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Marines

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Role players carrying a wounded civilian approach a notional American Embassy during a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 16. The operation, called NEO for short, is meant to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU just completed COMPTUEX, which took place Nov. 28 to Dec. 20. The training served to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Role players carrying a wounded civilian approach a notional American Embassy during a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 16. The operation, called NEO for short, is meant to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU just completed COMPTUEX, which took place Nov. 28 to Dec. 20. The training served to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit stand security alongside role players at a notional American Embassy during a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 16. The operation, called NEO for short, is meant to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU just completed COMPTUEX, which took place Nov. 28 to Dec. 20. The training served to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit stand security alongside role players at a notional American Embassy during a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 16. The operation, called NEO for short, is meant to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU just completed COMPTUEX, which took place Nov. 28 to Dec. 20. The training served to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Seaman Apprentice Kevin Baggett, a hospital corpsman with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit processes role players during a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 16. The operation, called NEO for short, is meant to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU just completed COMPTUEX, which took place Nov. 28 to Dec. 20. The training served to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Seaman Apprentice Kevin Baggett, a hospital corpsman with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit processes role players during a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 16. The operation, called NEO for short, is meant to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU just completed COMPTUEX, which took place Nov. 28 to Dec. 20. The training served to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Cpl. Michael Paul, a military police officer with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit confiscates a knife from a role player during a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 16. The operation, called NEO for short, is meant to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU just completed COMPTUEX, which took place Nov. 28 to Dec. 20. The training served to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Cpl. Michael Paul, a military police officer with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit confiscates a knife from a role player during a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 16. The operation, called NEO for short, is meant to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU just completed COMPTUEX, which took place Nov. 28 to Dec. 20. The training served to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit stand security alongside a role player at a notional American Embassy during a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 16. The operation, called NEO for short, is meant to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU just completed COMPTUEX, which took place Nov. 28 to Dec. 20. The training served to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit stand security alongside a role player at a notional American Embassy during a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 16. The operation, called NEO for short, is meant to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU just completed COMPTUEX, which took place Nov. 28 to Dec. 20. The training served to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit deliver supplies to a notional U.S. Embassy during a training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 15, at the Stone Bay area of the base. The scenario has the Marines preparing for a non-combatant evacuation operation, called NEO for short, to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in COMPTUEX, scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit deliver supplies to a notional U.S. Embassy during a training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 15, at the Stone Bay area of the base. The scenario has the Marines preparing for a non-combatant evacuation operation, called NEO for short, to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in COMPTUEX, scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit carry in supplies to a notional American Embassy during a training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 15. The scenario has the Marines preparing for a non-combatant evacuation operation, called NEO for short, to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in COMPTUEX, scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit carry in supplies to a notional American Embassy during a training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 15. The scenario has the Marines preparing for a non-combatant evacuation operation, called NEO for short, to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in COMPTUEX, scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit carry in supplies to a notional American Embassy during a training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 15. The scenario has the Marines preparing for a non-combatant evacuation operation, called NEO for short, to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in COMPTUEX, scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit carry in supplies to a notional American Embassy during a training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 15. The scenario has the Marines preparing for a non-combatant evacuation operation, called NEO for short, to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in COMPTUEX, scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Role-players acting as protesters scream and shout at the entrance of a notional U.S. Embassy during a training scenario for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 15. The scenario has the Marines preparing for a non-combatant evacuation operation, called NEO for short, to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in COMPTUEX, scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Role-players acting as protesters scream and shout at the entrance of a notional U.S. Embassy during a training scenario for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 15. The scenario has the Marines preparing for a non-combatant evacuation operation, called NEO for short, to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in COMPTUEX, scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Role-players acting as protesters scream and shout at a security guard from the fictional country of Amberland at the entrance of a notional U.S. Embassy during a training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 15. The scenario is meant for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit to prepare for a non-combatant evacuation operation, called NEO for short, to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in COMPTUEX, scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Role-players acting as protesters scream and shout at a security guard from the fictional country of Amberland at the entrance of a notional U.S. Embassy during a training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 15. The scenario is meant for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit to prepare for a non-combatant evacuation operation, called NEO for short, to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in COMPTUEX, scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Marines with the 24th Marines Expeditionary Unit provide security at a notional American Embassy here as role players protest and bang on the fence during a training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 15. The scenario has the Marines preparing for a non-combatant evacuation operation, called NEO for short, to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in COMPTUEX, scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Marines with the 24th Marines Expeditionary Unit provide security at a notional American Embassy here as role players protest and bang on the fence during a training scenario as part of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 15. The scenario has the Marines preparing for a non-combatant evacuation operation, called NEO for short, to evacuate American citizens and other authorized personnel from a country in turmoil. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in COMPTUEX, scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Sergeant Major Joel Collins, the Battalion Sergeant Major for Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, oversees Bravo Company’s security position at an airfield here as a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter prepares to deliver humanitarian aid during a simulated humanitarian assistance operation Dec. 10, 2011. Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions is a task that MEUs train for during their six-month work up period to prepare for deployment. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Sergeant Major Joel Collins, the Battalion Sergeant Major for Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, oversees Bravo Company’s security position at an airfield here as a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter prepares to deliver humanitarian aid during a simulated humanitarian assistance operation Dec. 10, 2011. Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions is a task that MEUs train for during their six-month work up period to prepare for deployment. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, secure a landing site and distribution center during a simulated humanitarian assistance operation here Dec. 10, 2011. Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions is a task that MEUs train for during their six-month work up period to prepare for deployment. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, secure a landing site and distribution center during a simulated humanitarian assistance operation here Dec. 10, 2011. Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions is a task that MEUs train for during their six-month work up period to prepare for deployment. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim

Lance Cpl. Adam Krause, a radio operator with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, remains vigilant as a CH-53E Super Stallion lands during a simulated humanitarian assistance operation here Dec. 10, 2011. Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions is a task that MEUs train for during their six-month work up period to prepare for deployment. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Lance Cpl. Adam Krause, a radio operator with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, remains vigilant as a CH-53E Super Stallion lands during a simulated humanitarian assistance operation here Dec. 10, 2011. Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions is a task that MEUs train for during their six-month work up period to prepare for deployment. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, load into a CH-53E Super Stallion for extraction back to the USS Iwo Jima after conducting a simulated humanitarian assistance operation here Dec. 10, 2011. Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions is a task that MEUs train for during their six-month work up period to prepare for deployment. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, load into a CH-53E Super Stallion for extraction back to the USS Iwo Jima after conducting a simulated humanitarian assistance operation here Dec. 10, 2011. Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions is a task that MEUs train for during their six-month work up period to prepare for deployment. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim

Lance Cpl. Adam Krause, a radio operator with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, posts security as his unit secures and airfield to set up an aid distribution site during a simulated humanitarian assistance operation here Dec. 10, 2011. Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions is a task that MEUs train for during their six-month work up period to prepare for deployment. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Lance Cpl. Adam Krause, a radio operator with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, posts security as his unit secures and airfield to set up an aid distribution site during a simulated humanitarian assistance operation here Dec. 10, 2011. Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions is a task that MEUs train for during their six-month work up period to prepare for deployment. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, consolidate to a pick-up point to load a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter after conducting a simulated humanitarian assistance mission here Dec. 10, 2011. Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions is a task that MEUs train for during their six-month work up period to prepare for deployment. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, consolidate to a pick-up point to load a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter after conducting a simulated humanitarian assistance mission here Dec. 10, 2011. Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions is a task that MEUs train for during their six-month work up period to prepare for deployment. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Lanc Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim

Lance Cpl. Mitchell Montgomery, a radio operator with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes a knee and keeps watch as his unit secures an airfield to set up an aid distribution site during a simulated humanitarian assistance operation here Dec. 10, 2011. Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions is a task that MEUs train for during their six-month work up period to prepare for deployment. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Lance Cpl. Mitchell Montgomery, a radio operator with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes a knee and keeps watch as his unit secures an airfield to set up an aid distribution site during a simulated humanitarian assistance operation here Dec. 10, 2011. Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions is a task that MEUs train for during their six-month work up period to prepare for deployment. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim

Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl, the combat camera chief with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires his rifle during a day of combat marksmanship training at range K406B on Camp Lejeune, N.C. Jan. 20, 2010. The 24th MEU conducted the training to sustain the combat marksmanship skills of the Marines and Sailors within the Command Element. Drawing created with medium graphite pencils over a 2 week period. (Official USMC Illustration by Lance Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim/Released)

Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl, the combat camera chief with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires his rifle during a day of combat marksmanship training at range K406B on Camp Lejeune, N.C. Jan. 20, 2010. The 24th MEU conducted the training to sustain the combat marksmanship skills of the Marines and Sailors within the Command Element. Drawing created with medium graphite pencils over a 2 week period. (Official USMC Illustration by Lance Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim/Released)

Photo by Lanc Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim

Staff Sgt. Dellon Arthur, the military information support operation team leader with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, talks with Marines acting as role players about their needs during a simulated humanitarian assistance operation here Dec. 9, 2011. Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions is a task that MEUs train for during their six-month work up period to prepare for deployment. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Staff Sgt. Dellon Arthur, the military information support operation team leader with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, talks with Marines acting as role players about their needs during a simulated humanitarian assistance operation here Dec. 9, 2011. Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions is a task that MEUs train for during their six-month work up period to prepare for deployment. The 24th MEU is currently taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), scheduled to take place Nov. 28 to Dec. 21. The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein