US Marines load equipment onto a C-130 transport aircraft as they withdraw from the Camp Bastion-Leatherneck complex at Lashkar Gah in Helmand province on October 25, 2014. British forces October 26 handed over formal control of their last base in Afghanistan to Afghan forces, ending combat operations in the country after 13 years which cost hundreds of lives. The Union Jack was lowered at Camp Bastion in the southern province of Helmand, while the Stars and Stripes came down at the adjacent Camp Leatherneck -- the last US Marine base in the country. AFP PHOTO/Wakil kohsarWAKIL KOHSAR/AFP/Getty Images
Operations Specialist Seaman Janaya Johnson, from Virginia Beach, Va., assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89), fires a 9 mm pistol during small arms training on the flight deck. Mustin is currently on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting regional security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Declan Barnes/Released)
A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment competes with Soldiers from other units in a land navigation day course during the Expert Infantryman Badge competition at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany, Oct. 20, 2014. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. William Tanner/Released)
141020-N-IP531-121 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 20, 2014) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)
Pararescuemen fast-rope from a hovering HH-60G Pave Hawk Oct. 17, 2014, as it hovers over the cadet area at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. The pararescuemen, from the 58th Rescue Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and combat rescue officers, from the 23rd Wing at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., performed a combat search and rescue demonstration at the Academy to expose the Cadet Wing to the Air Force combat rescue mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bill Evans)
Cpl. Sean Cooley, left, team captain of the Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Installations - West, trains with Lance Cpl. Sheldon D. Vogt, right, a machinegunner with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, to prepare for the upcoming Commanding General’s Cup grappling tournament at the Paige Fieldhouse, Oct. 29. “The tournament is based on the United World Wrestling rules,” said Jon Frank, event coordinator for the tournament. “Contestants gain points for scoring takedowns, obtaining dominant positions and can win matches by submitting their opponents.” For more information on the CG’s cup grappling tournament and details on how to participate, please contact MCCS Intramural Sports Office at 760-763-0453.
USS Iwo Jima, At Sea, At Sea - An MH-60S air crewman with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, gazes out of the gunner's door of a Seahawk helicopter while participating in flight operations over the Atlantic Ocean, Oct. 25, 2014. Flight operations are in support of a simulated strait transit during Composite Training Unit Exercise with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in preparation for the deployment at the end of the year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Todd F. Michalek/Released)
Spc. Elizabeth Greenway, motor transport operator, Echo Company, 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, locks the fuel nozzle to pump fuel into an OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter assigned to Bravo Troop, 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, after a routine patrol at the forward arming and refueling point, Forward Operating Base Fenty, Afghanistan, Oct. 21. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Adan Cazarez/82nd Combat Aviation Brigade PAO)
U.S. Navy Ensign Julian G. Abellar, foreground, assigned to the guided-missile frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48), practices search-and-rescue techniques with Ship's Serviceman 2nd Class Danielle Turner during a drill Oct. 21, 2014, in the Pacific Ocean. The Vandegrift was on patrol in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cory Booth/released)
Runners begin running of the 39th Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014, in Arlington, Va. The race includes runners from 59 nations and each branch of the U.S. armed forces. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)