Storming ashore from amphibious vehicles is the normal image of U.S Marines,
renowned for their toughness, combat skills, and flexibility as an "on call" force. But the reality is that Marine infantrymen train to carry out a wider variety of missions, ranging from combat insertions from the air, to dealing with nuclear, biological and chemical attacks, or dealing with rioters while evacuating non-combatants.

The ground combat element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, a forward-deployed Marine asset of the Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, exercises and trains for a variety of Pacific theater missions. The photos that follow illustrate the training for some of these missions.