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U.S. Marines assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrive at Reno-Stead Airport, Nevada, on a KC-130J Super Hercules attached to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, to conduct a simulated military assisted departure during Realistic Urban Training exercise, Aug. 24, 2023. During the scenario, the 15th MEU conducted a mission to coordinate with a U.S. Consulate until the situation necessitated an evacuation of consulate staff and American citizens from the area. RUT is a land-based predeployment exercise which enhances the integration and collective capability of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force while providing the 15th MEU an opportunity to train and execute operations in an urban environment. - U.S. Marines assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrive at Reno-Stead Airport, Nevada, on a KC-130J Super Hercules attached to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, to conduct a simulated military assisted departure during Realistic Urban Training exercise, Aug. 24, 2023. During the scenario, the 15th MEU conducted a mission to coordinate with a U.S. Consulate until the situation necessitated an evacuation of consulate staff and American citizens from the area. RUT is a land-based predeployment exercise which enhances the integration and collective capability of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force while providing the 15th MEU an opportunity to train and execute operations in an urban environment.

A U.S. Marine C-130 with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, takes off at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, June 9, 2023. 3rd Landing Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group is conducting Combined Distribution Exercise 23 in South Korea alongside the Republic of Korea Navy, the ROK Army, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy. 3rd LSB is providing fuel, water, ground and air transportation to enable the sustainment and distribution of the CDEX force. - A U.S. Marine C-130 with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, takes off at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, June 9, 2023. 3rd Landing Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group is conducting Combined Distribution Exercise 23 in South Korea alongside the Republic of Korea Navy, the ROK Army, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy. 3rd LSB is providing fuel, water, ground and air transportation to enable the sustainment and distribution of the CDEX force.

U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit load into a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) prior to conducting a scenario-driven foreign humanitarian assistance (FHA) during Composite Training Unit Exercise, Atlantic Ocean, May 24, 2023. FHA consists of Department of Defense activities conducted outside of the U.S. and its territories to directly relieve or reduce human suffering, disease, hunger, or privation. FHA is intended to supplement or complement efforts of host nation civil authorities or agencies with the primary responsibility for providing assistance. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit serves as one of the Nation’s premier crisis response forces capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations, to include enabling follow-on forces and special operations. - U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit load into a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) prior to conducting a scenario-driven foreign humanitarian assistance (FHA) during Composite Training Unit Exercise, Atlantic Ocean, May 24, 2023. FHA consists of Department of Defense activities conducted outside of the U.S. and its territories to directly relieve or reduce human suffering, disease, hunger, or privation. FHA is intended to supplement or complement efforts of host nation civil authorities or agencies with the primary responsibility for providing assistance. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit serves as one of the Nation’s premier crisis response forces capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations, to include enabling follow-on forces and special operations.

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Randall W. Peck, right, the prospective commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, the commanding general of 1st Marine Division, visit 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st MARDIV, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 9, 2023. The Marines and Sailors of ESG 3 and 1st MARDIV work together on a regular basis, and leaders from both commands met to further develop the Navy-Marine Corps relationship between the two units for future operations. - U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Randall W. Peck, right, the prospective commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, the commanding general of 1st Marine Division, visit 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st MARDIV, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 9, 2023. The Marines and Sailors of ESG 3 and 1st MARDIV work together on a regular basis, and leaders from both commands met to further develop the Navy-Marine Corps relationship between the two units for future operations.

U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit utilize crowd control techniques during a Noncombatant Evacuation Operation as part of Amphibious Ready Group/MEU Exercise at Stone Bay, North Carolina, April 25, 2023. NEOs assist the U.S. Department of State with the evacuation of citizens and approved personnel from a foreign nation to an appropriate safe haven. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit is underway with the Bataan ARG conducting ARGMEUEX. - U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit utilize crowd control techniques during a Noncombatant Evacuation Operation as part of Amphibious Ready Group/MEU Exercise at Stone Bay, North Carolina, April 25, 2023. NEOs assist the U.S. Department of State with the evacuation of citizens and approved personnel from a foreign nation to an appropriate safe haven. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit is underway with the Bataan ARG conducting ARGMEUEX.

