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Marines cut the ceremonious ribbon to commemorate the expansion and modernization of Townsend Bombing Range, the East Coast’s premier air-to-ground bombing range. - Marines cut the ceremonious ribbon to commemorate the expansion and modernization of Townsend Bombing Range, the East Coast’s premier air-to-ground bombing range.

U.S Marines with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, run aboard a Navy improved navy lighterage system during exercise Resolute Sun at Fort Story, Virginia, June 17, 2019. Marines participated in the exercise to increase combat operational readiness in amphibious and prepositioning operations while conducting joint training with U.S. Army during a joint logistics over the shore scenario. - U.S Marines with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, run aboard a Navy improved navy lighterage system during exercise Resolute Sun at Fort Story, Virginia, June 17, 2019. Marines participated in the exercise to increase combat operational readiness in amphibious and prepositioning operations while conducting joint training with U.S. Army during a joint logistics over the shore scenario.

Catalina Island Airport ribbon cutting ceremony - The "Tiger Squadron" conducts a flyover during the grand reopening of the Airport in the Sky on Catalina Island, Calif., May. 3. 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing's partnership with the Catalina Island Conservancy to build the runway provided a unique opportunity for Marines to conduct applicable training while also helping the local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jacob Pruitt)

9 mm ammunition sits inside an ammunition canister during a live fire range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 10, 2019. - 9 mm ammunition sits inside an ammunition canister during a live fire range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 10, 2019. S-4 logisticians with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit ensure the proper caliber and quantity of ammunition is available for Marines to effectively train. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tanner D. Lambert)

Robert Twineham, operations manager with Industrial Waste Utilization, labels hazardous waste drums at the Marine Wing Support Squadron-372 60 day hazardous material storage site at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 23, 2019. Twineham was preparing the hazardous waste for transport form the site to a waste management facility where it would be recycled. - Robert Twineham, operations manager with Industrial Waste Utilization, labels hazardous waste drums at the Marine Wing Support Squadron-372 60 day hazardous material storage site at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 23, 2019. Twineham was preparing the hazardous waste for transport form the site to a waste management facility where it would be recycled.

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Sgt. Gordon Rodgers, a field radio operator with Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, raises an antenna during a command post exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 2, 2016. The mission of 2nd Marine Logistics Group is to provide general support combat logistics to all forces operating in the II Marine Expeditionary Force battlespace. - Sgt. Gordon Rodgers, a field radio operator with Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, raises an antenna during a command post exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 2, 2016. The mission of 2nd Marine Logistics Group is to provide general support combat logistics to all forces operating in the II Marine Expeditionary Force battlespace.

Lance Cpl. Curtis L. Brown, a rifleman with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, assaults targets down range during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 28, 2016. The company reinforced infantry fundamentals at all levels, beginning with fire team tactics before advancing to squad-level exercises. - Lance Cpl. Curtis L. Brown, a rifleman with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, assaults targets down range during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 28, 2016. The company reinforced infantry fundamentals at all levels, beginning with fire team tactics before advancing to squad-level exercises.

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274’s Engineer Company, Heavy Equipment Platoon set their pace count before beginning a land navigation course at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Jan. 13, 2016. During the 19-point course, 20 Marines headed to the field to re-experience the basic land navigation process. The course was a refresher for most of the Marines, who have not used land navigation since Marine Combat Training. - Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274’s Engineer Company, Heavy Equipment Platoon set their pace count before beginning a land navigation course at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Jan. 13, 2016. During the 19-point course, 20 Marines headed to the field to re-experience the basic land navigation process. The course was a refresher for most of the Marines, who have not used land navigation since Marine Combat Training.

A Marine student undergoing the 2nd Marine Division Combat Skills Center Pre-Scout Sniper Course sights in on a target with a M40A5 sniper rifle at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 12, 2016. The 2nd Marine Division Combat Skills Center offers several infantry-based courses to enhance the combat readiness of its Marines. - A Marine student undergoing the 2nd Marine Division Combat Skills Center Pre-Scout Sniper Course sights in on a target with a M40A5 sniper rifle at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 12, 2016. The 2nd Marine Division Combat Skills Center offers several infantry-based courses to enhance the combat readiness of its Marines.

