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U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the French 5th Overseas Combined Arms Regiment (RIAOM) perform crunches as part of indoctrination prior to participating in a desert survival course. Elements of the 15th MEU are training with the 5th RIAOM in Djibouti in order to improve interoperability between the MEU and the French military. - U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the French 5th Overseas Combined Arms Regiment (RIAOM) perform crunches as part of indoctrination prior to participating in a desert survival course. Elements of the 15th MEU are training with the 5th RIAOM in Djibouti in order to improve interoperability between the MEU and the French military.

The San Francisco Sheriff’s Department demonstrates their dogs ability to search and locate bomb components and drugs during the Bark at the Park event Oct. 10, as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015. SFFW 15’ is a week-long event that blends a unique training and education program, bringing together key civilian emergency responders and Naval crisis-response forces to exchange best practices on humanitarian assistance disaster relief with particular emphasis on defense support to civil authorities. - The San Francisco Sheriff’s Department demonstrates their dogs ability to search and locate bomb components and drugs during the Bark at the Park event Oct. 10, as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015. SFFW 15’ is a week-long event that blends a unique training and education program, bringing together key civilian emergency responders and Naval crisis-response forces to exchange best practices on humanitarian assistance disaster relief with particular emphasis on defense support to civil authorities.

Lance Cpl. Luis Muniz, a motor transport operator with Transportation Support Co., Combat Logistics Battalion 2, mans an M240G medium machine gun during simulated High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle convoy training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 7, 2015. Marines with the unit are undergoing Convoy Leader’s Course in preparation for an Integrated Training Exercise in Twentynine Palms, Calif., later this month. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lucas Hopkins/Released) - Lance Cpl. Luis Muniz, a motor transport operator with Transportation Support Co., Combat Logistics Battalion 2, mans an M240G medium machine gun during simulated High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle convoy training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 7, 2015. Marines with the unit are undergoing Convoy Leader’s Course in preparation for an Integrated Training Exercise in Twentynine Palms, Calif., later this month. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lucas Hopkins/Released)

Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion practice dry-firing the Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon, or SMAW, before conducting a live-fire range at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 29, 2015. The battalion conducted the range in an effort to familiarize the Marines with the weapons system in preparation for an upcoming deployment. - Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion practice dry-firing the Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon, or SMAW, before conducting a live-fire range at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 29, 2015. The battalion conducted the range in an effort to familiarize the Marines with the weapons system in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, enter a fake village to conduct essential training at the Infantry Immersion Trainer at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 30, 2015. The training is designed to better prepare them for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Logistical Command Element Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Michael Dye/Released)  - Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, enter a fake village to conduct essential training at the Infantry Immersion Trainer at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 30, 2015. The training is designed to better prepare them for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Logistical Command Element Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Michael Dye/Released) 

Maj. Asa Warrington talks to Jeff Park, a field associate of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, about the many opportunities available to the Marines after they leave the military during the Veteran Employment Summit at Marines' Memorial Club and Hotel Oct. 6, 2015 as Part of Fleet Week San Francisco 2015 in San Francisco. Military and civilian leaders provided service members with opportunities available to them after their active service. - Maj. Asa Warrington talks to Jeff Park, a field associate of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, about the many opportunities available to the Marines after they leave the military during the Veteran Employment Summit at Marines' Memorial Club and Hotel Oct. 6, 2015 as Part of Fleet Week San Francisco 2015 in San Francisco. Military and civilian leaders provided service members with opportunities available to them after their active service.

Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion conducted a Heavy Brigade Combat Team qualification course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 1, 2015. The training focused on engaging targets with the Amphibious Assault Vehicle P7, a fully-tracked amphibious vehicle used to transport troops from water to land during amphibious operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Krista James/Released) - Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion conducted a Heavy Brigade Combat Team qualification course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 1, 2015. The training focused on engaging targets with the Amphibious Assault Vehicle P7, a fully-tracked amphibious vehicle used to transport troops from water to land during amphibious operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Krista James/Released)

The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert Neller, speaks to Marines of the I Marine Expeditionary Force about the future of their Corps during his visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 5, 2015. Gen. Neller spoke about future equipment that will be used by the Marine Corps, discussed the importance of being a strong leader and answered any question the Marines had. - The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert Neller, speaks to Marines of the I Marine Expeditionary Force about the future of their Corps during his visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 5, 2015. Gen. Neller spoke about future equipment that will be used by the Marine Corps, discussed the importance of being a strong leader and answered any question the Marines had.

Lance Cpl. Tyler, Shiels, right, conducts a search of Cpl. Kyle Lamprich during a security forces training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 30, 2015. More than 30 Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion participated in the week-long training, covering a full spectrum of scenarios they may encounter while deployed. Shiels and Lamprich are both low altitude air defense gunners with the squadron. - Lance Cpl. Tyler, Shiels, right, conducts a search of Cpl. Kyle Lamprich during a security forces training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 30, 2015. More than 30 Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion participated in the week-long training, covering a full spectrum of scenarios they may encounter while deployed. Shiels and Lamprich are both low altitude air defense gunners with the squadron.

Cpl. Anthony Payton, a field artillery cannoneer with Lima Battery, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, swabs an M777 Howitzer after it was fired during a live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 30, 2015. This was the last exercise Lima conducted as a standalone battery. - Cpl. Anthony Payton, a field artillery cannoneer with Lima Battery, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, swabs an M777 Howitzer after it was fired during a live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 30, 2015. This was the last exercise Lima conducted as a standalone battery.

A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment fires the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during a company sized combined-arms attack on range SR-9 at Marine corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 24, 2015. During the training, Alpha Company fired the M4 carbine, the M16 A4 service rifle, M249 Squad Automatic Weapons, M240B machine guns, M2 .50 caliber heavy machine guns, MK19 40mm grenade launchers and M224 60mm lightweight mortar systems. - A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment fires the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during a company sized combined-arms attack on range SR-9 at Marine corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 24, 2015. During the training, Alpha Company fired the M4 carbine, the M16 A4 service rifle, M249 Squad Automatic Weapons, M240B machine guns, M2 .50 caliber heavy machine guns, MK19 40mm grenade launchers and M224 60mm lightweight mortar systems.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment use the M249 light machine gun to shoot at practice targets during live fire training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 22 – 23, 2015. The training aimed to improve the Marines’ proficiency with multiple weapons systems and to prepare the Marines for a security element course. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment use the M249 light machine gun to shoot at practice targets during live fire training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 22 – 23, 2015. The training aimed to improve the Marines’ proficiency with multiple weapons systems and to prepare the Marines for a security element course.

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Cpl. Jimran Greene, a gunner with Battery F, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force prepares to re-oil the chamber of his team’s M777 howitzer before their next fire mission aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 23, 2015. Processing fire missions is one of the most important forms of training for an artillery team. - Cpl. Jimran Greene, a gunner with Battery F, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force prepares to re-oil the chamber of his team’s M777 howitzer before their next fire mission aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 23, 2015. Processing fire missions is one of the most important forms of training for an artillery team.

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A Marine with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, prepares to submerge underwater while wearing a supplemental emergency breathing device at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 22, 2015. The company participated in the submerged vehicle egress training to gain confidence in their abilities to safely exit a sinking amphibious assault vehicle in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - A Marine with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, prepares to submerge underwater while wearing a supplemental emergency breathing device at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 22, 2015. The company participated in the submerged vehicle egress training to gain confidence in their abilities to safely exit a sinking amphibious assault vehicle in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

A Marine with 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, applies a tourniquet to a simulated casualty at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 23, 2015. The battalion conducted the training, which simulates vehicle rollovers and how to react, in order to hone their skills prior to deploying. - A Marine with 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, applies a tourniquet to a simulated casualty at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 23, 2015. The battalion conducted the training, which simulates vehicle rollovers and how to react, in order to hone their skills prior to deploying.

A firefighter with Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California, battles a structure fire as part of a mutual aid response to the Butte Fire in Northern California. More than 3,300 fire crews from all over the state assisted in containing the huge blaze. - A firefighter with Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California, battles a structure fire as part of a mutual aid response to the Butte Fire in Northern California. More than 3,300 fire crews from all over the state assisted in containing the huge blaze.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment rush to a wire trap to set up a Bangalore charge to destroy the trap during a demolitions exercise with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion at Engineer Training Area 7 on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 22, 2015. Marines with 2/2 increased their proficiency and knowledge with various charges and techniques with the help of 2nd CEB. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment rush to a wire trap to set up a Bangalore charge to destroy the trap during a demolitions exercise with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion at Engineer Training Area 7 on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 22, 2015. Marines with 2/2 increased their proficiency and knowledge with various charges and techniques with the help of 2nd CEB.

