Oct. 4, 2017

340th EARS fuels fight from above

AL UDEID AIR BASE, QATAR — “Outbound aircraft, this is the tower. You’re cleared for takeoff. Have a good flight,” says an unknown voice across the communication system aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker from the air traffic control tower at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

Oct. 3, 2017

Dunford: New Operational Construct in Afghanistan Should Break Stalemate

WASHINGTON — The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the new South Asia strategy should break the stalemate in Afghanistan and make the United States, its allies and its partners more secure.

Oct. 3, 2017

Effects of South Asia Strategy Already Being Felt, Mattis Tells Senate

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the certainty engendered by President Donald J. Trump's South Asia strategy already is paying dividends in Afghanistan.

Sept. 29, 2017

USARCENT takes a ride through history

CAMDEN, S.C. — A group of Soldiers from U.S. Army Central gathered on what remains of the Battle of Camden in Camden, S.C., Sept. 29 as part of the USARCENT Staff Ride to learn how their military ancestors came to win the independence of the United States despite repeated hardships and losses.

Sept. 29, 2017

ANDSF work to clear insurgents from Gereshk

HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN — Multiple elements of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces are working in unison to clear Gereshk and surrounding areas of insurgency during Operation Maiwand Six.

Sept. 24, 2017

A Helping Hand

IRAQ — The high stress and cost of combat takes a toll from those engaged in it. This toll isn’t limited to those fighting however, as the equipment and vehicles used in modern warfare also show the wear of sustained operations. After liberating Mosul from ISIS during the Mosul offensive, the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service was in need of maintenance on

Sept. 23, 2017

From Kuwait to Cairo: Cavalry Troopers strengthen partnership, interoperability during Exercise Bright Star

MOHAMED NAGUIB MILITARY BASE, EGYPT — Across a vast landscape speckled with shrubbery, two armies met on a battlefield intent on defeating a common adversary.

Sept. 21, 2017

Crushing ISIS: Air power operations in a complex battle space

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS) -- Lt. Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian, commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, discussed the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria during the 2017 Air Force Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference, Sept. 18, 2017. Since assuming command in July 2016, Harrigian has directed operations to defeat ISIS, to include the liberation of Mosul and the ongoing fight to liberate Raqqa and the remaining ISIS held territory within Iraq and Syria.

Sept. 21, 2017

OIR Spokesman: Liberation From ISIS Underway in Iraqi Towns

WASHINGTON — Operations have begun to liberate western Anbar and Huwayjah, the last two areas in Iraq where the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria hold territory, a spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve said.

Sept. 20, 2017

U.S. Fifth Fleet Welcomes New Commander

MANAMA, Bahrain - Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT)/U.S. 5th Fleet (C5F)/Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Sept. 19. Vice Adm. John C. Aquilino relieved Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan as commander of naval forces in the central command area of responsibility.