Soldiers assigned to The U.S. Army Fife and Drum Corps, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), participate in the anniversary concert, “An Annual Revolution”, at Conmy Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Feb. 24, 2018. The concert was held to commemorate the 58th anniversary of The U.S. Army Fife and Drum Corps and included performances from the members of the Corps. (U.S. Army photos by Pfc. Lane Hiser)

fineartamerica.com/profiles/nathan-hillis.html?tab=artwor...

Infantrymen assigned to Alaska National Guard, U.S. Army, and U.S. Army Reserve units train on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson July 26, 2020 as part of the Advanced Leadership Course held by the Alaska National Guard's 207th Multifunctional Training Regiment. The Course consists of 18 days of classroom and field training instruction designed to further the leadership skills of these non commissioned officers. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Seth LaCount/Released)

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” provide ceremonial support for a Department of the Army retirement ceremony in Conmy Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, April 29, 2021. During the ceremony, hosted by Maj. Gen. Omar J. Jones IV, commanding general, Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, 13 Soldiers from across the Army retired with a collective total of more than 300 years of service. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Nicholas T. Holmes)

Soldiers assigned to the 222nd Chemical Company, New York Army National Guard, and officers with the New York Police Department's COBRA (Chemical Ordinance, Biological and Radiological Awareness) training unit conduct an exercise simulating an urban chemical attack at Rodman's Neck Tactical Village, Bronx, N.Y., Nov. 19, 2016. The New York Army National Guard Soldiers and officers with the COBRA training unit used the exercise to share techniques and procedures, as well as enhance their readiness in case of a natural disaster or terrorist attack. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Harley Jelis)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 15, 2014) - Amphibious assault vehicles (AAV), assigned to 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion (3DAAB), Alpha Company 2nd Platoon, approach the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during amphibious operations. Makin Island is conducting amphibious operations to gain amphibious warfare certification. (U. S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Princess L. Brown)

140115-N-NJ927-030

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A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, prepares to fire a simulated mortar round at a target reference point while conducting defensive operations during Decisive Action Rotation 18-09 at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., Aug. 6, 2018. Decisive Action Rotations at the NTC ensure Army Brigade Combat Teams remain versatile, responsive, and consistently available for current and future contingencies. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Kevin Parker, Operations Group, National Training Center)

An M109 Paladin assigned to 4th Battalion, 1st Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas, conducts calibration on their firing systems prior to beginning live-fire exercises during Decisive Action Rotation 18-08 at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., June 11, 2018. Decisive Action Rotations at the National Training Center ensure Army BCTs remain versatile, responsive, and consistently available for current and future contingencies. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Ernesto Gonzalez, Operations Group, National Training Center)

Soldiers assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) conduct Plane Side Honors at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, August 12, 2020. Honors were rendered for U.S. Army Cpl. Ralph L. Cale, of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on December 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Nicholas T. Holmes)

Really wish this had a different background color! 1/2 yard

Location: old gold box

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) are awarded the coveted “Buff Strap” during a Regimental Orientation Program (ROP) graduation ceremony at Summerall Field on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va. July 31, 2017. ROP is a three-week program designed to train new Soldiers in rifle movements, ceremonial marching, and uniform styles unique to The Old Guard. (U.S. Army photos by Nicholas T. Holmes)

Airmen assigned to the 105th Airlift Wing Base Defense Squadron unload their bags from their buses after they return from Washington D.C. in support of the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States, President Joseph Biden, on Jan. 26, 2021 at Stewart Air National Guard Base, NY. At least 25,000 National Guard men and women were authorized to conduct security, communication and logistical missions in support of federal and District authorities leading up and through the 59th Presidential Inauguration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Schwarzler)

Chitragupta is a Hindu god assigned with the task of keeping complete records of actions of human beings on the earth. Upon their death, Chitragupta has the task of deciding heaven or the hell for the humans, depending on their actions on the earth.

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The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh, India. About 175 kilometres southeast of Jhansi, they are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.

Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 CE by the Chandela dynasty. Historical records note that Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples by 12th century, spread over 20 square kilometers. Of these, only about 20 temples have survived, spread over 6 square kilometers. Of the various surviving temples, the Kandariya temple is decorated with a profusion of sculptures with intricate details, symbolism and expressiveness of ancient Indian art.

The Khajuraho group of temples were built together but were dedicated to two religions namely Hinduism and Jainism - suggesting a tradition of acceptance and respect for diverse religious views among Hindus and Jains.

