Nov. 28, 2011

The final days of Joint Base Balad

By Senior Airman Amber Kelly-Herard, 332nd Air Expeditionary WingAirmen from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing pack one of the last conex boxes at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, just prior to the transition from U.S. forces to the government of Iraq Nov. 5, 2011. Airmen from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing pack one of the last conex boxes at Joint Base

Nov. 26, 2011

Graduation highlights evolution of Afghan policing

 PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan— Afghan Uniform Policemen stand in formation adjacent to their trainers from the 554th Military Police Company, 172nd Infantry Brigade during the Police Combined Action Team graduation at Combat Outpost Zerok, Nov. 11. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joseph Buccino, TF Blackhawk PAO)PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan (November

Nov. 23, 2011

Commander cites ‘Positive Impact’ from Iraq mission

By Karen Parrish, American Forces Press ServiceLt. Col. Tim Brumfiel, commander of 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division administers the oath of enlistment to 41 ˜Warhorse soldiers during a mass re-enlistment ceremony at Contingency Operating Station Garry Owen, Iraq, Oct. 3. (U.S. Army photo by

Nov. 18, 2011

Nothing lost in translation: Afghan soldier takes reins as explosives reduction course instructor

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan (November 18, 2011) — It’s another training day at Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, where Afghan soldiers are learning specific occupational specialties and general military skills just as they do every day. However, one course offers a unique learning advantage because the instructor is an Afghan National Army soldier and speaks his students’ language, Pashto.

Nov. 17, 2011

Panetta, Dempsey: U.S.-Iraq partnership will continue

WASHINGTON (November 15, 2011) — Iraq and its forces are prepared to cope with the security challenges they will face after U.S. troops withdraw, Defense Department leaders told Congress today.

Nov. 17, 2011

Logistical drawdown progresses smoothly in Iraq

WASHINGTON (November 14, 2011) — The logistical drawdown in Iraq is progressing well and on track to meet the Dec. 31 deadline, the commander of the unit that oversaw the mission since January reported as he and his soldiers prepared to return home early this week.

Nov. 15, 2011

Improving Afghanistan’s irrigation infrastructure

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan (November 14, 2011) — Decades of drought, conflict and economic strife has contributed to the decimation of critical irrigation infrastructure within Afghanistan.

Nov. 15, 2011

U.S., Afghan soldiers partner in Eastern Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (November 10, 2011) – American and Afghan soldiers met here recently at this eastern Afghanistan outpost to discuss battlefield support operations and training needs.

Nov. 14, 2011

Afghan, Marine partnership brings progress to Garmsir

GAMRSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan (November 09, 2011) — Walking down the street of a local bazaar here without a flak jacket or Kevlar seemed a little risky. I hustled past the group of local Afghan government officials, took a knee and snapped another photo. A local man involved in a pending investigation was released from custody and the district leaders wanted to celebrate his return. Marines from 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment escorted the man to the district center and were in turn invited to take a walk around the Hazar Joft bazaar here, Nov. 2.

Nov. 10, 2011

Coalition Commander condemns insurgent attacks

CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan (November 8, 2011) — The commander of the International Security Assistance Force’s Regional Command North condemned yesterday’s insurgent suicide attack near the office of a local leader in Afghanistan’s Baghlan province.