"Afghanistan Singles" (by David Goldman)

Members of the Afghan National Army play volleyball on Forward Operating Base Airborne in Afghanistan's Wardak province Wednesday March 25, 2009.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:18:49 +0000

Members of the Afghan National Army play volleyball on Forward Operating Base Airborne in Afghanistan's Wardak province Wednesday March 25, 2009.
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Members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, pay their respects to PFC Adam Hardt, 19, of Avondale Ariz., at a memorial service on Forward Operating Base Airborne in Afghanistan's Wardak province Wednesday March 25, 2009. Hardt allegedly committed suicide Sunday March 22 and the Department of Defense states he died of injuries from a non combat related incident.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:19:12 +0000

Members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, pay their respects to PFC Adam Hardt, 19, of Avondale Ariz., at a memorial service on Forward Operating Base Airborne in Afghanistan's Wardak province Wednesday March 25, 2009. Hardt allegedly committed suicide Sunday March 22 and the Department of Defense states he died of injuries from a non combat related incident.
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Members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, push into the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday March 26, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:19:33 +0000

Members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, push into the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday March 26, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, push into the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday March 26, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:19:54 +0000

Young Afghani boys play volleyball in the village of Dehe Afghanan as members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, patrol the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday March 26, 2009. It was the first time villagers have ever seen an American sodier. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:20:16 +0000

Young Afghani boys play volleyball in the village of Dehe Afghanan as members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, patrol the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday March 26, 2009. It was the first time villagers have ever seen an American sodier. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, stand guard overnight under a star filled sky in an apple orchard in the village of Badinkhel while pushing into the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province early Friday March 27, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:20:35 +0000

Members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, stand guard overnight under a star filled sky in an apple orchard in the village of Badinkhel while pushing into the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province early Friday March 27, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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SPC Brian Kim with the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, wakes up after spending a night in an apple orchard in the village of Badinkhel while pushing into the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province early Friday March 27, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:20:55 +0000

SPC Brian Kim with the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, wakes up after spending a night in an apple orchard in the village of Badinkhel while pushing into the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province early Friday March 27, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Villagers look on as members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, patrol into the village of Nasuzeh in the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Friday March 27, 2009. It was the fist time the villagers have ever seen an American soldier. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:21:13 +0000

Villagers look on as members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, patrol into the village of Nasuzeh in the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Friday March 27, 2009. It was the fist time the villagers have ever seen an American soldier. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, push into the Awalkhel area of the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Friday March 27, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:21:33 +0000

Members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, push into the Awalkhel area of the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Friday March 27, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, take cover while detonating an 82mm unexploded mortar round found while patrolling into the Awalkhel area of the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Friday March 27, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:21:55 +0000

Members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, take cover while detonating an 82mm unexploded mortar round found while patrolling into the Awalkhel area of the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Friday March 27, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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1LT Brendan McCarthy, of the US Army's Blackhawk Company, 2nd Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Drum, NY, waves to locals while patrolling the Nerkh valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Monday April 6, 2009. The 2-87, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan and are part of the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:22:14 +0000

1LT Brendan McCarthy, of the US Army's Blackhawk Company, 2nd Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Drum, NY, waves to locals while patrolling the Nerkh valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Monday April 6, 2009. The 2-87, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan and are part of the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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A soldier with the U.S. Army's 2nd Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Drum, NY, walks past a trash fire on his way to board a Blackhawk helicopter to be dropped in the mountains of the Nerkh Valley for a mission in Afghanistan's Wardak province Tuesday April 7, 2009. The 2-87, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan and are part of the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:22:30 +0000

A soldier with the U.S. Army's 2nd Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Drum, NY, walks past a trash fire on his way to board a Blackhawk helicopter to be dropped in the mountains of the Nerkh Valley for a mission in Afghanistan's Wardak province Tuesday April 7, 2009. The 2-87, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan and are part of the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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The driver of a U.S. Army Husky, an armored vehicle designed to detect IEDs under the road, ashes his cigarette out of the hatch during a Route Clearance Package mission in search for IEDs in the Nerkh Valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday April 9, 2009. The goal of the RCP mission, made up of various specialized units from the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, was to clear roads of IEDs and insurgent activity deep into the Nerkh Valley to secure the area for the installation of a new outpost. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the U.S. bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:22:51 +0000

