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U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, load sandbags onto a truck during Adversary Force Exercise 5-23 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Aug. 9, 2023. AFX 5-23 tested the skills of Marines in seizing and maintaining a combat presence in urban environments by training in offensive and defensive tactics, conducing logistics in a contested environment, and utilizing mechanized infantry. - U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, load sandbags onto a truck during Adversary Force Exercise 5-23 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Aug. 9, 2023. AFX 5-23 tested the skills of Marines in seizing and maintaining a combat presence in urban environments by training in offensive and defensive tactics, conducing logistics in a contested environment, and utilizing mechanized infantry.

U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Tanner Skidgel, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, directs Marines to advance forward during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 3-23 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, April 15, 2023. The purpose of ITX is to create a challenging, realistic, training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and to prepare units for their role in the MAGTF Warfighting Exercise. - U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Tanner Skidgel, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, directs Marines to advance forward during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 3-23 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, April 15, 2023. The purpose of ITX is to create a challenging, realistic, training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and to prepare units for their role in the MAGTF Warfighting Exercise.

U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Nkundimana Claude, a fire team leader assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, is pinned as a 2nd Lt. during his commissioning ceremony at the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, June 17, 2023. Claude moved to the United States from Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa and enlisted in the Marine Corps to become a U.S. citizen. He then graduated from Texas State University and commissioned as an officer. - U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Nkundimana Claude, a fire team leader assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, is pinned as a 2nd Lt. during his commissioning ceremony at the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, June 17, 2023. Claude moved to the United States from Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa and enlisted in the Marine Corps to become a U.S. citizen. He then graduated from Texas State University and commissioned as an officer.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Favio Cuero, a Middletown, New York, native and an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 2nd Marine Division, conducts reconnaissance during a scout course on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 19, 2023. The purpose of the scout course is to enhance lethality and increase long range weapon proficiency. - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Favio Cuero, a Middletown, New York, native and an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 2nd Marine Division, conducts reconnaissance during a scout course on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 19, 2023. The purpose of the scout course is to enhance lethality and increase long range weapon proficiency.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Timonthy P. Gensitskiy, an ordnance team member with Marine Light Attack Squadron 269, signals to pilots that a UH-1Y Venom helicopter’s weaponry has been disarmed after a flight at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 28, 2021. HMLA-269 and other squadrons assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 29 are training to integrate with and support various Marine ground units as part of Service Level Training Exercise 3-21. SLTE is a series of exercises designed to prepare Marines for operations around the globe by increasing their ability to operate and conduct offensive and defensive combat operations. MAG-29 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Timonthy P. Gensitskiy, an ordnance team member with Marine Light Attack Squadron 269, signals to pilots that a UH-1Y Venom helicopter’s weaponry has been disarmed after a flight at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 28, 2021. HMLA-269 and other squadrons assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 29 are training to integrate with and support various Marine ground units as part of Service Level Training Exercise 3-21. SLTE is a series of exercises designed to prepare Marines for operations around the globe by increasing their ability to operate and conduct offensive and defensive combat operations. MAG-29 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

A Marine checks and adjusts a thermal optic at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Feb. 17. - A Marine checks and adjusts a thermal optic at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Feb. 17.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Edgar Wooten (left), basic entryman, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Marcus Edwards (right), team commander, Special Reaction Team, Provost Marshall’s Office, Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, practice coordinated movement techniques during an SRT familiarization range at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 11, 2020. SRT Marines are military police officers trained in hostage situation, active shooter and barricaded suspect response. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Sechser) - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Edgar Wooten (left), basic entryman, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Marcus Edwards (right), team commander, Special Reaction Team, Provost Marshall’s Office, Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, practice coordinated movement techniques during an SRT familiarization range at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 11, 2020. SRT Marines are military police officers trained in hostage situation, active shooter and barricaded suspect response. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Sechser)

A U.S. Marine with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, engages a target utilizing the M240G during a squad attack at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 15, 2019. The training was conducted to validate the squad leaders capabilities to lead and control their squads while integrating supporting arms in a deliberate attack. - A U.S. Marine with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, engages a target utilizing the M240G during a squad attack at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 15, 2019. The training was conducted to validate the squad leaders capabilities to lead and control their squads while integrating supporting arms in a deliberate attack.

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.

Claudio D’Augustino stands in front of his sculpture during a dedication ceremony at the Officers’ Club aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Jan. 9, 2018. The sculpture was donated to the Combat Center during the ceremony to express D’Augustino’s appreciation for members of the armed services. - Claudio D’Augustino stands in front of his sculpture during a dedication ceremony at the Officers’ Club aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Jan. 9, 2018. The sculpture was donated to the Combat Center during the ceremony to express D’Augustino’s appreciation for members of the armed services.

