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Marines with the Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force depart the gorge crossing area during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, California, May 5, 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 the Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force depart the gorge crossing area during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, California, May 5, 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. - 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. 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.

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., speaks to Marines of Company A and Weapons Company during their final field exercise at Range G6 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 3, 2015. Dunford visited GCEITF Marines to observe their training and discuss the future of the Corps, and how the Marines are helping shape a better Marine Corps. 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alicia R. Leaders/Released) - Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., speaks to Marines of Company A and Weapons Company during their final field exercise at Range G6 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 3, 2015. Dunford visited GCEITF Marines to observe their training and discuss the future of the Corps, and how the Marines are helping shape a better Marine Corps. 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alicia R. Leaders/Released)

Cpl. Steve Lizarraga, rifleman, 1st Platoon, Company A, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, examines the initial shot groups of Lance Cpl. Anne Creasy, rifleman, 2nd Platoon, Co. A, GCEITF, during the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle 100-meter zeroing course of fire during a three-day field exercise at the Verona Loop training area on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 3, 2014. - Cpl. Steve Lizarraga, rifleman, 1st Platoon, Company A, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, examines the initial shot groups of Lance Cpl. Anne Creasy, rifleman, 2nd Platoon, Co. A, GCEITF, during the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle 100-meter zeroing course of fire during a three-day field exercise at the Verona Loop training area on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 3, 2014.

Marines with Tank Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, conduct a casualty evacuation drill on the outside trails of Landing Zone Hawk at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 13, 2014. 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 Tank Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, conduct a casualty evacuation drill on the outside trails of Landing Zone Hawk at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 13, 2014. 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.

Gunnery Sgt. Robert V. Mendoza, company gunnery sergeant, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, is the most recent recipient of the Gunnery Sgt. Carlos N. Hathcock II Award for his performance while serving as marksmanship training unit instructor and assault amphibian vehicle gunnery training coordinator for Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, from Feb. 25, 2013 to Jan. 1, 2014. From October 2014 to July 2015, the Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force will conduct individual and collective skills training in designated 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released) - Gunnery Sgt. Robert V. Mendoza, company gunnery sergeant, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, is the most recent recipient of the Gunnery Sgt. Carlos N. Hathcock II Award for his performance while serving as marksmanship training unit instructor and assault amphibian vehicle gunnery training coordinator for Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, from Feb. 25, 2013 to Jan. 1, 2014. From October 2014 to July 2015, the Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force will conduct individual and collective skills training in designated 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

Col. Matthew G. St. Clair, commanding officer, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, presents 1st Lt. Benjamin Sheldon, platoon commander, Company A, GCEITF, with a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat "V" distinguishing device at the task force headquarters, Oct. 10, 2014. Sheldon was awarded for actions during a deployment to Afghanistan with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, from September 2013 to May 2014. 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released) - Col. Matthew G. St. Clair, commanding officer, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, presents 1st Lt. Benjamin Sheldon, platoon commander, Company A, GCEITF, with a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat "V" distinguishing device at the task force headquarters, Oct. 10, 2014. Sheldon was awarded for actions during a deployment to Afghanistan with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, from September 2013 to May 2014. 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)