Today's Photos - Thursday, December 24th, 2009

[VAMAN]

Soldiers parade during the 74th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Metro Manila December 24, 2009. (*******)

Female military personnel parade during the 74th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Metro Manila December 24, 2009. (*******)

A villager, whose belongings are being carried by soldiers, is escorted to a truck after she was forced to evacuate her shanty near the Mayon Volcano in Guinobatan town, Albay province, south of Manila December 24, 2009. The Philippines' most active volcano shot higher ash columns and rumbled louder on Wednesday as authorities warned of a potential hazardous eruption in Mount Mayon anytime. (*******)

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United States Marines from the 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines "Warlords" and Afghan National Army soldiers walk in formation during an operation in the Garmsir district of the volatile Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. (AP)

A United States Marines from the 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines "Warlords" patrol during an operation in the Garmsir district of the volatile Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. (AP)

A dog barks at a United States Marine from the 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines "Warlords" during an operation in the Garmsir district of the volatile Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. (AP)

United States Marine LCpl. Franklin Romans of Mich. from the 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines "Warlords" searches a house during an operation in the Garmsir district of the volatile Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. (AP)

An Afghan woman sits in the courtyard of her house as United States Marines from the 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines "Warlords" rest while searching during an operation in the Garmsir district of the volatile Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. (AP)

[VAMAN]

Syrian Prime Minister Naji al-Otari, left, and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, third left, review an honor guard in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. Erdogan and al-Otari will preside the Syrian-Turkish High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council starting Wednesday. (AP)

Turkish firemen are surrounded by police officers after they chained themselves to the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul December 23, 2009. The group of firemen chained themselves in protest after a local municipality refused to renew their contracts which expire at the end of this year. (*******)

In this picture taken Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, a member of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, trains on a weapon at their camp in the Qandil mountains near the Turkish border with northern Iraq. (AP)

In this picture taken Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, train on their weapons at their camp in the Qandil mountains near the Turkish border with northern Iraq. (AP)

Afghan soldiers during military training at a Turkish commando training center in Egirdir, Isparta in southwestern Turkey, Friday, Dec. 18, 2009. Dozens of Afghan troops are undergoing training on explosives, mountain climbing and guerrilla warfare at a Turkish commando training center. Turkey, NATO's sole Muslim member, has refused to send additional troops to Afghanistan for combat operations but said it would increase training of Afghan security forces. (AP)

An Afghan soldier in blue helmet listens to a Turkish army officer during military training under the rain at a Turkish commando training center in Egirdir, Isparta in southwestern Turkey, Friday, Dec. 18, 2009. (AP)

Afghan soldiers run to attack imaginary hostile forces with a Turkish army officer, in red helmet, giving instructions during military training in the rain at a Turkish commando training center in Egirdir, Isparta in southwestern Turkey, Friday, Dec. 18, 2009. (AP)

Sgt. Shir Aga, 29, an Afghan soldier, listens to a Turkish army officer during military training at a Turkish commando training center in Egirdir, Isparta in southwestern Turkey, Friday, Dec. 18, 2009. Dozens of Afghan troops undergoing training on explosives, mountain climbing and guerrilla warfare at a Turkish commando training center. Turkey, NATO's sole Muslim member, has refused to send additional troops to Afghanistan for combat operations but said it would increase training of Afghan security forces. (AP)

An Afghan soldier listens to insructions from a Turkish army officer, unseen, during military training in the rain at a Turkish commando training center in Egirdir, Isparta in southwestern Turkey, Friday, Dec. 18, 2009. Dozens of Afghan troops are undergoing training on explosives, mountain climbing and guerrilla warfare at a Turkish commando training center. Turkey, NATO's sole Muslim member, has refused to send additional troops to Afghanistan for combat operations but said it would increase training of Afghan security forces. (AP)

Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai (2nd L) listens to a briefing from an official during his visit to a military hospital in Kabul December 23, 2009. Karzai on Wednesday visited security personnel whom were injured in the line of duty. (*******)

Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai speaks to a soldier who lost his legs, during his visit to a military hospital in Kabul December 23, 2009. Karzai on Wednesday visited security personnel whom were injured in the line of duty. (*******)

An Afghan policewoman takes pictures during a graduation ceremony after eight weeks of training at a police academy in Kabul, Afghanistan. Just about 500 Afghan women work as active duty officers, compared with about 92,500 policemen, most of them in relatively safe areas like Kabul and northern Herat province, according to Interior Ministry figures. The government has a target of 5,000 women serving as officers or civilian police workers by 2014. (AP / Dusan Vranic)

[Muddlers]

Good pictures.

[Ulytau]

^^^^

Things on table are handmade bombs and IEDs for showin as an example.

[wotsnext]

^^^^

Things on table are handmade bombs and IEDs for showin as an example.

I would guess so,
victim operated IED atached to an AK, is one of Terrys favorites

[tluassa]

I think I would have gotten a slap in the face for such a "paintjob" during my basic training, but maybe it suits the Afghan terrain



... seriously is this meant to be this way ? ^^



red nose.

Anyway good luck to these soldiers !

[Facaletz]

great pix today guys....Merry Christmas to all of you

[bd popeye]

VAMAN thanks for your excellent.. tireless efforts in the daily threads!



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SAN DIEGO (Dec. 17, 2009) Ships at Naval Base San Diego display lights for a holiday festivity. A panel of judges visited each ship to determine the best display. The winner in the large division was the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), in the medium division the guided-missle destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) and in the small division the guided-missile frigate USS Jarret (FFG 33). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel J. Taylor/Released)

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NAVAL AIR STATION BRUNSWICK (Dec. 23, 2009) Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Alejandro Benavides renders honors as Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Andrew Johnson lowers the American flag outside of the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Brunswick, Maine, drill hall before a disestablishment ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Geoffrey Lewis/Released)

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NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (Dec. 21, 2009) Damage Controlman 2nd Class Tiffany Epps, a member of the damage control team aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72), helps a child from the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls (VHBG) don the full fire fighting ensemble. The Hampton Roads Chief Petty Officer Association holds a holiday party and ship tour for the VHBG annually at Naval Station Norfolk. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kimberly Williams/Released)

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NORFOLK (Dec. 22, 2009) Line handlers stand by as the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) returns to Naval Station. Wasp completed a three-month deployment supporting Southern Partnership Station-Amphib in the Southern Command area of responsibility with Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 and embarked Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Brian Goodwin/Released)

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NORFOLK (Dec. 22, 2009) Rear Adm. Michelle Howard, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Two, commends the crew of the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) during ship's return to Norfolk after a three-month deployment in the Southern Command area of responsibility supporting Southern Partnership Station-Amphib. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Andrew McCord/Released)

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NORFOLK (Dec. 22, 2009) Damage Controlman 1st Class Lawrence Madrid is reunited with his wife and baby at Naval Station Norfolk after returning from a three month deployment aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1).(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Goodwin/Released)

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NORFOLK (Dec. 22, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate Airman Bradley Peterson hugs his daughter on the pier after the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) returns to Norfolk.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Koons/Released)

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NORTH ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 20, 2009) Airman Josh Deresner assigned to the Sidewinders of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, removes a rudder from an F/A-18C Hornet for maintenance aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Mitchell/Released)

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NORTH ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 18, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Martina Camacho applies grease to the bolts on a catapult aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Mitchell/Released)

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GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 18, 2009) The visit, board, search and seizure team assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) practice weapons handling and dry firing with both their primary and secondary weapons. Chosin is the flagship of Combined Joint Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Edgington/Released)

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GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 15, 2009) A visit, board, search and seizure team member provides security on a hatch in the deck while the rest of the team clears a mock vessel during a training evolution aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65). Chosin is the flagship of Combined Joint Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations under a mission-based mandate to actively deter, disrupt, and suppress piracy off the coast of Somalia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brandon Raile/Released)

Chinese artist Ai WeiWei (C) walks past police as he arrives to give support to Liu Xiaobo, one of China's most prominent dissidents, outside the courthouse where Liu is on trial in Beijing December 23, 2009. Liu went on trial on subversion charges on Wednesday, drawing an outcry at home and abroad over the country's sweeping laws against political opponents. Chinese prosecutors accuse Liu of "inciting subversion of state power" by publishing essays on the Internet critical of the ruling Communist Party and helping to organise the "Charter 08" petition, demanding a democratic remake of the one-party state.

Chinese police officers remove yellow ribbons tied to barriers by supporters of Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo to show their solidarity outside the No. 1 Intermediate People's Court where Liu's trial is taking place in Beijing, China, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. The court tried Liu Wednesday on subversion charges after he called for sweeping political reforms and an end to Communist Party dominance, and his brother-in-law said a verdict would be handed down on Christmas Day.

Supporters of Liu Xiaobo, one of China's most prominent dissidents, scuffles with police outside the courthouse where Liu is on trial in Beijing December 23, 2009.

Policewomen take video and photographs of journalists outside the courthouse where Liu Xiaobo, one of China's most prominent dissidents, is on trial in Beijing December 23, 2009.

[Ulytau]

I would guess so,
victim operated IED atached to an AK, is one of Terrys favorites

IED on AK ?

Btw an Afghan Captain Asadullah Ghafari there too,he translating Turkish to Afghan come to Turkiye 8 months ago and learn Turkish,some Afghan youngs educating at Turkish Military Academy too.

[He219]

Merry Christmas, all.
Nice job with the pix, VAMAN & Popeye!

KABUL - Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force and United States Forces Afghanistan, talks with an Afghan Soldier about his wounds Dec. 23, at the Afghan National Army Hospital. Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. David E. Alvarado (Released).

Pfc. Braidy Allen, a Paratrooper with 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, discusses firing techniques for the Afghan National Army Dec. 20 at a range at Combat Outpost Deysie in the Paktya Province of eastern Afghanistan. The ANA received training on the .50cal, 203 grenade launcher, M-4 rifle, and 249 SAW.

Spc Joshua Longabaugh, a Paratrooper with 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, coaches an Afghan National Army Soldier in firing techniques during a weapons training course Dec. 20 at Combat Outpost Deysie in the Paktya Province of eastern Afghanistan. The ANA received training on the .50cal, 203 grenade launcher, M-4 rifle, and 249 SAW.

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Task Force Gladius infantryman, Pfc. Jesse Dispennette, 4th Platoon, B Company, 82nd Division Special Troops Battalion, straightens his load of ammunition on his 240-B machine gun inside a UH-47 Chinook helicopter just before an aerial insertion mission began in Shaykh Ali district in Parwan province, Afghanistan, Dec. 19. Dispennette, a Lehigh Acres, Fla. Resident, is assigned to Task Force Cyclone and operates in Parwan province providing security and training in numerous locations in the province. (Photo by U.S. Army Spc. William E. Henry, Task Force Cyclone, 38th Infantry Division)

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Task Force Gladius Soldiers of B Company, 82nd Special Troops Battalion run through the snow after exiting a UH-47 Chinook helicopter as another lands in Shaykh Ali district, Parwan province, Afghanistan, Dec. 19. Gladius members are assigned to Task Force Cyclone and operate in Parwan province providing security and training in numerous locations in the province. Task Force Cyclone members spoke with district leaders, police and villagers regarding how to better serve and contribute to the local people in the area. (Photo by U.S. Army Spc. William E. Henry, Task Force Cyclone, 38th Infantry Division)

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Task Force Gladius Soldier, Pfc. Devon Bastress, a quick reaction force troop with B Company, 82nd Division Special Troops Battalion, sets up communication for aerial support and ground forces with a ground based antennae in Shaykh Ali district, Parwan province, Afghanistan, Dec. 19. Bastress, a Canton, Ga. resident, is assigned to Task Force Cyclone and operates in Parwan province providing security and training in numerous locations in the province. On this mission the team members spoke with district leaders, police and villagers regarding how to better serve and contribute to the local people in the area. (Photo by U.S. Army Spc. William E. Henry, Task Force Cyclone, 38th Infantry Division)

Hires

Marines with Company G, Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, rush through a live-fire range here Dec. 15.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christopher Duffourc, top, fires a wire-guided missile at a range, in the Middle East, Dec. 13, 2009, as Sgt. Roberto Colon, stands by on the ground as a position safety officer.

[He219]

RiP

Pallbearers carry the casket of Lt. Andrew Nuttall at a ramp ceremony on Kandahar Airfield on Thursday Dec. 24, 2009, in Afghanistan. Nuttall, 30, and an Afghan soldier were killed a day earlier by an improvised explosive device around the town of Nakoney southwest of Kandahar during a foot patrol.

US Marine Lt. Matthew James Orr, part of the "Sheepdogs" embedded training team, patrols with soldiers of the Afghan National Army in the village of Barkanday, in the Pech river valley, Kunar province, Afghanistan Thursday Dec. 24, 2009.

Hires

Marine with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Marines, 9th Marine Regiment, attached to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, NC Dec. 14, 2009. This training exercise is part of the 24th MEU's Certification Exercise in preparation for their upcoming deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Andrew J Carlson)

Marine with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, conduct combat operations in Now Zad, Afghanistan, during Operation Cobra's Anger, Dec.4, 2009. Operation Cobra's Anger disrupted enemy supply lines and communication in Now Zad, once a safe haven for Taliban forces.

Hires

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, conduct combat operations in Now Zad, Afghanistan, during Operation Cobra's Anger, Dec.4, 2009. Operation Cobra's Anger disrupted enemy supply lines and communication in Now Zad, once a safe haven for Taliban forces.

Hires

Hires

Hires

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, conduct combat operations in Now Zad, Afghanistan, during Operation Cobra's Anger, Dec.4, 2009. Operation Cobra's Anger disrupted enemy supply lines and communication in Now Zad, once a safe haven for Taliban forces.

Hires

Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, conduct combat operations in Now Zad, Afghanistan, during Operation Cobra's Anger, Dec.4, 2009. Operation Cobra's Anger disrupted enemy supply lines and communication in Now Zad, once a safe haven for Taliban forces.

Col. Randy George, left, commander of the 4th brigade, 4th Infantry Division, awards soldiers of the 2nd Battalion 12th Infantry at Command Outpost Michigan near the village of Kandigal, in the Pech river valley, Kunar province, Afghanistan, Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009.

Capt. Timothy Eastman, from Orlando FL. , commander of Command Outpost Michigan, shakes hands with a soldier during awards ceremony at the outpost near the village of Kandigal, in the Pech river valley, Kunar province, Afghanistan Thursday Dec. 24, 2009.

[VAMAN]

Thanks popeye and He219.

[socom6]

This unit has replaced the ACU with MC it seems. Nice pics today thanks guys.

[GeneralDisarray]

No hires?

PS: Great pics, all thanks!

[He219]

No hires?

PS: Great pics, all thanks!

Here ya go ...



Hires

U.S. soldiers provide security before loading a CH-47 Chinook during an air assault mission Dec. 18, 2009, Parwan, Afghanistan. The soldiers are assigned to the 82nd Division's Company B, Special Troops Battalion. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Allison

Task Force Gladius Soldiers of B Company, 82nd Special Troops Battalion run through the snow exiting a UH-47 Chinook helicopter in Shaykh Ali district, Parwan province, Afghanistan, Dec. 19. Gladius members are assigned to Task Force Cyclone and operate in Parwan province providing security and training in numerous locations in the province. The team members spoke with district leaders, police and villagers about how to better serve and contribute to the local people in the area.

Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines came out to see the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders during a United Service Organizations tour Dec. 23. The cheerleaders and other celebrities supported the troops during this USO tour. The cheerleaders danced to "The 12 days of Christmas" with a little help from the troops.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle from the 335th Fighter Squadron at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, drops a flare while providing overwatch during the demolition of the "Taliban Hotel," a safehouse utilized by insurgent fighters infiltrating Afghanistan, Dec. 18. An explosive ordnance disposal team from the 707th EOD unit, out of Fort Lewis, Wash., partnered with soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, out of Fort Richardson, Alaska, and Afghan national security forces to explosively level the safehouse.

A view of the "Taliban Hotel," a safehouse utilized by insurgent fighters infiltrating Afghanistan, Dec. 18. An explosive ordnance disposal team from the 707th EOD unit, Fort Lewis, Wash., partnered with soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, out of Fort Richardson, Alaska, and Afghan national security forces to explosively level the safehouse.

U.S. Army Sgt. Steve Maher, 707th Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, Fort Lewis, Wash., builds C-4 explosive charges while Afghan national army soldiers observe. The charges are being used to destroy the "Taliban Hotel," a safehouse utilized by insurgent fighters infiltrating Afghanistan, Dec. 18. The EOD team partnered with soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, out of Fort Richardson, Alaska, and Afghan national security forces to level the safehouse.

The demolition of the "Taliban Hotel," a safehouse utilized by insurgent fighters infiltrating Afghanistan, Dec. 18. An explosive ordnance disposal team from the 707th EOD unit, out of Fort Lewis, Wash., partnered with soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, out of Fort Richardson, Alaska, and Afghan national security forces to explosively level the safehouse.