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Marines

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Staff Sgt. Zachary Burghart, a Maritime Raid Force team leader, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, verifies scope settings on an M107 .50 cal Special Application Scoped Rifle, or SASR, during bilateral live-fire training with members of the Jordanian 77th Marine Reconnaissance Battalion here, May 8, 2012. The bilateral training is part of Exercise Eager Lion 12, taking place throughout the month of May and designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships of over 19 participating partner nations. This is the second major exercise for the 24th MEU who, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater security and crisis response force.

Staff Sgt. Zachary Burghart, a Maritime Raid Force team leader, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, verifies scope settings on an M107 .50 cal Special Application Scoped Rifle, or SASR, during bilateral live-fire training with members of the Jordanian 77th Marine Reconnaissance Battalion here, May 8, 2012. The bilateral training is part of Exercise Eager Lion 12, taking place throughout the month of May and designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships of over 19 participating partner nations. This is the second major exercise for the 24th MEU who, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater security and crisis response force.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher

Staff Sgt. Zachary Burghart, a Maritime Raid Force team leader, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, changes scope settings on an M107 .50 cal Special Application Scoped Rifle, or SASR, during bilateral live-fire training with members of the Jordanian 77th Marine Reconnaissance Battalion here, May 8, 2012. The bilateral training is part of Exercise Eager Lion 12, taking place throughout the month of May and designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships of over 19 participating partner nations. This is the second major exercise for the 24th MEU who, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater security and crisis response force.

Staff Sgt. Zachary Burghart, a Maritime Raid Force team leader, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, changes scope settings on an M107 .50 cal Special Application Scoped Rifle, or SASR, during bilateral live-fire training with members of the Jordanian 77th Marine Reconnaissance Battalion here, May 8, 2012. The bilateral training is part of Exercise Eager Lion 12, taking place throughout the month of May and designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships of over 19 participating partner nations. This is the second major exercise for the 24th MEU who, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater security and crisis response force.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher

Marines with the Maritime Raid Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare an assortment of sniper rifles in preparation for live-fire bilateral training with the Jordanian 77th Marine Reconnaissance Battalion here, May 9, 2012. The bilateral training is part of Exercise Eager Lion 12, taking place throughout the month of May and designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships of over 19 participating partner nations. This is the second major exercise for the 24th MEU who, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater security and crisis response force.

Marines with the Maritime Raid Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare an assortment of sniper rifles in preparation for live-fire bilateral training with the Jordanian 77th Marine Reconnaissance Battalion here, May 9, 2012. The bilateral training is part of Exercise Eager Lion 12, taking place throughout the month of May and designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships of over 19 participating partner nations. This is the second major exercise for the 24th MEU who, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater security and crisis response force.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher

Sgt. Christopher Schneider, left, an artillery mechanic and section leader with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Lance Cpl. Alejandro Torrez, an artillery mechanic with India Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th MEU, work together to fix a part for a 120 mm towed mortar system while ashore, June 24, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet area of operations.

Sgt. Christopher Schneider, left, an artillery mechanic and section leader with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Lance Cpl. Alejandro Torrez, an artillery mechanic with India Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th MEU, work together to fix a part for a 120 mm towed mortar system while ashore, June 24, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet area of operations.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, remove a turret on an Assault Amphibious Vehicle during a scheduled maintenance stand-down while ashore, June 24, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet area of operations.

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, remove a turret on an Assault Amphibious Vehicle during a scheduled maintenance stand-down while ashore, June 24, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet area of operations.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher

A Marine assigned to Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, loosens bolts on an engine removed from an Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) while ashore, June 22, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A Marine assigned to Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, loosens bolts on an engine removed from an Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) while ashore, June 22, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Perry, a Middlesex, N.J., native and the motor transportation chief with Motor Transportation Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses for a picture in front of a 7 ton truck in the USS Gunston Hall's well deck, June 17, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Perry, a Middlesex, N.J., native and the motor transportation chief with Motor Transportation Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses for a picture in front of a 7 ton truck in the USS Gunston Hall's well deck, June 17, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Perry, a Middlesex, N.J., native and the motor transportation chief with Motor Transportation Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lifts weights during a CrossFit workout on the flight deck of the USS Gunston Hall, June 14, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Perry, a Middlesex, N.J., native and the motor transportation chief with Motor Transportation Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lifts weights during a CrossFit workout on the flight deck of the USS Gunston Hall, June 14, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Perry, a Middlesex, N.J., native and the motor transportation chief with Motor Transportation Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, does sit-ups during a CrossFit workout on the flight deck of the USS Gunston Hall, June 14, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Perry, a Middlesex, N.J., native and the motor transportation chief with Motor Transportation Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, does sit-ups during a CrossFit workout on the flight deck of the USS Gunston Hall, June 14, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Perry, a Middlesex, N.J., native and the motor transportation chief with Motor Transportation Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lifts weights during a CrossFit workout on the flight deck of the USS Gunston Hall, June 14, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Perry, a Middlesex, N.J., native and the motor transportation chief with Motor Transportation Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lifts weights during a CrossFit workout on the flight deck of the USS Gunston Hall, June 14, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Perry, a Middlesex, N.J., native and the motor transportation chief with Motor Transportation Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, does kettle-bell swings during a CrossFit workout on the flight deck of the USS Gunston Hall, June 14, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Perry, a Middlesex, N.J., native and the motor transportation chief with Motor Transportation Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, does kettle-bell swings during a CrossFit workout on the flight deck of the USS Gunston Hall, June 14, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Perry, a Middlesex, N.J., native and the motor transportation chief with Motor Transportation Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, does pushups during a CrossFit workout on the flight deck of the USS Gunston Hall, June 14, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Perry, a Middlesex, N.J., native and the motor transportation chief with Motor Transportation Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, does pushups during a CrossFit workout on the flight deck of the USS Gunston Hall, June 14, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Perry, a Middlesex, N.J., native and the motor transportation chief with Motor Transportation Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, briefs his Marines on the CrossFit workout they will conduct on the flight deck of the USS Gunston Hall, June 14, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Perry, a Middlesex, N.J., native and the motor transportation chief with Motor Transportation Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, briefs his Marines on the CrossFit workout they will conduct on the flight deck of the USS Gunston Hall, June 14, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Petty Officer 1st Class Logan Viers, a hospital corpsman from the shock and trauma platoon with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fills his plate with food during a celebration of the 114th birthday of the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps aboard the USS New York, June 17, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Petty Officer 1st Class Logan Viers, a hospital corpsman from the shock and trauma platoon with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fills his plate with food during a celebration of the 114th birthday of the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps aboard the USS New York, June 17, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Seaman J'Marcus Housley, a hospital corpsman with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, picks out fruit in celebration of the 114th birthday of the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps aboard the USS New York, June 17, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Seaman J'Marcus Housley, a hospital corpsman with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, picks out fruit in celebration of the 114th birthday of the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps aboard the USS New York, June 17, 2012. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Lt. Col. David Sosa, right, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Jordanian Army Lt. Col. Saif F. Alfanek, commanding officer of Jordan's 40th Mechanized Brigade, discuss the details of an operations brief covering Exercise Eager Lion 12 here, May 8, 2012. Eager Lion is a multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships among partnered nations through scenario-based, realistic modern-day security challenges. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations as a theater-reserve and crisis-response force.

