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Marines conducted live-fire ranges where they rehearsed rocket battle drills and fire team attacks. - Lance Cpl. Jonathan Whitfield, a fire team leader with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division engages a target with an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a Tactical Small Unit Leaders Course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 16, 2017. Marines conducted live-fire ranges where they rehearsed rocket battle drills and fire team attacks. The Marines used the M72AS 21mm Trainer System, M72 Lightweight Anti-Tank Weapon, AT-4 rocket launcher, M203 grenade launcher, M32 grenade launcher and M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle.

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ITX is a large-scale, combined-arms training exercise conducted on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms conducted to continue increasing the units’ readiness as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. - Marines standby for their departure to Integrated Training Exercise 2-18 from Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Jan. 12, 2018. ITX is a large-scale, combined-arms training exercise conducted on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms conducted to continue increasing the units’ readiness as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The participation from the Hawaii-based units includes 3d Marine Regiment; 2d Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment; 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment and Combat Logistics Battalion 3. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez)

Nagitsy is enlisted in the Shoshone-Bannock tribes of southeastern Idaho and has bloodlines of four tribes; Northern Cheyenne, Eastern Shoshone, Shoshone-Bannock and Navajo. He will leave for Marine Corps Recruit Depot for recruit training on Jan. 16, 2018. - Devin Nagitsy, Future Marine from Fort Hall, ID, dresses in traditional Native American regalia for dancing during celebrations and social events. Nagitsy is enlisted in the Shoshone-Bannock tribes of southeastern Idaho and has bloodlines of four tribes; Northern Cheyenne, Eastern Shoshone, Shoshone-Bannock and Navajo. He will leave for Marine Corps Recruit Depot for recruit training on Jan. 16, 2018. (Courtesy Photo)

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan – A needle and tubing is taped down Jan. 11 at the Single Marine Program blood drive aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. - CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan – A needle and tubing is taped down Jan. 11 at the Single Marine Program blood drive aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The blood drive was to get units of blood for Cobra Gold. The SMP blood drive had a goal of 20 units and completed it with 30 units of blood collected. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Kelcey Seymour)

1st Lt. Aaron Cranford speaks in an interview with Justin Kinjo and Yusuke Teruya, divers who almost lost their lives at the hands of a rip current, after the he receives the Navy and Marine Corps Medal on Jan. 8, 2017, at the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion Headquarters building on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. Cranford was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for risking his life while rescuing three divers and a local Okinawan who were caught in rip current during a recreational dive at Onna Point, Okinawa, Japan on April 23, 2017. Cranford, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, is a supply officer with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. - 1st Lt. Aaron Cranford speaks in an interview with Justin Kinjo and Yusuke Teruya, divers who almost lost their lives at the hands of a rip current, after the he receives the Navy and Marine Corps Medal on Jan. 8, 2017, at the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion Headquarters building on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. Cranford was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for risking his life while rescuing three divers and a local Okinawan who were caught in rip current during a recreational dive at Onna Point, Okinawa, Japan on April 23, 2017. Cranford, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, is a supply officer with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division.

Chikako McMasters, a Vietnam war hero’s daughter, stands in front of a portrait and biography of her father that are located at the entrance of Dorris Hall - Chikako McMasters, a Vietnam war hero’s daughter, stands in front of a portrait and biography of her father that are located at the entrance of Dorris Hall, the renamed staff non-commissioned officer barracks on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 22, 2017. Recently, Chikako discovered she was the daughter of Staff Sgt. Claude H. Dorris, a Navy Cross recipient in Vietnam, which gave her a deeper connection to the Marine Corps. McMasters is a native of Okinawa, Japan.

Colonel Giles R. Boyce, the commanding officer for Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, renames the staff non-commissioned officer barracks on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 22, 2017. Dorris Hall is named after the Navy Cross recipient, Staff Sgt. Claude H. Dorris, a squad leader with the Combined Action Program during the Vietnam War, who went above and beyond the call of duty. - Colonel Giles R. Boyce, the commanding officer for Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, renames the staff non-commissioned officer barracks on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 22, 2017. Dorris Hall is named after the Navy Cross recipient, Staff Sgt. Claude H. Dorris, a squad leader with the Combined Action Program during the Vietnam War, who went above and beyond the call of duty.