LOCATION

Khajuraho group of monuments are located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, in Chhatarpur District, about 620 kilometres southeast of New Delhi. The temples are in a small town also known as Khajuraho, with a population of about 20,000 people (2001 Census).

Khajuraho is served by Khajuraho Airport (IATA Code: HJR), with services to Delhi, Agra and Mumbai. The site is also linked by Indian Railways service, with the railway station approximately six kilometer from the monuments entrance.

The monuments are about 10 kilometres off the east-west National Highway 75, and about 50 kilometres from the city of Chhatarpur, that is connected to Bhopal - the state capital - by the SW-NE running National Highway 86.

HISTORY

The Khajuraho group of monuments were built during the rule of Rajput Chandela dynasty. The building activity started almost immediately after the rise of their power, throughout their kingdom to be later known as Bundelkhand. Most temples were built during the reigns of the Hindu kings Yashovarman and Dhanga. Yashovarman's legacy is best exhibited by Lakshmana temple. Vishvanatha temple best highlights King Dhanga's reign.:22 The largest and currently most famous surviving temple is Kandariya Mahadeva built in the reign of King Ganda from 1017-1029 CE. The temple inscriptions suggest many of the currently surviving temples were complete between 970 to 1030 CE, with few more temples completed in decades thereafter.

The Khajuraho temples were built about 35 miles from the medieval city of Mahoba, the capital of Chandela dynasty, in Kalinjar region. In ancient and medieval literature, their kingdom has been called Jijhoti, Jejahoti, Chih-chi-to and Jejakabhukti.

Khajuraho were mentioned by Abu Rihan-al-Biruni, the Persian historian who accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni in his raid of Kalinjar in 1022 CE; he mentions Khajuraho as the capital of Jajahuti. The raid was unsuccessful, and a peace accord was reached when the Hindu king agreed to pay a ransom to Mahmud of Ghazni to end the attack and leave.

Khajuraho temples were in active use through the end of 12th century. This changed in the 13th century, after the army of Delhi Sultanate, under the command of the Muslim Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak, attacked and seized the Chandela kingdom. About a century later, Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan traveller in his memoirs about his stay in India from 1335 to 1342 CE, mentioned visiting Khajuraho temples, calling them “Kajarra” as follows:

...near (Khajuraho) temples, which contain idols that have been mutilated by the Moslems, live a number of yogis whose matted locks have grown as long as their bodies. And on account of extreme asceticism they are all yellow in colour. Many Moslems attend these men in order to take lessons (yoga) from them.

— Ibn Battuta, about 1335 CE, Riḥlat Ibn Baṭūṭah, Translated by Arthur Cotterell

Central Indian region, where Khajuraho temples are, remained in the control of many different Muslim dynasties from 13th century through the 18th century. In this period, some temples were desecrated, followed by a long period when they were left in neglect. In 1495 CE, for example, Sikandar Lodi’s campaign of temple destruction included Khajuraho. The remoteness and isolation of Khajuraho protected the Hindu and Jain temples from continued destruction by Muslims. Over the centuries, vegetation and forests overgrew, took over the temples.

In the 1830s, local Hindus guided a British surveyor, T.S. Burt, to the temples and they were thus rediscovered by the global audience. Alexander Cunningham later reported, few years after the rediscovery, that the temples were secretly in use by yogis and thousands of Hindus would arrive for pilgrimage during Shivaratri celebrated annually in February or March based on a lunar calendar. In 1852, Maisey prepared earliest drawings of the Khajuraho temples.

NOMENCLATURE

The name Khajuraho, or Kharjuravāhaka, is derived from ancient Sanskrit (kharjura, खर्जूर means date palm, and vāhaka, वाहक means "one who carries" or bearer). Local legends state that the temples had two golden date-palm trees as their gate (missing when they were rediscovered). Desai states that Kharjuravāhaka also means scorpion bearer, which is another symbolic name for deity Shiva (who wears snakes and scorpion garlands in his fierce form).

Cunningham’s nomenclature and systematic documentation work in 1850s and 1860s have been widely adopted and continue to be in use. He grouped the temples into the Western group around Lakshmana, Eastern group around Javeri, and Southern group around Duladeva.

Khajuraho is one of the four holy sites linked to deity Shiva (the other three are Kedarnath, Kashi and Gaya). Its origin and design is a subject of scholarly studies. Shobita Punja has proposed that the temple’s origin reflect the Hindu mythology in which Khajuraho is the place where Shiva got married; with Raghuvamsha verse 5.53, Matangeshvara honoring ‘’Matanga’’, or god of love.

DESCRIPTION

The temple site is within Vindhya mountain range in central India. An ancient local legend held that Hindu deity Shiva and other gods enjoyed visiting the dramatic hill formation in Kalinjar area. The center of this region is Khajuraho, set midst local hills and rivers. The temple complex reflects the ancient Hindu tradition of building temples where gods love to play.

The temples are clustered near water, another typical feature of Hindu temples. The current water bodies include Sib Sagar, Khajur Sagar (also called Ninora Tal) and Khudar Nadi (river). The local legends state that the temple complex had 64 water bodies, of which 56 have been physically identified by archeologists so far.

All temples, except one (Chaturbhuja) face sunrise - another symbolic feature that is predominant in Hindu temples. The relative layout of temples integrate masculine and feminine deities and symbols highlight the interdependence. The art work symbolically highlight the four goals of life considered necessary and proper in Hinduism - dharma, kama, artha and moksha.

Of the surviving temples, 6 are dedicated to Shiva and his consorts, 8 to Vishnu and his affinities, 1 to Ganesha, 1 to Sun god, 3 to Jain Tirthanks. For some ruins, there is insufficient evidence to assign the temple to specific deities with confidence.

An overall examination of site suggests that the Hindu symbolic mandala design principle of square and circles is present each temple plan and design. Further, the territory is laid out in three triangles that converge to form a pentagon. Scholars suggest that this reflects the Hindu symbolism for three realms or trilokinatha, and five cosmic substances or panchbhuteshvara. The temple site highlights Shiva, the one who destroys and recycles life, thereby controlling the cosmic dance of time, evolution and dissolution.

The temples have a rich display of intricately carved statues. While they are famous for their erotic sculpture, sexual themes cover less than 10% of the temple sculpture. Further, most erotic scene panels are neither prominent nor emphasized at the expense of the rest, rather they are in proportional balance with the non-sexual images. The viewer has to look closely to find them, or be directed by a guide. The arts cover numerous aspects of human life and values considered important in Hindu pantheon. Further, the images are arranged in a configuration to express central ideas of Hinduism. All three ideas from Āgamas are richly expressed in Khajuraho temples - Avyakta, Vyaktavyakta and Vyakta.

The Beejamandal temple is under excavation. It has been identified with the Vaidyanath temple mentioned in the Grahpati Kokalla inscription.

Of all temples, the Matangeshvara temple remains an active site of worship. It is another square grid temple, with a large 2.5 metres high and 1.1 metres diameter lingam, placed on a 7.6 metres diameter platform.

The most visited temple, Kandariya Mahadev, has an area of about 6,500 square feet and a shikhara (spire) that rise

s 116 feet.

Jain templesThe Jain temples are located on east-southeast region of Khajuraho monuments. Chausath jogini temple features 64 jogini, while Ghantai temple features bells sculptured on its pillars.

ARCHITECTURE OF THE TEMPLES

Khajuraho temples, like almost all Hindu temple designs, follow a grid geometrical design called vastu-purusha-mandala. This design plan has three important components - Mandala means circle, Purusha is universal essence at the core of Hindu tradition, while Vastu means the dwelling structure.

The design lays out a Hindu temple in a symmetrical, concentrically layered, self-repeating structure around the core of the temple called garbhagriya, where the abstract principle Purusha and the primary deity of the temple dwell. The shikhara, or spire, of the temple rises above the garbhagriya. This symmetry and structure in design is derived from central beliefs, myths, cardinality and mathematical principles.

The circle of mandala circumscribe the square. The square is considered divine for its perfection and as a symbolic product of knowledge and human thought, while circle is considered earthly, human and observed in everyday life (moon, sun, horizon, water drop, rainbow). Each supports the other. The square is divided into perfect 64 sub-squares called padas.

