Marine Forces Command

Mission

Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command (COMMARFORCOM), commands Active Component (AC) Service-retained operating forces; executes USMC force generation actions across the AC/RC Components in provisioning of joint capable Marine Corps forces, and directs deployment planning and execution of Service-retained operating forces in support of Combatant Commander (CCDR) and Service requirements; serves as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Forces Atlantic (CG FMFLANT) and commands embarked Marine Corps forces; coordinates Marine Corps-Navy integration of operational initiatives and advises Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) on support to Marine Corps forces assigned to U.S. Navy ships, bases, and installations; and conducts Service-directed operational tasks as required.

Brig. Gen. Eric Austin pins on his star

Brig. Gen. Eric. E. Austin, Deputy Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, was frocked by Lt. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, Commander, MARFORCOM, at a promotion ceremony at MARFORCOM headquarters, Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Va., May 23. The frocking ceremony, a Naval tradition dating back to 1802, was attended by family, friends and service members from near and far.

Brig. Gen. Eric Austin pins on his star

Sailors and Marines team up to help communities

Marines with Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, volunteered to update a local community center today as part of Fleet Week New Orleans 2018. Marines and sailors aboard the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) volunteered to freshen up the facility and show their dedication to helping improve the local community. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Ryan O'Hare/Released.)

Sailors and Marines team up to help communities

Retirement ceremony of Mr. James McNeal, Executive Director, MARFORCOM

Mr. James McNeal, executive director, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, delivers a speech to his friends, family and honored guests during his retirement ceremony at the POW/MIA Chapel aboard Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Norfolk, Va., March 23. McNeal retired from his senior federal civilian position as executive director after 43 years of combined service to country and Corps. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mark Tuggle/Released)

Corporal's Course 630-18

Sgt. Lonnie A. Cooley, instructor, Corporal’s Course 630-18, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, demonstrates sword manual at Hopkins Hall Gym aboard Camp Allen, Norfolk, Va., March 21. The instructors demonstrated the proper technique for sword manual to the students in preparation for their test later that week. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mark Tuggle/Released)

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President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, speaks at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, Calif., March 13, 2018. President Trump visited MCAS Miramar during part of a larger trip to California to speak with service members and their families.

Headquarters and Service Battalion Mess Night 2018

Marines and sailors with Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, participate in the unit mess night at Hopkins Hall Gymnasium at Camp Allen, Norfolk, Va., March 8. Marines and sailors throughout the command gathered to take part in this time-honored tradition, enhancing camaraderie esprit de corps for senior service members and junior service members alike. (Courtesy Photo/Released)

Marines visit USS Gerald R. Ford

Marines from U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command and Wounded Warrior Detachment Portsmouth, Wounded Warrior Regiment, take a guided tour across the flight deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Feb. 23. Marines toured the flight deck to gain an understanding of basic operations of how aircraft are safely launched and landed by the ship’s crew and machinery. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mark Tuggle/Released)

Corpsman observes Marines in the gas chamber

Petty Officer 3rd Class Herbert Peterson, corpsman, 3rd platoon, Charlie Co., Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team, U.S. Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment, looks in a window at Marines from various FAST units conducting a protective mask verification exercise, aboard Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Va., Feb. 14. Marines were exposed to 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile, or CS gas, which caused irritation in the mucus membranes resulting in watery eyes, coughing, and other symptoms. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chris Jones/Released)

HITT Level II, Feb 12

Sgt. James Toney, security specialist, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, runs the "5-10-5" shuttle run during a High Intensity Tactical Training Level II instructor course at Hopkins Hall Gym aboard Camp Allen, Va., Feb. 12. Marines had to demonstrate their abilities to instruct a HITT class, which included setting up drill stations, conducting functional assessments, and instructing other Marines on movement drills while maintaining safety standards. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chris Jones/Released)

HITT LEvel I instructor fourse, Feb 7

Lance Cpl. David Hawes, administrative clerk, S1, Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, takes part in a kettle bell workout during the High Intensity Tactical Training Level I instructor course at Hopkins Hall Gym aboard Camp Allen, in Norfolk, Va., Feb. 7. During this four-day course, the HITT Level I instructor course coordinators taught Marines proper techniques for various workouts, safety measures, nutrition, and how to plan their own HITT workouts . (Official Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mark Tuggle/Released)

HITT Level I instructor course, Feb 6-9

Christopher Harper,(left) High Intensity Tactical Training coordinator, Semper Fit, and Justin Roberts, (right)assistant HITT coordinator, Semper Fit, help Marines from U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command and Marine Air Group 49, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 774, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, stretch during a HITT Level I instructor course at Hopkins Hall Gym aboard Camp Allen, in Norfolk, Va., Feb. 6. Instructors taught Marines about the four elements of HITT: athlete, combat, warrior and reload. Each program has a different focus and different workouts and exercises tailored to give the participant a way to achieve the desired outcome. (Official Marine Corps photo by Chris Jones/Released)

Marines Break a Sweat with HITT

Master Sgt. Jeremy Owens, battalion logistics chief, Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, squats with a resistance band while Sgt. James Toney, security specialist, MARFORCOM, uses the rowing machine during a High Intensity Tactical Training session at Hopkins Hall Gym aboard Camp Allen, Va., Feb. 1. Marines worked with a partner, switching between exercises at each station. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chris Jones/Released)

MARFORCOM marine goes for green belt in MCMAP

Cpl. Cody Marx, legal services non-commissioned officer, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, demonstrates the "arm-bar from guard" technique on Sgt. Lloyd Williams, assistant landing force operational reserve material warehouse chief, G4, MARFORCOM, while Staff Sgt. Frankie Ruiz, warehouse chief, G4, MARFORCOM observes during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program belt exam at Hopkins Hall gym aboard Camp Allen, Va., Jan. 31. Marx was being tested on several strikes, arm and wrist manipulations, and throws in order to earn his green belt in MCMAP. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chris Jones/Released)

Salty sea dogs bridge the gap

Lance Cpl. Andrew Hollom (left), a combat engineer with Bridge Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, throws a rope to Lance Cpl. Alex Hisey, also a combat engineer with Bridge Co., to secure the Bridge Erection Boat to an Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) bay at Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 31, 2018. Bridge Co. conducted training with IRBs to train new Marines and to show the capabilities of the newly-formed company. Hollom is a native of Poplar, Montana. Hisey is a native of Toledo, Ohio. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Jamin M. Powell)

MARFORCOM Marines tour USS Carter Hall

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Christopher Freitag, chief combat cargo operator, LSD 50, instructs Marines from U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command on loading and unloading cargo aboard the USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Virginia Beach, Va., Jan. 19. The Marines had the opportunity to explore the ship and learn basic cargo operations. (Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Mark Tuggle/Released)

Under Secretary Thomas Modly visits MARFORCOM

The Honorable Thomas B. Modly, Under Secretary of the Navy, shakes hands with Col. Eric E. Austin, deputy commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, during his visit at MARFORCOM headquarters, Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Norfolk, Va., Dec. 13. Under Secretary Modly received a briefing on operations and mission readiness from command staff. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chris Jones/Released)

MARFORCOM Commander visits CBIRF

NAVAL SUPPORT FACILITY INDIAN HEAD, Md. – Lt. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, Commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, receives a tour of Naval Support Facility Indian Head and Annex Stump Neck during his visit with MARFORCOM subordinate element Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, Nov. 30. During his visit he received briefs from CBIRF command staff, toured facilities used by CBIRF, talked to CBIRF Marines and Sailors, and received a demonstration of the response force’s capabilities in case of a crisis. (Official USMC Photos by Staff Sgt. Santiago G. Colon Jr.)

Marine conducts Combat Fitness Test

Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey Sabins, training chief, S3, Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command follows Sgt. Terry Chung, data network administrator, G6, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, as he carries two 30-pound ammo cans as part of the maneuver under fire event of the combat fitness test at the Headquarters and Service Battalion building, at Camp Allen, Norfolk, Va., Nov. 15. Marines were required to carry the ammo cans twice during the event, running more than 150 yards in total. (Official Marine Corps photo by Chris Jones/Released)

Commander Encourages Marines

Lt. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, speaks to Marines about retention and mutual respect for fellow Marines at POW/MIA Chapel, Naval Station Annex, Norfolk, Va. Oct. 31. Brilakis explained the importance of maintaining a strong fighting force while maintaining a welcoming environment for Marines from all backgrounds and beliefs. (Official Marine Corps photo by Chris Jones/Released)

MCMAP Instructor Course hosted by U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command

A Marine participating in U.S. Marine Corps Forces command’s Marine Corps Martial Arts Program Instructor Course executes a shoulder throw while his teammates do push-ups at Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Va., Oct. 19. Marines were required to demonstrate all techniques in their MCMAP level and below before they were awarded the tan instructor tab at the end of the course. (Official Marine Corps photo by Chris Jones/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command conducts CFT

Master Sgt. Nephtali Ricafrente, air traffic control operations specialist, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command Headquarters, fireman-carries Lance Cpl. Jordan Clark, Marine Air Ground Task Force planner, MARFORCOM, during the "maneuver under fire" event of the Combat Fitness Test at the Headquarters and Service Battalion building, Norfolk, Va., Oct. 11. The CFT is conducted annually and consists of three events designed to test a Marine's strength, muscular endurance, and cardiovascular capabilities. (Official Marine Corps photo by Chris Jones/Released)

Interior tactics training

Marines with 5th Platoon, Charlie Co. Fleet Anti-terrorism, Security Team, Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment practice at an indoor training facility during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Quantico. Marines executed a military operations urban terrain and interior tactics field exercise at the Range Shoot House in order to enhance the platoon’s ability to fight in an urban environment. From August 8-17.

26th MEU Marines take part in joint relief efforts on U.S. Virgin Islands

U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, unload emergency care items at the St. Thomas Cyril E. King Airport, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sept. 12, 2017. The 26th MEU worked jointly with Department of Defense services and Federal Emergency Management Agency staff to provide food, water, and other essential care items in support of Hurricane Irma relief efforts.

MARFORCOM commander says farewell to Marines from 26th MEU

Lt. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, greets Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit as they prepare to embark on LHD-3 aboard Naval Operating Base Norfolk, Va., Aug. 30. Marines and sailors with the 26th MEU have prepared to provide humanitarian support to the citizens of Texas who were impacted by Hurricane Harvey. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Master Sgt. Ryan O’Hare/Released)

CLB 26 prepares for embark on LHD 3

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., load heavy equipment onto trailers at Camp Allen, Norfolk, Va., Aug. 30. The Marines are preparing to travel aboard the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) to assist with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in Texas. (Official photo by MSgt Ryan O’Hare/Released)

Marines prepare to support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts

BELLE CHASSE, La. - Marines from Detachment A, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, Marine Aircraft Group 49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, prepare a Bell UH-1Y Venom for take off in support of Hurricane Harvey on Aug. 28, 2017 from Belle Chasse, La. The Marine Corps is America’s expeditionary total force in readiness that is always first to the fight, whether on the battlefield or national emergencies. Active duty and Reserve Marine are fully integrated to fight and win in any clime at any time.

VMGR-152 conducts division tactical navigation

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, conducts division tactical navigation training with VMGR-152 as part of unit-level training event Evergreen at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, Aug. 18, 2017. Division tactical navigation training allows the squadrons’ aircraft to perform gear drops in close proximity to a single location, which enhances operational efficiency. Evergreen serves as VMGR-152’s 2017 Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation through tri-lateral training with the U.S. Army 160th Special operations Aviation Regiment and U.S. Army 1st Special Forces Group to gain valuable insight on the most recent Operation Inherent Resolve assault-support tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Abrego)

Lt. Gen. Wissler relinquishes command to Lt. Gen. Brilakis

(Right to left) Lt. Gen. John E. Wissler, Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, passes the unit colors to Lt. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis during a change of command ceremony at POW/MIA Field aboard Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Aug. 14. Lt. Gen. Wissler assumed command of MARFORCOM in December 2015. Lt. Gen. Brilakis most recently served as the Deputy Commandant of Manpower and Reserve Affairs at Headquarters Marine Corps , Washington D.C.

Headquarters and Service Battalion Morning PT

Cpl. Russell Evans, servers and services noncommissioned officer, Data and Communications, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, fireman carries Lance Cpl. Chad Mexile as they transition to the next exercise during MARFORCOM’s morning physical training session at Camp Allen, Norfolk, Va., July 13. This unit PT was focused on combat fitness with the Marines running multiple 880-meter sprints, ammo-can lifts, fireman carries, buddy drags, low and high crawls, and squad push-ups. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Logan Snyder/ Released)

2017 Norfolk Tides Marine Coprs Appreciation Night

Pfc. Quiozha Alexander, administration clerk, S-1, Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, throws the first pitch during the Norfolk Tides’ Marine Corps Appreciation Night, Norfolk, Va., June 17. The annual event was held to honor the Marines who are currently serving and those who have served. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Logan Snyder/ Released)

4th Plt., Charlie FAST Homecoming

Sgt. Christopher Toy, squad leader, 4th Platoon, Company C., Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team, U.S. Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, is greeted by his wife and son upon his return to Camp Allen, Norfolk, Va., June 12, after a six-month deployment to Bahrain. During the deployment, Marines from 4th platoon reinforced embassies in Kuwait and Oman, participated in Operation Eager Lion in Jordan, and set up defensive plans for Bahrain Marine Corps and Bahrain National Guard, to list a few. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kayla D. Rivera/Released)

2017 Regional HITT Competition

Staff Sgt. William Hobson, operations chief, G-1, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, sprints through the L-shaped, cone drill as part of the High Intensity Tactical Training preliminary competition at Captain Slade Cutter Park, Norfolk, Va., June 28. The competition is an annual event in which Marines compete for a shot at competing in San Diego at the national competition. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Logan Snyder/ Released)

Wreathg-laying ceremony, Memorial Day 2017

Lt. Col. Wade Wallace, executive officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, and Staff Sgt. Stephanie Lampear, staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge, Installation Personnel Administration Center, H&S Battalion, MARFORCOM, place one of six wreaths upon the grave of a deceased service member at Hampton National Cemetery, May 29, in Hampton, Va.. The placing of wreaths by service members of each military branch was conducted to pay respect to the fallen and honor their memory on Memorial Day. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Logan Snyder/ Released)

Naval Weapons Station Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

(From right to left) Lt. Gen. John E. Wissler, Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, Col. John Evans, Commanding Officer, U.S. Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, and Navy Capt. Matthew Kosnar, Base Commander, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 1, aboard Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Va., for the official opening of the new Marine Corps Security Force Regiment Headquarters building. This was the beginning step to co-locating the three Fleet Anti-Terrorist Security Team companies that are currently scattered within the Hampton Roads area. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kayla D. Rivera/Released)

Military Child aAppreciation

Staff Sgt. William Hobson, operations chief, G-1, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, high fives a student at Tarrallton Elemantary School in Norfolk, Va., after helping him put on tactical gear such as a Kevlar helmet, flak vest, and backpack, during a Military Child Appreciation event, April 24. The event was held to give the schools and communities in the city of Norfolk an opportunity to recognize the children of service members. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Logan Snyder/ Released)

CQB night fire training

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (February 23, 2017) - Marines assigned to Training Company, Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, observe as students of the Close Quarters Battle course participate in a live-fire range as part of Close Quarter Battle weapons qualification on Feb. 23, 2017, at Naval Support Activity Northwest Annex, in Chesapeake, Va. Training Company is part of Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, a unit dedicated to security and counter-terrorism. (US Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kiona MIller/Released)

CQB quarterly instructor progression training

Staff Sgt. Joseph Pistone, chief instructor, Close Quarters Battle course, Training Co., Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, acts as point man as the Marines move from floor to floor clearing the building during instructor progression training at Naval Support Activity Northwest Annex, Chesapeake, Va., June 23. The instructors completed the tactical training as part of their quarterly requirements which also includes rifle and pistol range qualifications. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Logan Snyder/ Released)

Through Their Eyes: Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey Pilot

Sgt. Brett Hankins watches his surroundings as an MV-22 Osprey prepares for flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Feb. 9, 2017. The crew chief is in charge of being aware of their surroundings at all times to give the pilot proper direction when conducting flight operations. The pilots and crew chiefs rely on each other to complete their mission objectives. Hankins is a crew chief of the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/Released)

Alpha Co, FAST, conducts training

Sgt. Barry Mahon (left), Company A, Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team, Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, directs his fire-team leaders where they need to be in order to provide security for a simulated key-leader engagement during a company-level operational readiness exercise aboard Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Va., Jan. 17, 2017. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Calvin Shamoon/ Released)

Co. I - Pick Up

Recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, receive instructions from their senior drill instructor during pick up at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Dec. 2. The recruits will spend their first day with their drill instructors learning the rules and regulations of recruit training, regarding everything from how to act in the squad bay to how to speak to drill instructors. Annually, more than 17,000 males recruited from the Western Recruiting Region are trained at MCRD San Diego. India Company is scheduled to graduate Feb. 24.

Private first class Alex Pelletier fires a .50 Cal. machine gun during a live-fire training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 29, 2016. Marines with Combined Anti-Armor team, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine practiced vehicle buddy rushes with High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles to improve communication and movement through an objective. Pelletier is a machine gunner with the unit.

2/2 hones vehicle buddy-rushing abilities

Private First Class Alex Pelletier fires a M2 .50 cal. machine gun during a live-fire training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 29, 2016. Marines with Combined Anti-Armor Team, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, practiced vehicle buddy rushes with High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles to learn to communicate and move through an objective. Pelletier is a machine gunner with the unit.

