DOW Support to the Southern Border

Army Sgt. Kearsten Jones, a South Carolina National Guard member, reenlists aboard a UH-72 Lakota helicopter in Washington, Dec. 18, 2025. About 2,400 National Guardsmen support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission to help the Metropolitan Police Department ensure the safety of district residents, workers and visitors.

Soldiers establish security behind a covered position outside the breach lane during a combined arms live-fire exercise at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, South Korea, Dec. 19, 2025. The exercise incorporated fires from field artillery, aviation and partner-nation armor to enable maneuver forces to advance.

An Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter prepares to support Operation Hawkeye Strike in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 19, 2025.

Coast Guardsmen conduct unmanned aircraft systems training aboard the Cutter Robert Ward off the coast of San Pedro, Calif., Dec. 18, 2025. The training expands the crew's operational reach and sharpens response capabilities while saving time and resources.

Advanced individual trainees receive boxes of snacks from volunteers before departing Fort Rucker, Ala., Dec. 19, 2025, for the holidays.

A soldier fires a machine gun during a nighttime qualification at Fort Bragg, N.C., Dec. 17, 2025. The training was designed to sharpen lethal skills, honing proficiency in warrior tasks and battle drills while preparing for upcoming exercises.

An Army AH-1 Cobra and UH-1 Huey participate in a day and night diving aerial fire exercise at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Dec. 12, 2025.

Army Capt. Juan O'Neal carries a weighted exercise ball during a physical training session at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Dec. 12, 2025. The training focused on building strength, endurance and resilience to maintain combat readiness.

A soldier fires an M3 Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle during a combined arms live-fire exercise at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, South Korea, Dec. 13, 2025.

Members of the Alaska National Guard and the Department of Homeland Security, along with volunteers from the Salvation Army and the Alaska National Guard Child and Youth Program, host families from Kipnuk and Kwigillingok during Operation Santa Claus at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, Alaska, Dec. 14, 2025. Operation Santa Claus provides gifts, toys, backpacks and books to children in remote Alaskan communities. This year's event supported families who were displaced following Typhoon Halong.

Army Spc. Ayllyson Faust tests military working dog, IIbiza, to wait for a kong on the confidence course at U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, Germany, Dec. 11, 2025. The exercise reinforces discipline and patience, key skills that strengthen the team's effectiveness during real-world missions.

Army Staff Sgt. Edward Anziani organizes belts of .50-caliber ammunition at Yakima Training Center in Yakima, Wash., Dec. 12, 2025. The rounds allow crews to engage targets at distances well beyond standard small-arms ranges, making it a key tool for mounted units providing overwatch and protection.

Army Pfc. Rico Rivero, right, participates in a school roof repair project in Salamanca, Panama, Dec. 12, 2025. U.S. Southern Command is focused on increasing partner nation capacity and interoperability in the region and reflects the United States' enduring promise of friendship, partnership and solidarity with the Panamanian people.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Metz and Spc. Kobe Billman conduct a presence patrol near the Smithsonian Metro in Washington, Dec. 12, 2025. About 2,750 National Guardsmen support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, assisting the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety for residents, commuters and visitors throughout the district.

Soldiers assigned to the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, participate in Tropic Lightning Week and face off in multiple competitions at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Dec. 8, 2025. The week celebrates the 84th birthday of the division, builds unit pride and strengthens esprit de corps.

Graduates of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School don green berets during a ceremony and a regimental first formation at the Crown Arena in Fayetteville, N.C., Dec. 11, 2025. The soldiers received the official headwear of U.S. Army Special Forces after completing the Special Forces Qualification Course.

A soldier assigned to the 41st Field Artillery Brigade climbs over a wall during the obstacle course portion of the Best by Test competition at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Dec. 10, 2025. The competition was designed to foster esprit de corps within the brigade and determine the best field artillery rocket, ammunition and fire direction center crews.

Soldiers assigned to the 41st Field Artillery Brigade unload rocket pods during the Best by Test competition at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Dec. 10, 2025. The competition was designed to foster esprit de corps within the brigade and determine the best field artillery rocket, ammunition and fire direction center crews.

Army paratroopers conduct an airborne operation with an Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft onto Frida Drop Zone in Pordenone, Italy, Dec. 10, 2025.

Sniper teams compete in events at the 55th Winston P. Wilson and 35th Armed Forces Skill at Arms Meeting Sniper Championships at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center, Ark., Dec. 8, 2025. The matches challenged competitors to locate and engage multiple target sets, identify threats, make rapid precision shots and detect a concealed sniper, testing the full range of fieldcraft and marksmanship skills required in sniper operations.