Lt. Col. David Sosa, right, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Jordanian Army Lt. Col. Saif F. Alfanek, commanding officer of Jordan's 40th Mechanized Brigade, discuss the details of an operations brief covering Exercise Eager Lion 12 here, May 8, 2012. Eager Lion is a multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships among partnered nations through scenario-based, realistic modern-day security challenges. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations as a theater-reserve and crisis-response force.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Joshua Larson

Lt. Col. David Sosa, right, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Jordanian Army Lt. Col. Saif F. Alfanek, commanding officer of Jordan's 40th Mechanized Brigade, listen to an operations brief covering Exercise Eager Lion 12 here, May 8, 2012. Eager Lion is a multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships among partnered nations through scenario-based, realistic modern-day security challenges. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations as a theater-reserve and crisis-response force.

Lt. Col. David Sosa, right, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Jordanian Army Lt. Col. Saif F. Alfanek, commanding officer of Jordan's 40th Mechanized Brigade, listen to an operations brief covering Exercise Eager Lion 12 here, May 8, 2012. Eager Lion is a multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships among partnered nations through scenario-based, realistic modern-day security challenges. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations as a theater-reserve and crisis-response force.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Joshua Larson

Col. Mitch McCarthy, left, operations officer for the Combined Forces Land Component Command, briefs leaders from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Jordan's 40th Mechanized Brigade regarding the details of Exercise Eager Lion 12 here, May 8. Eager Lion 12 is a multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships among partnered nations through scenario-based, realistic modern-day security challenges. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations as a theater-reserve and crisis-response force.

Col. Mitch McCarthy, left, operations officer for the Combined Forces Land Component Command, briefs leaders from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Jordan's 40th Mechanized Brigade regarding the details of Exercise Eager Lion 12 here, May 8. Eager Lion 12 is a multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships among partnered nations through scenario-based, realistic modern-day security challenges. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations as a theater-reserve and crisis-response force.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Joshua Larson

Lt. Col. David Sosa, right, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Jordanian Army Lt. Col. Saif F. Alfanek, commanding officer of Jordan's 40th Mechanized Brigade, listen to an operations brief covering Exercise Eager Lion 12 here, May 8, 2012. Eager Lion is a multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships among partnered nations through scenario-based, realistic modern-day security challenges. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations as a theater-reserve and crisis-response force.

Lt. Col. David Sosa, right, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Jordanian Army Lt. Col. Saif F. Alfanek, commanding officer of Jordan's 40th Mechanized Brigade, listen to an operations brief covering Exercise Eager Lion 12 here, May 8, 2012. Eager Lion is a multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships among partnered nations through scenario-based, realistic modern-day security challenges. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations as a theater-reserve and crisis-response force.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Joshua Larson

An M1A1 Abrams tank with Tank Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires on a target to gain its battle-sight-zero here, May 7, 2012, during bilateral tank training with the Royal Jordanian Army as part of Exercise Eager Lion 12. More than 1,000 Marines and sailors from the 24th MEU are scheduled to participate in various events throughout Jordan to maximize multilateral training opportunities and continue to build relationships with partners throughout the region. Eager Lion 12 is the second major exercise for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group after deploying in March to serve as a forward-deployed crisis-response force.

An M1A1 Abrams tank with Tank Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires on a target to gain its battle-sight-zero here, May 7, 2012, during bilateral tank training with the Royal Jordanian Army as part of Exercise Eager Lion 12. More than 1,000 Marines and sailors from the 24th MEU are scheduled to participate in various events throughout Jordan to maximize multilateral training opportunities and continue to build relationships with partners throughout the region. Eager Lion 12 is the second major exercise for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group after deploying in March to serve as a forward-deployed crisis-response force.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein