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An ANASOC Commando Tactical Air Coordinator (TAC) checks his compass before moving to verify plotted grids during specialized land navigation training near Kabul, Afghanistan, Jul. 16, 2018. Throughout the training, Commandos used different communications platforms to communicate with overhead aircraft during their missions, replicating battlefield scenarios. This multi-faceted communications approach enables Commandos to orchestrate kinetic close-air strikes and casualty evacuation with surgical precision.

July 26, 2018

Targeting the Taliban: Commandos Hone Air and Land Navigation Skills

KABUL, Afghanistan — Members of the Afghan National Army’s Special Operations Command’s (ANASOC) "Hamahangee Tacktikee Hawa (HTH),” the Afghan military’s version of tactical air coordination, sharpened their skills during a 6-week class focusing on land navigation and air coordination skills, in June and July.

Sailors deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet’s Task Group 52.3 prepare to depart a boat during a familiarization dive with the Egyptian Naval Force (ENF) during Eagle Response 18. Eagle Response 18 is an explosive ordnance disposal and diving exercise with the ENF conducted to enhance interoperability and war-fighting readiness, fortify military-to-military relationships and advance operational capabilities of all participating units. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Chloe Morgan/Released)

July 26, 2018

US, Egypt Commence Exercise Eagle Response 18

RED SEA NAVAL BASE, Egypt — The U.S. Navy with the Egyptian Naval Forces commenced exercise Eagle Response 18 at the Red Sea Naval Base, Egypt, July 24.

A U.S. Air Force C-130H Hercules assigned to the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, prepares to taxi down the runway.

July 24, 2018

Progress continues in defeating ISIS, coalition official says

WASHINGTON — Iraqi security forces continue to secure Iraq to advance efforts to stabilize the country and prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve official said.

Marines walk from an MV-22B Osprey

July 19, 2018

CENTCOM commander: success in defeating ISIS lies with coalition partners, allies

WASHINGTON — Continued commitment from coalition partners in the effort to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and the promotion of regional security and stability set the conditions for a lasting victory, the commander of U.S. Central Command said.

U.S. Army Gen. Joseph Votel, commander, U.S. Central Command, addresses the Marines and Sailors aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), June 22, 2018. Votel, Vice Adm. Scott Stearney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and other distinguished visitors took a tour of Iwo Jima and spoke with crew members and Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, who are currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jon Sosner/Released)

July 19, 2018

South Asia strategy working in Afghanistan, CENTCOM commander says

WASHINGTON — While the fighting continues and work remains to be done in Afghanistan, progress there shows the president’s South Asia Strategy is working, the commander of U.S. Central Command told Pentagon reporters.

Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commanding general, U.S. Central Command, spoke to participants about the regional priorities addressed in the U.S. National Security Strategy, to include the impacts of Iranian malign influence, at the 2018 Senior Strategy Session – Arabian Peninsula / Levant in Arlington, Va, July 9, 2018. The conference promoted the successes of ongoing coalition action against emerging threats and improved shared understanding of regional land force counterparts to invest in the right capabilities to achieve better interoperability and greater effectiveness in pursuing mutual national interests. Over the four-day conference, speakers and participants will engage in discussions centering on the complexities and lessons learned from Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental and Multinational (JIIM) efforts during ongoing theater campaigns that have global implications. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Von Marie Donato)

July 16, 2018

USARCENT hosts 2018 senior strategy session

ARLINGTON, Va — U.S. Army Central hosted leaders from eight partner nations for the 2018 Senior Strategy Session – Arabian Peninsula / Levant here July 9-12.

An airman sits on a ledge and aims a rifle against a deep blue, moonlit sky.

July 11, 2018

DoD IT efforts focus on warfighter, competitive edge, CIO says

ARLINGTON, Va. — Today's warfighter needs access to intelligence and communication to enable quick decision-making and maintain a competitive edge, and the Defense Department's information technology efforts are focused on maintaining this edge and supporting national defense priorities, DoD’s chief information officer said.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician 2nd Class Matt Strong (right) and EOD Technician 3rd Class Joe Krzemien return to the boat following a dive during exercise Resolute Response (RR) 18. RR18 is a bilateral EOD, diving and visit, board, search and seizure engagement with the U.S. and Lebanese Armed Forces to enhance military-to-military cooperation and counter maritime threats (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Neal Blair/Released)

July 9, 2018

US, Lebanese Armed Forces complete Resolute Response 18

JOUNIEH, Lebanon — U.S. and Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) participated in exercise Resolute Response (RR) 18 at Jounieh Naval Base, Lebanon, June 25-July 6.

The Egyptian Navy ship El Zafer (F951), front, steams alongside the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) during a passing exercise (PASSEX). Dunham is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Clay/Released)

July 5, 2018

USS Jason Dunham and Egyptian Navy conduct PASSEX

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS — The guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) and the Egyptian Navy frigate El Zafer (F951) conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX), July 1.

A helicopter fires flares against a snowy mountain backdrop.

July 3, 2018

DoD releases report on enhancing security, stability in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department has provided its semiannual report to Congress on enhancing security and stability in Afghanistan, a reporting period that marks the first campaign season to begin under the conditions-based South Asia Strategy announced by President Donald J. Trump in August.