U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct reconnaissance and engineering assessments to identify terrain suitability for future Forward Arming and Refueling Point and logistics sites during Steel Knight 25 on San Clemente Island, California, Dec. 4-7, 2025. These assessments enable 3d MAW to establish expeditionary aviation support sites across distributed and contested environments. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct deck landing qualifications on the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 4, 2025. The 11th MEU is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances lethality and warfighting readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Joseph Helms)

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct deck landing qualifications on Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 3, 2025. The 11th MEU is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances lethality and warfighting readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Nicole Stuart)

U.S. Marines and AH-1Z Viper aircraft with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare for a Close Air Support mission during Steel Knight 25 at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 4, 2025. CAS employment demonstrates 3rd MAW’s ability to deliver timely, precise fires that enable the Marine Air-Ground Task Force to maneuver effectively across distributed and contested environments. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain MAGTF readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt Brian Stippey)

U.S. Army Garrison-Fort McCoy leaders serve food Dec. 4, 2025, during a holiday meal being served at Dining Facility 1362 at Fort McCoy, Wis. Approximately 156 people attended the meal that was organized by the installation food service team with the Fort McCoy Logistics Readiness Center. (U.S. Army video by Scott T. Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

U.S. Army Garrison-Fort McCoy leaders serve food Dec. 4, 2025, during a holiday meal being served at Dining Facility 1362 at Fort McCoy, Wis. Approximately 156 people attended the meal that was organized by the installation food service team with the Fort McCoy Logistics Readiness Center. (U.S. Army video by Scott T. Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

Members of the Fort McCoy community participate in the 2025 Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 4, 2025, in McCoy's Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 200 people attended the event that was coordinated by the Fort McCoy Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation. The event is usually the kickoff to the holiday season at Fort McCoy. (U.S. Army Video by Scott T. Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

Members of the Fort McCoy community participate in the 2025 Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 4, 2025, in McCoy's Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 200 people attended the event that was coordinated by the Fort McCoy Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation. The event is usually the kickoff to the holiday season at Fort McCoy. (U.S. Army Video by Scott T. Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

U.S. Army Garrison-Fort McCoy leaders serve food Dec. 4, 2025, during a holiday meal being served at Dining Facility 1362 at Fort McCoy, Wis. Approximately 156 people attended the meal that was organized by the installation food service team with the Fort McCoy Logistics Readiness Center. (U.S. Army video by Scott T. Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

As part of the Marine Corps’ commitment to spiritual fitness, recruits are offered religious services each Sunday representing a variety of faith groups. (Department of War video by Nicholas Groesch) (This video includes an artificial intelligence-generated voice created using PlayAI software.)

U.S. National Guardsmen with the Marietta-based 201st Regional Support Group, Georgia Army National Guard, clean up the area of operations after Vigilant Guard 26-1 at Pelham Range Complex, Anniston, Alabama, Dec. 3, 2025. The Ga. Department of Defense conducts Vigilant Guard 26-1 to improve National Homeland Defense Readiness, by exercising the Ga. DoD Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ) to execute State/Territory Homeland Defense plans in a simulated environment, rehearse JFHQ interoperability with federal and civilian partners, in response to a complex, multi-domain attack. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. Jaylan Caulton)

Georgia State Defense Force personnel carry out a simulated route clearance operation during Vigilant Guard 26-1 at the Pelham Range Complex, Anniston, Alabama, Dec. 4, 2025. The Ga. Department of Defense conducts Vigilant Guard 26-1 to improve National Homeland Defense Readiness, by exercising the Ga. DoD Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ) to execute State/Territory Homeland Defense plans in a simulated environment, rehearse JFHQ interoperability with federal and civilian partners, in response to a complex, multi-domain attack. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. Jaylan Caulton)

On Dec. 4, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel in international waters operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was carrying illicit narcotics and transiting along a known narco-trafficking route in the Eastern Pacific. Four male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed.

