Members of U.S. Army Africa Contingency Command Post ensure communications and computer equipment is in working order duing a deployment exercise at Aviano Air Base Italy recently. (U.S. Army Africa photo by Sgt. 1st Class Will Patterson)

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

Join the U.S. Army Africa conversation on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArmyAfrica

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Orme (left), a special vehicle mechanic for the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Robert Shipp, a power production specialist from the same unit, perform maintenance on cargo-handling equipment outside the Joint Operations Center at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 27, 2014. More than 70 Kentucky Air Guardsmen are operating an Aerial Port of Debarkation in Senegal to funnel humanitarian supplies and military support into West Africa as part of Operation United Assistance, the U.S. Agency for International Development-led, whole-of-government effort to contain the Ebola virus outbreak. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)

Transportation Management Plan Contingency Engineers during the operation of the cicLAvia West San Fernando Valley Reseda to Winnetka, Canoga Park and West Hills Car-Free Open-Streets Bicycle Route followed by an upcoming crossing point intersection for all automotive traffic vehicles and bike crossings at Tampa Avenue intersection traffic signal green lights, left turn protected red yellow green arrow lights and pedestrian crosswalk crossing don't walk orange hand lights plus white walking lights located at Reseda area in West San Fernando Valley - Los Angeles, California 91335.

This is the continuous route of the Ciclavia West San Fernando Valley between Reseda, Winnetka, Canoga Park and West Hills Car-Free Open-Streets Bicycle Route

ORLANDO, Fla. - In today’s complex and high tempo operational environment, America’s Army Reserve to rapidly deploy highly trained units to any corner of the world with the personnel and equipment they have on hand. With multiple contingencies and numerous potential threats capable of employing cutting-edge tactics with modern military equipment, the Army Reserve looks to its premiere sustainers such the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) to lead, train and equip its 10,000-Soldier command.

In taking the first, major step toward achieving this vital mission, the 143d ESC conducted a Mission Training Brief Feb. 2-3, 2018, at the command’s headquarters in Orlando, Fla.

“An MTB promotes cohesion through collaboration,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Walter L. Flinn, commander, 332nd Transportation Terminal Battalion. “It offers a forum for commanders to share their successes and shortcomings while seeking and offering guidance among their fellow leaders.”

Led by U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Deborah L. Kotulich, commanding general, 143d ESC, the MTB featured dozens of senior leaders from the company to the ESC level whose wealth of knowledge and experience offered solutions to a myriad of logistical challenges.

“The expectation of having several months to bring your Soldiers up to speed at a pre-mobilization station is coming to an end,” Kotulich announced to dozens of battalion and brigade commanders and command sergeants majors huddled in the conference room. “We must assume that we will mobilize at a moment’s notice, and it’s our responsibility that we physically and mentally prepare every Soldier for the rigors of combat through realistic training.”

Kotulich expects every downtrace unit to spend less time in classrooms and more time in the field. This focus on individual and collective readiness stems from the U.S. Army Reserve Command’s Ready Force X initiative.

“Ready Force X is the Army Reserve’s answer to the [U.S.] Army’s demand for properly equipped and highly trained Soldiers who can rapidly deploy into combat,” said U.S. Army Col. Wanda Williams, commander, 641st Regional Sustainment Group. “Almost half of the 143d ESC’s downtrace units must meet the strict criteria established by Ready Force X’s “Fight Fast” mentality. This MTB offers precious time for commanders to obtain timely information needed to properly execute the numerous requirements to maintain a constantly high state of readiness.”

While Kotulich entrusts her fellow officers to formulate plans and carry out the Army Reserve’s “Fight Fast” initiative, she relies on her command sergeants major to refine the tasks required to carry out their commanding general’s intent.

“There are 43 individual training requirements that every unit must complete before reporting to a pre-mobilization site,” said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos O. Lopes, command sergeant major, 143d ESC. “As NCOs, we are responsible for providing effective training that ensures every Soldier has mastered these fundamental skills that directly determine one’s survivability on the battlefield.”