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 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, display the Ground Renewable Expeditionary Electronics Network System during the Energy Capability Exercise, in alignment with the Great Green Fleet initiative, at Camp Wilson aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 6, 2016. - Marines with 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, display the Ground Renewable Expeditionary Electronics Network System during the Energy Capability Exercise, in alignment with the Great Green Fleet initiative, at Camp Wilson aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 6, 2016.

A tactical controller with Tactical Training Exercise Control Group observes as Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, fire at a target at Range 400 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, during 1/7’s night-time combined arms live-fire exercise Nov. 16, 2016. - A tactical controller with Tactical Training Exercise Control Group observes as Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, fire at a target at Range 400 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, during 1/7’s night-time combined arms live-fire exercise Nov. 16, 2016.

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.”

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, advance to a simulated enemy defensive position in an Assault Amphibious Vehicle during the final exercise of Integrated Training Exercise 3-16 in the Blacktop Training Area at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, June 1, 2016. - Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, advance to a simulated enemy defensive position in an Assault Amphibious Vehicle during the final exercise of Integrated Training Exercise 3-16 in the Blacktop Training Area at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, June 1, 2016.

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Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 24 begin to check role-players through their Evacuation Control Center set at Del Valle Field Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, as part of a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation exercise in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-16 April 15, 2016. - Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 24 begin to check role-players through their Evacuation Control Center set at Del Valle Field Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, as part of a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation exercise in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-16 April 15, 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. - 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.

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.

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.

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.

Lance Cpl. Roderick Jacquote, a combat photographer with Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, edits photos during a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear drill aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 13, 2015. The Marines and Sailors with 5th Marine Regiment conducted the gas drill as part of Steel Knight 2016, a division-led exercise which prepares Marines and Sailors with the 1st Marine Division and adjacent I Marine Expeditionary Force units with the skill sets necessary to operate as a fully capable Marine Air Ground Task Force. - Lance Cpl. Roderick Jacquote, a combat photographer with Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, edits photos during a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear drill aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 13, 2015. The Marines and Sailors with 5th Marine Regiment conducted the gas drill as part of Steel Knight 2016, a division-led exercise which prepares Marines and Sailors with the 1st Marine Division and adjacent I Marine Expeditionary Force units with the skill sets necessary to operate as a fully capable Marine Air Ground Task Force.

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.

Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment hike out to a live fire and maneuver exercise course during the Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Oct. 23-24. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations. - Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment hike out to a live fire and maneuver exercise course during the Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Oct. 23-24. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations.

A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment pauses as he fires during the sniper marksmanship assessment as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 24, 2015. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Immanuel M. Johnson/Released) - A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment pauses as he fires during the sniper marksmanship assessment as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 24, 2015. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Immanuel M. Johnson/Released)

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.

Marines with 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, remove ordnance from a downed UH-1 Huey helicopter during a training exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., where they were tasked with sanitizing a wreckage site of any intelligence or ordnance an enemy force could use to their advantage, June 17, 2015. The Marines of 1st EOD Co. are preparing for an upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground – Crisis Response – Central Command where they will participate in a fast reaction force role. - Marines with 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, remove ordnance from a downed UH-1 Huey helicopter during a training exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., where they were tasked with sanitizing a wreckage site of any intelligence or ordnance an enemy force could use to their advantage, June 17, 2015. The Marines of 1st EOD Co. are preparing for an upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground – Crisis Response – Central Command where they will participate in a fast reaction force role.

Sgt. Dustin Houghton, mortar man, with Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, secures an M252 81mm medium-weight mortar during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 107, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 24, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. - Sgt. Dustin Houghton, mortar man, with Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, secures an M252 81mm medium-weight mortar during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 107, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 24, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks.

Marines with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion traverse the desert on the way to set up a forward combat operations center during Exercise Desert Scimitar, April 12, 2015, aboard the Combat Center. Division-level exercises, such as Desert Scimitar, allow division units to train in order to maintain mission readiness. - Marines with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion traverse the desert on the way to set up a forward combat operations center during Exercise Desert Scimitar, April 12, 2015, aboard the Combat Center. Division-level exercises, such as Desert Scimitar, allow division units to train in order to maintain mission readiness.

Sgt. Maya Marin C. Garnica, anti-tank missileman, Anti-Armor Section, Weapons Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, carries a tube-launched, optically-tracked, wire-guided missile to the firing line during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 107, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 12, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. - Sgt. Maya Marin C. Garnica, anti-tank missileman, Anti-Armor Section, Weapons Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, carries a tube-launched, optically-tracked, wire-guided missile to the firing line during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 107, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 12, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks.

Lance Corporals Brittany R. Dunklee, left, gunner, and Ashleigh Howell, center, driver, both with Light Armored Vehicle Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, carry a simulated casualty while Cpl. Benjamin Alexander, right, vehicle commander, provides security, during the CASEVAC portion of a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 500, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, March 12, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. - Lance Corporals Brittany R. Dunklee, left, gunner, and Ashleigh Howell, center, driver, both with Light Armored Vehicle Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, carry a simulated casualty while Cpl. Benjamin Alexander, right, vehicle commander, provides security, during the CASEVAC portion of a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 500, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, March 12, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks.

Sgt. Hannah S. Jacobson, machine gunner with Weapons Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, provides close supporting fires for their squad while engaging targets with the M240B Medium Machine Gun during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 107, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, March 10, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. - Sgt. Hannah S. Jacobson, machine gunner with Weapons Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, provides close supporting fires for their squad while engaging targets with the M240B Medium Machine Gun during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment at Range 107, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, March 10, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks.

An assault breacher vehicle races towards the objective as artillery provides suppressing fire Feb. 9 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, during the battalion assault course at Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. ABV’s are used to clear areas of mines and other ordinance for ground troops and vehicles to move through. During the BAC the ABV’s fire a mine-clearing line charge to simulate destroying enemy ordinance. The Marines operating the ABV are with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force. - An assault breacher vehicle races towards the objective as artillery provides suppressing fire Feb. 9 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, during the battalion assault course at Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. ABV’s are used to clear areas of mines and other ordinance for ground troops and vehicles to move through. During the BAC the ABV’s fire a mine-clearing line charge to simulate destroying enemy ordinance. The Marines operating the ABV are with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Assault amphibious vehicles are used to mobilize infantry units during the Integrated Training Exercise 2-15 Tank Mechanized Assault Course Feb. 2 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. AAVs are used to get infantry in the fight fast. The AAVs that were used during the TMAC are with Company D, 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. William Hester/Released) - Assault amphibious vehicles are used to mobilize infantry units during the Integrated Training Exercise 2-15 Tank Mechanized Assault Course Feb. 2 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. AAVs are used to get infantry in the fight fast. The AAVs that were used during the TMAC are with Company D, 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. William Hester/Released)

Lance Cpl. Christian J. Hernandez (left) and Lance Cpl. Giovonni Mejia fire the M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer Jan. 31 to support units engaged in the mechanized assault course at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms during Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. “Fighting with combined arms is on of the most important parts of the (Marine Air-Ground Task Force),” said Lt. Col. Neil J. Owens. Giovonni, a Dallas, Texas native and Hernandez, a Buford, Georgia, native are both cannoneers with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force for ITX 2-15, as part of the ground combat element for SPMAGTF-4. Owens, a Medford, Massechusetts, native, is the commanding officer for 3rd Bn., 12th Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. William Hester/ Released) - Lance Cpl. Christian J. Hernandez (left) and Lance Cpl. Giovonni Mejia fire the M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer Jan. 31 to support units engaged in the mechanized assault course at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms during Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. “Fighting with combined arms is on of the most important parts of the (Marine Air-Ground Task Force),” said Lt. Col. Neil J. Owens. Giovonni, a Dallas, Texas native and Hernandez, a Buford, Georgia, native are both cannoneers with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force for ITX 2-15, as part of the ground combat element for SPMAGTF-4. Owens, a Medford, Massechusetts, native, is the commanding officer for 3rd Bn., 12th Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. William Hester/ Released)

Marines check the GPS coordinates of their M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzers Oct. 30 during a command post exercise for Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-3. “Camp Fuji provides that cold weather training environment that artillery units need to be familiar with,” said Sgt. Maj. Marvin M. Magcale, the battalion sergeant major for 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines. “The Marines and sailors in this battalion will be better prepared to accomplish the mission involving cold weather. Austere conditions obviously affect not only the Marines and sailors, but their equipment as well.” The Marines are with Battery B, 1st Bn., 12th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and are currently assigned to 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. - Marines check the GPS coordinates of their M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzers Oct. 30 during a command post exercise for Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-3. “Camp Fuji provides that cold weather training environment that artillery units need to be familiar with,” said Sgt. Maj. Marvin M. Magcale, the battalion sergeant major for 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines. “The Marines and sailors in this battalion will be better prepared to accomplish the mission involving cold weather. Austere conditions obviously affect not only the Marines and sailors, but their equipment as well.” The Marines are with Battery B, 1st Bn., 12th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and are currently assigned to 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program.