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Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, prepare to X-ray the inside of a device during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 21, 2015. The unit simulated neutralizing a device containing a deadly nerve agent in a contaminated area before it was dispersed to the public. - Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, prepare to X-ray the inside of a device during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 21, 2015. The unit simulated neutralizing a device containing a deadly nerve agent in a contaminated area before it was dispersed to the public.

Scout sniper screener candidates with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment conduct a max set of pull-ups during a physical fitness assessment at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 20, 2015. The screener aims to prepare candidates for the Scout Sniper Basic Course. - Scout sniper screener candidates with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment conduct a max set of pull-ups during a physical fitness assessment at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 20, 2015. The screener aims to prepare candidates for the Scout Sniper Basic Course.

A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment throws a simulated grenade during lane training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 20, 2015. Marines with the company were required to assault a bunker and when within range, throw a grenade to eliminate any possible threats. The training consisted of four stations, each of which would provide instructions and hands-on training in radio communications, grenade employment, patrolling and emplacing M18 Claymores. - A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment throws a simulated grenade during lane training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 20, 2015. Marines with the company were required to assault a bunker and when within range, throw a grenade to eliminate any possible threats. The training consisted of four stations, each of which would provide instructions and hands-on training in radio communications, grenade employment, patrolling and emplacing M18 Claymores.

Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division conduct free fall jump training from a C-130 Hercules with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 16, 2015. 1st Recon conducted parachute operations in preparation for future deployments. - Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division conduct free fall jump training from a C-130 Hercules with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 16, 2015. 1st Recon conducted parachute operations in preparation for future deployments.

Pfc. Douglas Masters, a mortar man with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, calibrates his compass by reading a predetermined azimuth before a land navigation course in preparation for the scout sniper platoon screener, Oct. 14, 2015, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. More than 15 Marines with the battalion are taking part in the course to prepare themselves for the scout sniper platoon screener. - Pfc. Douglas Masters, a mortar man with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, calibrates his compass by reading a predetermined azimuth before a land navigation course in preparation for the scout sniper platoon screener, Oct. 14, 2015, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. More than 15 Marines with the battalion are taking part in the course to prepare themselves for the scout sniper platoon screener.

A Marine candidate with the Scout Sniper Screening Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, maneuvers over an obstacle as part of the Scout Sniper Physical Assessment Test at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 19, 2015. The obstacle course served as the final evolution for the assessment, requiring two consecutive completions from each candidate. - A Marine candidate with the Scout Sniper Screening Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, maneuvers over an obstacle as part of the Scout Sniper Physical Assessment Test at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 19, 2015. The obstacle course served as the final evolution for the assessment, requiring two consecutive completions from each candidate.

Flares from a C-130 Hercules transportation aircraft illuminate the landing zone for an incoming CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter during a fire support coordination exercise that kicked off Blue Chromite 2016, at Okinawa, Japan, today. Blue Chromite is large-scale air-ground training exercise that builds upon the Marine Corps’ sea-borne, rapid-reaction capabilities while maintaining the Corps’ strategic presence in the Pacific. The principle units involved in the ongoing exercise are 3rd Marine Division, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and 3rd Marine Logistics Group, all subordinate commands of III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Flares from a C-130 Hercules transportation aircraft illuminate the landing zone for an incoming CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter during a fire support coordination exercise that kicked off Blue Chromite 2016, at Okinawa, Japan, today. Blue Chromite is large-scale air-ground training exercise that builds upon the Marine Corps’ sea-borne, rapid-reaction capabilities while maintaining the Corps’ strategic presence in the Pacific. The principle units involved in the ongoing exercise are 3rd Marine Division, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and 3rd Marine Logistics Group, all subordinate commands of III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Xxenos, a military working dog, rests during one of his combat deployments.The retired MWD passed away earlier this year at the age of 10. Xxenos had been retired three years and deployed three times during his career; twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. Xxenos was a Marine specialized search dog. - Xxenos, a military working dog, rests during one of his combat deployments.The retired MWD passed away earlier this year at the age of 10. Xxenos had been retired three years and deployed three times during his career; twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. Xxenos was a Marine specialized search dog.

Marines assigned to the Urban Leaders Course at 1st Marine Division Schools, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to clear a building during a live-fire training exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 25, 2015. The class teaches fire team and squad leaders skills and tactics to be successful in urban environments, which they can share with the Marines they lead and the leadership of their entire unit. - Marines assigned to the Urban Leaders Course at 1st Marine Division Schools, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to clear a building during a live-fire training exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 25, 2015. The class teaches fire team and squad leaders skills and tactics to be successful in urban environments, which they can share with the Marines they lead and the leadership of their entire unit.

Cpl. Willis Shifflett, a squad leader with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, performs first-aid on a simulated civilian casualty during the Infantry Immersion Trainer at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 9, 2015. The IIT is used to allow Marines to put themselves into a deployment scenario and take constructive criticism after their mission is completed. - Cpl. Willis Shifflett, a squad leader with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, performs first-aid on a simulated civilian casualty during the Infantry Immersion Trainer at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 9, 2015. The IIT is used to allow Marines to put themselves into a deployment scenario and take constructive criticism after their mission is completed.

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.