FRIDAY FOTO (December 6, 2013)

Red Table Cleanup

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Emmanuel Ramos

Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit clean their weapons after completing a small-arms training exercise at Camp Pendleton, California. The Marines focused on enhancing their confidence and proficiency with personal weapons and M67 Fragmentation Hand Grenades.

Between the sharp imagery of the gravel and the camouflage uniforms and their contrast with the red table top, we just thought this was a compelling, beautifully composed photo. Click on the image to enlarge. Plus, it gives one a sense of how careful the Marines are with the tools of their trade at the end of the day.

To see a slide show of these weapons in action — including dummy M67 grenades — click here.