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Marines, soldiers, sailors, coastguardsmen, airman and civilians marched 26.2 miles in the New Mexican desert during the 26th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range March 22. The event is the 73rd commemoration of the Bataan Death March when more than 60,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war endured a 60-mile forced march. - Marines, soldiers, sailors, coastguardsmen, airman and civilians marched 26.2 miles in the New Mexican desert during the 26th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range March 22. The event is the 73rd commemoration of the Bataan Death March when more than 60,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war endured a 60-mile forced march.

A U.S. Marine with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, watches over the objective during an airfield seizure mission as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) on San Clemente Island, Calif., March 22, 2015. These Marines inserted onto the island to execute a raid and practice their urban combat skills. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anna Albrecht/Released) - A U.S. Marine with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, watches over the objective during an airfield seizure mission as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) on San Clemente Island, Calif., March 22, 2015. These Marines inserted onto the island to execute a raid and practice their urban combat skills. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anna Albrecht/Released)

Col. Stephen E. Liszewski was recently selected to be the 86th Commandant of Midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He is an alumni of the Naval Academy Class of 1990. - Col. Stephen E. Liszewski was recently selected to be the 86th Commandant of Midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He is an alumni of the Naval Academy Class of 1990.

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Marines with Fox battery, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division place a round inside a howitzer preparing to fire during Exercise Rolling Thunder aboard Fort Bragg, N.C., March 7, 2015. The importance of Rolling Thunder is training Marines to execute effective fire missions during combat operations. - Marines with Fox battery, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division place a round inside a howitzer preparing to fire during Exercise Rolling Thunder aboard Fort Bragg, N.C., March 7, 2015. The importance of Rolling Thunder is training Marines to execute effective fire missions during combat operations.

Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division reach their designated turning point during an amphibious beach exercise at Onslow beach, aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 19, 2015. The training started with basic boat manipulations teaching Marines how to operate the Zodiac F470 Combat Rubber Raiding Craft in various formations and went over emergency procedures, such as man overboard drills. - Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division reach their designated turning point during an amphibious beach exercise at Onslow beach, aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 19, 2015. The training started with basic boat manipulations teaching Marines how to operate the Zodiac F470 Combat Rubber Raiding Craft in various formations and went over emergency procedures, such as man overboard drills.

Marines with Bulk Fuel Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, engage targets during a table-three shooting qualification aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 19, 2015. The table is a yearly requirement for Marines in certain units, and it assists in teaching them how to fire on targets while maneuvering. - Marines with Bulk Fuel Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, engage targets during a table-three shooting qualification aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 19, 2015. The table is a yearly requirement for Marines in certain units, and it assists in teaching them how to fire on targets while maneuvering.

Sailors with 2nd Dental Battalion patrol a road during a counter improvised explosive device course in Holly Ridge, N.C., March 20, 2015. The sailors looked for possible IEDs on and around the dirt road, and then instructors exposed to them the IEDs placed prior to the patrol to give them a better understanding of how devices can be hidden. - Sailors with 2nd Dental Battalion patrol a road during a counter improvised explosive device course in Holly Ridge, N.C., March 20, 2015. The sailors looked for possible IEDs on and around the dirt road, and then instructors exposed to them the IEDs placed prior to the patrol to give them a better understanding of how devices can be hidden.

Sgt. Nathaniel Lubinus walks away from a CH-53E Super Stallion at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 12, 2015. Lubinus earned the Marine Enlisted Aircrew of the Year Award for superior performance as an enlisted aircrew member for 2014. The award was established in honor of Master Gunnery Sgt. Danny L. Radish who served with honor, distinction and heroism in Marine Aviation for over 20 years. Lubinus, a native of Ames, Iowa, is a helicopter crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366. - Sgt. Nathaniel Lubinus walks away from a CH-53E Super Stallion at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 12, 2015. Lubinus earned the Marine Enlisted Aircrew of the Year Award for superior performance as an enlisted aircrew member for 2014. The award was established in honor of Master Gunnery Sgt. Danny L. Radish who served with honor, distinction and heroism in Marine Aviation for over 20 years. Lubinus, a native of Ames, Iowa, is a helicopter crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366.

