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A Marine completes a puzzle to test his dexterity during a field exercise at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic Nov. 30, 2016. Twenty-two Marines with Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducted a week-long annual training exercise that refreshed the defense specialists on the roots of their basic military occupational specialty training. The exercise included an assortment of stations and classes that tested the Marines physically and mentally. - A Marine completes a puzzle to test his dexterity during a field exercise at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic Nov. 30, 2016. Twenty-two Marines with Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducted a week-long annual training exercise that refreshed the defense specialists on the roots of their basic military occupational specialty training. The exercise included an assortment of stations and classes that tested the Marines physically and mentally.

Maritime Raid Force Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit demonstrate how to conduct visit, board, search, and seizure of a vessel for Sri Lankan Navy Special Boat Squadron Sailors during a Theater Security Cooperation training event at Sri Lanka Naval Base, Trincomalee, Nov. 24, 2016. This bilateral training allows the two militaries to share tactics and procedures that help build and maintain military readiness, and increase humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness. The 11th MEU, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. - Maritime Raid Force Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit demonstrate how to conduct visit, board, search, and seizure of a vessel for Sri Lankan Navy Special Boat Squadron Sailors during a Theater Security Cooperation training event at Sri Lanka Naval Base, Trincomalee, Nov. 24, 2016. This bilateral training allows the two militaries to share tactics and procedures that help build and maintain military readiness, and increase humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness. The 11th MEU, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Jon Ayers discusses the cockpit armament controls in a V-22 Osprey with Lance Cpl. Jared Wooten while assessing the aircraft’s onboard systems and tactical aircraft protection system at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Nov. 17, 2016. Marine Medium Tilitrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced) underwent the assessment to prepare for their upcoming deployment with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Ayers is a ALE -47 program Navy Logistician with the fleet support team. Wooten serves as a V-22 Osprey avionics technician with the unit. - Jon Ayers discusses the cockpit armament controls in a V-22 Osprey with Lance Cpl. Jared Wooten while assessing the aircraft’s onboard systems and tactical aircraft protection system at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Nov. 17, 2016. Marine Medium Tilitrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced) underwent the assessment to prepare for their upcoming deployment with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Ayers is a ALE -47 program Navy Logistician with the fleet support team. Wooten serves as a V-22 Osprey avionics technician with the unit.

An AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 is prepared to be transported on a C-17 Globemaster III aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Nov. 10, 2016. HMLA-267 deployed to MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, in November. - An AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 is prepared to be transported on a C-17 Globemaster III aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Nov. 10, 2016. HMLA-267 deployed to MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, in November.

Sgt. Andrew Sturgress, a MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft crew chief assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, walks past Mr. Norio Tomonaga, the Mayor of Sasebo, and the Assemblymen of Defense for Sasebo City during take-off preparation from Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Nov. 18, 2016. The aircraft flew from the island of Okinawa, conducted simulated humanitarian aid with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force at multiple locations and was refueled by JMSDF personnel before returning to Okinawa. - Sgt. Andrew Sturgress, a MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft crew chief assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, walks past Mr. Norio Tomonaga, the Mayor of Sasebo, and the Assemblymen of Defense for Sasebo City during take-off preparation from Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Nov. 18, 2016. The aircraft flew from the island of Okinawa, conducted simulated humanitarian aid with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force at multiple locations and was refueled by JMSDF personnel before returning to Okinawa.

Dr. Ernest James Harris, Jr. smiles after receiving the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony in Honolulu Nov. 12, 2016. Harris was awarded his Congressional Gold Medal for his service as a Montford Point Marine. - Dr. Ernest James Harris, Jr. smiles after receiving the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony in Honolulu Nov. 12, 2016. Harris was awarded his Congressional Gold Medal for his service as a Montford Point Marine.

Cpl. Aaron Rayburn speaks to Marines during a water survival advanced course at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Oct. 25, 2016. Rayburn, originally an air framer with Marine Transport Squadron 1, volunteered to become a search and rescue swimmer with the squadron. After the search and rescue mission for VMR-1 ended, he took his aquatic skills and applied them as a Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival. Rayburn is a MCIWS with VMR-1. - Cpl. Aaron Rayburn speaks to Marines during a water survival advanced course at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Oct. 25, 2016. Rayburn, originally an air framer with Marine Transport Squadron 1, volunteered to become a search and rescue swimmer with the squadron. After the search and rescue mission for VMR-1 ended, he took his aquatic skills and applied them as a Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival. Rayburn is a MCIWS with VMR-1.

