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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.

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.

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.

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.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2 conduct external lifts in conjunction with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 302 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 6, 2016. The Marines with CLB 2 are responsible for directing the aircraft from the ground and attaching the load with the help from the crew chief, thus giving them the capability to move heavy loads in a combat environment. - U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2 conduct external lifts in conjunction with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 302 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 6, 2016. The Marines with CLB 2 are responsible for directing the aircraft from the ground and attaching the load with the help from the crew chief, thus giving them the capability to move heavy loads in a combat environment.

Marines with 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, depart from a Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 7, 2015. The purpose of the training was to teach the Marines about the dangers during Humvee rollovers and how to properly react in case they ever faced it. - Marines with 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, depart from a Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 7, 2015. The purpose of the training was to teach the Marines about the dangers during Humvee rollovers and how to properly react in case they ever faced it.

Lance Cpl. Cary Chafton, a rifleman with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion gives directions to his squad during a patrolling exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec 15, 2015. The unit practiced patrolling techniques and set up patrol bases to maintain readiness. - Lance Cpl. Cary Chafton, a rifleman with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion gives directions to his squad during a patrolling exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec 15, 2015. The unit practiced patrolling techniques and set up patrol bases to maintain readiness.

An MV-22B Osprey, operated by a crew with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204, carries cargo during a night time external lifts operation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 14, 2015. Marines with 2nd TSB supported the exercise to facilitate the required flight hours for student pilots, and practice their own skills as a helicopter support team securing transportation of resources for Marines that would need it in a real-world operation. - An MV-22B Osprey, operated by a crew with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204, carries cargo during a night time external lifts operation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 14, 2015. Marines with 2nd TSB supported the exercise to facilitate the required flight hours for student pilots, and practice their own skills as a helicopter support team securing transportation of resources for Marines that would need it in a real-world operation.

A student in the Martial Arts Instructor Course grapples with Staff Sgt. Roger Nelson, the chief instructor of the course, during a training session at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 4, 2015. The three-week long course will qualify its students to be Martial Arts instructors. The course’s development of endurance, strength, fighting ability and knowledge will benefit Marines for future operations in any location. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released) - A student in the Martial Arts Instructor Course grapples with Staff Sgt. Roger Nelson, the chief instructor of the course, during a training session at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 4, 2015. The three-week long course will qualify its students to be Martial Arts instructors. The course’s development of endurance, strength, fighting ability and knowledge will benefit Marines for future operations in any location. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

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Lt. Col. David Morris (right) and Lt. Col. Lauren Edwards (left) review the battalion during the 8th Engineer Support Battalion change of command ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 30, 2015. Edwards took command of the battalion from Morris. Edwards’ new responsibility, as the first female commander of an ESB, will be to provide engineer support to II Marine Expeditionary Forces. - Lt. Col. David Morris (right) and Lt. Col. Lauren Edwards (left) review the battalion during the 8th Engineer Support Battalion change of command ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 30, 2015. Edwards took command of the battalion from Morris. Edwards’ new responsibility, as the first female commander of an ESB, will be to provide engineer support to II Marine Expeditionary Forces.

An Amphibious Assault Vehicle and its’ crew with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, prepares to begin the Heavy Brigade Combat Team qualification course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 20, 2015. The HBCT qualification is a requirement for the AAV crew in order to deploy or attach to a Marine Expeditionary Unit.  - An Amphibious Assault Vehicle and its’ crew with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, prepares to begin the Heavy Brigade Combat Team qualification course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 20, 2015. The HBCT qualification is a requirement for the AAV crew in order to deploy or attach to a Marine Expeditionary Unit. 

Glenn LaMarque, an underwater trainer instructor, briefs Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion on the safety regulations and precautions prior to conducting modular amphibious egress training at the Water Survival Training Facility at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 18, 2015. The Marines participated in the training, which is designed to be a lifesaving course that provides service members with skills and the confidence to successfully and safely exit a helicopter that is submersed in a body of water. - Glenn LaMarque, an underwater trainer instructor, briefs Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion on the safety regulations and precautions prior to conducting modular amphibious egress training at the Water Survival Training Facility at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 18, 2015. The Marines participated in the training, which is designed to be a lifesaving course that provides service members with skills and the confidence to successfully and safely exit a helicopter that is submersed in a body of water.

