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A U.S. Marine with 1st Marine Division provides suppressive fire during Marine Air Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise 3-21 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, May 7, 2021. MWX is the culminating event of the Service Level Training Exercise, challenging the MAGTF to fight against a free thinking adversary with similar capabilities in a force on force environment. - A U.S. Marine with 1st Marine Division provides suppressive fire during Marine Air Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise 3-21 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, May 7, 2021. MWX is the culminating event of the Service Level Training Exercise, challenging the MAGTF to fight against a free thinking adversary with similar capabilities in a force on force environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brian Rideout, commanding officer, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, inspects the routing system for the Cloud Layered Obfuscation Application Kit during a practical exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 9, 2021. Project CLOAK uses commercial cloud computing resources to enhance the Marine Corps network system and secures global infrastructure. - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brian Rideout, commanding officer, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, inspects the routing system for the Cloud Layered Obfuscation Application Kit during a practical exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 9, 2021. Project CLOAK uses commercial cloud computing resources to enhance the Marine Corps network system and secures global infrastructure.

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U. S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zachary Devaney, a military working dog handler with the Provost Marshal’s Office, Security and Emergency Services Battalion, directs military working dog, Don, through the obedience course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 17, 2019 Handlers and their K9, spend over 50 hours training and developing their bond every week. - U. S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zachary Devaney, a military working dog handler with the Provost Marshal’s Office, Security and Emergency Services Battalion, directs military working dog, Don, through the obedience course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 17, 2019 Handlers and their K9, spend over 50 hours training and developing their bond every week.

What it Takes to Move a Mountain: The Regimental Air Assault - Marines with 1st Marine Division load onto an MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), for a regimental air assault during exercise Steel Knight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2019. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that integrates 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities with those of 1st Marine Division. This exercise provides the Marines and sailors of 3rd MAW with realistic and relevant training, which enhances their skills, tactics and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Justin M. Pack)

U.S. Marine Cpl. Alexandra Nowak, an administrative specialist with Alpha Company, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, listens to Brig. Gen. Dan Conley, the commanding general for MCI-West, MCB Camp Pendleton, speak after he awarded her the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal on Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 6, 2019. Nowak received the award for her actions to save a family after a car crash on Interstate Highway 15. Nowak is a native of Forney, Texas. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Alexandra Nowak, an administrative specialist with Alpha Company, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, listens to Brig. Gen. Dan Conley, the commanding general for MCI-West, MCB Camp Pendleton, speak after he awarded her the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal on Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 6, 2019. Nowak received the award for her actions to save a family after a car crash on Interstate Highway 15. Nowak is a native of Forney, Texas.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Robin Leilimarrazzo reunites with his wife during a homecoming ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., September 15, 2019. - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Robin Leilimarrazzo reunites with his wife during a homecoming ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., September 15, 2019.

Francisco Cadillo, primary lifeguard, has delivered two breaths to a breath tube apparatus to the mouth of the drowning victim, in this case a resuscitation training manikin, as Sgt. Maxim Krymov, volunteer Marine lifeguard, delivers 30 chest compressions to the victim during an Emergency Action Plan training exercise in conjunction with rescue elements of the Marine Corps Fire Department. The two breaths and 30 - compression cycle continues until the victim is revived or fire department personnel arrive to take over the rescue effort. - Francisco Cadillo, primary lifeguard, has delivered two breaths to a breath tube apparatus to the mouth of the drowning victim, in this case a resuscitation training manikin, as Sgt. Maxim Krymov, volunteer Marine lifeguard, delivers 30 chest compressions to the victim during an Emergency Action Plan training exercise in conjunction with rescue elements of the Marine Corps Fire Department. The two breaths and 30 - compression cycle continues until the victim is revived or fire department personnel arrive to take over the rescue effort.

