Weekend Photos 2nd and 3rd June 2012

[vor033]

This will be my last Weekend Photos thread until July so I am going to try and make it an extra good one

Immediate Response 2012

A field artillery soldier from the Croatian army acting as the opposing force returns fire after taking enemy contact in an ambush exercise during the Immediate Response 2012 training event held in Slunj, Croatia on Friday, June 1, 2012.

Field artillery soldiers from the Croatian army assume the role of the opposing force in an ambush exercise during the Immediate Response 2012 training event held in Slunj, Croatia on Friday, June 1, 2012.

Montenegrin army Sgt. Radomir Drobac takes position as he waits for the opposing force in an ambush exercise during the Immediate Response 2012 training event held in Slunj, Croatia, on Friday, June 1, 2012.

U.S. Army Euope's Sgt. 1st Class Randy Angel, one of the observer controllers with the Joint Multi-national Training Command out of Hohenfels, Germany from St. Louis, Mo., gives guidance to members of the Montenegrin army as they conduct an ambush exercise during the Immediate Response 2012 training event held in Slunj, Croatia, Friday, June 1, 2012.

IR12 is a multinational tactical field training exercise that will involve more than 700 soldiers from the Montenegrin army devise a plan in order to establish an ambush for the opposing force during the Immediate Response 2012 training event held in Slunj, Croatia, Friday, June 1, 2012.

Soldiers from the Montenegrin army maneuver through dense brush in order to establish an ambush for the opposing force during the Immediate Response 2012 training event held in Slunj, Croatia, Friday, June 1, 2012

U.S. Army Europe's Sgt. 1st Class Randy Angel, one of the observer controllers with the Joint Multi-national Training Command out of Hohenfels, Germany from St. Louis, Mo., uses a map to give guidance to members of the Montenegrin army as they conduct an ambush exercise during the Immediate Response 2012 training event held in Slunj, Croatia, Friday, June 1, 2012

Montenegrin army Lt. Ratko Cosovic directs his soldiers as they conduct an ambush exercise during the Immediate Response 2012 training event held in Slunj, Croatia, Friday, June 1, 2012.

Soldiers from the Montenegrin army dismount a military carrier vehicle in preparation for an ambush exercise during the Immediate Response 2012 training event held in Slunj, Croatia, Friday, June 1, 2012.

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Marines assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company Pacific, 3rd Platoon, conduct weapons training aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19)

Lance Cpl. Cameron Barron, a Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company Pacific, 3rd Platoon, conducts weapons training aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19).

Lance Cpl. Darron Bartlett, a Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company Pacific, 3rd Platoon, loads 9mm rounds into a magazine during weapons training aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19).

Lance Cpl. Cameron Barron, a Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company Pacific, 3rd Platoon, conducts weapons training aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19).

Lance Cpl. Kelsey Hyde, a Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company Pacific, 3rd Platoon, conducts weapons training aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19).

Lance Cpl. Hidekel Delgado, a Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company Pacific, 3rd Platoon, conducts weapons training aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge

Lance Cpl. Brian Christopher, a Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company Pacific, 3rd Platoon, conducts weapons training aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge.

[vor033]

Private Anthony Carbone keeps a sharp eye as lead scout during an Operation ANODE jungle training exercise near Sara, Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.

Private Joseph Bailey (right) provides security during an Operation ANODE jungle training exercise near Sara, Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.

Lance Corporal Ben Healy (left) and Private Jason Chandler on patrol during an Operation ANODE jungle training exercise near Sara, Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.

Private Rodney Wewar takes a knee while patrolling during an Operation ANODE jungle training exercise near Sara, Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.

Platoon Commander, Lieutenant Simon La Poidevin, rests in the shade during a jungle training exercise near Sara, Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.

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Over 150 paratroopers from the UK and the United States have parachuted together onto Salisbury Plain as part of an annual exchange programme called Exercise Airdrop Warrior.

Pudsey-based soldiers from 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (4 PARA) joined forces with members of the US Army's Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) who are based at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.
The paratroopers built on their knowledge and experience of airborne operations by jumping using each other's equipment and both nations' Hercules C-130 aircraft.

The opportunity to parachute in another nation's parachute equipment allows the soldier to wear that country's coveted wings.
The US paratroopers flew into the UK only days before jumping with the Brits. They are over in Europe not only to establish and continue working relations with the Paras, but also to take part in a parachute jump into Normandy.

This will be the 68th anniversary of the D-Day landings, and was when the partnership was first forged. The American reserve unit has been taking part in the re-enactment for the last 17 years. Two US C-130 aircraft were brought over for the occasion but the US paratroopers got to jump out of a British Hercules.

Members of the US Army's Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) ready to jump from a British Hercules C-130 over Salisbury Plain [Picture: Captain Tom McShane, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

Members of the US Army's Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) ready to jump from a British Hercules C-130 over Salisbury Plain [Picture: Captain Tom McShane, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

Members of the US Army's Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) ready to jump from a British Hercules C-130 over Salisbury Plain [Picture: Captain Tom McShane, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

A member of the US Army's Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) prepares to jump during Exercise Airdrop Warrior[Picture: Captain Tom McShane, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

Soldiers from 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (4 PARA) ready to jump from a Hercules C-130 over Salisbury Plain

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Reserve forces from 4th Battalion the Parachute Regiment (4 PARA) and the US Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Airborne National Guard unit have jumped together on Exercise Airborne Warrior, on Salisbury Plain. The opportunity to parachute in another nation's parachute equipment allows the soldier to wear that country's coveted wings.

[vor033]

Venezuelan soldiers patrol during an operation to destroy clandestine airstrip used by drug traffickers in Apure, 45km from the border with Colombia, on May 31, 2012.

Venezuelan soldiers patrol during an operation to destroy clandestine airstrip used by drug traffickers in Apure, 45km from the border with Colombia, on May 31, 2012.

Venezuelan soldiers patrol during a military operation to destroy a clandestine airstrip used for drug smuggling, approximately 22 miles (35 km) from the border with Colombia in the state of Apure May 31, 2012.

Venezuelan soldiers patrol during a military operation to destroy a clandestine airstrip used for drug smuggling, approximately 35 km (22 miles) from the border with Colombia, in the state of Apure May 31, 2012.

Venezuelan soldiers take positions during a military operation to destroy a clandestine airstrip used for drug smuggling, approximately 35 km (22 miles) from the border with Colombia, in the state of Apure May 31, 2012.

Venezuelan soldiers patrol during a military operation to destroy a clandestine airstrip used for drug smuggling, approximately 35 km (22 miles) from the border with Colombia, in the state of Apure May 31, 2012.

Venezuelan soldiers patrol during an operation to destroy clandestine airstrip used by drug traffickers in Apure, 45km from the border with Colombia, on May 31, 2012.

Venezuelan soldiers stand by during an operation to destroy clandestine airstrip used by drug traffickers in Apure, 45km from the border with Colombia, on May 31, 2012.

[vor033]

Lithuanian Army Reconnaissance and Sniper Specialists during the 4 day training exercise ‘’ Tracker – 2012’’ at the Gaižiūnai Military Training Area – 31^st May 2012

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Montenegrin soldiers conduct an ambush on Croatian and U.S. opposing forces while training during exercise Immediate Response 2012 being held in Slunj, Croatia. Immediate Response is a multinational tactical field exercise that involves more than 700 personnel from the U.S. Army Europe's 2nd Cavalry Regiment and Croatian land forces, with elements from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Slovenia. Macedonia and Serbia have brought observers - 06.1.2012

[-DENO-]

Observation

A soldier with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, observes an enemy position from cover while on an ambush Situational Training Exercise during Immediate Response 2012 held at the Slunj Training Area 1 June. Immediate Response 2012 is a multinational tactical field training exercise that will involve more than 700 personnel primarily from the U.S. Army Europe’s 2nd Calvary Regiment and Croatian armed forces, with contingents from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia. Macedonia and Serbia will send observers to the exercise. The exercise is a part of U.S. European Command's joint training and exercise program designed to enhance joint and combined interoperability between the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and partner nations, and will help prepare participants to operate successfully in a joint, multinational, interagency, integrated environment. (U.S. Army Europe photo by Staff Sgt. Joel Salgado/Released)

