Photos from the Front Lines

Fighting Insurgents

U.S. paratroopers fire at insurgent forces during a firefight on the outskirts of Spedar village in southern Afghanistan's Ghazni province, June 15, 2012. This was the first of several firefights U.S. and Afghan soldiers encountered during their daylong partnered patrol.

Partnered Patrol

An Afghan army sergeant, left, and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jacob Hurndon cross the Tarnak River during a partnered patrol in southern Afghanistan's Ghazni province, June 15, 2012. Hurndon is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's Company D, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team.

Orphanage Visit

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Thomasallen, left, hands out toys during a visit to the orphanage in Farah City in Afghanistan's Farah province, June 19, 2012.