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 taxis down the flight line during exercise Cope West 17 at Sam Ratulangi International Airport, Indonesia, Nov. 10, 2016. This fighter-focused, bilateral exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps and Indonesian Air Force is designed to enhance the readiness of combined interoperability between the two nations. - A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 taxis down the flight line during exercise Cope West 17 at Sam Ratulangi International Airport, Indonesia, Nov. 10, 2016. This fighter-focused, bilateral exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps and Indonesian Air Force is designed to enhance the readiness of combined interoperability between the two nations.

U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self Defense Force members executed exercise Active Shield at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 9, 2016. Active Shield is an annual exercise designed to test the abilities of U.S. and Japanese forces to work alongside each other to protect and defend Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and other U.S. assets in the region. - U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self Defense Force members executed exercise Active Shield at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 9, 2016. Active Shield is an annual exercise designed to test the abilities of U.S. and Japanese forces to work alongside each other to protect and defend Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and other U.S. assets in the region.

Marines watch Sgt. Sasha McFadden as he explains a buddy rescue drill during an advanced water survival course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 8, 2016. The course was aimed toward qualifying Marines as advanced swimmers, the highest level in the Marine Corps Water Survival Training Program. - Marines watch Sgt. Sasha McFadden as he explains a buddy rescue drill during an advanced water survival course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 8, 2016. The course was aimed toward qualifying Marines as advanced swimmers, the highest level in the Marine Corps Water Survival Training Program.

The President’s Own performs during a reunion at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va., Nov. 10, 2016. The Marines, mostly veterans of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, gathered to honor their fallen comrades. - The President’s Own performs during a reunion at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va., Nov. 10, 2016. The Marines, mostly veterans of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, gathered to honor their fallen comrades.

Major Gen. James W. Lukeman, the commanding general of the Marine Corps Training and Education Command, addresses the audience of the first Force Fitness Instructor Course on Marine Corps Base Quantico,Virginia Nov. 4, 2016. The graduates will now return to their respective units and apply all that they’ve learned over the five-week course. - Major Gen. James W. Lukeman, the commanding general of the Marine Corps Training and Education Command, addresses the audience of the first Force Fitness Instructor Course on Marine Corps Base Quantico,Virginia Nov. 4, 2016. The graduates will now return to their respective units and apply all that they’ve learned over the five-week course.

Military policemen from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's law enforcement detachment patrol through an urban environment Nov. 2, 2016. The Marines received advanced training in tactics, techniques and procedures in urban patrolling and combat skills during the MEU's Realistic Urban Training exercise from critical skills operators from Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command. - Military policemen from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's law enforcement detachment patrol through an urban environment Nov. 2, 2016. The Marines received advanced training in tactics, techniques and procedures in urban patrolling and combat skills during the MEU's Realistic Urban Training exercise from critical skills operators from Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command.

Sgt. Mateusz Kaczynski, a maintenance management chief with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, addresses a class of non-commissioned officers from the Benin Navy at Benin Naval Forces Headquarters, Cotonou, Benin, October 24, 2016. The U.S. Marine Corps theater security cooperation team with SPMAGTF-CR-AF spent two weeks teaching an NCO development and maintenance management course during their time training with the Benin Navy. - Sgt. Mateusz Kaczynski, a maintenance management chief with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, addresses a class of non-commissioned officers from the Benin Navy at Benin Naval Forces Headquarters, Cotonou, Benin, October 24, 2016. The U.S. Marine Corps theater security cooperation team with SPMAGTF-CR-AF spent two weeks teaching an NCO development and maintenance management course during their time training with the Benin Navy.

A Force Fitness Instructor (FFI) student executes box jumps as part of the physical training portion of the course at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, October 5, 2016. The FFI course is made up of physical training, classroom instruction and practical application to provide the students with a holistic approach to fitness. Upon completion, the Marines will serve as unit FFIs, capable of designing individual and unit-level holistic fitness programs. - A Force Fitness Instructor (FFI) student executes box jumps as part of the physical training portion of the course at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, October 5, 2016. The FFI course is made up of physical training, classroom instruction and practical application to provide the students with a holistic approach to fitness. Upon completion, the Marines will serve as unit FFIs, capable of designing individual and unit-level holistic fitness programs.

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mathew Wright, a motor transportation maintenance officer with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, conducts maintenance on an Invent3D printer during a 3-D printer integration exercise at site 50 training area, Wellton, Arizona, Oct. 18, 2016. Wright used the additive manufacturing equipment to make objects from 3-D model data throughout Weapons Tactics Instructors course 1-17. Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One cadre host WTI which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force. MAWTS-1 provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. - U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mathew Wright, a motor transportation maintenance officer with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, conducts maintenance on an Invent3D printer during a 3-D printer integration exercise at site 50 training area, Wellton, Arizona, Oct. 18, 2016. Wright used the additive manufacturing equipment to make objects from 3-D model data throughout Weapons Tactics Instructors course 1-17. Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One cadre host WTI which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force. MAWTS-1 provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

Two Marine Corps installations were recognized for the excellence of their drug awareness and educations programs this week at the Community Drug Awareness Awards ceremony in the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes Oct. 13. - Two Marine Corps installations were recognized for the excellence of their drug awareness and educations programs this week at the Community Drug Awareness Awards ceremony in the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes Oct. 13.

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. John M. Jansen speaks during the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 closing ceremony at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Taguig City, Philippines, Oct. 11, 2016. PHIBLEX is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise that combines amphibious capabilities and live-fire training with humanitarian civic assistance efforts to strengthen interoperability and working relationships. Jansen is the commanding general of 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade. - U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. John M. Jansen speaks during the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 closing ceremony at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Taguig City, Philippines, Oct. 11, 2016. PHIBLEX is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise that combines amphibious capabilities and live-fire training with humanitarian civic assistance efforts to strengthen interoperability and working relationships. Jansen is the commanding general of 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

Pfc. Lucas Smith asks Gen. Robert B. Neller a question during his visit to Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, October 13, 2016. Neller is visiting III Marine Expeditionary Force to reinforce the importance of every Marine and Sailor and their role in continuing the mission of the ‘Fight Tonight’ MEF. Whether responding to a crisis or natural disaster, III MEF continues to train to ensure its capabilities in keeping peace and security throughout the region. “I’m not looking to pick a fight with anybody, but you need to be ready to go,” said Neller. Neller, from East Lansing, Michigan, is the commandant of Marine Corps. Smith, from Cleveland, Ohio is a warehouse clerk at 3rd Supply Battalion, 3rd Supply Company, III Marine Logistics Group, III MEF. - Pfc. Lucas Smith asks Gen. Robert B. Neller a question during his visit to Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, October 13, 2016. Neller is visiting III Marine Expeditionary Force to reinforce the importance of every Marine and Sailor and their role in continuing the mission of the ‘Fight Tonight’ MEF. Whether responding to a crisis or natural disaster, III MEF continues to train to ensure its capabilities in keeping peace and security throughout the region. “I’m not looking to pick a fight with anybody, but you need to be ready to go,” said Neller. Neller, from East Lansing, Michigan, is the commandant of Marine Corps. Smith, from Cleveland, Ohio is a warehouse clerk at 3rd Supply Battalion, 3rd Supply Company, III Marine Logistics Group, III MEF.

Crash fire and rescue Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, based out of Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona, douse a car fire on U.S. Interstate 8, Oct. 7, 2016. The Marines noticed a compact car bellowing smoke on the westbound side of the interstate near exit 36 while in route to provide crash fire and rescue support at an auxiliary landing exercise for C-130 aircraft at Stoval Airfield, located approximately 50 miles east of Yuma. - Crash fire and rescue Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, based out of Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona, douse a car fire on U.S. Interstate 8, Oct. 7, 2016. The Marines noticed a compact car bellowing smoke on the westbound side of the interstate near exit 36 while in route to provide crash fire and rescue support at an auxiliary landing exercise for C-130 aircraft at Stoval Airfield, located approximately 50 miles east of Yuma.

