Through the Lens: Powerful Photos of Soldiers in Gunnery and Marksmanship
Modern warfare has significantly evolved with the integration of advanced technologies such as drones, cyber warfare, and artificial intelligence (AI). Drones provide real-time reconnaissance and precision strikes, reducing the risk to human pilots.
Cyber warfare targets enemy infrastructure and communication networks, achieving strategic goals without physical confrontation. AI enhances decision-making and operational efficiency by processing vast amounts of data for actionable intelligence. These technologies collectively improve precision, situational awareness, and overall effectiveness in various combat scenarios.
However, even with all these technological advancements, one skill that soldiers must still master is marksmanship. The ability to accurately and effectively use firearms remains crucial for both offensive and defensive operations. Marksmanship ensures that soldiers can engage targets precisely, maintain control in close-quarters combat, and provide effective suppression fire.
These images capture the intense and disciplined moments of marksmanship, gunnery, and firearms training. They aim to enhance the proficiency, readiness, and effectiveness of military personnel in using various weapon systems.
South Carolina National Guard Soldiers and Airmen Competes in TAG Match 2025
On February 22-23, 2025, at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers and Airmen participated in the TAG Match shooting competition. They competed both as teams and individuals against other teams within the South Carolina National Guard.
This three-day event aims to enhance lethality and readiness through marksmanship training, providing a platform to test skills and abilities in a battle-focused environment. Participants had the opportunity to earn the Governor’s Twenty tab, the Adjutant General’s Trophy, the Top Gun Award, as well as individual and team awards for excellence in competition.
2nd Cavalry Regiment Soldiers Enhance Marksmanship at EST in Germany
U.S. Soldiers assigned to the Regimental Engineer Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, participated in advanced marksmanship training at the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) at Training Support Center Grafenwoehr, Germany, on Jan. 8, 2025. This state-of-the-art simulation system allows Soldiers to enhance their proficiency with a wide range of dismounted and crew-served weapon systems in a controlled, immersive environment.
The EST provides a cost-effective and efficient way to build confidence and readiness before transitioning to live-fire exercises, ensuring that Soldiers maintain peak combat effectiveness in real-world operational environments.
Army Sgt. Ivan Roe Takes Aim in Men’s 10-Meter Air Rifle at 2024 Summer Olympics in France
On July 28, 2024, Army Sgt. Ivan Roe meticulously prepared to aim at his target during the men’s 10-meter air rifle event at the Summer Olympics held in Chateauroux, France.
The competition, known for its high level of difficulty and the exceptional skill of its participants, provided a challenging yet exhilarating environment for Sgt. Roe to showcase his marksmanship abilities on the world stage.
Army Spc. Jamie Zenker Zeroes Weapon During Training Exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap
Army Spc. Jamie Zenker, positioned second from the left, honed her marksmanship skills while zeroing her weapon during an intensive training exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. Taking place on June 16, 2024, this critical exercise ensured each Soldier’s weapon was precisely calibrated for accuracy, reinforcing combat readiness.
Oregon National Guard Scout Snipers Sharpen Skills at Winston P. Wilson Small Arms Championship
Oregon National Guard scout snipers fired their M4 rifles during the Winston P. Wilson Small Arms Championship at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock, Arkansas, on May 1, 2024. The intense marksmanship competition challenged participants with realistic rifle courses designed to enhance precision, adaptability, and battlefield lethality.
Through demanding drills and dynamic shooting scenarios, the event tested the soldiers’ ability to engage targets effectively under pressure, improving their combat readiness and tactical proficiency.
Staff Sgt. Sagen Maddalena Honored at Pentagon After Winning Silver in 50-Meter Smallbore Shooting
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Sagen Maddalena proudly displayed her silver medal in the 50-meter smallbore shooting event during a ceremony at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. On October 1, 2024, Maddalena, who had recently competed in the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, was joined by fellow Soldier-Athletes and their coaches.
The group had the honor of meeting with senior civilian and military leaders, celebrating their achievements and representing both the United States and the Department of Defense on the international stage.
U.S. and Thai Soldiers Train Together During Cobra Gold 2024 Sniper Exercise
On March 2, 2023, Spc. Ehrick Seibert, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company Sniper Section, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, took a prone firing position alongside Sgt. Athipon Racha of the Army Long Range Reconnaissance, 2nd Ranger Battalion, Royal Thai Army, during sniper training in Sa Keo, Thailand. The exercise was part of Cobra Gold 2024, an annual joint training event co-hosted by the United States and Thailand.
Now in its 43rd year, Cobra Gold strengthens military partnerships, enhances interoperability, and brings together multinational forces to support regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.
1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment Soldiers Conduct Gunnery Training in Germany
U.S. Army Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment participated in gunnery training at the Grafenwoehr Training Area on April 4, 2023. This training focused on refining marksmanship skills and increasing combat effectiveness, ensuring Soldiers maintain a high level of proficiency and readiness. Through live-fire exercises and precision drills, the training aimed to enhance lethality across the force.
101st Airborne Division Mortarmen Conduct Fire Support Exercise in Latvia
Army mortarmen from the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment “Red Currahee,” 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, supporting the 4th Infantry Division, fired an M120A1 120 mm towed mortar system during a fire support coordination exercise at Camp Adazi, Latvia, on Aug. 28, 2023.
The exercise aimed to enhance precision fire capabilities, strengthen interoperability with allied forces, and improve battlefield coordination in a multinational training environment.
U.S. Army Engineers Train with NATO Allies During Exercise Verboom in Latvia
On Oct. 28, 2023, U.S. Army Soldiers from the 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, supporting NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland (eFP Poland), participated in Exercise Verboom alongside multinational troops from Albania, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Held in Ādaži, Latvia, the exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and combat engineering skills. U.S. engineers contributed by constructing an improvised door handle charge, demonstrating breaching techniques for infiltrating locked structures in operational environments.
U.S. Army Soldiers Execute Fire Mission at Grafenwoehr Training Area
On July 1, 2024, U.S. Army Soldiers carried out a fire mission at a designated mortar fire point in Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. This training exercise, conducted under the 7th Army Training Command, enhances combat readiness and ensures the projection of capable forces to U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as U.S. European Command.
By integrating with NATO Allies and partner nations, the command strengthens interoperability, supports regional operations, and bolsters collective defense efforts across the theater.
M1A2 Abrams Fires During Readiness Exercise in South Korea
On Aug. 5, 2024, an M1A2 SEP v2 Abrams tank assigned to Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, engaged a target during a zero range exercise at Rodriguez Live-Fire Complex, South Korea. The unit is participating in a deployment readiness exercise as part of Operation Pacific Fortitude, which reinforces long-standing agreements with the Republic of Korea.
This operation involves deploying forces, drawing and transporting equipment, and validating unit readiness, demonstrating the U.S. commitment to the alliance.
