Oct. 19, 2012

Afghan Air Force pins wings on first fixed-wing class grads

SHINDAND, AFGHANISTAN (October 19, 2012) — Three Afghan Air Force pilot trainees became not only the first fixed-wing students to earn their wings in Afghanistan after 30 years -- on Oct. 15 they became the first pilots to complete the entire fixed-wing program entirely in Afghanistan since the beginning of the NATO air training mission for Afghanistan in 2007.

Oct. 18, 2012

Guardsman teaches teachers in Afghanistan

FOB SPIN BOLDAK, Afghanistan (Oct. 17, 2012) — From a New York classroom to a meeting room in the middle of Afghanistan, Sgt. Andrew Brechko never stops teaching.

Oct. 17, 2012

Airmen deliver aid 'outside the wire'

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (October 17, 2012) — Humanitarian aid missions conjure up images of Airmen air-dropping supplies to austere locations too hazardous to deliver by trucks or convoy; images of smiling villagers eagerly awaiting much needed vittles and supplies, but not all HA missions in Afghanistan require airlift, some require simply putting rubber to road and heading out to the location.

Oct. 15, 2012

Patrols increasing confidence of Afghan Army

COMBAT OUTPOST GARDA, Afghanistan — As task forces across Afghanistan continue to adjust to their role as trainers, mentors and enablers, the members of the Afghan National Security Forces are also learning to adjust.

Oct. 10, 2012

Soldiers work with ALP to build stronger, independent security

FORWARD OPERATING BASE PASAB, Afghanistan — The Afghan Local Police of Magat, Afghanistan conducted their first partnered patrol with their U.S. counterparts from 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division inside the city they call home Oct. 5.

Oct. 10, 2012

Marines aid Afghan soldiers, help secure area

TREK NAWA, Afghanistan — Entering the Trek Nawa District of Helmand province, Afghanistan, Marines with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, Regimental Combat Team 6, made a bold military presence that has been absent to the region for nearly a year.

Oct. 3, 2012

Afghan, U.S. forces 'clean the way' for residents in Shinkai district

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SWEENEY, Afghanistan (Oct. 2, 2012) — Old man winter has Afghanistan's Shinkai district -- a remote mountain community situated 6,343 feet up in the eastern fringes of the Sur Ghar mountain range -- in its frosty grip. Here, the Afghan mountains normally bring about long, cold winters, though this year the deep chill is longer and colder than usual, according to the locals.

Oct. 1, 2012

Arghandab River crossing in Afghanistan brings new hope to Mizan

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LAGMAN, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army and International Security Assistance Forces teamed to clear the Mizan Bowl area of insurgents in early September during the military operation Kalak Hode 5.

Sept. 27, 2012

Afghanistan’s senior enlisted American visits Marines in Helmand

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan (September 27, 2012) — The wind blows gently over the twin flags – one American, one Afghan. In their shadow below, Marines with Regimental Combat Team 6 stand in formation, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the senior enlisted American in Afghanistan, Sept 26.

Sept. 25, 2012

CENTCOM senior enlisted leader visits Afghanistan, talks insider threat

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (September 25, 2012) — Dealing with the insider threat in Afghanistan can sometimes be thought of as an Afghan problem, dealt with by coalition forces serving in theater. Command Sgt. Maj. Frank A. Grippe has a different perspective.