A Marine pulls a cord to fire a 120-mm mortar as part of Exercise Bold Alligator at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Oct. 23, 2017. Bold Alligator is designed to showcase the capabilities of the Navy-Marine Corps team, and demonstrate our cohesion with allied nations. The U.S. Marines and British troops gained camaraderie through integrated training, allowing them to familiarize themselves with each other’s capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Pfc. Nicholas Guevara) - A Marine pulls a cord to fire a 120-mm mortar as part of Exercise Bold Alligator at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Oct. 23, 2017. Bold Alligator is designed to showcase the capabilities of the Navy-Marine Corps team, and demonstrate our cohesion with allied nations. The U.S. Marines and British troops gained camaraderie through integrated training, allowing them to familiarize themselves with each other’s capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Pfc. Nicholas Guevara)

– Sergeant Justin Vandertang (right), mortarman, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, loads a 60 millimeter, high-explosive round into the M224A1 mortar system his unit trained with during a range exercise. The Black River, N.Y., native with 2nd Marine Division said he loves the changes that have been made to the M224A1 over its predecessor, the M224 Legacy. He said his favorite change is the new weight of the system which, at 35 pounds, if a full nine pounds lighter than the M224 Legacy, an important feature considering Marines carry them on their backs during patrols lasting several hours. - – Sergeant Justin Vandertang (right), mortarman, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, loads a 60 millimeter, high-explosive round into the M224A1 mortar system his unit trained with during a range exercise. The Black River, N.Y., native with 2nd Marine Division said he loves the changes that have been made to the M224A1 over its predecessor, the M224 Legacy. He said his favorite change is the new weight of the system which, at 35 pounds, if a full nine pounds lighter than the M224 Legacy, an important feature considering Marines carry them on their backs during patrols lasting several hours.