Readiness

Lance Cpl. Christopher Alvarez, a combat engineer with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, levels a concrete brick during a general exercise at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 15, 2020. Combat engineer Marines are increasing their construction skills in preparation for infrastructure improvement projects scheduled during their upcoming deployment to Latin America. The GENEX includes training events such as engineering projects and evacuation control center training scenarios that will help build the SPMAGTF-SC for their final certification exercise. These training events also provide the Marines and Sailors with real-world scenarios to prepare them for their deployment to assist partner nation militaries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Alvarez is a native of Portland, Oregon. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Andy O. Martinez)