The Photo Of The Day can be chosen for a variety of reasons. It may be because of its aesthetic qualities, its newsworthiness, its emotional impact, or its technical excellence. Some Photo Of The Day features have a specific theme, such as nature, architecture, or portraits. Today, the single photo above was chosen as it’s like taken out of a computer game. However, we’re looking at a special forces unit member, as he fires downrange during an exercise at Melrose Air Force Range, N.M., in November of last year. Notice the blue tips on the ammunition, typically this means it’s a short-range training round.

The Cannon Air Force Base is a United States Air Force installation located near Clovis, New Mexico. It is named after General John K. Cannon, a former World War II airman and Medal of Honor recipient. The base is operated by the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and is home to the 27th Special Operations Wing (27 SOW). The range is one of Air Force Special Operations Command’s premier training facilities and is utilized by multiple agencies and branches of the armed forces.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Ericka Engblom, U.S. Air Force, 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs.