MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, prepare their gear to fast rope out of the back of an MV-22 Osprey during exercise Iron Fist 2018, Jan. 23. When fast roping, Marines wear thick leather gloves to disperse the heat created from the friction between the rope and Marines’ hands while sliding. Iron Fist brings together U.S. Marines from the 11th MEU and soldiers from the JGSDF to improve their bilateral planning, communicating, and conducting of combined amphibious operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle McNan)