Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force

Sgt. Maj. Robin C. Fortner, left, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force Sergeant Major, and Col. Matthew G. St. Clair, GCEITF Commanding Officer, case the national ensign during the unit’s deactivation ceremony at the Goettge Memorial Field House, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 14, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF conducted individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alicia R. Leaders/Released)

Sgt. Maj. Robin C. Fortner, left, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force Sergeant Major, and Col. Matthew G. St. Clair, GCEITF Commanding Officer, case the Task Force colors during the unit’s deactivation ceremony at the Goettge Memorial Field House, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 14, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF conducted individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alicia R. Leaders/Released)

Marines representing Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, pull company team during a game of tug of war as part of the task force field meet outside of the Command Post, July 2, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF conducted individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

Cpl. Jamie Martz, engineer equipment electrical systems technician, Engineer Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, competes in the caber toss event as part of the task force field meet outside of the Command Post, July 2, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF conducted individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Nicholas V. Vitale, right, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force Gunner, waits to be decorated during his retirement ceremony June 18, 2015, at W.P.T. Hill Field, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Vitale retired after serving more than 30 years of service in the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Alicia R. Leaders/Released)

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Nicholas V. Vitale, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force Gunner, listens to the remarks of Lt. Gen. Robert B. Neller, as he talks about his time spent with Vitale in the Marine Corps and throughout the years during Vitale’s retirement ceremony June 18, 2015, at W.P.T. Hill Field, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Neller served as a mentor throughout Vitale’s career, and was the reviewing officer for his ceremony. Vitale retired after serving more than 30 years of service in the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Alicia R. Leaders/Released)

Cpl. Jose A. Cabrera, right, rifleman, Company A, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, is congratulated by 1st Sgt. John D. Dober, center, first sergeant, Co. A, GCEITF, and guest speaker, during the Corporal’s Course graduation at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Theater, June 24, 2015. Cabrera was selected as the recipient of the Gung-Ho Award. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF conducted individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

Cpl. Alicia Hernandez, right, combat engineer, Headquarters and Service Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, is congratulated by 1st Sgt. John D. Dober, center, first sergeant, Company A, GCEITF, and guest speaker, during the Corporal’s Course graduation at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Theater, June 24, 2015. Hernandez was selected as the recipient of the Physical Fitness Award. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF conducted individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

Marines with the Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force play a game of volleyball during a beach bash at Onslow Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 19, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF conducted individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

Sgt. Kevin Palmer, right, administrative specialist, Headquarters and Service Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, tosses a bean bag during a game of corn hole at Onslow Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 19, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF conducted individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

Sgt. Maj. Robin C. Fortner, center left, sergeant major, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, congratulates Sgt. Brandon Rodriguez, field artillery cannoneer, Battery A, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, during a Sergeants’ Course graduation ceremony at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Theater, June 12, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF conducted individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

Capt. Alexander Puraty, Company B commander, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, embraces his son upon return to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 29, 2015. The company’s Amphibious Assault Vehicle Platoon was the last of the Task Force to complete their Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF conducted individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

Cpl. Collin A. Bly, right, field artillery cannoneer, Battery A, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, is congratulated by Master Sgt. James Slife III, guest speaker, during the Corporal’s Course graduation at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Theater, May 28. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF conducted individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

Cpl. Sergio J. Parada, right, tank repair technician, Tank Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, is congratulated by Master Sgt. James Slife III, guest speaker, during the Corporal’s Course graduation at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Theater, May 28. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF conducted individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

Lance Cpl. Courtney E. Milton, light armored vehicle crewman, LAV Platoon, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, runs on a treadmill during a post-assessment physical evaluation at the University of Pittsburgh Human Performance Center, May. 27. Researchers with the university were looking for any possible changes since the last evaluation of ITF Marines. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF conducted individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

Sgt. Brenton A. Slover, combat engineer with Engineer Platoon, Headquarters and Support Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, hugs his wife after returning to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 20, 2015, from a three-month assessment at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, California. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF conducted individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alicia R. Leaders/Released)

Cpl. Harry M. Aguirre, training clerk with Headquarters and Support Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, wife and daughters welcome him back to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 20, 2015, after returning from a three-month assessment at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, California. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF conducted individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alicia R. Leaders/Released)

Sgt. Travis J. Smith, combat engineer with Engineer Platoon, Headquarters and Support Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, embraces his daughter after returning to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 20, 2015, from a three-month assessment at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, California. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF conducted individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alicia R. Leaders/Released)

Sgt. Randy Myers, rifleman, Company A, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, climbs a 40-foot cliff face during the final Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, California, May 18, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

Staff Sgt. Raphael Palisoc, mountain leader, secures Sgt. Rebecca Rutherford, mortar man, Weapons Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, onto a rope bridge during the final Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, California, May 18, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

An Amphibious Assault Vehicle with AAV Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, splashes into the Pacific Ocean during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment May 10, 2015, at Red Beach training area, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The GCEITF AAV Platoon is executing the final phase of their Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment by conducting beach and water-borne tasks. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo By Gunnery Sgt. Matt Epright/Released)

Marines with Amphibious Assault Vehicle Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, throw a rope from an AAV, to a “disabled” AAV, in the Pacific Ocean during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment May 12, 2015, near Red Beach training area, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The GCEITF AAV Platoon is executing the final phase of their Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment by conducting beach and water-borne tasks. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo By Gunnery Sgt. Matt Epright/Released)

Cpl. Darin Bean, left, and Lance Cpl. Nicholas Cascone, both amphibious assault vehicle crewmen with AAV Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, attach a tow-bar to an AAV during a pilot test May 9, 2015, at Red Beach training area, aboard Camp Pendleton, California. The GCEITF AAV Platoon is executing the final phase of their Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment by conducting beach and water-borne tasks. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo By Gunnery Sgt. Matt Epright/Released)

Sgt. Courtney G. White, machine gunner, Weapons Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, prepares to descend a 40-foot cliff face during a pilot Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, California, May 5, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards-based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)