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.

Sept. 20, 2012

Exercise Steppe Eagle 12 comes to close

CAMP ILLISKY, Kazakhstan (September 20, 2012) — Steppe Eagle 2012 came to an end as guest speakers commended soldiers from the United States, Kazakhstan, United Kingdom and Tajikistan for a job well done Sept. 20.

Sept. 19, 2012

Most decorated infantry battalion returns from Afghanistan

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (September 19, 2012) — When the father of Cpl. Carl P. Cassels saw his son arrive to the 5th Marine Regiment parade deck here after coming home from Afghanistan Sept. 17, he said an overwhelming feeling of relief swept him over.

Sept. 12, 2012

Muslim Marine serves his country and faith

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan (August 24, 2012) — Every year, millions of Muslims participate in the month-long observance of Ramadan. This year, it ended on August 18, 2012.

Sept. 12, 2012

Air Force Captain a helping hand to Afghan partners

TARIN KOT, Afghanistan (August, 28, 2012) — With his rugged beard and long hair, Air Force Capt. Nick Plante is not your typical service member serving overseas in Afghanistan.

Sept. 12, 2012

Local Afghan security forces give IED awareness training to school children in Pul-e Khumri

BAGHLAN, Afghanistan (September 4, 2012) — Local Afghan security forces from Tapagurghan visited the Sayed Jamaluddin, Qala-i-Khoja, Jonaw, Khuta Knaqal Wali and Wardaka schools over two days to bring IED awareness to school children, Aug. 28-29.

Sept. 12, 2012

Afghan children’s drawings express gratitude to coalition SOF medics

MAIWAND, Afghanistan (September 10, 2012) — To anyone who has received a drawing from a small child, there’s no mistaking this gesture is a pure expression of trust and friendship. In Maiwand district, on the door of a remote medical clinic, run by coalition special operations forces, hang several drawings given to medics by local children.