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A Marine with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment maintains positive sighting of the range ahead during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 26, 2015. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations. - A Marine with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment maintains positive sighting of the range ahead during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 26, 2015. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations.

F/A-18C Hornets return to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort , South Carolina, Oct. 26, 2015. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 and Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 returned from Weapons and Tactics Instructor course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. The Hornets are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group 31. - F/A-18C Hornets return to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort , South Carolina, Oct. 26, 2015. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 and Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 returned from Weapons and Tactics Instructor course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. The Hornets are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

Marine candidates with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, halt during a patrol as part of the Scout Sniper Platoon screening at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 23, 2015. The exercise required candidates to move to an extraction point while evading the enemy. - Marine candidates with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, halt during a patrol as part of the Scout Sniper Platoon screening at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 23, 2015. The exercise required candidates to move to an extraction point while evading the enemy.

Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense soldiers assess possible casualties in a simulated improvised explosive device explosion during Exercise Guard and Protect at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 20-23, 2015. Guard and Protect is a joint security force operation that enables readiness in case the station has to make a defense posture. The exercise tested the abilities of the Marines and Japanese soldiers to respond effectively in real world situations. - Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense soldiers assess possible casualties in a simulated improvised explosive device explosion during Exercise Guard and Protect at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 20-23, 2015. Guard and Protect is a joint security force operation that enables readiness in case the station has to make a defense posture. The exercise tested the abilities of the Marines and Japanese soldiers to respond effectively in real world situations.

Scout sniper screener candidates with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment conduct a max set of pull-ups during a physical fitness assessment at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 20, 2015. The screener aims to prepare candidates for the Scout Sniper Basic Course. - Scout sniper screener candidates with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment conduct a max set of pull-ups during a physical fitness assessment at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 20, 2015. The screener aims to prepare candidates for the Scout Sniper Basic Course.

Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division conduct free fall jump training from a C-130 Hercules with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 16, 2015. 1st Recon conducted parachute operations in preparation for future deployments. - Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division conduct free fall jump training from a C-130 Hercules with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 16, 2015. 1st Recon conducted parachute operations in preparation for future deployments.

An Assault Amphibious Vehicle rolls off the USNS Sergeant William R. Button, a prepositioning ship that transported more than 130 pieces of vehicles and cargo to Rota, Spain, for Marines to support Exercise Trident Juncture 15, Oct. 21. The exercise is NATO’s largest since 2002 and will include more than 30 nations participating. - An Assault Amphibious Vehicle rolls off the USNS Sergeant William R. Button, a prepositioning ship that transported more than 130 pieces of vehicles and cargo to Rota, Spain, for Marines to support Exercise Trident Juncture 15, Oct. 21. The exercise is NATO’s largest since 2002 and will include more than 30 nations participating.

Pfc. Douglas Masters, a mortar man with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, calibrates his compass by reading a predetermined azimuth before a land navigation course in preparation for the scout sniper platoon screener, Oct. 14, 2015, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. More than 15 Marines with the battalion are taking part in the course to prepare themselves for the scout sniper platoon screener. - Pfc. Douglas Masters, a mortar man with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, calibrates his compass by reading a predetermined azimuth before a land navigation course in preparation for the scout sniper platoon screener, Oct. 14, 2015, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. More than 15 Marines with the battalion are taking part in the course to prepare themselves for the scout sniper platoon screener.

A Marine candidate with the Scout Sniper Screening Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, maneuvers over an obstacle as part of the Scout Sniper Physical Assessment Test at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 19, 2015. The obstacle course served as the final evolution for the assessment, requiring two consecutive completions from each candidate. - A Marine candidate with the Scout Sniper Screening Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, maneuvers over an obstacle as part of the Scout Sniper Physical Assessment Test at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 19, 2015. The obstacle course served as the final evolution for the assessment, requiring two consecutive completions from each candidate.

Marines from Alpha Company, Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. search a vehicle at a vehicle control point as part of a military operations in urban terrain exercise at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Oct. 15, 2015. - Marines from Alpha Company, Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. search a vehicle at a vehicle control point as part of a military operations in urban terrain exercise at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Oct. 15, 2015.

Flares from a C-130 Hercules transportation aircraft illuminate the landing zone for an incoming CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter during a fire support coordination exercise that kicked off Blue Chromite 2016, at Okinawa, Japan, today. Blue Chromite is large-scale air-ground training exercise that builds upon the Marine Corps’ sea-borne, rapid-reaction capabilities while maintaining the Corps’ strategic presence in the Pacific. The principle units involved in the ongoing exercise are 3rd Marine Division, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and 3rd Marine Logistics Group, all subordinate commands of III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Flares from a C-130 Hercules transportation aircraft illuminate the landing zone for an incoming CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter during a fire support coordination exercise that kicked off Blue Chromite 2016, at Okinawa, Japan, today. Blue Chromite is large-scale air-ground training exercise that builds upon the Marine Corps’ sea-borne, rapid-reaction capabilities while maintaining the Corps’ strategic presence in the Pacific. The principle units involved in the ongoing exercise are 3rd Marine Division, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and 3rd Marine Logistics Group, all subordinate commands of III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marine Raiders with 1st Marine Raider Battalion dangle from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during Special Patrol Insertion and Extraction rigging training operations, Feb. 6, 2015, near Hurlburt Field, Fla. The SPIE rigging training was part of a two-week HAVEACE exercise, and part of the participating Marine Special Operations Team’s unit training program. - Marine Raiders with 1st Marine Raider Battalion dangle from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during Special Patrol Insertion and Extraction rigging training operations, Feb. 6, 2015, near Hurlburt Field, Fla. The SPIE rigging training was part of a two-week HAVEACE exercise, and part of the participating Marine Special Operations Team’s unit training program.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey flies over the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force warships, near Tokyo Bay, during the 28th iteration of the JMSDF Fleet Review, Oct. 18, 2015. Approximately 28 aircraft from the JMSDF, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps flew above the warship. The fleet review allowed the JMSDF to assess its readiness and demonstrated the Japanese and the U.S. commitment to enduring prosperity and security in the Asia-Pacific region. - A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey flies over the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force warships, near Tokyo Bay, during the 28th iteration of the JMSDF Fleet Review, Oct. 18, 2015. Approximately 28 aircraft from the JMSDF, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps flew above the warship. The fleet review allowed the JMSDF to assess its readiness and demonstrated the Japanese and the U.S. commitment to enduring prosperity and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

A tablet controls the Augmented Immersive Team Training demonstration for Marine leadership and key civilian leaders at the Medal of Honor Golf Course, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Oct. 14, 2015. The system provides a virtual battlefield complete with aircraft and artillery to engage ground vehicles and personnel with no needs for concerns such as safety, resources or availability of ranges for realistic training. - A tablet controls the Augmented Immersive Team Training demonstration for Marine leadership and key civilian leaders at the Medal of Honor Golf Course, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Oct. 14, 2015. The system provides a virtual battlefield complete with aircraft and artillery to engage ground vehicles and personnel with no needs for concerns such as safety, resources or availability of ranges for realistic training.

An F/A-18D Hornet from Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 prepares for take-off at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., Oct. 13. VMFAT-101 is a training squadron for Marine Corps and Navy students who are learning to pilot F-18s. The squadron is based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 11. - An F/A-18D Hornet from Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 prepares for take-off at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., Oct. 13. VMFAT-101 is a training squadron for Marine Corps and Navy students who are learning to pilot F-18s. The squadron is based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 11.