Lead curtain

A machine gunner with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, lays down suppressing fire while on an ambush Situational Training Exercise during Immediate Response 2012 held at the Slunj Training Area 1 June. Immediate Response 2012 is a multinational tactical field training exercise that will involve more than 700 personnel primarily from the U.S. Army Europe’s 2nd Calvary Regiment and Croatian armed forces, with contingents from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia. Macedonia and Serbia will send observers to the exercise. The exercise is a part of U.S. European Command's joint training and exercise program designed to enhance joint and combined interoperability between the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and partner nations, and will help prepare participants to operate successfully in a joint, multinational, interagency, integrated environment. (U.S. Army Europe photo by Staff Sgt. Joel Salgado/Released)

In ambush

A soldier with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, waits to spring an ambush on enemy forces while on an ambush Situational Training Exercise during Immediate Response 2012 held at the Slunj Training Area 1 June. Immediate Response 2012 is a multinational tactical field training exercise that will involve more than 700 personnel primarily from the U.S. Army Europe’s 2nd Calvary Regiment and Croatian armed forces, with contingents from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia. Macedonia and Serbia will send observers to the exercise. The exercise is a part of U.S. European Command's joint training and exercise program designed to enhance joint and combined interoperability between the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and partner nations, and will help prepare participants to operate successfully in a joint, multinational, interagency, integrated environment. (U.S. Army Europe photo by Staff Sgt. Joel Salgado/Released)

Scanning for a target

A machine gunner with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, scans for enemies while on an ambush Situational Training Exercise during Immediate Response 2012 held at the Slunj Training Area 1 June. Immediate Response 2012 is a multinational tactical field training exercise that will involve more than 700 personnel primarily from the U.S. Army Europe’s 2nd Calvary Regiment and Croatian armed forces, with contingents from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia. Macedonia and Serbia will send observers to the exercise. The exercise is a part of U.S. European Command's joint training and exercise program designed to enhance joint and combined interoperability between the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and partner nations, and will help prepare participants to operate successfully in a joint, multinational, interagency, integrated environment. (U.S. Army Europe photo by Staff Sgt. Joel Salgado/Released)

[-DENO-]

Immediate Response 2012

A soldier with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, conducts security while on an ambush Situational Training Exercise during Immediate Response 2012 held at the Slunj Training Area 1 June. Immediate Response 2012 is a multinational tactical field training exercise that will involve more than 700 personnel primarily from the U.S. Army Europe’s 2nd Calvary Regiment and Croatian armed forces, with contingents from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia. Macedonia and Serbia will send observers to the exercise. The exercise is a part of U.S. European Command's joint training and exercise program designed to enhance joint and combined interoperability between the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and partner nations, and will help prepare participants to operate successfully in a joint, multinational, interagency, integrated environment. (U.S. Army Europe photo by Staff Sgt. Joel Salgado/Released)

Checking in

Pvt. Jacob Pharr, a radio operator with U.S. Army Europe’s 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, relays communications to headquarters for his Bosnian-Herzegovinian partners while on an ambush Situational Training Exercise during Immediate Response 2012 held at the Slunj Training Area 1 June. Immediate Response 2012 is a multinational tactical field training exercise that will involve more than 700 personnel primarily from the U.S. Army Europe’s 2nd Calvary Regiment and Croatian armed forces, with contingents from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia. Macedonia and Serbia will send observers to the exercise. The exercise is a part of U.S. European Command's joint training and exercise program designed to enhance joint and combined interoperability between the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and partner nations, and will help prepare participants to operate successfully in a joint, multinational, interagency, integrated environment. (U.S. Army Europe photo by Staff Sgt. Joel Salgado/Released)

Pulling security

Pvt. Jacob Pharr, a radio operator with U.S. Army Europe’s 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, and his Bosnian-Herzegovinian partner pull security while on an ambush Situational Training Exercise during Immediate Response 2012 held at the Slunj Training Area 1 June. Immediate Response 2012 is a multinational tactical field training exercise that will involve more than 700 personnel primarily from the U.S. Army Europe’s 2nd Calvary Regiment and Croatian armed forces, with contingents from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia. Macedonia and Serbia will send observers to the exercise. The exercise is a part of U.S. European Command's joint training and exercise program designed to enhance joint and combined interoperability between the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and partner nations, and will help prepare participants to operate successfully in a joint, multinational, interagency, integrated environment. (U.S. Army Europe photo by Staff Sgt. Joel Salgado/Released)