The driver of a U.S. Army Husky, an armored vehicle designed to detect IEDs under the road, ashes his cigarette out of the hatch during a Route Clearance Package mission in search for IEDs in the Nerkh Valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday April 9, 2009. The goal of the RCP mission, made up of various specialized units from the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, was to clear roads of IEDs and insurgent activity deep into the Nerkh Valley to secure the area for the installation of a new outpost. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the U.S. bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
view full-size image

A U.S. soldier with night vision goggles sits on patrol from a Humvee as the moon rises during a Route Clearance Package mission in search for IEDs in the Nerkh Valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday April 9, 2009. The goal of the RCP mission, made up of various specialized units from the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY, was to clear roads of IEDs and insurgent activity deep into the Nerkh Valley to secure the area for the installation of a new outpost. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the U.S. bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:23:09 +0000

A U.S. soldier with night vision goggles sits on patrol from a Humvee as the moon rises during a Route Clearance Package mission in search for IEDs in the Nerkh Valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday April 9, 2009. The goal of the RCP mission, made up of various specialized units from the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY, was to clear roads of IEDs and insurgent activity deep into the Nerkh Valley to secure the area for the installation of a new outpost. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the U.S. bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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U.S. soldiers awake at sunrise after spending the night in their Humvees to resume a Route Clearance Package mission in search for IEDs in the Nerkh Valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Friday April 10, 2009. The goal of the RCP mission, made up of various specialized units from the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY, was to clear roads of IEDs and insurgent activity deep into the Nerkh Valley to secure the area for the installation of a new outpost. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the U.S. bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:23:27 +0000

U.S. soldiers awake at sunrise after spending the night in their Humvees to resume a Route Clearance Package mission in search for IEDs in the Nerkh Valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Friday April 10, 2009. The goal of the RCP mission, made up of various specialized units from the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY, was to clear roads of IEDs and insurgent activity deep into the Nerkh Valley to secure the area for the installation of a new outpost. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the U.S. bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
view full-size image

U.S. soldiers awake at sunrise after spending the night in their Humvees to resume a Route Clearance Package mission in search for IEDs in the Nerkh Valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Friday April 10, 2009. The goal of the RCP mission, made up of various specialized units from the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY, was to clear roads of IEDs and insurgent activity deep into the Nerkh Valley to secure the area for the installation of a new outpost. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the U.S. bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:23:45 +0000

A U.S. soldier patrols through a blossoming orchard field during a Route Clearance Package mission in search for IEDs in the Nerkh Valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Friday April 10, 2009. The goal of the RCP mission, made up of various specialized units from the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY, was to clear roads of IEDs and insurgent activity deep into the Nerkh Valley to secure the area for the installation of a new outpost. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the U.S. bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:24:10 +0000

A U.S. soldier patrols through a blossoming orchard field during a Route Clearance Package mission in search for IEDs in the Nerkh Valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Friday April 10, 2009. The goal of the RCP mission, made up of various specialized units from the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY, was to clear roads of IEDs and insurgent activity deep into the Nerkh Valley to secure the area for the installation of a new outpost. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the U.S. bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Capt. Jim McCune of the US Army's 2nd Brigade 87th Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Drum, NY, patrols the village of Khanjankhel in Afghanistan's Wardak province Wednesday Mach 18, 2009 after receiving intelligence of a possible planned suicide attack on their convoy. The 2-87, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:24:31 +0000

Capt. Jim McCune of the US Army's 2nd Brigade 87th Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Drum, NY, patrols the village of Khanjankhel in Afghanistan's Wardak province Wednesday Mach 18, 2009 after receiving intelligence of a possible planned suicide attack on their convoy. The 2-87, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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A young Afghan boy looks on as members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY, patrols the village of Khanjankhel in Afghanistan's Wardak province Wednesday Mach 18, 2009 after receiving intelligence of a possible planned suicide attack. The 3-10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:24:51 +0000

A young Afghan boy looks on as members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY, patrols the village of Khanjankhel in Afghanistan's Wardak province Wednesday Mach 18, 2009 after receiving intelligence of a possible planned suicide attack. The 3-10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Afghan men walk along the road as a military convoy with the U.S. Army's 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, NY, passes through Afghanistan's Wardak province Friday Mach 20, 2009. The 3-10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:25:10 +0000

Afghan men walk along the road as a military convoy with the U.S. Army's 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, NY, passes through Afghanistan's Wardak province Friday Mach 20, 2009. The 3-10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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CPT Sam Rico of the US Army's 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, NY, bows his head during a special prayer in the chapel for PFC Adam Hardt, 19, of Arizona, following the news of his death from non combat injuries on Forward Operating Base Airborne in Afghanistan's Wardak province Sunday March 22, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:25:38 +0000

CPT Sam Rico of the US Army's 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, NY, bows his head during a special prayer in the chapel for PFC Adam Hardt, 19, of Arizona, following the news of his death from non combat injuries on Forward Operating Base Airborne in Afghanistan's Wardak province Sunday March 22, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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LT Travis Shatraw, with the U.S. Army's 3rd Squadron 71st Cavalry, looks out for suspicious activity on a night patrol near the village of Pandi Bala under moonlight in Afghanistan's Logar province Friday, May 1, 2009. The 3/71, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, NY, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Logar and Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak and Logar Province, about 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 500 troops last year to 3000 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:25:56 +0000

LT Travis Shatraw, with the U.S. Army's 3rd Squadron 71st Cavalry, looks out for suspicious activity on a night patrol near the village of Pandi Bala under moonlight in Afghanistan's Logar province Friday, May 1, 2009. The 3/71, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, NY, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Logar and Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak and Logar Province, about 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 500 troops last year to 3000 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Squadron 71st Cavalry patrol at night under moonlight through the village of Chehel Tan in Afghanistan's Logar province Friday, May 1, 2009. The 3/71, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, NY, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Logar and Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak and Logar Province, about 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 500 troops last year to 3000 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:26:16 +0000

Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Squadron 71st Cavalry patrol at night under moonlight through the village of Chehel Tan in Afghanistan's Logar province Friday, May 1, 2009. The 3/71, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, NY, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Logar and Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak and Logar Province, about 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 500 troops last year to 3000 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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An officer with the Afghan National Police loads himself up with bullets in Baraki Barak before a joint patrol with soldiers from the 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan's Logar province Saturday May 2, 2009. American forces often patrol with the ANP in an attempt to give it an "Afghan face" and to help strengthen Afghanistan's ability to maintain security on their own. The Logar and Wardak region saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division in nearby Wardak and Logar Province, about 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 500 troops last year to 3000 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:26:34 +0000

An officer with the Afghan National Police loads himself up with bullets in Baraki Barak before a joint patrol with soldiers from the 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan's Logar province Saturday May 2, 2009. American forces often patrol with the ANP in an attempt to give it an "Afghan face" and to help strengthen Afghanistan's ability to maintain security on their own. The Logar and Wardak region saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division in nearby Wardak and Logar Province, about 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 500 troops last year to 3000 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division are reflected in a river while on a joint patrol with the Afghan National Police at sunset in Baraki Barak Saturday May 2, 2009. American forces often patrol with the ANP in an attempt to give it an "Afghan face" and to help strengthen Afghanistan's ability to maintain security on their own. The Logar and Wardak region saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division in nearby Wardak and Logar Province, about 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 500 troops last year to 3000 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:26:59 +0000

Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division are reflected in a river while on a joint patrol with the Afghan National Police at sunset in Baraki Barak Saturday May 2, 2009. American forces often patrol with the ANP in an attempt to give it an "Afghan face" and to help strengthen Afghanistan's ability to maintain security on their own. The Logar and Wardak region saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division in nearby Wardak and Logar Province, about 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 500 troops last year to 3000 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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An officer with the Afghan National Police patrols through the main street of Baraki Barak with an RPG on a joint patrol with soldiers from the 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan's Logar province Saturday May 2, 2009. American forces often patrol with the ANP in an attempt to give it an "Afghan face" and to help strengthen Afghanistan's ability to maintain security on their own. The Logar and Wardak region saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division in nearby Wardak and Logar Province, about 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 500 troops last year to 3000 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:27:17 +0000

An officer with the Afghan National Police patrols through the main street of Baraki Barak with an RPG on a joint patrol with soldiers from the 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan's Logar province Saturday May 2, 2009. American forces often patrol with the ANP in an attempt to give it an "Afghan face" and to help strengthen Afghanistan's ability to maintain security on their own. The Logar and Wardak region saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division in nearby Wardak and Logar Province, about 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 500 troops last year to 3000 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Soldiers with the 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division, 4/25 Field Artillery Batallion, fire a 155mm artillery round on suspected militants in a mountainside cave from Forward Operating Base Altimur in Afghanistan's Logar Province Tuesday, May 5, 2009. The 3/10 based out of Fort Drum, NY, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Logar and Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak and Logar Province, about 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 500 troops last year to 3000 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:27:36 +0000

Soldiers with the 3rd Combat Brigade 10th Mountain Division, 4/25 Field Artillery Batallion, fire a 155mm artillery round on suspected militants in a mountainside cave from Forward Operating Base Altimur in Afghanistan's Logar Province Tuesday, May 5, 2009. The 3/10 based out of Fort Drum, NY, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Logar and Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak and Logar Province, about 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 500 troops last year to 3000 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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PFC Aaron McClure, left, and SSG Eric Johnson, of the US Army's 2nd Brigade 87th Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Drum, NY, take cover after an IED exploded on their convoy while patrolling the outskirts of the village of Khanjankhel in Afghanistan's Wardak province Wednesday Mach 18, 2009. The IED caused no injuries or damage to the vehicle. The 2-87, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:27:56 +0000

PFC Aaron McClure, left, and SSG Eric Johnson, of the US Army's 2nd Brigade 87th Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Drum, NY, take cover after an IED exploded on their convoy while patrolling the outskirts of the village of Khanjankhel in Afghanistan's Wardak province Wednesday Mach 18, 2009. The IED caused no injuries or damage to the vehicle. The 2-87, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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SSG Eric Johnson, of the US Army's 2nd Brigade 87th Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Drum, NY, reacts after an IED exploded on their convoy while patrolling the outskirts of the village of Khanjankhel in Afghanistan's Wardak province Wednesday Mach 18, 2009. The IED caused no injuries or damage to the vehicle. The 2-87, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:28:17 +0000

SSG Eric Johnson, of the US Army's 2nd Brigade 87th Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Drum, NY, reacts after an IED exploded on their convoy while patrolling the outskirts of the village of Khanjankhel in Afghanistan's Wardak province Wednesday Mach 18, 2009. The IED caused no injuries or damage to the vehicle. The 2-87, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Members of the US Army's 2nd Brigade 87th Infantry Regimen, based out of Fort Drum, NY, patrol the village of Khalkhel in Afghanistan's Wardok province Wednesday Mach 18, 2009.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:28:37 +0000

Members of the US Army's 2nd Brigade 87th Infantry Regimen, based out of Fort Drum, NY, patrol the village of Khalkhel in Afghanistan's Wardok province Wednesday Mach 18, 2009.
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A member of the US Army's 2nd Brigade 87th Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Drum, NY, patrols a hillside on the outskirts of Khanjankhel in Afghanistan's Wardak province Wednesday Mach 18, 2009 after an IED exploded on the unit's convoy. The IED caused no injuries or damage to the vehicle. The 2-87, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:28:59 +0000

A member of the US Army's 2nd Brigade 87th Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Drum, NY, patrols a hillside on the outskirts of Khanjankhel in Afghanistan's Wardak province Wednesday Mach 18, 2009 after an IED exploded on the unit's convoy. The IED caused no injuries or damage to the vehicle. The 2-87, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Members of the US Army's 3rd Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, NY, take cover in a bunker during a rocket attack by insurgents on Forward Operating Base Airborne in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday Mach 19, 2009. The 3-10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:29:19 +0000

Members of the US Army's 3rd Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, NY, take cover in a bunker during a rocket attack by insurgents on Forward Operating Base Airborne in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday Mach 19, 2009. The 3-10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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A old Russian tank liters the landscape of Razorback mountain as members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, push into the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday March 26, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:29:42 +0000

A old Russian tank liters the landscape of Razorback mountain as members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, push into the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday March 26, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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SPC Larry Hayes, left and LT Gary Hall, with the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, take a break in the village of Nadif Foulad while patrolling into the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday March 26, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:30:07 +0000

SPC Larry Hayes, left and LT Gary Hall, with the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, take a break in the village of Nadif Foulad while patrolling into the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday March 26, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Local Afghans look on as members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, patrol into the village of Dehe Afghanan in the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday March 26, 2009. It was the first time villagers have ever seen an American sodier. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:30:30 +0000

Local Afghans look on as members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, patrol into the village of Dehe Afghanan in the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday March 26, 2009. It was the first time villagers have ever seen an American sodier. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, set up an overnight watchtower on top of an agriculture storage shed in the village of Badinkhel while pushing into the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday March 26, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:30:47 +0000

Members of the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, set up an overnight watchtower on top of an agriculture storage shed in the village of Badinkhel while pushing into the Mayden Shar district for the first time since the war began in 2001 in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday March 26, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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SSG Dustin Shultz with the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, writes to his wife in his tent at Forward Operating Base Airborne in Afghanistan's Wardak province Monday March 30, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:31:16 +0000

SSG Dustin Shultz with the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, writes to his wife in his tent at Forward Operating Base Airborne in Afghanistan's Wardak province Monday March 30, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Soldiers with the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, climb a mountain in the Nerkh valley while patrolling in Afghanistan's Wardak province Monday March 30, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:31:35 +0000

Soldiers with the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, NY, climb a mountain in the Nerkh valley while patrolling in Afghanistan's Wardak province Monday March 30, 2009. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgency last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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A poster of Afghan President Hamid Karzai hangs on a partition during a graduation ceremony for the first class of the Afghan Public Protection Force at the Jalrez District Center in Afghanistan's Wardak province Tuesday March 31, 2009. The program is the first of it's kind in Afghanistan to use villagers trained by US Special Forces to provide security in their own neighborhoods. Opponents of the program warn it will arm local militias, but the Afghanistan government argues it is crucial in confronting the rising insurgency.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:31:57 +0000

A poster of Afghan President Hamid Karzai hangs on a partition during a graduation ceremony for the first class of the Afghan Public Protection Force at the Jalrez District Center in Afghanistan's Wardak province Tuesday March 31, 2009. The program is the first of it's kind in Afghanistan to use villagers trained by US Special Forces to provide security in their own neighborhoods. Opponents of the program warn it will arm local militias, but the Afghanistan government argues it is crucial in confronting the rising insurgency.
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An Afghan man dressed in white checks his shoes while standing in a muddy street in the village of Mayden Shar in Afghanistan's Wardak province Tuesday April 7, 2009.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:32:21 +0000

An Afghan man dressed in white checks his shoes while standing in a muddy street in the village of Mayden Shar in Afghanistan's Wardak province Tuesday April 7, 2009.
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Young Afghan boys play a game similar to baseball as U.S. Soldiers patrol the streets in the village of Mayden Shar in Afghanistan's Wardak province Tuesday April 7, 2009.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:32:39 +0000

Young Afghan boys play a game similar to baseball as U.S. Soldiers patrol the streets in the village of Mayden Shar in Afghanistan's Wardak province Tuesday April 7, 2009.
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Prisoners comprised of Taliban, murderers, and petty criminals, stand in their jail cell in the Wardak Provincial jail in the village of Mayden Shar in Afghanistan's Wardak province Tuesday April 7, 2009. The prison, built for 60 but housing some 80 criminals, has seen a reduction in inmates entering the facility since the U.S. military significantly increased the number of troops in Wardak from roughly 150 to 1500 in January. The 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan and are part of the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:33:01 +0000

Prisoners comprised of Taliban, murderers, and petty criminals, stand in their jail cell in the Wardak Provincial jail in the village of Mayden Shar in Afghanistan's Wardak province Tuesday April 7, 2009. The prison, built for 60 but housing some 80 criminals, has seen a reduction in inmates entering the facility since the U.S. military significantly increased the number of troops in Wardak from roughly 150 to 1500 in January. The 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan and are part of the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak and Logar region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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CPT Jim McCune prepares for a night's sleep in his Humvee as the moon rises during a Route Clearance Package mission in search for IEDs in the Nerkh Valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday April 9, 2009. The goal of the RCP mission, made up of various specialized units from the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY, was to clear roads of IEDs and insurgent activity deep into the Nerkh Valley to secure the area for the installation of a new outpost. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the U.S. bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:33:19 +0000

CPT Jim McCune prepares for a night's sleep in his Humvee as the moon rises during a Route Clearance Package mission in search for IEDs in the Nerkh Valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Thursday April 9, 2009. The goal of the RCP mission, made up of various specialized units from the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY, was to clear roads of IEDs and insurgent activity deep into the Nerkh Valley to secure the area for the installation of a new outpost. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the U.S. bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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The U.S. Army's SPC Eric Sly and his dog Porter inspect a suspicious cave during a Route Clearance Package mission in search for IEDs in the Nerkh Valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Friday April 10, 2009. The goal of the RCP mission, made up of various specialized units from the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY, was to clear roads of IEDs and insurgent activity deep into the Nerkh Valley to secure the area for the installation of a new outpost. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the U.S. bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:33:38 +0000

The U.S. Army's SPC Eric Sly and his dog Porter inspect a suspicious cave during a Route Clearance Package mission in search for IEDs in the Nerkh Valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Friday April 10, 2009. The goal of the RCP mission, made up of various specialized units from the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY, was to clear roads of IEDs and insurgent activity deep into the Nerkh Valley to secure the area for the installation of a new outpost. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the U.S. bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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SSG Arthur Mann, top, looks on as SGT Travis Roberts inspects a suspicious hole during a Route Clearance Package mission in search for IEDs in the Nerkh Valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Saturday April 11, 2009. The goal of the RCP mission, made up of various specialized units from the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY, was to clear roads of IEDs and insurgent activity deep into the Nerkh Valley to secure the area for the installation of a new outpost. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the U.S. bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:33:58 +0000

SSG Arthur Mann, top, looks on as SGT Travis Roberts inspects a suspicious hole during a Route Clearance Package mission in search for IEDs in the Nerkh Valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Saturday April 11, 2009. The goal of the RCP mission, made up of various specialized units from the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY, was to clear roads of IEDs and insurgent activity deep into the Nerkh Valley to secure the area for the installation of a new outpost. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the U.S. bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Soldiers with the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, prepare to load up into waiting Humvees for a mission into the Jalrez Valley at Forward Operating Base Airborne in Afghanistan's Wardak province early Tuesday April 14, 2009. The mission was called off due to the rain as patrols are often cancelled when medivac flights can't fly due to poor weather to evacuate casualties or injured soldiers in case fighting with the enemy breaks out. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:34:22 +0000

Soldiers with the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, prepare to load up into waiting Humvees for a mission into the Jalrez Valley at Forward Operating Base Airborne in Afghanistan's Wardak province early Tuesday April 14, 2009. The mission was called off due to the rain as patrols are often cancelled when medivac flights can't fly due to poor weather to evacuate casualties or injured soldiers in case fighting with the enemy breaks out. The 3/10 were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 2nd Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment based out of Ford Drum, NY, look on as SFC Stephan Eldred briefs the troops before a mission to build a new command outpost on a hillside in the Nerkh Valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Tuesday April 14, 2009. The outpost will be the permanent home of 2/87's Blackhawk company securing the U.S.'s presence in the rural areas of the Nerkh Valley against the Taliban. The 2/87, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:34:41 +0000

Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 2nd Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment based out of Ford Drum, NY, look on as SFC Stephan Eldred briefs the troops before a mission to build a new command outpost on a hillside in the Nerkh Valley in Afghanistan's Wardak province Tuesday April 14, 2009. The outpost will be the permanent home of 2/87's Blackhawk company securing the U.S.'s presence in the rural areas of the Nerkh Valley against the Taliban. The 2/87, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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The aftermath from a rocket attack by the Taliban last fall can be seen on the exterior of the Nerkh District Center as an Afghan man passes by 1LT Colin Riker, left, with the U.S. Army's 2nd Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment based out of Ford Drum, NY, in the Nerkh valley of Afghanistan's Wardak province Tuesday April 14, 2009. The 2/87, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:35:04 +0000

The aftermath from a rocket attack by the Taliban last fall can be seen on the exterior of the Nerkh District Center as an Afghan man passes by 1LT Colin Riker, left, with the U.S. Army's 2nd Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment based out of Ford Drum, NY, in the Nerkh valley of Afghanistan's Wardak province Tuesday April 14, 2009. The 2/87, part of the 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, were originally slated to deploy to Iraq but were re-routed to Afghanistan. They are the U.S. forces' first major push into the Wardak region that saw a heavy anti-coalition resurgence last year marking the worst since the war began in 2001 for deaths among NATO forces. In an attempt to secure Kabul from falling back into the hands of the Taliban, the US bolstered the number of forces with the deployment of the 3/10 in nearby Wardak Province, less than 30 minutes from the capital, from approximately 150 troops last year to 1500 this year. The brigade is the first substantial illustration of the U.S.'s new military focus in Afghanistan.
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Soldiers with the US Army's 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, NY, bow their heads during a special prayer in the chapel for PFC Adam Hardt, 19, of Arizona on Forward Operating Base Airborne in Afghanistan's Wardak province Sunday March 22, 2009.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:36:01 +0000

Soldiers with the US Army's 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, NY, bow their heads during a special prayer in the chapel for PFC Adam Hardt, 19, of Arizona on Forward Operating Base Airborne in Afghanistan's Wardak province Sunday March 22, 2009.
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