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U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Brandon Garton, a student taking the Joint Humanitarian Operations Course, presents for a group exercise during the course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 22, 2023. The course trains and prepares the II Marine Expeditionary Force Command Element to become a Joint Task Force–Capable headquarters; able to rapidly organize and establish command and control of joint forces to effectively execute potential humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions in joint and multinational environments. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Brandon Garton, a student taking the Joint Humanitarian Operations Course, presents for a group exercise during the course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 22, 2023. The course trains and prepares the II Marine Expeditionary Force Command Element to become a Joint Task Force–Capable headquarters; able to rapidly organize and establish command and control of joint forces to effectively execute potential humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions in joint and multinational environments.

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct boat patrols during a littoral movement as part of MEU Exercise III on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 11, 2023. BLT 1/6 continues to enhance rigid-hulled inflatable boat readiness through conducting on and off and shore to shore drills prior to deployment. The 11m RHIBs provide a high-speed, long –range, low-signature combatant craft capable of projecting and recovering Marines for a variety of missions - U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct boat patrols during a littoral movement as part of MEU Exercise III on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 11, 2023. BLT 1/6 continues to enhance rigid-hulled inflatable boat readiness through conducting on and off and shore to shore drills prior to deployment. The 11m RHIBs provide a high-speed, long –range, low-signature combatant craft capable of projecting and recovering Marines for a variety of missions.

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U.S. Marines assigned to Task Force 61 pose for a group photo at Naval Support Activity, Naples, Italy, January 27, 2023. - U.S. Marines assigned to Task Force 61 pose for a group photo at Naval Support Activity, Naples, Italy, January 27, 2023.

U.S. Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, help a local civilian to a treatment site while supporting Continuing Promise 2022 in Jeremie, Haiti, Dec. 12, 2022. The Continuing Promise mission includes providing direct medical care and expeditionary veterinary care, conducting training and subject matter expert exchanges on various medical and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief topics, and leading seminars on Women, Peace, and Security. - U.S. Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, help a local civilian to a treatment site while supporting Continuing Promise 2022 in Jeremie, Haiti, Dec. 12, 2022. The Continuing Promise mission includes providing direct medical care and expeditionary veterinary care, conducting training and subject matter expert exchanges on various medical and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief topics, and leading seminars on Women, Peace, and Security.

U.S. Marines assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force board the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Trenton (T-EPF 5) in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Nov. 16, 2022. Marines assigned to II MEF, based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, embarked aboard USNS Trenton to improve interoperability while refining the U.S. capability to rapidly deploy forces aboard U.S. Navy expeditionary fast transport vessels. - U.S. Marines assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force board the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Trenton (T-EPF 5) in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Nov. 16, 2022. Marines assigned to II MEF, based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, embarked aboard USNS Trenton to improve interoperability while refining the U.S. capability to rapidly deploy forces aboard U.S. Navy expeditionary fast transport vessels.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, fire a TOW missile system over water on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. In order to enhance the Marine Corps’ capability to control littoral areas with a reduced footprint, 2d LAR facilitated the employment of a TOW missile fired from a LAV-AT utilizing a radio frequency signal between the launch tube and missile. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Emma Gray) - U.S. Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, fire a TOW missile system over water on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Sarah Murphy, a MAGTF planner assigned to 2nd Marine Logistics Group, participates in the Basic Analytic Wargaming Course on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 22, 2022. The BAWC is a 5-day course that provides students a hands-on experience with designing, developing, executing, and analyzing wargames. Wargames are a form of strategy game and essential to applying Marine Corps concepts of the 21st century, replicating or creating military scenarios that assists military personnel to train the mind in the art of strategic thinking. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Sarah Murphy, a MAGTF planner assigned to 2nd Marine Logistics Group, participates in the Basic Analytic Wargaming Course on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 22, 2022. The BAWC is a 5-day course that provides students a hands-on experience with designing, developing, executing, and analyzing wargames. Wargames are a form of strategy game and essential to applying Marine Corps concepts of the 21st century, replicating or creating military scenarios that assists military personnel to train the mind in the art of strategic thinking.

Col. Victor Pastor, Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3/5, 4th Marine Division, discusses force design and establishing a crisis response force Dec. 15, 2021, at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans. II MEF and MARFORRES are the Marine Corps’ service-retained forces administratively and operationally controlled by the Marine Corps instead of a combatant command, such as most Marines stationed in California and Japan who are aligned to support U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The importance of these operational planning teams is to establish the process needed to create an effective service-retained crisis response force to respond to global threats outside of USINDOPACOM area of responsibility. MARFORRES and II MEF are the Marine Corps’ service-retained forces, which means they are administratively and operationally controlled by the Marine Corps. - Col. Victor Pastor, Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3/5, 4th Marine Division, discusses force design and establishing a crisis response force Dec. 15, 2021, at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans. II MEF and MARFORRES are the Marine Corps’ service-retained forces administratively and operationally controlled by the Marine Corps instead of a combatant command, such as most Marines stationed in California and Japan who are aligned to support U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The importance of these operational planning teams is to establish the process needed to create an effective service-retained crisis response force to respond to global threats outside of USINDOPACOM area of responsibility. MARFORRES and II MEF are the Marine Corps’ service-retained forces, which means they are administratively and operationally controlled by the Marine Corps.

Norwegian Army Lt. Col. Per Espen Strande, commanding officer, Norwegian Military Intelligence Battalion, exchanges a challenge coin with U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Eric Tee, commanding officer, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, during a visit aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 15, 2021. II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) intelligence commanders welcomed their counterparts with a tour of facilities and workspaces showcasing their capabilities. II MEF hosts also briefed on intelligence integration, mission accomplishment, and strengthening partnerships amongst the individual units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jesus Sepulveda Torres) - Norwegian Army Lt. Col. Per Espen Strande, commanding officer, Norwegian Military Intelligence Battalion, exchanges a challenge coin with U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Eric Tee, commanding officer, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, during a visit aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 15, 2021. II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) intelligence commanders welcomed their counterparts with a tour of facilities and workspaces showcasing their capabilities. II MEF hosts also briefed on intelligence integration, mission accomplishment, and strengthening partnerships amongst the individual units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jesus Sepulveda Torres)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kaleb, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 Clark sits on the CH-53E Super Stallion’s ramp as the aircraft leaves the USNS D. T. Williams, April 5, 2021. 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is participating in Dynamic Cape 21.1, an operational logistics exercise simulating a Marine expeditionary force’s ability to exercise command and control in a contested environment as well as exercising naval integration in a joint environment. 2nd CEB is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Division, the ground combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. HMH-461 is a subordinate unit to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kaleb, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 Clark sits on the CH-53E Super Stallion’s ramp as the aircraft leaves the USNS D. T. Williams, April 5, 2021. 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is participating in Dynamic Cape 21.1, an operational logistics exercise simulating a Marine expeditionary force’s ability to exercise command and control in a contested environment as well as exercising naval integration in a joint environment. 2nd CEB is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Division, the ground combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. HMH-461 is a subordinate unit to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

A pair of gloves are placed outside the boxing ring during a training session for U.S. Marine Corps boxers with the II Marine Expeditionary Force Martial Arts Center of Excellence boxing program on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 20, 2021. The boxing program prepares II MEF Marines to compete in professional level matches through rigorous physical exercise and mental training. As a pilot program, it has already showcased four of its boxers in 2021 at the U.S.A. National Boxing Championship as well as more upcoming matches. - A pair of gloves are placed outside the boxing ring during a training session for U.S. Marine Corps boxers with the II Marine Expeditionary Force Martial Arts Center of Excellence boxing program on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 20, 2021. The boxing program prepares II MEF Marines to compete in professional level matches through rigorous physical exercise and mental training. As a pilot program, it has already showcased four of its boxers in 2021 at the U.S.A. National Boxing Championship as well as more upcoming matches.

Foreign liaison officers pose for a group photo at Range 36 on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Mar. 17. - Foreign liaison officers pose for a group photo at Range 36 on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Mar. 17.

A U.S. Navy corpsman administers a U.S. Marine with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine on Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 15. - A U.S. Navy corpsman administers a U.S. Marine with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine on Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 15.

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U.S. Marines unveil the new logo for 2nd Maintenance Battalion during the unit’s Warrior Week competition at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 16. - U.S. Marines unveil the new logo for 2nd Maintenance Battalion during the unit’s Warrior Week competition at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 16.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, visits The Citadel, a public military college temporarily utilized to stage poolees for a 14-day observation period in Charleston, S.C., May 5, 2020. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, visits The Citadel, a public military college temporarily utilized to stage poolees for a 14-day observation period in Charleston, S.C., May 5, 2020.

A U.S. Marine boards an MV-22B Osprey as they prepare for takeoff from the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., April 10. - A U.S. Marine boards an MV-22B Osprey as they prepare for takeoff from the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., April 10.

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British Royal Marines evacuate Capt. Josef Otmar during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) exercise in Rindal, Norway, Nov. 6, 2018. The Royal Marines with X-Ray Company, 45 Commando, worked in conjunction with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and assets from Marine Aircraft Group 29 to exercise their TRAP proficiency and bilateral interoperability during Exercise Trident Juncture 18. Otmar is a pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 and was playing the role of an isolated and injured service member. The exercise enhances the U.S. and NATO Allies’ and partners’ abilities to work together collectively to conduct military operations under challenging conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Margaret Gale) - British Royal Marines evacuate Capt. Josef Otmar during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel exercise in Rindal, Norway, Nov. 6, 2018. The Royal Marines with X-Ray Company, 45 Commando, worked in conjunction with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and assets from Marine Aircraft Group 29 to exercise their TRAP proficiency and bilateral interoperability during Exercise Trident Juncture 18. Otmar is a pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 and was playing the role of an isolated and injured service member. The exercise enhances the U.S. and NATO Allies’ and partners’ abilities to work together collectively to conduct military operations under challenging conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Margaret Gale)

Lance Cpl. Vincent A. Smyth, Marine Air-Ground Task Force planning specialist with the Command Element, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, calibrates a three-dimensional printer during the 3-D Printing Training Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 20, 2017. Marines from various sections of SPMAGTF-SC attended the two-day training hosted by General Support Maintenance Company, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, in order to gain hands-on experience with 3-D printers and receive instruction in computer-aided design, file creation and manufacturing. - Lance Cpl. Vincent A. Smyth, Marine Air-Ground Task Force planning specialist with the Command Element, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, calibrates a three-dimensional printer during the 3-D Printing Training Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 20, 2017. Marines from various sections of SPMAGTF-SC attended the two-day training hosted by General Support Maintenance Company, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, in order to gain hands-on experience with 3-D printers and receive instruction in computer-aided design, file creation and manufacturing.

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

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

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

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

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

An amphibious assault vehicle crewman with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, loads simulation rounds into a mounted MK-19 40mm grenade launcher during a live-fire gunnery range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 27, 2016. Marines with the battalion spent the day refining their marksmanship skill as individuals and their ability to work as a crew. - An amphibious assault vehicle crewman with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, loads simulation rounds into a mounted MK-19 40mm grenade launcher during a live-fire gunnery range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 27, 2016. Marines with the battalion spent the day refining their marksmanship skill as individuals and their ability to work as a crew.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Max T. Humphreys (center) discusses gear and personnel movement during the 2nd Royal Australian Regiment's arrival to port at Kawaihae Pier, Hawaii from the HMAS Canberra, July 12, 2016. The soldiers and Marines are participating in Rim of the Pacific 2016, a multinational military exercise, from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands. RIMPAC enables units to integrate joint and combined capabilities to conduct amphibious, offensive, defensive, and stability operations. Humphreys, a native of Pueblo, Colorado, is an embarkation specialist with Transportation Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, which supports III Marine Expeditionary Force. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Max T. Humphreys (center) discusses gear and personnel movement during the 2nd Royal Australian Regiment's arrival to port at Kawaihae Pier, Hawaii from the HMAS Canberra, July 12, 2016. The soldiers and Marines are participating in Rim of the Pacific 2016, a multinational military exercise, from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands. RIMPAC enables units to integrate joint and combined capabilities to conduct amphibious, offensive, defensive, and stability operations. Humphreys, a native of Pueblo, Colorado, is an embarkation specialist with Transportation Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, which supports III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Maj. Gen. Brian Beadreault, 2nd Marine Division Commanding General, runs alongside Gunnery Sgt. Justin Hickman, a combat engineer with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, during the “Sapper 50” memorial at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 4, 2016. The run was to honor the 29 fallen 2nd CEB Marines who gave their lives during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The Marines ran as a large group to demonstrate their mission to always remain faithful toward the members of the battalion. - Maj. Gen. Brian Beadreault, 2nd Marine Division Commanding General, runs alongside Gunnery Sgt. Justin Hickman, a combat engineer with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, during the “Sapper 50” memorial at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 4, 2016. The run was to honor the 29 fallen 2nd CEB Marines who gave their lives during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The Marines ran as a large group to demonstrate their mission to always remain faithful toward the members of the battalion.

Lance Cpl. Casey Hall, a motor transport vehicle operator with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, searches for targets down range behind an M240B medium machine gun during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 29, 2016. Marines began the exercise by firing the M240B medium machine gun and .50-caliber machine gun from tripods before mounting them on a moving Humvee. - Lance Cpl. Casey Hall, a motor transport vehicle operator with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, searches for targets down range behind an M240B medium machine gun during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 29, 2016. Marines began the exercise by firing the M240B medium machine gun and .50-caliber machine gun from tripods before mounting them on a moving Humvee.

Cpl. Jacob Lebo, a rifleman with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, mans the main security post built using over 600 sandbags with his .50 caliber machine gun during the II Marine Expeditionary Force Command Post Exercise 3 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 20, 2016. During the CPX, 2nd LEB posted security around the campsite and defend it from mock enemies, ensuring the headquarters element could complete the mission safely. - Cpl. Jacob Lebo, a rifleman with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, mans the main security post built using over 600 sandbags with his .50 caliber machine gun during the II Marine Expeditionary Force Command Post Exercise 3 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 20, 2016. During the CPX, 2nd LEB posted security around the campsite and defend it from mock enemies, ensuring the headquarters element could complete the mission safely.

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.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Robert McCabe, a section leader with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command, points out areas of interest to members of his team during a perimeter patrol in Al Taqaddum, Iraq, March 21, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-CC Marines are responsible for the force protection of coalition assets at some Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve bases within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility as part of the effort to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Robert McCabe, a section leader with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command, points out areas of interest to members of his team during a perimeter patrol in Al Taqaddum, Iraq, March 21, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-CC Marines are responsible for the force protection of coalition assets at some Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve bases within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility as part of the effort to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company oversee a joint tactical air control operation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 25, 2016. The training enhanced interoperability between the U.S., French, British, and Dutch forces, while the U.S. Marines provided fire and aviation support. - U.S. Marines with 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company oversee a joint tactical air control operation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 25, 2016. The training enhanced interoperability between the U.S., French, British, and Dutch forces, while the U.S. Marines provided fire and aviation support.

Dutch Marines with 32nd Raiding Company provide security in a Mercedes-Benz G-class utility vehicle for a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement 7-ton during a casualty evacuation exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 22, 2016. The Dutch Marines spent the past three weeks utilizing Camp Lejeune’s training facilities, as well as cross-trained with U.S. Marines to learn and share tactics, techniques and procedures. - Dutch Marines with 32nd Raiding Company provide security in a Mercedes-Benz G-class utility vehicle for a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement 7-ton during a casualty evacuation exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 22, 2016. The Dutch Marines spent the past three weeks utilizing Camp Lejeune’s training facilities, as well as cross-trained with U.S. Marines to learn and share tactics, techniques and procedures.

