Cpl. Daniel Mallory, a squad leader with 1st platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, posts security at the rear of an assault amphibious vehicle (AAV) as team leader Lance Cpl. Daniel Pursley, exits towards their objective point during a mechanized assault as part of a live fire range in Djibouti, Africa, March 29. The infantry Marines initially closed with their objective riding through the mountainous, desert environment, in the back of Assault Amphibious Vehicles from the 24th MEU's Amphibious Assault Vehicle platoon. 24th MEU Marines performed a series of sustainment exercises, as well as bi-lateral training alongside the French military, during a month-long rotation of units from 24th MEU conducting training in the east-African country. The 24th MEU currently serves as the theatre reserve force for Central Command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alex Sauceda) - Cpl. Daniel Mallory, a squad leader with 1st platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, posts security at the rear of an assault amphibious vehicle (AAV) as team leader Lance Cpl. Daniel Pursley, exits towards their objective point during a mechanized assault as part of a live fire range in Djibouti, Africa, March 29. The infantry Marines initially closed with their objective riding through the mountainous, desert environment, in the back of Assault Amphibious Vehicles from the 24th MEU's Amphibious Assault Vehicle platoon. 24th MEU Marines performed a series of sustainment exercises, as well as bi-lateral training alongside the French military, during a month-long rotation of units from 24th MEU conducting training in the east-African country. The 24th MEU currently serves as the theatre reserve force for Central Command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alex Sauceda)

Marines of Combined Anti-Armor Team, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit send live rounds down range during a live-fire machine gun range using the M240-B Medium Machine Gun and M2 .50 Caliber Heavy Machine Gun at a range in the mountainous terrain of Djibouti, Africa March 8. The 24th MEU is conducting several ranges and many other training exercises in Djibouti to keep the Marine's skills sharp while deployed. (Marine Corps photo by: Lance Cpl. David J. Beall) - Marines of Combined Anti-Armor Team, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit send live rounds down range during a live-fire machine gun range using the M240-B Medium Machine Gun and M2 .50 Caliber Heavy Machine Gun at a range in the mountainous terrain of Djibouti, Africa March 8. The 24th MEU is conducting several ranges and many other training exercises in Djibouti to keep the Marine's skills sharp while deployed. (Marine Corps photo by: Lance Cpl. David J. Beall)

Marines from Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment, attached to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, land on Onslow Beach aboard Camp Lejeune, NC November 3, 2009. This beach landing is a part of an amphibious assault training evolution the 24th MEU is doing during their composite unit training exercise in preparation for their upcoming deployment. (US Marine Corps photo by Sgt Andrew J. Carlson) - Marines from Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment, attached to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, land on Onslow Beach aboard Camp Lejeune, NC November 3, 2009. This beach landing is a part of an amphibious assault training evolution the 24th MEU is doing during their composite unit training exercise in preparation for their upcoming deployment. (US Marine Corps photo by Sgt Andrew J. Carlson)

Marines from 1st Battalion / 9th Marine Regiment, Alpha Company, 2nd platoon, attached to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, execute patrolling exercises during the mechanized raid course aboard Camp Lejeune, NC. This training evolution will prepares the Marines for the hazards that they may face while patrolling in other countries while deployed with the 24th MEU. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Andrew J. Carlson) - Marines from 1st Battalion / 9th Marine Regiment, Alpha Company, 2nd platoon, attached to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, execute patrolling exercises during the mechanized raid course aboard Camp Lejeune, NC. This training evolution will prepares the Marines for the hazards that they may face while patrolling in other countries while deployed with the 24th MEU. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Andrew J. Carlson)

An MV-22 "Osprey" lands during the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Activation Ceremony at W.P.T. Hill Field Camp Lejeune, NC on July 22, 2009. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit will now begin training for their upcoming deployment. (US Marine Corps photo by Sgt Andrew J. Carlson) - An MV-22 "Osprey" lands during the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Activation Ceremony at W.P.T. Hill Field Camp Lejeune, NC on July 22, 2009. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit will now begin training for their upcoming deployment. (US Marine Corps photo by Sgt Andrew J. Carlson)