Photos from the Front Lines

Field Patrol

U.S. Army Pfc. Erick Montoya patrols through an alfalfa field on a partnered patrol in southern Afghanistan's Ghazni province, June 14, 2012. Montoya is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team.

Village Meeting

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Frederick Reier meets with villagers of Hutake in northern Afghanistan's Nawah province, June 14, 2012. Reier, a platoon leader, is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team.

Combat Reload

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. James Bates demonstrates a combat reload with his M4 assault rifle during a small-arms training session on Forward Operating Base Farah in Afghanistan's Farah province, June 26. During the training, soldiers learned proper techniques for performing reloads and close quarters shooting. Bates is a security force squad leader for the team.