Staff Sgt. Joshua K. Crabtree, explosive ordnance disposal technician, 3rd EOD, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, performs a sweep with a metal detector during a post-blast analysis training scenario at Emerson Lake training area, Sept. 19, 2015. While aboard the Combat Center, EOD technicians received experience in working with a wider variety of ordnance than is usually available to the unit. - Staff Sgt. Joshua K. Crabtree, explosive ordnance disposal technician, 3rd EOD, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, performs a sweep with a metal detector during a post-blast analysis training scenario at Emerson Lake training area, Sept. 19, 2015. While aboard the Combat Center, EOD technicians received experience in working with a wider variety of ordnance than is usually available to the unit.

U.S. Marines and sailors accompanied Benin’s National Surveillance Police to Jesu Jro, Benin, Sept. 24, 2015, to conduct a combined border surveillance training exercise. The Marines and sailors with the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa came to Benin for a monthlong theater security cooperation mission to build the NSP’s capacity to counter illicit trafficking along the country’s borders. - U.S. Marines and sailors accompanied Benin’s National Surveillance Police to Jesu Jro, Benin, Sept. 24, 2015, to conduct a combined border surveillance training exercise. The Marines and sailors with the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa came to Benin for a monthlong theater security cooperation mission to build the NSP’s capacity to counter illicit trafficking along the country’s borders.

Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 inspect the hooks in a CH-53E Super Stallion at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Sept. 16. Marines with HMH-466 prepared to conduct nighttime external-lift training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. - Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 inspect the hooks in a CH-53E Super Stallion at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Sept. 16. Marines with HMH-466 prepared to conduct nighttime external-lift training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Engineers from Bridge Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group and 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division as well as members of British 54 Commando Squadron Royal Engineers stand atop a medium girder bridge they built at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 23, 2015. Marines from 7th ESB and 1st CEB are conducting various engineer training events alongside their British counterparts in coming weeks as part of annual large-scale exercise Black Alligator. - Engineers from Bridge Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group and 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division as well as members of British 54 Commando Squadron Royal Engineers stand atop a medium girder bridge they built at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 23, 2015. Marines from 7th ESB and 1st CEB are conducting various engineer training events alongside their British counterparts in coming weeks as part of annual large-scale exercise Black Alligator.

Lance Cpl. Cody Conlon, a fireteam leader with 2nd Marine Regiment, watches Marines with his unit set up defenses from his fighting position during a battalion deployment for training exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 16, 2015. The defensive training took place during a nine-day deployment for training exercise designed to prepare for a variety of combat scenarios, including defensive, offensive, and urban operations. - Lance Cpl. Cody Conlon, a fireteam leader with 2nd Marine Regiment, watches Marines with his unit set up defenses from his fighting position during a battalion deployment for training exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 16, 2015. The defensive training took place during a nine-day deployment for training exercise designed to prepare for a variety of combat scenarios, including defensive, offensive, and urban operations.

A Marine with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division lands at his designated drop zone following a High Altitude – High Opening insertion event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 17, 2015. The goal of the training was to sharpen a skill set that is of great advantage to expeditionary forces, allowing the jumpers to infiltrate locations where access would be too difficult for vehicles. - A Marine with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division lands at his designated drop zone following a High Altitude – High Opening insertion event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 17, 2015. The goal of the training was to sharpen a skill set that is of great advantage to expeditionary forces, allowing the jumpers to infiltrate locations where access would be too difficult for vehicles.

Capt. Thomas Haynes, a fire direction officer with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, is part of the fire support coordination center for the fire support training conducted on Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 17, 2015. After the FST leaders decide what they would like to use as a killing asset, the call goes through the fire support coordination center for approval. - Capt. Thomas Haynes, a fire direction officer with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, is part of the fire support coordination center for the fire support training conducted on Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 17, 2015. After the FST leaders decide what they would like to use as a killing asset, the call goes through the fire support coordination center for approval.

Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, depart the training area in an M1 Abrams tank following a vehicle breaching exercise aboard Engineer Training Area 2, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 17, 2015. The exercise brought together mechanized crews with 2nd Tanks and 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion to breach through and over a high berm. - Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, depart the training area in an M1 Abrams tank following a vehicle breaching exercise aboard Engineer Training Area 2, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 17, 2015. The exercise brought together mechanized crews with 2nd Tanks and 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion to breach through and over a high berm.

Captain Guy Lee, the I Marine Expeditionary Force chaplain introduces a panel of subject matter experts that were present during the second battle for Fallujah, Iraq. Navy Chaplains and Religious Program Specialists gathered Sept. 18, 2015 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., to discuss the roles of religious personnel during times of heavy combat; specifically revisiting the events of the second battle of Fallujah during Operation Phantom Fury. - Captain Guy Lee, the I Marine Expeditionary Force chaplain introduces a panel of subject matter experts that were present during the second battle for Fallujah, Iraq. Navy Chaplains and Religious Program Specialists gathered Sept. 18, 2015 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., to discuss the roles of religious personnel during times of heavy combat; specifically revisiting the events of the second battle of Fallujah during Operation Phantom Fury.

Donnelly, Idaho, native, Sgt. Elizabeth Azcuenaga, an enlisted aircrew training manager with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 (HMLA-169), Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, fires a GAU-17 machine gun from the door of a UH-1Y Huey while the pilot simultaneously launches a rocket aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 17, 2015. Azcuenaga fired the weapon during a weapons proficiency range designed to help new pilots and crew chiefs become more effective with their respective weapons systems. - Donnelly, Idaho, native, Sgt. Elizabeth Azcuenaga, an enlisted aircrew training manager with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 (HMLA-169), Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, fires a GAU-17 machine gun from the door of a UH-1Y Huey while the pilot simultaneously launches a rocket aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 17, 2015. Azcuenaga fired the weapon during a weapons proficiency range designed to help new pilots and crew chiefs become more effective with their respective weapons systems.

A Marine with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, fires behind cover at simulated targets during immediate action drills aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 9, 2015. The drills were part of a 2-week training schedule used to build on basic infantry skills for an upcoming deployment with a Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tony Simmons/RELEASED) - A Marine with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, fires behind cover at simulated targets during immediate action drills aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 9, 2015. The drills were part of a 2-week training schedule used to build on basic infantry skills for an upcoming deployment with a Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tony Simmons/RELEASED)

Marines, sailors and members of the Canadian Army conduct an amphibious landing at Evangola State Park, New York, Sept. 11, 2015. The landing was part of exercise Lake Effect, which was a joint exercise focusing on patrolling and strengthening the interoperability between each service. The Marines are with Charlie Co, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, the Canadians are with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Wentworth Regiment and the sailors are with full time service support staff in Buffalo, U.S. Navy mid Atlantic Reserve Component Command. - Marines, sailors and members of the Canadian Army conduct an amphibious landing at Evangola State Park, New York, Sept. 11, 2015. The landing was part of exercise Lake Effect, which was a joint exercise focusing on patrolling and strengthening the interoperability between each service. The Marines are with Charlie Co, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, the Canadians are with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Wentworth Regiment and the sailors are with full time service support staff in Buffalo, U.S. Navy mid Atlantic Reserve Component Command.

Marines with 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, look over a map of the surrounding area during Operation Firestorm, and exercise to prepare the unit for their upcoming exercise, Rolling Thunder, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 15, 2015. The operation is a week-long field operation and is designed to ensure that communication and logistics capabilities are up to par before pushing out to Fort Bragg for Rolling Thunder. - Marines with 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, look over a map of the surrounding area during Operation Firestorm, and exercise to prepare the unit for their upcoming exercise, Rolling Thunder, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 15, 2015. The operation is a week-long field operation and is designed to ensure that communication and logistics capabilities are up to par before pushing out to Fort Bragg for Rolling Thunder.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, stationed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, settles in at Camp Aibano, Japan, Sept. 7, 2015, in support of Exercise Forest Light 16-1. MWSS-171’s main purpose during this exercise is to provide aviation fuel support for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, who will have two CH-53 Super Stallions coming in for hot fuel in an area far away from any airport or fuel line. - Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, stationed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, settles in at Camp Aibano, Japan, Sept. 7, 2015, in support of Exercise Forest Light 16-1. MWSS-171’s main purpose during this exercise is to provide aviation fuel support for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, who will have two CH-53 Super Stallions coming in for hot fuel in an area far away from any airport or fuel line.

September is the month of Suicide Prevention. Suicide Prevention Month aims to spread information about suicide awareness, decrease stigmatization regarding suicide and raise awareness that suicide is preventable. - September is the month of Suicide Prevention. Suicide Prevention Month aims to spread information about suicide awareness, decrease stigmatization regarding suicide and raise awareness that suicide is preventable.

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An anti-tank missileman with Combined Anti-Armor Team (CAAT) Red within Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/1, the ground combat element for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, perfoms pre-fire inspections on a Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) Missile before he and fellow Marines practice hunter-killer techniques on Aug. 21, 2015. The CAAT, composed of heavy machine gunners and anti-tank missilemen, is used to combat hardened targets as well as provide security. - An anti-tank missileman with Combined Anti-Armor Team (CAAT) Red within Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/1, the ground combat element for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, perfoms pre-fire inspections on a Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) Missile before he and fellow Marines practice hunter-killer techniques on Aug. 21, 2015. The CAAT, composed of heavy machine gunners and anti-tank missilemen, is used to combat hardened targets as well as provide security.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 make impact on targets utilizing the GAU-16 .50 caliber machine gun in an MV-22B Osprey in the skies above Piney Island bombing range, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2015. The crew flew over training area Bombing Target 11 to assault targets resembling a convoy, barge and landing craft. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 make impact on targets utilizing the GAU-16 .50 caliber machine gun in an MV-22B Osprey in the skies above Piney Island bombing range, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2015. The crew flew over training area Bombing Target 11 to assault targets resembling a convoy, barge and landing craft.

Marines with Co. C, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, and members of the Canadian Army Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Wentworth Regiment, conduct patrols at Evangola State Park, New York, during exercise Lake Effect, Sept. 12, 2015. The Canadians divided up among the Marine platoons to strengthen the interoperability amongst the services and learn new training techniques and tactics. - Marines with Co. C, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, and members of the Canadian Army Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Wentworth Regiment, conduct patrols at Evangola State Park, New York, during exercise Lake Effect, Sept. 12, 2015. The Canadians divided up among the Marine platoons to strengthen the interoperability amongst the services and learn new training techniques and tactics.

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.

Lance Cpl. Aaron Philson fires a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun during 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 allows them to improve crucial skills and become well-rounded war fighters. Philson is an aviation communications technician with MASS-1. - Lance Cpl. Aaron Philson fires a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun during 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 allows them to improve crucial skills and become well-rounded war fighters. Philson is an aviation communications technician with MASS-1.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. Akito Yagi attaches vegetation to his sniper rifle while performing stalking drills during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 10, 2015. The Marines sat up on a high embankment, trying to catch the JGSDF stalking the target with binoculars. Forest Light is a semiannual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events, conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. Yagi is a sniper with 50th Infantry Regiment, 14th Brigade. - Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. Akito Yagi attaches vegetation to his sniper rifle while performing stalking drills during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 10, 2015. The Marines sat up on a high embankment, trying to catch the JGSDF stalking the target with binoculars. Forest Light is a semiannual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events, conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. Yagi is a sniper with 50th Infantry Regiment, 14th Brigade.

Sgt. Sugimoto Yoshitaka fires the Type 01 LMAT Anti-Tank Missile System during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 7, 2015. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marines shared knowledge about different anti-tank missile systems. After giving specifications of their respective weapon systems, the two forces used practice rounds to demonstrate how well the weapon systems work. Forest Light will take place Sept. 7-18 with approximately 240 Marines working next to 350 JGSDF members. The exercise will consist of mortar live fire, establishing forward arming and refueling points training, helicopter borne skills and combined arms procedures. Sugimoto is an anti-tank missile man with 50th infantry regiment, 14th Brigade. - Sgt. Sugimoto Yoshitaka fires the Type 01 LMAT Anti-Tank Missile System during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 7, 2015. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marines shared knowledge about different anti-tank missile systems. After giving specifications of their respective weapon systems, the two forces used practice rounds to demonstrate how well the weapon systems work. Forest Light will take place Sept. 7-18 with approximately 240 Marines working next to 350 JGSDF members. The exercise will consist of mortar live fire, establishing forward arming and refueling points training, helicopter borne skills and combined arms procedures. Sugimoto is an anti-tank missile man with 50th infantry regiment, 14th Brigade.

