Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters

Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group receive a brief before testing their M50 gas masks in a field environment during MEFEX at Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 15, 2016. MEFEX 16 is a command and control exercise conducted in a simulated deployed environment designed to synchronize and bring to bear the full spectrum of II Marine Expeditionary Force's C2 capabilities in support of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Conducting exercises of this nature ensures II MEF remains ready to provide the Marine Corps with an experienced staff capable of integrating with international allies and partner nations in a combined joint task force, charged with accomplishing a wide range of military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kirstin Merrimarahajara/released)