“NCOs can only do this if they understand their commanders’ intent,” added Command Sgt. Maj. Kenyatta S. Stamps, command sergeant major, 787th Combat Support and Sustainment Battalion. “The MTB allows us to hear those intentions firsthand and develop effective techniques and tactics to achieve them.”

These techniques and tactics encompass a variety of tasks that enhance speed, agility and sustained readiness at the individual, team and unit level. From warrior drills to medical readiness, commanders must meticulously manage finite time and resources to crystallize the Army Reserve’s strategic vision and implement the 143d ESC’s operational mission.

“Ready Force X is about leadership, energy and execution,” said Flinn. “Commanders must own the responsibility for readiness. Establishing an open dialog among senior leaders remains paramount to understanding not only what we do but how we do it.”

With more than half of the 143d ESC falls under the Ready Force X umbrella, every unit and Soldier must face the challenges if they are to reap the awards of transforming America’s Army Reserve into the most lethal and capable federal reserve force in U.S. history.

“America demands highly trained and proficient Soldiers, and the Army Reserve is blessed to have motivated men and women ready to endure the hardships inherent in armed conflict,” said Williams. “That’s why I tell my Soldiers, ‘Don’t worry about the names. Just be ready. Be ready now!”

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC

Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group offload cargo from a Mississippi Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster during Capstone '14, a homeland earthquake-response exercise at Fort Campbell, Ky., on June 17, 2014. The 123rd CRG is joining with the U.S. Army’s 688th Rapid Port Opening Element to operate a Joint Task Force-Port Opening here from June 16 to 19, 2014. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – U.S. Army Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade and U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 97th Air Mobility Wing work together to load an AH-64 Apache helicopter onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft during joint training Nov. 13, 2013. The service members practiced loading two Apache helicopters into the cargo bay. The 25th Combat Aviation Brigade is stationed at Fort Carson, Colo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dillon Davis/Released)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Sergeant Tanicia Shepherd, 820th Signal Company, 51st Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 35th Signal Brigade, sings “Unthinkable” by Alicia Keys during a talent show at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, July 22, 2011. During the show, Shepherd, who hails from Dallas, and other service members and civilians deployed in support of Operation New Dawn showcased their talents for 70-plus audience members.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram USD – N PAO)

ORLANDO, Fla. - In today’s complex and high tempo operational environment, America’s Army Reserve to rapidly deploy highly trained units to any corner of the world with the personnel and equipment they have on hand. With multiple contingencies and numerous potential threats capable of employing cutting-edge tactics with modern military equipment, the Army Reserve looks to its premiere sustainers such the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) to lead, train and equip its 10,000-Soldier command.

In taking the first, major step toward achieving this vital mission, the 143d ESC conducted a Mission Training Brief Feb. 2-3, 2018, at the command’s headquarters in Orlando, Fla.

“An MTB promotes cohesion through collaboration,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Walter L. Flinn, commander, 332nd Transportation Terminal Battalion. “It offers a forum for commanders to share their successes and shortcomings while seeking and offering guidance among their fellow leaders.”

Led by U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Deborah L. Kotulich, commanding general, 143d ESC, the MTB featured dozens of senior leaders from the company to the ESC level whose wealth of knowledge and experience offered solutions to a myriad of logistical challenges.

“The expectation of having several months to bring your Soldiers up to speed at a pre-mobilization station is coming to an end,” Kotulich announced to dozens of battalion and brigade commanders and command sergeants majors huddled in the conference room. “We must assume that we will mobilize at a moment’s notice, and it’s our responsibility that we physically and mentally prepare every Soldier for the rigors of combat through realistic training.”

Kotulich expects every downtrace unit to spend less time in classrooms and more time in the field. This focus on individual and collective readiness stems from the U.S. Army Reserve Command’s Ready Force X initiative.

“Ready Force X is the Army Reserve’s answer to the [U.S.] Army’s demand for properly equipped and highly trained Soldiers who can rapidly deploy into combat,” said U.S. Army Col. Wanda Williams, commander, 641st Regional Sustainment Group. “Almost half of the 143d ESC’s downtrace units must meet the strict criteria established by Ready Force X’s “Fight Fast” mentality. This MTB offers precious time for commanders to obtain timely information needed to properly execute the numerous requirements to maintain a constantly high state of readiness.”

While Kotulich entrusts her fellow officers to formulate plans and carry out the Army Reserve’s “Fight Fast” initiative, she relies on her command sergeants major to refine the tasks required to carry out their commanding general’s intent.

“There are 43 individual training requirements that every unit must complete before reporting to a pre-mobilization site,” said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos O. Lopes, command sergeant major, 143d ESC. “As NCOs, we are responsible for providing effective training that ensures every Soldier has mastered these fundamental skills that directly determine one’s survivability on the battlefield.”

“NCOs can only do this if they understand their commanders’ intent,” added Command Sgt. Maj. Kenyatta S. Stamps, command sergeant major, 787th Combat Support and Sustainment Battalion. “The MTB allows us to hear those intentions firsthand and develop effective techniques and tactics to achieve them.”

These techniques and tactics encompass a variety of tasks that enhance speed, agility and sustained readiness at the individual, team and unit level. From warrior drills to medical readiness, commanders must meticulously manage finite time and resources to crystallize the Army Reserve’s strategic vision and implement the 143d ESC’s operational mission.

“Ready Force X is about leadership, energy and execution,” said Flinn. “Commanders must own the responsibility for readiness. Establishing an open dialog among senior leaders remains paramount to understanding not only what we do but how we do it.”

With more than half of the 143d ESC falls under the Ready Force X umbrella, every unit and Soldier must face the challenges if they are to reap the awards of transforming America’s Army Reserve into the most lethal and capable federal reserve force in U.S. history.

“America demands highly trained and proficient Soldiers, and the Army Reserve is blessed to have motivated men and women ready to endure the hardships inherent in armed conflict,” said Williams. “That’s why I tell my Soldiers, ‘Don’t worry about the names. Just be ready. Be ready now!”

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC

The band at Contingency Operating Base Delta in Al Kut, Iraq.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq – Soldiers from Company C., 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division – North, removes excess concertina wire from the Septia Canal with a backhoe outside of Contingency Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, Aug. 29, 2011.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Quentin Johnson, 2nd AAB, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – An Iraqi soldier assigned to Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Iraqi Army Division, fires from the standing position during range training at Field Engineer Regiment compound, March 19, 2011. The training, led by U.S. Soldiers assigned to a Mobile Training Team, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, provided weapons familiarization and range training standards to Iraqi soldiers, bolstering ISR capabilities to maintain self-sufficient training.

(U.S Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO)

Special Traffic Operations, Transportation and Traffic Management Plan Contingency Engineers during an operation of One Life Walk to Los Angeles State Historic Park Special Event and Los Angeles Chinatown Golden Dragon Parade followed by Arcadia Street, Aliso Street, Temple Street and 1st Street located at La Villa de la Plaza Del Pueblo Village Apartment Buildings in Chinatown Los Angeles and Downtown Los Angeles Civic Center, California 90012.

Note: The new current G.D.P. route travelled Southbound Broadway and made a left turn at Eastbound West Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and ENDS at a right turn into Southbound Spring Street Olvera Street for parade floats disbanding zone since February 2007 to February 2012 but now this Golden Dragon Parade route on Southbound Broadway turns right to Westbound Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and ENDS at North Hill Street overpass bridge and North Grand Avenue for parade floats disbanding zone since February 2013 to present. The former G.D.P. route was on Northbound Broadway (ended here until 2000) from Cesar E. Chavez Avenue to Bernard Street and Southbound Hill Street at Ord Street took place here until 2006.

