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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Sebastian VillaGomez, an explosive ordnance technician with Task Force Koa Moana 22, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and Scarly Renguul, a searcher with the Norwegian People's Aid, prepare for the first day of an Explosive Effects Range in Babeldaob, Republic of Palau, June 27, 2022. Named “Koa Moana,” after a Hawaiian/Polynesian phrase meaning “ocean warrior,” the task force fosters peace and security, builds relationships, and supports an international rules-based order that benefits the Indo-Pacific region. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Sebastian VillaGomez, an explosive ordnance technician with Task Force Koa Moana 22, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and Scarly Renguul, a searcher with the Norwegian People's Aid, prepare for the first day of an Explosive Effects Range in Babeldaob, Republic of Palau, June 27, 2022. Named “Koa Moana,” after a Hawaiian/Polynesian phrase meaning “ocean warrior,” the task force fosters peace and security, builds relationships, and supports an international rules-based order that benefits the Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. Airman with the 163rd Attack Wing, California Air National Guard, directs an MQ-9 Reaper to a refueling point during Integrated Training Exercise 4-22 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif. on July 20th, 2022. The MQ-9 Reaper received fuel via aviation delivered ground refueling from an MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 764, marking the first time the MQ-9 received fuel from a joint asset and the first time an Air National Guard MQ-9 received fuel from another aircraft. The MQ-9 Reaper provided close air support to Marine Air-Ground Task Force 23 during its execution of the fire support coordination exercise of ITX as the Marine Corps Reserve continues to work to integrate with sister services in preparation for future operations. - A U.S. Airman with the 163rd Attack Wing, California Air National Guard, directs an MQ-9 Reaper to a refueling point during Integrated Training Exercise 4-22 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif. on July 20th, 2022. The MQ-9 Reaper received fuel via aviation delivered ground refueling from an MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 764, marking the first time the MQ-9 received fuel from a joint asset and the first time an Air National Guard MQ-9 received fuel from another aircraft. The MQ-9 Reaper provided close air support to Marine Air-Ground Task Force 23 during its execution of the fire support coordination exercise of ITX as the Marine Corps Reserve continues to work to integrate with sister services in preparation for future operations.

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro greets U.S. Marine Corps Col. Christopher Steele, the commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, during a visit with MRF-D 22 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, June 18, 2022. Secretary Del Toro visited Marines and Sailors with MRF-D 22 and Australian Defence Force personnel as part of the Indo-Pacific battlefield circulation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Emeline Molla) - U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro greets U.S. Marine Corps Col. Christopher Steele, the commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, during a visit with MRF-D 22 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, June 18, 2022. Secretary Del Toro visited Marines and Sailors with MRF-D 22 and Australian Defence Force personnel as part of the Indo-Pacific battlefield circulation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Emeline Molla)

Ship's Sponsors Shana McCool and Kate Oja christened Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29), the U.S. Navy's 13th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock at HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division. LPD 29 is named for McCool and Oja's grandfather, Capt. Richard M. McCool Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient. (Courtesy photo) - Ship's Sponsors Shana McCool and Kate Oja christened Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29), the U.S. Navy's 13th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock at HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division. LPD 29 is named for McCool and Oja's grandfather, Capt. Richard M. McCool Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient. (Courtesy photo)

From left, Greg Coulter, DI Lead Engineer with the H-1 Light/Attack Helicopters Program Office, Matt Moritz, Avionics Lead Systems Engineer with the program office, Nick Embry, DI Flight Test Engineer with HX-21, and Victoria Couture, DI Flight Test Engineer with HX-21, successfully test L16 and ANW2 by disembarking from and continuing to communicate with a UH-1Y Venom and an AH-1Z Viper over an encrypted network, marking the first successful digital interoperability flight with an H-1 mixed fleet. - From left, Greg Coulter, DI Lead Engineer with the H-1 Light/Attack Helicopters Program Office, Matt Moritz, Avionics Lead Systems Engineer with the program office, Nick Embry, DI Flight Test Engineer with HX-21, and Victoria Couture, DI Flight Test Engineer with HX-21, successfully test L16 and ANW2 by disembarking from and continuing to communicate with a UH-1Y Venom and an AH-1Z Viper over an encrypted network, marking the first successful digital interoperability flight with an H-1 mixed fleet.

A Colombian Marine alongside U.S. Marines with 3rd Force Reconnaissance company, 4th Marine division, drives a Belizean interdiction vessel during exercise Tradewinds 2022, at Cocoyal outpost, Mexico, May 11, 2022. TW22 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored Caribbean-focused multi-dimensional exercise conducted in the ground, air, sea, and cyber domains, designed to provide participating nations opportunities to conduct joint, combined, and interagency training focused on increasing regional cooperation and interoperability in complex multinational security operations. - A Colombian Marine alongside U.S. Marines with 3rd Force Reconnaissance company, 4th Marine division, drives a Belizean interdiction vessel during exercise Tradewinds 2022, at Cocoyal outpost, Mexico, May 11, 2022. TW22 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored Caribbean-focused multi-dimensional exercise conducted in the ground, air, sea, and cyber domains, designed to provide participating nations opportunities to conduct joint, combined, and interagency training focused on increasing regional cooperation and interoperability in complex multinational security operations.

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U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, members of the Australian Defence Force, and Indonesian forces fly in an MV-22 Osprey during Exercise Crocodile Response 22 in Nhulunbuy, NT, Australia, May 17, 2022. Exercise Crocodile Response trains MRF-D, the ADF and Indonesian forces to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific region. - U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, members of the Australian Defence Force, and Indonesian forces fly in an MV-22 Osprey during Exercise Crocodile Response 22 in Nhulunbuy, NT, Australia, May 17, 2022. Exercise Crocodile Response trains MRF-D, the ADF and Indonesian forces to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, and U.S. Airmen with 40th Helicopter Squadron from Malmstrom Air Force Base Great Falls, Montana, control aviation fires during Exercise Garnet Rattler at Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Idaho, May 4, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint training exercise between elements of the 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, 3rd MLR, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force to conduct simulated sea control operations and joint time on target strikes. - U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, and U.S. Airmen with 40th Helicopter Squadron from Malmstrom Air Force Base Great Falls, Montana, control aviation fires during Exercise Garnet Rattler at Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Idaho, May 4, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint training exercise between elements of the 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, 3rd MLR, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force to conduct simulated sea control operations and joint time on target strikes.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Chad J. Pulliammontague, a communications strategy and operations chief, with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, presents a three-dimensional model of USS Portland (LPD-27) to Marines and sailors during 13th MEU Loading Exercise visit on May 12, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide information of the supportability of ACVs aboard a LPD-Class ship throughout a six-month deployment. - U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Chad J. Pulliammontague, a communications strategy and operations chief, with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, presents a three-dimensional model of USS Portland (LPD-27) to Marines and sailors during 13th MEU Loading Exercise visit on May 12, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide information of the supportability of ACVs aboard a LPD-Class ship throughout a six-month deployment.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Michael Cederholm, commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, meets Polish Maj. Gen. Dariusz Malinowski, deputy commander of Armed Forces Operation Command, Łask Air Base, Poland, April 14, 2022. 2nd MAW units are deployed to enhance NATO's capabilities in Eastern Europe at the invitation of host nations. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Michael Cederholm, commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, meets Polish Maj. Gen. Dariusz Malinowski, deputy commander of Armed Forces Operation Command, Łask Air Base, Poland, April 14, 2022. 2nd MAW units are deployed to enhance NATO's capabilities in Eastern Europe at the invitation of host nations.

U.S. Navy hospital corpsmen with I Marine Expeditionary Force assess casualty injuries at the Battalion Aid Station during an Expeditionary Medical Integration Course on Camp Pendleton, California May 6, 2022. Expeditionary Operations Training Group conducted EMIC to lay a foundation of skills and knowledge required for MEU medical personnel to provide the highest levels of health service support capability in any operational environment. - U.S. Navy hospital corpsmen with I Marine Expeditionary Force assess casualty injuries at the Battalion Aid Station during an Expeditionary Medical Integration Course on Camp Pendleton, California May 6, 2022. Expeditionary Operations Training Group conducted EMIC to lay a foundation of skills and knowledge required for MEU medical personnel to provide the highest levels of health service support capability in any operational environment.

U.S. Marines with Engineer Support Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, complete the construction of underground bunkers during a field exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 26, 2022. Engineer Support Company conducted a field exercise in order to increase readiness while providing tactical utilities and heavy equipment support in an urban terrain environment. - U.S. Marines with Engineer Support Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, complete the construction of underground bunkers during a field exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 26, 2022. Engineer Support Company conducted a field exercise in order to increase readiness while providing tactical utilities and heavy equipment support in an urban terrain environment.

Soldiers with the 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, create field expedient antennas at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, March 19, 2022. 1ARDR soldiers were taught when a field expedient antenna could be used as well as how to build one. Maritime Defense Exercise Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is a bilateral exercise meant to increase interoperability and strengthen ties between U.S. and Japanese forces for the defense of Japan. - Soldiers with the 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, create field expedient antennas at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, March 19, 2022. 1ARDR soldiers were taught when a field expedient antenna could be used as well as how to build one. Maritime Defense Exercise Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is a bilateral exercise meant to increase interoperability and strengthen ties between U.S. and Japanese forces for the defense of Japan.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Taylor Bussick, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller student with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, awaits an approaching U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk at Saylor Creek Range in Grasmere, Idaho during Exercise Garnet Rattler April 28, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint training event between Marines, Soldiers and Airmen to train and qualify JTACs to be more efficient and lethal in a realistic training environment. - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Taylor Bussick, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller student with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, awaits an approaching U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk at Saylor Creek Range in Grasmere, Idaho during Exercise Garnet Rattler April 28, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint training event between Marines, Soldiers and Airmen to train and qualify JTACs to be more efficient and lethal in a realistic training environment.

Australian Army Brig. Gen. Nicholas J. Foxall, the commanding officer of 1st Brigade, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Roger B. Turner, the commanding general of 1st Marine Division, pose for a photo at Robertson Barracks, Darwin, NT, Australia, April 21. The 1st MARDIV commanding general visited Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22 and members of the Australian Defence Force in Darwin to gain insight into MRF-D 22’s current operations and interoperability. - Australian Army Brig. Gen. Nicholas J. Foxall, the commanding officer of 1st Brigade, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Roger B. Turner, the commanding general of 1st Marine Division, pose for a photo at Robertson Barracks, Darwin, NT, Australia, April 21. The 1st MARDIV commanding general visited Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22 and members of the Australian Defence Force in Darwin to gain insight into MRF-D 22’s current operations and interoperability.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Brandon Mote, crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-772, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, leads Dutch Marines with Marine Squadron Carib, Netherlands Marine Corps, to a CH-53E Super Stallion for aerial transport in support of exercise Caribbean Urban Warrior on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 28, 2022. The exercise is a bilateral training evolution designed to increase interoperability between U.S. and partner forces. - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Brandon Mote, crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-772, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, leads Dutch Marines with Marine Squadron Carib, Netherlands Marine Corps, to a CH-53E Super Stallion for aerial transport in support of exercise Caribbean Urban Warrior on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 28, 2022. The exercise is a bilateral training evolution designed to increase interoperability between U.S. and partner forces.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Eric Hansen, a boatswain’s mate with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni’s harbor operation department, pulls in an oil boom at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 25, 2022. Boom reels are preventative equipment used to catch oil that may leak from vessels into the water. MCAS Iwakuni’s deep-water harbor plays an essential part in helping supply units on the air station with necessary equipment and helping support different vessels traveling through the Indo-Pacific region. - U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Eric Hansen, a boatswain’s mate with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni’s harbor operation department, pulls in an oil boom at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 25, 2022. Boom reels are preventative equipment used to catch oil that may leak from vessels into the water. MCAS Iwakuni’s deep-water harbor plays an essential part in helping supply units on the air station with necessary equipment and helping support different vessels traveling through the Indo-Pacific region.

Philippine Marines with Marine Battalion Landing Team 10 and U.S Marines with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division conduct a bilateral beach defense exercise during Balikatan 22, at Aparri Beach, Cagayan, Philippines, March 31. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan, Tagalog for ‘shoulder-to-shoulder,’ is a long-standing bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. BK22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation. - Philippine Marines with Marine Battalion Landing Team 10 and U.S Marines with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division conduct a bilateral beach defense exercise during Balikatan 22, at Aparri Beach, Cagayan, Philippines, March 31. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan, Tagalog for ‘shoulder-to-shoulder,’ is a long-standing bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. BK22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Michael Joyner tries on a German service member's gear during Exercise Cold Response 2022, Bodø, Norway, March 20, 2022. Joyner is a combat engineer with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. Exercise Cold Response '22 is a biennial Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise that takes place across Norway, with participation from each of its military services, as well as from 26 additional NATO allied nations and regional partners. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Michael Joyner tries on a German service member's gear during Exercise Cold Response 2022, Bodø, Norway, March 20, 2022. Joyner is a combat engineer with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. Exercise Cold Response '22 is a biennial Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise that takes place across Norway, with participation from each of its military services, as well as from 26 additional NATO allied nations and regional partners.

U.S. Marines, with Marine Corps Installations Pacific, and Airmen with the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pose for a photo during a hot-pit refueling training no Kadena Air Base, March 9, 2022. The training refined and enhanced the multiple aircraft platform skills of participating Marines, focusing on hot-pit refueling the F-35A Lightning II with limited time, simulating an operational environment. During hot-pit refueling, the aircraft maintains a running engine, which decreases the response time in an operational environment. - U.S. Marines, with Marine Corps Installations Pacific, and Airmen with the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pose for a photo during a hot-pit refueling training no Kadena Air Base, March 9, 2022. The training refined and enhanced the multiple aircraft platform skills of participating Marines, focusing on hot-pit refueling the F-35A Lightning II with limited time, simulating an operational environment. During hot-pit refueling, the aircraft maintains a running engine, which decreases the response time in an operational environment.

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U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and soldiers with Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, conduct integrated coordination of an air assault training exercise, on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, March 9, 2022. The training exercise was conducted to build proficiency in rapidly seizing and defending key terrain. Maritime Defense Exercise Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is a bilateral exercise meant to increase interoperability and strengthen ties between U.S. and Japanese forces for the defense of Japan. - U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and soldiers with Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, conduct integrated coordination of an air assault training exercise, on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, March 9, 2022. The training exercise was conducted to build proficiency in rapidly seizing and defending key terrain. Maritime Defense Exercise Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is a bilateral exercise meant to increase interoperability and strengthen ties between U.S. and Japanese forces for the defense of Japan.

PHILIPPINE SEA - The ordnance department of Marine Wing Fighter Attack Squadron 314, works diligently to refuel and load their F-35C Lightning II with the AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile as VMFA-314 performs simulated offensive and defensive air operations, as well as close air support training missions in support of Jungle Warfare Exercise 22 across Okinawa, Japan. JWX 22 is large-scale field training exercise focused on leveraging the integrated capabilities of joint and allied partners to strengthen all-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Charles Allen/Released) - PHILIPPINE SEA - The ordnance department of Marine Wing Fighter Attack Squadron 314, works diligently to refuel and load their F-35C Lightning II with the AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile as VMFA-314 performs simulated offensive and defensive air operations, as well as close air support training missions in support of Jungle Warfare Exercise 22 across Okinawa, Japan. JWX 22 is large-scale field training exercise focused on leveraging the integrated capabilities of joint and allied partners to strengthen all-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Charles Allen/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Staff Talks (MARFORPAC-PMC Staff Talks) pose for a group photo at the conclusion of the talks on Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii, Feb. 10, 2022. The MARFORPAC-PMC Staff Talks serve to strengthen the relationship between MARFORPAC and the Philippine Marine Corps by providing the opportunity to align goals and objectives and collaborate on common interests through bilateral discussions and engagements. - U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Staff Talks (MARFORPAC-PMC Staff Talks) pose for a group photo at the conclusion of the talks on Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii, Feb. 10, 2022. The MARFORPAC-PMC Staff Talks serve to strengthen the relationship between MARFORPAC and the Philippine Marine Corps by providing the opportunity to align goals and objectives and collaborate on common interests through bilateral discussions and engagements.

An F-35B Lightning II from the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 gets refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron in support of Exercise Noble Fusion over the Pacific Ocean Feb. 4, 2022. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, joint forces and allies in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for U.S., partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training in the Indo-Pacific throughout the year to maintain readiness. - An F-35B Lightning II from the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 gets refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron in support of Exercise Noble Fusion over the Pacific Ocean Feb. 4, 2022. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, joint forces and allies in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for U.S., partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training in the Indo-Pacific throughout the year to maintain readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman, the III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, and Japan Self-Defense Force LTG Ryoji Takemoto, the Western Army Commanding General, collaboratively lead a virtual bilateral operations confirmation brief during exercise Keen Edge 22, Feb. 2, 2022. Keen Edge 22 was a bilateral command post exercise conducted Jan. 27 through Feb. 3, 2022. The exercise is an annual event that improves interagency coordination, combat readiness and interoperability of all participants. This U.S.-Japan exercise series alternates between field training exercises (i.e., Keen Sword) and command post exercises (i.e., Keen Edge). - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman, the III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, and Japan Self-Defense Force LTG Ryoji Takemoto, the Western Army Commanding General, collaboratively lead a virtual bilateral operations confirmation brief during exercise Keen Edge 22, Feb. 2, 2022. Keen Edge 22 was a bilateral command post exercise conducted Jan. 27 through Feb. 3, 2022. The exercise is an annual event that improves interagency coordination, combat readiness and interoperability of all participants. This U.S.-Japan exercise series alternates between field training exercises (i.e., Keen Sword) and command post exercises (i.e., Keen Edge).