Marine students in the 8th Engineer Support Battalion Bridge Master’s Course lift a bridge bay during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 4, 2015. The course teaches Marines to lead the bridge building process, and is hosting Marines from 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, based in Camp Hansen, Okinawa. During the exercise, Marines constructed and deconstructed a bridge 11 bays in length. - Marine students in the 8th Engineer Support Battalion Bridge Master’s Course lift a bridge bay during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 4, 2015. The course teaches Marines to lead the bridge building process, and is hosting Marines from 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, based in Camp Hansen, Okinawa. During the exercise, Marines constructed and deconstructed a bridge 11 bays in length.

Staff Sgt. Mark W. Damm with Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the John Archer Lejeune Award for Bravery during the American Hero Awards Oct. 28, 2015, in Jacksonville, N.C. Damm was awarded for his actions during a mission in Afghanistan, when he led an 84-man assault that repelled numerous enemy attacks while Afghan police realigned security checkpoints. Damm directed friendly forces during numerous engagements and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, ultimately saving friendly lives and successfully completing the mission. - Staff Sgt. Mark W. Damm with Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the John Archer Lejeune Award for Bravery during the American Hero Awards Oct. 28, 2015, in Jacksonville, N.C. Damm was awarded for his actions during a mission in Afghanistan, when he led an 84-man assault that repelled numerous enemy attacks while Afghan police realigned security checkpoints. Damm directed friendly forces during numerous engagements and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, ultimately saving friendly lives and successfully completing the mission.

A student driver performs a driving test in a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle during a licensing course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 3, 2015. The course trains Marines how to drive various tactical vehicles used within the Marine Corps. - A student driver performs a driving test in a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle during a licensing course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 3, 2015. The course trains Marines how to drive various tactical vehicles used within the Marine Corps.

A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, checks a role-player's information and enters it into an electronic database as part of a non-combatant evacuation operation training exercise during Exercise Egemen 2015 Oct. 26. Egemen is a Turkish-led and hosted amphibious exercise designed to increase tactical proficiencies and interoperability among participants. Turkish Marines and sailors acted as non-combatants to enhance the training and experience it first-hand. - A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, checks a role-player's information and enters it into an electronic database as part of a non-combatant evacuation operation training exercise during Exercise Egemen 2015 Oct. 26. Egemen is a Turkish-led and hosted amphibious exercise designed to increase tactical proficiencies and interoperability among participants. Turkish Marines and sailors acted as non-combatants to enhance the training and experience it first-hand.

Lance Corporal John Roan, left, a squad leader with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment positively identified an improvised explosive device just before speaking with one of the instructors during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 29, 2015. Marines at ITX demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive operations. - Lance Corporal John Roan, left, a squad leader with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment positively identified an improvised explosive device just before speaking with one of the instructors during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 29, 2015. Marines at ITX demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive operations.

A Marine with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, finds concealment during a training event run by Division Combat Skills Center at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 27, 2015. The support provided by the DCSC enables Division units to focus on higher level task and larger exercise while ensuring that Marines and Sailors receive standardized small unit level training. - A Marine with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, finds concealment during a training event run by Division Combat Skills Center at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 27, 2015. The support provided by the DCSC enables Division units to focus on higher level task and larger exercise while ensuring that Marines and Sailors receive standardized small unit level training.

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) 

A Marine with Combat Logistics Regiment 25 drives a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle and trailer off of a Roll-on/Roll-off Discharge Facility and onto an Improved Navy Lighterage System during an in-stream Marine Prepositioning Force Exercise off the coast of Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island, Florida, Aug. 19, 2015. Marines with CLR-25 and sailors with Naval Beach Group 2 joined forces for the latest iteration of MPFEX, which saw service members offloading the USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus using Lift-on/Lift-Off and Roll-on/Roll-off procedures. - A Marine with Combat Logistics Regiment 25 drives a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle and trailer off of a Roll-on/Roll-off Discharge Facility and onto an Improved Navy Lighterage System during an in-stream Marine Prepositioning Force Exercise off the coast of Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island, Florida, Aug. 19, 2015. Marines with CLR-25 and sailors with Naval Beach Group 2 joined forces for the latest iteration of MPFEX, which saw service members offloading the USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus using Lift-on/Lift-Off and Roll-on/Roll-off procedures.

Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, drive the Polaris Rzr tactical vehicle along all-terrain vehicle trails during an all-terrain vehicle course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 18, 2015. Marines drove the Polaris Rzr tactical vehicles through sand, mud, uneven terrain, and hills to gain experience with handling the vehicle. - Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, drive the Polaris Rzr tactical vehicle along all-terrain vehicle trails during an all-terrain vehicle course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 18, 2015. Marines drove the Polaris Rzr tactical vehicles through sand, mud, uneven terrain, and hills to gain experience with handling the vehicle.

Marines with 2nd Radio Battalion prepare a Zodiac CRRC shortly before beginning amphibious operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 10, 2015. The amphibious operations were part of a two-week radio reconnaissance operator’s course. The unit holds the course in order to ready its radio operators for real world operations. - Marines with 2nd Radio Battalion prepare a Zodiac CRRC shortly before beginning amphibious operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 10, 2015. The amphibious operations were part of a two-week radio reconnaissance operator’s course. The unit holds the course in order to ready its radio operators for real world operations.

A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 descends to a secured landing zone during a simulated casualty evacuation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Aug. 10, 2015. The simulation gave Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group an opportunity to prepare for casualty response during future operations. - A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 descends to a secured landing zone during a simulated casualty evacuation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Aug. 10, 2015. The simulation gave Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group an opportunity to prepare for casualty response during future operations.

Lance Cpl. Dale Dibble, a mortarman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment looks through the sight on the M224 60 mm Mortar Lightweight Company Mortar System during a 10-day long 60 mm Mortar Lightweight Company Mortar System course under the direction of the Division Combat Skills Center at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 10, 2015. The course began with classroom instruction over the weapons system in which they learned how to boresight, misfire procedures and deflection changes for elevation before the unit moves into live-fire. - Lance Cpl. Dale Dibble, a mortarman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment looks through the sight on the M224 60 mm Mortar Lightweight Company Mortar System during a 10-day long 60 mm Mortar Lightweight Company Mortar System course under the direction of the Division Combat Skills Center at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 10, 2015. The course began with classroom instruction over the weapons system in which they learned how to boresight, misfire procedures and deflection changes for elevation before the unit moves into live-fire.

Two MV-22 Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, Marine Air Group 26, approach Landing Zone Bat during a confined landing area exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 4, 2015 Marines with VMM-365 rehearsed different drop off and extraction scenarios at Landing Zone Bluebird and Landing Zone Bat at Camp Lejeune to maintain skills and standards within the squadron. - Two MV-22 Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, Marine Air Group 26, approach Landing Zone Bat during a confined landing area exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 4, 2015 Marines with VMM-365 rehearsed different drop off and extraction scenarios at Landing Zone Bluebird and Landing Zone Bat at Camp Lejeune to maintain skills and standards within the squadron.

A Marine with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, provides watch during a military operations on urban terrain exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 11, 2015. Safely practicing transitions in an urban combat environment increased Marines’ confidence and better prepared them for a combat situation. - A Marine with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, provides watch during a military operations on urban terrain exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 11, 2015. Safely practicing transitions in an urban combat environment increased Marines’ confidence and better prepared them for a combat situation.

A corpsman, left, with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, treats a simulated injury on a Marine roleplaying as a pilot, June 10, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel course. For a TRAP mission, a platoon of Marines is flown into an objective area, where they secure the area before locating a downed aircraft and its personnel to bring them back to safety. Expeditionary Operations Training Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, conducted the course as an evaluation for Marines with 3/8, and with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, in preparation for upcoming deployments. - A corpsman, left, with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, treats a simulated injury on a Marine roleplaying as a pilot, June 10, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel course. For a TRAP mission, a platoon of Marines is flown into an objective area, where they secure the area before locating a downed aircraft and its personnel to bring them back to safety. Expeditionary Operations Training Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, conducted the course as an evaluation for Marines with 3/8, and with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, in preparation for upcoming deployments.