H&S Battalion 2016 USMC Birthday run

Col. Charles Dunne, commanding officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, leads MARFORCOM Marines, sailors and civilians during a three-mile run in honor of the Marine Corps’ 241st birthday on Nov. 8, aboard Naval Station Norfolk. Marines yelled cadence throughout the run along the station’s pier and received a t-shirt and refreshments after the run. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kayla D. Rivera/ Released)

Tartan Eagle 16 Phase II range training

Royal Marine Lt. Ryan Taylor, recapture troop tactics officer-in-command, 43 Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines, fires his M9 Beretta service pistol at a team relay event during Exercise Tartan Eagle 16 Phase II, aboard Naval Support Activity Northwest Annex, Chesapeake, Va., Oct 20. Marines and sailors from Marine Corps Security Force Battalions Bangor, Wa., and Kings Bay, Ga., along with 43 FPGRM ended their day with a team-building exercise with members of each team sprinting to the firing line and firing one shot to knock down their targets. (Official Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Calvin Shamoon/Released)

Exercise Tartan Eagle 16 Phase II

Sgt. Sean Litchfield, close-quarters battle instructor, Training Co., Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment, speaks to service members from Marine Corps Security Force Battalions Kings Bay, Ga., and Bangor, Wa., along with their British Royal Marine counterparts from 43 Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines about tactics to use in a live-fire house during Exercise Tartan Eagle 16 Phase II, aboard Naval Support Activity Northwest Annex, Chesapeake, Va., Oct. 25. U.S. Marines, sailors and Royal Marines used paint rounds during the force-on-force exercise to create a more realistic training environment. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Calvin Shamoon/ Released)

1/3 Marines participate in Exercise Island Viper

Marines from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conduct patrols that are part of Exercise Island Viper at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Sept. 27, 2016. Marines wrap up their final week of Exercise Island Viper, an annual pre-deployment training event preparing Marines for a larger exercise in the Pacific Region. During Exercise Island Viper, the Marines practiced clearing buildings, patrolling through simulated villages, solved obstacles at the Leadership Reaction Course and traversing through an Improvising Explosive Devices course.

Headquarters and Service Battalion PT session

Gunnery Sgt. Michael Zacniewski, Marine Air-Ground Task Force deployment planning and execution chief, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, performs an elbow strike during a physical training session hosted by Headquarters and Service Battalion at Capt. Slade Cutter Athletic Park, Norfolk, Va., on Aug. 18, 2016. The battalion PT session consisted of high-intensity exercises focusing on team-building workouts, Combat Fitness Test preparation and Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Calvin Shamoon/ Released)

Tartan Eagle 16 Mounrain Trainng

U.S. Marines, sailors and Royal Commandos climb to the summit of a mountain, July 20, 2016, in the Scottish Highlands, Inverness, Scotland, during the mountain training phase of the Tartan Eagle 16 exercise. The mountain training phase consisted of learning mountain survival skills, map reading and how to successfully traverse a mountain. Tartan Eagle is an annual training event that began in 1994. Marines and sailors with Marine Corps Security Force Regiment trained alongside 43 Command Fleet Protection Group Royal Commandos to exchange best security and training practices and to foster good relations between the two commands. The exercise allowed for the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures in the security of strategic assets. (Official Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Calvin Shamoon/ Released)

Marines train alongside Royal Commandos in Cloce Quarters Battle simulation

Staff Sgt. Eric McLeish, Marine Corps Security Battalion Bangor, Washington, checks a room before entering during Tartan Eagle 16 at the Northumbria Training Facility in Northumbria, England, July 26, 2016. The CQB portion of Tartan Eagle allowed Marines and sailors to integrate with their British counterparts and exchange tactics while also learning new tactics and procedures. (Official Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Calvin Shamoon/Released)

Marine Corps News

Marines explore new super carrier By Sgt. Mark A. Tuggle | February 28, 2018 Marines from U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command and Wounded Warrior Detachment Portsmouth, Wounded MORE

Out of the office, into the field By Chris Jones | November 15, 2017 It was after 9:30 a.m. when Marines from U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, grabbed their gear and MORE

Methodist University grad leads relief efforts on ground in Dominica By Courtesy Story | October 4, 2017 U.S. Marine Maj. Robert Gill, class of 2004, put his minor in leadership from Methodist University MORE

Honoring the fallen Marines of VMGR-452 By Cpl. Dallas Johnson | August 28, 2017 The sound of taps echoed throughout Hangar 100 of Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, NY, on the afternoon of Aug. 27, 2017, as Marines, family, airmen and local government leaders joined to honor nine Marines of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452, Marine Aircraft Group 49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve. MORE

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Serving success by practicing perfection

U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit play a game of volleyball during their weekly resiliency training program on Camp Pendleton, California, June 8, 2018. The program incorporates physical training and group discussions on topics meant to foster camaraderie, resiliency, and unit cohesion. This week’s topic was “the value of practice”. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Desiree King)

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