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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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Marines don Mission Oriented Protective Posture suits before a simulated chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear reconnaissance and decontamination demonstration with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, July 30, 2015. The troops participated in a combined integrated capabilities demonstration to identify how both units can benefit each other. The Marines are with CBRN Platoon, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Battery A, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, under the Unit Deployment Program. The JGSDF soldiers are with Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Unit, 15th Brigade.

Marines don Mission Oriented Protective Posture suits before a simulated chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear reconnaissance and decontamination demonstration with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, July 30, 2015. The troops participated in a combined integrated capabilities demonstration to identify how both units can benefit each other. The Marines are with CBRN Platoon, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Battery A, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, under the Unit Deployment Program. The JGSDF soldiers are with Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Unit, 15th Brigade.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Steven Tran

Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers clean a mock contamination at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, July 30, 2015. The Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear personnel participated in a combined integrated capabilities demonstration to identify how both units can benefit each other. The Marines are with CBRN Platoon, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Battery A, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, under the Unit Deployment Program. The JGSDF soldiers are with Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Unit, 15th Brigade.

Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers clean a mock contamination at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, July 30, 2015. The Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear personnel participated in a combined integrated capabilities demonstration to identify how both units can benefit each other. The Marines are with CBRN Platoon, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Battery A, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, under the Unit Deployment Program. The JGSDF soldiers are with Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Unit, 15th Brigade.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Steven Tran

A Marine scrubs his helmet during a decontamination drill at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, July 30, 2015. Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers participated in a combined integrated capabilities demonstration to identify how both units can benefit each other. The Marines are with Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Platoon, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Battery A, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, under the Unit Deployment Program.

A Marine scrubs his helmet during a decontamination drill at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, July 30, 2015. Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers participated in a combined integrated capabilities demonstration to identify how both units can benefit each other. The Marines are with Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Platoon, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Battery A, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, under the Unit Deployment Program.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Steven Tran

Maj. Gen. Richard L. Simcock II interacts with Sailors of the 3rd Marine Division during his speech over key issues in the pacific region at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 7, 2015. Simcock, from San Mateo, California, expressed the importance of Sailors' role in maintaining Pacific stability by building stronger partnerships with allied nations in the region. Strong alliances among partnered nations increase reliability in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, he explained. Simcock is the commanding general of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Maj. Gen. Richard L. Simcock II interacts with Sailors of the 3rd Marine Division during his speech over key issues in the pacific region at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 7, 2015. Simcock, from San Mateo, California, expressed the importance of Sailors' role in maintaining Pacific stability by building stronger partnerships with allied nations in the region. Strong alliances among partnered nations increase reliability in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, he explained. Simcock is the commanding general of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

Maj. Gen. Richard L. Simcock II interacts with a Sailor of 3rd Marine Division during his speech over key issues in the Pacific region at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 7, 2015. Simcock, from San Mateo, California, expressed the importance of Sailors' role in maintaining Pacific stability by building stronger partnerships with allied nations in the region. Strong alliances among partnered nations increase reliability in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, he explained. Simcock is the commanding general of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Maj. Gen. Richard L. Simcock II interacts with a Sailor of 3rd Marine Division during his speech over key issues in the Pacific region at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 7, 2015. Simcock, from San Mateo, California, expressed the importance of Sailors' role in maintaining Pacific stability by building stronger partnerships with allied nations in the region. Strong alliances among partnered nations increase reliability in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, he explained. Simcock is the commanding general of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

Master Chief Petty Officer Christopher W. Moore speaks to Sailors of the 3rd Marine Division at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 7, 2015. Moore, from Glendale, Arizona, discusses with Sailors new policy changes he wishes to enforce and their thoughts over the policies. Moore is the command master chief of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Master Chief Petty Officer Christopher W. Moore speaks to Sailors of the 3rd Marine Division at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 7, 2015. Moore, from Glendale, Arizona, discusses with Sailors new policy changes he wishes to enforce and their thoughts over the policies. Moore is the command master chief of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

Maj. Gen. Richard L. Simcock II interacts with Sailors of 3rd Marine Division during his speech over key issues in the Pacific region at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 7, 2015. Simcock, from San Mateo, California, expressed the importance of the Sailors' role in maintaining Pacific stability by building stronger partnerships with allied nations in the region. Strong alliances among partnered nations increase reliability in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, he explained. Simcock is the commanding general of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Maj. Gen. Richard L. Simcock II interacts with Sailors of 3rd Marine Division during his speech over key issues in the Pacific region at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 7, 2015. Simcock, from San Mateo, California, expressed the importance of the Sailors' role in maintaining Pacific stability by building stronger partnerships with allied nations in the region. Strong alliances among partnered nations increase reliability in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, he explained. Simcock is the commanding general of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

A U.S. Marine CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 lands to withdraw Philippine Marines from their raid assault during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 at Crows Valley Range in Botolan, Zambales, Philippines, July 22, 2015. The Philippine Marines participated in two weeks of bilateral training alongside U.S. Marines to improve readiness and strengthen interoperability between both forces. HMH-462 is attached to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the Unit Deployment Program. The Philippine Marines are with Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, 1st Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps.

A U.S. Marine CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 lands to withdraw Philippine Marines from their raid assault during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 at Crows Valley Range in Botolan, Zambales, Philippines, July 22, 2015. The Philippine Marines participated in two weeks of bilateral training alongside U.S. Marines to improve readiness and strengthen interoperability between both forces. HMH-462 is attached to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the Unit Deployment Program. The Philippine Marines are with Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, 1st Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps.

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

A Philippine Marine provides security in anticipation for the landing of U.S. Marine CH-53E Super Stallions assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 at Crows Valley, Philippines, July 22, 2015. The Philippine Marines participated in two weeks of bilateral training alongside U.S. Marines to improve readiness and strengthen interoperability between both forces. HMH-462 is attached to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the Unit Deployment Program. The Philippine Marines are with Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, 1st Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps.

A Philippine Marine provides security in anticipation for the landing of U.S. Marine CH-53E Super Stallions assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 at Crows Valley, Philippines, July 22, 2015. The Philippine Marines participated in two weeks of bilateral training alongside U.S. Marines to improve readiness and strengthen interoperability between both forces. HMH-462 is attached to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the Unit Deployment Program. The Philippine Marines are with Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, 1st Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps.

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

A Philippine Marine learns fast roping under the supervision of U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 at Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines, July 15, 2015. The exercise is a bilateral training event focused on strengthening the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. The Philippine Marines are with Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, 1st Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps.

A Philippine Marine learns fast roping under the supervision of U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 at Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines, July 15, 2015. The exercise is a bilateral training event focused on strengthening the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. The Philippine Marines are with Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, 1st Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps.

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Matt Shibata teaches a Philippine Marine proper weapon handling techniques during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 at Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines, July 15, 2015. The Marines went through a number of different scenarios to include fire and maneuver as well as urban operations. AASE is a bilateral training event focused on strengthening the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. Shibata is the platoon commander with 2nd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division and is attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Philippine Marines are with Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, 1st Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Matt Shibata teaches a Philippine Marine proper weapon handling techniques during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 at Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines, July 15, 2015. The Marines went through a number of different scenarios to include fire and maneuver as well as urban operations. AASE is a bilateral training event focused on strengthening the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. Shibata is the platoon commander with 2nd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division and is attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Philippine Marines are with Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, 1st Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps.

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brent Maholy supervises a group of Philippine airmen as they climb a 40-foot tower to begin fast roping during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 on Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines, July 15, 2015. The exercise is a bilateral training event focused on strengthening the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. Maholy is a squad leader with 2nd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines and is attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Philippine airmen are with Ground Special Operations Unit, 710th Special Operations Wing, Philippine Air Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brent Maholy supervises a group of Philippine airmen as they climb a 40-foot tower to begin fast roping during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 on Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines, July 15, 2015. The exercise is a bilateral training event focused on strengthening the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. Maholy is a squad leader with 2nd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines and is attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Philippine airmen are with Ground Special Operations Unit, 710th Special Operations Wing, Philippine Air Force.

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jeremy Pires acts as the belay man for a Philippine Marine during rappelling training as part of Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 on Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines, July 15, 2015. The belay man is a safety precaution to stop troops from falling if they let go of the rope. The exercise is a bilateral training event focused on strengthening the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. Pires is a squad leader with 1st Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines and is attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Philippine Marine is with Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, 1st Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jeremy Pires acts as the belay man for a Philippine Marine during rappelling training as part of Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 on Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines, July 15, 2015. The belay man is a safety precaution to stop troops from falling if they let go of the rope. The exercise is a bilateral training event focused on strengthening the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. Pires is a squad leader with 1st Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines and is attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Philippine Marine is with Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, 1st Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps.

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

Philippine Marines receive their final instructions from U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Adrian Talamante before conducting basic urban operations on a tape house during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 at Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines, July 15, 2015. The Marines went through a number of different scenarios to include fire and maneuver with reloading techniques. AASE is a bilateral training event focused on strengthening the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. The Philippine Marines are with Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, 1st Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps. Talamante is with 2nd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division and attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Philippine Marines receive their final instructions from U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Adrian Talamante before conducting basic urban operations on a tape house during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 at Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines, July 15, 2015. The Marines went through a number of different scenarios to include fire and maneuver with reloading techniques. AASE is a bilateral training event focused on strengthening the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. The Philippine Marines are with Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, 1st Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps. Talamante is with 2nd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division and attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

