Sgt. Jesse Early, (left) explosive ordnance disposal technician, 1st EOD Co., 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), observes a possible improvised explosive device location with a participant in the counter IED lanes course at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Aug. 25. During the course, Marines and sailors from various forward deployed units learn new methods of IED detection. - Sgt. Jesse Early, (left) explosive ordnance disposal technician, 1st EOD Co., 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), observes a possible improvised explosive device location with a participant in the counter IED lanes course at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Aug. 25. During the course, Marines and sailors from various forward deployed units learn new methods of IED detection.

A role player simulating an employee for the United States Agency for International Development, is searched by Sgt. George E. Zeek, a squad leader with the Military Police Detachment, Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a non-combatant evacuation operation exercise, at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 20. The 15th MEU was conducting the training as part of Certification Exercise, their final pre-deployment training. CERTEX is different than previous exercises because Marines and Sailors do not know the training scenario in advance. They have to react quickly using the Marine Corps’ Rapid Response Planning Process, which is the process leaders use to prepare for missions the unit will execute. - A role player simulating an employee for the United States Agency for International Development, is searched by Sgt. George E. Zeek, a squad leader with the Military Police Detachment, Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a non-combatant evacuation operation exercise, at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 20. The 15th MEU was conducting the training as part of Certification Exercise, their final pre-deployment training. CERTEX is different than previous exercises because Marines and Sailors do not know the training scenario in advance. They have to react quickly using the Marine Corps’ Rapid Response Planning Process, which is the process leaders use to prepare for missions the unit will execute.

Corporal Michael C. Hartwig, motor transportation operator, practices inserting a catheter into the arm of Cpl. Jacob A. Johnson, motor transportation licensing non-commissioned officer in charge, both from Headquarters and Support Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a Combat Life-saving Skills course aboard the USS Rushmore, Aug. 23. Hartwig, 24, is from Fort Atkinson, Wis., and Johnson, 25, is from Coalville, Ill. - Corporal Michael C. Hartwig, motor transportation operator, practices inserting a catheter into the arm of Cpl. Jacob A. Johnson, motor transportation licensing non-commissioned officer in charge, both from Headquarters and Support Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a Combat Life-saving Skills course aboard the USS Rushmore, Aug. 23. Hartwig, 24, is from Fort Atkinson, Wis., and Johnson, 25, is from Coalville, Ill.

First Lt. Stephen Black, operations officer, Headquarters Detachment, Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, works out on a stationary bike inside one of three fitness rooms aboard the USS Rushmore, Aug. 18. Marines from the MEU exercise regularly during the unit's final training evolution, Certification Exercise. CERTEX differs from previous exercises because Marines and Sailors react to unknown scenarios using the Marine Corps' Rapid Response Planning Process. - First Lt. Stephen Black, operations officer, Headquarters Detachment, Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, works out on a stationary bike inside one of three fitness rooms aboard the USS Rushmore, Aug. 18. Marines from the MEU exercise regularly during the unit's final training evolution, Certification Exercise. CERTEX differs from previous exercises because Marines and Sailors react to unknown scenarios using the Marine Corps' Rapid Response Planning Process.

Staff Sgt. James K. Donnelly, a maintenance chief with 1st Maintenance Battalion (Forward) (left), 1st Marine Logistics Group, and Major Nathaniel A. Baker, a pilot with 3rd Marine Air Wing (Fwd) (right), congratulate their brother, Sgt. Thomas M. Baker, an embarkation specialist with I Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd), after his promotion ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, May 1, 2012. The three brothers, from Bowling Green, Ky., had the opportunity to meet up on Camp Leatherneck regularly when all three were deployed to Afghanistan at the same time. - Staff Sgt. James K. Donnelly, a maintenance chief with 1st Maintenance Battalion (Forward) (left), 1st Marine Logistics Group, and Major Nathaniel A. Baker, a pilot with 3rd Marine Air Wing (Fwd) (right), congratulate their brother, Sgt. Thomas M. Baker, an embarkation specialist with I Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd), after his promotion ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, May 1, 2012. The three brothers, from Bowling Green, Ky., had the opportunity to meet up on Camp Leatherneck regularly when all three were deployed to Afghanistan at the same time.

A gunner with the Personal Security Detachment, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), provides security for a convoy escorting Brig. Gen. John J. Broadmeadow back to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Aug. 1. The PSD team ensures security for the commanding general when visiting any forward operating bases, combat outposts or patrol bases throughout Helmand Province that MLG Marines and sailors work out of. - A gunner with the Personal Security Detachment, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), provides security for a convoy escorting Brig. Gen. John J. Broadmeadow back to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Aug. 1. The PSD team ensures security for the commanding general when visiting any forward operating bases, combat outposts or patrol bases throughout Helmand Province that MLG Marines and sailors work out of.