The high-speed transport vessel USNS Guam (T-HST 1) departs Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, March 3, 2023. The USNS Guam will transport the Marines to the Republic of Korea for exercise Freedom Shield 23. Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews) - The high-speed transport vessel USNS Guam (T-HST 1) departs Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, March 3, 2023. The USNS Guam will transport the Marines to the Republic of Korea for exercise Freedom Shield 23. Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force conduct a training press conference with Communication Strategy and Operations Marines during Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise-23, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 16, 2023. MEFEX is an exercise that develops command and control capabilities and warfighting functions of the MEF staff as an operational command in preparation for crisis across the spectrum of conflict. In the scenario, MEF staff developed the ability to coordinate with non-governmental organizations, U. S. Agency for International Development, and other agencies in response to a foreign humanitarian crisis. - U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force conduct a training press conference with Communication Strategy and Operations Marines during Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise-23, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 16, 2023. MEFEX is an exercise that develops command and control capabilities and warfighting functions of the MEF staff as an operational command in preparation for crisis across the spectrum of conflict. In the scenario, MEF staff developed the ability to coordinate with non-governmental organizations, U. S. Agency for International Development, and other agencies in response to a foreign humanitarian crisis.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and soldiers with Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, conduct integrated coordination of an air assault training exercise, on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, March 9, 2022. The training exercise was conducted to build proficiency in rapidly seizing and defending key terrain. Maritime Defense Exercise Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is a bilateral exercise meant to increase interoperability and strengthen ties between U.S. and Japanese forces for the defense of Japan. - U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and soldiers with Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, conduct integrated coordination of an air assault training exercise, on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, March 9, 2022. The training exercise was conducted to build proficiency in rapidly seizing and defending key terrain. Maritime Defense Exercise Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is a bilateral exercise meant to increase interoperability and strengthen ties between U.S. and Japanese forces for the defense of Japan.

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.

U.S. Marines conduct training with the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 12. - U.S. Marines conduct training with the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 12.

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 4 Benjamin Barron, the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense officer with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Cpl. Dominick Bonner, a CBRN defense specialist, and Gunnery Sgt. Joshua Malchow, the CBRN defense operations coordinator, pose for a group photo on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, June 8, 2021. Bonner, a native of Parkville, Maryland, was enjoying breakfast at a restaurant to celebrate his wife’s birthday when he was made aware of a restaurant employee who required medical attention. After entering the kitchen area and locating the man, lying motionless without a pulse, Bonner laid the man on his back and began chest compressions, taking over for a fatigued employee. Bonner continued to provide lifesaving aid for over ten minutes, sustaining the man’s life, until relieved by Japanese paramedics who evacuated the man to a local medical facility. - U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 4 Benjamin Barron, the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense officer with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Cpl. Dominick Bonner, a CBRN defense specialist, and Gunnery Sgt. Joshua Malchow, the CBRN defense operations coordinator, pose for a group photo on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, June 8, 2021. Bonner, a native of Parkville, Maryland, was enjoying breakfast at a restaurant to celebrate his wife’s birthday when he was made aware of a restaurant employee who required medical attention. After entering the kitchen area and locating the man, lying motionless without a pulse, Bonner laid the man on his back and began chest compressions, taking over for a fatigued employee. Bonner continued to provide lifesaving aid for over ten minutes, sustaining the man’s life, until relieved by Japanese paramedics who evacuated the man to a local medical facility.

Col. Vincent Dawson salutes the unit colors during the SPMAGTF-SC closing ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 13. - Col. Vincent Dawson salutes the unit colors during the SPMAGTF-SC closing ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 13.

U.S. Marines board the Spearhead-class USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., Sept. 26. - U.S. Marines board the Spearhead-class USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., Sept. 26.