U.S. Africa Command will validate the Marine Corps' 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade Joint Task Force Headquarters capability during a command-post exercise for Exercise Judious Response 2015 from March 19-25, 2015. The MEB JTF HQ for the exercise includes representatives from across all the military services, the United Kingdom, U.S. Special Operations Command, Joint Enabling Capabilities Command and the Joint Training Section from the Joint Staff J7. - U.S. Africa Command will validate the Marine Corps' 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade Joint Task Force Headquarters capability during a command-post exercise for Exercise Judious Response 2015 from March 19-25, 2015. The MEB JTF HQ for the exercise includes representatives from across all the military services, the United Kingdom, U.S. Special Operations Command, Joint Enabling Capabilities Command and the Joint Training Section from the Joint Staff J7.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Kyle McAuliffe, a rifleman assigned to the Theater Security Cooperation team with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, shows Tanzanian park rangers different areas on a terrain model at the Selous Game Reserve in Matambwe, Tanzania, March 9, 2015. McAuliffe was one of approximately 15 Marines and Sailors from SPMAGTF-CR-AF to help teach the park rangers operation-order writing and land navigation skills. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Kyle McAuliffe, a rifleman assigned to the Theater Security Cooperation team with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, shows Tanzanian park rangers different areas on a terrain model at the Selous Game Reserve in Matambwe, Tanzania, March 9, 2015. McAuliffe was one of approximately 15 Marines and Sailors from SPMAGTF-CR-AF to help teach the park rangers operation-order writing and land navigation skills.

U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Nathaniel Kaine, left, the officer in charge of the Theater Security Cooperation team with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, receives an AKM assault rifle from aTanzanian park ranger at the Selous Game Reserve in Matambwe, Tanzania, March 2, 2015. Kaine was one of more than 15 Marines and Sailors to help teach weapons safety and marksmanship techniques to the park rangers. - U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Nathaniel Kaine, left, the officer in charge of the Theater Security Cooperation team with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, receives an AKM assault rifle from aTanzanian park ranger at the Selous Game Reserve in Matambwe, Tanzania, March 2, 2015. Kaine was one of more than 15 Marines and Sailors to help teach weapons safety and marksmanship techniques to the park rangers.

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Lance Cpl. Jamie Tenorio, a forward observer with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division communicates with an artillery battery during Exercise Rolling Thunder aboard Fort Bragg, N.C., March 5, 2015. Tenorio sights in with binoculars letting the battery know where the artillery rounds hit. - Lance Cpl. Jamie Tenorio, a forward observer with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division communicates with an artillery battery during Exercise Rolling Thunder aboard Fort Bragg, N.C., March 5, 2015. Tenorio sights in with binoculars letting the battery know where the artillery rounds hit.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey flies away from the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), at sea, March 19, 2015. The Osprey is transporting Marines to execute a vertical assault exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan. The Ospreys are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines are with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU, and are currently on the MEU’s annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey flies away from the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), at sea, March 19, 2015. The Osprey is transporting Marines to execute a vertical assault exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan. The Ospreys are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines are with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU, and are currently on the MEU’s annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

Marines with Bridge Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, march to their training site for a rafting exercise on the Colorado River in Laughlin, Nev., March 17-21, 2014. More than 60 Marines trained in moving heavy equipment, to include 7-tons and Humvees, across a flowing body of water using Bridge Erection Boats and an Improved Ribbon Bridge. The IRB is a multi-piece floating bridge that can function as a raft. Despite being accustomed to training in a bay with little to no current, these Marines managed to transport two 7-tons up the river at the same time. - Marines with Bridge Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, march to their training site for a rafting exercise on the Colorado River in Laughlin, Nev., March 17-21, 2014. More than 60 Marines trained in moving heavy equipment, to include 7-tons and Humvees, across a flowing body of water using Bridge Erection Boats and an Improved Ribbon Bridge. The IRB is a multi-piece floating bridge that can function as a raft. Despite being accustomed to training in a bay with little to no current, these Marines managed to transport two 7-tons up the river at the same time.

U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa board an MV-22 Osprey during an alert force drill on Moron Air Base, Spain, March 13, 2015. The alert force tested its capabilities by simulating the procedures of reacting to a real-time crisis response mission by flying to Sigonella, Italy on a moment's notice. - U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa board an MV-22 Osprey during an alert force drill on Moron Air Base, Spain, March 13, 2015. The alert force tested its capabilities by simulating the procedures of reacting to a real-time crisis response mission by flying to Sigonella, Italy on a moment's notice.