Firefighters with Oceanside Fire Department and the Camp Pendleton Fire Department initiate prescribed burns at Ranges 108 and 109 on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 12, 2019. The CPFD encounters several wildfires each year. Prescribed burns are one of the many methods used to mitigate the unwanted spread of wildfires on the installation. - Firefighters with Oceanside Fire Department and the Camp Pendleton Fire Department initiate prescribed burns at Ranges 108 and 109 on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 12, 2019. The CPFD encounters several wildfires each year. Prescribed burns are one of the many methods used to mitigate the unwanted spread of wildfires on the installation.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Renzel Craft, left, and Cpl. Everton Porto, both heavy equipment mechanics with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, receive Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals during their Corporal Course graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 12, 2019. Craft and Porto received recognition for responding to an incident in the chow hall where a Marine was having a seizure. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Renzel Craft, left, and Cpl. Everton Porto, both heavy equipment mechanics with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, receive Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals during their Corporal Course graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 12, 2019. Craft and Porto received recognition for responding to an incident in the chow hall where a Marine was having a seizure.

U.S Marines with Company G, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, patrol during Mountain Training Exercise 2-19, at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., March 24, 2019. The purpose of MTX is to prepare Marines for harsh weather conditions while enhancing winter warfare skills in cold weather environments. - U.S Marines with Company G, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, patrol during Mountain Training Exercise 2-19, at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., March 24, 2019. The purpose of MTX is to prepare Marines for harsh weather conditions while enhancing winter warfare skills in cold weather environments.

Domingo Duran, Assistant Fire Chief, MCLBB Fire and Emergency Services Division, reports simulated rail tanker car gas leak during Exercise Haber Rail aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., March 19. - Domingo Duran, Assistant Fire Chief, MCLBB Fire and Emergency Services Division, reports simulated rail tanker car gas leak during Exercise Haber Rail aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., March 19.

U.S. Marines with Bridge Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and contractors with Facilities Maintenance Department, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, receive “thank you” letters from students at Santa Margarita Elementary School on MCB Camp Pendleton, California, March 18, 2019. The students of the elementary school wrote personal “thank you” letters to the Marines and contractors for building a bridge over and repairing a sinkhole in Carnes Road that resulted in the evacuation and temporary closing of the school on Feb. 4. The sinkhole was caused by erosion resulting from persistent heavy rain storms that swept through Southern California. - U.S. Marines with Bridge Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and contractors with Facilities Maintenance Department, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, receive “thank you” letters from students at Santa Margarita Elementary School on MCB Camp Pendleton, California, March 18, 2019. The students of the elementary school wrote personal “thank you” letters to the Marines and contractors for building a bridge over and repairing a sinkhole in Carnes Road that resulted in the evacuation and temporary closing of the school on Feb. 4. The sinkhole was caused by erosion resulting from persistent heavy rain storms that swept through Southern California.

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Sergeant Emily Rowe, stableman, was awarded Noncommissioned Officer of the Year by Col. Craig Clemans, Base Commander, and Sgt. Maj. Sergio MartinezRuiz, Base Sergeant Major, during the quarterly awards breakfast aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Jan. 29.(U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Jack J. Adamyk) - Sergeant Emily Rowe, stableman, was awarded Noncommissioned Officer of the Year by Col. Craig Clemans, Base Commander, and Sgt. Maj. Sergio MartinezRuiz, Base Sergeant Major, during the quarterly awards breakfast aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Jan. 29. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Jack J. Adamyk)

U.S. Marines with Motor Transport Platoon, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, get a first hand look on how the skills they learn in the Marine Corps transfer to the civilian sector when they shadow service technicians for a day. - U.S. Marines with Motor Transport Platoon, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, get a first hand look on how the skills they learn in the Marine Corps transfer to the civilian sector when they shadow service technicians for a day.

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Garald John, combat marksmanship trainer, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, assesses Marines while they “snap in” at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 5, 2018. "Snapping in" is the term used to describe practicing dry-firing with an empty weapon before live-firing. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Garald John, combat marksmanship trainer, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, assesses Marines while they “snap in” at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 5, 2018. "Snapping in" is the term used to describe practicing dry-firing with an empty weapon before live-firing.

MCTSSA Marine rushes to aid car crash victim - Brig. Gen. A.J. (left) Pasagian, commander of Marine Corps Systems Command, presents Capt. Michael Bates (right), a Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity Marine, with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal at MCTSSA headquarters Sept. 12, for life-saving actions he took while off-duty this summer near Knoxville, Tennessee. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sky M. Laron)

Jacob Lucero(second for left) and Nadeem Seirafi ((second from right) hold the leashes of Colli and Ricsi during the two Military Workings Dogs' retirement ceremony at the K-9 Training Field adjacent to the Adam Leigh Cann Canine Facility aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Sept. 12. The two handlers partnered with their K-9 companions on the beat and are now adopting the two dogs as they retire from active duty. Lieutenant Steven Goss, (far right) kennel master, Marine Corps Police Department, presented the two dogs with retirement certificates. The other officers in the photo also partnered with Colli and Ricsi at different times in their careers. - Jacob Lucero(second for left) and Nadeem Seirafi ((second from right) hold the leashes of Colli and Ricsi during the two Military Workings Dogs' retirement ceremony at the K-9 Training Field adjacent to the Adam Leigh Cann Canine Facility aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Sept. 12. The two handlers partnered with their K-9 companions on the beat and are now adopting the two dogs as they retire from active duty. Lieutenant Steven Goss, (far right) kennel master, Marine Corps Police Department, presented the two dogs with retirement certificates. The other officers in the photo also partnered with Colli and Ricsi at different times in their careers.

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Marines with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division, begin their preparations of rappelling down a cliffside, during Mountain Exercise 3-18, at Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., June 22, 2018. After completing Integrated Training Exercise 4-17 last year, 2nd Bn., 24th Marines took part in MTX 3-18 to further develop small-unit leadership and build an understanding of the different climates and scenarios they could face in the future. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division, begin their preparations of rappelling down a cliffside, during Mountain Exercise 3-18, at Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., June 22, 2018. After completing Integrated Training Exercise 4-17 last year, 2nd Bn., 24th Marines took part in MTX 3-18 to further develop small-unit leadership and build an understanding of the different climates and scenarios they could face in the future.

Lance Cpl. Luis Da Luz, a hazardous material entry team technician with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, passes HAZMAT samples to Lance Cpl. Alex Herrero, a HAZMAT entry team technician with ARFF, during an exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 17. The exercise simulated a bioterrorism attack and required several MCAS Miramar units to coordinate an effective response. - Lance Cpl. Luis Da Luz, a hazardous material entry team technician with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, passes HAZMAT samples to Lance Cpl. Alex Herrero, a HAZMAT entry team technician with ARFF, during an exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 17. The exercise simulated a bioterrorism attack and required several MCAS Miramar units to coordinate an effective response.

Marines at the Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California, train in freezing temperatures to get comfortable with their gear and prepare for future missions. MWTC Marines worked with the Additive Manufacturing Team at Marine Corps Systems Command to print out same-day replacement clips for their snowshoes. - Marines at the Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California, train in freezing temperatures to get comfortable with their gear and prepare for future missions. MWTC Marines worked with the Additive Manufacturing Team at Marine Corps Systems Command to print out same-day replacement clips for their snowshoes.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunner Gilbert H. Bolton was born in Portsmouth, Ohio and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1959. He served as an infantry Marine and officer until he retired in 1991 at the age of 50. During his time in the Marine Corps, Bolton rose through the ranks from private to an infantry weapons officer, also known as a Marine Gunner. A Marine Corps Gunner is a technical expert of all Marine Corps weapons systems, and their employment. - U.S. Marine Corps Gunner Gilbert H. Bolton was born in Portsmouth, Ohio and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1959. He served as an infantry Marine and officer until he retired in 1991 at the age of 50. During his time in the Marine Corps, Bolton rose through the ranks from private to an infantry weapons officer, also known as a Marine Gunner. A Marine Corps Gunner is a technical expert of all Marine Corps weapons systems, and their employment.

