Photos from the Front Lines

Al Masaak Artillery

U.S. Army soldiers load a 155 mm artillery shell into an M777 howitzer on Forward Operating Base Al Masaak in southern Afghanistan, Aug. 21, 2012. The soldiers are assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division's Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

Reconstruction Team Arrival

U.S. service members assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah arrive for a key leader engagement in Farah City in Afghanistan's Farah province, Aug. 29, 2012. Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah is a unit of U.S. soldiers, sailors and airmen working with various government and non-government agencies to promote the Afghan government and their ability to resolve local issues and provide security to the people.

Mission Buddies

U.S. Army Spc. Nicholas Cerreto, right, helps a fellow soldier prepare on Forward Operating Base Farah before departing for a mission in Farah City in Afghanistan's Farah province, Aug. 29, 2012. Cerreto is assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah.