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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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.

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)

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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)

Assault amphibious vehicles sit silently on Onslow Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 8, 2015. A platoon of AAVs, filled with a company of infantry Marines from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, embarked on the USS Wasp off the coast of Onslow Beach to prepare for the next day’s mechanized infantry assault. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Justin T. Updegraff/ Released) - Assault amphibious vehicles sit silently on Onslow Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 8, 2015. A platoon of AAVs, filled with a company of infantry Marines from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, embarked on the USS Wasp off the coast of Onslow Beach to prepare for the next day’s mechanized infantry assault. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Justin T. Updegraff/ Released)

U.S. Marines and soldiers from the Republic of Georgia conduct a squad-patrol and Close Air Support familiarity exercise as part of the Georgia Deployment Program- ISAF at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 10, 2014. What was formerly known as GDPI has now transitioned to Resolute Support Mission, in which Georgian soldiers and Marines focus on training, advising and assisting Afghan Security forces in ensuring stability and security in the region. - U.S. Marines and soldiers from the Republic of Georgia conduct a squad-patrol and Close Air Support familiarity exercise as part of the Georgia Deployment Program- ISAF at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 10, 2014. What was formerly known as GDPI has now transitioned to Resolute Support Mission, in which Georgian soldiers and Marines focus on training, advising and assisting Afghan Security forces in ensuring stability and security in the region.

Armed Forces of the Philippines engineers, from the 552nd Engineer Construction Battalion, U.S. Navy Seabees, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, and U.S. Marine engineers, from the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, are ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ as they pass buckets filled with concrete for placement at Don Joaquin Elementary School in Tapaz, Philippines, during Balikatan 2015, April 9. The engineers, part of the Combined-Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force located on the island of Panay, are constructing two classrooms at the school. Balikatan, which means “shoulder to shoulder” in Filipino, is an annual bilateral training exercise aimed at improving the ability of Philippine and U.S. military forces to work together during planning, contingency, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. - Armed Forces of the Philippines engineers, from the 552nd Engineer Construction Battalion, U.S. Navy Seabees, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, and U.S. Marine engineers, from the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, are ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ as they pass buckets filled with concrete for placement at Don Joaquin Elementary School in Tapaz, Philippines, during Balikatan 2015, April 9. The engineers, part of the Combined-Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force located on the island of Panay, are constructing two classrooms at the school. Balikatan, which means “shoulder to shoulder” in Filipino, is an annual bilateral training exercise aimed at improving the ability of Philippine and U.S. military forces to work together during planning, contingency, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Corporal Gerard V. Scparta, a military policeman and dog handler with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and his working dog, Quick, prepare to conduct a vehicle search during Exercise Desert Scimitar 2015 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 9, 2015. Desert Scimitar enables 1st Marine Division to test and refine its command and control capabilities while providing the opportunity for supporting units to hone essential warfighting skills. - Corporal Gerard V. Scparta, a military policeman and dog handler with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and his working dog, Quick, prepare to conduct a vehicle search during Exercise Desert Scimitar 2015 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 9, 2015. Desert Scimitar enables 1st Marine Division to test and refine its command and control capabilities while providing the opportunity for supporting units to hone essential warfighting skills.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, prepare to begin an assault on a simulated enemy base during movement to contact training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2015. Once the assault was completed, the Marines were required to prepare a defense in case of a counterattack. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, prepare to begin an assault on a simulated enemy base during movement to contact training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2015. Once the assault was completed, the Marines were required to prepare a defense in case of a counterattack.

Marines participate in a jump drill from an MV-22 Osprey with Air Delivery Platoon, 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2015. Parachute Riggers, who must perform at least one jump per quarter, soared out of the Osprey to carry combat gear safely to the ground. - Marines participate in a jump drill from an MV-22 Osprey with Air Delivery Platoon, 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2015. Parachute Riggers, who must perform at least one jump per quarter, soared out of the Osprey to carry combat gear safely to the ground.

Virginia Blazer, center, the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to Tanzania, poses for a photo with Marines and Sailors assigned to a Security Cooperation Team with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, and more than 40 Tanzanian park rangers following a graduation ceremony on the Selous Game Reserve in Matambwe, Tanzania, March 27, 2015. The park rangers graduated from counter illicit-trafficking training, which was the first-ever engagement between U.S. Service members and Tanzanian park rangers. The Marines and Sailors taught the park rangers infantry skills in an attempt to help counter illicit-trafficking in the region. - Virginia Blazer, center, the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to Tanzania, poses for a photo with Marines and Sailors assigned to a Security Cooperation Team with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, and more than 40 Tanzanian park rangers following a graduation ceremony on the Selous Game Reserve in Matambwe, Tanzania, March 27, 2015. The park rangers graduated from counter illicit-trafficking training, which was the first-ever engagement between U.S. Service members and Tanzanian park rangers. The Marines and Sailors taught the park rangers infantry skills in an attempt to help counter illicit-trafficking in the region.

Lt. Col. Jason Holden, right, commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163, and a Woodbridge, Virginia native, shakes the hand of Cpl. Andrew Sturgess, his crew chief and a Sidney, Indiana, native, after a successful training flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 10. This training operation marks the last time the commanding officer of VMM-163 will participate in a squadron-sized event before relinquishing command. - Lt. Col. Jason Holden, right, commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163, and a Woodbridge, Virginia native, shakes the hand of Cpl. Andrew Sturgess, his crew chief and a Sidney, Indiana, native, after a successful training flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 10. This training operation marks the last time the commanding officer of VMM-163 will participate in a squadron-sized event before relinquishing command.

Corporal Ryan Harney, a team leader with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, and St. Charles, Mo. native, fires at an oppositional force member in the offense during Military Operations in Urban Terrain, or MOUT, training aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 8, 2015. The training included Marines going out in squad-sized elements to attack an objective being held by Marines in the defensive position after the squad leaders built terrain models and informed their Marines on avenues of approach and objectives. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Krista James/Released) - Corporal Ryan Harney, a team leader with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, and St. Charles, Mo. native, fires at an oppositional force member in the offense during Military Operations in Urban Terrain, or MOUT, training aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 8, 2015. The training included Marines going out in squad-sized elements to attack an objective being held by Marines in the defensive position after the squad leaders built terrain models and informed their Marines on avenues of approach and objectives. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Krista James/Released)

Lance Cpl. Austin Steifer, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fires the M32 grenade launcher during a live-fire range aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2015. The M32 is a semi-automatic grenade launcher capable of holding up to six 40mm rounds and reaching a distance up to 400 meters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Dye/Released)  - Lance Cpl. Austin Steifer, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fires the M32 grenade launcher during a live-fire range aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2015. The M32 is a semi-automatic grenade launcher capable of holding up to six 40mm rounds and reaching a distance up to 400 meters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Dye/Released) 

Marines from the decontamination platoon put a child pretending to be injured on a backboard during Exercise Silent Ghost outside St. Elizabeths East hospital in Washington, D.C. April 7, 2015. The exercise was a simulated chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high yield explosive incident. - Marines from the decontamination platoon put a child pretending to be injured on a backboard during Exercise Silent Ghost outside St. Elizabeths East hospital in Washington, D.C. April 7, 2015. The exercise was a simulated chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high yield explosive incident.

Marines with 2nd Intelligence Battalion fire M16A4 service rifles and M4 carbines at targets during a battalion field exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 6, 2015. Approximately 220 Marines with the unit qualified with the weapons during day and night combat marksmanship training. - Marines with 2nd Intelligence Battalion fire M16A4 service rifles and M4 carbines at targets during a battalion field exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 6, 2015. Approximately 220 Marines with the unit qualified with the weapons during day and night combat marksmanship training.

Marine scout snipers with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conduct high angle shooting on Range 10 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii April 8, 2015. The training was different from their typical flat level or slight elevation ranges. The high angle is considered anything 30 degrees or greater. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sarah Dietz) - Marine scout snipers with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conduct high angle shooting on Range 10 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii April 8, 2015. The training was different from their typical flat level or slight elevation ranges. The high angle is considered anything 30 degrees or greater. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sarah Dietz)

Robert “Bob” Klingman flew his F4U Corsair with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 in support of the Battle of Okinawa near the close of World War II. During operations he flew into Marine Corps history when he used his propellor to chop off the tail of Japanese aircraft. - Robert “Bob” Klingman flew his F4U Corsair with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 in support of the Battle of Okinawa near the close of World War II. During operations he flew into Marine Corps history when he used his propellor to chop off the tail of Japanese aircraft.

Gen. Joseph Dunford, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks with Marines on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, March 26. Dunford traveled to the Marine bases on Okinawa from March 24 to the 26 to talk with Marines about his expectations for the Marines and the Corps. “My priorities are to make sure we have the warfighting capabilities we need, to address the maturity of our leaders and to make sure they have the training, education and the experience that they need to be successful on the battlefield,” said Dunford. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Thor J. Larson/Released) - Gen. Joseph Dunford, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks with Marines on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, March 26. Dunford traveled to the Marine bases on Okinawa from March 24 to the 26 to talk with Marines about his expectations for the Marines and the Corps. “My priorities are to make sure we have the warfighting capabilities we need, to address the maturity of our leaders and to make sure they have the training, education and the experience that they need to be successful on the battlefield,” said Dunford. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Thor J. Larson/Released)

A Marine with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion shoots the M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun at targets placed at unknown distances at range SR-7 aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 7, 2015. Approximately 30 Marines from the battalion conducted a two-day, machine-gun range in which they shot the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, M240 Bravo medium machine gun, and the .50-caliber heavy machine gun from both the mounted and un-mounted positions at targets placed at unknown distances. - A Marine with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion shoots the M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun at targets placed at unknown distances at range SR-7 aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 7, 2015. Approximately 30 Marines from the battalion conducted a two-day, machine-gun range in which they shot the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, M240 Bravo medium machine gun, and the .50-caliber heavy machine gun from both the mounted and un-mounted positions at targets placed at unknown distances.