Lance Cpl. Quentin J. Stallings, left, and Lance Cpl. Kyle H. Clemens, right, configure the settings on a water pump and filter at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Dec. 9, 2015. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Engineer Company participated in a cantonment and capabilities field exercise to practice and improve their knowledge of their jobs while in a deployed environment. The week-long exercise featured events such as airfield damage repair, water purification, medium and heavy lifting missions, with the construction of an expedient road for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft pad. Stallings and Clemens are both water support technicians with MWSS-271. - Lance Cpl. Quentin J. Stallings, left, and Lance Cpl. Kyle H. Clemens, right, configure the settings on a water pump and filter at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Dec. 9, 2015. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Engineer Company participated in a cantonment and capabilities field exercise to practice and improve their knowledge of their jobs while in a deployed environment. The week-long exercise featured events such as airfield damage repair, water purification, medium and heavy lifting missions, with the construction of an expedient road for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft pad. Stallings and Clemens are both water support technicians with MWSS-271.

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

Master Sgt. Donald Johnson prepares M67 fragmentation grenades during a grenade and MK-19 Grenade Launcher range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 28, 2015. More than 70 Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion took turns handling the MK19 and handheld grenades during the familiarization range. The range offered Marines the opportunity to build confidence and proficiency skills on some of the crew-served weapons they operate while providing security in a deployed environment. Johnson is the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Detachment staff noncommissioned officer in charge with the battalion. - Master Sgt. Donald Johnson prepares M67 fragmentation grenades during a grenade and MK-19 Grenade Launcher range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 28, 2015. More than 70 Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion took turns handling the MK19 and handheld grenades during the familiarization range. The range offered Marines the opportunity to build confidence and proficiency skills on some of the crew-served weapons they operate while providing security in a deployed environment. Johnson is the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Detachment staff noncommissioned officer in charge with the battalion.

Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Marines tackle some of their first fuel fires at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Oct. 16, 2015. The training exercise taught the new Marines how to battle the heat and keep pushing until they annihilate the flames, as well as get used to the environment of a real fire. - Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Marines tackle some of their first fuel fires at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Oct. 16, 2015. The training exercise taught the new Marines how to battle the heat and keep pushing until they annihilate the flames, as well as get used to the environment of a real fire.

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.

A Marine fires an FIM-92 Stinger Missile at a target during a stinger simulation training range at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Sept. 24, 2015. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion sharpened their proficiency skills by simulating the weight transfer felt when firing the 34.2 pound missile. The weapon is a personal and portable infrared, homing, surface-to-air missile capable of tracking and engaging aircraft up to an altitude of 10,000 feet and covering distances up to eight kilometers. 2nd LAAD utilizes the stinger missile to provide ground-to-air defense to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Air-Ground Task Force elements. - A Marine fires an FIM-92 Stinger Missile at a target during a stinger simulation training range at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Sept. 24, 2015. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion sharpened their proficiency skills by simulating the weight transfer felt when firing the 34.2 pound missile. The weapon is a personal and portable infrared, homing, surface-to-air missile capable of tracking and engaging aircraft up to an altitude of 10,000 feet and covering distances up to eight kilometers. 2nd LAAD utilizes the stinger missile to provide ground-to-air defense to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Air-Ground Task Force elements.

Pfc. William K. Blackwood communicates with members of his convoy during a combat convoy simulator at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 9, 2015. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion tested their combat skills and decision making as they maneuvered through a simulated desert, mimicking the possible scenarios they could encounter while in a real-life scenario. The training simulator allowed the Marines to efficiently train in a controlled environment without sacrificing safety or accuracy. Blackwood is a low altitude air defense gunner with 2nd LAAD based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. - Pfc. William K. Blackwood communicates with members of his convoy during a combat convoy simulator at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 9, 2015. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion tested their combat skills and decision making as they maneuvered through a simulated desert, mimicking the possible scenarios they could encounter while in a real-life scenario. The training simulator allowed the Marines to efficiently train in a controlled environment without sacrificing safety or accuracy. Blackwood is a low altitude air defense gunner with 2nd LAAD based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.

