May 15, 2012

Paratroopers learn to work with Afghan partners

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ARIAN, Afghanistan — As the American paratroopers moved carefully into the sleepy village of Ghat Kala, the Afghan troops that accompanied them were noticeably at ease.

May 15, 2012

Special Forces warriors stand tall in combat once again

BAGRAM, Afghanistan (USASOC News Service, May 14, 2012) — Becoming a part of the U.S. Army's elite fighting force takes total dedication and an unwavering fortitude to persevere in the toughest environments. These grueling conditions not only test an individual's physical limits, but the mental capacity to forge forward in the face of adversity when most other men would falter. The few left standing at the end of this arduous gauntlet are known by two words - Green Berets.

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 4, 2012

Faces of Transition: A little Pashto goes a long way

SAFAR, Afghanistan (May 4, 2012) — The meeting was ordinary but the conversation unusual.

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.