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U.S. Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion compete in the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion annual Warrior Challenge on Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, December 15, 2017. The events included the basic skills and knowledge of the reconnaissance operations fields. - U.S. Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion compete in the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion annual Warrior Challenge on Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, December 15, 2017. The events included the basic skills and knowledge of the reconnaissance operations fields.

Marines and Sailors with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, demonstrate proper removal of a gas mask from a simulated chemical contact victim while training for the medical management of chemical and biological causalties during an exercise at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 6, 2017. Long prohibited by international agreements, chemical weapons have been increasingly used on the battlefield by American adversaries including violent extremist organizations. Raiders gained valuable practical application skills in handling casualties in complex and dangerous chemical environments. - Marines and Sailors with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, demonstrate proper removal of a gas mask from a simulated chemical contact victim while training for the medical management of chemical and biological causalties during an exercise at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 6, 2017. Long prohibited by international agreements, chemical weapons have been increasingly used on the battlefield by American adversaries including violent extremist organizations. Raiders gained valuable practical application skills in handling casualties in complex and dangerous chemical environments.

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A multi-purpose canine handler with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, controls a laceration on a realistic canine mannequin during MPC medical training at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2017. During this training, MPC handlers practice applying canine medical aid on the new “robot dog” for the first time, which is in its final stages of testing and development. - A multi-purpose canine handler with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, controls a laceration on a realistic canine mannequin during MPC medical training at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2017. During this training, MPC handlers practice applying canine medical aid on the new “robot dog” for the first time, which is in its final stages of testing and development.

Vivianlee Aguero is a lance corporal in the United States Marine Corps. At 17 she enlisted as an embarkation specialist from her home in Guam. - Vivianlee Aguero is a lance corporal in the United States Marine Corps. At 17 she enlisted as an embarkation specialist from her home in Guam. She is currently attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, the 31st MEU provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance, throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Marines with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group battle one another with pugil sticks during 2nd TSB’s Commander’s Cup 2017 at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2017. The competition included an obstacle course, assembly and disassembly of the M240B medium machine gun, maneuver under fire course, tire flip relay race, log tossing, Tug o’ War and pugil stick battle. The Marines improved their physical fitness and strengthening their unit. - Marines with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group battle one another with pugil sticks during 2nd TSB’s Commander’s Cup 2017 at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2017. The competition included an obstacle course, assembly and disassembly of the M240B medium machine gun, maneuver under fire course, tire flip relay race, log tossing, Tug o’ War and pugil stick battle. The Marines improved their physical fitness and strengthening their unit.

An MV-22 Osprey of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 lands on the flight deck of the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan. - An MV-22 Osprey of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 lands on the flight deck of the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Carmen Christman, right, a logistics mobility chief with the USS Essex, and Lance Cpl. Angela Chang, an embark specialist with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, review flight plans aboard the Essex during Exercise Dawn Blitz, Oct. 27, 2017. - U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Carmen Christman, right, a logistics mobility chief with the USS Essex, and Lance Cpl. Angela Chang, an embark specialist with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, review flight plans aboard the Essex during Exercise Dawn Blitz, Oct. 27, 2017. Dawn Blitz is a scenario-driven amphibious exercise conducted between Expeditionary Strike Group 3 and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, testing their ability to conduct amphibious operations in response to global crises and to project power ashore as part of a Navy-Marine Corps team.

A Marine tests the enhanced vision capability—part of an upgrade to the Light Armored Vehicle’s Anti-Tank Weapon System—during new equipment training Sept. 18-29, at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Marine Corps Systems Command completed its first fielding of four upgraded ATWS in September. - A Marine tests the enhanced vision capability—part of an upgrade to the Light Armored Vehicle’s Anti-Tank Weapon System—during new equipment training Sept. 18-29, at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Marine Corps Systems Command completed its first fielding of four upgraded ATWS in September.