Xxenos, a military working dog, rests during one of his combat deployments.The retired MWD passed away earlier this year at the age of 10. Xxenos had been retired three years and deployed three times during his career; twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. Xxenos was a Marine specialized search dog. - Xxenos, a military working dog, rests during one of his combat deployments.The retired MWD passed away earlier this year at the age of 10. Xxenos had been retired three years and deployed three times during his career; twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. Xxenos was a Marine specialized search dog.

U.S. Marines stand guard during a simulated civilian evacuation at the National Gendarmerie Tactical Training Center in Saint-Astier, France, Oct. 9. The exercise marks the third rotation of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa Marines training alongside the Gendarmerie. - U.S. Marines stand guard during a simulated civilian evacuation at the National Gendarmerie Tactical Training Center in Saint-Astier, France, Oct. 9. The exercise marks the third rotation of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa Marines training alongside the Gendarmerie.

U.S. Marines and Senegalese military members search a vehicle during a two-day training event aboard Bel-Air military base, Sept. 21-22 in Dakar, Senegal. The Marines, based out of Morón Air Base, Spain, are currently validating forward-staging capabilities in Dakar, Senegal, while building partnerships with their Senegalese counterparts. - U.S. Marines and Senegalese military members search a vehicle during a two-day training event aboard Bel-Air military base, Sept. 21-22 in Dakar, Senegal. The Marines, based out of Morón Air Base, Spain, are currently validating forward-staging capabilities in Dakar, Senegal, while building partnerships with their Senegalese counterparts.

Cpl. Willis Shifflett, a squad leader with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, performs first-aid on a simulated civilian casualty during the Infantry Immersion Trainer at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 9, 2015. The IIT is used to allow Marines to put themselves into a deployment scenario and take constructive criticism after their mission is completed. - Cpl. Willis Shifflett, a squad leader with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, performs first-aid on a simulated civilian casualty during the Infantry Immersion Trainer at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 9, 2015. The IIT is used to allow Marines to put themselves into a deployment scenario and take constructive criticism after their mission is completed.

U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the French 5th Overseas Combined Arms Regiment (RIAOM) perform crunches as part of indoctrination prior to participating in a desert survival course. Elements of the 15th MEU are training with the 5th RIAOM in Djibouti in order to improve interoperability between the MEU and the French military. - U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the French 5th Overseas Combined Arms Regiment (RIAOM) perform crunches as part of indoctrination prior to participating in a desert survival course. Elements of the 15th MEU are training with the 5th RIAOM in Djibouti in order to improve interoperability between the MEU and the French military.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, enter a fake village to conduct essential training at the Infantry Immersion Trainer at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 30, 2015. The training is designed to better prepare them for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Logistical Command Element Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Michael Dye/Released)  - Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, enter a fake village to conduct essential training at the Infantry Immersion Trainer at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 30, 2015. The training is designed to better prepare them for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Logistical Command Element Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Michael Dye/Released) 

Republic of Korea Marine Cpl. Geon Shin breaches a building alongside U.S. Marines under smoke concealment during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Gunha-Rhi, Gimpo, Republic of Korea, Sept. 17, 2015. KMEP 15-12 is a bilateral training exercise that enhances the ROK and U.S. alliance, promotes stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthens ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. Shin, from Mokpo, ROK, is a rifleman with 1st Company, 11th Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. The U.S. Marines are with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler S. Giguere/ Released) - Republic of Korea Marine Cpl. Geon Shin breaches a building alongside U.S. Marines under smoke concealment during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Gunha-Rhi, Gimpo, Republic of Korea, Sept. 17, 2015. KMEP 15-12 is a bilateral training exercise that enhances the ROK and U.S. alliance, promotes stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthens ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. Shin, from Mokpo, ROK, is a rifleman with 1st Company, 11th Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. The U.S. Marines are with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler S. Giguere/ Released)

Maj. Asa Warrington talks to Jeff Park, a field associate of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, about the many opportunities available to the Marines after they leave the military during the Veteran Employment Summit at Marines' Memorial Club and Hotel Oct. 6, 2015 as Part of Fleet Week San Francisco 2015 in San Francisco. Military and civilian leaders provided service members with opportunities available to them after their active service. - Maj. Asa Warrington talks to Jeff Park, a field associate of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, about the many opportunities available to the Marines after they leave the military during the Veteran Employment Summit at Marines' Memorial Club and Hotel Oct. 6, 2015 as Part of Fleet Week San Francisco 2015 in San Francisco. Military and civilian leaders provided service members with opportunities available to them after their active service.