The former G.D.P. route was on Northbound Broadway (ended here until 2000) from Cesar E. Chavez Avenue to Bernard Street and Southbound Hill Street at Ord Street took place here until 2006.

金龍大遊行巡遊會洛杉磯中國城華埠北百老滙街及和沙菲玆大道

#northbroadway #southbroadway #broadway #cesarechavez #cesarechavezavenue #northbroadwayandcesarechavezavenue #broadwayandcesarechavezavenue #onelife #onelifewalk #onelifewalktolastatehistoricpark #chinatownlosangeles #chinatownla #lachinatown #losangeleschinatown #lagoldendragonparade #goldendragonparade #laplazaapartments #laplazadelpueblo #laplazavillage #laplazavillageapartments #laphil #laphilharmonic #losangelsphilharmonic #chinatownlagateway #chinatowngatewayla #cathaymanor #cathaymanorapartments @lachinatown @chinatown_la

Dorie Murphy, Baltimore District Emergency Management chief, discusses deployment opportunities during an Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) deployment roadshow, at the Baltimore District Headquarters, Oct. 7, 2015. The Baltimore District has been supporting OCO since the 1990s, thanks to a diverse set of volunteers supporting these important missions. (U.S. Army Photo by Jhi Scott)

Lt. Col. Ash Groves, commander of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Maintenance Squadron, talks to Van Newberry, judge executive for McCracken County, Ky., about the disaster-response capabilities of Kentucky’s 123rd Contingency Response Group during an exercise at Barkley Regional Airport in Paducah, Ky., on June 18, 2014. The 123rd CRG is joining with the U.S. Army’s 688th Rapid Port Opening Element to operate a Joint Task Force-Port Opening during Capstone '14, a homeland earthquake-response exercise at Fort Campbell, Ky. from June 16 to 19, 2014. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)

Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Contingency Response Group coordinate with higher headquarters to control the airflow of simulated disaster-relief supplies into MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Ill., on Aug. 7, 2013, as part of Exercise Gateway Relief, a U.S. Transportation Command-directed earthquake-response scenario. The coordination is conducted from a portable structure called a HELAMS, which is short for Hard-sided Expandable Lightweight Air Mobile Shelter. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer/Released)

Lt. Col. Bruce Bancroft (right), director of the Joint Operations Center for Exercise Gateway Relief, and Col. Mark Heiniger, commander of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, brief notional representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Ill., on Aug. 7, 2013. The 123rd is teaming up with the U.S. Army’s 689th Rapid Port Opening Element from Fort Eustis, Va., through Aug. 9, to execute the earthquake-response scenario, providing for the reception and distribution of disaster-relief supplies. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer/Released)

Teamwork.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Maj. Samuel Hall, deputy team chief, Team 15, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, speaks with Capt. Hussein Mohammad, commander, Communications Company, 15th Brigade, 12th Iraqi Army Division, Jan. 27, 2011. When Hussein took command, the Communications Company facility consisted of one tent to house all of his men and equipment. Using money out of his own pocket and assistance from 1st Bn., 14th Inf. Regt., Hussein built a company headquarters and training area, and secured his company area’s perimeter with razor wire.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO)

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Daniel Cooper, the contingency response readiness and training chief with 821st Contingency Response Group, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Mountain Home, Idaho, Staff Sgt. Logan Moore, an aircraft maintenance mechanic with 821st CRG, Mountain Home AFB, Mountain Home, Idaho, and Staff Sgt. Joshua Sink, a group operations controller with 821st CRG, Mountain Home AFB, Mountain Home, Idaho, practice external lifts with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), June 5, 2023, at Mountain Home AFB, Mountain Home, Idaho. External lifts were conducted as a joint training effort to improve expeditionary advanced base operations as part of Force Design 2030. Cooper is a native of Boise, Idaho, and Moore is a native of St. Clair, Missouri. Sink is a Waxhaw, North Carolina native. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nayomi Koepke)

Contingency planning, decision-making procedures, provision of information to the public and the media are also tested and rehearsed during these events.

© EU - Photo credits: EC/ECHO

SAVAI'I, Samoa - (July 3, 2009) U.S. Navy Cmdr. Joseph Yang, contingency dental officer-in-charge, of San Diego, Calif., and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Augustine Godinet, dental technician from Leone, American Samoa, perform a dental examination for a local woman at the Sataua Clinic during a Medical Civic Action Project (MEDCAP) held during Pacific Partnership 2009. The U.S. Navy's Pacific Partnership is the dedicated humanitarian and civil assistance mission conducted by, with and through partner nations, non-governmental organizations and other U.S. and international government agencies to execute a variety of humanitarian civic action missions in the Pacific Fleet area of responsibility. This year Pacific Partnership will travel to Oceania, including Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tonga. The USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) serves as the enabling platform for U.S. and partner nation military and non-governmental organizations to coordinate humanitarian civic assistance efforts. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Joshua Valcarcel (RELEASED) 090703-N-9689V-003

Follow PP09: www.cpf.navy.mil/subsite/pp09/index.html

Los Angeles Department of Transportation, Special Traffic Operations, Transportation and Traffic Management Plan Contingency Engineers during an operation of Los Angeles Chinatown Lunar New Year Golden Dragon Parade Special Event located at Chinatown Los Angeles, California 90012. Left side is the Chungking West Plaza and a right side is the Chinatown Central Plaza Arch Pagoda east entrance on Hill Street.

Note: The new current G.D.P. route travelled Southbound Broadway and made a right turn at West Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and ENDS at North Hill Street overpass bridge for parade floats disbanding zone since February 2007 to February 2012 but now this Golden Dragon Parade route on Southbound Broadway turns right to Westbound Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and ENDS at Grand Avenue for parade floats disbanding zone since February 2013 to present. The former G.D.P. route was on Northbound Broadway (ended here until 2000) from Cesar E. Chavez Avenue to Bernard Street and Southbound Hill Street at Ord Street took place here until 2006.

The former G.D.P. route was on Northbound Broadway (ended here until 2000) from Cesar E. Chavez Avenue to Bernard Street and Southbound Hill Street at Ord Street took place here until 2006.

金龍大遊行巡遊會洛杉磯中國城華埠曉街同埋行人過馬路交通燈信號機靠近左手邊華埠西廣場重慶路上鋪店及洛杉磯華埠中央廣場羅致菁華靠右手邊

#northhillstreet #hillstreet #bernardstreet #northhillstreetandbernardstreet #hillstreetandbernardstreet #lagoldendragonparade #goldendragonparadela #goldendragonparade #chinatownlosangeles #chinatownla #lagoldendragonparade #goldendragonparade #chinatowncentralplaza #chonghing #chonghingjewelers #chonghingjewelery #bambooplaza #lachinatown #chinatownlosangeles #losangeleschinatown #northhillstreet #hillbernard #bernardhill #westbernardstreet @lachinatown @chinatown_la

Ironhorse standard, Ironhorse Strong.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SPEICHER, Iraq – Sgt. Nicholas Hellen, a cannon crewmember assigned to Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, planned and conducted thorough training with his Iraqi counterparts to foster good relationships and a professional approach to the advise, train and assist mission. His attention to detail and comprehensive approach to the “train-the-trainer” mission earned him recognition as the "Ironhorse Strong" Soldier of the Week. Hellen incorporated research and experiences to provide a hands-on approach, teaching Iraqi Army soldiers to conduct personnel and vehicle searches. Hellen, who is known for his exceptional training abilities, conducts extensive research into his training plan, incorporating previous training plans and lessons learned into his classes, said 1st Sgt. Marvin Walters, Hellen’s first sergeant, Battery A.