A Navy corpsman with Combat Logistic Battalion (CLB) 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), inserts an intravenous therapy into a simulated combat casualty during a nightingale exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. - A Navy corpsman inserts an intravenous therapy into a simulated combat casualty during a nightingale exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 29.

A U.S. Marine posts security during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise on Karan Island, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, April 23, 2020. - A U.S. Marine posts security during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise on Karan Island, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, April 23, 2020.

Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Japanese Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade service members communicate during a simulated bilateral small-boat raid on Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 9. - Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Japanese Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade service members communicate during a simulated bilateral small-boat raid on Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 9.

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U.S. Marine Cpl. Andrew Gabriel, right, a scout sniper with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, presents Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman, the U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait, with a gift during the Corporals Course graduation ceremony in Kuwait on March 25, 2016. The corporals’ leadership program is designed to provide instruction for tasks developed in accordance with Marine Corps Order 1510.90, Individual Training Standards. Corporals Course is a professional military education requirement for all corporals to complete in order to be qualified for promotion. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Andrew Gabriel, right, a scout sniper with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, presents Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman, the U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait, with a gift during the Corporals Course graduation ceremony in Kuwait on March 25, 2016. The corporals’ leadership program is designed to provide instruction for tasks developed in accordance with Marine Corps Order 1510.90, Individual Training Standards. Corporals Course is a professional military education requirement for all corporals to complete in order to be qualified for promotion.

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

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

Marine Corps Capt. Paul Keller, a pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, assesses the firmness of the expeditionary safety equipment that he flawlessly landed an MV-22 Osprey on after the aircraft experienced a technical malfunction with its landing gear, Oct. 9, 2015 in Southwest Asia. - Marine Corps Capt. Paul Keller, a pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, assesses the firmness of the expeditionary safety equipment that he flawlessly landed an MV-22 Osprey on after the aircraft experienced a technical malfunction with its landing gear, Oct. 9, 2015 in Southwest Asia.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alabiso, right, a military information operations advisor with Task Force Al Asad, helps an Iraqi soldier with the 7th Iraqi Army Division set up a Radio in a Box at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Sept. 28, 2015. The RIAB was provided by Iraq’s Ministry of Defense through the Iraq Train and Equip Fund. The fund was established by Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, a part of the multinational coalition force that helps improve the Iraqi military’s ability to fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant by providing training and advice to its soldiers and officers. - U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alabiso, right, a military information operations advisor with Task Force Al Asad, helps an Iraqi soldier with the 7th Iraqi Army Division set up a Radio in a Box at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Sept. 28, 2015. The RIAB was provided by Iraq’s Ministry of Defense through the Iraq Train and Equip Fund. The fund was established by Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, a part of the multinational coalition force that helps improve the Iraqi military’s ability to fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant by providing training and advice to its soldiers and officers.

Second Lt. Aaron Burtner, security cooperation team leader, poses for a photo with Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos after completing their final exercise with U.S. service members in Dakar, Senegal, September 17, 2015. The Marines and Coast Guardsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa spent four weeks training the COFUMACO on basic infantry tactics and small-boat operations as a part of a Maritime Security Force Assistance mission to increase interoperability with Senegal’s and strengthen the bond between the partner nations. - Second Lt. Aaron Burtner, security cooperation team leader, poses for a photo with Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos after completing their final exercise with U.S. service members in Dakar, Senegal, September 17, 2015. The Marines and Coast Guardsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa spent four weeks training the COFUMACO on basic infantry tactics and small-boat operations as a part of a Maritime Security Force Assistance mission to increase interoperability with Senegal’s and strengthen the bond between the partner nations.

An MV-22B Osprey practiced landing on the Spanish amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I (L-61) during deck landing qualifications, Sept. 9 near the coast of Spain. The DLQs are part of the Allied Maritime Basing Initiative, which seeks to provide the U.S. and allies with a year-round maritime-based crisis response force in the Mediterranean Sea or the Gulf of Guinea by leveraging the significant amphibious capabilities already residing in Europe. - An MV-22B Osprey practiced landing on the Spanish amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I (L-61) during deck landing qualifications, Sept. 9 near the coast of Spain. The DLQs are part of the Allied Maritime Basing Initiative, which seeks to provide the U.S. and allies with a year-round maritime-based crisis response force in the Mediterranean Sea or the Gulf of Guinea by leveraging the significant amphibious capabilities already residing in Europe.