Republic of Korea Marine Lance Cpl. Jun Shin puts on his gas mask during a gas attack scenario as part of Korea Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Gunha-Rhi, Republic of Korea, Sept. 17, 2015. The U.S. and ROK Marines practiced quickly putting on their gas mask and carrying the wounded to safety. KMEP 15-12 is an exercise in a series of continuous bilateral training exercises that enhance the ROK and U.S. alliance, promote stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthen ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. Shin, from Ulsan, ROK, is with 2nd Company, 11th Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, ROK Headquarters Marine Corps. - Republic of Korea Marine Lance Cpl. Jun Shin puts on his gas mask during a gas attack scenario as part of Korea Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Gunha-Rhi, Republic of Korea, Sept. 17, 2015. The U.S. and ROK Marines practiced quickly putting on their gas mask and carrying the wounded to safety. KMEP 15-12 is an exercise in a series of continuous bilateral training exercises that enhance the ROK and U.S. alliance, promote stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthen ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. Shin, from Ulsan, ROK, is with 2nd Company, 11th Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, ROK Headquarters Marine Corps.

Cpl. Seth Dixon (left), a field radio operator with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and Blue Ridge, Georgia, native, speaks to Cpl. Terry Summerfield (center), a technician with 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines, and San Diego native, and Cpl. John Boyd (right), a field radio operator with 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines, and Lagrange, Georgia, native, at the Boondocker Training Area aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii during training exercise Island Viper, Sept. 22, 2015. The purpose of Island Viper was to help companies within the battalion ensure their service members have been properly trained and have met all training requirements before deployment. - Cpl. Seth Dixon (left), a field radio operator with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and Blue Ridge, Georgia, native, speaks to Cpl. Terry Summerfield (center), a technician with 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines, and San Diego native, and Cpl. John Boyd (right), a field radio operator with 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines, and Lagrange, Georgia, native, at the Boondocker Training Area aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii during training exercise Island Viper, Sept. 22, 2015. The purpose of Island Viper was to help companies within the battalion ensure their service members have been properly trained and have met all training requirements before deployment.

An F/A-18C Hornet lands aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 24. VMFAT-101 brought 15 jets from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, to train at MCAS Beaufort. The Hornet is with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, Marine Aircraft Group 11. - An F/A-18C Hornet lands aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 24. VMFAT-101 brought 15 jets from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, to train at MCAS Beaufort. The Hornet is with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, Marine Aircraft Group 11.

A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment fires the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during a company sized combined-arms attack on range SR-9 at Marine corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 24, 2015. During the training, Alpha Company fired the M4 carbine, the M16 A4 service rifle, M249 Squad Automatic Weapons, M240B machine guns, M2 .50 caliber heavy machine guns, MK19 40mm grenade launchers and M224 60mm lightweight mortar systems. - A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment fires the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during a company sized combined-arms attack on range SR-9 at Marine corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 24, 2015. During the training, Alpha Company fired the M4 carbine, the M16 A4 service rifle, M249 Squad Automatic Weapons, M240B machine guns, M2 .50 caliber heavy machine guns, MK19 40mm grenade launchers and M224 60mm lightweight mortar systems.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment use the M249 light machine gun to shoot at practice targets during live fire training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 22 – 23, 2015. The training aimed to improve the Marines’ proficiency with multiple weapons systems and to prepare the Marines for a security element course. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment use the M249 light machine gun to shoot at practice targets during live fire training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 22 – 23, 2015. The training aimed to improve the Marines’ proficiency with multiple weapons systems and to prepare the Marines for a security element course.

A Marine fires an FIM-92 Stinger Missile at a target during a stinger simulation training range at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Sept. 24, 2015. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion sharpened their proficiency skills by simulating the weight transfer felt when firing the 34.2 pound missile. The weapon is a personal and portable infrared, homing, surface-to-air missile capable of tracking and engaging aircraft up to an altitude of 10,000 feet and covering distances up to eight kilometers. 2nd LAAD utilizes the stinger missile to provide ground-to-air defense to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Air-Ground Task Force elements. - A Marine fires an FIM-92 Stinger Missile at a target during a stinger simulation training range at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Sept. 24, 2015. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion sharpened their proficiency skills by simulating the weight transfer felt when firing the 34.2 pound missile. The weapon is a personal and portable infrared, homing, surface-to-air missile capable of tracking and engaging aircraft up to an altitude of 10,000 feet and covering distances up to eight kilometers. 2nd LAAD utilizes the stinger missile to provide ground-to-air defense to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Air-Ground Task Force elements.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 signals a Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 CH-53E Super Stallion rotary-wing aircraft to hold their position at Aibano Training Area, Sept. 15, 2015. MWSS-171 provided fuel for HMH-462 at a forward arming and refueling point during an assault transport. The assault transport supported a bilateral air assault comprehensive exercise during Forest Light 16-1. FL 16-1 is an exercise to increase interoperability of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps forces. MWSS-171 is with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. HMH-462 is with MAG 16, 3rd MAW, currently assigned to MAG 36, 1st MAW, III MEF. - A U.S. Marine with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 signals a Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 CH-53E Super Stallion rotary-wing aircraft to hold their position at Aibano Training Area, Sept. 15, 2015. MWSS-171 provided fuel for HMH-462 at a forward arming and refueling point during an assault transport. The assault transport supported a bilateral air assault comprehensive exercise during Forest Light 16-1. FL 16-1 is an exercise to increase interoperability of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps forces. MWSS-171 is with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. HMH-462 is with MAG 16, 3rd MAW, currently assigned to MAG 36, 1st MAW, III MEF.

Cpl. Jimran Greene, a gunner with Battery F, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force prepares to re-oil the chamber of his team’s M777 howitzer before their next fire mission aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 23, 2015. Processing fire missions is one of the most important forms of training for an artillery team. - Cpl. Jimran Greene, a gunner with Battery F, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force prepares to re-oil the chamber of his team’s M777 howitzer before their next fire mission aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 23, 2015. Processing fire missions is one of the most important forms of training for an artillery team.

A Marine with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, prepares to submerge underwater while wearing a supplemental emergency breathing device at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 22, 2015. The company participated in the submerged vehicle egress training to gain confidence in their abilities to safely exit a sinking amphibious assault vehicle in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - A Marine with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, prepares to submerge underwater while wearing a supplemental emergency breathing device at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 22, 2015. The company participated in the submerged vehicle egress training to gain confidence in their abilities to safely exit a sinking amphibious assault vehicle in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

A Landing Craft Air Cushion splashes onto San Clemente Island, Calif., during Supporting Arms Coordination Center Exercise on Sept. 24, 2015. This exercise is the first the Marines and Sailors will work together at sea as they prepare for deployment to the Pacific and Central Command areas of responsibility in early 2016. - A Landing Craft Air Cushion splashes onto San Clemente Island, Calif., during Supporting Arms Coordination Center Exercise on Sept. 24, 2015. This exercise is the first the Marines and Sailors will work together at sea as they prepare for deployment to the Pacific and Central Command areas of responsibility in early 2016.

