U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Zachary Johnson, right, holds the bipod of an M40A6 sniper rifle over his shoulder as a stable shooting platform while a Philippine Marine fires during KAMANDAG 3 at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, Oct. 14, 2019. Exercises such as KAMANDAG increase our ability to work together in response to crises across the military spectrum in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population, and help alleviate human suffering. Johnson, a Nicholasville, Ky., native, is a scout sniper with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. KAMANDAG is an acronym for the Filipino phrase “Kaagagapay Ng Mga Manirigma Ng Dagat,” which translates to “Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea,” highlighting the partnership between the U.S. and Philippine militaries.

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