Marines set up a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun prior to a weapons familiarization range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 27, 2015. More than 100 Marines from Marine Air Support Squadron 1 honed their weapons skills with the M240B machine gun, Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun and the M1014 combat shotgun. Marines from various military job specialties received hands-on experience that allowed them to improve crucial skills and become well-rounded war fighters. - Marines set up a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun prior to a weapons familiarization range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 27, 2015. More than 100 Marines from Marine Air Support Squadron 1 honed their weapons skills with the M240B machine gun, Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun and the M1014 combat shotgun. Marines from various military job specialties received hands-on experience that allowed them to improve crucial skills and become well-rounded war fighters.

A Marine with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, motivates another member of his platoon to keep firing during training at the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 5, 2015. Marines with the unit conducted training on the virtual range to improve weapon proficiency without leaving a large logistical footprint. - A Marine with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, motivates another member of his platoon to keep firing during training at the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 5, 2015. Marines with the unit conducted training on the virtual range to improve weapon proficiency without leaving a large logistical footprint.

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Marines with Support Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, fire M240B Machine Guns and M2 Browning .50-Caliber Machine Guns at targets of an unknown distance from the turrets of armored Humvees as part of a convoy live-fire range at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, Aug. 4, 2015. The company conducted the five vehicle convoy in order to increase their proficiency with the weapons systems and to improve their communication skills. - Marines with Support Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, fire M240B Machine Guns and M2 Browning .50-Caliber Machine Guns at targets of an unknown distance from the turrets of armored Humvees as part of a convoy live-fire range at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, Aug. 4, 2015. The company conducted the five vehicle convoy in order to increase their proficiency with the weapons systems and to improve their communication skills.

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.

An explosive ordnance disposal technician undergoes the decontamination process after leak, seal, package and decontamination training April 21 at the gas chamber on Camp Hansen, Okinawa. Explosive ordnance disposal technicians and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense specialists placed a leaking ordnance package in the gas chamber, using chlorobenzylidene malonitrile, also known as tear gas, to simulate the emission of harmful gases. - An explosive ordnance disposal technician undergoes the decontamination process after leak, seal, package and decontamination training April 21 at the gas chamber on Camp Hansen, Okinawa. Explosive ordnance disposal technicians and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense specialists placed a leaking ordnance package in the gas chamber, using chlorobenzylidene malonitrile, also known as tear gas, to simulate the emission of harmful gases.

Two chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense specialists ensure gas masks are properly fitted prior to leak, seal, package and decontamination training April 21 at the gas chamber on Camp Hansen, Okinawa. The CBRN defense specialists assisted in familiarizing explosive ordnance disposal technicians with decontamination procedures following the leak, seal, package process used to mitigate CBRN-related hazards. The EOD technicians and CBRN defense specialists used protective equipment to perform general decontamination of the affected area and prepare the leaking ordnance for safe containment and transport before completing the decontamination process. The training instilled the Marines’ confidence in their safety equipment and procedures used to mitigate CBRN-related hazards. The Marines are with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, and Marine Logistics Group Headquarters Regiment, 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Two chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense specialists ensure gas masks are properly fitted prior to leak, seal, package and decontamination training April 21 at the gas chamber on Camp Hansen, Okinawa. The CBRN defense specialists assisted in familiarizing explosive ordnance disposal technicians with decontamination procedures following the leak, seal, package process used to mitigate CBRN-related hazards. The EOD technicians and CBRN defense specialists used protective equipment to perform general decontamination of the affected area and prepare the leaking ordnance for safe containment and transport before completing the decontamination process. The training instilled the Marines’ confidence in their safety equipment and procedures used to mitigate CBRN-related hazards. The Marines are with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, and Marine Logistics Group Headquarters Regiment, 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Corporal Ryan Harney, a team leader with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, and St. Charles, Mo. native, fires at an oppositional force member in the offense during Military Operations in Urban Terrain, or MOUT, training aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 8, 2015. The training included Marines going out in squad-sized elements to attack an objective being held by Marines in the defensive position after the squad leaders built terrain models and informed their Marines on avenues of approach and objectives. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Krista James/Released) - Corporal Ryan Harney, a team leader with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, and St. Charles, Mo. native, fires at an oppositional force member in the offense during Military Operations in Urban Terrain, or MOUT, training aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 8, 2015. The training included Marines going out in squad-sized elements to attack an objective being held by Marines in the defensive position after the squad leaders built terrain models and informed their Marines on avenues of approach and objectives. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Krista James/Released)