Corporal David Elliot, a sniper with Bravo Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion and a native of Santa Rosa, Calif., communicates with his partner during the aerial sniper portion of the machine-gun and aerial sniper familiarization exercise at training area SR-8 aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 12, 2015. Marines with the unit used M240B machine guns and M110 semi-automatic sniper systems during the aerial sniper and machine gun familiarization fire. - Corporal David Elliot, a sniper with Bravo Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion and a native of Santa Rosa, Calif., communicates with his partner during the aerial sniper portion of the machine-gun and aerial sniper familiarization exercise at training area SR-8 aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 12, 2015. Marines with the unit used M240B machine guns and M110 semi-automatic sniper systems during the aerial sniper and machine gun familiarization fire.

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Gold shooters aim modified M16s at targets during the 7th Regiment Midrange Rifle Competition aboard the Combat Center, March 14, 2015. During the two day event, participants competed as individuals and as four man teams. - Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Gold shooters aim modified M16s at targets during the 7th Regiment Midrange Rifle Competition aboard the Combat Center, March 14, 2015. During the two day event, participants competed as individuals and as four man teams.

Lance Corporals Brittany R. Dunklee, left, gunner, and Ashleigh Howell, center, driver, both with Light Armored Vehicle Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, carry a simulated casualty while Cpl. Benjamin Alexander, right, vehicle commander, provides security, during the CASEVAC portion of a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 500, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, March 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. - Lance Corporals Brittany R. Dunklee, left, gunner, and Ashleigh Howell, center, driver, both with Light Armored Vehicle Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, carry a simulated casualty while Cpl. Benjamin Alexander, right, vehicle commander, provides security, during the CASEVAC portion of a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 500, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, March 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.

Lance Cpl. Dwayne Adams, a marksmanship instructor attached to II MEF Headquarters Group and Bronx, N.Y., native, provides security during the practical application portion of a class on combat formations during a MHG field exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 12-19, 2015. The purpose of the FEX was to allow the Marines the opportunity to test their skill sets and find areas of improvement. - Lance Cpl. Dwayne Adams, a marksmanship instructor attached to II MEF Headquarters Group and Bronx, N.Y., native, provides security during the practical application portion of a class on combat formations during a MHG field exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 12-19, 2015. The purpose of the FEX was to allow the Marines the opportunity to test their skill sets and find areas of improvement.

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A U.S. Army Special Forces team assaults a building during a close quarters battle demonstration for Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa in Baumholder, Germany, March 9, 2015. The ability to rapidly secure buildings allows Special Forces teams to complete a variety of missions ranging from hostage rescue to the suppression of enemy forces in an urban environment. - A U.S. Army Special Forces team assaults a building during a close quarters battle demonstration for Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa in Baumholder, Germany, March 9, 2015. The ability to rapidly secure buildings allows Special Forces teams to complete a variety of missions ranging from hostage rescue to the suppression of enemy forces in an urban environment.

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, communicate between buildings through windows during a military operations on urban terrain training exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 11, 2015. Constant communications between squads and platoons was vital to completing the mission of clearing the MOUT town of enemy role players with minimal friendly casualties. - Marines with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, communicate between buildings through windows during a military operations on urban terrain training exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 11, 2015. Constant communications between squads and platoons was vital to completing the mission of clearing the MOUT town of enemy role players with minimal friendly casualties.

James "Jim" Krodel, a Marine veteran and survivor of the battle for Iwo Jima from Quitman, Texas, poses for a photo during the Iwo Jima Battle Survivors and Family Association 70th anniversary reunion at Wichita Falls, Texas, February 14, 2015. Krodel served in the Marines 1944-1946. - James "Jim" Krodel, a Marine veteran and survivor of the battle for Iwo Jima from Quitman, Texas, poses for a photo during the Iwo Jima Battle Survivors and Family Association 70th anniversary reunion at Wichita Falls, Texas, February 14, 2015. Krodel served in the Marines 1944-1946.

Lance Cpl. David Wadleigh, military working dog handler, Military Working Dog Platoon, 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, posts security during the patrol with his dog, Hugo. Marines with MWD Platoon, 1st LEB and Assault Breacher Vehicle Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Combat Engineers Battalion, participated in Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training aboard Camp Pendleton, California, March 10, 2015. - Lance Cpl. David Wadleigh, military working dog handler, Military Working Dog Platoon, 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, posts security during the patrol with his dog, Hugo. Marines with MWD Platoon, 1st LEB and Assault Breacher Vehicle Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Combat Engineers Battalion, participated in Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training aboard Camp Pendleton, California, March 10, 2015.

Lance Cpl. Zackary Bowen, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, scans a field for anything that could damage the MV-22B Osprey he is in while landing. As a crew chief, Bowen and another crew chief constantly monitor the aircraft’s components and make changes as necessary to ensure the safety of the crew and personnel within. - Lance Cpl. Zackary Bowen, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, scans a field for anything that could damage the MV-22B Osprey he is in while landing. As a crew chief, Bowen and another crew chief constantly monitor the aircraft’s components and make changes as necessary to ensure the safety of the crew and personnel within.

Lance Cpl. Jeremy R. Everett, an automotive maintenance technician with 8th Communication Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, practices driving a Humvee to gain his operator’s license during 8th Comm.’s field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 12, 2015. During the Humvee licensing course, motor transportation Marines participated in a class followed by a practice course and a set amount of miles driven on the road. - Lance Cpl. Jeremy R. Everett, an automotive maintenance technician with 8th Communication Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, practices driving a Humvee to gain his operator’s license during 8th Comm.’s field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 12, 2015. During the Humvee licensing course, motor transportation Marines participated in a class followed by a practice course and a set amount of miles driven on the road.

Lance Cpl. David Wadleigh, military working dog handler, Military Working Dog Platoon, 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, posts security during the patrol with his dog, Hugo. Marines with MWD Platoon, 1st LEB and Assault Breacher Vehicle Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Combat Engineers Battalion, participated in Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 10, 2015. - Lance Cpl. David Wadleigh, military working dog handler, Military Working Dog Platoon, 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, posts security during the patrol with his dog, Hugo. Marines with MWD Platoon, 1st LEB and Assault Breacher Vehicle Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Combat Engineers Battalion, participated in Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 10, 2015.

Lance Cpl. Andrew Tucker (left) and Master Sgt. Timothy Harvey coordinate artillery strikes with Bravo Battery over military radios from the Fire Direction Center March 8, 2015, during Operation Spartan Fury 15.2 at Pohakuloa Training Area. The military radios are referred to as the “hooks.” - Lance Cpl. Andrew Tucker (left) and Master Sgt. Timothy Harvey coordinate artillery strikes with Bravo Battery over military radios from the Fire Direction Center March 8, 2015, during Operation Spartan Fury 15.2 at Pohakuloa Training Area. The military radios are referred to as the “hooks.”

Raymond Lueb, Marine survivor from the battle of Iwo Jima, poses for a photo during the Iwo Jima Battle Survivors and Family Association 70th anniversary reunion at Wichita Falls, Texas, February 14, 2015. Lueb served in the Marine Corps from January 1944 until May 1946. - Raymond Lueb, Marine survivor from the battle of Iwo Jima, poses for a photo during the Iwo Jima Battle Survivors and Family Association 70th anniversary reunion at Wichita Falls, Texas, February 14, 2015. Lueb served in the Marine Corps from January 1944 until May 1946.

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U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Brannon Niesent, Fort Collins, Colorado, III Marine Expeditionary Force Command Element G-3 Force Protection officer, works with Republic of Korea (ROK) Marine Capt. Jae Eun Lee, Marine Corps Headquarters FRAGO officer, during Exercise Key Resolve 15 on Camp Mujuk, South Korea, March 10, 2015. Key Resolve is held annually to strengthen ROK-U.S. combat readiness and joint interoperability. - U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Brannon Niesent, Fort Collins, Colorado, III Marine Expeditionary Force Command Element G-3 Force Protection officer, works with Republic of Korea (ROK) Marine Capt. Jae Eun Lee, Marine Corps Headquarters FRAGO officer, during Exercise Key Resolve 15 on Camp Mujuk, South Korea, March 10, 2015. Key Resolve is held annually to strengthen ROK-U.S. combat readiness and joint interoperability.

A Marine with 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion sets up an explosive charge to detonate during a dynamic entry sustainment course at a Military Operations in Urban Terrain exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 9, 2015. Safety was a key aspect when conducting dynamic entry with explosive charges and Marines rehearsed each set up before going live. - A Marine with 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion sets up an explosive charge to detonate during a dynamic entry sustainment course at a Military Operations in Urban Terrain exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 9, 2015. Safety was a key aspect when conducting dynamic entry with explosive charges and Marines rehearsed each set up before going live.

Sgt. Hannah S. Jacobson, machine gunner with Weapons Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, provides close supporting fires for their squad while engaging targets with the M240B Medium Machine Gun during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 107, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, March 10, 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. Hannah S. Jacobson, machine gunner with Weapons Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, provides close supporting fires for their squad while engaging targets with the M240B Medium Machine Gun during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 107, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, March 10, 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.

U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force prepare to disembark the USS Essex during Amphibious Squadron/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training off the coast of San Diego March 4, 2015. These Marines are practicing a variety of full-mission profiles so they are well-prepared for anything that comes up during their deployment. - U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force prepare to disembark the USS Essex during Amphibious Squadron/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training off the coast of San Diego March 4, 2015. These Marines are practicing a variety of full-mission profiles so they are well-prepared for anything that comes up during their deployment.

Sgt. Kassie McDole, top, crew chief, and Cpl. Kelsey Darling, rear crewman, both with Amphibious Assault Vehicle Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, assist each other in weapons mounting during the assessment at Range 500, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, March 5, 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. Kassie McDole, top, crew chief, and Cpl. Kelsey Darling, rear crewman, both with Amphibious Assault Vehicle Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, assist each other in weapons mounting during the assessment at Range 500, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, March 5, 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.

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Marines work through the night to move the forward command element March 5 during Dragon Fire Exercise 15-2 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Kona, Hawaii. Night movement provides an edge over the enemy, and provides Marines with cover and concealment during their move. The Marines are with Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines work through the night to move the forward command element March 5 during Dragon Fire Exercise 15-2 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Kona, Hawaii. Night movement provides an edge over the enemy, and provides Marines with cover and concealment during their move. The Marines are with Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Cpl. Dillon F. Lauesen, a Combat Engineer with Mobility Assault Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, provides rear security while a Marine places a window charge at the bottom of a window during an urban breaching course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 3, 2015. During this exercise the Marines were reminded to keep situational awareness and to provide security whenever necessary. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Justin T. Updegraff) - Cpl. Dillon F. Lauesen, a Combat Engineer with Mobility Assault Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, provides rear security while a Marine places a window charge at the bottom of a window during an urban breaching course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 3, 2015. During this exercise the Marines were reminded to keep situational awareness and to provide security whenever necessary. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Justin T. Updegraff)

Marines with 2nd Platoon, Truck Company, Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division conduct a convoy operations training exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 3, 2015. The training exercise is designed to prepare the platoon’s junior Marines for convoy operations if they are in a deployed environment. - Marines with 2nd Platoon, Truck Company, Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division conduct a convoy operations training exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 3, 2015. The training exercise is designed to prepare the platoon’s junior Marines for convoy operations if they are in a deployed environment.

A fire team with 2nd Force Reconnaissance Detachment 6 moves outside after clearing a building during a close-quarters tactics training event at Expeditionary Operations Training Group compound at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 6, 2015. Marines with 2nd FRD 6 clear and extract unknown targets in a building with narrow hallways and small rooms using tactics and safety standards they learned while at the reconnaissance and surveillance course conducted by EOTG. - A fire team with 2nd Force Reconnaissance Detachment 6 moves outside after clearing a building during a close-quarters tactics training event at Expeditionary Operations Training Group compound at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 6, 2015. Marines with 2nd FRD 6 clear and extract unknown targets in a building with narrow hallways and small rooms using tactics and safety standards they learned while at the reconnaissance and surveillance course conducted by EOTG.

Lance Cpl. Daniel Skora signals Lance Cpl. Aaron Stidham to stop lifting a crate at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, North Carolina, Feb. 25, 2015. More than 100 Marines with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, participated in exercise Lagoon Breach, an integrated exercise conducted to test Marines ability to operate in an austere environment and practice their field expediency. Skora is an engineer equipment electrical systems technician and Stidham is an engineer equipment operator, both with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 at Cherry Point. - Lance Cpl. Daniel Skora signals Lance Cpl. Aaron Stidham to stop lifting a crate at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, North Carolina, Feb. 25, 2015. More than 100 Marines with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, participated in exercise Lagoon Breach, an integrated exercise conducted to test Marines ability to operate in an austere environment and practice their field expediency. Skora is an engineer equipment electrical systems technician and Stidham is an engineer equipment operator, both with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 at Cherry Point.

Maj. Paul Holst, an instructor pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, flies into Beaufort skies to conduct an F-35B Lightning II night flight for the first time in Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and VMFAT- 501 history, March 2. Pilots conducted the night flights throughout the week to determine how to teach new pilots. - Maj. Paul Holst, an instructor pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, flies into Beaufort skies to conduct an F-35B Lightning II night flight for the first time in Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and VMFAT- 501 history, March 2. Pilots conducted the night flights throughout the week to determine how to teach new pilots.

Senior noncommissioned officers from the Serbian Armed Forces attending a NCO Workshop worked with four U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force to share information about the noncommissioned officer rank at the Serbian Armed Forces Training Center Pancevo, March 3 through 6, 2015. These military-to-military engagements between the U.S. and Serbian militaries allow for a greater understanding in Serbia’s effort toward NATO interoperability in the area of leader development. - Senior noncommissioned officers from the Serbian Armed Forces attending a NCO Workshop worked with four U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force to share information about the noncommissioned officer rank at the Serbian Armed Forces Training Center Pancevo, March 3 through 6, 2015. These military-to-military engagements between the U.S. and Serbian militaries allow for a greater understanding in Serbia’s effort toward NATO interoperability in the area of leader development.

(From left to right:) Singaporean Lt. Col. Francis Goh, the commanding officer for the Underwater Demolition Group with Singapore’s Naval Dive Unit; Maj. Gen. James S. Hartsell, the mobilization assistant to the U.S. Pacific Command commander; and Capt. Richard Laszok, the company commander for Bravo Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, watch as members of the UDG give a presentation over Singapore’s dive tactics Feb. 27, 2015 in one of the School of Infantry-West classrooms in building 223 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The training was part of Exercise Sandfisher, an annual exercise that provides hands-on experience for Okinawa-based Marines specializing in combatant diving; small-boat operations; underwater navigation; high-altitude, high-opening parachuting and ground reconnaissance tactics. - (From left to right:) Singaporean Lt. Col. Francis Goh, the commanding officer for the Underwater Demolition Group with Singapore’s Naval Dive Unit; Maj. Gen. James S. Hartsell, the mobilization assistant to the U.S. Pacific Command commander; and Capt. Richard Laszok, the company commander for Bravo Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, watch as members of the UDG give a presentation over Singapore’s dive tactics Feb. 27, 2015 in one of the School of Infantry-West classrooms in building 223 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The training was part of Exercise Sandfisher, an annual exercise that provides hands-on experience for Okinawa-based Marines specializing in combatant diving; small-boat operations; underwater navigation; high-altitude, high-opening parachuting and ground reconnaissance tactics.

The third gun of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment fires a 155 mm howitzer under camouflage netting on Pohakuloa Training Area during Operation Spartan Fury 15.2, March 2, 2015. The training was part of Operation Spartan Fury 15.2. - The third gun of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment fires a 155 mm howitzer under camouflage netting on Pohakuloa Training Area during Operation Spartan Fury 15.2, March 2, 2015. The training was part of Operation Spartan Fury 15.2.

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Snow falls over the command operations center during an entire day of a 2nd Marine Logistics Group command post exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 24, 2015. The Marines involved in the CPX battled multiple weather conditions such as snow, sleet and rain during the exercise designed to ensure logistical readiness and identify areas in need of improvement. - Snow falls over the command operations center during an entire day of a 2nd Marine Logistics Group command post exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 24, 2015. The Marines involved in the CPX battled multiple weather conditions such as snow, sleet and rain during the exercise designed to ensure logistical readiness and identify areas in need of improvement.