The 6th Commando Kandak commander orders his platoons
The 6th Commando Kandak commander orders his platoons to proceed to the objective during a training operation March 8 in a valley in eastern Afghanistan. U.S. Special Forces oversaw the training operation which... More
Cmdr. Atabiasho Hgaiarub, chief of police, Jaji District
Cmdr. Atabiasho Hgaiarub, chief of police, Jaji District Afghan National Police, thanks Dr. Sayed Dost Mohammed Aneria, chief of dental, Paktiya Regional Military Hospital, for a dental exam and oral hygiene su... More
An Afghan Local Police graduate receives his certificate
An Afghan Local Police graduate receives his certificate of completion from the ALP district commander at a graduation ceremony in Zharay district, Kandahar province, June 5, 2013. This was the first joint ALP ... More
An Afghan Civilian Mine Removal Group (CMRG) member
An Afghan Civilian Mine Removal Group (CMRG) member stops to investigate a possible improvised explosive device (IED) during a training simulation in Panjwai district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Nov. 19, 2... More
A commando from the Afghan National Army Special Forces'
A commando from the Afghan National Army Special Forces' 3rd Company, 3rd Special Operations Kandak provides security during the clearing of Karezak village, Maiwand district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Ju... More
A group of Afghan men face west toward Mecca and pray,
A group of Afghan men face west toward Mecca and pray, Nov. 7, in Arghistan District, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The salah, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, must be performed five times daily and... More
A U.S. special operations forces team leader directs
A U.S. special operations forces team leader directs a maneuvering element while searching for enemy positions during a clearing operation in Kishim district, Babakashan province, Afghanistan, Sept. 13, 2011. W... More
Afghan National Army special forces, with the Mobile
Afghan National Army special forces, with the Mobile Strike Force, first graduating class of the MSF in Kabul province, Afghanistan, Nov. 27, 2013. (U.S. Army photo by SFC Brehl Garza / Released)
Afghan National Security Forces found 286 kilograms
Afghan National Security Forces found 286 kilograms of opium hidden inside bags of wheat Jan. 6, 2014, at the Baghlan province police headquarters in Pul-e Khumri district. Afghan local and uniformed police det... More
A tree marks the entrance of what will be the site
A tree marks the entrance of what will be the site of a project renovating a garden outside an Islamic shrine in northern Khakrez District, Feb. 05, 2011, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. District Gov. Haji A... More
A local villager drinks chai tea while a U.S. Special
A local villager drinks chai tea while a U.S. Special Forces member and an Afghan National Army commando speak to him about further assistance that the military forces can provide to the local village during a ... More
Afghan soldier medics with 3rd Commando Kandak perform
Afghan soldier medics with 3rd Commando Kandak perform first aid on an Afghan's injured foot, Nov. 7, in Arghistan District, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The Commandos, supported by soldiers with Special Ope... More
An Afghan National Army commando watches a main road
An Afghan National Army commando watches a main road in a village during a clearing operation in Kishim district, Babakashan province, Afghanistan, Sept. 13, 2011. With the support of special operations forces,... More
An Afghan National Army commando watches a main road
An Afghan National Army commando watches a main road in a village during a clearing operation in Kishim district, Babakashan province, Afghanistan, Sept. 13, 2011. With the support of special operations forces,... More
Policemen with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Afghan National Civil
Policemen with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Afghan National Civil Order Police Brigade, conduct a patrol under the tutelage of a Special Operations Task Force-South team during a training session Aug. 25 outside Fire Bas... More
A member of Combined Joint Special Operations Task
A member of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan lines up a target during live-fire range training in Bagram district, Parwan province, Afghanistan, Aug. 14. The training was conducted by CJ... More
Sgt. Amomuddin, with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Afghan National
Sgt. Amomuddin, with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Afghan National Civil Order Police Brigade, discusses a broken weapon mount with a Special Operations Task Force-South weapons sergeant during a routine stop Aug. 29 by t... More
Afghan Local Police, Afghan National Army, and Afghan
Afghan Local Police, Afghan National Army, and Afghan National Police members listen as a coalition Special Operations Forces member explains how to fire from the kneeling position during weapons training in Na... More
A soldier from Special Operations Task Force - South
A soldier from Special Operations Task Force - South awaits his element's aircraft following a two-day operation to secure explosives-making facilities, Dec. 19 and 20, in Zhari District, Kandahar province, Afghanistan.
