U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Patrick Shirley, 354th Security Forces Squadron security forces specialist, takes aim with an M-4 carbine during an operational readiness exercise July 26, 2012, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The exercise tests a wing’s capability to respond to various scenarios. The Air Force recently re-vamped the course of fire and increased the amount of classroom time and rounds fire needed to qualify on the M-16 and M-4 rifles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Araos)