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Charles "Charlie" Fink, Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in a room of his house decorated with Marine Corps memorabilia and photos June 2, 2015 at his home in Lake Butler, Florida. Fink served with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, during his deployment in Vietnam. - Charles "Charlie" Fink, Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in a room of his house decorated with Marine Corps memorabilia and photos June 2, 2015 at his home in Lake Butler, Florida. Fink served with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, during his deployment in Vietnam.

Lance Cpl. Gentry Osborne, an anti-tank missile man with Combined Anti-Armor Team Platoon, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, operates a simulated M41A4 Saber missile system during a simulated anti-armor exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., August 8, 2015. The simulated Saber challenged Marines with its inclusion of friendly and enemy targets, testing their judgement before firing. - Lance Cpl. Gentry Osborne, an anti-tank missile man with Combined Anti-Armor Team Platoon, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, operates a simulated M41A4 Saber missile system during a simulated anti-armor exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., August 8, 2015. The simulated Saber challenged Marines with its inclusion of friendly and enemy targets, testing their judgement before firing.

Marines with Company C, 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve drive an assault amphibious vehicle from land into the water during a basic operations exercise at the Galveston Marine Corps Reserve, Home Training Center, Aug. 8, 2015. The exercise served as a refresher for the Marines on how to perform basic AAV operations. During the exercise, the Marines drove the AAVs from land to water and performed basic water operations such as left and right turns, forward and reverse, circles and tactic formations. - Marines with Company C, 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve drive an assault amphibious vehicle from land into the water during a basic operations exercise at the Galveston Marine Corps Reserve, Home Training Center, Aug. 8, 2015. The exercise served as a refresher for the Marines on how to perform basic AAV operations. During the exercise, the Marines drove the AAVs from land to water and performed basic water operations such as left and right turns, forward and reverse, circles and tactic formations.

Rear Adm. Cynthia Thebaud, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Two takes the shooter stance while she launches an F-35B Lightning II off the flight deck of USS Wasp, on the Atlantic Ocean, May 26, 2015. Wasp, with VMFA-121 and VMFAT-501 embarked, is underway conducting the first phase of operational testing for the F-35B aircraft, which will evaluate the full spectrum of F-35B measures of suitability and effectiveness in an at-sea environment. - Rear Adm. Cynthia Thebaud, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Two takes the shooter stance while she launches an F-35B Lightning II off the flight deck of USS Wasp, on the Atlantic Ocean, May 26, 2015. Wasp, with VMFA-121 and VMFAT-501 embarked, is underway conducting the first phase of operational testing for the F-35B aircraft, which will evaluate the full spectrum of F-35B measures of suitability and effectiveness in an at-sea environment.

Corporal Chris Stewart, the senior crew chief aboard an MV-22B Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), communicates with pilots during a para-operations training with an 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 6, 2015. Reconnaissance Marines, rigged with parachutes, jumped from an altitude of 13,000 feet with the assistance of Marines with VMM-365 (Rein) to practice the airborne insertion. - Corporal Chris Stewart, the senior crew chief aboard an MV-22B Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), communicates with pilots during a para-operations training with an 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 6, 2015. Reconnaissance Marines, rigged with parachutes, jumped from an altitude of 13,000 feet with the assistance of Marines with VMM-365 (Rein) to practice the airborne insertion.

A UH-1Y Huey takes off alongside an AH-1W Super Cobra during a training exercise testing a digital interoperability system at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., July 24, 2015. Digital interoperability is the technology capable of increasing prowess on the battlefield. The exercise included Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467, Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, testing a LINK 16 conversion system for one of the first times within an explicitly rotary-wing exercise. - A UH-1Y Huey takes off alongside an AH-1W Super Cobra during a training exercise testing a digital interoperability system at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., July 24, 2015. Digital interoperability is the technology capable of increasing prowess on the battlefield. The exercise included Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467, Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, testing a LINK 16 conversion system for one of the first times within an explicitly rotary-wing exercise.