A UH-1Y Huey with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 prepares to land after Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, finished a fast-rope drill at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 6, 2016. The fast-rope training was part of a larger event called a Marine Air-Ground Task Force integration exercise, which enabled air and ground units to come together and cooperate in various training missions prior to their deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - A UH-1Y Huey with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 prepares to land after Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, finished a fast-rope drill at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 6, 2016. The fast-rope training was part of a larger event called a Marine Air-Ground Task Force integration exercise, which enabled air and ground units to come together and cooperate in various training missions prior to their deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

A Marine with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion rides a Light Armored Vehicle Anti-Tank onto a range during a combined weapons range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 20-21, 2016. The LAV-AT uses Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided missiles to fight tanks during battle. The training increased the Marines’ proficiency on various weapons platforms and improved their tactical mindset. Instead of focusing on one skill, this training combined multiple weapon systems and vehicles to show the Marines how to use each asset effectively and accomplish the mission. - A Marine with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion rides a Light Armored Vehicle Anti-Tank onto a range during a combined weapons range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 20-21, 2016. The LAV-AT uses Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided missiles to fight tanks during battle. The training increased the Marines’ proficiency on various weapons platforms and improved their tactical mindset. Instead of focusing on one skill, this training combined multiple weapon systems and vehicles to show the Marines how to use each asset effectively and accomplish the mission.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct the first ever hot load on the F-35B Lightning II in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 1-17 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Sept. 22, 2016. The exercise is part of WTI 1-17, a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One cadre. MAWTS-1 provides standardized tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. - U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct the first ever hot load on the F-35B Lightning II in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 1-17 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Sept. 22, 2016. The exercise is part of WTI 1-17, a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One cadre. MAWTS-1 provides standardized tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Buley, Tropospheric Scatter Microwave Radio Terminal operator with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18 adjusts the radio terminal’s trajectory allowing it to receive and transmit data during Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. The radio terminal provided uninterruptable communications between Guam and Tinian. VS16 is a biennial, U.S.-only, field training exercise that focuses on joint training with U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force to increase interoperability and working relationships. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Buley, Tropospheric Scatter Microwave Radio Terminal operator with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18 adjusts the radio terminal’s trajectory allowing it to receive and transmit data during Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. The radio terminal provided uninterruptable communications between Guam and Tinian. VS16 is a biennial, U.S.-only, field training exercise that focuses on joint training with U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force to increase interoperability and working relationships.

Retired Marine Col. Christopher Starling, now the vice president and chief development officer of the Marines’ Memorial Association, sights in with an M4A1 carbine during a range safety brief aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 19, 2016. During their visit, members interacted with Marines to gain an understanding of the advancements in training and equipment the Marine Corps has recently made. - Retired Marine Col. Christopher Starling, now the vice president and chief development officer of the Marines’ Memorial Association, sights in with an M4A1 carbine during a range safety brief aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 19, 2016. During their visit, members interacted with Marines to gain an understanding of the advancements in training and equipment the Marine Corps has recently made.

A U.S. Marine with the Marine Corps Shooting Team fires at a target while in the prone position Sept. 14, 2016, at Altcar Training Camp, Merseyside, England. The Marines are competing in the Royal Marines Operational Shooting Competition, from September 6-22, 2016. The U.S. Marines are competing against the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps and the Royal Marines. The U.S. Marine is with Weapons Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. - A U.S. Marine with the Marine Corps Shooting Team fires at a target while in the prone position Sept. 14, 2016, at Altcar Training Camp, Merseyside, England. The Marines are competing in the Royal Marines Operational Shooting Competition, from September 6-22, 2016. The U.S. Marines are competing against the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps and the Royal Marines. The U.S. Marine is with Weapons Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, help one another complete an obstacle during the Frontline Leaders Course at Robertson Barracks, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 9, 2016. The course is intended to be an addition to the Marine Corps Lance Corporal’s Seminar, Corporal's Course, and Sergeant's Course. The course instills knowledge and leadership skills to positively impact those under their charge and the future of the Marine Corps. 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, created the course and this will be the first time the course has been officially conducted. - U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, help one another complete an obstacle during the Frontline Leaders Course at Robertson Barracks, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 9, 2016. The course is intended to be an addition to the Marine Corps Lance Corporal’s Seminar, Corporal's Course, and Sergeant's Course. The course instills knowledge and leadership skills to positively impact those under their charge and the future of the Marine Corps. 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, created the course and this will be the first time the course has been officially conducted.

Powerliners assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 perform maintenance on an F/A-18D Hornet after a flight mission during Exercise Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. Powerliners, airframes mechanics, communication navigation, and ordnance technicians, work around the clock to ensure flight schedules are met for aviation operations during the exercise. During this U.S.-only, biennial field training exercise, F/A-18D Hornets flew in a plethora of missions that emphasize joint integration, interoperability and expeditionary readiness. - Powerliners assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 perform maintenance on an F/A-18D Hornet after a flight mission during Exercise Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. Powerliners, airframes mechanics, communication navigation, and ordnance technicians, work around the clock to ensure flight schedules are met for aviation operations during the exercise. During this U.S.-only, biennial field training exercise, F/A-18D Hornets flew in a plethora of missions that emphasize joint integration, interoperability and expeditionary readiness.

U.S. Army Cpl. Gregory McLellan and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Clinton Smith, Joint Corporals Leadership Development Course students, plot grid points during the land navigation portion of Camp Lemonnier's Joint Corporal’s Leadership Development Course at Arta, Djibouti, March 3, 2016. During the evaluation ‎Soldiers, ‎Sailors, ‎Airmen, and ‎Marines had to find eight different points and navigate to those points in a timed event. - U.S. Army Cpl. Gregory McLellan and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Clinton Smith, Joint Corporals Leadership Development Course students, plot grid points during the land navigation portion of Camp Lemonnier's Joint Corporal’s Leadership Development Course at Arta, Djibouti, March 3, 2016. During the evaluation ‎Soldiers, ‎Sailors, ‎Airmen, and ‎Marines had to find eight different points and navigate to those points in a timed event.

Cpl. Joshua Hodel, Stone Bay target shed noncommissioned officer in charge, fires a Benelli M4 shotgun at a target during a 3-gun shooting competition coordinated by the Combat Marksmanship Trainer Course at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 1, 2016. The competition enabled CMT students to become familiar with how to set up and run a range and range personnel were also able to hone their marksmanship skills. - Cpl. Joshua Hodel, Stone Bay target shed noncommissioned officer in charge, fires a Benelli M4 shotgun at a target during a 3-gun shooting competition coordinated by the Combat Marksmanship Trainer Course at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 1, 2016. The competition enabled CMT students to become familiar with how to set up and run a range and range personnel were also able to hone their marksmanship skills.

U.S. Navy sailors of Patrol Squadron 46 load a P-3 Orion aircraft with AGM-65F MAVERICKS Air to Surface Missiles prior to a sinking exercise Sept. 13, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during Valiant Shield 2016. SINKEX provided service members the opportunity to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting, and live firing against a surface target at sea. Valiant Shield is a biennial, U.S. -only field-training exercise with a focus on integration of joint training among U.S. forces. - U.S. Navy sailors of Patrol Squadron 46 load a P-3 Orion aircraft with AGM-65F MAVERICKS Air to Surface Missiles prior to a sinking exercise Sept. 13, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during Valiant Shield 2016. SINKEX provided service members the opportunity to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting, and live firing against a surface target at sea. Valiant Shield is a biennial, U.S. -only field-training exercise with a focus on integration of joint training among U.S. forces.

Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Nashville salute during a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 11, 2016. Marine Week Nashville is a chance to reconnect with our Marines, sailors, veterans and their families from different generations. - Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Nashville salute during a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 11, 2016. Marine Week Nashville is a chance to reconnect with our Marines, sailors, veterans and their families from different generations.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Maxwell Martin arrives to a new location at Daly River region, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 4, 2016. The purpose of Exercise Kowari is to enhance the United States, Australia, and China’s friendship and trust, through trilateral cooperation in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Maxwell Martin arrives to a new location at Daly River region, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 4, 2016. The purpose of Exercise Kowari is to enhance the United States, Australia, and China’s friendship and trust, through trilateral cooperation in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

1st Lt. Edward Bennett, S-4 Alpha with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, shows how to do a proper push-up during the public physical training event, Sept. 8, 2016, at the Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville as part of Marine Week. This event was one of many events hosted during Marine Week to help promote a greater relationship between the community and the Marine Corps. - 1st Lt. Edward Bennett, S-4 Alpha with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, shows how to do a proper push-up during the public physical training event, Sept. 8, 2016, at the Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville as part of Marine Week. This event was one of many events hosted during Marine Week to help promote a greater relationship between the community and the Marine Corps.

