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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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Due to sequestration and other budget cuts, numbers of staff non-commisioned 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 your career, according to Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Henry, the director of the Okinawa SNCO Academy. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle/Released)

Due to sequestration and other budget cuts, numbers of staff non-commisioned 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 your career, according to Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Henry, the director of the Okinawa SNCO Academy. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle

Staff non-commissioned officers attending the Advanced Career Course run in formation during physical training at Camp Hansen, Japan, March 31, 2015. The advanced course is mandatory for all gunnery sergeants to attend in order to be promoted to the next rank. The course teaches war fighting, leadership skills and unit readiness training. The SNCO’s are from various units of III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle/Released)

Staff non-commissioned officers attending the Advanced Career Course run in formation during physical training at Camp Hansen, Japan, March 31, 2015. The advanced course is mandatory for all gunnery sergeants to attend in order to be promoted to the next rank. The course teaches war fighting, leadership skills and unit readiness training. The SNCO’s are from various units of III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Sergio D. Barrios, the Offload Preparation Party (OPP) SNCOIC aboard the USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo, III Marine Expeditionary Force, ground guides a 120-M grader during the MPF Offload of gear and equipment from the Bobo in Chinhae, South Korea, June 13, 2015 in support of Peninsula Express 15. Peninsula Express is one in a series of regularly-scheduled combined, small-unit, tactical training exercises that demonstrates continued dedication to the ROK-U.S. relationship, contributing to the security and stability of the Korean Peninsula and Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Justin A. Bopp/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Sergio D. Barrios, the Offload Preparation Party (OPP) SNCOIC aboard the USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo, III Marine Expeditionary Force, ground guides a 120-M grader during the MPF Offload of gear and equipment from the Bobo in Chinhae, South Korea, June 13, 2015 in support of Peninsula Express 15. Peninsula Express is one in a series of regularly-scheduled combined, small-unit, tactical training exercises that demonstrates continued dedication to the ROK-U.S. relationship, contributing to the security and stability of the Korean Peninsula and Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Justin A. Bopp/Released)

Photo by Sgt. Justin Bopp

ANMYEON BEACH, Republic of Korea (July 3, 2015) – U.S. Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force drive High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV) to the beach from a Causeway ferry operated by the 331st Transportation Company at Anmyeon Beach on the west coast of the Republic of Korea during exercise Combined Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (LOTS) 2015. CJLOTS 2015 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and ROK service members to accomplish vital logistical measures in a strategic area while strengthening communication and cooperation in the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Navy Photo by LT Russell Wolfkiel/Released)

ANMYEON BEACH, Republic of Korea (July 3, 2015) – U.S. Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force drive High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV) to the beach from a Causeway ferry operated by the 331st Transportation Company at Anmyeon Beach on the west coast of the Republic of Korea during exercise Combined Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (LOTS) 2015. CJLOTS 2015 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and ROK service members to accomplish vital logistical measures in a strategic area while strengthening communication and cooperation in the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Navy Photo by LT Russell Wolfkiel/Released)

Photo by Lt. Russell Wolfkiel

A Roll-on Roll-off Discharge Facility is attached to the USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo (T-AK 3008) during the Combined Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore exercise off the shore of Anmyeon Beach, Republic of Korea, July 1, 2015. CJLOTS 2015 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and ROK services members to accomplish vital logistical measures in a strategic area while strengthening communication and cooperation in the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Perkey)

A Roll-on Roll-off Discharge Facility is attached to the USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo (T-AK 3008) during the Combined Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore exercise off the shore of Anmyeon Beach, Republic of Korea, July 1, 2015. CJLOTS 2015 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and ROK services members to accomplish vital logistical measures in a strategic area while strengthening communication and cooperation in the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Perkey)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Perkey

The ramp on the Landing Craft Utility 2000 is lowered and unloading of vehicles begins at Anmyeon Beach on the west coast of the Republic of Korea. CJLOTS 2015 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and ROK service members to accomplish vital logistical measures in a strategic area while strengthening communication and cooperation in the U.S. - ROK Alliance. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Thanh Pham)

The ramp on the Landing Craft Utility 2000 is lowered and unloading of vehicles begins at Anmyeon Beach on the west coast of the Republic of Korea. CJLOTS 2015 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and ROK service members to accomplish vital logistical measures in a strategic area while strengthening communication and cooperation in the U.S. - ROK Alliance. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Thanh Pham)

Photo by Sgt. Thanh Pham

U.S. Navy Lt. Melissa Thomas, left, administers dental care to a Mongolian resident as part of the health services support engagement during Khaan Quest 2015 at the 79th High School in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 21. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by the Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Thomas is a dental officer with 3rd Dental Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Navy Lt. Melissa Thomas, left, administers dental care to a Mongolian resident as part of the health services support engagement during Khaan Quest 2015 at the 79th High School in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 21. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by the Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Thomas is a dental officer with 3rd Dental Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cedric Haller

Mongolian and U.S. service members provide dental care for Mongolian residents as part of the health services support engagement during Khaan Quest 2015 at the 79th High School in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 21. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by the Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.

Mongolian and U.S. service members provide dental care for Mongolian residents as part of the health services support engagement during Khaan Quest 2015 at the 79th High School in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 21. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by the Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cedric Haller

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. James Hartwell, left, provides medical care to a Mongolian child as part of the Health Services Support Engagement during Khaan Quest 2015 at the 79th High School in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 21. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by the Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Hartwell is a medical officer with 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. James Hartwell, left, provides medical care to a Mongolian child as part of the Health Services Support Engagement during Khaan Quest 2015 at the 79th High School in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 21. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by the Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Hartwell is a medical officer with 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cedric Haller

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Leonard A. Santiago, right, from Olongapo City, Philippines, provides medical care to a Mongolian resident as part of the health services support engagement during Khaan Quest 2015 at the 79th High School in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 21. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by the Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Santiago is a hospital corpsman with 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Leonard A. Santiago, right, from Olongapo City, Philippines, provides medical care to a Mongolian resident as part of the health services support engagement during Khaan Quest 2015 at the 79th High School in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 21. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by the Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Santiago is a hospital corpsman with 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cedric Haller

U.S. Navy Lt. Phillip Jakubowicz, left, speaks to a Mongolian interpreter about dental procedures he will perform on the Mongolian patient as part of the health services support engagement during Khaan Quest 2015 at the 79th High School in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 21. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by the Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Jakubowicz is a dental officer with 3rd Dental Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Navy Lt. Phillip Jakubowicz, left, speaks to a Mongolian interpreter about dental procedures he will perform on the Mongolian patient as part of the health services support engagement during Khaan Quest 2015 at the 79th High School in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 21. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by the Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Jakubowicz is a dental officer with 3rd Dental Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cedric Haller

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney speaks to U.S. Marines participating in Khaan Quest 2015 at the Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia, June 20. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Mahoney is the deputy commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. The U.S. Marines are with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program.

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney speaks to U.S. Marines participating in Khaan Quest 2015 at the Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia, June 20. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Mahoney is the deputy commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. The U.S. Marines are with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cedric Haller

A Mongolian soldier with the Mongolian Armed Forces takes charge of a formation during the opening ceremonies of Exercise Khaan Quest 2015 at Five Hills Training Area in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, June 15, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. KQ15 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. This year marks the 13th iteration of this training event.

A Mongolian soldier with the Mongolian Armed Forces takes charge of a formation during the opening ceremonies of Exercise Khaan Quest 2015 at Five Hills Training Area in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, June 15, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. KQ15 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. This year marks the 13th iteration of this training event.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cedric Haller

Tserendash Tsolmon, Minister of Defense of Mongolia, shakes hands with Piper Anne Wind Campbell, U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia, during the opening ceremonies of Exercise Khaan Quest 2015 at Five Hills Training Area in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, June 20, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. KQ15 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. This year marks the 13th iteration of this training event.

Tserendash Tsolmon, Minister of Defense of Mongolia, shakes hands with Piper Anne Wind Campbell, U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia, during the opening ceremonies of Exercise Khaan Quest 2015 at Five Hills Training Area in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, June 20, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. KQ15 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. This year marks the 13th iteration of this training event.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cedric R. Haller II

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment pose for a group photo with a panel of distinguished visitors of participating nations during the opening ceremonies of Khaan Quest 2015, in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, June 20, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. KQ15 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. This year marks the 13th iteration of this training event.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment pose for a group photo with a panel of distinguished visitors of participating nations during the opening ceremonies of Khaan Quest 2015, in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, June 20, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. KQ15 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. This year marks the 13th iteration of this training event.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cedric R. Haller II

The Mongolian Military Dance and Song Ensemble performs traditional Mongolian folk music for a panel of distinguished visitors of participating nations during the opening ceremonies of Khaan Quest 2015, in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, June 20, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. KQ15 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. This year marks the 13th iteration of this training event.

The Mongolian Military Dance and Song Ensemble performs traditional Mongolian folk music for a panel of distinguished visitors of participating nations during the opening ceremonies of Khaan Quest 2015, in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, June 20, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. KQ15 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. This year marks the 13th iteration of this training event.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cedric R. Haller II

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, center, deputy commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, poses for a group photo during the opening ceremony of Exercise Khaan Quest 2015 at Five Hills Training Area in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, June 20, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. KQ15 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. This year marks the 13th iteration of this training event.

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, center, deputy commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, poses for a group photo during the opening ceremony of Exercise Khaan Quest 2015 at Five Hills Training Area in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, June 20, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. KQ15 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. This year marks the 13th iteration of this training event.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cedric R. Haller II

A Mongolian soldier with the Mongolian Armed Forces, Special Task Battalion 84, parachutes into the opening ceremonies of Exercise Khaan Quest 2015 at Five Hills Training Area in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, June 15, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. KQ15 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. This year marks the 13th iteration of this training event.

A Mongolian soldier with the Mongolian Armed Forces, Special Task Battalion 84, parachutes into the opening ceremonies of Exercise Khaan Quest 2015 at Five Hills Training Area in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, June 15, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. KQ15 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. This year marks the 13th iteration of this training event.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cedric R. Haller II

Ken Asato, a corporal with the Uruma City Police Department, exits his vehicle as an “intruder” on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan June 11, during bilateral training between service members and the UCPD. The training ensured the Camp Guard, and the Provost Marshal’s Office are proficient in communicating with the UCPD to mitigate security threats involving service members and Okinawa residents. During the training event, Asato posed as an Okinawa resident entering the base without authorization. Camp Guard Marines patrolling the perimeter of the base apprehended the intruder and rehearsed turnover procedures with PMO Marines. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Janessa K. Pon/ Released)

Ken Asato, a corporal with the Uruma City Police Department, exits his vehicle as an “intruder” on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan June 11, during bilateral training between service members and the UCPD. The training ensured the Camp Guard, and the Provost Marshal’s Office are proficient in communicating with the UCPD to mitigate security threats involving service members and Okinawa residents. During the training event, Asato posed as an Okinawa resident entering the base without authorization. Camp Guard Marines patrolling the perimeter of the base apprehended the intruder and rehearsed turnover procedures with PMO Marines. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Janessa K. Pon/ Released)

Photo by Cpl. Janessa K. Pon

Master Sgt. Patricio Mora directs a segment of the 101 critical days of summer brief June 5 at the base theater on Camp Foster, Okinawa. The “101 critical days of summer”, traditionally observed Memorial Day through Labor Day, is the span of time where statistics show the most accidents and incidents among service members occur. Service members are encouraged to be aware of their own safety while participating in summer activities as well as watching out for the safety of others, according to Mora, the operations training chief with Headquarters & Service Battalion S-3, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released)

Master Sgt. Patricio Mora directs a segment of the 101 critical days of summer brief June 5 at the base theater on Camp Foster, Okinawa. The “101 critical days of summer”, traditionally observed Memorial Day through Labor Day, is the span of time where statistics show the most accidents and incidents among service members occur. Service members are encouraged to be aware of their own safety while participating in summer activities as well as watching out for the safety of others, according to Mora, the operations training chief with Headquarters & Service Battalion S-3, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James

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III Marine Expeditionary Force