A crew operating the M1A1 Abrams tank fires at a target during the 13th annual TIGERCOMP at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 5, 2015. The best tank gunner crews from 1st Tank Battalion, 2nd Tank Battalion and 4th Tank Battalion competed for top honors and the McCard trophy bringing the entire tank community, including tank battalion veterans, together for an entertaining display of the tanks force and powerful capabilities. - A crew operating the M1A1 Abrams tank fires at a target during the 13th annual TIGERCOMP at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 5, 2015. The best tank gunner crews from 1st Tank Battalion, 2nd Tank Battalion and 4th Tank Battalion competed for top honors and the McCard trophy bringing the entire tank community, including tank battalion veterans, together for an entertaining display of the tanks force and powerful capabilities.

U.S. Marine Corps vehicles are lined up for inspection May 9, 2015, at the port of Agadir, Morocco, following a Maritime Prepositioning Force offload in preparation for Exercise African Lion 15. An MPF is a strategic capability that provides commanders with a forward presence and rapid crisis response by offloading combat equipment and supplies from U.S. Military Sealift Command ships to support various units, and will be used to sustain the Marines and service members operating throughout the mission rehearsal. For the offload, Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, were joined with Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 453, Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group, as well as sailors with NMCB 11. Exercise African Lion 15 is a combined joint task force exercise conducted in accordance with UN-mandated peace operations with humanitarian assistance themes and emphasizes the strong military bond between U.S. and Moroccan Armed Forces. It creates a foundation for slated inter-military cooperation in the future and improves interoperability between nations, building relationships with this key strategic region within the AFRICOM area of responsibility. - U.S. Marine Corps vehicles are lined up for inspection May 9, 2015, at the port of Agadir, Morocco, following a Maritime Prepositioning Force offload in preparation for Exercise African Lion 15. An MPF is a strategic capability that provides commanders with a forward presence and rapid crisis response by offloading combat equipment and supplies from U.S. Military Sealift Command ships to support various units, and will be used to sustain the Marines and service members operating throughout the mission rehearsal. For the offload, Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, were joined with Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 453, Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group, as well as sailors with NMCB 11. Exercise African Lion 15 is a combined joint task force exercise conducted in accordance with UN-mandated peace operations with humanitarian assistance themes and emphasizes the strong military bond between U.S. and Moroccan Armed Forces. It creates a foundation for slated inter-military cooperation in the future and improves interoperability between nations, building relationships with this key strategic region within the AFRICOM area of responsibility.

Lance Cpl. Matthew Ross, a machine gunner and student at the Advanced Machine Gunner Course, Advanced Infantry Training Battalion-East, performs “burpees” in the mud as part of physical training during AMGC, aboard Camp Geiger, N.C., April 20, 2015. The goal of physical training throughout this course is to push the students past their limits to build a strong mind and body. - Lance Cpl. Matthew Ross, a machine gunner and student at the Advanced Machine Gunner Course, Advanced Infantry Training Battalion-East, performs “burpees” in the mud as part of physical training during AMGC, aboard Camp Geiger, N.C., April 20, 2015. The goal of physical training throughout this course is to push the students past their limits to build a strong mind and body.

Marines with 2nd Platoon, 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force are instructed on the course of fire before participating in a live-fire exercise during a close-quarters combat tactics course at range K-501A aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 14, 2015. Marines built upon training in techniques and tactics in preparation for the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit slated to deploy in 2016. - Marines with 2nd Platoon, 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force are instructed on the course of fire before participating in a live-fire exercise during a close-quarters combat tactics course at range K-501A aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 14, 2015. Marines built upon training in techniques and tactics in preparation for the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit slated to deploy in 2016.

Plane captain Lance Cpl. Joseph Crescenzo, of Ocala, Fla., signals stand clear to maintainers while directing an AV-8B Harrier assigned to the Bulldogs of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 at Key West, Florida March 24. Naval Air Station Key West is a state-of-the-art facility for air-to-air combat fighter aircraft of all military services and provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Morales/ Released) - Plane captain Lance Cpl. Joseph Crescenzo, of Ocala, Fla., signals stand clear to maintainers while directing an AV-8B Harrier assigned to the Bulldogs of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 at Key West, Florida March 24. Naval Air Station Key West is a state-of-the-art facility for air-to-air combat fighter aircraft of all military services and provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Morales/ Released)

