Camp Pendleton, California. (August 1, 2024): No matter how many bombs you drop on something, at some point you have to go in and take the place. That is the harsh reality facing Marines in urban combat and is the subject of the Marine Raid Leaders Course. In this photo by Corporal Brian Knowles, Private First-Class Ardeth Maldonado, left, and Lance Corporal Brecken Wilcoxen set up a machine gun while clearing a building.

The Marines are no strangers to urban combat going back to the Battle for Hue City in the Vietnam War. Marines have fought bloody battles door-to-door in places like Falluja and Ramadi during Operation Iraqi Freedom making them experts at urban warfare. During the three-week course, Marines learn how to conduct raids in urban environments including setting up a perimeter, clearing rooms, and planning for extrication if necessary. The course refines combat marksmanship skills, teaches advanced Military Operations on Urban Terrain, and ensures every Marine understands their role in close quarter combat.

Fighting in-close and personal is the Marine’s way.