Marines, veterans and civilians gathered at Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort, S.C. for a Vietnam Veterans Tribute, Aug 8. The event was organized by veteran services to give Vietnam War veterans the welcome that many of them never received. - Marines, veterans and civilians gathered at Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort, S.C. for a Vietnam Veterans Tribute, Aug 8. The event was organized by veteran services to give Vietnam War veterans the welcome that many of them never received.

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Brazilian Major Rafael Pires Ferreira, an artillery officer with Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais, observes the tactical capabilities of 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment’s M142 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 9, 2015. The two Brazilian officers visited to share and discuss information on military operations, unit structure and different weapons systems. - Brazilian Major Rafael Pires Ferreira, an artillery officer with Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais, observes the tactical capabilities of 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment’s M142 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 9, 2015. The two Brazilian officers visited to share and discuss information on military operations, unit structure and different weapons systems.

U.S. Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the USS Ashland offload relief supplies from the ship for typhoon recovery efforts in Saipan, Aug. 8, 2015. The MEU and the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group will assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency in delivering the supplies to the victims of Typhoon Soudelor in Saipan. The island, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, was struck by the typhoon Aug. 2-3. - U.S. Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the USS Ashland offload relief supplies from the ship for typhoon recovery efforts in Saipan, Aug. 8, 2015. The MEU and the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group will assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency in delivering the supplies to the victims of Typhoon Soudelor in Saipan. The island, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, was struck by the typhoon Aug. 2-3.

Marines with 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (LAAD) fire stinger missiles during a live shoot in Fort Irwin, California, Aug. 10. Marines also fired the 50 Caliber sniper rifle and the M240B machine gun during the five-day annual training. - Marines with 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (LAAD) fire stinger missiles during a live shoot in Fort Irwin, California, Aug. 10. Marines also fired the 50 Caliber sniper rifle and the M240B machine gun during the five-day annual training.

A Marine onboard a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302 directs movement during an external lift exercise with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 5, 2015. Two student pilots onboard the helicopter performed external lifts for the first time, an operation essential to deployed operations, and part of their pilot certification. - A Marine onboard a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302 directs movement during an external lift exercise with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 5, 2015. Two student pilots onboard the helicopter performed external lifts for the first time, an operation essential to deployed operations, and part of their pilot certification.

Marines of Battery M, 3rd Battalion 14th Marine Regiment, Marine Forces Reserve, march together at the Methodist Church in Hixson, Tennessee, July 24, 2015. The Marines attended the funeral of their fallen brother, Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt, one of five service members killed by a gunman at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center on July 16, 2015. Wyatt was taken to the Chattanooga National Cemetery after the church service to be laid to rest with full military honors. - Marines of Battery M, 3rd Battalion 14th Marine Regiment, Marine Forces Reserve, march together at the Methodist Church in Hixson, Tennessee, July 24, 2015. The Marines attended the funeral of their fallen brother, Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt, one of five service members killed by a gunman at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center on July 16, 2015. Wyatt was taken to the Chattanooga National Cemetery after the church service to be laid to rest with full military honors.

A U.S. Navy corpsman, assigned to the 1st Marine Division, conducts tactical combat casualty care training during the Combat Trauma Management Course, taught by instructors from the 1st Mar. Div. Navy Education and Training Office, at the Strategic Operations facility, San Diego, July 30, 2015. The course, held once a month for 40 students, combines simulated injuries on role players and chaotic battlefield environments to prepare corpsmen and Marine combat life savers for the stress of saving lives in a real world operations. - A U.S. Navy corpsman, assigned to the 1st Marine Division, conducts tactical combat casualty care training during the Combat Trauma Management Course, taught by instructors from the 1st Mar. Div. Navy Education and Training Office, at the Strategic Operations facility, San Diego, July 30, 2015. The course, held once a month for 40 students, combines simulated injuries on role players and chaotic battlefield environments to prepare corpsmen and Marine combat life savers for the stress of saving lives in a real world operations.