U.S. Marines and Sailors with the Basic Reconnaissance Course 2-18 conduct helocast insertion training aboard Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California, March 8, 2018. Helocast training is a graduation requirement which provides flexibility and maneuverability and will prepare students for basic recon insertion. - U.S. Marines and Sailors with the Basic Reconnaissance Course 2-18 conduct helocast insertion training aboard Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California, March 8, 2018. Helocast training is a graduation requirement which provides flexibility and maneuverability and will prepare students for basic recon insertion.

Lance Cpl. Miguel Salazar, an unmanned aerial vehicle technician with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 4, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, returns an RQ-7 Shadow to the VMU-4 hanger at Camp Wilson, Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, June 22, 2017. VMU-4 provided aerial reconnaissance in support of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, MARFORRES final battalion exercise of ITX 4-17. - Lance Cpl. Miguel Salazar, an unmanned aerial vehicle technician with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 4, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, returns an RQ-7 Shadow to the VMU-4 hanger at Camp Wilson, Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, June 22, 2017. VMU-4 provided aerial reconnaissance in support of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, MARFORRES final battalion exercise of ITX 4-17.

Pfc. Benjamin Kelly, machinegunner, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, provides security as a CH-53 ‘Super Stallion’ helicopter lands at Del Valle Field during a non-combatant Evacuation Operation exercise as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-17 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., April 21, 2017. NEO exercises simulate real-life scenarios where non-combatants are evacuated from a potentially hostile area. - Pfc. Benjamin Kelly, machinegunner, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, provides security as a CH-53 ‘Super Stallion’ helicopter lands at Del Valle Field during a non-combatant Evacuation Operation exercise as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-17 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., April 21, 2017. NEO exercises simulate real-life scenarios where non-combatants are evacuated from a potentially hostile area.

Marines with the School of Infantry West observe a UH-1Y Huey with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303 during an aerial demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 11. Marines with HMLAT-303 conducted basic flight maneuvers during the demonstration to build cohesion between air and ground Marines. - Marines with the School of Infantry West observe a UH-1Y Huey with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303 during an aerial demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 11. Marines with HMLAT-303 conducted basic flight maneuvers during the demonstration to build cohesion between air and ground Marines.

Marine Air Control Group 38 conducted Exercise Lightning Sword, a Marine Air Command and Control System integrated training exercise, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, MCAS Camp Pendleton, California and MCAS Yuma, Arizona, March 6 to 17. Lightning Sword provided MACG-38 an opportunity to exercise a fully capable MACCS in a constructed marine expeditionary force level scenario. - Marine Air Control Group 38 conducted Exercise Lightning Sword, a Marine Air Command and Control System integrated training exercise, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, MCAS Camp Pendleton, California and MCAS Yuma, Arizona, March 6 to 17. Lightning Sword provided MACG-38 an opportunity to exercise a fully capable MACCS in a constructed marine expeditionary force level scenario.

British Royal Marines discuss their scheme of maneuver during an assault on Range 205 as part of Exercise Black Alligator aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Sept. 13, 2016. Black Alligator, an annual training exercise, consists of approximately 1,000 British Royal Marines and 170 Dutch Royal Army soldiers who train aboard the installation in excess of 45 days to conduct relevant live-fire combined arms training, urban operations, and joint and coalition-level integration alongside more than 300 U.S. Marines consisting of artillerymen, engineers and tankers. - British Royal Marines discuss their scheme of maneuver during an assault on Range 205 as part of Exercise Black Alligator aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Sept. 13, 2016. Black Alligator, an annual training exercise, consists of approximately 1,000 British Royal Marines and 170 Dutch Royal Army soldiers who train aboard the installation in excess of 45 days to conduct relevant live-fire combined arms training, urban operations, and joint and coalition-level integration alongside more than 300 U.S. Marines consisting of artillerymen, engineers and tankers.

Lance Cpl. Skyler Schopf, team leader, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, fires a M136 AT4 anti-tank weapon during a live-fire training exercise as part of Tactical Small-Unit Leadership Course at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 18, 2016. The purpose of the course was to focus on the training of small-unit leadership within “Darkside.” - Lance Cpl. Skyler Schopf, team leader, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, fires a M136 AT4 anti-tank weapon during a live-fire training exercise as part of Tactical Small-Unit Leadership Course at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 18, 2016. The purpose of the course was to focus on the training of small-unit leadership within “Darkside.”