An Afghan Commando with the Afghan National Army's
An Afghan Commando with the Afghan National Army's 3rd Commando Kandak treats a fellow Commando for a leg injury sustained during a clearing operation in Panjwa'i District, April 25, 2011, in Kandahar province.... More
Two Afghan commandos with the Afghan National Army's
Two Afghan commandos with the Afghan National Army's 5th Commando Kandak apply a splint to a simulated injury while moving through a medical training lane in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balhk province, Afghanistan, Oct. 1,... More
A group of Afghan soldiers with 3rd Commando Kandak,
A group of Afghan soldiers with 3rd Commando Kandak, and U.S. soldiers with Special Operations Task Force - South, board a CH-47 Chinook helicopter after completing an operation to impede Taliban activity, Oct.... More
Afghan villagers utilize a bucket to draw water from
Afghan villagers utilize a bucket to draw water from a well during an operation to hinder insurgent activity in northern Panjwa'i District, March 29, 2011, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Assistance during t... More
A medic, assigned to Special Operations Task Force-West,
A medic, assigned to Special Operations Task Force-West, checks the eyes of an Afghan man during a medical assessment held for Afghans with illnesses, after the weekly shura, in Mirmandab, Afghanistan, April 4.
A U.S. Army Special Forces intelligence sergeant with
A U.S. Army Special Forces intelligence sergeant with Special Operations Task Force - South guides fellow SOTF-South service members and Afghan Commandos with 3rd Commando Kandak, safely down a roadway during a... More
Afghan National Army Commandos assigned to the 6th
Afghan National Army Commandos assigned to the 6th Commando Kandak provides overwatch to the assault team during a training operation March 8, 2011 in a valley in eastern Afghanistan. the training is meant to t... More
Afghan villagers listen as an Afghan commando platoon
Afghan villagers listen as an Afghan commando platoon leader with the Afghan National Army's 3rd Commando Kandak speaks, denouncing the Taliban and its followers, after a clearing operation in Panjwa'i district... More
Afghan commandos take training lead
Afghan National Army commandos with the 2nd Company, 6th Commando Kandak, perform a clearing exercise in Kabul province, Afghanistan, May 9. The training enables commandos to clear an area and make it safer for... More
Col. Donald Bolduc, Combined Joint Special Operations
Col. Donald Bolduc, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan commander, with members of a U.S. Special Forces Operational Detachment - Alpha, assigned to Special Operations Task Force - Southeas... More
An Afghan National Army commando from 5th Commando
An Afghan National Army commando from 5th Commando Kandak stands overwatch security from the roof of a compound during a village clearing operation in Baghlan-e-Jadid district, July 4. Commandos conducted clear... More
Afghan National Security Forces uncover bags containing
Afghan National Security Forces uncover bags containing opium hidden inside wheat bags Jan. 6, 2014, at the Baghlan province police headquarters in Pul-e Khumri district. Afghan local and uniformed police seize... More
An Afghan National Security Forces member pours gasoline
An Afghan National Security Forces member pours gasoline on a marijuana cache Feb. 16, 2014, during a clearing operation in Kandahar province’s Zharay district, Afghanistan. Members of the Afghan National Army,... More
Afghan National Army commandos learn to read and write
Afghan National Army commandos learn to read and write in English at the School of Excellence near Camp Morehead, Kabul province, Afghanistan, July 12, 2011. Selected participants attend the course to improve ... More
A group of Afghan men face west toward Mecca and pray,
A group of Afghan men face west toward Mecca and pray, Nov. 7, in Arghistan District, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The salah, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, must be performed five times daily and... More
A U.S. Navy SEAL team member, with Special Operations
A U.S. Navy SEAL team member, with Special Operations Task Force-South and Afghan Commandos, with the Afghan National Army's 3rd Commando Kandak, utilize a wall for cover and concealment during the early mornin... More
An Afghan Civilian Mine Removal Group member applies
An Afghan Civilian Mine Removal Group member applies a tourniquet to another member after an instructor set off a simulated improvised explosive device during a training simulation in Panjawi district, Kandahar... More
An Afghan girl receives medical treatment from Lt.
An Afghan girl receives medical treatment from Lt. Col. Dan Godbee, Special Operations Task Force-East surgeon, after she accidentally cut her right thumb on a piece of glass during a humanitarian aid project c... More
An Afghan Commando with the Afghan National Army's
An Afghan Commando with the Afghan National Army's 3rd Commando Kandak treats a fellow Commando for a leg injury sustained during a clearing operation in Panjwa'i District, April 25, 2011, in Kandahar province.... More
An Afghan National Army commando conducts a key leader
An Afghan National Army commando conducts a key leader engagement during a patrol to find insurgent weapons caches in Alahsang village, Saydabad district, Wardak province, Afghanistan, March 6. The ANA commando... More
Khakrez District Chief of Police, Mullah Gul (left),
Khakrez District Chief of Police, Mullah Gul (left), speaks with fellow Afghan National Policemen during an operation to impede insurgent activity in Khakrez District, March 12, in Kandahar province, Afghanista... More
Afghan commandos, with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd
Afghan commandos, with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak, shield their faces from flying debris after loading a wounded Commando on aUH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during a village clearing operation ... More
An Afghan National Army commando conducts a key leader
An Afghan National Army commando conducts a key leader engagement during a patrol to find insurgent weapons caches in Alahsang village, Saydabad district, Wardak province, Afghanistan, March 6. The ANA commando... More
Cmdr. Atabiasho Hgaiarub, chief of police, Jaji District
Cmdr. Atabiasho Hgaiarub, chief of police, Jaji District Afghan National Police, thanks Dr. Sayed Dost Mohammed Aneria, chief of dental, Paktiya Regional Military Hospital, for a dental exam and oral hygiene su... More
A U.S. Army soldier in support of Special Operations
A U.S. Army soldier in support of Special Operations Task Force - East uses a graphic refence to determine the location of friendly elements, while conducting a clearing operation. The operation took place to d... More
An Afghan child enjoys an American peanut butter cup
An Afghan child enjoys an American peanut butter cup given to him by a U.S. Army soldier with Special Operations Task Force - South, Nov. 27, in Maiwand District, Kandahar province, Afghanistan.
Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Meffert of Combined Joint
Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Meffert of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan catches his breath after completing the first-ever Boston Marathon satellite in Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Apr... More
An Afghan commando with the Afghan National Army's
An Afghan commando with the Afghan National Army's 3rd Commando Kandak, assisted by U.S. Army Special Forces and U.S. Navy SEALs with Special Operations Task Force-South, visually inspects a motorcycle during t... More
Afghan commandos, with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd
Afghan commandos, with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak, provide security overwatch via rooftop during a village clearing operation in Shah Wali Kot District, June 7, Kandahar province, Afghanista... More
An Afghan National Police member hands a bundle of
An Afghan National Police member hands a bundle of magazines to a fellow police member to store in the ANP district headquarters, Sarkani district, Dec. 4. The ANP assisted with storing and issuing equipment to... More
U.S. Special Forces soldiers assigned to Combined Joint
U.S. Special Forces soldiers assigned to Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan prepare to board a CH-47 Chinook in preparation for a clearance of Denasaro Kelay village, Mizan district, Zabul... More
A U.S. Army sergeant looks through a Long Range Thermal
A U.S. Army sergeant looks through a Long Range Thermal Viewer while training for an upcoming mission, Jan. 17, at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. The conventional force infantry soldiers are assigned to Speci... More
An Afghan Commando, with the Afghan National Army’s
An Afghan Commando, with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak, provides overwatch security via rooftop for fellow Commandos and U.S. Navy SEALs, with Special Operations Task Force – South, during a vi... More
An Afghan commando, with the Afghan National Army’s
An Afghan commando, with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak, approaches a doorway within a compound during a village clearing operation in Shah Wali Kot District, June 7, Kandahar province, Afghanis... More
Afghan government officials, regional elders and coalition
Afghan government officials, regional elders and coalition representatives held a reintegration shura in the village of Dahane Sangu, Khas Uruzgan district, July 15. Abdul Samad, a former insurgent commander, l... More
Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan political
Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan political officials, along with GIRoA security officials with the Afghan National Police and Border Patrol, meet with coalition forces to discuss the security s... More
Afghan commandos with the Afghan National Army's 3rd
Afghan commandos with the Afghan National Army's 3rd Commando Kandak, assisted by U.S. Army Special Forces and U.S. Navy SEALs with Special Operations Task Force-South, wait to begin a shura during a clearing o... More
A U.S. Army military information support operations
A U.S. Army military information support operations sergeant with Special Operations Task Force - South scans the surrounding area during the early morning hours of a clearing operation in Panjwa'i District, Ap... More
A coalition forces member adjusts her night vision
A coalition forces member adjusts her night vision optic in Shah Wali Kot district, Kandahar province, May 29. Coalition forces patrol the surrounding districts of Kandahar to disrupt insurgent safe havens and ... More
An Afghan National Army commando, 3rd Special Operations
An Afghan National Army commando, 3rd Special Operations Kandak, directs villagers toward a meeting area during a clearance operation in Nangah village, Shah Wali Kot district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, M... More
Dr. Parwiz, an Afghan National Army medic, cleans a
Dr. Parwiz, an Afghan National Army medic, cleans a man's leg wound before suturing it closed at a first aid station in Jaji Aryoub District Hospital, Jaji district, Sept. 26. The clinic has a staff of 12 docto... More
Afghan National Army Commandos assigned to 3rd Company,
Afghan National Army Commandos assigned to 3rd Company, 6th Commando Kandak, conduct squad urban operations training Jan. 18, 2011, at Camp Morehead, Afghanistan. Commandos train under U.S. special forces super... More
Afghan villagers listen as Shah Wali Kot District governor,
Afghan villagers listen as Shah Wali Kot District governor, Haji Ubeidullah Popal, speaks, detesting Taliban influence and promoting unity in the area, during a clearing operation in Kandahar province, Afghanis... More
Afghan 1st Lt. Fawd Hamderd, checkpoint commander,
Afghan 1st Lt. Fawd Hamderd, checkpoint commander, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Afghan National Civil Order Police Brigade, describes the security situation near his checkpoint to team members with Special Operations Tas... More
Afghan commandos and and members from the Afghan National
Afghan commandos and and members from the Afghan National Army Special Forces load onto an MI17 helicopter as they get ready to infill to their target for an operation in Kabul province, Afghanistan, Dec. 24, 2... More
Coalition Special Operations Soldiers, assigned to
Coalition Special Operations Soldiers, assigned to Special Operations Task Force-West, hand out shoes to Afghan children near Mirmandab, Afghanistan, April 7.
Local Afghan children pose for a photo in Sarobi district,
Local Afghan children pose for a photo in Sarobi district, Kabul province, Afghanistan, Dec. 6, 2013. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Sara Wakai/Released)
Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Meffert and Col. Mark Schwartz,
Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Meffert and Col. Mark Schwartz, of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, lay a wreath on the CJSOTF-A memorial wall during the Memorial Day ceremony on Bagram Air F... More
ANA Commandos, US Forces, partner to complete mission
Afghan National Army Commandos and U.S. Forces off-load from a CH-47 Chinook after completing a mission in the Tangi Valley designed to uproot insurgent forces in the area. More than 100 ANA members, U.S. Speci... More
An Afghan National Army commando company commander
An Afghan National Army commando company commander gives a briefing on an upcoming clearing operation at Camp Morehead, Kabul province, Afghanistan, March 3. The ANA commandos conduct counterinsurgency operatio... More
Afghan National Army commandos from 6th Commando Kandak
Afghan National Army commandos from 6th Commando Kandak patrol a village during a clearing operation to find insurgent weapons caches in Gelan district, Ghazni province, Afghanistan, March 22. The ANA commandos... More
Afghan National Army commandos from 6th Commando Kandak
Afghan National Army commandos from 6th Commando Kandak plan an upcoming operation at Camp Morehead, Kabul province, Afghanistan, March 31. The commandos conduct counterinsurgency operations throughout Afghanis... More
Afghan National Army commandos from 2nd Company, 3rd
Afghan National Army commandos from 2nd Company, 3rd Special Operations Kandak, pull security during a simulated clearing operation as part of a culmination training exercise in Dand District, Kandahar province... More
Commandos from the Afghan National Army Special Forces'
Commandos from the Afghan National Army Special Forces' 3rd Company, 3rd Special Operations Kandak prepare their Humvees for a clearing operation in Karezak village, Maiwand district, Kandahar province, Afghani... More
Afghan Local Police candidates wait to receive newly
Afghan Local Police candidates wait to receive newly issued boots before graduating from an ALP training program Khakrez district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, June 3. The Government of the Islamic Republic ... More
A group of Afghan commandos, with 3rd Commando Kandak,
A group of Afghan commandos, with 3rd Commando Kandak, advised by soldiers from Special Operations Task Force - South, await inspection during preparation for an operation to rid insurgents from Panjwa'i Distri... More
Afghan children relax on a hilltop as they observe
Afghan children relax on a hilltop as they observe U.S. service members, with Special Operations Task Force - South, conduct training, Jan. 26, in Khakrez District, Kandahar province, Afghanistan.
Brig. Gen. Dadon Lawang, Commando Brigade commander,
Brig. Gen. Dadon Lawang, Commando Brigade commander, speaks to the newest Commandos during a graduation ceremony March 30, 2011, at Camp Morehead. Leadership from the Afghan National Army and U.S. military atte... More
Coalition Special Operations Soldiers, assigned to
Coalition Special Operations Soldiers, assigned to Special Operations Task Force-West, speak with Afghan children while conducting a patrol in Mirmandab, Afghanistan, April 3.
An Afghan National Army commando pulls security during
An Afghan National Army commando pulls security during a clearing operation in Jaji district, Paktiya province, Afghanistan, Oct. 30. Coalition special operations forces partnered with the ANA commandos to cond... More
International Security Assistance Force Command Sgt.
International Security Assistance Force Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Hill visits the men and women of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan to discuss the future of the U.S. mission in Afghani... More
Candidates of an Afghan Local Police program watch
Candidates of an Afghan Local Police program watch as their fellow classmates graduate during a ceremony in Khakrez district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, June 3. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Af... More
An Afghan Local Police graduate renders a salute after
An Afghan Local Police graduate renders a salute after receiving his diploma Aug. 15, 2013, at the Musahi District Center in Kabul province. Musahi District Governor Qazi Suliman and Lt. Col. Abdul Sabor, Musah... More
Afghan Commandos, with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd
Afghan Commandos, with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak, gain entry to a compound during a village clearing operation in Shah Wali Kot District, June 25, 2011, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The ... More
Soldiers with a U.S. Army infantry company receive
Soldiers with a U.S. Army infantry company receive instruction from Department of Defense civilians on how to properly align the sight of a Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station mounted on a Mine Resistant Am... More
The newest Commmandos place their maroon berets on
The newest Commmandos place their maroon berets on their head during a Commando Graduation ceremony, signifying the completion of the 10-week Commando qualification course March 30, 2011. The newest Commandos t... More
Lt. Col. Richard Navarro, commander of Special Operations
Lt. Col. Richard Navarro, commander of Special Operations Task Force-South, looks on as Khakrez District Chief of Police talks to candidates during an Afghan Local Police graduation ceremony in Khakrez District... More
Afghan National Army commandos from 6th Commando Kandak
Afghan National Army commandos from 6th Commando Kandak patrol a village during a clearing operation in Baraki Barak district, Logar province, Afghanistan, April 3. The commandos conduct counterinsurgency opera... More
Villager elders speak with Afghan National Army commandos
Villager elders speak with Afghan National Army commandos during a key leader engagement while on a patrol to find insurgent weapons caches in Alahsang village, Saydabad district, Wardak province, Afghanistan, ... More
Panjwa'i District Governor Fazluddin Agha and coalition
Panjwa'i District Governor Fazluddin Agha and coalition representatives, with Special Operations Task Force-South conduct a shura following a clearing operation in Panjwa'i District, April 19, 2011, in Kandahar... More
Afghan National Army, 3rd Special Operations Kandak
Afghan National Army, 3rd Special Operations Kandak Commander, with 2nd Company Commander, provides feedback to his men after a culmination training exercise in Dand district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Ju... More
An U.S. Army cultural support team member with the
An U.S. Army cultural support team member with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force scans the terrain while sitting in the back of a Humvee in Sarobi district, Kabul province, Afghanistan, Dec. 6, 2... More
Afghan National Army commandos from 6th Commando Kandak
Afghan National Army commandos from 6th Commando Kandak find an insurgent weapons cache during a clearing operation in Gelan district, Ghazni province, Afghanistan, March 23. The ANA commandos conduct counterin... More
Afghan citizens gather at the district center to meet
Afghan citizens gather at the district center to meet with the governor of Khakrez, June 10.
Afghan Special Forces and U.S. Special Forces, with
Afghan Special Forces and U.S. Special Forces, with Special Operations Task Force - South, conduct a joint patrol, Sept. 24, 2010, in Khakrez District, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Afghan and U.S. forces wor... More
An Afghan National Army special forces soldier waits
An Afghan National Army special forces soldier waits for his turn to navigate the driver's course June 18. Members of the ANASF participated in a driver's certification training at Camp Morehead, Afghanistan. T... More
Afghan National Police training
Members of the Afghan National Police practice blocks of instruction with one another during class in Gizab District, Daykundi province, Aug. 16. Special Operations Forces team members instructed ANP on proper... More
Sahib Khan, Muqor district governor in Ghazni province,
Sahib Khan, Muqor district governor in Ghazni province, explains how the Afghan Local Police can be effective during a Gelan district validation shura Aug. 15, 2013, at the district's center in Ghazni province.
Afghan National Army special forces, with the Mobile
Afghan National Army special forces, with the Mobile Strike Force, first graduating class of the MSF in Kabul province, Afghanistan, Nov. 27, 2013. (U.S. Army photo by SFC Brehl Garza / Released)
Afghan soldiers with 3rd Commando Kandak and U.S. soldiers
Afghan soldiers with 3rd Commando Kandak and U.S. soldiers with Special Operations Task Force - South conduct final mission preparation before conducting an operation to remove insurgents from Lam village, Khak... More
A ceremonial wreath stands on display following the
A ceremonial wreath stands on display following the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A), Honor and Remembrance Memorial Day Ceremony at Camp Vance in Bagram Air Field, Parwan pr... More