Col. Thomas J. Gordon, the commanding officer for II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks to the Marines, sailors and families at the conclusion of the unit’s field meet aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 10, 2014. “My intent is to build the most cohesive, combat-ready unit possible,” said Gordon. “In short of combat, the best way to build cohesion is through competition. So we wanted to get the battalions together so they can come forward and lay out their best, and see who will walk away with the Praetorian shield.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Elizabeth A. Case/Released)