US Military Pictures thread

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(Oct. 14, 2010) The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and the Military Sealift Command fast combat supply ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) perform an underway replenishment. The Enterprise Carrier Strike Group is conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise in preparation for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brooks B. Patton Jr./Released)

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(Oct. 19, 2010) Fire Controlman 3rd Class Shane Nichlos tests a radar display in the combat information center aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is underway in the western Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Ryan Smith/Released)

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YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 21, 2010) The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Buffalo (SSN 715) arrives at Fleet Activities Yokosuka for a port visit as part of its deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. Buffalo has been forward deployed to Guam since 2007 and routinely operates in the western Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Lara Bollinger/Released)

U.S. Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin Winters, a Seabee attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, fires an M-240B machine gun during crew-served weapons qualification at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, on Oct. 16, 2010. Seabees with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 are deployed to Afghanistan to execute general engineering, infrastructure construction and project management in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. DoD photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ace Rheaume, U.S. Navy. (Released)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender from the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron, Joint Base McGuire, N.J., as part of The Falcon Air Meet 2010 near Azraq Air Base, Jordan, Oct. 20, 2010. The purpose of The Falcon Air Meet is to improve international military relations and joint air operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Eric Harris)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., flies in formation with a U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender from the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron at Joint Base McGuire, N.J. after receiving fuel as part of The Falcon Air Meet 2010 near Azraq Air Base, Jordan, Oct. 20, 2010. The U.S., Jordan and Pakistan are participating in the The Falcon Air Meet to improve international military relations and joint air operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Eric Harris)

A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender from the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron at Joint Base McGuire, N.J. refuels U.S. Air Force and Royal Jordanian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons as part of The Falcon Air Meet 2010 near Azraq Air Base, Jordan, Oct. 20, 2010. The purpose of The Falcon Air Meet is to improve international military relations and joint air operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Eric Harris)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender from the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron, Joint Base McGuire, N.J., as part of The Falcon Air Meet 2010 near Azraq Air Base, Jordan, Oct. 20, 2010. The purpose of The Falcon Air Meet is to improve international military relations and joint air operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Eric Harris)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., moves into formation after receiving fuel from a KC-10 Extender from the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron, Joint Base McGuire, N.J., as part of The Falcon Air Meet 2010 near Azraq Air Base, Jordan, Oct. 20, 2010. The purpose of The Falcon Air Meet is to improve international military relations and joint air operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Eric Harris)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., maneuvers into position behind a KC-10 Extender from the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron, Joint Base McGuire, N.J., as part of The Falcon Air Meet 2010 near Azraq Air Base, Jordan, Oct. 20, 2010. The purpose of The Falcon Air Meet is to improve international military relations and joint air operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Eric Harris)

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U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, Combined Joint Task Force 101, Regional Command East commander, taxis in an F-15E Strike Eagle piloted by U.S. Air Force Capt. Frank Fryar, 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, after a familiarization flight Oct. 21. Campbell flew with Fryar over eastern Afghanistan to become more familiar with the capabilities of the F-15, which provides close-air support to Campbell’s soldiers working on the ground. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. M. Erick Reynolds)

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Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Green marshals in an A-10 Thunderbolt II into place on the ramp Oct. 13, 2010, at Hawgsmoke 2010 on Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho. Sergeant Green is an A-10 aircraft mechanic with the with the Air Force Reserve Command's 717th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston)

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A group of A-10 Thunderbolt IIs sit on the ramp Oct. 13, 2010, at Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho. The A-10s are assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command's 47th Fighter Squadron from Barksdale Air Force Base, La. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston)

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Lt. Col. Robert Hetland taxis his A-10 Thunderbolt II to the runway for an orientation flight for the Hawgsmoke 2010 competition Oct. 13, 2010, in Boise, Idaho. Hawgsmoke is a worldwide A-10 bombing, missile and tactical gunnery competition held every two years. Colonel Hetland is an A-10 pilot with the Air Force Reserve Command's 47th Fighter Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston)

