United States Marine Corps

As infantry recognition month comes to a close, we recognize the heavy hitters of the 03 world, heavy weapons. While March 31st marks the day of the Machine Gunner (0331), we extend that honor to the Marines who bring the thunder from above and the destruction from afar: the 0341 Mortarmen and the 0352 Antitank Missile Gunners. These three Military Occupational Specialties are the bedrock of infantry firepower. To the Marines who suppress the enemy, enable maneuver, and help turn the tide of battle with overwhelming firepower, continue to locate, close with, and destroy the enemy. 📹 (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

Forging Ahead #MarineCorps candidates with Officer Candidates Course 251 participate in the Forge. The Forge is a culminating event designed to test candidates’ endurance, leadership and resilience under pressure involving day and night hikes, simulated indirect fire, sleep deprivation, obstacle navigation and team-based exercises. 📍 Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia (March 12, 2026) 📸 (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Enos Jimenez)

Today, on March 27th, we recognize our Marine Raiders and their contributions to the unseen world of special operations. These elite warfighters, designated by the 0372 job series number, represent the Corps’ contributions to the USSOCOM. They are trained in direct action, special reconnaissance, counterterrorism, unconventional warfare, and numerous other unique missions. They are forged through a grueling nine-month training course teaching demolitions, diving, foreign languages, close-quarters combat, and wilderness survival, among other special training. Spiritus Invictus is embodied by all Raiders. ✍️ (U.S. Marine graphic by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

CBRN Simulation #Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 273, Marine Air Control Group 28 perform Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear drills at Rygge Air Base, Norway. VMGR-252 and MWSS-273 simulated a CBRN contaminated environment for training during exercise Cold Response 26. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. 📍 Rygge Air Base, Norway (March 2, 2026) 📸 (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Mya Seymour)

National Medal of Honor Day Today, on the anniversary of the awarding of the first Medals of Honor, we celebrate the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism which connect all recipients of the medal. We honor the Marines who have received this award for their extraordinary heroism, who distinguished themselves through acts of gallantry at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Semper Fidelis. ✍️ (U.S. Marine Corps graphic by Cpl. Abigail Hutcheson)

Maritime Lethality #Marines with 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit take part in a deck shoot aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28). U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) mission, U.S. Department of War directed operations, and the president's priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. 📍 Caribbean Sea (March 2, 2026) 📷 (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Staff Sgt. Nathan Mitchell)

Readiness In Every Clime #Marines assigned to the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, take part in analytic biological sample training during ARCTIC EDGE 2026 (AE26). AE26 is a North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise designed to improve readiness, demonstrate capabilities, and enhance Joint and Allied Force interoperability in the Arctic. 📍 Fort Greely, Alaska (March 7, 2026) 📷(U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Amy Espinoza)

Amphibious Assault #Marines with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit operate an amphibious combat vehicle alongside Japan Ground Self-Defense Force service members during exercise Iron Fist 26. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase operational integration and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. 📍 Kushi Crossing, Okinawa, Japan (March 4, 2026) 📷 (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Eadan Avramidis)

Advanced Winter Warfare Course #Marines and U.S. Navy #Sailors with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division take part in Advance Winter Warfare Course. The Marines and Sailors operated the snowmobiles across frozen terrain while conducting contact drills during Advance Winter Warfare Course. The purpose of AWWC is to train ground forces in a variety of cold-weather subjects, including job specific training, snowmobiling, develop winter fighting positions, camouflage and concealment, and several other areas that are vital in order to survive and operate in a cold-weather environment. 📍 Kalix, Sweden (Feb. 13, 2026) 📷 (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Hunter J. Kuester)

STAND BY #Marines with the 1st Marine Logistics Group take part in Annual Rifle Qualification Tables 3-6. The range reinforces fundamental marksmanship skills and ensures Marines maintain the accuracy, confidence, and combat readiness required to effectively engage targets in operational environments. 📍 Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California (March 11, 2026) 📷 (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Mhecaela Watts)