May 14, 2012

NCO Coalition Symposium: Junior leaders hungry for leadership

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan (April 24, 2012) — Coalition force members stationed here gathered, April 24, to begin a two-day Noncommissioned Officer Coalition Symposium held at I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward).

May 11, 2012

Key coalition leaders meet with Helmand Ulema

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan (May 10, 2012) — A dark teal aircraft hovered above the gravel of the landing pad, kicking up dust and scattering rocks. The rear hatch opened and revealed a group of well-dressed figures draped in white. The Ulema of Helmand province had arrived to speak with key coalition leaders for the first time since the transfer of authority a few months ago.

May 10, 2012

Deployed wing becomes part of Air Force, Tuskegee Airmen legacy

SOUTHWEST ASIA (May 9, 2012) — The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing deactivated in a ceremony May 8 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.

May 8, 2012

Marines' blood saves Afghan soldier's life

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II, Afghanistan (May 8, 2012) — Navy corpsmen anxiously waited for the blood flowing from Lance Cpl. Meng Lu’s arm to fill the bag near his feet.

May 7, 2012

A Marine’s perspective on progress in Helmand province

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan (May 7, 2012) — Over the past seven months, I’ve seen and experienced progress in Afghanistan most Americans will never hear about from mainstream media.

May 3, 2012

Breaking bread key to building trust between Afghans, Marines

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan (May 3, 2012) — “Shana ba shana” is a Dari saying that Sgt. Christopher Scott has heard since he arrived here in December 2011. The saying translates to shoulder-to-shoulder. Afghan forces say it’s a way to describe someone’s work ethic and shows the effort they put in with others.

May 2, 2012

President Obama speaks to troops on Bagram Air Field

BAGRAM, Afghanistan (May 2, 2012) — President Barack Obama made a surprise appearance on Bagram Air Field to speak with U.S. troops stationed here during his trip to Afghanistan, May 2.

May 2, 2012

Face of Defense: Dog Handler enjoys responsibilities

TREK NAWA, Afghanistan (May 2, 2012) — Many children beg their parents for a dog. The floppy ears and wagging tail seem to attract children to man’s best friend. But many parents know that caring for a dog means a lot of responsibility, training and effort.

May 1, 2012

PRT Laghman closes, Afghan district ready to stand on own

METHAR LAM, Afghanistan (April 30, 2012) — After nearly seven years of working with the local community in the Laghman Province of Afghanistan, Provincial Reconstruction Team Laghman is closing up shop and handing the reins over to the Afghan people in the district.

April 30, 2012

Route clearance patrols, the men out front

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan (April 30, 2012) — The first to encounter the threat of potential improvised explosive devices is one of the most dangerous jobs of a route clearance patrol soldier. Two soldiers in the 182nd Engineer Company exhibit extreme courage on a daily basis by operating the Husky Mounted Detection System.