What time is it

Pvt. Jacob Pharr, a radio operator with U.S. Army Europe’s 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, and his Bosnian-Herzegovinian partner check their mission time during an ambush Situational Training Exercise during Immediate Response 2012 held at the Slunj Training Area 1 June. Immediate Response 2012 is a multinational tactical field training exercise that will involve more than 700 personnel primarily from the U.S. Army Europe’s 2nd Calvary Regiment and Croatian armed forces, with contingents from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia. Macedonia and Serbia will send observers to the exercise. The exercise is a part of U.S. European Command's joint training and exercise program designed to enhance joint and combined interoperability between the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and partner nations, and will help prepare participants to operate successfully in a joint, multinational, interagency, integrated environment. (U.S. Army Europe photo by Staff Sgt. Joel Salgado/Released)

Coordination

Pvt. Jacob Pharr, a radio operator with U.S. Army Europe’s 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, coordinates a mission update with his Bosnian-Herzegovinian partner while conducting an ambush Situational Training Exercise during Immediate Response 2012 held at the Slunj Training Area 1 June. Immediate Response 2012 is a multinational tactical field training exercise that will involve more than 700 personnel primarily from the U.S. Army Europe’s 2nd Calvary Regiment and Croatian armed forces, with contingents from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia. Macedonia and Serbia will send observers to the exercise. The exercise is a part of U.S. European Command's joint training and exercise program designed to enhance joint and combined interoperability between the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and partner nations, and will help prepare participants to operate successfully in a joint, multinational, interagency, integrated environment. (U.S. Army Europe photo by Staff Sgt. Joel Salgado/Released)

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On the surface Norfolk and Afghanistan might not seem too similar, but for the Royal Marines of 40 Commando the county has provided a realistic training ground to ready themselves for any future call overseas. At the Stanford Training Area near Thetford in Norfolk, Exercise Pashtun Panther used vast numbers of role-players to prepare 40 Commando’s Rifle Companies for the role they might play in Afghanistan. 31/05/2012

Members of a Quick Reaction Force evacuating an actor playing the role of an injured Afghan Nation Policeman, during Ex Pashtun Panther. Credit: LA(Phot) Rhys O'Leary

A patrol commander from 40 Cdo RM discussing a plan with an role player during Exercise Pashtun Panther. Credit: LA(Phot) Rhys O'Leary

Members of a 40 Cdo RM Patrol practicing medical evatuation drills during Exercise Pashtun Panther. Credit: LA(Phot) Rhys O'Leary

A member of 40 Cdo RM on patrol during Exercise Pashtun Panther. Credit: LA(Phot) Rhys O'Leary

Image shows an Afghan role player discussing a plan with a Sgt from 40 Cdo RM. Credit: LA(Phot) Rhys O'Leary

A Quick Reaction Force provided by Bravo Company Patroling to the scene of an IED on Exercise Pashtun Panther.

A member of a Quick Reaction Force provided by Bravo Company 40 Cdo RM returning fire during Exercise Pashtun

Members of a Quick Reaction Force treating an actor playing the role of an injured Afghan Nation Policeman. Credit: LA(Phot) Rhys O'Leary

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Training at Camp Leatherneck by the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest (JSAS) will assist the transition of responsibility from coalition forces to Afghan units. As part of its exit strategy from the Afghan war, the US is helping Kabul build its airforce before most air support from NATO forces is withdrawn along with 130,000 troops by the end of 2014.

Afghanistan Uniformed Policemen (AUP) fire a RPK Kalashnikov light machine gun under the watchful eye of US Marines during a group shooting lesson at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province on June 2, 2012.

Afghanistan Uniformed Policemen (AUP) fire a RPK Kalashnikov light machine gun during a group shooting lesson with US Marines at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province on June 2, 2012.

Afghanistan Uniformed Policemen (AUP) fire a RPK Kalashnikov light machine gun under the watchful eye of US Marines during a group shooting lesson at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province on June 2, 2012.

Afghanistan Uniformed Policemen (AUP) fire a RPK Kalashnikov light machine gun under the watchful eye of US Marines during a group shooting lesson at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province on June 2, 2012.

Afghanistan Uniformed Policemen (AUP) fire a RPK Kalashnikov light machine gun under the watchful eye of US Marines during a group shooting lesson at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province on June 2, 2012.

Afghanistan Uniformed Policemen (AUP) fire a RPK Kalashnikov light machine gun during a group shooting lesson with US Marines at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province on June 2, 2012.

RPK Kalashnikov light machine guns are pictured as US Marines train Afghanistan Uniformed Policemen (AUP) during a group shooting lesson at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province on June 2, 2012.

US Marines check the targets during a group shooting lesson for Afghanistan Uniformed Police (AUP) at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province on June 2, 2012.

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U.S. Army and Slovenian forces conduct deliberate attack training during Immediate Response 2012 being held in Slunj, Croatia. Immediate Response is a multinational tactical field exercise that involves more than 700 personnel from the U.S. Army Europe's 2nd Cavalry Regiment and Croatian land forces, with elements from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Slovenia. Macedonia and Serbia have brought observers - 05.30.2012

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CORIVFOR, a merger of Riverine Group 1 and the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force, will perform core maritime expeditionary security missions in the green and brown waters bridging the gap between traditional Navy blue water operations and land-based forces, spanning the capabilities that currently reside with the riverine and expeditionary security force.

Coastal Riverine Force Sailors drive a Riverine Patrol Boat in Little Creek during an establishment ceremony for Coastal Riverine Force (CORIVFOR) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., June 1.

Coastal Riverine Group 2 sailors perform an emergency stop with their Riverine Patrol Boat in Little Creek during the Coastal Riverine Force (CORIVFOR) establishment ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., June 1.

[Dave76]

Yemeni soldiers fire a tank shell near the town of Jaar, a jihadist stronghold north of the Abyan provincial capital Zinjibar, on May 30, 2012 as Yemeni forces continue their offensive against Al-Qaeda loyalists in the south. AFP PHOTO/STRSTR/AFP/*****Images

A handout image obtained in London, on June 1, 2012, shows the crew of the British Royal Navy ship HMS Daring forming the words 'E II R' on May 10, 2012, in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee. The diamond jubilee public holiday long weekend running from Saturday June 2, 2012 to Tuesday June 5, 2012, will see Britons participate in events across the country to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne. AFP PHOTO / LA(PHOT) Keith Morgan

Space Exploration Technologies’ unmanned Dragon capsule sits on a barge after being lifted out of the Pacific Ocean off of Baja California in this May 31, 2012 handout image courtesy of SpaceX. The splash down completing a pioneering mission for commercial firms seeking a major role in space travel. (SpaceX/*******)

First Lt. Kirk Shoemaker, a platoon leader with 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, calls roll prior to a patrol May 29, 2012, Forward Operating Base Arian, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. The brigade deployed to Ghazni in March to help bring security to the areas surrounding Highway 1, one of the most important and dangerous roads in the country. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod) Date Posted: 06.01.2012

A paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team jumps an irrigation ditch on the edge of a village May 29, 2012, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. The paratrooper’s platoon conducts several presence patrols each week with Afghan soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod)

An Afghan girl washing clothes in a stream smiles at a passing American paratrooper May 29, 2012, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. The paratrooper is assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod)

Paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team patrol a village in Ghazni Province May 29, 2012. The paratroopers are assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod)

An Afghan soldier inspects a mosque while a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team pulls security outside, May 29, 2012, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. Whenever possible, Afghan soldiers do the searching, particularly in culturally-sensitive situations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod)

Nabil, a noncommissioned officer with the Afghan army’s 203rd Corps, explains to Afghan boys why the Taliban is bad for their village May 29, 2012, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. Boys often congregate around both American and Afghan soldiers when they patrol in villages. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod)

Paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team peek over a kalat wall under construction May 29, 2012, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. The paratroopers are returning to Forward Operating Base Arian following a presence patrol with Afghan soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod)