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Cpl. Kody Biggs, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, makes his down river, around a trail that is known to have notional improvised explosive devices during an attack evolution at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 20, 2016. The Marines conducted patrols, ambushes and assaults to prepare of their upcoming Integrated Training Exercise. - Cpl. Kody Biggs, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, makes his down river, around a trail that is known to have notional improvised explosive devices during an attack evolution at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 20, 2016. The Marines conducted patrols, ambushes and assaults to prepare of their upcoming Integrated Training Exercise.

Pfc. Dugan Gilbert, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, suppresses enemy fire during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 20, 2016. The unit practiced buddy rushing and squad tactics to maintain readiness and prepare for future deployments. - Pfc. Dugan Gilbert, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, suppresses enemy fire during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 20, 2016. The unit practiced buddy rushing and squad tactics to maintain readiness and prepare for future deployments.

Lance Cpl. Rafael Garcia III, left, and Lance Cpl. Marcus A. Brown, right, apprehend a role player that entered their simulated patrol base as Marines from 7th Engineer Support Battalion conduct an imitation resupply at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton March 25, 2016. Marines performed the training in preparation for upcoming deployments with the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin and Koa Moana. Garcia, a native of Mission, Texas, and Brown, from Elko, Nevada, are combat engineers with 7th ESB, 1st Marine Logistics Group. - Lance Cpl. Rafael Garcia III, left, and Lance Cpl. Marcus A. Brown, right, apprehend a role player that entered their simulated patrol base as Marines from 7th Engineer Support Battalion conduct an imitation resupply at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton March 25, 2016. Marines performed the training in preparation for upcoming deployments with the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin and Koa Moana. Garcia, a native of Mission, Texas, and Brown, from Elko, Nevada, are combat engineers with 7th ESB, 1st Marine Logistics Group.

A Spanish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet with 462 Squadron breaks off after receiving fuel from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response- Africa during an aerial refuel mission, Gran Canaria, Spain, Mar. 29, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-AF Marines and Spanish airmen conducted air-to-air refueling missions in order to enhance crisis response readiness and help build relationships between the two militaries. - A Spanish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet with 462 Squadron breaks off after receiving fuel from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response- Africa during an aerial refuel mission, Gran Canaria, Spain, Mar. 29, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-AF Marines and Spanish airmen conducted air-to-air refueling missions in order to enhance crisis response readiness and help build relationships between the two militaries.

MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrive at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 17, 2016. The aircraft arrived in preparation to support the Government of Japan’s relief efforts in response to the earthquakes that struck the island of Kyushu earlier this week. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps’ force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrive at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 17, 2016. The aircraft arrived in preparation to support the Government of Japan’s relief efforts in response to the earthquakes that struck the island of Kyushu earlier this week. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps’ force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion guides an amphibious assault vehicle during a gunnery skills exercise at Marine COrps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 13, 2016. The company conducted the training to prepare for their upcoming participation in the Integrated Training Exercise. - A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion guides an amphibious assault vehicle during a gunnery skills exercise at Marine COrps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 13, 2016. The company conducted the training to prepare for their upcoming participation in the Integrated Training Exercise.

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M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks with Company B, 1st Tank Battalion, stage in the Blacktop training area during 7th Marine Regiment’s Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center April 6, 2016. CALFEX served as the kinetic portion of Desert Scimitar 16, an annual 1st Marine Division training evolution. - M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks with Company B, 1st Tank Battalion, stage in the Blacktop training area during 7th Marine Regiment’s Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center April 6, 2016. CALFEX served as the kinetic portion of Desert Scimitar 16, an annual 1st Marine Division training evolution.

Sgt. Joshua Jelinek, the lead instructor for the Assault Climbers Course (left), attaches Sgt. Chris Ginandt, a fellow instructor, to a suspension bridge during a period of instruction at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 12, 2016. These bridges allow Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit to conduct cliff assaults, and move supplies and themselves safely across a river or cavern. - Sgt. Joshua Jelinek, the lead instructor for the Assault Climbers Course (left), attaches Sgt. Chris Ginandt, a fellow instructor, to a suspension bridge during a period of instruction at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 12, 2016. These bridges allow Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit to conduct cliff assaults, and move supplies and themselves safely across a river or cavern.

U.S. Marines and Tunisian Groupement des Forces Speciales conduct convoy night operation training during an exercise in Bizerte, Tunisia, Mar. 21- Apr. 8, 2016. The Marine vehicle maintenance and assistance team trained with their Tunisian counterparts to increase the counter terrorism capabilities of the GFS. - U.S. Marines and Tunisian Groupement des Forces Speciales conduct convoy night operation training during an exercise in Bizerte, Tunisia, Mar. 21- Apr. 8, 2016. The Marine vehicle maintenance and assistance team trained with their Tunisian counterparts to increase the counter terrorism capabilities of the GFS.

Marines with the Expeditionary Warfare School battle site study group watch a short video on the Battle of Saratoga during their trip to Saratoga Springs, New York, April 5, 2016. The Marines with the Expeditionary Warfare School group attend the Saratoga Battle site visit as part of the EWS Enrichment Program. - Marines with the Expeditionary Warfare School battle site study group watch a short video on the Battle of Saratoga during their trip to Saratoga Springs, New York, April 5, 2016. The Marines with the Expeditionary Warfare School group attend the Saratoga Battle site visit as part of the EWS Enrichment Program.

2nd Lt. James Whitcher, a student at the Marine Military Police Officer Basic Course, goes through incident reports during the Watch Officer Exercise at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, March 28, 2016. The Watch Officer Exercise was the culminating event for all the training the students have gone through during the course. - 2nd Lt. James Whitcher, a student at the Marine Military Police Officer Basic Course, goes through incident reports during the Watch Officer Exercise at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, March 28, 2016. The Watch Officer Exercise was the culminating event for all the training the students have gone through during the course.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Jesse Kimble, an instructor with Training Cell, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, demonstrates a sniper’s standing firing position to snipers of the Special Operations Battalion, Brazilian Marine Corps, during a subject matter expert exchange at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 16, 2016. Snipers from both countries gathered to exchange knowledge and experiences regarding techniques and procedures used by snipers from their respective militaries. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Jesse Kimble, an instructor with Training Cell, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, demonstrates a sniper’s standing firing position to snipers of the Special Operations Battalion, Brazilian Marine Corps, during a subject matter expert exchange at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 16, 2016. Snipers from both countries gathered to exchange knowledge and experiences regarding techniques and procedures used by snipers from their respective militaries.

Inert grenades (dummy), non-exploding practice tools, sit on a table where Marines with 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion will pick them up before taking part in an assault course with grenade training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 16, 2016. This drill is part of an annual training event to prepare them for combat situations when they are called upon to deploy. Marines took turns providing cover fire for their partner, allowing them to throw a dummy grenade near the simulated enemy position. - Inert grenades (dummy), non-exploding practice tools, sit on a table where Marines with 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion will pick them up before taking part in an assault course with grenade training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 16, 2016. This drill is part of an annual training event to prepare them for combat situations when they are called upon to deploy. Marines took turns providing cover fire for their partner, allowing them to throw a dummy grenade near the simulated enemy position.

Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Marines take an injured Marine from an MV-22B Osprey during a simulated hard landing at Marine Corps Air Station New River March, 7, 2016. Crash fire rescue conducts the simulated drill multiple times a week to guarantee their readiness and response to emergencies. - Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Marines take an injured Marine from an MV-22B Osprey during a simulated hard landing at Marine Corps Air Station New River March, 7, 2016. Crash fire rescue conducts the simulated drill multiple times a week to guarantee their readiness and response to emergencies.

Female veterans and active duty and future Marines were united March, 11, 2016 by the Women’s Marine Association to recognize Women’s History Month and celebrate the 73rd anniversary of proudly serving in the Marine Corps. - Female veterans and active duty and future Marines were united March, 11, 2016 by the Women’s Marine Association to recognize Women’s History Month and celebrate the 73rd anniversary of proudly serving in the Marine Corps.

Major Misty Posey, center, demonstrates proper form for pull-ups to Marines at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Feb. 19, 2016. Posey teaches a pull-up class at the James Wesley Marsh Center at MCB Quantico to improve the performance and capabilities of Marines for pull-ups according to Marine Corps fitness standards. Posey is a plans officer for Manpower Integration. - Major Misty Posey, center, demonstrates proper form for pull-ups to Marines at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Feb. 19, 2016. Posey teaches a pull-up class at the James Wesley Marsh Center at MCB Quantico to improve the performance and capabilities of Marines for pull-ups according to Marine Corps fitness standards. Posey is a plans officer for Manpower Integration.

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2 attempt to hold off a crowd during non-lethal riot control training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 19, 2016. The training is in preparation for the unit’s upcoming Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa deployment later this year. - Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2 attempt to hold off a crowd during non-lethal riot control training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 19, 2016. The training is in preparation for the unit’s upcoming Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa deployment later this year.

A Marine with Bravo Company, 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, apply restraints to a role player during a simulation involving hostile, combative civilians during an interior guard training exercise at Forward Observation Base Hawk at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 17, 2016. The training prepared Marines to conduct real-life site security operations. - A Marine with Bravo Company, 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, apply restraints to a role player during a simulation involving hostile, combative civilians during an interior guard training exercise at Forward Observation Base Hawk at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 17, 2016. The training prepared Marines to conduct real-life site security operations.

Lt. J.G. Eric Lopez, a physician assistant with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, checks the heart rate of a notional Norwegian soldier casualty during combat casualty care training in Rena, Norway, Feb. 17, 2016. More than ten Marines and sailors with the unit conducted simulated medical treatment onto their Norwegian counterparts in order to enhance and compare their field medical care capabilities. The two countries are coming together for Exercise Cold Response 16 in March, which combines the efforts of 12 NATO allies and partner nations to enhance joint crisis response capabilities in cold weather environments. - Lt. J.G. Eric Lopez, a physician assistant with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, checks the heart rate of a notional Norwegian soldier casualty during combat casualty care training in Rena, Norway, Feb. 17, 2016. More than ten Marines and sailors with the unit conducted simulated medical treatment onto their Norwegian counterparts in order to enhance and compare their field medical care capabilities. The two countries are coming together for Exercise Cold Response 16 in March, which combines the efforts of 12 NATO allies and partner nations to enhance joint crisis response capabilities in cold weather environments.

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On Feb. 23-24, 2016 the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory selected a group Marines to attend Force Development 25 during which the Marines will be able to challenge and change the way the Marine Corps thinks. - On Feb. 23-24, 2016 the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory selected a group Marines to attend Force Development 25 during which the Marines will be able to challenge and change the way the Marine Corps thinks.

Japanese observers tour and examine a MV-22 Osprey during a noncombatant evacuation demonstration as part of exercise Cobra Gold 16 at Utapao, Thailand, February 17, 2016. U.S. Marines put an Osprey on static display during the demonstration while partner nations exercised their own evacuation capabilities. The Osprey provides a longer flight range and a bigger capacity for supplies compared to traditional helicopters, but allows service members to access smaller areas compared to traditional fixed-wing aircraft. Cobra Gold, in its 35th iteration, is a multi-national exercise designed to advance regional security and ensure effective responses to regional crises by bringing together a robust combined task force from partner nations sharing common goals and security commitments in the Asia-Pacific region. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Japanese observers tour and examine a MV-22 Osprey during a noncombatant evacuation demonstration as part of exercise Cobra Gold 16 at Utapao, Thailand, February 17, 2016. U.S. Marines put an Osprey on static display during the demonstration while partner nations exercised their own evacuation capabilities. The Osprey provides a longer flight range and a bigger capacity for supplies compared to traditional helicopters, but allows service members to access smaller areas compared to traditional fixed-wing aircraft. Cobra Gold, in its 35th iteration, is a multi-national exercise designed to advance regional security and ensure effective responses to regional crises by bringing together a robust combined task force from partner nations sharing common goals and security commitments in the Asia-Pacific region. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

A Marine with 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade shows local children around a light armored vehicle at Hell Station in Hell, Norway, Feb. 12. Tons of combat vehicles and equipment were transported by rail to Rena, Norway, where the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ground combat element will take part in live-fire exercise in the coming days. The rail operations moved vehicles and equipment prepositioned in caves here to the training area in preparation for Exercise Cold Response 16, comprised of 13 allied and partner nations, and over 16,000 troops, starting later this month. - A Marine with 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade shows local children around a light armored vehicle at Hell Station in Hell, Norway, Feb. 12. Tons of combat vehicles and equipment were transported by rail to Rena, Norway, where the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ground combat element will take part in live-fire exercise in the coming days. The rail operations moved vehicles and equipment prepositioned in caves here to the training area in preparation for Exercise Cold Response 16, comprised of 13 allied and partner nations, and over 16,000 troops, starting later this month.

A U.S. Marine provides security and overwatch for Marines conducting urban operations during Forest Light 16-2 in Yausubetsu Training Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Jan. 28, 2016. The Japan and U.S. forces demonstrated each other’s tactics for securing the area around an enemy urban zone and breaching the urban area. The exercise strengthens military partnership, solidifies regional security agreements and improves individual and unit-level skills. The JGSDF soldiers are with the 27th Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade, Northern Army. The Marines are with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - A U.S. Marine provides security and overwatch for Marines conducting urban operations during Forest Light 16-2 in Yausubetsu Training Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Jan. 28, 2016. The Japan and U.S. forces demonstrated each other’s tactics for securing the area around an enemy urban zone and breaching the urban area. The exercise strengthens military partnership, solidifies regional security agreements and improves individual and unit-level skills. The JGSDF soldiers are with the 27th Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade, Northern Army. The Marines are with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Lance Cpl. Samuel T. Mahaffey, a motor vehicle operator with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, fires a practice M2 .50-caliber machine gun during a convoy operations training simulation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 9, 2016. Throughout the simulation, vehicle gunners practiced using the M2 .50-caliber machine gun and Mk-19 automatic grenade launcher. - Lance Cpl. Samuel T. Mahaffey, a motor vehicle operator with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, fires a practice M2 .50-caliber machine gun during a convoy operations training simulation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 9, 2016. Throughout the simulation, vehicle gunners practiced using the M2 .50-caliber machine gun and Mk-19 automatic grenade launcher.

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Marines breach a house during hostage scenario training aboard Laurel Bay Feb. 4. Each section had a specific role to play in the field. It is necessary for Marines to train under realistic circumstances should a security threat arise on Laurel Bay. The Marines are with the Provost Marshal’s Office aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. - Marines breach a house during hostage scenario training aboard Laurel Bay Feb. 4. Each section had a specific role to play in the field. It is necessary for Marines to train under realistic circumstances should a security threat arise on Laurel Bay. The Marines are with the Provost Marshal’s Office aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 land a UH-1Y Huey to refuel during exercise Scorpion Fire 1-16 on Navy Air Facility El Centro, Calif., Jan. 25, 2016. HMLA-267 supported the exercise with close air support and live-fire capabilities, Jan. 25 to Feb. 5, 2016. - Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 land a UH-1Y Huey to refuel during exercise Scorpion Fire 1-16 on Navy Air Facility El Centro, Calif., Jan. 25, 2016. HMLA-267 supported the exercise with close air support and live-fire capabilities, Jan. 25 to Feb. 5, 2016.