Marines from 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division, take a few seconds to rest as Ospreys practice landing for a casualty evacuation during a battalion-level Fire Support Coordination Exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 14-24. The combat engineers' main role is to build, repair and maintain buildings, roads and power supplies. During the FSCEX, the Marines constructed trenches and tank traps. - Marines from 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division, take a few seconds to rest as Ospreys practice landing for a casualty evacuation during a battalion-level Fire Support Coordination Exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 14-24. The combat engineers' main role is to build, repair and maintain buildings, roads and power supplies. During the FSCEX, the Marines constructed trenches and tank traps.

A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, checks the line of sight on an 81mm Mortar during a training exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. July 30, 2015. Marines with the unit conducted “hip shoots” to better prepare them on the go. A “hip shoot” is where mortar teams receive a call for fire on the move and use their leadership and teamwork to set-up the mortars and begin supporting the unit. - A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, checks the line of sight on an 81mm Mortar during a training exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. July 30, 2015. Marines with the unit conducted “hip shoots” to better prepare them on the go. A “hip shoot” is where mortar teams receive a call for fire on the move and use their leadership and teamwork to set-up the mortars and begin supporting the unit.

Marines with Truck Company, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, standby for explosive ordnance disposal to arrive while keeping vigilant for possible enemy combatants during a motorized operations course aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 30. The Marines performed the exercise to better themselves in the event of a real-life scenario. - Marines with Truck Company, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, standby for explosive ordnance disposal to arrive while keeping vigilant for possible enemy combatants during a motorized operations course aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 30. The Marines performed the exercise to better themselves in the event of a real-life scenario.

Marines with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774 stand ready for the playing of Anchors Aweigh and the Marines Hymn Aug. 1, 2015 during the CH-46 Last Flight Retirement Ceremony at the Smithsonian Institution Nation Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. The CH-46’s main mission has been to provide combat support, however, the aircraft also flew resupply missions, medical evacuations and tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel. - Marines with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774 stand ready for the playing of Anchors Aweigh and the Marines Hymn Aug. 1, 2015 during the CH-46 Last Flight Retirement Ceremony at the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. The CH-46’s main mission has been to provide combat support, however, the aircraft also flew resupply missions, medical evacuations and tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel.

Two F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters complete vertical landings aboard the USS Wasp (LHD-1) during the opening day of the first session of operational testing, May 18, 2015. As the future of Marine Corps aviation, the F-35B will eventually replace all aircraft from three legacy Marine Corps platforms; th AV-8B Harrier, the F/A-18 Hornet, and the EA-6B Prowler. The aircraft are stationed with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Beaufort, South Carolina and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Yuma, Arizona. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Remington Hall/Released) - Two F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters complete vertical landings aboard the USS Wasp (LHD-1) during the opening day of the first session of operational testing, May 18, 2015. As the future of Marine Corps aviation, the F-35B will eventually replace all aircraft from three legacy Marine Corps platforms; th AV-8B Harrier, the F/A-18 Hornet, and the EA-6B Prowler. The aircraft are stationed with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Beaufort, South Carolina and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Yuma, Arizona. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Remington Hall/Released)

A Marine Corps rifle team fires the three-volley salute for Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan’s funeral July 27, 2015, at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawan, Massachusetts. Sullivan was one of five victims of the Chattanooga, Tennessee shootings July 16, 2015. Sullivan was described by his family and fellow Marines as a Marines Marine, and always had a quirky smile that resembled a kid in a candy store. - A Marine Corps rifle team fires the three-volley salute for Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan’s funeral July 27, 2015, at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawan, Massachusetts. Sullivan was one of five victims of the Chattanooga, Tennessee shootings July 16, 2015. Sullivan was described by his family and fellow Marines as a Marines Marine, and always had a quirky smile that resembled a kid in a candy store.