Capt. Miguel Garcia pushes his son during the 28th Annual Kinser Half Marathon Nov. 19 aboard Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan. The 13.1-mile run brought the local and military communities together for a friendly competition. Awards were given to the top three runners in each age category. Garcia is a supply officer with the Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group. - Capt. Miguel Garcia pushes his son during the 28th Annual Kinser Half Marathon Nov. 19 aboard Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan. The 13.1-mile run brought the local and military communities together for a friendly competition. Awards were given to the top three runners in each age category. Garcia is a supply officer with the Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group.

Several 3-D-printed assault vehicle models sit on display in the General Support Maintenance Company (GSM), 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, as a display of advanced capabilities, Nov. 21 2017, at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan. The Dreamer Flashforge 3-D printer is regularly used at GSM to test form, fit and functionality of equipment and military systems before the finished product is produced out of metal. - Several 3-D-printed assault vehicle models sit on display in the General Support Maintenance Company (GSM), 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, as a display of advanced capabilities, Nov. 21 2017, at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan. The Dreamer Flashforge 3-D printer is regularly used at GSM to test form, fit and functionality of equipment and military systems before the finished product is produced out of metal.

Marine Corps veteran Sgt. Eubaldo Lovato (left), Silver Star recipient, Brig. Gen. Michael Martin (center), deputy commanding general of Marine Corps Forces Command, and Sgt. Maj. Bryan Fuller, Inspector Instructor Sgt. Maj. of Combat Logistics Group 453 Sgt. Maj., 4th Marine Logistics Group, render honors during the playing of the National Anthem during the Silver Star award ceremony in Montrose, Colo., Nov. 18, 2017. Lovato received an award upgrade, from his previous Bronze Star, for his heroic actions while serving as a squad leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, during Operation Al Fajr, part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, on Nov. 15, 2004. The Silver Star is the United States third-highest personal decoration for valor in combat. - Marine Corps veteran Sgt. Eubaldo Lovato (left), Silver Star recipient, Brig. Gen. Michael Martin (center), deputy commanding general of Marine Corps Forces Command, and Sgt. Maj. Bryan Fuller, Inspector Instructor Sgt. Maj. of Combat Logistics Group 453 Sgt. Maj., 4th Marine Logistics Group, render honors during the playing of the National Anthem during the Silver Star award ceremony in Montrose, Colo., Nov. 18, 2017. Lovato received an award upgrade, from his previous Bronze Star, for his heroic actions while serving as a squad leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, during Operation Al Fajr, part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, on Nov. 15, 2004. The Silver Star is the United States third-highest personal decoration for valor in combat.

U.S. Col. Michael V. Samarov, the commander of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, answers questions from Honduran press members after a closing ceremony at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Nov. 8, 2017. The unit held a closing ceremony to wrap up their six-month deployment to Central America and to thank interagency and international partners for their support. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC have completed a successful deployment in Central America and are scheduled to return to the United States in mid-November 2017. - U.S. Col. Michael V. Samarov, the commander of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, answers questions from Honduran press members after a closing ceremony at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Nov. 8, 2017. The unit held a closing ceremony to wrap up their six-month deployment to Central America and to thank interagency and international partners for their support. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC have completed a successful deployment in Central America and are scheduled to return to the United States in mid-November 2017.

The Marines with CLB-3 practiced firing inert and live mine-clearing charges as a part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 18.1/Exercise Winter Workhorse 17, which familiarizes the American armed forces with the Korean Peninsula and builds upon an enduring alliance between the two militaries. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Larry Anderson, a landing support specialist with Landing Support Company, 3d Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, crosses an obstacle with help from his unit and Republic of Korea Marines with Landing Support Battalion, ROK Marine Logistics Group, Oct. 28, 2017 in Pohang, South Korea. The Marines from both nations came together to conduct a Leadership Reaction Course, a series of team-building exercises designed to encourage communication and camaraderie between the two forces. The LRC was held as a part of Exercise Winter Workhorse 17/ Korean Marine Exchange Program 18.1, which familiarizes American military forces with the Korean peninsula.

Sonny Wong, a Vietnam veteran, shares stories about the unit during his tour of 12th Marine Regiments facilities Nov. 7, 2017, at 12th Marine Regiment’s company office on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. - Sonny Wong, a Vietnam veteran, shares stories about the unit during his tour of 12th Marine Regiments facilities Nov. 7, 2017, at 12th Marine Regiment’s company office on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. Wong was an interpreter attached to 12th Marines during the Vietnam War and decided to visit his old unit 51 years later. Sgt. Maj. Douglas W. Yagel gave him a tour of the Regiment’s facilities and weapons as Wong described his experience working with the Marines.

A U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushions is guided offshore during exercise Bold Alligator 17 at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 25, 2017. Bold Alligator 17 is a multinational, naval amphibious exercise that focuses on combined training of multiple forces executing complex shaping, amphibious, and sea basing operations to improve U.S. and coalition ship-to-shore capabilities. - A U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushions is guided offshore during exercise Bold Alligator 17 at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 25, 2017. Bold Alligator 17 is a multinational, naval amphibious exercise that focuses on combined training of multiple forces executing complex shaping, amphibious, and sea basing operations to improve U.S. and coalition ship-to-shore capabilities.

U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), unload emergency care items at the St. Thomas Cyril E. King Airport, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sept. 12, 2017. The 26th MEU worked jointly with Department of Defense services and Federal Emergency Management Agency staff to provide food, water, and other essential care items in support of Hurricane Irma relief efforts. - U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), unload emergency care items at the St. Thomas Cyril E. King Airport, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sept. 12, 2017. The 26th MEU worked jointly with Department of Defense services and Federal Emergency Management Agency staff to provide food, water, and other essential care items in support of Hurricane Irma relief efforts.

Royal Marines make their way to their first infiltration point for a ground insertion operation during Bold Alligator 17 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Oct. 20, 2017. Bold Alligator 17 is a training exercise focused on a regimental amphibious assault that allows the Navy and Marine Corps team to train with partner nations to refine and strengthen core amphibious competencies critical to maritime power projection. - Royal Marines make their way to their first infiltration point for a ground insertion operation during Bold Alligator 17 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Oct. 20, 2017. Bold Alligator 17 is a training exercise focused on a regimental amphibious assault that allows the Navy and Marine Corps team to train with partner nations to refine and strengthen core amphibious competencies critical to maritime power projection.

Sgt. David McCarty explains the different training during a K-9 demonstration for the Okinawa Prefectural Police. - KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, Japan – Sgt. David McCarty explains the different training during a K-9 demonstration for the Okinawa Prefectural Police at the Kadena Passenger Terminal on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. This was the first K-9 demonstration Marine Corps Installations Pacific K-9 held for OPP’s K-9. OPP’s K-9 unit is currently trained in tracking; however, in 2017 and 2018, they are looking to introduce narcotics and aggression capabilities. McCarty is a military police officer and a dog handler with Provost Marshall’s Office, Headquarters and Support Battalion, MCIPAC- Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. (U.S Marine photo by Lance Corporal Tayler P. Schwamb)

Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a range. - Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a range in South Korea during exercise Midori Guardian 17, which was held from September 5 to October 15, 2017. Midori Guardian, a Unit Level Training event aimed at enhancing squadron readiness while in a field environment, utilizes simulated real-world scenarios focused on Direct Air Support Center and an Air Support Element operations, live-fire ranges, and Marine Corps Common Skills training to prepare the unit for future operations. (courtesy photo)