Marines gather for an after action report during an aircraft recovery training exercise at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Feb. 2, 2016. Aircraft rescue and firefighting Marines, heavy equipment operators, bulk fuels specialists, motor transportation Marines and combat engineers with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 worked hand-in-hand to retrieve a simulated downed aircraft. They were given a scenario and were tasked to provide a security perimeter around the aircraft while securing and transporting the aircraft in a safe and effective manner. The ability to retrieve aircraft without the aid of outside resources increases the unit’s effectiveness and their expeditionary capabilities. - Marines gather for an after action report during an aircraft recovery training exercise at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Feb. 2, 2016. Aircraft rescue and firefighting Marines, heavy equipment operators, bulk fuels specialists, motor transportation Marines and combat engineers with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 worked hand-in-hand to retrieve a simulated downed aircraft. They were given a scenario and were tasked to provide a security perimeter around the aircraft while securing and transporting the aircraft in a safe and effective manner. The ability to retrieve aircraft without the aid of outside resources increases the unit’s effectiveness and their expeditionary capabilities.

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Sgt. Gordon Rodgers, a field radio operator with Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, raises an antenna during a command post exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 2, 2016. The mission of 2nd Marine Logistics Group is to provide general support combat logistics to all forces operating in the II Marine Expeditionary Force battlespace. - Sgt. Gordon Rodgers, a field radio operator with Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, raises an antenna during a command post exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 2, 2016. The mission of 2nd Marine Logistics Group is to provide general support combat logistics to all forces operating in the II Marine Expeditionary Force battlespace.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Justin Urbany (Right,) 81mm mortar section leader, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, gives a range safety brief to Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Soldiers, prior to a live-fire mortar range, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 1, 2016. This mortar range is a part of the second of four phases of training the soldiers of the JGSDF and USMC will be conducting during Exercise Iron Fist. This phase focuses on small unit skills and tactics before moving on to larger scale operations. - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Justin Urbany (Right,) 81mm mortar section leader, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, gives a range safety brief to Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Soldiers, prior to a live-fire mortar range, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 1, 2016. This mortar range is a part of the second of four phases of training the soldiers of the JGSDF and USMC will be conducting during Exercise Iron Fist. This phase focuses on small unit skills and tactics before moving on to larger scale operations.

Soldiers of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Western Army Infantry Regiment Scout Sniper Program move out on a patrol through an area with mock enemies to practice breaking contact drills during an abbreviated scout sniper course, instructed by U.S. Marine Corps instructors, during Exercise Iron Fist 2016 on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 1, 2016 Break contact drills are important as sniper teams are typically small, with limited firepower and ammunition. During break contact drills, the team moves to a location where the enemy cannot observe and fire upon them. - Soldiers of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Western Army Infantry Regiment Scout Sniper Program move out on a patrol through an area with mock enemies to practice breaking contact drills during an abbreviated scout sniper course, instructed by U.S. Marine Corps instructors, during Exercise Iron Fist 2016 on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 1, 2016 Break contact drills are important as sniper teams are typically small, with limited firepower and ammunition. During break contact drills, the team moves to a location where the enemy cannot observe and fire upon them.

Combat engineers and assaultmen with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, march toward a Bangalore torpedo impact zone during a Deployment for Training exercise at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., Jan 28, 2016. The range was intended to ensure Marines maintain weapon systems proficiency while preparing them for their upcoming deployment to Okinawa, Japan. - Combat engineers and assaultmen with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, march toward a Bangalore torpedo impact zone during a Deployment for Training exercise at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., Jan 28, 2016. The range was intended to ensure Marines maintain weapon systems proficiency while preparing them for their upcoming deployment to Okinawa, Japan.

Captain Scott Williams, company commander of Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, dives out of a rigid-hulled inflatable boat to conduct underwater search operations training off the coast of California, Jan. 28, 2016. The Marines and Sailors of Co. A will use their dive ability to give the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit a valuable underwater search tool when it deploys later this year. - Captain Scott Williams, company commander of Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, dives out of a rigid-hulled inflatable boat to conduct underwater search operations training off the coast of California, Jan. 28, 2016. The Marines and Sailors of Co. A will use their dive ability to give the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit a valuable underwater search tool when it deploys later this year.