Lance Cpl. Austin Steifer, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fires the M32 grenade launcher during a live-fire range aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2015. The M32 is a semi-automatic grenade launcher capable of holding up to six 40mm rounds and reaching a distance up to 400 meters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Dye/Released)  - Lance Cpl. Austin Steifer, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fires the M32 grenade launcher during a live-fire range aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2015. The M32 is a semi-automatic grenade launcher capable of holding up to six 40mm rounds and reaching a distance up to 400 meters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Dye/Released) 

A Marine with 2nd Intelligence Battalion fires an M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun during a live-fire range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 2, 2015. Marines conducted the range to familiarize themselves with the weapon system as well as bolster their confidence in employing it. - A Marine with 2nd Intelligence Battalion fires an M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun during a live-fire range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 2, 2015. Marines conducted the range to familiarize themselves with the weapon system as well as bolster their confidence in employing it.

Sgt. Maj. Garritt E. Duncan with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division jumps out the back of an aircraft during monthly airborne jumps aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 1, 2015. Jumping at 12,500 feet above ground level, the Marines free-fall for about a minute before they release their parachutes near 5,000 feet and descend onto the landing zone. - Sgt. Maj. Garritt E. Duncan with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division jumps out the back of an aircraft during monthly airborne jumps aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 1, 2015. Jumping at 12,500 feet above ground level, the Marines free-fall for about a minute before they release their parachutes near 5,000 feet and descend onto the landing zone.

Combat engineers with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, shoot the Benelli M4 Super 90 shotgun at Engineer Training Area 1 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 12, 2015. Before breaching with the shotgun, Marines took their time simply familiarizing themselves with the weapon in order to find a comfort level with it, before moving on to entering doorways with it. - Combat engineers with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, shoot the Benelli M4 Super 90 shotgun at Engineer Training Area 1 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 12, 2015. Before breaching with the shotgun, Marines took their time simply familiarizing themselves with the weapon in order to find a comfort level with it, before moving on to entering doorways with it.

Brig. Gen. Charles G. Chiarotti, left, Commanding General, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, speaks with Cpl. David A. Fowler, a motor vehicle operator with Marine Air Ground Task Force Materiel Distribution Company, following the company’s activation ceremony, Feb. 9, 2015, aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Fowler and other Marines with the company discussed the unit’s capabilities with Chiarotti. The company has been created within 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, to establish a proof of principle on the reorganization of intermediate supply and distribution capabilities in order to provide tailored capabilities to units deploying in support if the II Marine Expeditionary Force. The integration of personnel in the new company will enhance the unit’s ability to support outside units, with no changes to garrison support operations or deployed support operations. - Brig. Gen. Charles G. Chiarotti, left, Commanding General, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, speaks with Cpl. David A. Fowler, a motor vehicle operator with Marine Air Ground Task Force Materiel Distribution Company, following the company’s activation ceremony, Feb. 9, 2015, aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Fowler and other Marines with the company discussed the unit’s capabilities with Chiarotti. The company has been created within 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, to establish a proof of principle on the reorganization of intermediate supply and distribution capabilities in order to provide tailored capabilities to units deploying in support if the II Marine Expeditionary Force. The integration of personnel in the new company will enhance the unit’s ability to support outside units, with no changes to garrison support operations or deployed support operations.

Marines and Sailors with the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, II Marine Expeditionary Force practice their decontamination skills on a volunteer during a training evolution at the Guardian Center in Perry, Ga. on February 4, 2015. The training aims to provide the Marines and Sailors with realistic crisis response scenarios. (Photo by: Sgt. Fareeza Ali/USMC) - Marines and Sailors with the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, II Marine Expeditionary Force practice their decontamination skills on a volunteer during a training evolution at the Guardian Center in Perry, Ga. on February 4, 2015. The training aims to provide the Marines and Sailors with realistic crisis response scenarios. (Photo by: Sgt. Fareeza Ali/USMC)

Lance Cpl. Louis Bardel, a mortarman with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis-Response, Detachment A dusts a chandelier inside the Church of San Nicolo in Catania, Italy, Jan. 31. More than 20 Marines and Sailors assigned to SPMAGTF-CR-AF travelled from Naval Air Station Sigonella to Catania to help beautify the nearly 1,000-year-old church. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lucas J. Hopkins/Released) - Lance Cpl. Louis Bardel, a mortarman with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis-Response, Detachment A dusts a chandelier inside the Church of San Nicolo in Catania, Italy, Jan. 31. More than 20 Marines and Sailors assigned to SPMAGTF-CR-AF travelled from Naval Air Station Sigonella to Catania to help beautify the nearly 1,000-year-old church. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lucas J. Hopkins/Released)