U.S. Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, make their way toward an objective before conducting a squad attack exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 28. Approximately 50 Marines with the unit participated in the training, which helped build unit cohesion and fire and maneuver skills. - U.S. Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, make their way toward an objective before conducting a squad attack exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 28. Approximately 50 Marines with the unit participated in the training, which helped build unit cohesion and fire and maneuver skills.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Daniel Valerio, left, Hospital Corpsman Mc Joe Evans Bautista, center, and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Trevor A. Tisby, right, stationed with Combat Logistics Company 36 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, place Sgt. Kendrick Moore, a motor transport operator with CLC-36, onto the stretcher during Exercise Dragon Fire 2015 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, July 20, 2015. Moore simulated an unexpected injury during this training scenario that allowed the corpsmen to respond as if there was a real emergency. Dragon Fire reinforces Marines’ and Sailors’ combat mindset to prepare them for the mental and physical stresses of a combat zone. - Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Daniel Valerio, left, Hospital Corpsman Mc Joe Evans Bautista, center, and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Trevor A. Tisby, right, stationed with Combat Logistics Company 36 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, place Sgt. Kendrick Moore, a motor transport operator with CLC-36, onto the stretcher during Exercise Dragon Fire 2015 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, July 20, 2015. Moore simulated an unexpected injury during this training scenario that allowed the corpsmen to respond as if there was a real emergency. Dragon Fire reinforces Marines’ and Sailors’ combat mindset to prepare them for the mental and physical stresses of a combat zone.

Sgt. William G. Byington performs a parachute landing fall June 19 as part of the basic airborne refresher at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, before conducting a rehearsal for Talisman Sabre 15. Prior to a live jump, all service members are required to practice parachute landing falls. U.S. Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and Australian soldiers trained June 9 through July 5 in preparation for a mass airborne attack during Talisman Sabre 15. Talisman Sabre is an exercise designed to improve U.S. and Australian combat training, readiness and interoperability. The service members are a part of the Pacific Command’s Combined Task Force 660 for Talisman Sabre. - Sgt. William G. Byington performs a parachute landing fall June 19 as part of the basic airborne refresher at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, before conducting a rehearsal for Talisman Sabre 15. Prior to a live jump, all service members are required to practice parachute landing falls. U.S. Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and Australian soldiers trained June 9 through July 5 in preparation for a mass airborne attack during Talisman Sabre 15. Talisman Sabre is an exercise designed to improve U.S. and Australian combat training, readiness and interoperability. The service members are a part of the Pacific Command’s Combined Task Force 660 for Talisman Sabre.

An M1A1 Abrams tank with 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, crosses a medium girder bridge constructed by Marines with Bridge Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 24, 2015. The bridge is designed to hold up to the weight of a tank, approximately 72 tons, and is an essential component in providing the Marine Expeditionary Forces with increased mobility. - An M1A1 Abrams tank with 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, crosses a medium girder bridge constructed by Marines with Bridge Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 24, 2015. The bridge is designed to hold up to the weight of a tank, approximately 72 tons, and is an essential component in providing the Marine Expeditionary Forces with increased mobility.

Lance Cpl. Erik Hedrick posts security during a training exercise at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina, July 23, 2015. Marines with MWHS-2, Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 and Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28 gathered at the airfield for a training exercise to simulate a deployed environment. Hedrick is a special intelligence systems communicator with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2. - Lance Cpl. Erik Hedrick posts security during a training exercise at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina, July 23, 2015. Marines with MWHS-2, Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 and Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28 gathered at the airfield for a training exercise to simulate a deployed environment. Hedrick is a special intelligence systems communicator with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2.

The Honor Guard stands at ceremonial at ease after an honors ceremony at the Home of the Commandants in Washington, D.C., July 27, 2015. During the ceremony Congressman Robert Wittman from the 1st Congressional District of Virginia, was named an Honorary Marine by Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr., commandant of the Marine Corps, for his extensive support of wounded warriors and his contributions to ensuring the readiness and care of active duty Marines and their families. We wanted to recognize Congressman Wittman tonight because of what he’s done for our wounded warriors behind the scenes, said Dunford. It hasn’t been with fanfare, it’s been because of his compassionate leadership. - The Honor Guard stands at ceremonial at ease after an honors ceremony at the Home of the Commandants in Washington, D.C., July 27, 2015. During the ceremony Congressman Robert Wittman from the 1st Congressional District of Virginia, was named an Honorary Marine by Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr., commandant of the Marine Corps, for his extensive support of wounded warriors and his contributions to ensuring the readiness and care of active duty Marines and their families. We wanted to recognize Congressman Wittman tonight because of what he’s done for our wounded warriors behind the scenes, said Dunford. It hasn’t been with fanfare, it’s been because of his compassionate leadership.

Marines with Company B, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, prepare to load onto a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 26. The Marines were inserted into an urban terrain to cordon and search the area for possible threats. - Marines with Company B, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, prepare to load onto a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 26. The Marines were inserted into an urban terrain to cordon and search the area for possible threats.

Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, discuss the findings of an area search during a field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 22, 2015. The Marines faced various scenarios during the exercise, which included IEDs located in buildings, sports stadiums, and explosives used in hostage situations, each of which prepared the EOD technicians to face threats found on deployments and at home. - Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, discuss the findings of an area search during a field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 22, 2015. The Marines faced various scenarios during the exercise, which included IEDs located in buildings, sports stadiums, and explosives used in hostage situations, each of which prepared the EOD technicians to face threats found on deployments and at home.

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Lance Cpl. Steven Hoggand, a machine gunner and section leader with 1st Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, directs his Marines’ fire while suppressing an enemy position during platoon attack drills, July 24, aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Training began for the Marines of Company C with a combined arms fire and maneuver exercise as part of their Integrated Training Exercise in preparation for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command 16.1 scheduled to depart later this year. - Lance Cpl. Steven Hoggand, a machine gunner and section leader with 1st Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, directs his Marines’ fire while suppressing an enemy position during platoon attack drills, July 24, aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Training began for the Marines of Company C with a combined arms fire and maneuver exercise as part of their Integrated Training Exercise in preparation for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command 16.1 scheduled to depart later this year.

Romanian and Georgian soldiers stand alongside Latvian, Lithuanian and Bulgarian soldiers and U.S. Marines during the Exercise Agile Spirit closing ceremony July 22, 2015, at Vaziani Training Area, Georgia. Exercise Agile Spirit 15 involved a NATO Response Force level combined operation that incorporated a wide range of planning and execution challenges during a command post exercise and a field training exercise. The U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force and 10th Marine Regiment supported the exercise. - Romanian and Georgian soldiers stand alongside Latvian, Lithuanian and Bulgarian soldiers and U.S. Marines during the Exercise Agile Spirit closing ceremony July 22, 2015, at Vaziani Training Area, Georgia. Exercise Agile Spirit 15 involved a NATO Response Force level combined operation that incorporated a wide range of planning and execution challenges during a command post exercise and a field training exercise. The U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force and 10th Marine Regiment supported the exercise.

Sergeant Austen Clark, the hot zone controller for the Search and Extraction Platoon, helps one of his Marines fasten and secure his gas mask before completing the final exercise of the afternoon during Exercise Scarlet Response 2015 at Guardian Centers in Perry, Georgia, July 21. The hot zone is the area where an incident occurs. Clark makes sure he keeps accountability of everything that goes on when his Marines go in and search a building, such as their gear, if there are any casualties inside or if there are any further issues besides what they already know. - Sergeant Austen Clark, the hot zone controller for the Search and Extraction Platoon, helps one of his Marines fasten and secure his gas mask before completing the final exercise of the afternoon during Exercise Scarlet Response 2015 at Guardian Centers in Perry, Georgia, July 21. The hot zone is the area where an incident occurs. Clark makes sure he keeps accountability of everything that goes on when his Marines go in and search a building, such as their gear, if there are any casualties inside or if there are any further issues besides what they already know.