Pfc. Nathan Murdock, rifleman, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, fires his M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle at a target during the Designated Marksman Course’s culminating event at Range 113, Jan. 28, 2016. - Pfc. Nathan Murdock, rifleman, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, fires his M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle at a target during the Designated Marksman Course’s culminating event at Range 113, Jan. 28, 2016.

Corpsmen with 2nd Medical Battalion rush role-playing patients into a medical tent at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C, Jan. 28, 2016. The training is preparing a Shock Trauma Squad to treat cold related injuries for an upcoming multinational exercise, Cold Response 16.1, in Norway. - Corpsmen with 2nd Medical Battalion rush role-playing patients into a medical tent at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C, Jan. 28, 2016. The training is preparing a Shock Trauma Squad to treat cold related injuries for an upcoming multinational exercise, Cold Response 16.1, in Norway.

Marines with 7th Engineer Support Battalion from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., test Improved Ribbon Bridge components with representatives from Marine Corps Systems Command, and Marine Corps Engineer School, at Production Plant Barstow's test pond aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow’s Yermo Annex, Calif., Jan. 25, 2016 - Marines with 7th Engineer Support Battalion from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., test Improved Ribbon Bridge components with representatives from Marine Corps Systems Command, and Marine Corps Engineer School, at Production Plant Barstow's test pond aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow’s Yermo Annex, Calif., Jan. 25, 2016

Lance Cpl. Curtis L. Brown, a rifleman with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, assaults targets down range during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 28, 2016. The company reinforced infantry fundamentals at all levels, beginning with fire team tactics before advancing to squad-level exercises. - Lance Cpl. Curtis L. Brown, a rifleman with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, assaults targets down range during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 28, 2016. The company reinforced infantry fundamentals at all levels, beginning with fire team tactics before advancing to squad-level exercises.

Pfc. Merrick Martius, a Light Armored Vehicle crewman, provides maintenance for an infrared light on an LAV-25 during a live-fire gunnery qualification test at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms,California, Jan. 22, 2016. The qualification test consisted of gunnery training, communication between the vehicle commander and the driver, and cooperation between the crewmembers of the LAV and the command tower. This allows Marines to fire accurately when aiming on targets down range. Martius is an LAV crewman with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. - Pfc. Merrick Martius, a Light Armored Vehicle crewman, provides maintenance for an infrared light on an LAV-25 during a live-fire gunnery qualification test at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms,California, Jan. 22, 2016. The qualification test consisted of gunnery training, communication between the vehicle commander and the driver, and cooperation between the crewmembers of the LAV and the command tower. This allows Marines to fire accurately when aiming on targets down range. Martius is an LAV crewman with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion prepare to dive in the pool during the Dive Supervisor Course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 19, 2016. The course certifies Marines as dive supervisors whose mission is to oversee dives and ensure that operations are conducted safely and effectively. - Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion prepare to dive in the pool during the Dive Supervisor Course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 19, 2016. The course certifies Marines as dive supervisors whose mission is to oversee dives and ensure that operations are conducted safely and effectively.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 established and set up a forward operating base during a field operation at Davis North, Jan. 13, 2016. Marines tested their support capabilities during a field operation, meant to hone their skills on airfield. - Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 established and set up a forward operating base during a field operation at Davis North, Jan. 13, 2016. Marines tested their support capabilities during a field operation, meant to hone their skills on airfield.

A Marine squad leader assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, provides security during a company-level assault, as part of combined arms live-fire, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin exercise, aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Training Center Twentynine Palms, California, Jan. 18, 2016. Infantry squad leaders holding the rank of corporal or sergeant can apply now for the recently updated Squad Leader Development Program, and earn the new military occupational specialty of 0365 - Infantry Squad Leader if selected from the pool of applicants. - A Marine squad leader assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, provides security during a company-level assault, as part of combined arms live-fire, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin exercise, aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Training Center Twentynine Palms, California, Jan. 18, 2016. Infantry squad leaders holding the rank of corporal or sergeant can apply now for the recently updated Squad Leader Development Program, and earn the new military occupational specialty of 0365 - Infantry Squad Leader if selected from the pool of applicants.

