U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, and with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) offload equipment from a U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion with Assault Craft Unit 4 during the 26th MEU’s Type Commander’s Amphibious Training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 16, 2026. TCAT is a military exercise designed to enhance mobility and integration between the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy. It allows Marines and Sailors to gain hands-on experience of working side by side in amphibious planning and operations, including the use of multiple surface connectors and air platforms. The training focuses on improving the necessary skills for real-world operations and effective collaboration between Marine Corps and Naval teams. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jorge Borjas)
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Martial arts and combative sports are a skillset many people use for various ways. Some want to learn how to defend themselves in case they are ever attacked. Others have been involved in these sports for years and compete professionally. For U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Charles Copeland, the fire and effects coordination center chief at the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), martial arts and combative sports taught him how to be comfortable being uncomfortable.
Copeland grew up in a small town in Minnesota . Even when he was younger, he always found himself being told he couldn’t participate in challenging sports because of his smaller stature compared to the rest of the kids around him.
“I just...
SOUDA BAY, Greece – U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), embarked aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) conducted advanced ARG/MEU readiness sustainment training, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, Feb. 16-20, 2024.