A Marine with 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, applies a tourniquet to a simulated casualty at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 23, 2015. The battalion conducted the training, which simulates vehicle rollovers and how to react, in order to hone their skills prior to deploying. - A Marine with 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, applies a tourniquet to a simulated casualty at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 23, 2015. The battalion conducted the training, which simulates vehicle rollovers and how to react, in order to hone their skills prior to deploying.

U.S. Marines participate in an opening ceremony for the Combined Arms Company at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, Sept. 23, 2015. The first rotation of CAC brings advanced mechanized capabilities to training exercises with NATO allies in the region. - U.S. Marines participate in an opening ceremony for the Combined Arms Company at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, Sept. 23, 2015. The first rotation of CAC brings advanced mechanized capabilities to training exercises with NATO allies in the region.

Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 inspect the hooks in a CH-53E Super Stallion at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Sept. 16. Marines with HMH-466 prepared to conduct nighttime external-lift training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. - Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 inspect the hooks in a CH-53E Super Stallion at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Sept. 16. Marines with HMH-466 prepared to conduct nighttime external-lift training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, stationed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, settles in at Camp Aibano, Japan, Sept. 7, 2015, in support of Exercise Forest Light 16-1. MWSS-171’s main purpose during this exercise is to provide aviation fuel support for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, who will have two CH-53 Super Stallions coming in for hot fuel in an area far away from any airport or fuel line. - Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, stationed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, settles in at Camp Aibano, Japan, Sept. 7, 2015, in support of Exercise Forest Light 16-1. MWSS-171’s main purpose during this exercise is to provide aviation fuel support for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, who will have two CH-53 Super Stallions coming in for hot fuel in an area far away from any airport or fuel line.

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An anti-tank missileman with Combined Anti-Armor Team (CAAT) Red within Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/1, the ground combat element for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, perfoms pre-fire inspections on a Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) Missile before he and fellow Marines practice hunter-killer techniques on Aug. 21, 2015. The CAAT, composed of heavy machine gunners and anti-tank missilemen, is used to combat hardened targets as well as provide security. - An anti-tank missileman with Combined Anti-Armor Team (CAAT) Red within Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/1, the ground combat element for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, perfoms pre-fire inspections on a Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) Missile before he and fellow Marines practice hunter-killer techniques on Aug. 21, 2015. The CAAT, composed of heavy machine gunners and anti-tank missilemen, is used to combat hardened targets as well as provide security.

Cpl. Jacob Gomez, a rifleman with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and a Lubbock, Texas native, walks across a log while running through the obstacle course at Boondocker Training Area aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 15, 2015. Marines from Bravo Co. 1st Bn., 3rd Marines conducted sustainment training to ensure they keep their combat mindset sharp and intact before embarking on their upcoming Unit Deployment Program. Training like this supports the mission of Marine Corps Base Hawaii by enhancing and sustaining combat readiness. - Cpl. Jacob Gomez, a rifleman with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and a Lubbock, Texas native, walks across a log while running through the obstacle course at Boondocker Training Area aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 15, 2015. Marines from Bravo Co. 1st Bn., 3rd Marines conducted sustainment training to ensure they keep their combat mindset sharp and intact before embarking on their upcoming Unit Deployment Program. Training like this supports the mission of Marine Corps Base Hawaii by enhancing and sustaining combat readiness.

Lance Cpl. Trent Meade, a rifleman with Security Cooperation Team-4, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, instructs a Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando on supporting his buddy during an immediate action practical application exercise led by Marines in Toubacouta, Senegal, Sept. 1, 2015. Marines, sailors and Coast Guardsmen with SCT-4 are in Senegal training with the COFUMACO on infantry tactics and small-boat operations to continue building a strong relationship between the partner nations and improve the interoperability of the Senegalese military. - Lance Cpl. Trent Meade, a rifleman with Security Cooperation Team-4, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, instructs a Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando on supporting his buddy during an immediate action practical application exercise led by Marines in Toubacouta, Senegal, Sept. 1, 2015. Marines, sailors and Coast Guardsmen with SCT-4 are in Senegal training with the COFUMACO on infantry tactics and small-boat operations to continue building a strong relationship between the partner nations and improve the interoperability of the Senegalese military.

