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Lance Cpl. Johnny Alston (right), a personnel retrieval and processing specialist with PRP Company, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, and Sgt. 1st Class Matevz Scheicher, a weapons specialist with the Slovenian army, inspect and document simulated remains during the culminating event of exercie Immediate Response 2014 here, Aug. 25-27, 2014 PRP’s mission is to process the physical remains of deceased Marines, including other service members and civilians, ensuring everything they arrived at the disaster site with, he or she returns home with. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Codey Underwood) - Lance Cpl. Johnny Alston (right), a personnel retrieval and processing specialist with PRP Company, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, and Sgt. 1st Class Matevz Scheicher, a weapons specialist with the Slovenian army, inspect and document simulated remains during the culminating event of exercise Immediate Response 2014, Aug. 25-27, 2014 PRP’s mission is to process the physical remains of deceased Marines, including other service members and civilians, ensuring everything they arrived at the disaster site with, he or she returns home with. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Codey Underwood)

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Georgian Minister of Defense Irakli Alasania hold a joint press conference at the Georgian Ministry of Defense in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sept. 7, 2014. Hagel and Irakli gave remarks emphasizing the importance of the relationship of their two nations and answered questions from an international pool of reporters. DoD Photo by Glenn Fawcett - Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Georgian Minister of Defense Irakli Alasania hold a joint press conference at the Georgian Ministry of Defense in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sept. 7, 2014. Hagel and Irakli gave remarks emphasizing the importance of the relationship of their two nations and answered questions from an international pool of reporters. DoD Photo by Glenn Fawcett

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey answers a question during a town hall meeting with Marines, sailors and former service members aboard Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., Sept. 5. Dempsey discussed a wide range of topics including involvement in the Middle East, and how budget cuts affect service members worldwide. - Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey answers a question during a town hall meeting with Marines, sailors and former service members aboard Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., Sept. 5. Dempsey discussed a wide range of topics including involvement in the Middle East, and how budget cuts affect service members worldwide.

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U.S. Marine Pvt. Tyler Knotts, 19, from Kingwood, W.V., grips a ledge as he navigates his way up a cliff during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Sept. 1, 2014. Rice is an infantry rifleman with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released) - U.S. Marine Pvt. Tyler Knotts, 19, from Kingwood, W.V., grips a ledge as he navigates his way up a cliff during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Sept. 1, 2014. Rice is an infantry rifleman with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released)

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KANEOHE BAY - U.S. Marines with Aircraft Rescue Firefighting, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, carry a simulated casualty from an aircraft during Exercise Lethal Breeze on MCB Hawaii, Sept. 6, 2012. Base personnel and local emergency services worked together to perform crisis response following a simulated mass casualty incident and an aircraft mishap, testing their communication, command and control, and rescue and mass casualty measures. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Reece Lodder) - MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KANEOHE BAY - U.S. Marines with Aircraft Rescue Firefighting, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, carry a simulated casualty from an aircraft during Exercise Lethal Breeze on MCB Hawaii, Sept. 6, 2012. Base personnel and local emergency services worked together to perform crisis response following a simulated mass casualty incident and an aircraft mishap, testing their communication, command and control, and rescue and mass casualty measures. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Reece Lodder)

Gunnery Sgt. Jhimelle Sepulveda, training chief with a fire fighting unit here, emerges from a fire training facility during an exercise conducted by the Camp Pendleton Fire Department and the Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton’s Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting unit on a controlled burn training facility at the 25 Area here.The training was designed to teach firefighters how to prevent rapid combustion of burned materials in rooms and structures."This is good training because we don't normally get to experience this type of situation when dealing with burning aircraft," said Sepulveda. - Gunnery Sgt. Jhimelle Sepulveda, training chief with a fire fighting unit here, emerges from a fire training facility during an exercise conducted by the Camp Pendleton Fire Department and the Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton’s Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting unit on a controlled burn training facility at the 25 Area here. The training was designed to teach firefighters how to prevent rapid combustion of burned materials in rooms and structures. "This is good training because we don't normally get to experience this type of situation when dealing with burning aircraft," said Sepulveda.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 conducted Fleet Carrier Landing Practice training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Sept. 2. The valuable training prepares pilots for situations and landings they will face while deployed aboard an aircraft carrier. - Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 conducted Fleet Carrier Landing Practice training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Sept. 2. The valuable training prepares pilots for situations and landings they will face while deployed aboard an aircraft carrier.

Marines load into the MV-22B Osprey to prepare to fast rope during the Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques course Aug. 20 at the Central Training Area. The students finalized their practical applications portion by performing rappels out of the aircraft. The Marines are with various units across III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. - Marines load into the MV-22B Osprey to prepare to fast rope during the Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques course Aug. 20 at the Central Training Area. The students finalized their practical applications portion by performing rappels out of the aircraft. The Marines are with various units across III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF.

Recruit Axe T. Buffington, Platton 1003, Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, balances himself on a chain bridge during the 12 Stalls event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27. The 12 Stalls event is a part of the Crucible, which is a 54-hour test of endurance where recruits must conquer more than 30 different obstacles while they experience food and sleep deprivation. During the Crucible, recruits utilize small unit leadership skills they’ve acquired throughout training. Buffington is a native of Princeton, Minn., and was recruited out of Recruiting Substation St. Cloud, Minn. - Recruit Axe T. Buffington, Platton 1003, Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, balances himself on a chain bridge during the 12 Stalls event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27. The 12 Stalls event is a part of the Crucible, which is a 54-hour test of endurance where recruits must conquer more than 30 different obstacles while they experience food and sleep deprivation. During the Crucible, recruits utilize small unit leadership skills they’ve acquired throughout training. Buffington is a native of Princeton, Minn., and was recruited out of Recruiting Substation St. Cloud, Minn.

Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force practice loading and unloading inert rounds into the Non-Lethal, Tube-Launched Munitions System during their practical application training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 14, 2014. Marine Corps Systems Command Optics and Non-Lethal Systems is fielding the system that sends non-lethal munitions out as far as 500 meters and uses an audible bang to deter a crowd or a person with mal-intent. Its intended use is for military checkpoints. - Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force practice loading and unloading inert rounds into the Non-Lethal, Tube-Launched Munitions System during their practical application training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 14, 2014. Marine Corps Systems Command Optics and Non-Lethal Systems is fielding the system that sends non-lethal munitions out as far as 500 meters and uses an audible bang to deter a crowd or a person with mal-intent. Its intended use is for military checkpoints.

A Marine works on a generator Sept. 1 on Tinian during preparation for Exercise Valiant Shield 2014. The squadron’s mission during the exercise is to prepare an airstrip and provide support for all participating units. Valiant Shield is a biennial exercise which focuses on the integration of joint training among U.S. forces. The Marine is with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - A Marine works on a generator Sept. 1 on Tinian during preparation for Exercise Valiant Shield 2014. The squadron’s mission during the exercise is to prepare an airstrip and provide support for all participating units. Valiant Shield is a biennial exercise which focuses on the integration of joint training among U.S. forces. The Marine is with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

A Marine with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, descends a rope from an MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), 24th MEU, during Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System qualification at Camp Lejeune, N.C., August 22, 2014. Marines spent two days fast-roping from a tower and an MV-22B Osprey in preparation for their scheduled deployment at the end of the year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Devin Nichols) - A Marine with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, descends a rope from an MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), 24th MEU, during Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System qualification at Camp Lejeune, N.C., August 22, 2014. Marines spent two days fast-roping from a tower and an MV-22B Osprey in preparation for their scheduled deployment at the end of the year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Devin Nichols)

Lt. Gen. John Toolan, commander, U. S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, addresses the Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit following the culminating joint amphibious demonstration of Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise 2014 at Kg Tanduo Beach, Malaysia, Sept. 2. MALUS AMPHEX 14 is a bilateral exercise between the 11th MEU and Malaysian Armed Forces that includes operational and tactical level training in planning, command and control, and combat service support using both ground and sea assets. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Rome M. Lazarus/Released) - Lt. Gen. John Toolan, commander, U. S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, addresses the Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit following the culminating joint amphibious demonstration of Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise 2014 at Kg Tanduo Beach, Malaysia, Sept. 2. MALUS AMPHEX 14 is a bilateral exercise between the 11th MEU and Malaysian Armed Forces that includes operational and tactical level training in planning, command and control, and combat service support using both ground and sea assets. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Rome M. Lazarus/Released)

Col. Scott Benedict straps into an AV-8B Harrier at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Aug. 26, 2014. Benedict flew with Capt. Chris Tchinski, a Harrier instructor pilot with Marine Attack Training Squadron 203, to better understand the capabilities of the different aircraft within the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Benedict is the commanding officer of the 24th MEU. - Col. Scott Benedict straps into an AV-8B Harrier at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Aug. 26, 2014. Benedict flew with Capt. Chris Tchinski, a Harrier instructor pilot with Marine Attack Training Squadron 203, to better understand the capabilities of the different aircraft within the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Benedict is the commanding officer of the 24th MEU.

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The UH-1N Huey (Right) escorts a UH-1Y Venom (Left) during the final flight of the UH-1N Huey for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, Marine Aircraft Group 49, aboard Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans, Aug. 28, 2014. The escort symbolizes the stepping aside of one helicopter platform to allow for an improved version to takes its place. - The UH-1N Huey (Right) escorts a UH-1Y Venom (Left) during the final flight of the UH-1N Huey for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, Marine Aircraft Group 49, aboard Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans, Aug. 28, 2014. The escort symbolizes the stepping aside of one helicopter platform to allow for an improved version to takes its place.

Brigadier Gen. Joaquin F. Malavet, the commanding general of 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, inspects Marines passing in review during the 1st MEB change of command ceremony aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 29, 2014. Malavet was previously assigned as the principal director, South and Southeast Asia for the Office of the Secretary of Defense-Policy at Washington, D.C. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Carson Gramley) - Brigadier Gen. Joaquin F. Malavet, the commanding general of 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, inspects Marines passing in review during the 1st MEB change of command ceremony aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 29, 2014. Malavet was previously assigned as the principal director, South and Southeast Asia for the Office of the Secretary of Defense-Policy at Washington, D.C. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Carson Gramley)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jona Moore tactically makes his way through the mountainous terrain with his squad during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Aug. 29, 2014. Moore is a team leader with 3rd Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released) - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jona Moore tactically makes his way through the mountainous terrain with his squad during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Aug. 29, 2014. Moore is a team leader with 3rd Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released)

U.S. Marine Pfc. Ryan Iglesias, left, and Lance Cpl. Jonathan Ripoyla strategize on improving their survival shelter during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Aug. 28, 2014. Iglesias and Ripoyla are both infantry riflemen assigned to 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released) - U.S. Marine Pfc. Ryan Iglesias, left, and Lance Cpl. Jonathan Ripoyla strategize on improving their survival shelter during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Aug. 28, 2014. Iglesias and Ripoyla are both infantry riflemen assigned to 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released)

Sergeants Philip Kelly (Near) and Derrek Cardinale (Far), receive Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals from Lt. Gen. Richard P. Mills, commander of Marine Forces Reserve, for their work as Lance Corporal Leadership Ethics Seminar trainers after educating senior enlisted advisors in the Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans auditorium, Aug. 27, 2014. The train-the-trainer course was designed to inform senior enlisted advisors on the new Lance Corporal Leadership Ethics Seminar implemented throughout the Marine Corps. The seminar was implemented to inform lance corporals of the resources available to them, as well as motivate them to succeed and strive for the next rank. - Sergeants Philip Kelly (Near) and Derrek Cardinale (Far), receive Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals from Lt. Gen. Richard P. Mills, commander of Marine Forces Reserve, for their work as Lance Corporal Leadership Ethics Seminar trainers after educating senior enlisted advisors in the Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans auditorium, Aug. 27, 2014. The train-the-trainer course was designed to inform senior enlisted advisors on the new Lance Corporal Leadership Ethics Seminar implemented throughout the Marine Corps. The seminar was implemented to inform lance corporals of the resources available to them, as well as motivate them to succeed and strive for the next rank.

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Marines and sailors are competing for a place on the All Navy and Marine Corps rugby team to represent our country in the Common Wealth Navies Rugby Cup located in New Zealand.There are currently 35 members of the All Navy and Marine Corps team, but only about 28 will be going to the rugby motherland. They claimed a 21-7 victory over the Oceanside Chiefs, a division two rugby team with three division titles and one national title, in their first local scrimmage at Paige Field House here, Aug. 30.(Photo by Cpl. Keenan Zelazoski) - Marines and sailors are competing for a place on the All Navy and Marine Corps rugby team to represent our country in the Common Wealth Navies Rugby Cup located in New Zealand.There are currently 35 members of the All Navy and Marine Corps team, but only about 28 will be going to the rugby motherland. They claimed a 21-7 victory over the Oceanside Chiefs, a division two rugby team with three division titles and one national title, in their first local scrimmage at Paige Field House here, Aug. 30.(Photo by Cpl. Keenan Zelazoski)

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A CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 approaches the flight deck of the future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) preparing to land, Aug. 24, 2014. Four helicopters with the squadron arrived aboard America ending the exercise Partnership of the Americas 2014. POA was based on a simulated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief scenario in Chile. Multiple nations came together to plan and execute a multi-lateral exercise in response to the HA/DR scenario. Exercises like POA allow the U.S. and our partners in the region to respond to and address transnational and global challenges. America is currently transiting through the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility on her maiden transit “America Visits the Americas.” (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Donald Holbert/ Released) - A CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 approaches the flight deck of the future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) preparing to land, Aug. 24, 2014. Four helicopters with the squadron arrived aboard America ending the exercise Partnership of the Americas 2014. POA was based on a simulated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief scenario in Chile. Multiple nations came together to plan and execute a multi-lateral exercise in response to the HA/DR scenario. Exercises like POA allow the U.S. and our partners in the region to respond to and address transnational and global challenges. America is currently transiting through the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility on her maiden transit “America Visits the Americas.” (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Donald Holbert/ Released)

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Marines with reserve 4th Force Reconnaissance Company conduct live-fire training during their full-mission profile as part of their annual training on and around Kaneohe Bay Range Training Facility, Aug. 23, 2014. Force Recon’s mission is conducting deep reconnaissance to provide intelligence to follow-on forces. - Marines with reserve 4th Force Reconnaissance Company conduct live-fire training during their full-mission profile as part of their annual training on and around Kaneohe Bay Range Training Facility, Aug. 23, 2014. Force Recon’s mission is conducting deep reconnaissance to provide intelligence to follow-on forces.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Divers look upon the sunken remains of a Vietnam-era amphibious landing craft, that allegedly went under during a demonstration for the Secretary of the Navy on Pyramid Rock Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. (Courtesy photo from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) - MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Divers look upon the sunken remains of a Vietnam-era amphibious landing craft, that allegedly went under during a demonstration for the Secretary of the Navy on Pyramid Rock Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. (Courtesy photo from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Recruits of Company B, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, practice blood chokes during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program session at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., Aug. 25. To ensure the safety of the recruits, the chokes were not applied completely, rather the recruit having the technique applied was instructed to tap their partners as soon as they felt the choke was being applied correctly. - Recruits of Company B, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, practice blood chokes during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program session at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., Aug. 25. To ensure the safety of the recruits, the chokes were not applied completely, rather the recruit having the technique applied was instructed to tap their partners as soon as they felt the choke was being applied correctly.

Pvt. Joel A. Lopez, Platoon 3263, Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, performs buddy push-ups with his platoon during the Crucible at Marine Corps BaseCamp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 20. Lopez graduates recruit training today, and will then attend Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton. Upon completion of MCT, he willcontinue training for his military occupational specialty as a field artillery cannoneer. - Pvt. Joel A. Lopez, Platoon 3263, Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, performs buddy push-ups with his platoon during the Crucible at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 20. Lopez graduates recruit training today, and will then attend Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton. Upon completion of MCT, he will continue training for his military occupational specialty as a field artillery cannoneer.

Recruits of Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, battle each other during Pugil Sticks III at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 26. While Pugil Sticks is one of the more popular events in recruit training, it also serves a purpose beyond the physical training. - Recruits of Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, battle each other during Pugil Sticks III at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 26. While Pugil Sticks is one of the more popular events in recruit training, it also serves a purpose beyond the physical training.

A mock victim lies on the floor before an active shooter exercise called “Operation Social Fury” aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 27. The exercise allowed first responders to react to the threat of an active shooter in a safe and controlled manner while observers judged their reactions. - A mock victim lies on the floor before an active shooter exercise called “Operation Social Fury” aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 27. The exercise allowed first responders to react to the threat of an active shooter in a safe and controlled manner while observers judged their reactions.

Marines, sailors with Bravo Company conduct security patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan - Marines, sailors with Bravo Company conduct security patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan

Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force fire the Non-Lethal, Tube-Launched Munitions System from a vehicle at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 14, 2014. The live fire showcased the versatility and shock and awe effect of the NLTLMS and how effective it can be at a vehicle checkpoint. Marine Corps Systems Command Optics and Non-Lethal Systems is fielding the system that sends non-lethal munitions out as far as 500 meters and uses an audible bang to deter a crowd or a person with mal-intent. - Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force fire the Non-Lethal, Tube-Launched Munitions System from a vehicle at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 14, 2014. The live fire showcased the versatility and shock and awe effect of the NLTLMS and how effective it can be at a vehicle checkpoint. Marine Corps Systems Command Optics and Non-Lethal Systems is fielding the system that sends non-lethal munitions out as far as 500 meters and uses an audible bang to deter a crowd or a person with mal-intent.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Aug. 27, 2014) – Sailors with Beachmaster Unit 2, Naval Beach Group Two, guide Sgt. William Anderson, a motor transportation operator with Transport Support, Combat Logistics Battalion 26 onto an Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) during a loading exercise (LOADEX) aboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Aug. 27. The LOADEX was designed to simulate a Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) mission, in order to train the Marines and Sailors what they need to accomplish during an actual DSCA mission and identify and rectify any shortfalls before the event of a real-world mission. A DSCA mission would occur if a federal agency, on behalf of local civil authorities, made a request to the Department of Defense to fill specific gaps in their abilities to respond to a natural or man-made disaster. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Scott McAdam/Released) - VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Aug. 27, 2014) – Sailors with Beachmaster Unit 2, Naval Beach Group Two, guide Sgt. William Anderson, a motor transportation operator with Transport Support, Combat Logistics Battalion 26 onto an Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) during a loading exercise (LOADEX) aboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Aug. 27. The LOADEX was designed to simulate a Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) mission, in order to train the Marines and Sailors what they need to accomplish during an actual DSCA mission and identify and rectify any shortfalls before the event of a real-world mission. A DSCA mission would occur if a federal agency, on behalf of local civil authorities, made a request to the Department of Defense to fill specific gaps in their abilities to respond to a natural or man-made disaster. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Scott McAdam/Released)

In 1986, Richard Burris took the challenge of going through the rigorous 13-week training that is Marine Corps boot camp. Nearly three decades later, Burris’ son followed in those same yellow footsteps that transform young adults into Marines.Now a master gunnery sergeant in the Marine Corps, Burris is known throughout the field of correctional specialists by name and by reputation. His position as the technical advisor at the Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston, speaks well of his experience as a leader. Leadership that spans not only through the enlisted ranks but carries over to officers he has trained while they were junior enlisted. Naturally, his leadership transferred over to his family of five. - In 1986, Richard Burris took the challenge of going through the rigorous 13-week training that is Marine Corps boot camp. Nearly three decades later, Burris’ son followed in those same yellow footsteps that transform young adults into Marines. Now a master gunnery sergeant in the Marine Corps, Burris is known throughout the field of correctional specialists by name and by reputation. His position as the technical advisor at the Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston, speaks well of his experience as a leader. Leadership that spans not only through the enlisted ranks but carries over to officers he has trained while they were junior enlisted. Naturally, his leadership transferred over to his family of five.

Lance Cpl. Nathan Nguyen fires a M-1014 combat shotgun during a live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 25, 2014. Nguyen is an aviation communications technician with Marine Air Support Squadron 1. - Lance Cpl. Nathan Nguyen fires a M-1014 combat shotgun during a live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 25, 2014. Nguyen is an aviation communications technician with Marine Air Support Squadron 1.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Eric Mercado makes his way across a river while training to build and cross rope bridges during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Aug. 27, 2014. Mercado is an infantry assaultman with 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Eric Mercado makes his way across a river while training to build and cross rope bridges during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Aug. 27, 2014. Mercado is an infantry assaultman with 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment.

Sergeant Steven B. Waddell, with Fleet Support Division, Production Plant Barstow, receives a quilt from Quilts of Valor during Quarterly Awards breakfast, Aug., 20. Quilts of Valor volunteers make quilts for deserving service members around the world. - Sergeant Steven B. Waddell, with Fleet Support Division, Production Plant Barstow, receives a quilt from Quilts of Valor during Quarterly Awards breakfast, Aug., 20. Quilts of Valor volunteers make quilts for deserving service members around the world.