U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self Defense Force members salute as each nations’ national anthem plays marking the beginning of Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 6, 2015. Forest Light will take place Sept. 7-18 with approximately 240 Marines working next to 350 JGSDF members. The exercise will consist of combined mortar live fire, establishing forward arming and refueling points, combined helicopter borne skills and combined-arms training. The JGSDF members are from 50th Infantry Regiment, 14th Brigade. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self Defense Force members salute as each nations’ national anthem plays marking the beginning of Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 6, 2015. Forest Light will take place Sept. 7-18 with approximately 240 Marines working next to 350 JGSDF members. The exercise will consist of combined mortar live fire, establishing forward arming and refueling points, combined helicopter borne skills and combined-arms training. The JGSDF members are from 50th Infantry Regiment, 14th Brigade. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force member prepares to fire a 120mm mortar during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 6, 2015. The JGSDF and U.S. Marines took turns calling fire missions, prepping the mortar for fire, and firing the mortar. Forest Light is a semi-annual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. The JGSDF member is from 50th Infantry Regiment, 14th Brigade. - A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force member prepares to fire a 120mm mortar during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 6, 2015. The JGSDF and U.S. Marines took turns calling fire missions, prepping the mortar for fire, and firing the mortar. Forest Light is a semi-annual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. The JGSDF member is from 50th Infantry Regiment, 14th Brigade.

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 Corps color guard prepares to raise the colors at Civic Space Park on Sept. 9, 2015 as part of Marine Week Phoenix. This event allows the Marine Corps to showcase its traditions, history, and values. - A Marine Corps color guard prepares to raise the colors at Civic Space Park on Sept. 9, 2015 as part of Marine Week Phoenix. This event allows the Marine Corps to showcase its traditions, history, and values.

A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion drives and splashes a Polaris Razor through a mud-hole in the woods during a basic recreational off-highway vehicle training qualification course on Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 1, 2015. The course is designed to introduce Marines to the two-seater all-terrain vehicle, and familiarize them to its capabilities and safety consideration. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexander Mitchell/released) - A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion drives and splashes a Polaris Razor through a mud-hole in the woods during a basic recreational off-highway vehicle training qualification course on Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 1, 2015. The course is designed to introduce Marines to the two-seater all-terrain vehicle, and familiarize them to its capabilities and safety consideration. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexander Mitchell/released)

Students with the Field Medical Service Technician Course, led by HM2 Hoff, an instructor with FMTB West, reach the turn-around point during their 6-mile hike at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 1, 2015. The hike is one of three hikes that every student must complete on their journey to becoming “greenside” corpsmen, working side-by-side and caring for Marines. - Students with the Field Medical Service Technician Course, led by HM2 Hoff, an instructor with FMTB West, reach the turn-around point during their 6-mile hike at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 1, 2015. The hike is one of three hikes that every student must complete on their journey to becoming “greenside” corpsmen, working side-by-side and caring for Marines.

Mexican Navy sailors stand in formation on the deck of Mexican ship ARM Usumacinta during a media visit held in conjunction with Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015, Sept. 6. Mexican Naval Forces are participating as observers in Exercise Dawn Blitz for the first time in 2015, with the hope of developing a stronger and more effective amphibious presence. - Mexican Navy sailors stand in formation on the deck of Mexican ship ARM Usumacinta during a media visit held in conjunction with Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015, Sept. 6. Mexican Naval Forces are participating as observers in Exercise Dawn Blitz for the first time in 2015, with the hope of developing a stronger and more effective amphibious presence.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division use a compass to determine their left and right lateral limits on the beaches of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015, Sept. 5, 2015. Dawn Blitz is a multinational training exercise designed to enhance Expeditionary Strike Group Three and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ability to conduct sea-based operations, amphibious landings, and command and control capabilities alongside Japan, Mexico and New Zealand. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division use a compass to determine their left and right lateral limits on the beaches of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015, Sept. 5, 2015. Dawn Blitz is a multinational training exercise designed to enhance Expeditionary Strike Group Three and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ability to conduct sea-based operations, amphibious landings, and command and control capabilities alongside Japan, Mexico and New Zealand.