Philippine Marines learn speed reloading and tactical reloading techniques while on the move from U.S. Marines during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 on Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines, July 15, 2015. The Marines went through a number of different scenarios throughout the day including fire and maneuver as well as basic urban operations. AASE is a bilateral training event focused on strengthening the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. The Philippine Marines are with Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, 1st Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps. The U.S. Marines are with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division and attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Philippine Marines learn speed reloading and tactical reloading techniques while on the move from U.S. Marines during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 on Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines, July 15, 2015. The Marines went through a number of different scenarios throughout the day including fire and maneuver as well as basic urban operations. AASE is a bilateral training event focused on strengthening the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. The Philippine Marines are with Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, 1st Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps. The U.S. Marines are with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division and attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Brandon Burkey stands shoulder to shoulder with a Philippine Marine while instructing him on proper reloading techniques during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 on Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines, July 15, 2015. The Marines went through a number of different scenarios to include fire and maneuver as well as urban operations. AASE is a bilateral training event focused on strengthening the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. Burkey is a riflemen with 1st Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division and is attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Philippine Marines are with Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, 1st Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Brandon Burkey stands shoulder to shoulder with a Philippine Marine while instructing him on proper reloading techniques during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 on Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines, July 15, 2015. The Marines went through a number of different scenarios to include fire and maneuver as well as urban operations. AASE is a bilateral training event focused on strengthening the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. Burkey is a riflemen with 1st Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division and is attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Philippine Marines are with Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, 1st Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps.

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

Brigadier Gen. Russell A. Sanborn speaks to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing as their commanding general for the first time after a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 30, 2015. Sanborn recently served as the director of Marine and Family Programs in Quantico, Virginia. Sanborn assumed command of the wing from Maj. Gen. Steven R. Rudder who will become the director of J5 Strategic Planning and Policy Directorate, Pacific Command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle/Released)

Brigadier Gen. Russell A. Sanborn speaks to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing as their commanding general for the first time after a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 30, 2015. Sanborn recently served as the director of Marine and Family Programs in Quantico, Virginia. Sanborn assumed command of the wing from Maj. Gen. Steven R. Rudder who will become the director of J5 Strategic Planning and Policy Directorate, Pacific Command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle

Major Gen. Steven R. Rudder, right, passes the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing colors to Brig. Gen. Russell A. Sanborn during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 30, 2015. Sanborn recently served as the director of Marine and Family Programs in Quantico, Virginia. Rudder will become the director of J5 Strategic Planning and Policy Directorate, Pacific Command. Sanborn is the new commanding general of 1st MAW, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle/Released)

Major Gen. Steven R. Rudder, right, passes the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing colors to Brig. Gen. Russell A. Sanborn during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 30, 2015. Sanborn recently served as the director of Marine and Family Programs in Quantico, Virginia. Rudder will become the director of J5 Strategic Planning and Policy Directorate, Pacific Command. Sanborn is the new commanding general of 1st MAW, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle

Brigadier Gen. Russell A. Sanborn, right, stands in front of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing with Maj. Gen. Steven R. Rudder, before assuming command of the wing during a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 30, 2015. Sanborn recently served as the director of Marine and Family Programs in Quantico, Virginia. Rudder will become the director of J5 Strategic Planning and Policy Directorate, Pacific Command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle/Released)

Brigadier Gen. Russell A. Sanborn, right, stands in front of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing with Maj. Gen. Steven R. Rudder, before assuming command of the wing during a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 30, 2015. Sanborn recently served as the director of Marine and Family Programs in Quantico, Virginia. Rudder will become the director of J5 Strategic Planning and Policy Directorate, Pacific Command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle

Due to sequestration and other budget cuts numbers for staff non-commissioned officers have dropped in the Marine Corps. The number of Marines might go from 184,000 to 174,000 Marines by the end of 2017, according to Pentagon personnel statistics. The Marine Corps offers resources to keep SNCO’s in the fight such as career planners, career counselors and the SNCO Academy. With the ever increasing competitiveness to achieve the next rank, it is important to document Letters of Appreciation, Certificates of Commendations and Navy Achievement Medals early in the career, according to Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Henry, the director of the Okinawa SNCO Academy. (U.S. Marine Corps photo illustration by Cpl. Devon Tindle/Released)

Due to sequestration and other budget cuts numbers for staff non-commissioned officers have dropped in the Marine Corps. The number of Marines might go from 184,000 to 174,000 Marines by the end of 2017, according to Pentagon personnel statistics. The Marine Corps offers resources to keep SNCO’s in the fight such as career planners, career counselors and the SNCO Academy. With the ever increasing competitiveness to achieve the next rank, it is important to document Letters of Appreciation, Certificates of Commendations and Navy Achievement Medals early in the career, according to Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Henry, the director of the Okinawa SNCO Academy. (U.S. Marine Corps photo illustration by Cpl. Devon Tindle/Released)

Photo by Cpl Devon Tindle

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III Marine Expeditionary Force