Lance Cpl. Aaron Philson fires a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun during a weapons familiarization range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 27, 2015. More than 100 Marines from Marine Air Support Squadron 1 honed their weapons skills with the M240B machine gun, Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun and the M1014 combat shotgun. Marines from various military job specialties received hands-on experience that allows them to improve crucial skills and become well-rounded war fighters. Philson is an aviation communications technician with MASS-1. - Lance Cpl. Aaron Philson fires a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun during a weapons familiarization range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 27, 2015. More than 100 Marines from Marine Air Support Squadron 1 honed their weapons skills with the M240B machine gun, Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun and the M1014 combat shotgun. Marines from various military job specialties received hands-on experience that allows them to improve crucial skills and become well-rounded war fighters. Philson is an aviation communications technician with MASS-1.

Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment provide security on the beach following an amphibious landing as part of Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 5, 2015. Dawn Blitz is a multinational, amphibious training exercise designed to hone the amphibious landing skills of I Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Expeditionary Strike Group Three and allies of the United States. - Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment provide security on the beach following an amphibious landing as part of Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 5, 2015. Dawn Blitz is a multinational, amphibious training exercise designed to hone the amphibious landing skills of I Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Expeditionary Strike Group Three and allies of the United States.

Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, roll through smoke to meet Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, during an integrated exercise at Landing Zone Dodo, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 2, 2015. The purpose of the exercise was to allow Marine infantry and tankers to work together. - Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, roll through smoke to meet Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, during an integrated exercise at Landing Zone Dodo, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 2, 2015. The purpose of the exercise was to allow Marine infantry and tankers to work together.

Cpl. Tristofer Ducharme, operator, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1, dons the joint service, lightweight, integrated suit technology during an individual equipment confidence course at building 1980 aboard the Combat Center, Aug. 27, 2015. The JSLIST is designed to protect the wearer from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear contamination. - Cpl. Tristofer Ducharme, operator, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1, dons the joint service, lightweight, integrated suit technology during an individual equipment confidence course at building 1980 aboard the Combat Center, Aug. 27, 2015. The JSLIST is designed to protect the wearer from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear contamination.

A squad with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, consolidate and debrief after a round of military operations in urban terrain training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 26, 2015. Debreifing the Marines lets them know what they did right, and what they could improve on. - A squad with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, consolidate and debrief after a round of military operations in urban terrain training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 26, 2015. Debreifing the Marines lets them know what they did right, and what they could improve on.

A Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando demonstrates his swimming technique during a swim assessment by personnel with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, during a swim assessment in Dakar, Senegal, Aug. 28, 2015. The assessment was conducted to ensure the COFUMACO are capable and confident in the water before they conduct small-boat operations training together in the following weeks. - A Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando demonstrates his swimming technique during a swim assessment by personnel with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, during a swim assessment in Dakar, Senegal, Aug. 28, 2015. The assessment was conducted to ensure the COFUMACO are capable and confident in the water before they conduct small-boat operations training together in the following weeks.

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The U.S. Secretary of Defense, the honorable Mr. Ashton Carter congratulates a young reconnaissance Marine on a job well done following a combined arms raid aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27, 2015. Carter met with senior military leaders and service members and witnessed ship-to-shore operations, a capability synonymous with Navy and Marine Corps teams in order to assess the need to better support military capabilities. - The U.S. Secretary of Defense, the honorable Mr. Ashton Carter congratulates a young reconnaissance Marine on a job well done following a combined arms raid aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27, 2015. Carter met with senior military leaders and service members and witnessed ship-to-shore operations, a capability synonymous with Navy and Marine Corps teams in order to assess the need to better support military capabilities.