Afghanistan War Operations

A German Bundeswehr army soldier with the Delta platoon of the 2nd paratroop company 373 prepares his weapons for the unit group picture in the army camp in Kunduz, northern Afghanistan, December 17, 2010.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan Nordell with 3rd Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines provides security during a patrol in Sangin District, Afghanistan Nov. 26, 2010. Marines conduct security patrols to decrease the insurgency and gain the trust of the local population. The battalion is one of the combat elements of Regimental Combat Team 2 whose mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jorge A. Ortiz/ Released)

German Bundeswehr army soldiers from Charlie platoon of the 2nd Paratroop Company 373 keep watch in an area during a mission in the city of Iman Sahib, north of Kunduz, northern Afghanistan, December 15, 2010.

An Afghan boy points to the equipment of a German Bundeswehr army soldier from Charlie platoon of the 2nd Paratroop Company 373 during a mission in the city of Iman Sahib, north of Kunduz, northern Afghanistan, December 15, 2010.

An AH-1W Super Cobra with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) departs from Forward Operating Base Dwyer, Afghanistan to provide close air support on a joint Tactical Airstrike Request. The Cobra is one of several stationed at FOB Dwyer as part of a HMLA-169 detachment, which provides quick-response close air support for coalition and Afghan forces within the area.

An AH-1W Super Cobra with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) rests staged next to a UH-60A Black Hawk at Forward Operating Base Dwyer, Afghanistan. The Cobra is one of several stationed at FOB Dwyer as part of a HMLA-169 detachment, which provides quick-response close air support for coalition and Afghan forces within the area. Marines of the squadron frequently lend maintenance support as well as armed escorts for the Black Hawk crew and pilots of the Charlie Company 214th Aviation Regiment "Dustoff."

A Banshee Troop, Task Force Eagle Assault, scout weapons team departs Forward Operating Base Wolverine, Afghanistan for a reconnaissance and security mission to protect coalition forces and Afghan civilians from insurgent threats in Zabul province Nov. 6.