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I Marine Expeditionary Force

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. James Martin, a squad leader with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 26, fires an M4 carbine during a live-fire range as part of a platoon exchange at the Indonesian Marine Corps 9th Battalion near Lampung, Indonesia, Aug. 21, 2026. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. James Martin, a squad leader with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 26, fires an M4 carbine during a live-fire range as part of a platoon exchange at the Indonesian Marine Corps 9th Battalion near Lampung, Indonesia, Aug. 21, 2026. This year’s iteration of the annual platoon exchange is between MRF-D and the Indonesian Armed Forces 7th Infantry Battalion, 4th Brigade, designed to enhance combined combat readiness, strengthen tactical interoperability, and reinforce the enduring partnership between both nations. Martin is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kyle Chan)

Leaders behind the mission: the development of a squad leader on MRF-D 26

In the United States Marine Corps infantry, the squad leader serves as the link between higher-level guidance and the Marines executing the mission on the ground. While responsible for tactical operations and mission accomplishment, squad leaders also carry the responsibility of developing, mentoring and caring for their Marines.

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