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A three-ship formation of A-10 Thunderbolt IIs jets depart Oct. 14, 2010 from Saylor Creek Range in Idaho after competing in Hawgsmoke 2010. The A-10s are assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command's 47th Fighter Squadron from Barksdale Air Force Base, La. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston)

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Capt. Jason Cobb fires a volley of 30-millimeter rounds Oct. 14, 2010, at a target on the Saylor Creek Range in Idaho during Hawgsmoke 2010. Captain Cobb is an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command's 47th Fighter Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. He earned two personal awards during the competition. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston)

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An Electronic Systems Center team working with an E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System has been participating in the Joint Surface Warfare Joint Capability Technology Demonstration. (Courtesy photo)

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Capt. Luke Bates uses a man-pack radio to pass updates to his operations desk during an exercise Oct. 20, 2010, at the Stanford Training Area in England. Captain Bates is a combat rescue officer with the 56th Rescue Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lausanne Morgan)

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Senior Airman Steve Hanks hoists Ada up in the air after she clamped down on the bite sleeve as part of a working dog demonstration Oct. 20, 2010, at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The demonstration was part of a base tour for high school and college students ready to enlist in the Air Force. Airman Hanks is a military working dog handler with the 55th Security Forces Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Josh Plueger)

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A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft sits on the flight line Oct. 21, 2010, at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. The aircraft was flown in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor's Course 1-11 hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One. (DoD photo by Cpl Richard A. Tetreau, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)

PFC Benjaman Brickman, of Albany, New York (R) and other members of his squad from the 1st Battalion 8th Marines Alpha Company prepare to head out on a night patrol from their remote outpost near Kunjak in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, October 27, 2010. Picture taken October 27, 2010.

U.S. Army soldiers from Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), provide security for Afghan National Security Forces during a key leader engagement in Sabari District, Khowst province, Afghanistan, Oct. 19.

Members of the Minnesota National Guard and Croatian Operational Mentor and Liaison Team 47, part of the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan stationed at Camp Mike Spann, conduct operations in Chimtal District, Oct. 28, area that was reported to have suspicious activity. A force of Afghan National Army 209th Corps soldiers joined the Minnesota National Guard, Croatians and Swedish forces to assist in coordinating the patrol, providing rear guard and long range support. While no insurgents were discovered during the patrol, signs of questionable activity were uncovered.

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U.S. Marines prepare to conduct a security patrol Oct. 22, 2010 in the Sangin area of northern Helmand province, Afghanistan. The security patrols are designed to decrease insurgent activity and gain the trust of the local populace. The Marines, assigned to Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, conduct the patrols in partnership with the International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan. (DoD photo by Lance Cpl. Joseph M. Peterson, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)

A U.S. Marine from the 1st Battalion 8th Marines Alpha Company holds a position in a compound during a gun battle in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

SSgt. Ysidro Gonzalez (R) of Alice, Texas, from the 1st Battalion 8th Marines Alpha Company prepares to fire his weapon while under fire from Taliban insurgents during a gun battle in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

SSgt. Ysidro Gonzalez of Alice, Texas, from the 1st Battalion 8th Marines Alpha Company calls for a medic after Sgt. Thomas James Brennan of Randolph, Massachusetts suffered a concussion caused by a rocket propelled grenade explosion near his position during a battle against Taliban insurgents in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

SSgt. Ysidro Gonzalez of Alice, Texas, from the 1st Battalion 8th Marines Alpha Company shoots his weapon while under fire from Taliban insurgents during a gun battle in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

Concussed U.S. Marines Sgt. Thomas James Brennan (L) of Randolph, Massachusetts, LCpl. James Roche (C) and LCpl. John Chun, both of New Jersey, rest in a compound offering cover after rocket propelled grenades exploded near their positions during a battle against Taliban insurgents in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

U.S. Marines from the 1st Battalion 8th Marines Alpha Company prepare to move down an alley taking heavy fire and to storm a compound for cover during a battle against Taliban insurgents in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

Concussed Sgt. Thomas James Brennan of Randolph, Massachusetts from the 1st Battalion 8th Marines Alpha Company rests in a compound providing cover after a rocket propelled grenade exploded near his position during a battle against Taliban insurgents in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

U.S. Marines from the 1st Battalion 8th Marines Alpha Company prepare to move down an alley taking heavy fire and to storm a compound for cover during a battle against Taliban insurgents in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

HN. Donald Howard (2nd R) of Columbus, Ohio checks on concussed Alpha Company 1st Battalion 8th Marines Sgt. Thomas James Brennan (L) of Randolph, Massachusetts, LCpl. James Roche (2nd L), LCpl. John Chun, both of New Jersey and LCpl. James Edward Orr (R) of Eufaula, Alabama in a compound offering cover after rocket propelled grenades exploded near their positions during a battle against Taliban insurgents in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

Sgt. Thomas James Brennan of Randolph, Massachusetts, from the 1st Battalion 8th Marines Alpha Company runs under fire after a rocket propelled grenade exploded near his position during a battle against Taliban insurgents in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

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Concussed Alpha Company 1st Battalion 8th Marines Sgt. Thomas James Brennan (L) of Randolph, Massachusetts, LCpl. James Roche (C) LCpl. John Chun, both of New Jersey and LCpl. James Edward Orr (R) of Eufaula, Alabama rest in a compound offering cover after rocket propelled grenades exploded near their positions during a battle against Taliban insurgents in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

U.S. Marines from the 1st Battalion 8th Marines Alpha Company prepare to move down an alley taking heavy fire and to storm a compound for cover during a battle against Taliban insurgents in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

Medevac Black Hawk helicopers prepare to land to airlift casualties from the 1st Battalion 8th Marines Alpha Company who suffered concussions from rocket propelled grenade explosions during a battle against Taliban insurgents in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

U.S. Marines from the 1st Battalion 8th Marines Alpha Company run under fire after a rocket propelled grenade exploded near their position during a battle againt Taliban insurgents in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

Spent cartridges spring from the weapon of Sgt. Thomas James Brennan of Randolph, Massachusetts, from the 1st Battalion 8th Marines Alpha Company as he fires at Taliban insurgents in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

SSgt. Ysidro (L) Gonzalez of Alice, Texas, from the 1st Battalion 8th Marines Alpha Company bends over from fatigue upon returning to base after an intense battle against Taliban insurgents that lasted several hours and led to four Marine casualties in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

A concussed Sgt. Thomas James Brennan (R) of Randolph, Massachusetts shields his eyes from sunlight in a compound offering cover while HN. Donald Howard (L) of Columbus, Ohio checks on LCpl. John Chun of New Jersey after a rocket propelled grenade exploded near their position during a battle against Taliban insurgents in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

A concussed Sgt. Thomas James Brennan of Randolph, Massachusetts staggers into a compound offering cover after a rocket propelled grenade exploded near his position during a battle against Taliban insurgents in the town of Nabuk in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 1, 2010.

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U.S. Army soldiers from E Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, provides security behind a series of rocks here Oct. 27 during Toccoa Tikurah, the largest combined U.S., Afghan air assault conducted by 4th BCT in the province.

Machine gunner LCpl. Domingo Espinal, 20, of Hoschton, GA. from Second Platoon's Second Squad of the First Battalion, Eighth Marines Bravo Company carries his weapon during a patrol in the town of Deh Zore in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, November 4, 2010.

NEWPORT, R.I. (Oct. 29, 2010) Gunnery Sgt. Duncan Hurst encourages an officer candidate to properly perform pushups during the first week of the 12-week Officer Candidate School at Naval Station Newport. Hurst is one of 12 Marine Drill Instructors who train the candidates in military bearing, discipline, drill and physical fitness. (U. S. Navy photo by Scott A. Thornbloom/Released)

CORONADO, Calif. (Nov. 2, 2010) Students from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/s) class 286 participate in a rock portage exercise. The Navy SEALs are the maritime component of U.S. Special Operations Forces and are trained to conduct a variety of operations from the sea, air and land. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle D. Gahlau/Released)

Marines of India company, 3rd Battalion 5th Marines, First Marine Division, take defensive positions after a rocket was fired at their base, Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010 in Sangin, Afghanistan. The rocket overshot the base.

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The sun begins to rise behind the Iwo Jima Memorial on November 10, 2010 in Arlington, Virginia. The U.S. Marine Corp. is celebrating today its 235th birthday and is the oldest of the U.S. military services, established by the Continental Congress on November 10, 1775.

Two U.S. Marines help setup for an event later today at Iwo Jima Memorial on November 10, 2010 in Arlington, Virginia. The U.S. Marine Corp. is celebrating today its 235th birthday.

Citizenship candidates are sworn in to become new U.S citizens during a special naturalization ceremony to honor the nation's veterans on the eve of Veterans Day at the Washington District Office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services November 10, 2010 in Fairfax, Virginia. Among all the candidates at the ceremony, 23 of them are currently serving in the U.S. armed services. More than 11,100 noncitizen members of the U.S. armed services were granted with citizenship in the fiscal year of 2010, the largest number since 1955.

Citizenship candidate and U.S. Army Specialist Ibraheem Syed Mohammed (C), who is originally from India, listens to remarks with other candidates during a special naturalization ceremony to honor the nation's veterans on the eve of Veterans Day at the Washington District Office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services November 10, 2010 in Fairfax, Virginia.

U.S. Air Force honor guards present the colors during a special naturalization ceremony to honor the nation's veterans on the eve of Veterans Day at the Washington District Office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services November 10, 2010 in Fairfax, Virginia.

Citizenship candidate and U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Sikander Ejaz (C), who is originally from Pakistan, is sworn in with other candidates to become new U.S. citizens during a special naturalization ceremony to honor the nation's veterans on the eve of Veterans Day at the Washington District Office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services November 10, 2010 in Fairfax, Virginia.

A copy of the Pledge of Allegiance hangs on the wall as U.S. Air Force honor guards present the colors during a special naturalization ceremony to honor the nation's veterans on the eve of Veterans Day at the Washington District Office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services November 10, 2010 in Fairfax, Virginia.

Citizenship candidate and U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Ericka Zuniga, who is originally from The Republic of the Philippines, reads the program prior to the beginning of a special naturalization ceremony to honor the nation's veterans on the eve of Veterans Day at the Washington District Office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services November 10, 2010 in Fairfax, Virginia.

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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Nov. 9, 2010) An air department Sailor signals to an AH-1 Cobra helicopter to land aboard the Austin-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9). Denver is part of the permanently forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is underway for a scheduled patrol in the western Pacific Ocean.

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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Nov. 9, 2010) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) Airman Adam Pond, left, assists Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) Airman Norberto Riegodedios during the recovery of an AH-1W Cobra helicopter assigned to the Flying Tigers of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 262 aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9). Denver is part of the permanently forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is underway for a scheduled patrol in the western Pacific Ocean.

U.S. Army Sgt. Steven Cohee sits on top of his team’s M777 Howitzer and directs his soldiers to move the gun in position to fire on Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in central Indiana, Nov. 4, 2010. Cohee, an artilleryman, is assigned to 2nd Battalion, 150th Field Artillery Regiment, Indiana National Guard. The Indiana Guard is one of the first states to receive this piece of equipment. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John Crosby - Download Hi-Res

U.S. Army soldiers work together to execute a fire mission using an M777 Howitzer on Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in central Indiana, Nov. 4, 2010. The soldiers are assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 150th Field Artillery Regiment, Indiana National Guard, which recently received the technologically advanced, digitally operated cannon. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John Crosby - Download Hi-Res

U.S. Army soldiers dig a fighting position for their M777 Howitzer on Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in central Indiana, Nov. 4, 2010. The soldiers are assigned to 2nd Battalion, 150th Field Artillery Regiment, Indiana National Guard. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John Crosby - Download Hi-Res

U.S. Army soldiers fire an M777 Howitzer during a live-fire exercise on Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in central Indiana, Nov. 4, 2010. The soldiers are assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 150th Field Artillery Regiment, Indiana National Guard. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John Crosby - Download Hi-Res

U.S. Army Pvt. Darrell Futrell lifts a 155mm round weighing about 100 pounds on Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in central Indiana, Nov. 4, 2010. Futrell and soldiers assigned to his Indiana National Guard unit fired the round from an M777 Howitzer, which was recently issued to the Indiana Guard. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John Crosby - Download Hi-Res

U.S. Army soldiers work together to smoothly execute a fire mission using an M777 Howitzer on Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in central Indiana, Nov. 4, 2010. The soldiers are assigned to 2nd Battalion, 150th Field Artillery Regiment, Indiana National Guard. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John Crosby - Download Hi-Res

U.S. Army Sgt. Riley Bennett of Lebanon adjusts the orientation of an M777 Howitzer during a live-fire exercise on Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in central Indiana, Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010. Bennett is a field artilleryman assigned to 2nd Battalion, 150th Field Artillery Regiment, Indiana National Guard. U.S. Army photo by Spc. John Crosby - Download Hi-Res

U.S. Army Spc. Dustin Ford carries a 155mm round during a live-fire exercise as his unit operates an M777 Howitzer for the first time in Indiana Guard history on Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in central Indiana, Friday, Nov. 5, 2010. Ford is a Guardsman assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 150th Field Artillery Regiment. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John Crosby - Download Hi-Res

U.S. Army soldiers clean up after an M777 Howitzer live-fire exercise on Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in central Indiana, Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010. The soldiers are assigned to 2nd Battalion, 150th Field Artillery Regiment, Indiana National Guard. U.S. Army photo by Spc. John Crosby - Download Hi-Res

U.S. Army soldiers distribute 155mm artillery rounds during the fielding of an M777 Howitzer at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in central Indiana, Nov. 5, 2010. The soldiers are assigned to 2nd Battalion, 150th Field Artillery Regiment, Indiana National Guard. U.S. Army photo by Spc. John Crosby - Download Hi-Res

U.S. Army soldiers fire a barrage of 155mm artillery rounds from M777 Howitzers on Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in central Indiana, Nov. 5, 2010. The soldiers are assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 150th Field Artillery Regiment, Indiana National Guard.The rounds weigh about 100 pounds and have a casualty radius of 100 meters. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John Crosby - Download Hi-Res

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Forward Operating Base Delaram II, Nimruz province, Afghanistan Lance Cpl. Devin Bidtah, a field radio operator with Regimental Combat Team 2 presents his tattoo of the Marine Corps emblem, with his own variation. A globe wrapped in a Navajo rug, over an arrowhead instead of an anchor displays the ties Bidtah, 20, from Shiprock, Az., venerates for both his families: the Marine Corps and the Navajo people

Lance Cpl. Devin Bidtah, a field radio operator with Regimental Combat Team 2 tests a radio at FOB Delaram II, Nov. 19. Bidtah’s grandfather, or cheii’, was a Navajo Code talker during World War II, and his service is something Bidtah honors. “I have always tried to be the best at everything, why stop?” said Bidtah. “He was a Marine. I wanted to follow on that same path.”

Lance Corporals Devin Bidtah and James Nelson, Pfc. Uriah Billie and Lance Cpl. Travis Yazzie, share a common past through their ancestors. These Navajo men are brothers as Marines, but more profoundly, because their clan ties bind them through the retracing of their ancestry, for some to Navajo Code Talkers of World War II

Lance Cpl. Lucy Lopez, a Female Engagement Team member with Regional Command Southwest, teaches an Afghan girl how to chew gum during a visit to a village in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Lopez, 21, from Nashville, Tenn., once struggled for survival and is now dedicated to helping others who are struggling

Lance Cpl. Lucy Lopez, a Female Engagement Team member with Regional Command Southwest, ‘high-fives’ an Afghan girl and talks to the local children during a visit to a village in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Lopez, 21, from Nashville, Tenn., has a black belt in the martial art style Wado-ryu, and also has been studying mixed martial arts

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Bill Mallory (left) of Chesapeake, Va., commanding officer of the Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team, discusses potential future agriculture improvement projects with State Department representatives Matt Stokes (center) and Mark Bender (right) in Nangaresh village Nov. 18. The group toured an agriculture center building and a eucalyptus orchard near Forward Operating Base Kalagush. The PRT is an interagency organization made up of representatives from the military and civilian government organizations

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Michael Lutkevich of Gardner, Mass., platoon leader for the Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team security force, scans the horizon for possible threats during a visit to the agriculture center in Nangaresh village Nov. 18. The PRT security force ensures the PRT can safely work to improve the lives of Afghan citizens by connecting them to their government. The new agriculture center will enable district government ministers to be closer to the people they serve. The mission of the PRT is to improve the security, governance, infrastructure capacity in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

U.S. Army Spc. Christopher Gearhart (left) of Frederick, Md., security forces member of the Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team, leads the mission team of Department of State representatives and U.S. service members to the agriculture center in Nangaresh village Nov. 18. The PRT works closely with district government officials to improve agriculture development to move past subsistence farming. The PRT mission is to improve governance, security and infrastructure in Afghanistan

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Marines with Gun Team Five load a round into a M777A2 howitzer at Camp Sendai, Japan, Nov. 23 in the Ojojihara Maneuver Area during Artillery Relocation Training Exercise 10-3 Ojojihara. The Marines are with Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. 3rd Bn., 12th Marines is conducting live-fire artillery training to maintain operational readiness of the artillery battalion in support of the U.S. – Japanese security alliance. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch)

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11.18.2011....Paratroopers with B Company, 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, participate in an air assault training mission.

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WATERS WEST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA (Nov. 29, 2010) Embarked members of the Republic of Korea media interview Rear Adm. Dan Cloyd, commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 70 aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is in the waters west of the Korean peninsula conducting a training exercise with the Republic of Korea Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cheng S. Yang/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (Nov. 29, 2010) Grace Tarawa Tran reunites with former Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Richard Reed aboard Ex-USS Tarawa (LHA 1). Reed delivered Tran aboard Tarawa in 1979. Tran's family, along with more than 400 other Vietnamese refugees, was rescued and cared for aboard Tarawa by the Marine Corps Battalion Landing Team 2/3 and the ship's crew. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class N. Brett Morton/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (Nov. 29, 2010) Grace Tarawa Tran, who was born aboard the Ex-USS Tarawa (LHA 1) after her family had been rescued at sea in 1979, revisits her birthplace for the first time. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class N. Brett Morton/Released)

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WATERS WEST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA (Nov. 29, 2010) Reporters from Korean news media capture footage of an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David A. Cox/Released)

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GULF OF ADEN (Nov. 26, 2010) A plane captain cleans the canopy of an F/A-18 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ryan McLearnon/Released)

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RED SEA (Nov. 28, 2010) Sailors prepare to tow an F/A-18E Super Hornet in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kilho Park/Released)

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WATERS WEST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA (Nov. 29, 2010) Aviation Boatswain's Mates (Handling) await the arrival of a Super Hornet on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David A. Cox/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Nov. 22, 2010) Lt. Dan Post, officer of the deck, and Lt. j.g. Tracy Culbert, junior officer of the deck, review weather data on the navigation bridge during night flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kilho Park/Released)

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WATERS WEST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA (Nov. 29, 2010) An F/A-18 Hornet prepares to launch from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Marcus D. Mince/Released)

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SAN DIEGO (Nov. 26, 2010) The amphibious assault ships USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), left, and USS Makin Island (LHD 8) are moored at Pier 13 at Naval Base San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Joe Kane/Released)

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CHINHAE, Republic of Korea (Nov. 23, 2010) The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Houston (SSN 713) arrives in Chinhae Republic of Korea for a routine port visit. Houston is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brianna K. Dandridge/Released)

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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Nov. 26, 2010) The amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) transits the South Pacific Ocean in high seas during the conclusion of a deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. Peleliu is the flagship of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group and is returning to homeport in San Diego, Calif. (U.S. Navy photo by Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class David Turnham/Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 23, 2010) The aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) cruise in a formation. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group are deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts to establish conditions for regional stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Colby K. Neal/Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 23, 2010) The guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) and the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) cruise in a formation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Colby K. Neal/Released)

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GULF OF ADEN (Nov. 16, 2010) Sailors prepare an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 for flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge is the command ship of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman/Released)

[Finn McCool]

What are those masks the soldiers are wearing in the air assault mission photos? Almost looks like a super-advanced gas mask or kevlar face protection or something. I wouldn't want to run around like that wearing one.

[jantxv]

Those are just standard issue cold weather face masks. Sometimes they wear them not because of cold weather, but to hide their individuals identities when on special operations.

Most likely these folks are wearing them in the photos because of the camera, so their identities won't be compromised on special ops.

[TerraN_EmpirE]

the Technical name is "balaclava" they are worn for cold weather yes but are also worn too protect the identity of a operator and in modern Us military too protect the face from flash burns. there are variations of them for mission needs the ones seen here are probably the latter made by under armor with a hinged front it's actually light weight and made too breath well under high heat. it's made form the same material as the combat shirts so it wicks moisture and cools the head

[bd popeye]

Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, provides security following a meeting with local elders in the village of Dahanah, Wardak province, Afghanistan, Dec. 2.

U.S. Army Spc. Devin Bryant and Pfc. Corey Shafer, 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Provide security in the village of Dahanah, Wardak province, Afghanistan, during a meeting with the village elders Dec. 2.

U.S. Army Spc. Devin Bryant, 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, provides security during a meeting with elders in the village of Dahanah, Wardak province, Afghanistan, Dec. 2.

U.S. Army soldiers from 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, talk following a meeting with local elders in the village of Dahanah, Wardak province, Afghanistan, Dec. 2.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Stephen Racks, 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and an Afghan National Police Officer provide security during a meeting with village elders in the village of Dahanah, Wardak province, Afghanistan, Dec. 2.

A U.S. Army soldier with 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and an Afghan National Police Officer look for improvised explosive devices ahead of their convoy, Jaghato District, Wardak province, Afghanistan, Dec. 2.

U.S. Army Pfc. Corey Shafer, 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, provides security in the village of Dahanar, Wardak province, Afghanistan, during a meeting with the village elders Dec. 2.

U.S. Army Spc. Devin Bryant, 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, provides security during a meeting with local elders in the village of Dahanah, Wardak province, Afghanistan, Dec. 2.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kristopher Alexander, 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, speaks with local elders in the village of Dahanah, Wardak province, Afghanistan, Dec. 2.

U.S. Army Pfc. Corey Shafer, 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, provides security during a meeting with local elders in the village of Dahanah, Wardak province, Afghanistan, Dec. 2.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kristopher Alexander, 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, adjusts his radio during a patrol, Dahanah Village, Wardak province, Afghanistan Dec. 2.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Williams, 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, walks through a field to the village of Dahanah, Wardak province, Afghanistan to meet with the village elders Dec. 2.

U.S. Army soldiers from 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, walk back to their vehicles with locals from the village of Dahanah, Wardak province, Afghanistan, following a meeting with village elders, Dec. 2.

Staff Sgt. Kristopher Alexander, 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, patrols the Jaghato District, Wardak province, Afghanistan Dec. 2.

U.S. Army Spc. Devin Bryant, 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, provides security in the village of Dahanar, Wardak province, Afghanistan, during a meeting with the village elders Dec. 2.

First Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, convoys to the village of Dahanah, Wardak province, Afghanistan to meet with the village elders, Dec. 2.

A U.S. Army soldier 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, walks through a field to the village of Dahanah, Wardak province, Afghanistan Dec. 2.

A U.S. Army soldier from 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, walks back to his vehicle following a meeting with the village elders Dahanah Village, Wardak province, Afghanistan, Dec. 2.

A U.S. Army soldier with 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, provides security for the rest of the platoon as they enter the village of Dahanah, Wardak province, Afghanistan Dec. 2.

U.S. Army soldiers with 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, prepare to leave for a patrol to the village of Dahawah, Wardak province, Afghanistan, Dec. 2.

U.S. Army Spc. Joshua Garber 1st Platoon, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, provides security during a meeting with elders in the village of Dahanah, Wardak province, Afghanistan, Dec. 2.