Pfc. Jeremiah Overton, an artilleryman with Bravo Company, “Black Sheep,” 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, and a Loraine, Ohio, native, provides security with his M240 Machine Gun for M777 Light Weight Towed Howitzers and their artillerymen during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 06, 2016. Marines from Bravo Co., “Black Sheep,” 1st Bn., 12th Marines, participated in exercise Spartan Fury 16.4. Spartan Fury is a pre-deployment exercise in which service members conduct live-fire artillery training and unit leaders are able to further assess and improve the lethality of the battalion. - Pfc. Jeremiah Overton, an artilleryman with Bravo Company, “Black Sheep,” 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, and a Loraine, Ohio, native, provides security with his M240 Machine Gun for M777 Light Weight Towed Howitzers and their artillerymen during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 06, 2016. Marines from Bravo Co., “Black Sheep,” 1st Bn., 12th Marines, participated in exercise Spartan Fury 16.4. Spartan Fury is a pre-deployment exercise in which service members conduct live-fire artillery training and unit leaders are able to further assess and improve the lethality of the battalion.

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Darryl Worley, center-right, performs with the San Diego Marine Rock Band during the opening ceremony of Marine Week Nashville in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 7, 2016. Marine Week is an opportunity for the people of the greater Nashville area to connect with Marines and learn about Corps’ history and capabilities. - Darryl Worley, center-right, performs with the San Diego Marine Rock Band during the opening ceremony of Marine Week Nashville in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 7, 2016. Marine Week is an opportunity for the people of the greater Nashville area to connect with Marines and learn about Corps’ history and capabilities.

Capt. Cray Pack, left, and Capt. Nolan Utterback, right, read a story to children at the Nashville Public Library in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 7, 2016. Pack is an AH-1W Cobra pilot and Utterback is a UH-1Y Venom pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 based out of New River, N.C. Marine Week Nashville celebrates the contributions of local Marines whose service to our nation has protected and preserved our way of life for hundreds of years. - Capt. Cray Pack, left, and Capt. Nolan Utterback, right, read a story to children at the Nashville Public Library in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 7, 2016. Pack is an AH-1W Cobra pilot and Utterback is a UH-1Y Venom pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 based out of New River, N.C. Marine Week Nashville celebrates the contributions of local Marines whose service to our nation has protected and preserved our way of life for hundreds of years.

Retired Israeli Defense Force Brig. Gen. Moshe Edri, Assistant Minister of Defense for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense, Government of Israel, watches as Marines with Technical Rescue Platoon, Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, CBIRF, demonstrate rescuing a casualty from a trench in a contaminated environment during an official visit Aug. 29, 2016. CBIRF hosted officials from the Israeli Ministry of Defense for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defense to showcase their skills and techniques for responding to CBRN threats or events worldwide. - Retired Israeli Defense Force Brig. Gen. Moshe Edri, Assistant Minister of Defense for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense, Government of Israel, watches as Marines with Technical Rescue Platoon, Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, CBIRF, demonstrate rescuing a casualty from a trench in a contaminated environment during an official visit Aug. 29, 2016. CBIRF hosted officials from the Israeli Ministry of Defense for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defense to showcase their skills and techniques for responding to CBRN threats or events worldwide.

Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., show children an M240B machine gun mounted on a Light Armored Vehicle during a static display in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 6. Marine Week Nashville celebrates the contributions of local Marines whose service to our nation has protected and preserved our way of life for hundreds of years. - Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., show children an M240B machine gun mounted on a Light Armored Vehicle during a static display in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 6. Marine Week Nashville celebrates the contributions of local Marines whose service to our nation has protected and preserved our way of life for hundreds of years.

Multinational service members conduct a Search and Rescue demonstration during the opening ceremony for ASEAN Exercise 16-3 at 14th Military Circle Airfield, Chonburi Province, Thailand, Sept. 5, 2016. AEX 16-3 is a small-scale humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise consisting of 18 nations and co-hosted by Thailand, Japan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Russian Federation. It is the third iteration of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting plus multinational exercise program in 2016. - Multinational service members conduct a Search and Rescue demonstration during the opening ceremony for ASEAN Exercise 16-3 at 14th Military Circle Airfield, Chonburi Province, Thailand, Sept. 5, 2016. AEX 16-3 is a small-scale humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise consisting of 18 nations and co-hosted by Thailand, Japan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Russian Federation. It is the third iteration of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting plus multinational exercise program in 2016.

Lance Cpl. Marc Arrigo prepares to fire the M-240 Bravo as Lance Cpl. Mason McLaughlin acts as his spotter during a live-fire training exercise conducted by 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 29-30. The exercise allowed Marines to re-familiarize themselves and qualify with the M-240 Bravo machine gun, M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, and the M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun during the unknown distance live-fire exercise. Arrigo and McLaughlin are gunners with 2nd LAAD. - Lance Cpl. Marc Arrigo prepares to fire the M-240 Bravo as Lance Cpl. Mason McLaughlin acts as his spotter during a live-fire training exercise conducted by 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 29-30. The exercise allowed Marines to re-familiarize themselves and qualify with the M-240 Bravo machine gun, M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, and the M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun during the unknown distance live-fire exercise. Arrigo and McLaughlin are gunners with 2nd LAAD.

Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force, Crisis Response, Central Command, check role-players ID cards before screening them during a non-combatant evacuation operation exercise at Range 220, a military operations on urbanized terrain facility, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 24, as part of a Certification Exercise. - Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force, Crisis Response, Central Command, check role-players ID cards before screening them during a non-combatant evacuation operation exercise at Range 220, a military operations on urbanized terrain facility, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 24, as part of a Certification Exercise.

Brigadier Damian Cantwell, the Exercise Kowari commander, gives a patch to all the participants of Exercise Kowari at Larrakeyah Barracks, Northern Territory, Australia, August 26, 2016. The purpose of Exercise Kowari is to enhance the United States, Australia, and China’s friendship and trust, through trilateral cooperation in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Rim regions. - Brigadier Damian Cantwell, the Exercise Kowari commander, gives a patch to all the participants of Exercise Kowari at Larrakeyah Barracks, Northern Territory, Australia, August 26, 2016. The purpose of Exercise Kowari is to enhance the United States, Australia, and China’s friendship and trust, through trilateral cooperation in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Rim regions.

U.S. Marines from Provost Marshal’s Office K-9 unit trained with Hiroshima Prefectural Police Headquarters officers and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Repair and Supply Facility Petroleum Terminal unit military working dog handlers at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 24, 2016. Handlers and their military working dogs train regularly in a variety of areas such as locating explosives and narcotics, conducting patrols and human tracking in order to become a more effective team. - U.S. Marines from Provost Marshal’s Office K-9 unit trained with Hiroshima Prefectural Police Headquarters officers and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Repair and Supply Facility Petroleum Terminal unit military working dog handlers at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 24, 2016. Handlers and their military working dogs train regularly in a variety of areas such as locating explosives and narcotics, conducting patrols and human tracking in order to become a more effective team.

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A range safety officer spreads CS gas during a live fire range August 18, 2016, to simulate a chemical attack at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia. The range was the final training evolution of Exercise Koolendong 16, a trilateral exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps, Australian Defence Force and French Armed Forces New Caledonia. Marines held a defensive position while engaging targets and working through the CS gas. - A range safety officer spreads CS gas during a live fire range August 18, 2016, to simulate a chemical attack at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia. The range was the final training evolution of Exercise Koolendong 16, a trilateral exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps, Australian Defence Force and French Armed Forces New Caledonia. Marines held a defensive position while engaging targets and working through the CS gas.

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Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit intelligence section assemble a tent in the field during an Intelligence Interoperability Course, Dec. 13, 2010. The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU recently began an aggressive series of progressively, more complex pre-deployment exercises designed to train and test the MEU's ability to operate as a cohesive and effective fighting force. - Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit intelligence section assemble a tent in the field during an Intelligence Interoperability Course, Dec. 13, 2010. The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU recently began an aggressive series of progressively, more complex pre-deployment exercises designed to train and test the MEU's ability to operate as a cohesive and effective fighting force.

Marines with 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion participated in a Beretta M9 pistol shoot during a weeklong weapon training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., August 9, 2016. Marines practiced handling and firing pistols in several unconventional style drills, helping enhance their skills with the weapon. - Marines with 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion participated in a Beretta M9 pistol shoot during a weeklong weapon training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., August 9, 2016. Marines practiced handling and firing pistols in several unconventional style drills, helping enhance their skills with the weapon.