Most Khajuraho temples deploy the 8x8 padas grid Manduka Vastupurushamandala, with pitha mandala the square grid incorporated in the design of the spires. The primary deity or lingas are located in the grid’s Brahma padas.The architecture is symbolic and reflects the central Hindu beliefs through its form, structure and arrangement of its parts. The mandapas as well as the arts are arranged in the Khajuraho temples in a symmetric repeating patterns, even though each image or sculpture is distinctive in its own way. The relative placement of the images are not random but together they express ideas, just like connected words form sentences and paragraphs to compose ideas. This fractal pattern that is common in Hindu temples. Various statues and panels have inscriptions. Many of the inscriptions on the temple walls are poems with double meanings, something that the complex structure of Sanskrit allows in creative compositions. All Khajuraho temples, except one, face sunrise, and the entrance for the devotee is this east side.

Above the vastu-purusha-mandala of each temple is a superstructure with a dome called Shikhara (or Vimana, Spire). Variations in spire design come from variation in degrees turned for the squares. The temple Shikhara, in some literature, is linked to mount Kailash or Meru, the mythical abode of the gods.

In each temple, the central space typically is surrounded by an ambulatory for the pilgrim to walk around and ritually circumambulate the Purusa and the main deity. The pillars, walls and ceilings around the space, as well as outside have highly ornate carvings or images of the four just and necessary pursuits of life - kama, artha, dharma and moksa. This clockwise walk around is called pradakshina.

Larger Khajuraho temples also have pillared halls called mandapa. One near the entrance, on the east side, serves as the waiting room for pilgrims and devotees. The mandapas are also arranged by principles of symmetry, grids and mathematical precision. This use of same underlying architectural principle is common in Hindu temples found all over India. Each Khajuraho temple is distinctly carved yet also repeating the central common principles in almost all Hindu temples, one which Susan Lewandowski refers to as “an organism of repeating cells”.

CONSTRUCTION

The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions: western, eastern and southern.

The Khajuraho temples are made of sandstone, with a granite foundation that is almost concealed from view. The builders didn't use mortar: the stones were put together with mortise and tenon joints and they were held in place by gravity. This form of construction requires very precise joints. The columns and architraves were built with megaliths that weighed up to 20 tons. Some repair work in the 19th Century was done with brick and mortar; however these have aged faster than original materials and darkened with time, thereby seeming out of place.

The Khajuraho and Kalinjar region is home to superior quality of sandstone, which can be precision carved. The surviving sculpture reflect fine details such as strands of hair, manicured nails and intricate jewelry.

While recording the television show Lost Worlds (History Channel) at Khajuraho, Alex Evans recreated a stone sculpture under 4 feet that took about 60 days to carve in an attempt to develop a rough idea how much work must have been involved. Roger Hopkins and Mark Lehner also conducted experiments to quarry limestone which took 12 quarrymen 22 days to quarry about 400 tons of stone. They concluded that these temples would have required hundreds of highly trained sculptors.

CHRONOLOGY

The Khajuraho group of temples belong to Vaishnavism school of Hinduism, Saivism school of Hinduism and Jainism - nearly a third each. Archaeological studies suggest all three types of temples were under construction at about the same time in late 10th century, and in use simultaneously. Will Durant states that this aspect of Khajuraho temples illustrates the tolerance and respect for different religious viewpoints in the Hindu and Jain traditions. In each group of Khajuraho temples, there were major temples surrounded by smaller temples - a grid style that is observed to varying degrees in Hindu temples in Angkor Wat, Parambaran and South India.

The largest surviving Saiva temple is Khandarya Mahadeva, while the largest surviving Vaishnava group includes Chaturbhuja and Ramachandra.

Kandarya Mahadeva temple plan is 109 ft in length by 60 ft, and rises 116 ft above ground and 88 ft above its own floor. The central padas are surrounded by three rows of sculptured figures, with over 870 statues, most being half life size (2.5 to 3 feet). The spire is a self repeating fractal structure.

