defensive position while engaging targets and working through the CS gas. - A range safety officer spreads CS gas during a live fire range August 18, 2016, to simulate a chemical attack at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia. The range was the final training evolution of Exercise Koolendong 16, a trilateral exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps, Australian Defence Force and French Armed Forces New Caledonia. Marines held a defensive position while engaging targets and working through the CS gas.

A Sikorsky S76A++ Search and Rescue helicopter hovers during SAR training at Exercise Pitch Black 2016, Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, August 16, 2016. The SAR team trains with local and international forces during exercises like Pitch Black to ensure all medical personnel that can respond to an aircraft emergency are capable of carrying out the same procedures. The biennial, multinational exercise involves approximately 10 allied nations and prepares these forces for possible real-world scenarios. The bilateral effort amongst Exercise Pitch Black 2016 furthermore showcases the strength amongst various militaries and solidifies the relationship across the Pacific region. - A Sikorsky S76A++ Search and Rescue helicopter hovers during SAR training at Exercise Pitch Black 2016, Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, August 16, 2016. The SAR team trains with local and international forces during exercises like Pitch Black to ensure all medical personnel that can respond to an aircraft emergency are capable of carrying out the same procedures. The biennial, multinational exercise involves approximately 10 allied nations and prepares these forces for possible real-world scenarios. The bilateral effort amongst Exercise Pitch Black 2016 furthermore showcases the strength amongst various militaries and solidifies the relationship across the Pacific region.

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 takes off from a simulated combat zone during a casualty evacuation exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, August 17, 2016. Marines with VMM-161 conducted the exercise in support of 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, in order to increase proficiency in conducting CAS EVACS. - An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 takes off from a simulated combat zone during a casualty evacuation exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, August 17, 2016. Marines with VMM-161 conducted the exercise in support of 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, in order to increase proficiency in conducting CAS EVACS.

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Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit intelligence section assemble a tent in the field during an Intelligence Interoperability Course, Dec. 13, 2010. The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU recently began an aggressive series of progressively, more complex pre-deployment exercises designed to train and test the MEU's ability to operate as a cohesive and effective fighting force. - Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit intelligence section assemble a tent in the field during an Intelligence Interoperability Course, Dec. 13, 2010. The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU recently began an aggressive series of progressively, more complex pre-deployment exercises designed to train and test the MEU's ability to operate as a cohesive and effective fighting force.

Marines with 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion participated in a Beretta M9 pistol shoot during a weeklong weapon training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., August 9, 2016. Marines practiced handling and firing pistols in several unconventional style drills, helping enhance their skills with the weapon. - Marines with 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion participated in a Beretta M9 pistol shoot during a weeklong weapon training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., August 9, 2016. Marines practiced handling and firing pistols in several unconventional style drills, helping enhance their skills with the weapon.

A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier with Marine Attack Squadron 542 performs a vertical landing while using the lights on the mobile Expeditionary Hover Position Indicator to adjust its position at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 9, 2016. VMA-542 is home based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., and is forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, as part of the unit deployment program. The Harrier pilots used the mobile EHPI in coordination with Aircraft Recovery assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron to recertify on boat-deck landings to prepare for other future operations in the Pacific. - A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier with Marine Attack Squadron 542 performs a vertical landing while using the lights on the mobile Expeditionary Hover Position Indicator to adjust its position at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 9, 2016. VMA-542 is home based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., and is forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, as part of the unit deployment program. The Harrier pilots used the mobile EHPI in coordination with Aircraft Recovery assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron to recertify on boat-deck landings to prepare for other future operations in the Pacific.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Company 36 don their M50 Joint Service General Purpose Masks during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, August 10, 2016. Marines, already in mission oriented protective posture gear, were evaluated on their ability to effectively detect, report, respond and operate in a simulated CBRN environment. When given the signal “gas, gas, gas,” Marines scrambled to don their M50 Joint Service General Purpose Masks before returning to work as if everything was normal. Conducting this training helps Marines refresh their tactical skill sets specific to CBRN response, maintain situational readiness and ensures the safety of personnel. - U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Company 36 don their M50 Joint Service General Purpose Masks during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, August 10, 2016. Marines, already in mission oriented protective posture gear, were evaluated on their ability to effectively detect, report, respond and operate in a simulated CBRN environment. When given the signal “gas, gas, gas,” Marines scrambled to don their M50 Joint Service General Purpose Masks before returning to work as if everything was normal. Conducting this training helps Marines refresh their tactical skill sets specific to CBRN response, maintain situational readiness and ensures the safety of personnel.

The “Helo Dunker” is a mock helicopter that is used to provide the safest way of simulating an actual invent of an aircraft crashing into the water without actually crashing a helicopter, it is used by submerging the Marines completely under the water to train them to egress from the vehicle at the Water Survival training facility on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Aug. 5, 2016. The Marines undertook the training which is designed as a lifesaving course that provides service members with the skills and confidence too successfully and safely egress out of a helicopter that has suffered a controlled or uncontrolled landing within a body of water. - The “Helo Dunker” is a mock helicopter that is used to provide the safest way of simulating an actual invent of an aircraft crashing into the water without actually crashing a helicopter, it is used by submerging the Marines completely under the water to train them to egress from the vehicle at the Water Survival training facility on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Aug. 5, 2016. The Marines undertook the training which is designed as a lifesaving course that provides service members with the skills and confidence too successfully and safely egress out of a helicopter that has suffered a controlled or uncontrolled landing within a body of water.

An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 moves in to catch the basket during an aerial refueling mission with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia during Exercise Pitch Black 2016, Aug. 9, 2016. VMGR-152 provides aerial refueling and assault support during expeditionary and joint or combined operations like Pitch Black. This exercise is a biennial, three week, multinational, large-force training exercise hosted by RAAF Tindal. - An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 moves in to catch the basket during an aerial refueling mission with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia during Exercise Pitch Black 2016, Aug. 9, 2016. VMGR-152 provides aerial refueling and assault support during expeditionary and joint or combined operations like Pitch Black. This exercise is a biennial, three week, multinational, large-force training exercise hosted by RAAF Tindal.