Marines with Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, conducted a raid demonstration in a simulated town and practiced the proper procedures of apprehending detainees during an amphibious raid demonstration in conjunction with a visit from the secretary of defense, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27, 2015. The Marines were transported to shore in amphibious assault vehicles with 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, after exiting the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) while 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion provided additional security. - Marines with Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, conducted a raid demonstration in a simulated town and practiced the proper procedures of apprehending detainees during an amphibious raid demonstration in conjunction with a visit from the secretary of defense, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27, 2015. The Marines were transported to shore in amphibious assault vehicles with 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, after exiting the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) while 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion provided additional security.

Lance Cpl. Ali J. Mohammed poses for a photo with a Humvee aboard Al Taqaddum Air Base, Iraq, July 4, 2015. Mohammed is originally from Baghdad and is now serving in the U.S. Marine Corps as a supply Marine. He is currently deployed as an Arabic interpreter for Task Force Al Taqaddum. - Lance Cpl. Ali J. Mohammed poses for a photo with a Humvee aboard Al Taqaddum Air Base, Iraq, July 4, 2015. Mohammed is originally from Baghdad and is now serving in the U.S. Marine Corps as a supply Marine. He is currently deployed as an Arabic interpreter for Task Force Al Taqaddum.

Gabonese Gendarmerie service members practice non-lethal compliance techniques at a Cooperative Security Location established by U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa in Libreville, Gabon, June 24, 2015. The Gendarmerie service members first completed a physically challenging circuit course to test their ability to remain calm and put their training to the test under fatigue and stress. The Marines, who are based out of Morón Air Base, Spain, are currently validating their forward-staging capabilities aboard the CSL while building partnerships with their Gabonese counterparts. - Gabonese Gendarmerie service members practice non-lethal compliance techniques at a Cooperative Security Location established by U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa in Libreville, Gabon, June 24, 2015. The Gendarmerie service members first completed a physically challenging circuit course to test their ability to remain calm and put their training to the test under fatigue and stress. The Marines, who are based out of Morón Air Base, Spain, are currently validating their forward-staging capabilities aboard the CSL while building partnerships with their Gabonese counterparts.

A paratrooper approaches the landing zone after jumping out of a KC-130J from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa during Exercise Lone Paratrooper at Leόn Air Base, Spain, May 18, 2015. A multinational force from Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Italy, France, Poland, the Netherlands, and the United States came together to conduct the exercise as a way to increase interoperability. - A paratrooper approaches the landing zone after jumping out of a KC-130J from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa during Exercise Lone Paratrooper at Leόn Air Base, Spain, May 18, 2015. A multinational force from Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Italy, France, Poland, the Netherlands, and the United States came together to conduct the exercise as a way to increase interoperability.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Victor CastilloGarcia, left, a field radio operator from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, provides security for an MV-22B Osprey at a landing zone in Sierra Del Retin, Spain, May 4, 2015. The Marines landed at the site to conduct range operations with the Spanish Marines, who used the Osprey as part of their battalion’s training exercise. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Victor CastilloGarcia, left, a field radio operator from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, provides security for an MV-22B Osprey at a landing zone in Sierra Del Retin, Spain, May 4, 2015. The Marines landed at the site to conduct range operations with the Spanish Marines, who used the Osprey as part of their battalion’s training exercise.

Lance Cpl. David Wadleigh, military working dog handler, Military Working Dog Platoon, 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, posts security during the patrol with his dog, Hugo. Marines with MWD Platoon, 1st LEB and Assault Breacher Vehicle Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Combat Engineers Battalion, participated in Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 10, 2015. - Lance Cpl. David Wadleigh, military working dog handler, Military Working Dog Platoon, 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, posts security during the patrol with his dog, Hugo. Marines with MWD Platoon, 1st LEB and Assault Breacher Vehicle Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Combat Engineers Battalion, participated in Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 10, 2015.