TEMPLE NAME - DEITY - YEAR COMPLETED

Chausath Yogini - Devi, 64 Yoginis - 885

Brahma - Vishnu - 925

Lalgun Mahadev - Shiva - 900

Matangeshwar - Shiva - 1000

Varaha - Vishnu - 950

Lakshmana - Vaikuntha Vishnu - 939

Parshvanath - Parshvanath - 954

Visvanatha - Shiva - 999

Devi Jagadambi - Devi, Parvati - 1023

Chitragupta - Sun, Chitragupta - 1023

Kandariya Mahadeva - Shiva - 1029

Vamana - Vamana - 1062

Adinath Jain Temple - Rishabha - 1027

Javeri - Vishnu - 1090

Chaturbhuja - Vishnu - 1110

Duladeo (Duladeva) - Shiva - 1125

Ghantai - Jain Tirthankara - 960

Vishnu-Garuda - Vishnu - 1000

Ganesha - Shiva - 1000

Hanuman - Hanuman - 922

Mahishasuramardini - Devi - 995

ARTS AND SCULPTURE

The Khajuraho temples feature a variety of art work, of which 10% is sexual or erotic art outside and inside the temples. Some of the temples that have two layers of walls have small erotic carvings on the outside of the inner wall. Some scholars suggest these to be tantric sexual practices. Other scholars state that the erotic arts are part of Hindu tradition of treating kama as an essential and proper part of human life, and its symbolic or explicit display is common in Hindu temples. James McConnachie, in his history of the Kamasutra, describes the sexual-themed Khajuraho sculptures as "the apogee of erotic art":

"Twisting, broad-hipped and high breasted nymphs display their generously contoured and bejewelled bodies on exquisitely worked exterior wall panels. These fleshy apsaras run riot across the surface of the stone, putting on make-up, washing their hair, playing games, dancing, and endlessly knotting and unknotting their girdles . . Beside the heavenly nymphs are serried ranks of griffins, guardian deities and, most notoriously, extravagantly interlocked maithunas, or lovemaking couples."

The temples have several thousand statues and art works, with Kandarya Mahadeva temple alone decorated with over 870. Some 10% of these iconographic carvings contain sexual themes and various sexual poses. A common misconception is that, since the old structures with carvings in Khajuraho are temples, the carvings depict sex between deities; however the kama arts represent diverse sexual expressions of different human beings. The vast majority of arts depict various aspects the everyday life, mythical stories as well as symbolic display of various secular and spiritual values important in Hindu tradition. For example, depictions show women putting on makeup, musicians making music, potters, farmers, and other folks in their daily life during the medieval era. These scenes are in the outer padas as is typical in Hindu temples.

There is iconographic symbolism embedded in the arts displayed in Khajuraho temples. Core Hindu values are expressed in multitude of ways. Even the Kama scenes, when seen in combination of sculptures that precede and follow, depict the spiritual themes such as moksha. In the words of Stella Kramrisch,

This state which is “like a man and woman in close embrace” is a symbol of moksa, final release or reunion of two principles, the essence (Purusha) and the nature (Prakriti).

— Stella Kramrisch, 1976

The Khajuraho temples represent one expression of many forms of arts that flourished in Rajput kingdoms of India from 8th through 10th century CE. For example, contemporary with Khajuraho were the publications of poems and drama such as Prabodhacandrodaya, Karpuramanjari, Viddhasalabhanjika and Kavyamimansa. Some of the themes expressed in these literary works are carved as sculpture in Khajuraho temples. Some sculptures at the Khajuraho monuments dedicated to Vishnu include the Vyalas, which are hybrid imaginary animals with lions body, and are found in other Indian temples. Some of these hybrid mythical art work include Vrik Vyala (hybrid of wolf and lion) and Gaja Vyala (hybrid of elephant and lion). These Vyalas may represent syncretic, creative combination of powers innate in the two.

TOURISM AND CULTURAL EVENTS

The temples in Khajuraho are broadly divided into three parts : the Eastern group, the Southern Group and the Western group of temples of which the Western group alone has the facility of an Audio guided tour wherein the tourists are guided through the seven eight temples. There is also an audio guided tour developed by the Archaeological Survey of India which includes a narration of the temple history and architecture.

The Khajuraho Dance Festival is held every year in February. It features various classical Indian dances set against the backdrop of the Chitragupta or Vishwanath Temples.

The Khajuraho temple complex offers a light and sound show every evening. The first show is in English language and the second one in Hindi. It is held in the open lawns in the temple complex, and has received mixed reviews.

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development has set up kiosks at the Khajuraho railway station, with tourist officers to provide information for Khajuraho visitors.

WIKIPEDIA

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Assigned to the 305th AMW at McGuire AFB, McDonnell Douglas KC-10A 85-0032 rotates of Runway 28 at Mildenhall with SPUR62

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Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., June 12, 2018. The wreath was laid by Col. Michael A. Getchell who is retiring from the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army photos by Spc. Lane Hiser)

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Fat quarter

Location: Black Quilt box?