His training approach provides motivation and instills desire to learn into the IA soldiers, ensuring students learn.

(U.S. Army photo)

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – Aerial porters from the 621st Contingency Response Wing roll a lighting cart from a C-17 Globemaster II during an engine-running offload at Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station Feb. 23. The Airmen were participating in a field training exercise to hone the wing’s ability to deploy worldwide to austere locations and provide mobility airlift support. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Parker Gyokeres/released)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq – Specialist Amanda Rose, a Flint, Mich. native and Spc. Eddy Luengas, a Santa Anna, Calif. native, conduct routine water testing at the Teal Medical Clinic on Contingency Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, July 29, 2011. Rose and Luengas serve as preventive medicine specialists with 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Advise and Assist), 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division – North.(U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Alyson Randall, 15th BSB, 2/1 CAV (AAB), 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

Security.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq – Spc. Danial Amos, infantryman, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, stands watch during a partnered security patrol, Feb. 6, 2011, in Jazani al Chol, Diyala province, Iraq. The 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt., Soldiers worked with Iraqi Army soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 19th Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, to disrupt potential violent extremist operations in the area.

(U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Robert England, 2nd AAB PAO, 25th Inf. Div., USD-N)

Enjoying the show.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Soldiers assigned to 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, listen as country singer Kellie Pickler and rock singer Joan Jett perform during a United Service Organizations-sponsored concert at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, Jan. 10, 2011. Following the event, the troopers took the opportunity to meet the performers and get autographed CDs and pictures.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing (CRW) based at Travis Air Force Base, CA, deploy to Central African Republic (CAR) for humanitarian support, on December 14, 2013. AFRICOM is beginning to transport African troops from Burundi to CAR using US Air Force C-17 aircraft operating out of Entebbe as part of a larger effort of African nations supporting the African crisis in CAR. C-17s will to fly about a dozen missions from Entebbe over a week time frame, transporting a Burundian light infantry battalion of about 850 men and equipment from Bujumbura to Bangui in CAR. The C-17’s are staged at Entebbe airport as a convenient mid-way point with the proper facilities to service the aircraft and support aircrews.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Colonel Scott McKean, (left), and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Eppler, command team, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Armored Division, uncase the brigade colors during a Transfer of Authority Ceremony September 4, 2011, at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq. “Highlanders” assumed responsibility of the Operation New Dawn mission in Ninewa province from 4th AAB, 1st Cavalry Div.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brandon A. Bednarek, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Armored Div., USD – North)

Soldier views security walls.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Maj. Todd Crawford, a native of Spartanburg, S.C., and Deputy Stability Transition Team chief assigned to Task Force Shield, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, looks through binoculars to view the recent changes made to security walls outside the Al Karma Iraqi Police District Headquarters, Jan. 27, 2011. The 4th AAB troopers recently assisted the IP in improving the force protection around the headquarters building.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – First Lieutenant Dustin Vincent, mission commander, Battery A, 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, inspects Pfc. Robert Bloom’s weapon upon returning to Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, following combined checkpoint validations, Aug. 30, 2011.

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert DeDeaux, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N)

U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Commander Rear Adm. Matthew T. Bell, Jr., and the Canadian Coast Guard Western Region Assistant Commissioner Roger Girouard sit together while signing the newly revised Dixon Entrance Annex to the national Canada-United States Joint Marine Pollution Contingency Plan, Feb. 19, 2020 in Juneau, Alaska.

The updated annex includes basic content and format changes in accordance with new national guidelines, clearer pollution notification and response protocols, and refreshed references to U.S. Customs Service procedures for transboundary movement of personnel and resources.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matthew Schofield.

Staff Sgt. Jason Hubbartt, 435th Security Forces Squadron contingency response team member, ensures a Latvian paratrooper is harnessed correctly before jumping June 15, 2015, Lielvarde Air Base, Latvia. More than 70 U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and Latvian service members participated in a jump day to strengthen the bonds of allies and learn from each other during exercise Saber Strike 15. The exercise involves more than 6,000 service members from 14 nations participation all throughout Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland to learn from each other and promote stability is the region. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Armando A. Schwier-Morales)

Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing (CRW) based at Travis Air Force Base, CA, deploy to Central African Republic (CAR) for humanitarian support, on December 13, 2013. AFRICOM is beginning to transport African troops from Burundi to CAR using US Air Force C-17 aircraft operating out of Entebbe as part of a larger effort of African nations supporting the African crisis in CAR. C-17s will to fly about a dozen missions from Entebbe over a week time frame, transporting a Burundian light infantry battalion of about 850 men and equipment from Bujumbura to Bangui in CAR. The C-17’s are staged at Entebbe airport as a convenient mid-way point with the proper facilities to service the aircraft and support aircrews. (Released - U.S. Air Force Photograph/Heide Couch)

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – Aerial porters from the 621st Contingency Response Wing drive an articulated forklift from a McGuire Air Force Base-assigned C-17 Globemaster II during a nighttime engine-running offload at Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station Feb. 23. The Airmen were participating in a field training exercise to hone the wing’s ability to deploy worldwide to austere locations and provide mobility airlift support. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Parker Gyokeres/released)

In case of uninspired photography day, bring out the macro lens.

SSgt Brandon PelFrey, 621st Contingency Response Wing (CRW) Aero Port Technician based at Travis Air Force Base, CA spend a few minutes with his 3 month old daughter as he prepares to deploy to Central Africa Republic (CAR) for humanitarian support. AFRICOM is beginning to transport African troops from Burundi to CAR using US Air Force C-17 aircraft operating out of Entebbe as part of a larger effort of African nations supporting the African crisis in CAR. C-17s will to fly about a dozen missions from Entebbe over a week time frame, transporting a Burundian light infantry battalion of about 850 men and equipment from Bujumbura to Bangui in CAR. The C-17’s are staged at Entebbe airport as a convenient mid-way point with the proper facilities to service the aircraft and support aircrews. RELEASED; USAF Photo by T.C. Perkins Jr.

Dancers from the Janis Claxton Dance Company performing 'Chaos and Contingency' in the Grand Gallery of National Museum of Scotland during this year's Science Festival.

You can see more shots from this event here:

www.flickr.com/search/?w=14645828@N00&q=claxton

You can find out more about Janis Claxton's Dance Company, here:

www.janisclaxton.com/

My thanks are due to Frances Sutton from Edinburgh Science Festival, Esme Haigh from National Museum of Scotland and Janis Claxton.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bruce Bancroft of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group briefs Airmen as they arrive at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Nov. 2, 2014. The Airmen, from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, are standing up the 787th Air Expeditionary Squadron to fly humanitarian aid and military support cargo into Liberia as part of Operation United Assistance, the U.S. Agency for International Development-led, whole-of-government effort to contain the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)

Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, augmented by troops from the active-duty Air Force and Air National Guard units in multiple states, dowload relief supplies from aircraft around the clock at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the wake of Hurricane Maria Oct. 6, 2017. The unit’s Airmen established an aerial port of debarkation upon arrival here Sept. 23, and have processed more than 7.2 million pounds of cargo and humanitarian aid for distribution in the first three weeks of the operation. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer)

Master Sgt. Michael Dean, 821st Contingency Response Squadron Aerial Port flight chief, secures a truck in the back of a C-17 Globemaster III June 6, 2015, to be transported from Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. to Travis Air Force Base, Calif. The 301st Airlift Squadron provided airlift for more than 70 California Army Guardsmen, four Humvees and one truck from Mather Air Force Base, Calif. to Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. as part of an earthquake exercise during Air Force Specialty Code training.The overall exercise provided a seamless integrated training experience for Air Force Reservists, active duty and Army National Guard service members. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Madelyn Brown)