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The Aedes Aegypi mosquito is one of two found in tropical climate countries which is capable of carrying the Zika virus. It is not native to the United States but has been found in 12 of California’s 58 counties. The mosquitoes are transported into this country by visitors and residents. - The Aedes Aegypi mosquito is one of two found in tropical climate countries which is capable of carrying the Zika virus. It is not native to the United States but has been found in 12 of California’s 58 counties. The mosquitoes are transported into this country by visitors and residents.

A crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165 looks outside an MV-22B Osprey during a training flight from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 8. Crew chiefs aboard the Osprey assisted with maintaining visuals during the flight for the pilots. - A crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165 looks outside an MV-22B Osprey during a training flight from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 8. Crew chiefs aboard the Osprey assisted with maintaining visuals during the flight for the pilots.

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364 “Purple Foxes” lands during section and division confined area landings at Holtville Airfield, Calif., May 20. The training was conducted to familiarize both pilots and crew chiefs with landing in a small area around other aircraft. - An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364 “Purple Foxes” lands during section and division confined area landings at Holtville Airfield, Calif., May 20. The training was conducted to familiarize both pilots and crew chiefs with landing in a small area around other aircraft.

An AH-1Z Cobra with Marine Aircraft Group taxis down the flight line aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 28, 2016. Col. Michael Borgschulte, commanding officer of MAG-39, developed a Marine Air-Ground Task Force integration effort to develop a closer integration of the ground combat element and aviation combat element. - An AH-1Z Cobra with Marine Aircraft Group taxis down the flight line aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 28, 2016. Col. Michael Borgschulte, commanding officer of MAG-39, developed a Marine Air-Ground Task Force integration effort to develop a closer integration of the ground combat element and aviation combat element.

Cpl. Anthony Lubbers, designated marksmanship instructor, Combat Center Marksmanship Training Unit, prepares to breach a door during the Western Regional Combat Match at Marine Corps Air Combat Center, April 8, 2016. - Cpl. Anthony Lubbers, designated marksmanship instructor, Combat Center Marksmanship Training Unit, prepares to breach a door during the Western Regional Combat Match at Marine Corps Air Combat Center, April 8, 2016.

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

A Marine with Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, I Marine Expeditionary Force, guides a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher during Spring Fire Exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton March 31, 2016. The regiment, comprised of four artillery battalions and a headquarters battalion, put their skills to the test during a large-scale, combined-arms training evolution in preparation for future deployments and operations. - A Marine with Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, I Marine Expeditionary Force, guides a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher during Spring Fire Exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton March 31, 2016. The regiment, comprised of four artillery battalions and a headquarters battalion, put their skills to the test during a large-scale, combined-arms training evolution in preparation for future deployments and operations.

Cpl. Richard Nedlic (Right), Light Armored Vehicle crewman and Cpl. Nicholas Guiles, rifleman, both with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and students in the Urban Leaders Course, fire their weapons from the supine position during a combat marksmanship program range at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 31, 2016. This firing drill is meant to train Marines to safely and accurately return fire if they fall backward while moving or are knocked down. - Cpl. Richard Nedlic (Right), Light Armored Vehicle crewman and Cpl. Nicholas Guiles, rifleman, both with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and students in the Urban Leaders Course, fire their weapons from the supine position during a combat marksmanship program range at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 31, 2016. This firing drill is meant to train Marines to safely and accurately return fire if they fall backward while moving or are knocked down.

Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 perform function checks for the flight of the RQ-7Bv2 Shadow, an unmanned aerial system, at the Cannon Air Defense Complex in Yuma, Arizona, March 25, 2016. Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 and MWSS-274 supported VMU-1 by building a runway in preparation for the Shadow’s first flight at the site. - Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 perform function checks for the flight of the RQ-7Bv2 Shadow, an unmanned aerial system, at the Cannon Air Defense Complex in Yuma, Arizona, March 25, 2016. Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 and MWSS-274 supported VMU-1 by building a runway in preparation for the Shadow’s first flight at the site.

Chief Petty Officer Jaclyn Place poses for a photo with her neighbors and their family during Place’s award ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 11, 2016. Place is a lead chief petty officer with the Headquarters Regimental Aid Station, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and was awarded an impact Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for her selfless and decisive actions that saved the lives of her neighbors. - Chief Petty Officer Jaclyn Place poses for a photo with her neighbors and their family during Place’s award ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 11, 2016. Place is a lead chief petty officer with the Headquarters Regimental Aid Station, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and was awarded an impact Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for her selfless and decisive actions that saved the lives of her neighbors.

Marines with the Silent Drill Platoon affix bayonets to their rifles during a performance at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, March 11. Their performance was part of the Battle Color Ceremony aboard the air station. - Marines with the Silent Drill Platoon affix bayonets to their rifles during a performance at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, March 11. Their performance was part of the Battle Color Ceremony aboard the air station.

The U.S. Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, also known as "The Commandant's Own," performs during a Battle Color Ceremony at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California March 9, 2016. The battle color ceremony features the U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon and the Marine Corps Color Guard. - The U.S. Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, also known as "The Commandant's Own," performs during a Battle Color Ceremony at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California March 9, 2016. The battle color ceremony features the U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon and the Marine Corps Color Guard.

Soldiers with Western Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, await their debarkation of a landing craft air cushion onto San Clemente Island, California, Feb. 21, 2016, as part of the supported arms coordination center exercise portion of Exercise Iron Fist 2016. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral amphibious training exercise designed to improve USMC and JGSDF’s ability to plan, communicate and conduct combined amphibious operations at the platoon, company and battalion levels. - Soldiers with Western Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, await their debarkation of a landing craft air cushion onto San Clemente Island, California, Feb. 21, 2016, as part of the supported arms coordination center exercise portion of Exercise Iron Fist 2016. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral amphibious training exercise designed to improve USMC and JGSDF’s ability to plan, communicate and conduct combined amphibious operations at the platoon, company and battalion levels.

Marines of Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, conducts target recognition and engagement through a simulated door way during the close quarter marksmanship portion of Close Quarter Battle training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 8, 2016. The training focused on room clearing procedures along with close quarter marksmanship in a series of challenging drills. - Marines of Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, conducts target recognition and engagement through a simulated door way during the close quarter marksmanship portion of Close Quarter Battle training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 8, 2016. The training focused on room clearing procedures along with close quarter marksmanship in a series of challenging drills.

An M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank with Company A, 1st Tank Battalion, advances along a road while receiving indirect-fire support from artillery during a Tank Mechanized Assault Course in the Quackenbush Training Area as part of Integrated Training Exercise 2-16 at Marine Corps Air Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif.Feb. 9, 2016. ITX is designed to prepare units for combat, under the most realistic conditions possible, focusing on battalion and squad level training. - An M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank with Company A, 1st Tank Battalion, advances along a road while receiving indirect-fire support from artillery during a Tank Mechanized Assault Course in the Quackenbush Training Area as part of Integrated Training Exercise 2-16 at Marine Corps Air Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif.Feb. 9, 2016. ITX is designed to prepare units for combat, under the most realistic conditions possible, focusing on battalion and squad level training.

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Marines plot objective points on a map to reach during a combat endurance challenge Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Feb. 5, 2016. The challenge consisted of hiking nearly seven miles, testing weapons systems, combat lifesaving skills, land navigation and simulated casualty evacuation. The Marines with Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment conducted the training aboard MCB Camp Pendleton. - Marines plot objective points on a map to reach during a combat endurance challenge Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Feb. 5, 2016. The challenge consisted of hiking nearly seven miles, testing weapons systems, combat lifesaving skills, land navigation and simulated casualty evacuation. The Marines with Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment conducted the training aboard MCB Camp Pendleton.