Sgt. Matthew Parker (ret.) speaks to a group of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment Marines during his Silver Star ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 18, 2016. Parker was awarded the Silver Star for his courageous actions during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011, where assumed control of his platoon during a firefight after several leaders had been injured. - Sgt. Matthew Parker (ret.) speaks to a group of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment Marines during his Silver Star ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 18, 2016. Parker was awarded the Silver Star for his courageous actions during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011, where assumed control of his platoon during a firefight after several leaders had been injured.

Lance Cpl. Ronald Hester, a combat engineer with, provides security for a casualty evacuation exercise at Landing Zone Penguin at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 10, 2016. The training allowed Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 and 2nd CEB to work together in order to be well prepared to conduct a successful CASEVAC in any situation they may encounter while deployed, to ultimately saves lives. - Lance Cpl. Ronald Hester, a combat engineer with, provides security for a casualty evacuation exercise at Landing Zone Penguin at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 10, 2016. The training allowed Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 and 2nd CEB to work together in order to be well prepared to conduct a successful CASEVAC in any situation they may encounter while deployed, to ultimately saves lives.

1st Lt. Grant McCloskey, a Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon commander with Black Sea Rotational Force, plans the next reconnaissance mission during Exercise Cold Response 16 near Namsos, Norway, March 4, 2016. The exercise is a Norwegian invitational previously-scheduled exercise that involves approximately 16,000 troops from 13 NATO and partner countries. - 1st Lt. Grant McCloskey, a Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon commander with Black Sea Rotational Force, plans the next reconnaissance mission during Exercise Cold Response 16 near Namsos, Norway, March 4, 2016. The exercise is a Norwegian invitational previously-scheduled exercise that involves approximately 16,000 troops from 13 NATO and partner countries.

Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion storm a fjord in Namsos, Norway, March 3, 2016, during Exercise Cold Response 16. The landing reinforced the unit’s capabilities of operating in winter terrain and cold-weather environments. During Cold Response, 13 NATO allies and partner nations and about 15,000 troops enhance their skill sets and strengthen their bonds. - Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion storm a fjord in Namsos, Norway, March 3, 2016, during Exercise Cold Response 16. The landing reinforced the unit’s capabilities of operating in winter terrain and cold-weather environments. During Cold Response, 13 NATO allies and partner nations and about 15,000 troops enhance their skill sets and strengthen their bonds.

Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 2, utilize a compact metal detector to sweep for improvised explosive devices during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 2, 2016. Marines utilized equipment such as compact metal detectors, bomb suits and a TALON robot to locate and handle ordnance, which took the form of a simulated IED, ammunition or artillery shell. - Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 2, utilize a compact metal detector to sweep for improvised explosive devices during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 2, 2016. Marines utilized equipment such as compact metal detectors, bomb suits and a TALON robot to locate and handle ordnance, which took the form of a simulated IED, ammunition or artillery shell.

Norwegian Minister of Defense Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide talks with Lt. Col. Justin Ansel, the commander of Task Force 1/8, at a training location near Steinkjer, Norway, March 2, 2016. Exercise Cold Response 16 is a multi-national exercise combining the efforts of 12 NATO allies and partner nations and approximately 15,000 troops taking place across Norway. - Norwegian Minister of Defense Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide talks with Lt. Col. Justin Ansel, the commander of Task Force 1/8, at a training location near Steinkjer, Norway, March 2, 2016. Exercise Cold Response 16 is a multi-national exercise combining the efforts of 12 NATO allies and partner nations and approximately 15,000 troops taking place across Norway.