Airmen from the 921st Contingency Response Squadron hand the Chief’s group the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flags, Sept. 21, 2018, Travis Air Force Base, Calif. Service members, civilians and family members will keep the POW/MIA flag in constant motion for a 24 hour period. Over 1,000 Travis personnel and family members will log over 200 miles, running around the base track, before the final runner carries the flag across the finish line Friday afternoon. According to the Defense POW/ MIA Accounting Agency, at present, more than 82,000 Americans remain missing from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars and other conflicts. During the run Airmen will recite the names of all service members still unaccounted for. (U.S. Air Force photo by Heide Couch)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Robert Shipp, a power production specialist with the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, fills fuel canisters outside the Joint Operations Center at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 24, 2014. Shipp and more than 70 other Kentucky Air Guardsmen are operating an Aerial Port of Debarkation in Senegal to funnel humanitarian supplies and military support into West Africa as part of Operation United Assistance, the U.S. Agency for International Development-led, whole-of-government effort to contain the Ebola virus outbreak. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)

Four tents contain the majority of airfield operations for Exercise Gateway Relief at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Ill., on Aug. 7, 2013. The Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group is teaming up with the U.S. Army’s 689th Rapid Port Opening Element from Fort Eustis, Va., through Aug. 9 to operate a Joint Task Force-Port Opening in support of the exercise, an earthquake-relief scenario directed by U.S. Transportation Command. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer/Released)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – 1st Lt. Shelby Johnson, the executive officer of B Company, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, plays chess with a friend at Contingency Operating Base Adder May 3, 2011. Johnson has been playing the game for 26 years and will participate in the All Army Chess Championships this month. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Sharla Lewis, 3rd AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div.)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Iraqi soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 10th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, converge on their final objective during a live fire exercise, concluding Operation Iron Lion at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center in Ninewa province, Iraq, June 27, 2011. Cavalry troopers of 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, advised and assisted the Iraqi soldiers for the event during Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclusive Training, which was a monthlong training cycle designed to hone the Iraqi soldiers’ warrior skills.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO)

COB (Contingency Operating Base) Speicher, Iraq, third stop for the Trace Adkins USO Tour 2010.

SGT Trey Williams, stationed in the war front of Iraq, surprises his father upon his arrival at the military airfield. Trey's father, John Williams, Jr "JW", is Trace Adkins manager, and has just gotten off a C-130 flight from Bosra not expect to connect with his deployed son on this tour. Both are obviously enjoying the moment and surprise.

"JW" is wearing body armor which is required attire for everyone when flying around in these war areas.

USO Photo by Dave Gatley

Spc. Dylan Carpenter, Contingency Command Post, starts an IV on U.S. Army Africa Command Sgt. Maj. Hu B. Rhodes during a recent First Responders Course on Caserma Ederle. U.S. Army Africa photo by Mindy Anderson.

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

Join the U.S. Army Africa conversation on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArmyAfrica

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Sergeant Jose Cruz, a combat medic assigned to Headquarters Support Company, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, crosses the “Line of Authority,” symbolically joining the Noncommissioned Officer Corps and becoming a leader of Soldiers, during an NCO Induction ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, July 27, 2011. Cruz, a resident of Colorado Springs, Colo., said he is proud to join the ranks of what military leaders call “The Backbone of the Army.”

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD – N PAO)

Signing.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Broncos cheerleader Krystal-Lynn talks with Spc. Katy Palis, a behavioral health specialist from Webster, N.Y., assigned to Headquarters Support Company, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, during the Super Sunday Tour at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Feb. 5, 2011. During the tour National Football League players and cheerleaders visited Soldiers deployed across Iraq in support of Operation new Dawn to boost morale and show their appreciation for service members’ dedication to the nation.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO)

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