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Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, conduct a Gator Square after disembarking the USS Whidbey Island off the coast of Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 10, 2014. A Gator Square is completed when the assault amphibious vehicles form a square out at sea and maneuver back onto the ship. - Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, conduct a Gator Square after disembarking the USS Whidbey Island off the coast of Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 10, 2014. A Gator Square is completed when the assault amphibious vehicles form a square out at sea and maneuver back onto the ship.

Marines with Charlie Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, shoot at pop-up targets during a course of fire aboard Fort A.P. Hill, Va., Sept. 2, 2014. The Marines spent the entire day shooting an unknown distance range with the M4 Carbine and the M249 squad automatic weapon to better themselves at estimating distances and eliminating a target. - Marines with Charlie Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, shoot at pop-up targets during a course of fire aboard Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, Sept. 2, 2014. The Marines spent the entire day shooting an unknown distance range with the M4 Carbine and the M249 squad automatic weapon to better themselves at estimating distances and eliminating a target.

Marines from 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force recently conducted training aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Aug. 18 to Sept. 17, 2014. The month-long exercise trained Marines in many facets all centered on mountaineering skills and high-altitude warfare. Assault climbing, rappelling, horse and mule packing, and small unit movements were all included during the exercise. - Marines from 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force recently conducted training aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Aug. 18 to Sept. 17, 2014. The month-long exercise trained Marines in many facets all centered on mountaineering skills and high-altitude warfare. Assault climbing, rappelling, horse and mule packing, and small unit movements were all included during the exercise.

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Marines purchase food and drinks from a local vendor Sept. 20 during Exercise Valiant Shield 2014 at a compound near Tinian’s North Field, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei) - Marines purchase food and drinks from a local vendor Sept. 20 during Exercise Valiant Shield 2014 at a compound near Tinian’s North Field, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei)

Marines load a diver propulsion device into a combat rubber raiding craft Sept. 20 at U.S. Naval Base Guam during Exercise Valiant Shield 2014. The device aids the Marines conducting night infiltration. Valiant Shield is a U.S.-only exercise integrating Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps assets, offering real-world joint operational experience to develop capabilities, which provide a full range of options to defend U.S. interests and those of its allies and partners. The Marines are reconnaissance men with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines load a diver propulsion device into a combat rubber raiding craft Sept. 20 at U.S. Naval Base Guam during Exercise Valiant Shield 2014. The device aids the Marines conducting night infiltration. Valiant Shield is a U.S.-only exercise integrating Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps assets, offering real-world joint operational experience to develop capabilities, which provide a full range of options to defend U.S. interests and those of its allies and partners. The Marines are reconnaissance men with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Two Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fire an AT4-Rocket Launcher at a target during a live-fire training exercise on Range P28 aboard Fort A.P. Hill, Va., Sept. 5. The range was built specifically for the unit as a training aid to increase overall unit readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jorden M. Wells / Released) - Two Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fire an AT4-Rocket Launcher at a target during a live-fire training exercise on Range P28 aboard Fort A.P. Hill, Va., Sept. 5. The range was built specifically for the unit as a training aid to increase overall unit readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jorden M. Wells / Released)

Lance Cpl. Carlos Morris, admin specialist, Headquarters Battalion, helps camper, Chase Neiberger learn how to shoot an archery bow at Camp Ronald McDonald in Mountain Center, Calif. on Sept. 13, 2014. Desert Arc has provided disabled adults with care and life skills for approximately 55 years. - Lance Cpl. Carlos Morris, admin specialist, Headquarters Battalion, helps camper, Chase Neiberger learn how to shoot an archery bow at Camp Ronald McDonald in Mountain Center, Calif. on Sept. 13, 2014. Desert Arc has provided disabled adults with care and life skills for approximately 55 years.

Marines set up concertina wire around a weather observation compound in preparation of Valiant Shield 2014 at Tinian, North Marianas Islands. Valiant Shield is a U.S.-only exercise integrating U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army and Marine Corps assets, offering real-world joint operational experience to develop capabilities that provide a full range of options to defend U.S. interests and those of its allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released) - Marines set up concertina wire around a weather observation compound in preparation of Valiant Shield 2014 at Tinian, North Marianas Islands. Valiant Shield is a U.S.-only exercise integrating U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army and Marine Corps assets, offering real-world joint operational experience to develop capabilities that provide a full range of options to defend U.S. interests and those of its allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Retired Gen. James Mattis is presented the Freedom Award by Marine veteran Jeremiah Workman at the No Greater Sacrifice 2014 Freedom Award Family Day, Washington D.C., September 13, 2014. The Freedom Award is awarded to a service member who gives in selfless service to their nation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melissa Karnath/Released) - Retired Gen. James Mattis is presented the Freedom Award by Marine veteran Jeremiah Workman at the No Greater Sacrifice 2014 Freedom Award Family Day, Washington D.C., September 13, 2014. The Freedom Award is awarded to a service member who gives in selfless service to their nation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melissa Karnath/Released)

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadrons 171 and 172, both currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, use a jackhammer to drive a stake into the ground as part of the M31 Marine Corps expeditionary arresting gear system installation in preparation for Valiant Shield 2014. Arresting gear is used to stop aircraft quickly in case they land on a short runway or experience an emergency. Valiant Shield is a biennial exercise which focuses on training that enables real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces. - Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadrons 171 and 172, both currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, use a jackhammer to drive a stake into the ground as part of the M31 Marine Corps expeditionary arresting gear system installation in preparation for Valiant Shield 2014. Arresting gear is used to stop aircraft quickly in case they land on a short runway or experience an emergency. Valiant Shield is a biennial exercise which focuses on training that enables real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces.