Norwegian Leopard tank crews from the Telemark Battalion prepare for a live-fire exercise in Rena, Norway, Feb. 18, 2016. The U.S. Marines and Norwegians are preparing for Exercise Cold Response 16, which will bring together 12 NATO Allied and partner nations and approximately 16,000 troops in order to enhance joint crisis response capabilities in cold weather environments. The Norwegian Telemark Battalion instructed various U.S. Marine units on cold weather survival techniques to driving armored vehicles on ice-covered roads in the weeks leading up to exercise Cold Response 16 beginning at the end of the month. The two nations along with the other participating countries will conduct multi-lateral training to improve U.S. Marine Corps capability to operate in cold-weather environments. - Norwegian Leopard tank crews from the Telemark Battalion prepare for a live-fire exercise in Rena, Norway, Feb. 18, 2016. The U.S. Marines and Norwegians are preparing for Exercise Cold Response 16, which will bring together 12 NATO Allied and partner nations and approximately 16,000 troops in order to enhance joint crisis response capabilities in cold weather environments. The Norwegian Telemark Battalion instructed various U.S. Marine units on cold weather survival techniques to driving armored vehicles on ice-covered roads in the weeks leading up to exercise Cold Response 16 beginning at the end of the month. The two nations along with the other participating countries will conduct multi-lateral training to improve U.S. Marine Corps capability to operate in cold-weather environments.

Lance Cpl. Kevin S. Millican stands security during casualty evacuation drills at Fort Stewart, S.C., Feb. 25, 2016. During the exercise, Marines trained in events such as casualty evacuation, assault support missions and aerial refueling, proving the Marine Air-Ground Task Force is a highly effective combat force. Millican is a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. - Lance Cpl. Kevin S. Millican stands security during casualty evacuation drills at Fort Stewart, S.C., Feb. 25, 2016. During the exercise, Marines trained in events such as casualty evacuation, assault support missions and aerial refueling, proving the Marine Air-Ground Task Force is a highly effective combat force. Millican is a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.

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U.S. Navy Seaman Cameron Alexander, a hospitalman with 2nd Medical Battalion, conducts physical exercises before a tactical combat casualty care exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 12, 2016. Sailors were intentionally exhausted prior to beginning the simulation. - U.S. Navy Seaman Cameron Alexander, a hospitalman with 2nd Medical Battalion, conducts physical exercises before a tactical combat casualty care exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 12, 2016. Sailors were intentionally exhausted prior to beginning the simulation.

Marines with Company A, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, use avalanche probes in search for a simulated casualty during an avalanche scenario at the Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California, Jan. 20, 2016. Marines across II Marine Expeditionary Force and 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade took part in the scenario as part of Mountain Exercise 1-16 in preparation for Exercise Cold Response 16.1 in Norway this March. The exercise will feature military training including maritime, land and air operations that underscore NATO's ability to defend against any threat in any environment. - Marines with Company A, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, use avalanche probes in search for a simulated casualty during an avalanche scenario at the Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California, Jan. 20, 2016. Marines across II Marine Expeditionary Force and 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade took part in the scenario as part of Mountain Exercise 1-16 in preparation for Exercise Cold Response 16.1 in Norway this March. The exercise will feature military training including maritime, land and air operations that underscore NATO's ability to defend against any threat in any environment.

A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, holds his post as his platoon prepares to ambush a notional enemy during Mountain Exercise 1-16, at Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California, Jan. 12, 2016. Marines with the unit took on the Mountain Warfare Course in preparation for Exercise Cold Response 16 in the near future. - A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, holds his post as his platoon prepares to ambush a notional enemy during Mountain Exercise 1-16, at Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California, Jan. 12, 2016. Marines with the unit took on the Mountain Warfare Course in preparation for Exercise Cold Response 16 in the near future.

A Marine student undergoing the 2nd Marine Division Combat Skills Center’s Pre-Scout Sniper Course departs a field following a stalking exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 22, 2016. The DCSC offers several infantry-based courses to enhance the combat readiness of its Marines. - A Marine student undergoing the 2nd Marine Division Combat Skills Center’s Pre-Scout Sniper Course departs a field following a stalking exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 22, 2016. The DCSC offers several infantry-based courses to enhance the combat readiness of its Marines.