Marines with Force Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division clear a room after conducting a mechanical breach during a breach and clear exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 15, 2015. Marines with Force Company conducted explosive and mechanical breaches and limited force raids in preparation for future deployments. - Marines with Force Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division clear a room after conducting a mechanical breach during a breach and clear exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 15, 2015. Marines with Force Company conducted explosive and mechanical breaches and limited force raids in preparation for future deployments.

African role players rehearse combat drills aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 11, 2014. More than 80 Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 and 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment taught military tactics and built camaraderie with role players in preparation for an upcoming deployment with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa. - African role players rehearse combat drills aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 11, 2014. More than 80 Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 and 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment taught military tactics and built camaraderie with role players in preparation for an upcoming deployment with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa.

Marines participating in the Expeditionary Operations Training Group Urban Sniper Course take part in the sniper qualification aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 4, 2014. The students taking part in the course have to conduct various drills and exercises in a certain time frame while maintaining accuracy. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Immanuel M. Johnson/Released) - Marines participating in the Expeditionary Operations Training Group Urban Sniper Course take part in the sniper qualification aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 4, 2014. The students taking part in the course have to conduct various drills and exercises in a certain time frame while maintaining accuracy. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Immanuel M. Johnson/Released)

Royal Netherlands Korps Mariniers wait for orders to assault a combat town in Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina on Nov. 7, 2014. This was one of the many training events of Bold Alligator 2014. A large-scale amphibious exercise on the East Coast designed to improve U.S. and allied forces response to a myriad of different crises. - Royal Netherlands Korps Mariniers wait for orders to assault a combat town in Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina on Nov. 7, 2014. This was one of the many training events of Bold Alligator 2014. A large-scale amphibious exercise on the East Coast designed to improve U.S. and allied forces response to a myriad of different crises.

Seven EA-6B Prowlers fly in a vee formation over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Oct. 16, 2014. The flight was the first in Marine Corps aviation history to have seven Prowlers from the same squadron fly together in formation. The Marines of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Training Squadron 1 conducted the fly-bys in celebration of recently being named the recipient of the 2014 Association of Old Crows Marine Corps outstanding unit award. - Seven EA-6B Prowlers fly in a vee formation over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Oct. 16, 2014. The flight was the first in Marine Corps aviation history to have seven Prowlers from the same squadron fly together in formation. The Marines of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Training Squadron 1 conducted the fly-bys in celebration of recently being named the recipient of the 2014 Association of Old Crows Marine Corps outstanding unit award.

A CH-53E Super Stallion lowers a M777 Howitzer and its ammunition onto a landing zone aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., as part of a reactionary combat training exercise Sept. 30, 2014. The purpose of the exercise was to build cohesion between and the aircraft’s crew and the Marines on the ground handling the equipment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Olivia C. McDonald/Released) - A CH-53E Super Stallion lowers a M777 Howitzer and its ammunition onto a landing zone aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., as part of a reactionary combat training exercise Sept. 30, 2014. The purpose of the exercise was to build cohesion between and the aircraft’s crew and the Marines on the ground handling the equipment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Olivia C. McDonald/Released)

A Marine with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, drives an M88A2 Hercules Recovery Vehicle during a vehicle recovery training operation aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 29, 2014. Approximately 20 Marines conducted a training operation to recover an immobilized Hercules using a pulley and winch system. Marines and sailors with the battalion conducted a field exercise Sept. 18 - Oct. 1, 2014, to reinforce their capability to accomplish battalion-level, mission essential tasks. - A Marine with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, drives an M88A2 Hercules Recovery Vehicle during a vehicle recovery training operation aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 29, 2014. Approximately 20 Marines conducted a training operation to recover an immobilized Hercules using a pulley and winch system. Marines and sailors with the battalion conducted a field exercise Sept. 18 - Oct. 1, 2014, to reinforce their capability to accomplish battalion-level, mission essential tasks.

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