Snowfall covers Misawa Air Base, Japan, Dec. 4, 2025. Daily activity continued across the installation as snow-removal teams kept routes clear and Airmen moved through winter conditions to sustain essential base functions, demonstrating the 35th Fighter Wing’s steady resilience and ability to maintain base functionality through adverse weather. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench)

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, load a convoy onto landing craft, air cushion at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, during Steel Knight 25, Dec. 3, 2025. The movement from MCB Camp Pendleton to San Clemente Island showcases the importance of maritime mobility in sustaining aviation readiness across a distributed battlespace. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft)

U.S. Marines and Sailors conduct shore to ship operations with landing craft, air cushion assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5, aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 3, 2025. The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances lethality and warfighting readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Oliver Nisbet and Lance Cpl. Nicole Stuart)

Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Dennis E. Webster, a previous First Team division command sergeant major, talks about the importance of remembering the names of fallen First Team Troopers who fought in recent wars. (U.S. Army Video by Spc. David Dumas)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 5, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, use a lightweight water purification system to make drinkable water during Exercise Steel Knight at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 3, 2025. This exercise will certify 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, and CLB-5 for Marine Rotational Force–Darwin, a six-month forward deployment in Australia that strengthens combined interoperability with the Australian Defence Force and provides rapid crisis-response options for the joint force across the Indo-Pacific. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Caleb Goodwin)

The journey from civilian to Marine begins on the yellow footprints at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Over the next 13 weeks, recruits are transformed through recruit training into United States Marines. Receiving Week is where it all starts as new recruits undergo medical screenings, uniform issue, and administrative processing, before training officially begins. (This video product includes an artificial intelligence-generated voice created using PlayAI software.)

U.S. National Guardsmen with the Marietta-based 201st Regional Support Group, Georgia Army National Guard, simulate Incident Site Operations during Vigilant Guard 26-1 at Pelham Range Complex, Anniston, Alabama, Dec. 3, 2025. The Ga. Department of Defense conducts Vigilant Guard 26-1 to improve National Homeland Defense Readiness, by exercising the Ga. DoD Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ) to execute State/Territory Homeland Defense plans in a simulated environment, rehearse JFHQ interoperability with federal and civilian partners, in response to a complex, multi-domain attack. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. Jaylan Caulton)

The 35th Fighter Wing hosted a tree lighting ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Dec. 1, 2025. Families and mission partners gathered for the celebration, enjoying seasonal activities like the scavenger hunt, raffle prizes and a holiday buffet, reinforcing the community strength that supports the 35th Fighter Wing’s shared purpose. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench)

U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallions with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and U.S. Sailors assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27), conduct deck landing qualifications in the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 3, 2025. The 11th MEU is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances lethality and warfighting readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Avery Wayland)

U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Air Cushion 48 with Assault Craft Unit 5, embarks San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) in the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 3, 2025. The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances lethality and warfighting readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Avery Wayland)

U.S. Army Garrison Italy hosted the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, Dec. 3, 2025. Community members gathered in front of the Arena Bowling Center for an evening of holiday festivities including Christmas market vendors, food trucks, a kids’ area, warm drinks, and photos with a special guest. The event also featured support from local sponsors and private organizations across the Vicenza Military Community. (U.S. Army video by Capt. Jennifer French)

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to 70th Clearance Company, 65th Engineer Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, and Australian army soldiers, participate in a power lifting competition for Pacific Engineer Week at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Dec. 2, 2025.Pacific Engineer Week is focused on inspiring future engineers and celebrating the engineering profession through competitions and outreach such as the "Sapper Stakes", sports competition, vehicle displays, and boat-building contests. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Samarion Hicks)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Austin White, an AH-1Z Viper pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts preflight checks for a Close Air Support mission during Steel Knight 25 at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 2, 2025. CAS employment demonstrates 3rd MAW’s ability to deliver timely, precise fires that enable the Marine Air-Ground Task Force to maneuver effectively across distributed and contested environments. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain MAGTF readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl Renee Gray)

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, establish an expeditionary aviation spoke at Marine Base Camp Pendleton, California, during Steel Knight 25, Dec. 2, 2025. The spoke allows 3rd MAW to project aviation power forward by providing the Aviation Ground Support infrastructure such as fuel, ordnance, maintenance, and communications capabilities needed to support distributed operations across the battlespace. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft)

U.S. Army Soldiers from the Kennesaw-based 277th Maintenance Company, 110th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 78th Troop Command, Georgia Army National Guard, returned to Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, Georgia after completing a rotation supporting Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB) Dec. 2, 2025. The welcome home ceremony honored and recognized their sacrifice and dedication to duty during JTF-SB. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. 1st Class James Braswell)

U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria conducts the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany, Dec. 3, 2025. (U.S. Army Video by Spc. Adrian Greenwood)