MCTSSA engineers build virtual afloat network - Paul Pham (center), a computer engineer with Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, demonstrates a virtualized tactical afloat network capability Sept. 27, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sky M. Laron)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Trai Pelletier, a welder with the Logistics Combat Element, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, greets a child at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Taufick Bendeck Elementary School in Trujillo, Honduras, July 27, 2017. The Marines are conducting infrastructure improvement projects at local schools in Trujillo at the request of the government of Honduras. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC are deployed to Central America to conduct security cooperation training and engineering projects with their counterparts in several Central American and Caribbean nations. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Trai Pelletier, a welder with the Logistics Combat Element, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, greets a child at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Taufick Bendeck Elementary School in Trujillo, Honduras, July 27, 2017. The Marines are conducting infrastructure improvement projects at local schools in Trujillo at the request of the government of Honduras. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC are deployed to Central America to conduct security cooperation training and engineering projects with their counterparts in several Central American and Caribbean nations.

British commando gunners prepare 105mm shells to be fired from an M119A3 Howitzer during field artillery training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 11, 2017. - British commando gunners prepare 105mm shells to be fired from an M119A3 Howitzer during field artillery training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 11, 2017. British soldiers exchanged knowledge and skills with U.S. Marines to refine their artillery operation capabilities in preparation for joint exercise Bold Alligator, a large-scale, multinational Naval amphibious exercise to execute complex shaping, amphibious, and sea basing operations to improve U.S. and coalition ship-to-shore capabilities. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment and the British soldiers are with 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Abrey D. Liggins)

The 3-D printer from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment begins to form the base layer of pack clips - The 3-D printer from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment begins to form the base layer of pack clips at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 6, 2017. 2/8 is the first infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps to utilize a 3-D printer to ensure battalion readiness in the event of equipment malfunctions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ashley McLaughlin)

Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist or humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering. - An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 prepares to take off from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, September 29, 2017, in support of exercise KAMANDAG. Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist or humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering. VMM-262 is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. In preparation for KAMANDAG, the Ospreys served as transportation for 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade's joint humanitarian assistance survey team.

These Marines went above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrated characteristics that are instilled in every Marine during training and life in the Marine Corps. - MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Sgt. Michael Vura and Cpl. Austin Cox, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron (HMLAT) 303 helicopter mechanics, assisted in victim evacuation and casualty care following the mass casualty attack in Las Vegas, Nevada, Oct. 1. These Marines went above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrated characteristics that are instilled in every Marine during training and life in the Marine Corps.

The Spiritual Fitness Fair was organized to promote spiritual and mental wellness with the end state being a safe, well attended event that enhances the morale and esprit de corps of the battalion. - Col. John R. Polidoro, Commanding Officer, Headquarters and Support Battalion, addresses Camp Pendleton Marines, Sailors, and families before a concert by Switchfoot at the Spiritual Fitness Fair at Camp Pendleton’s Paige Fieldhouse, Oct. 5, 2017. The Spiritual Fitness Fair was organized to promote spiritual and mental wellness with the end state being a safe, well attended event that enhances the morale and esprit de corps of the battalion.

Marines and technicians from the U.S. Army tested the craft to learn its capabilities and practical application in field environments. - A Marine takes control of a small unmanned aerial system during flight testing at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 27, 2017. Marines and technicians from the U.S. Army tested the craft to learn its capabilities and practical application in field environments.

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Teaching, Breaching, Beaching: 2nd AAB prepares for Bold Alligator - Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion prepare their vehicles to perform amphibious breaching operations in preparation for the combined, joint exercise, Bold Alligator at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 20, 2017. The Marines operated amphibious assault vehicles with a mounted MK-154 Mine Clearance Launchers to remove notional mines and obstacles that the enemy may place on the beach or inland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ashley Lawson)

An MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 lifts off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America in support of Alligator Dagger 2017. - An MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 lifts off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America in support of Alligator Dagger 2017. Alligator Dagger is a dedicated, unilateral combat rehearsal led by Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, in which combined Navy and Marine Corps units of the America Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are to practice, rehearse and exercise integrated capabilities that are available to U.S. Central Command both afloat and ashore.

Sgt. Ethan Mawhinney, a Marine Air Ground Task Force planner with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, successfully defended his championship title at the Marine Corps third annual HITT Tactical Athlete Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 28th through 31st, 2017. - Sgt. Ethan Mawhinney, a Marine Air Ground Task Force planner with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, successfully defended his championship title at the Marine Corps third annual HITT Tactical Athlete Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 28th through 31st, 2017. The competition brings together the top male and female Marines from each Marine Corps installation in a demanding competition of military function fitness and to promote the advanced dynamics found in the High Intensity Tactical Training program.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jose Martinez, a field artillery cannoneer with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pulls security during a convoy halt during Exercise Alligator Dagger 2017 in the Arta region of Djibouti, Africa, on September 6th 2017. Alligator Dagger is a two-week exercise that prepares incoming Naval Amphibious Forces and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit teams to integrate and synchronize warfighting capabilities for missions in the U.S. Central Command's area of operations. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jose Martinez, a field artillery cannoneer with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pulls security during a convoy halt during Exercise Alligator Dagger 2017 in the Arta region of Djibouti, Africa, on September 6th 2017. Alligator Dagger is a two-week exercise that prepares incoming Naval Amphibious Forces and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit teams to integrate and synchronize warfighting capabilities for missions in the U.S. Central Command's area of operations. Through cooperation with U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and the Djiboutian government, these Sailors and Marines made use of ranges near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, as well as used the camp's facilities and resources, to exercise amphibious assault capabilities and coordinate their efforts for successful joint operations.

Critical Skills Operators with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command train with freeze-dried plasma during a Raven exercise at Camp Shelby Joint Force Training Center, Miss., May 1, 2017. CSOs go through a condensed version of FDP training to familiarize themselves with the product for use in the field. - Critical Skills Operators with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command train with freeze-dried plasma during a Raven exercise at Camp Shelby Joint Force Training Center, Miss., May 1, 2017. CSOs go through a condensed version of FDP training to familiarize themselves with the product for use in the field.

he Marines are with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. - A Marine clears an area after conducting an ambush on an opposing force during defensive operations training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 31, 2017. The exercise is used by the battalion to improve proficiency with combat tactics and in preparation for future operations. The Marine is with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Holly Pernell)

Sgt. Dave Simpson fires an M327 mortar during a live-fire training event at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 21, 2017. Live-fire training events prepare Marines to face situations they may encounter while in theater combat environment. Simpson is a section chief with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Damarko Bones) - Sgt. Dave Simpson fires an M327 mortar during a live-fire training event at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 21, 2017. Live-fire training events prepare Marines to face situations they may encounter while in theater combat environment. Simpson is a section chief with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Damarko Bones)

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Marines with the Force Reconnaissance Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force stationed at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan jump out of the aircraft... - Marines with the Force Reconnaissance Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force stationed at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan jump out of the aircraft and make their descent towards the drop zone at IDIS-Corps facility in Parker, Ariz., from July 12 to August 1, 2017 The Marines conducted high altitude high opening (HAHO) sustainment training, while implementing the Joint Precision Air Drop System (JPADS).

Capt. Justin Griffis is a current operations and training officer with Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, whom assisted in the rescue of a 7-year old Japanese boy who almost drowned at Maeda Flats, Okinawa, Japan, July 23, 2017. - Capt. Justin Griffis is a current operations and training officer with Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, whom assisted in the rescue of a 7-year old Japanese boy who almost drowned at Maeda Flats, Okinawa, Japan, July 23, 2017.

Marines with the engineer platoon for Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, construct a foundation for a Southwest Asia hut at the Combat Center during Integrated Training Exercise 5-17, July 29, 2017. MWSS-272 is supporting the Aviation Combat Element of the ITX. The ACE conducts offensive, defensive, and all other air operations to support the MAGTF mission . - Marines with the engineer platoon for Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, construct a foundation for a Southwest Asia hut at the Combat Center during Integrated Training Exercise 5-17, July 29, 2017. MWSS-272 is supporting the Aviation Combat Element of the ITX. The ACE conducts offensive, defensive, and all other air operations to support the MAGTF mission .