The Long War Journal Photos tag:www.longwarjournal.org,2013:/photos/14 2013-05-10T19:05:44Z Movable Type Pro 4.38 Random scenes from Panjwai, two tag:www.longwarjournal.org,2013:/photos//14.52482 2013-05-10T18:52:22Z 2013-05-10T19:05:44Z [Click on photo for larger version] A girl stands in the road near an Afghan Uniform Police checkpoint in the Zangabad area of Panjwai district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal. [Click on... Bill Ardolino kidroad.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
A girl stands in the road near an Afghan Uniform Police checkpoint in the Zangabad area of Panjwai district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.

Sassywalk1000b.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
Private First Class Dustin Byrd and "Sassy" the bomb-sniffing dog walk by a poppy field. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.

chin700.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
A crewman stands in the back of a Chinook helicopter flying over the district. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.

farmers.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
Farmers on their way to work. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.

three.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
Soldiers with 4-9 Infantry patrol from an Afghan Local Police checkpoint in Zangabad. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.

kidspk.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
Kids play around a PK general-purpose machine gun at an Afghan Local Police checkpoint. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.]]> http://www.longwarjournal.org/photos/2013/05/random_scenes_from_panjwai_two.php Random scenes from Panjwai tag:www.longwarjournal.org,2013:/photos//14.52431 2013-05-08T19:28:00Z 2013-05-09T22:23:23Z [Click on photo for larger version] An Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) officer serves tea at a checkpoint in Panjwai district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal. [Click on photo for larger version] A... Bill Ardolino aup04.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
An Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) officer serves tea at a checkpoint in Panjwai district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.

shy02.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
A little girl stands in a doorway at a compound housing an Afghan Local Police checkpoint. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.

cart.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
Afghan civilians pull over to the side of the road as a convoy of American vehicles passes by. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.

apachebank.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
An Apache attack helicopter circles over a patrol conducted by soldiers with 4-9 Infantry. Air support, usually consisting of two Kiowa helicopters and one Apache, was almost always overhead in the Zangabad area of Panjwai, weather permitting. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.

flex.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
A US soldier with 4-9 Infantry flexes outside an Afghan Uniform Police checkpoint in the Zangabad area of Panjwai district. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.]]> http://www.longwarjournal.org/photos/2013/05/random_scenes_from_panjwai.php Patrol in Panjwai tag:www.longwarjournal.org,2013:/photos//14.52333 2013-05-03T17:11:21Z 2013-05-03T17:16:55Z [Click on photo for larger version] A soldier with 3rd Platoon, Comanche Company, 4-9 Infantry, patrols outside of Forward Operating Base Zangabad in Panjwai district, Afghanistan on April 7. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.... Bill Ardolino patrolfob736.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
A soldier with 3rd Platoon, Comanche Company, 4-9 Infantry, patrols outside of Forward Operating Base Zangabad in Panjwai district, Afghanistan on April 7. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal. ]]> http://www.longwarjournal.org/photos/2013/05/scenes_from_panjwai_one.php Mortar mission tag:www.longwarjournal.org,2013:/photos//14.52291 2013-05-01T18:33:58Z 2013-05-01T18:44:58Z [Click on photo for larger version] A US soldier with Battalion Mortars Steel Platoon, HH Company, 4-9 Infantry prepares to load a 120mm mortar in the back of a Stryker armored vehicle during a night registration in Panjwai district,... Bill Ardolino mortar02.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
A US soldier with Battalion Mortars Steel Platoon, HH Company, 4-9 Infantry prepares to load a 120mm mortar in the back of a Stryker armored vehicle during a night registration in Panjwai district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal. ]]> http://www.longwarjournal.org/photos/2013/05/mortar_mission.php Counter-IED training in Panjwai tag:www.longwarjournal.org,2013:/photos//14.52243 2013-04-29T17:19:07Z 2013-04-29T18:13:23Z [Click on photo for larger version] US troops with First Platoon, Comanche Company, 4-9 Infantry and an interpreter instruct Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) officers on how to use IED detectors at a checkpoint in Panjwai district on April 5,... Bill Ardolino teach.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
US troops with First Platoon, Comanche Company, 4-9 Infantry and an interpreter instruct Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) officers on how to use IED detectors at a checkpoint in Panjwai district on April 5, 2013. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal. sitaup.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
An Afghan cop takes a break from training. The above officer learned how to use the handheld detectors fairly well, according to a US trainer, while some others were "way too stoned" on cannabis. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.

aupminehound.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
An Afghan police officer poses with a "Minehound" handheld mine detector, which is capable of identifying both metallic and non-metallic IEDs. US trainers are uncertain how many of the detectors will be left with local forces as American troops draw down, but note that the Afghans, especially the local police, have an uncanny ability to spot the bombs even without detectors. Still, Afghan personnel suffer casualties at a higher rate than US forces, especially since taking the lead in combat operations. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal. auppl.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
Platoon Leader First Lieutenant Tom Stanley tries on a police officer's hat while chatting with AUP Checkpoint Commander Sergeant Niamatullah. The two leaders discussed an operation proposed by the Afghan cop to take place the following week. "We have a plan put in place for a joint patrol where they are the main effort," explained Stanley. "[Niamatullah] wants to go up there (points) and put a big [Afghan] flag on that hill. I guess it's a slap in the face of the Taliban, and the DCOP (district chief of police) is planning on putting a checkpoint up there." Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal. pressure-plate.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
A disconnected pressure plate of the variety connected to buried bombs that target foot patrols was used for training purposes in the counter-IED training. When the wooden box bows, contacts connect, completing an electrical circuit and detonating explosives. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal. hashish.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
An Afghan police officer mouths a hash cigarette after offering it to this reporter with a laugh and the enunciation, "Hasheeeesh!" Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.]]> http://www.longwarjournal.org/photos/2013/04/counter-ied_training.php Anti-Insurgency Billboards in Panjwai tag:www.longwarjournal.org,2013:/photos//14.52193 2013-04-26T18:46:10Z 2013-04-26T19:19:44Z [Click on photo for larger version] An anti-insurgency billboard in the Zangabad area of Panjwai district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The Zangabad area is the birthplace of a recent tribal uprising against the Taliban. The sign reads: "You are not... Bill Ardolino billboard.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
An anti-insurgency billboard in the Zangabad area of Panjwai district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The Zangabad area is the birthplace of a recent tribal uprising against the Taliban. The sign reads: "You are not alone in this struggle. Please inform [us] about the crimes of the enemies of peace. [phone number]." Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal. billboard02.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
The billboard in the Zangabad area of Panjwai reads, "You have sworn when you participated in the local police that you will stand firm against the enemies of peace and will harshly defeat them." Inside the logo, it says in Pashto and Dari, "Afghan National Police" and "Afghan Local Police." The police forces, especially recently recruited Afghan Local Police officers, are considered the primary security elements that are consolidating gains against the Taliban. As areas are cleared of insurgents, the ALP, essentially a modestly trained local militia, is tasked with holding the terrain via a growing number of checkpoints. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.]]> http://www.longwarjournal.org/photos/2013/04/billboards_in_panjwai.php Guardian Angels tag:www.longwarjournal.org,2013:/photos//14.52134 2013-04-24T13:15:43Z 2013-04-24T13:46:05Z [Click on photo for larger version] A soldier with 3rd Platoon, Comanche Company, 4-9 Infantry, keeps watch on Afghan local police (ALP) officers while other soldiers and cops conduct a meeting in the Zangabad area of Panjwai district, Kandahar... Bill Ardolino guard02.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
A soldier with 3rd Platoon, Comanche Company, 4-9 Infantry, keeps watch on Afghan local police (ALP) officers while other soldiers and cops conduct a meeting in the Zangabad area of Panjwai district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. "Guardian Angels" are US troops specifically tasked with preventing insider, or "green-on-blue" attacks by Afghan personnel. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.

guardianangelc.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
A soldier with 4-9 Infantry keeps watch over a meeting with Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) officers at a checkpoint near the Sperwan area of Panjwai district. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.]]> http://www.longwarjournal.org/photos/2013/04/guardian_angels.php Plotting a course tag:www.longwarjournal.org,2013:/photos//14.51922 2013-04-14T12:32:57Z 2013-04-14T12:40:50Z [Click on photo for larger version] First Lieutenant Ben Cummings, commander of 2nd Platoon, Bayonet Company, 1-38 Infantry, studies a map inside a Stryker armored vehicle en route to an Afghan Uniform Police (ALP) checkpoint in Panjwai district, Kandahar... Bill Ardolino bc700.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
First Lieutenant Ben Cummings, commander of 2nd Platoon, Bayonet Company, 1-38 Infantry, studies a map inside a Stryker armored vehicle en route to an Afghan Uniform Police (ALP) checkpoint in Panjwai district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal. ]]> http://www.longwarjournal.org/photos/2013/04/plotting_a_course.php ALP in Panjwai tag:www.longwarjournal.org,2013:/photos//14.51825 2013-04-09T17:36:33Z 2013-04-09T17:43:52Z [Click on photo for larger version] An Afghan Local Police (ALP) officer sits above a poppy field in the Zangabad area of Panjwai district in Kandahar province on April 9. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.... Bill Ardolino ALPpoppy1000.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
An Afghan Local Police (ALP) officer sits above a poppy field in the Zangabad area of Panjwai district in Kandahar province on April 9. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.]]> http://www.longwarjournal.org/photos/2013/04/alp_in_panjwai.php Security at AUP checkpoint in Panjwai tag:www.longwarjournal.org,2013:/photos//14.51773 2013-04-07T01:34:20Z 2013-04-07T16:23:02Z [Click on photo for larger version] A US sniper with First Platoon, Comanche Company, 4-9 Infantry scans the area from atop Hesco ramparts at an Afghan Uniform Police checkpoint in the Zangabad area of Panjwai district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan... Bill Ardolino snipb.jpg
[Click on photo for larger version]
A US sniper with First Platoon, Comanche Company, 4-9 Infantry scans the area from atop Hesco ramparts at an Afghan Uniform Police checkpoint in the Zangabad area of Panjwai district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan on April 5. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.]]> http://www.longwarjournal.org/photos/2013/04/security_at_aup_checkpoint_in_1.php ANCOP patrol Panjwai tag:www.longwarjournal.org,2013:/photos//14.51673 2013-04-02T19:35:34Z 2013-04-02T22:27:13Z [click on photo for larger version] A unit of Afghan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP) officers in an armored Humvee patrols central Panjwai district in Kandahar province on March 28. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.... Bill Ardolino ANCOPd900b.jpg
[click on photo for larger version]
A unit of Afghan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP) officers in an armored Humvee patrols central Panjwai district in Kandahar province on March 28. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.]]> http://www.longwarjournal.org/photos/2013/04/ancop_patrol_panjwai.php Panjwai weapons cache tag:www.longwarjournal.org,2013:/photos//14.51597 2013-03-30T16:05:52Z 2013-03-30T16:17:06Z [click on photo for larger version] Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) officers sort through a discovered cache of old weapons and ammunition at Panjwai district police headquarters. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.... Bill Ardolino cache850.jpg
[click on photo for larger version]
Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) officers sort through a discovered cache of old weapons and ammunition at Panjwai district police headquarters. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.]]> http://www.longwarjournal.org/photos/2013/03/panjwai_weapons_cache.php Land shura in Panjwai tag:www.longwarjournal.org,2013:/photos//14.51531 2013-03-27T14:44:12Z 2013-03-29T02:22:56Z [click on photo for larger version] A local elder presses a case for property rights during a "land shura" at the district government headquarters in Panjwai district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan on March 25. American military personnel and Afghan government... Bill Ardolino shura01.jpg
[click on photo for larger version]
A local elder presses a case for property rights during a "land shura" at the district government headquarters in Panjwai district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan on March 25. American military personnel and Afghan government officials held the shura to discuss the claims of local residents who own land that has been used for International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) combat outposts. Various facilities are being transitioned to Afghan government control as ISAF withdraws, and residents argue that they have not been compensated for the use of their property. After an impassioned discussion between Afghan civilians and US military personnel, the shura broached but failed to resolve the matter. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.]]> http://www.longwarjournal.org/photos/2013/03/land_shura_in_panjwai.php Clash in Aleppo tag:www.longwarjournal.org,2013:/photos//14.51312 2013-03-18T19:51:41Z 2013-03-18T21:34:49Z [click on photo for larger version] An image from a slideshow at Global Post: "Syrian civil war enters third year of conflict": Smoke billows from burning tyres as a Syrian rebel of the Halab al-Shabah battalion under Al-Tawhid brigade... Bill Ardolino syria_fire.jpg
[click on photo for larger version]
An image from a slideshow at Global Post: "Syrian civil war enters third year of conflict":
Smoke billows from burning tyres as a Syrian rebel of the Halab al-Shabah battalion under Al-Tawhid brigade fires towards regime forces during clashes in Al-Amariya district of the northern city of Aleppo on November 13, 2012. (AFP - AFP/Getty Images)
]]> http://www.longwarjournal.org/photos/2013/03/clash_in_aleppo.php Spin Boldak search tag:www.longwarjournal.org,2013:/photos//14.51242 2013-03-15T19:31:28Z 2013-03-15T19:33:23Z [click on photo for larger version] US Army Specialist Austin M. Weyerman and fellow soldiers move into a village with a suspected weapons cache during Operation Southern Fist III in the district of Spin Boldak, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, March... Bill Ardolino spinbol1050.jpg
[click on photo for larger version]
US Army Specialist Austin M. Weyerman and fellow soldiers move into a village with a suspected weapons cache during Operation Southern Fist III in the district of Spin Boldak, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, March 3, 2013. The soldiers, assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, enabled Afghan border police and soldiers to search for weapons caches and eliminate infiltration routes. US Army photo by Staff Sergeant Shane Hamann.]]> http://www.longwarjournal.org/photos/2013/03/spin_boldak_search.php