A recruit from Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, attempts to swing to a platform during Gonzalez’s Challenge at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 20. Gonzalez’s Challenge is one of many exercises recruits are required to perform during the Crucible, a 54-hour exercise that is the final test of recruit training. - A recruit from Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, attempts to swing to a platform during Gonzalez’s Challenge at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 20. Gonzalez’s Challenge is one of many exercises recruits are required to perform during the Crucible, a 54-hour exercise that is the final test of recruit training.

Lance Cpl. Scott Wern, an assaultman with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, and fellow Marines prepare to fire a volley of rockets aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 22, 2014. The Marines performed the rocket drills to sustain of the Marine’s operational abilities. - Lance Cpl. Scott Wern, an assaultman with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, and fellow Marines prepare to fire a volley of rockets aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 22, 2014. The Marines performed the rocket drills to sustain of the Marine’s operational abilities.

Lance Cpl. Cody Goers, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, prepares to board a CH-53E Super Stallion Aug. 22 at the Central Training Area. Once the aircraft crews give a predetermined signal, Marines can make their way to the helicopter. Goers is a team leader with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. - Lance Cpl. Cody Goers, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, prepares to board a CH-53E Super Stallion Aug. 22 at the Central Training Area. Once the aircraft crews give a predetermined signal, Marines can make their way to the helicopter. Goers is a team leader with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

Patrons of Marine Corps Base Quantico’s 50M Pool sit on the pool’s edge before swimming laps Aug. 25. - Patrons of Marine Corps Base Quantico’s 50M Pool sit on the pool’s edge before swimming laps Aug. 25.

Marines from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Gold Company, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment prepare to fire the Expeditionary Fire Support System from Marine Corps Base Quantico's Weapons Range 3 on Aug. 20. - Marines from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Gold Company, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment prepare to fire the Expeditionary Fire Support System from Marine Corps Base Quantico's Weapons Range 3 on Aug. 20.

Members of the Malaysian Armed Forces observe as a landing craft air cushion carrying Marines and sailors from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Amphibious Squadron Five arrives on a beach during Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise 2014. MALUS AMPHEX 14 is a bilateral exercise between the 11th MEU and Malaysian Armed Forces that includes operational and tactical level training in planning, command and control, and combat service support using both ground and sea assets. - Members of the Malaysian Armed Forces observe as a landing craft air cushion carrying Marines and sailors from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Amphibious Squadron Five arrives on a beach during Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise 2014. MALUS AMPHEX 14 is a bilateral exercise between the 11th MEU and Malaysian Armed Forces that includes operational and tactical level training in planning, command and control, and combat service support using both ground and sea assets.

A Bulgarian soldier stands at the alert during a humanitarian scenario while participating in the final exercise of Platinum Lion 14-2, Aug. 11, 2014 at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria. During the seven-hour exercise, an escalating conflict between two socially-divided urban towns resulted in the deployment of peacekeeping entities. Platinum Lion 14-2 is an annually-scheduled training engagement that promotes and strengthens interoperability between regional partners, allies and U.S. forces through multilateral familiarization and training. Exercise Platinum Lion 14-2 includes U.S. Marines and sailors from 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, as well as soldiers from Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia. - A Bulgarian soldier stands at the alert during a humanitarian scenario while participating in the final exercise of Platinum Lion 14-2, Aug. 11, 2014 at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria. During the seven-hour exercise, an escalating conflict between two socially-divided urban towns resulted in the deployment of peacekeeping entities. Platinum Lion 14-2 is an annually-scheduled training engagement that promotes and strengthens interoperability between regional partners, allies and U.S. forces through multilateral familiarization and training. Exercise Platinum Lion 14-2 includes U.S. Marines and sailors from 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, as well as soldiers from Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia.

Marines with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, load onto MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced), 11th MEU, for training Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii Aug 1.. The 11th MEU and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group are deployed as a sea-based, expeditionary crisis response force capable of conducting amphibious missions across the full range of military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Laura Y. Raga/Released) - Marines with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, load onto MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced), 11th MEU, for training Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii Aug 1.. The 11th MEU and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group are deployed as a sea-based, expeditionary crisis response force capable of conducting amphibious missions across the full range of military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Laura Y. Raga/Released)