Lance Cpl. Alexander Stensland, left, signals good to go to Lt. Col. Roger T. McDuffie who is piloting an AV-8B Harrier on the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 10, 2014. Stensland is an aircraft powerline mechanic and McDuffie is the commanding officer of Marine Attack Squadron 223. Stensland is a native of Hastings, Minn. - Lance Cpl. Alexander Stensland, left, signals good to go to Lt. Col. Roger T. McDuffie who is piloting an AV-8B Harrier on the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 10, 2014. Stensland is an aircraft powerline mechanic and McDuffie is the commanding officer of Marine Attack Squadron 223. Stensland is a native of Hastings, Minn.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Richard Burkett releases an arrow during the gold medal match against Canada’s Cpl. Luc Martin. Burkett won the gold medal in the mixed individual compound bow category of the Archery event at the Invictus Games. Over 400 competitors from 13 nations took part in the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service members. Maj. Burkett enlisted in the Army in 1994 and was later commissioned in the Marine Corps in 1999. He has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan with multiple Marine Expeditionary Units, but was injured on his right leg, which led to an amputation below the knee, and a left knee replacement. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Richard Burkett releases an arrow during the gold medal match against Canada’s Cpl. Luc Martin. Burkett won the gold medal in the mixed individual compound bow category of the Archery event at the Invictus Games. Over 400 competitors from 13 nations took part in the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service members. Maj. Burkett enlisted in the Army in 1994 and was later commissioned in the Marine Corps in 1999. He has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan with multiple Marine Expeditionary Units, but was injured on his right leg, which led to an amputation below the knee, and a left knee replacement.

Marines, sailors and coalition partners with Regional Command (Southwest) bow their heads during a moment of silence at the 9/11 memorial ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 11, 2014. “That moment of silence gave us an opportunity to reflect and reminds us of why we are here today in Afghanistan in Helmand province,” said Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commander, RC(SW) and Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan. - Marines, sailors and coalition partners with Regional Command (Southwest) bow their heads during a moment of silence at the 9/11 memorial ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 11, 2014. “That moment of silence gave us an opportunity to reflect and reminds us of why we are here today in Afghanistan in Helmand province,” said Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commander, RC(SW) and Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan.

General James F. Amos, left, the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Micheal Barrett, the 17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, speak to Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment; 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 6, 2014. Gen. Amos and Sgt. Maj. Barrett visited Marines and sailors serving with Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan in Helmand province for the final time, thanking them for their service and sacrifice. - General James F. Amos, left, the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Micheal Barrett, the 17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, speak to Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment; 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 6, 2014. Gen. Amos and Sgt. Maj. Barrett visited Marines and sailors serving with Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan in Helmand province for the final time, thanking them for their service and sacrifice.

John Morgenstern poses in front of a CH-46 helicopter aboard Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, Virginia before the last helicopters left the air facility forever, July 16, 2014. Morgenstern has been the technical representative at Marine Helicopter Squadron One for 47 years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Aaron Hostutler/released) - John Morgenstern poses in front of a CH-46 helicopter aboard Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, Virginia before the last helicopters left the air facility forever, July 16, 2014. Morgenstern has been the technical representative at Marine Helicopter Squadron One for 47 years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Aaron Hostutler/released)

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Sgt. Rafael Cervantes Jr., a combat-injured Marine with Wounded Warrior Battalion West-Detachment Hawaii, raises his hand during his re-enlistment ceremony at the Pacific War Memorial aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 25, 2014. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Suzanna Knotts) - MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Sgt. Rafael Cervantes Jr., a combat-injured Marine with Wounded Warrior Battalion West-Detachment Hawaii, raises his hand during his re-enlistment ceremony at the Pacific War Memorial aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 25, 2014. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Suzanna Knotts)

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

Marines stand guard at a warehouse during exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian Aug. 22 at Camp Kinser. The Marines are training for real combat situations in the Asia-Pacific region by checking for security badges, security access levels and searching all bags entering the grounds. The Marines are with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines stand guard at a warehouse during exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian Aug. 22 at Camp Kinser. The Marines are training for real combat situations in the Asia-Pacific region by checking for security badges, security access levels and searching all bags entering the grounds. The Marines are with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

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

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

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

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Last year, service members were provided with yet another facility to choose from when the 22-area mess hall was built. Now, approximately one year and five months later, the mess hall is one of the best on the west coast.The mess hall staff completed their first inspection in pursuit of the William P.T. Hill award for best garrison mess hall in the Marine Corps here, Aug. 25.(Photo by Cpl. Keenan Zelazoski) - Last year, service members were provided with yet another facility to choose from when the 22-area mess hall was built. Now, approximately one year and five months later, the mess hall is one of the best on the west coast. The mess hall staff completed their first inspection in pursuit of the William P.T. Hill award for best garrison mess hall in the Marine Corps here, Aug. 25. (Photo by Cpl. Keenan Zelazoski)

Manti Te’o, a San Diego Chargers’ linebacker, signs an autograph for a child during a military appreciation day aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 27. The Chargers practiced with the MCAS Miramar Falcons before socializing with fans. - Manti Te’o, a San Diego Chargers’ linebacker, signs an autograph for a child during a military appreciation day aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 27. The Chargers practiced with the MCAS Miramar Falcons before socializing with fans.

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

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