Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III, Commander of U.S. Pacific Command meets with Soldiers from the 311th Signal Command during a visit to the USARPAC Contingency Command Post (CCP) at Fort Shafter, HI, 1 August 2012. The Contingency Command Post (CCP) consists of more than ninety personnel with the specific skills to provide a USARPAC forward command post capability, specifically focusing on small scale contingencies such as supporting humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and peace operations. The CCP can tailor personnel and equipment to fit the mission with a team as small as seven, to as many as more than one hundred twenty servicemembers in augmenting forces.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Specialist Jordan Mann, a combat engineer, Company C, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, has a chat with fellow Soldiers prior to their mission at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Sept. 8, 2011. Mann said he felt he left his imprint on Operation New Dawn by helping train 12th Iraqi Army Division soldiers during his time at Contingency Operating Location K1.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD – N PAO)

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

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

Happy moments.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Elementary school children hold up their books and soccer balls distributed by Iraqi 3rd Federal Police Division, at a school in the Al Mansour district, Jan. 13, 2011. Soldiers of the 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, provided the supplies given to the children by Iraqi policeman of the 3rd Federal Police Div.

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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 LOCATION Q-WEST, Iraq — Members of 1st Platoon, A Company, 106th Brigade Support Battalion, out of Magee, Miss., and attached to 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms, headquartered in Senatobia, Miss., chat in the Movement Control Team yard at Contingency Operating Location Q-West while waiting for local national cargo trucks to join them for a convoy to Forward Operating Base Sykes, Nov. 31. Pictured are Spc. Christopher Shaw (left), a gunner from Taylorsville, Miss.; Sgt. Anthony Weghorst, a scout truck commander from Puckett, Miss.; Spc. Keenan Barnes, a driver from New Hebron, Miss.; Spc. Ankara S. Barnes, a driver from Silver Creek, Miss.; and Spc. James B. Mangum, a gunner from Magee, Miss. This marked the team’s 34th mission since arriving in Iraq.

Nate Bargatze warms up the audience

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Comedian Nate Bargatze, featured on Comedy Central, warms up troops and civilian contractors at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, as the opening act of the Armed Forces Entertainment Comics Ready to Entertain tour, March 5, 2011. Fellow comics Joe List and Scott Kennedy also performed their standup routines, entertaining service members serving in U.S. Division-North as part of Operation New Dawn. Armed Forces Entertainment is the Department of Defense’s official agency for military personnel deployed overseas.

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

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)

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)

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. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jarrod Blanford, an aerial porter from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, directs the placement of humanitarian cargo in a storage warehouse at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 28, 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)

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)

Col. Winski and Command Sgt. Maj. Overstreet say farewell.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Col. Brian Winski, commander of 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. Antoine Overstreet, senior enlisted leader of 4th AAB, say a final farewell to two "Long Knife" Brigade Soldiers during a memorial service at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Jan. 22, 2011. Sgt. Michael Bartley and Sgt. Martin LaMar, cavalry scouts of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, were killed Jan. 15, 2011, while conducting training with soldiers of the 3rd Iraqi Army Division near Mosul. “It’s not going to deter us from our mission," said Winski. "We’re going to continue not in spite of what happened; we’re going to continue because of what happened.”

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

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.

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.

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 aerial porters from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group strap hundreds of cots to an aircraft cargo pallet at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 29, 2014. The cots are headed to Monrovia to support U.S. military forces engaged in 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)

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

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Brandon Burimeister, clearance officer in charge for the 688th Rapid Port Opening Element, straps cargo to be transported to a staging area called the forward node during Capstone '14, a homeland earthquake-response exercise at Fort Campbell, Ky., on June 18, 2014. The Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group is joining with the 688th RPOE 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)

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)

U.S. Air Force aerial porters from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group prepare hundreds of cots for shipment aboard military cargo aircraft at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 29, 2014. The cots are headed to Monrovia to support U.S. forces engaged in 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)

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)

Terry Ellis takes the stage.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Terry Ellis, vocalist for the R&B group En Vogue, hits the high notes for the troops during a concert at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Jan. 20, 2011. During the show Ellis and fellow En Vogue member Maxine Jones entertained a cheering audience of service members deployed to northern Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. Members of En Vogue performed a variety of their hits and covered R&B classics for the Soldiers of U.S. Division-North.

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

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – First Lt. Will Alsfelder, executive officer, and 1st Lt. Dan Murdough, first platoon leader and project purchasing officer, both assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, speak with an al Alam Nahiya council member during a ceremony celebrating the re-opening of the local water purification and distribution station, April 3, 2011. The newly renovated station, a project planned and completed by the al Alam Nahiya council, provides potable water for 4,000 local Iraqi families.

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

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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

Rock star sings for Soldiers.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Famous recording artist, Joan Jett performs during a United Service Organizations-sponsored concert for troopers assigned to 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, and civilian personnel working at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, Jan. 10, 2011. Jett, orginally from Philadelphia, and country singer Kellie Pickler, performed their most popular songs during the two-hour show. Following the show, both singers took the time to sign autographs for the deployed troops.

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

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. Citibank and Best Western Plus Dragon Gate Inn are on the right past through the intersection.

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.

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JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Airmen from the 818th Contingency Response Group, 621st Contingency Response Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. perform sling load training with a CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopter assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 at JBMDL Feb 9, 2014. Sling load training enables both air and ground units the opportunity to practice moving large or urgent cargo into areas where aircraft cannot reach, such as aid supplies inside disaster areas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Parker Gyokeres)