Arabic-speaking role-players simulate a riot outside the gates of a combat simulation town aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 7, 2015. The role-players dressed for the part and spoke the language to create a cultural and language barrier for Marines of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division during a training exercise. - Arabic-speaking role-players simulate a riot outside the gates of a combat simulation town aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 7, 2015. The role-players dressed for the part and spoke the language to create a cultural and language barrier for Marines of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division during a training exercise.

An explosive ordnance disposal technician conducts a breaching class with a soldier with the Ugandan People’s Defense Force in Camp Singo, Uganda, Dec. 2, 2014. Marines and Sailors with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa were in Uganda from Oct. - Dec., training alongside the UPDF, focusing on countering improvised explosive devices, land navigation and logistics. - An explosive ordnance disposal technician conducts a breaching class with a soldier with the Ugandan People’s Defense Force in Camp Singo, Uganda, Dec. 2, 2014. Marines and Sailors with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa were in Uganda from Oct. - Dec., training alongside the UPDF, focusing on countering improvised explosive devices, land navigation and logistics.

A service member with the Togolese Armed Forces conducts a personnel search on 1st Lt. Kyle Faherty during a armed sentry training engagement with U.S. Marines in Lome, Togo, Dec. 4, 2014. In Togo, the Marines trained alongside 20 students from the Togoloese Army, Air Force, Navy and the Gendarmerie forces. Training in both regions focused on weapons safety and handling, rules of engagement, escalation of force, personnel and vehicle searches, vehicle entry points as well as entry control points—ending with a final exercise that tested the collective tactical knowledge learned over the course of the training engagement. Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa conducted the theater security cooperation engagement to help develop and enhance armed sentry skills sharing tactics, techniques and procedures with the Togolese Armed Forces. - A service member with the Togolese Armed Forces conducts a personnel search on 1st Lt. Kyle Faherty during a armed sentry training engagement with U.S. Marines in Lome, Togo, Dec. 4, 2014. In Togo, the Marines trained alongside 20 students from the Togoloese Army, Air Force, Navy and the Gendarmerie forces. Training in both regions focused on weapons safety and handling, rules of engagement, escalation of force, personnel and vehicle searches, vehicle entry points as well as entry control points—ending with a final exercise that tested the collective tactical knowledge learned over the course of the training engagement. Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa conducted the theater security cooperation engagement to help develop and enhance armed sentry skills sharing tactics, techniques and procedures with the Togolese Armed Forces.

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 prepare for a perimeter sweep foot patrol during the security force exercise in support of pre-deployment training Dec. 7-10, 2014, at the Auxiliary Landing Field II on Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. The exercise provided Marines a hands-on experience for installation night and day security operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reba James/ Released) - Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 prepare for a perimeter sweep foot patrol during the security force exercise in support of pre-deployment training Dec. 7-10, 2014, at the Auxiliary Landing Field II on Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. The exercise provided Marines a hands-on experience for installation night and day security operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reba James/ Released)

U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. Howard Kreamer, right, talks with Philippine Marine Sgt. Maj. Jamie Ardiente in Puerto Princesa, Palawan Sept. 29 after the opening ceremony for Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. PHIBLEX is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. Marines and Navy to strengthen interoperability across a range of capabilities, including disaster relief and contingency operations. Kreamer is the sergeant major of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, 3rd MEB, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Ardiente is the 3rd Marine Brigade Sergeant Major, Armed Forces of the Philippines. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. Howard Kreamer, right, talks with Philippine Marine Sgt. Maj. Jamie Ardiente in Puerto Princesa, Palawan Sept. 29 after the opening ceremony for Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. PHIBLEX is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. Marines and Navy to strengthen interoperability across a range of capabilities, including disaster relief and contingency operations. Kreamer is the sergeant major of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, 3rd MEB, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Ardiente is the 3rd Marine Brigade Sergeant Major, Armed Forces of the Philippines.