Cadets assigned to Cadet Field Training Cadre took on the Bull Run Water Confidence Course, June 29, West Point N.Y. The cadre climbed the 80-foot tower and descend across the Slide for Life above Lake Popolopen by using a hand trolley, when signaled they let go of the trolley and dropped in to the lake. They then walk on a narrow I-beam, climb up and down a couple of three steps before climbing hand over hand from the wire before requesting permission to drop to the water below.. Photo by Tommy Gilligan/USMA Public Affairs

Soldiers assigned 35th Polish Air Defense Squadron prepare to raise the Polish flag during a celebration ceremony to welcome American troops assigned to 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division to Skwierzyna, Poland, Feb. 12, 2017. The 3-4 ABCT’s arrival marks the start of back-to-back rotations of armored brigades in Europe as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. This rotation will enhance deterrence capabilities in the region, improve the U.S. ability to respond to potential crises and defend allies and partners in the European community. U.S. forces will focus on strengthening capabilities and sustaining readiness through bilateral and multinational training and exercises. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Tarr)

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Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band, ceremonial units from the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, participate in a Department of the Army Retirement Ceremony in Conmy Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, June 30, 2020. The ceremony was hosted by Maj. Gen. Omar J. Jones IV, commanding general, Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Nicholas T. Holmes)

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo., observes enemy movement from an observation post during Decisive Action Rotation 19-02 at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., Oct. 28, 2018. Decisive Action Rotations at the NTC ensure Army Brigade Combat Teams remain versatile, responsive, and consistently available for current and future contingencies. (U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Kamryn Guthrie, Operations Group, National Training Center)

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U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo., prepare to litter carry a simulated casualty to a casualty collection point during Decisive Action Rotation 19-02 at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., Oct. 27, 2018. Decisive Action Rotations at the National Training Center ensure Army Brigade Combat Teams remain versatile, responsive and consistently available for current and future contingencies. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Kimberly Riley, Operations Group, National Training Center)

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Assigned to CVW-17 "AA" aboard the USS Saratoga.

Seen here on landing after a Flying Display during the afternoon of the 13/06/1992

Soldiers assigned to Task Force Griffin, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), 7th Infantry Division load an AGM-114 HELLFIRE missile on an AH-64E Apache helicopter in Kunduz, Afghanistan, in May. This support for U.S. Forces Afghanistan is possible, in turn, because of long-standing, ongoing relationships between government and the private sector in research and development. Cultivating and maintaining such ties helps Army acquisition ensure that its development and acquisition strategies will produce the best, most up-to-date and effective equipment. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Brian Harris, 16th CAB)

Airmen assigned to the 107th Attack Wing, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York Air National Guard, fill and tie sandbags in response to the New York National Guard activation Gov. Andrew Cuomo initiated on May 6 for the flooding occurring along Lake Ontario, at the Department of Transportation, Albion, N.Y., May 13, 2019. Members of the New York National Air National Guard are able to fill around 5,000 sandbags a day from Albion, which are then taken to vulnerable areas around the Lake Ontario shoreline, including homes and businesses. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Brandy Fowler)

Marines assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 26 fire a rifle volley as the amphibious transport dock ship Pre-commissioning Unit New York passes Ground Zero. New York has 7.5 tons of World Trade Center steel in her bow and will be commissioned Nov. 7 in New York City. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st class Corey Lewis

A paratrooper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, drives the Brigade’s new Light Tactical All Terrain Vehicle on Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 29, 2014. The 1st Battalion, 325th AIR will be the first battalion to exercise and assess the added capabilities of the new LTATVs by incorporating them into scheduled training events, culminating in the Division’s Joint Operational Access Exercise 15-01 in April next year. (82nd Airborne Division photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Hull/Released)

assign-3 ABSTRACT

ઐરાવત

Soldiers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade practice hooking their lines during Static Load Training, june 4, 2016, on Ramstein Air Base, during exercise Swift Response 16. During this training paratroopers familiarize themselves with actions they must take during an airborne operation and is one many preparation drills they must conduct at the Intermediate Staging Base. Swift Response includes more than 5,000 Soldiers and Airmen from Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the United States and takes place in Poland and Germany, May 27-June 26, 2016.

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), provide support for a Department of the Army retirement ceremony at Conmy Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., March 29, 2018. The ceremony was held for 43 Soldiers assigned to the Military District of Washington who retired after more than 860 years of combined service to the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army photos by Spc. Gabriel Silva)

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” provided ceremonial support for a Department of the Army retirement ceremony in Conmy Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Oct. 27, 2022. During the ceremony, hosted by Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin, commanding general, Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, 33 Soldiers from across the Army retired with a collective total of 623 years of service. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Laura Stephens)

F4F-3 BuNo 4008 assigned to VMF-221 in May 1942.

“We had been on the alert before daylight. Then, the alarm came at about 6:30 a.m. We all got into the air and there was a little mix-up among the Grummans as the planes took to the air. From the Radar we were directed up to 310…. Many bandits at 12,000 feet altitude. We went out there and contacted them and there were about nineteen carrier dive-bombers escorted by approximately ten ‘Zero’ fighters. The dive bombers were in four and five plane “V”s and the ‘Zero’ fighters were about 2,000 feet above them. There were only three of us.

“I went ahead after the leader of the division of bombers and while making the first run, an overhead approach on the division leader of the dive bomber formation, I got a bullet through the wind shield but continued my attack and shot down the division leader. Then I made an above side approach on the center plane of the formation, hit the leader and think I got one of them. Just then I got shot through the right knee and left leg. I kept going right down, got out of my dive and returned to Midway. I returned with great difficulty and attempted to make a landing which ended in a ground loop as I had a flat tire and could not control the plane because of the wound in my leg.

“In talking it over with the other pilots who returned they invariably had tangled with two to five ‘Zero’ fighters and were unable to shake them. The only maneuver which would evade them would be a vertical dive and then a pull-out at high speed just above the water.

“The ‘Zero’ fighters out-maneuvered, out-performed and out-climbed the Brewsters and Grummans in every respect. The only advantage the Brewsters and Grummans had was in armor.

“While the fighters were attempting to stop the dive-bombers and intercept the oncoming fighters, the Scouts and B-17s had gone on out farther to attempt to intercept the surface craft.”

The citation accompanying his award of the Navy Cross reads as follows:

"The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John F. Carey (0-5650), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Division Commander and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Leading his division in a dauntless and aggressive assault against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Captain Carey shot down one Navy Aichi Type dive bomber, thereby aiding in the disruption of enemy plans and lessening of the effectiveness of their attack. His courageous determination, maintained at great personal risk against tremendous odds, contributed to the success of our forces and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Untied States Naval Forces."

Cadets assigned to Cadet Field Training Cadre took on the Bull Run Water Confidence Course, June 29, West Point N.Y. The cadre climbed the 80-foot tower and descend across the Slide for Life above Lake Popolopen by using a hand trolley, when signaled they let go of the trolley and dropped in to the lake. They then walk on a narrow I-beam, climb up and down a couple of three steps before climbing hand over hand from the wire before requesting permission to drop to the water below.. Photo by Tommy Gilligan/USMA Public Affairs

F4F-3 BuNo 3997 assigned to VMF-221 in May 1942.

“I took off as wingman on Captain Carl at approximately 0557, June 4, 1942. We joined on Captain Carey and were vectored out 310 degrees. The three of us climbed to 14,000 feet on the vector, during which I was motioned to fly number three on Captain Carey. About nine minutes out Captain Carl began to drop back. At 0612 Captain Carey made a wide 270 degree turn; then a 90 degree diving turn while reporting to Zed, ‘Talley ho, a large formation of bombers,’ a slight pause, then, ‘Accompanied by fighters.’ The bombers were at approximately 12,000 feet. I slid into a column on Captain Carey during the run, where I stayed until the engagement was over. The run was high side from the right. I fired at the No. 3 plane in the No. 3 section until it exploded and went down in flames. In the middle of the run I saw a column of fighters diving on us from the left. There was no return fire from the bombers that I could see. Captain Carey pulled out of the dive and made a high wing over for another attack when we were attacked by their fighters. He then dived at about a 40 degree angle and headed for a large cloud about five miles away. I momentarily lagged looking for planes following us and went around the cloud the opposite direction from Captain Carey to have a better look behind. I saw a large trail of smoke and the bomber burning on the ocean, but no fighters, and then joined upon him again. He headed in the general direction of the Islands on an unsteady course. Finally I observed that he was badly wounded and he turned the lead over to me. He kept dropping and falling behind and I kept throttling back so he could keep up. When I had led us to a 270 degree bearing from the Island, he called me and instructed me to join on him again. We had about forty gallons of gasoline left, including seventeen gallons of reserve. I made a normal approach but had no flaps, and when the wheels touched the ground the landing gear collapsed. The Island was under heavy attack, with fighters strafing runways and a Patrol Boat. When the plane had stopped sliding, I jumped out and ran for a trench, while a plane was strafing in the direction of my abandoned plane or the Patrol Boat.

“All during the above encounter, I flew very close to Captain Carey, making all runs and dives in column. There were 100 rounds gone from three of my guns and 90 from the other. At least one-half of these were used up during two test fires I had made that morning.”

“My plane was hit on the right elevator, left wing and flap, and just ahead of the tail wheel by 20 mm cannon. There was also a 30 caliber hole through the tail wheel and one that entered the hood on the right side about six inches up, passing just over the left rudder pedal and damaging the landing gear.

“Captain Carey’s and my engagement was of very short duration, thereby limiting my impression. However, I am positive that the bomber I shot down was an Aichi type 99, because when this bomber exploded, I was flat at about a 140 degree angle, and I am positive that the landing gear was retracted. However, the planes were painted dark and the light was bad, so I couldn’t tell the type of ship but they were larger than our dive bombers. After talking to observers from the Island who were observing through field glasses, they were of a twin engine class, because they confirmed that the plane was missing in the afore said position.

“During this encounter, I flew an F4F-3 type plane, bureau No. 3997.”

The citation for his award of the Navy Cross reads as follows:

"The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Clayton M. Canfield (0-9406), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Delivering a dauntless and aggressive assault against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Second Lieutenant Canfield shot down one Navy Aichi Type dive bomber, thereby aiding in the disruption of enemy plans and lessening the effectiveness of their attack. His courageous determination, maintained at great personal risk against tremendous odds, contributed to the success of our forces and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 4TH Battalion, 17TH Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas, observes the movement of enemy elements during Decisive Action Rotation 19-01 at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., Sept. 28, 2018. Decisive Action Rotations at the NTC ensure Army Brigade Combat Teams remain versatile, responsive, and consistently available for current and future contingencies. (U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Brooke Davis, Operations Group, National Training Center)

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas, provides medical aid for a simulated casualty during Decisive Action Rotation 18-08 at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., June 3, 2018. Decisive Action Rotations at the National Training Center ensure Army BCTs remain versatile, responsive and consistently available for current and future contingencies. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Dana Clarke, Operations Group, National Training Center)

Airmen assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing of the 109th Airlift Wing assist local crews in post-storm cleanup in Cambridge, N.Y. on Saturday, May 5. Sixteen members of the wing were assigned to help local road crews following a series of storms which knocked down trees and turned off the power to more than 180,000 northern New York residents on May 4, 2018. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Brig. Gen. Patrick Center)

HONOLULU, Hawaii (Jan. 29, 2021) - Sailors assigned to Navy Region Hawaii and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) conduct a funeral for U.S. Navy Chief Machinist's Mate Lada Smisek at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, Jan. 29, 2021. Smisek served at the Naval Ammunition Depot and Submarine Base in Cavite, Philippines, when Japanese forces invaded and resulted in thousands of U.S. and Filipino service members being taken prisoner and sent to prisoner of war camps. Smisek was among those reported captured after the surrender of Corregidor and held at the Cabanatuan POW camp until he died Sept. 28, 1942. Smisek was recently identified through DNA analysis by the DPAA forensic laboratory and laid to rest with full military honors. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melanye Martinez) 210129-M-MS784-0024

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Members assigned to Charlie Squadron, Asymmetric Warfare Group (AWG), conducts Pre-Mission Training (PMT) designed to enhance advisory assistants to Brigade Combat Teams and lethality at Fort A.P. Hill, Va, Mar. 11, 2019.

Pre-Mission Training ensures Operational Advisors, Technical Advisors and Enablers are trained and proficient in marksmanship; mobility; communication; medical; driver’s training; C-IED; sUAS; and heavy weapon operations in order to deploy in support of AWG’s missions.

AWG provides global operational advisory support to U.S. Army forces to rapidly transfer current threat based observations and solutions (TTPs) to tactical and operational Army commanders in order to defeat emerging asymmetric threats and enhance multi-domain effectiveness.

Bottom line, AWG advises blue forces (BLUFOR) on best practices across a range of military operations with current and relevant information while scouting threat TTPs and gaining context of operational environments to support the fielded force and help units win.

Photo: AWG