First Lt. Nolan Vihlen (left), 1st Lt. Dave Samson (middle), and 1st Lt. David Peck (right), Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302, conduct vehicle checks on a CH-53E Super Stallion before their departure from Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jan. 7, 2016. Thorough and consistent pilot training is the best way to ensure aviation safety; HMHT-302 teaches its student pilots proper procedures for safety checks to ensure the highest level of safety and preparedness prior to any flight. - First Lt. Nolan Vihlen (left), 1st Lt. Dave Samson (middle), and 1st Lt. David Peck (right), Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302, conduct vehicle checks on a CH-53E Super Stallion before their departure from Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jan. 7, 2016. Thorough and consistent pilot training is the best way to ensure aviation safety; HMHT-302 teaches its student pilots proper procedures for safety checks to ensure the highest level of safety and preparedness prior to any flight.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, launch a round during a live-fire mortar exercise with 81 mm mortar systems in preparation for the unit’s upcoming deployment at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 21,2016. The Marines worked with the mortar systems until the late evening, sending more than 350 rounds downrange, and accomplished their goal of having more than 90 percent of their rounds impact on their designated targets. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, launch a round during a live-fire mortar exercise with 81 mm mortar systems in preparation for the unit’s upcoming deployment at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 21,2016. The Marines worked with the mortar systems until the late evening, sending more than 350 rounds downrange, and accomplished their goal of having more than 90 percent of their rounds impact on their designated targets.

Lance Cpl. Sawyer Day, a combat engineer with Alpha Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, reloads his weapon during a Combat Marksmanship Program qualification. Marines conduct these qualifications yearly in order to remain combat ready in case they are called upon at a moment's notice. - Lance Cpl. Sawyer Day, a combat engineer with Alpha Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, reloads his weapon during a Combat Marksmanship Program qualification. Marines conduct these qualifications yearly in order to remain combat ready in case they are called upon at a moment's notice.

Lance Cpl. Hunter Rooks, a Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, deflects baton attacks from an assailant after being sprayed with oleoresin capsicum, more commonly known as OC spray, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 14. “The purpose of this course is to gain compliance without using lethal force,” said Cpl. Hayden Jolly, an artillery section chief with the unit. - Lance Cpl. Hunter Rooks, a Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, deflects baton attacks from an assailant after being sprayed with oleoresin capsicum, more commonly known as OC spray, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 14. “The purpose of this course is to gain compliance without using lethal force,” said Cpl. Hayden Jolly, an artillery section chief with the unit.

Sgt. Chris Fitzpatrick, an Explosive Ordinance Disposal technician with EOD Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, briefs his team before participating in a simulated raid during a breaching course at Camp Lejeune N.C., Jan. 14, 2016. Marines switch leadership positions throughout the entire course to keep the unit proficient. - Sgt. Chris Fitzpatrick, an Explosive Ordinance Disposal technician with EOD Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, briefs his team before participating in a simulated raid during a breaching course at Camp Lejeune N.C., Jan. 14, 2016. Marines switch leadership positions throughout the entire course to keep the unit proficient.

Lance Cpl. Jonathan Gilbert looks through the scope of his M240 medium machine gun while providing security for his platoon Jan. 7, 2016, on Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan. Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, navigated the jungles of Okinawa in search of a simulated enemy platoon. Gilbert, a machine gunner with Alpha Co., BLT 1/5, 31st MEU, is a native of Frederick, Maryland. - Lance Cpl. Jonathan Gilbert looks through the scope of his M240 medium machine gun while providing security for his platoon Jan. 7, 2016, on Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan. Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, navigated the jungles of Okinawa in search of a simulated enemy platoon. Gilbert, a machine gunner with Alpha Co., BLT 1/5, 31st MEU, is a native of Frederick, Maryland.