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

U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa board an MV-22 Osprey during an alert force drill on Moron Air Base, Spain, March 13, 2015. The alert force tested its capabilities by simulating the procedures of reacting to a real-time crisis response mission by flying to Sigonella, Italy on a moment's notice. - U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa board an MV-22 Osprey during an alert force drill on Moron Air Base, Spain, March 13, 2015. The alert force tested its capabilities by simulating the procedures of reacting to a real-time crisis response mission by flying to Sigonella, Italy on a moment's notice.

Marines with 2nd Marine Logistics Group practice using the M26 Joint Service Transportable Decontamination System during a CBRN decontamination course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 4, 2015. Students of the week-long course learned about detection of and protection against CBRN agents and the processes of decontaminating troops, equipment and vehicles. - Marines with 2nd Marine Logistics Group practice using the M26 Joint Service Transportable Decontamination System during a CBRN decontamination course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 4, 2015. Students of the week-long course learned about detection of and protection against CBRN agents and the processes of decontaminating troops, equipment and vehicles.

A Marine with 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion scans for enemy troops after a simulated attack during a week-long field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 24, 2015. Maintaining amphibious units is vital to the naval expeditionary nature of the Marine Corps, and maintaining the readiness and standards of every Marine ensures high performance and fast deployment capabilities. - A Marine with 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion scans for enemy troops after a simulated attack during a week-long field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 24, 2015. Maintaining amphibious units is vital to the naval expeditionary nature of the Marine Corps, and maintaining the readiness and standards of every Marine ensures high performance and fast deployment capabilities.

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Nicholas Davis, left, presents Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Hiroji Yamashita with a plaque, Dec. 12, during the closing ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at Camp Kita Kumamoto in Kumamoto, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Davis is the commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. Yamashita is the commanding officer of the 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released) - U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Nicholas Davis, left, presents Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Hiroji Yamashita with a plaque, Dec. 12, during the closing ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at Camp Kita Kumamoto in Kumamoto, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Davis is the commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. Yamashita is the commanding officer of the 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released)

U.S. Marines lead a foot patrol during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan Dec. 9. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. - U.S. Marines lead a foot patrol during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan Dec. 9. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

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.

U.S. Marines lead a foot patrol Dec. 9 during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. - U.S. Marines lead a foot patrol Dec. 9 during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. 1st Class Yatsuka Ikeda, left, helps U.S. Marine 1st Sgt. Timothy Babcock set up the American flag Dec. 1 before the opening ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light demonstrates the continued commitment of the U.S. and Japan to increase interoperability of our armed forces and maintain a strong partnership to protect Japan from external aggression. Ikeda is with 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. Babcock, from Port Austin, Michigan, is company first sergeant with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released) - Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. 1st Class Yatsuka Ikeda, left, helps U.S. Marine 1st Sgt. Timothy Babcock set up the American flag Dec. 1 before the opening ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light demonstrates the continued commitment of the U.S. and Japan to increase interoperability of our armed forces and maintain a strong partnership to protect Japan from external aggression. Ikeda is with 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. Babcock, from Port Austin, Michigan, is company first sergeant with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jonas G. Dewald works with a fellow Marine to don his ghillie suit Dec. 2 in the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. The concealment training is part of Forest Light 15-1, a semi-annual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and field training events conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Dewald, from Wilson, North Carolina, is a machine gunner with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released) - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jonas G. Dewald works with a fellow Marine to don his ghillie suit Dec. 2 in the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. The concealment training is part of Forest Light 15-1, a semi-annual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and field training events conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Dewald, from Wilson, North Carolina, is a machine gunner with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released)