Marines from the National Capitol Region salute during the playing of the National Anthem, July 21, 2015, at Nationals Park in Washington. The Washington Nationals hosted a Marine Corps Day to honor Marines who serve and who have served in the past. The event featured Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, deputy commandant, Plans, Policies and Operations, Headquarters Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, the 18th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. - Marines from the National Capitol Region salute during the playing of the National Anthem, July 21, 2015, at Nationals Park in Washington. The Washington Nationals hosted a Marine Corps Day to honor Marines who serve and who have served in the past. The event featured Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, deputy commandant, Plans, Policies and Operations, Headquarters Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, the 18th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Erik Maehler, left, demonstrates loading a M9 Beretta pistol to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Sunshine Padilla aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Maehler is a member of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force and Padilla is a hospital corpsman with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), 15th MEU. The Marines practice marksmanship fundamentals dry to ensure safety and accuracy when shooting. The 15th MEU is embarked on the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Erik Maehler, left, demonstrates loading a M9 Beretta pistol to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Sunshine Padilla aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Maehler is a member of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force and Padilla is a hospital corpsman with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), 15th MEU. The Marines practice marksmanship fundamentals dry to ensure safety and accuracy when shooting. The 15th MEU is embarked on the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Marines assigned to Company A, 1st Marine Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, perform parachute jumps into the ocean at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 14, 2015. The Marines and Sailors conducted low-level static-line parachute operations with intentional water landings to make insertions, where other means such as boats or high-altitude parachute jumps may not be available. - Marines assigned to Company A, 1st Marine Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, perform parachute jumps into the ocean at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 14, 2015. The Marines and Sailors conducted low-level static-line parachute operations with intentional water landings to make insertions, where other means such as boats or high-altitude parachute jumps may not be available.

Australian Army soldiers, assigned to 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and U.S. Marines, assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, work together during an amphibious assault exercise during Talisman Sabre 2015 at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian Defence Force personnel to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts. - Australian Army soldiers, assigned to 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and U.S. Marines, assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, work together during an amphibious assault exercise during Talisman Sabre 2015 at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian Defence Force personnel to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cason Cunningham, a machine gun squad leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, congratulates a Timor-Leste Defence Force member for excelling in room-clearing operations during Exercise Koa Moana 15.2 in Dili, Timor-Leste, June 24. The Marines conducted a bilateral exercise with one platoon of the Timor-Leste Defence Force’s land component of the naval force and one platoon of their Marines, focusing on the fundamentals of squad and platoon-level tasks. The bilateral training exercise allows the Marines to share their tactics, techniques and procedures with our international partner, strengthening our understanding of each other’s Defence forces standard operating procedures. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cason Cunningham, a machine gun squad leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, congratulates a Timor-Leste Defence Force member for excelling in room-clearing operations during Exercise Koa Moana 15.2 in Dili, Timor-Leste, June 24. The Marines conducted a bilateral exercise with one platoon of the Timor-Leste Defence Force’s land component of the naval force and one platoon of their Marines, focusing on the fundamentals of squad and platoon-level tasks. The bilateral training exercise allows the Marines to share their tactics, techniques and procedures with our international partner, strengthening our understanding of each other’s Defence forces standard operating procedures.

Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to conduct a parachute drop out of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 8. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352 assisted the battalion with the parachute drop. - Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to conduct a parachute drop out of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 8. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352 assisted the battalion with the parachute drop.

Marines with 4th Assault Amphibian battalion drive an amphibious assault vehicle during a simulated amphibious assault at Peninsula Express 15-8 on Dogu Beach, July 3, 2015. Peninsula Express is the eighth iteration this year of the Korean-Marine Exchange Program, and the first time Marine Forces Reserve has participated in the series of exercises between the U.S. and Republic of Korea Marine Corps designed to build interoperability and tactical familiarity between partner nations. - Marines with 4th Assault Amphibian battalion drive an amphibious assault vehicle during a simulated amphibious assault at Peninsula Express 15-8 on Dogu Beach, July 3, 2015. Peninsula Express is the eighth iteration this year of the Korean-Marine Exchange Program, and the first time Marine Forces Reserve has participated in the series of exercises between the U.S. and Republic of Korea Marine Corps designed to build interoperability and tactical familiarity between partner nations.

U.S. Marines, Cpl. Shea P. Nolan and Lance Cpl. Edward Y. Cho, stand in front of a Secure, Mobile, Anti-Jam, Reliable, Tactical-Terminal during exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 at Robertson Barracks, Australia, July 6. The exercise is designed to improve U.S.-Australian combat training, readiness and interoperability. Nolan, from Wallington, New Jersey, is a tropospheric scatter radio multi-channel equipment operator. Cho, from Dix Hills, New York, is a satellite communications operator and maintainer. They are with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, currently attached to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. - U.S. Marines, Cpl. Shea P. Nolan and Lance Cpl. Edward Y. Cho, stand in front of a Secure, Mobile, Anti-Jam, Reliable, Tactical-Terminal during exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 at Robertson Barracks, Australia, July 6. The exercise is designed to improve U.S.-Australian combat training, readiness and interoperability. Nolan, from Wallington, New Jersey, is a tropospheric scatter radio multi-channel equipment operator. Cho, from Dix Hills, New York, is a satellite communications operator and maintainer. They are with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, currently attached to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

ATU.S. Marine Corps AAV-P7/A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicles disembark from the USS Ashland (LSD 48) during splash and recovery training June 10, 2015. The AAV's are with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines with BLT 2/5 and the rest of the 31st MEU are currently deployed on the regularly scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - ATU.S. Marine Corps AAV-P7/A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicles disembark from the USS Ashland (LSD 48) during splash and recovery training June 10, 2015. The AAV's are with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines with BLT 2/5 and the rest of the 31st MEU are currently deployed on the regularly scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

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Maj. Gen. Greg Charles Bilton, the deputy commanding general of operations for U.S. Army Pacific, delivers remarks at the closing ceremony of Khaan Quest 2015 at the Five Hills Training Area in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, July 1, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. This year marks the 13th iteration of Khaan Quest. - Maj. Gen. Greg Charles Bilton, the deputy commanding general of operations for U.S. Army Pacific, delivers remarks at the closing ceremony of Khaan Quest 2015 at the Five Hills Training Area in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, July 1, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. This year marks the 13th iteration of Khaan Quest.

Pilots in Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, use Full Mission Simulators as part of their training with F-35s. The F-35 simulators can also be found at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, where Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 trains. The F-35 Full Mission Simulator accurately replicates all sensors and weapons to provide a realistic mission rehearsal and training environment. - Pilots in Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, use Full Mission Simulators as part of their training with F-35s. The F-35 simulators can also be found at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, where Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 trains. The F-35 Full Mission Simulator accurately replicates all sensors and weapons to provide a realistic mission rehearsal and training environment.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment fire a 60mm mortar during a live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 25, 2015. The unit conducted the training to better prepare the Marines for the use of the direct lay method of fire. The direct lay method requires the Marines to make all their adjustments themselves and not rely on a Fire Direction Center. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment fire a 60mm mortar during a live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 25, 2015. The unit conducted the training to better prepare the Marines for the use of the direct lay method of fire. The direct lay method requires the Marines to make all their adjustments themselves and not rely on a Fire Direction Center.

U.S. Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, participate in a conditioning hike during Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2015 June 14 at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland, Australia. SJ15 was a combined training opportunity for the Marines with their Australian allies that helped to improve interoperability between the two forces. The U.S. Marine Corps and the Australian Defence Forces are committed to continuing their tradition of more than 100 years of global partnership and security cooperation between Australia and the United States of America. - U.S. Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, participate in a conditioning hike during Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2015 June 14 at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland, Australia. SJ15 was a combined training opportunity for the Marines with their Australian allies that helped to improve interoperability between the two forces. The U.S. Marine Corps and the Australian Defence Forces are committed to continuing their tradition of more than 100 years of global partnership and security cooperation between Australia and the United States of America.

Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, commence Exercise Southern Jackaroo with soldiers with Company A, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, Australian Army, Australian Defence Force, May 3 at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland, Australia. SJ15 is a bilateral training exercise between soldiers from Company A, 3RAR, and the Marines with MRF-D. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines in Australia affords an unprecedented combined training opportunity with their Australian allies and improves interoperability between the two forces. - Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, commence Exercise Southern Jackaroo with soldiers with Company A, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, Australian Army, Australian Defence Force, May 3 at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland, Australia. SJ15 is a bilateral training exercise between soldiers from Company A, 3RAR, and the Marines with MRF-D. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines in Australia affords an unprecedented combined training opportunity with their Australian allies and improves interoperability between the two forces.